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Religious Denominations as Ethnic Communities: A Regional Case Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2009

Timothy L. Smith
Timothy L. Smith
Affiliation:
Professor of History, University of Minnesota
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Extract

Recent studies of the history of ethnic groups in America have produced a growing awareness that the relationships between religious institutions and ethnic identity are more complex than was earlier believed. Three factors, it seems to me, are now hindering our efforts to understand these relationships. One is the absence of an alyses of the wide functional differences between congregations and denominations, the two kinds of institutions which serve the religious needs of modern democratic societies. Another is the con centration of most historical research in immigrant religion upon one ethnic group. And the third is the emphasis upon the history of either rural frontiers or large cities. In this paper, I wish to present the results of a study of the religious life of the Lake Superior cop per and iron mining country, a region in which immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe are predominant, yet one in which the newcomers of each nationality were spread widely through small towns and villages.

Type
Research Article
Information
Church History , Volume 35 , Issue 2 , June 1966 , pp. 207 - 226
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Church History 1966

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References

1. U.S. Thirteenth Census (1910), Abstract …with Supplement for Minnesota (Washington: 1913), 590–591, 595–598.Google Scholar

2. See, for examples Minnesota State Census, 1895, ms. schedules for St. Louis County, pp. 119–122, showing ten nationalities among the twenty-five heads of households in McKinley; lists of petitioners for sidewalk and sewerage improvements in Eveleth City Council, “Minute Book” for 1913 and 1914; and addresses of heads of families of the century might Russian Orthodox congregation in Chishohn in 1922 in Godfrey, M. H., September 21, 1922Google Scholar, to John H. McLean (in Oliver Iron Mining Company, Executive Piles, folder headed “Contributions, Orthodox Catholic Churches,” Minnesota Historical Society). The last record shows that, of nine families living at Glen location, only two were next- door neighbors; of eight at Sawmill location, only two were neighbors; and only two families were neighbors among others scattered through the town.

3. Thirteenth Census, Abstract, 624–628; Virtue, George O., The Minnesota Iron Ranges (U. S. Bureau of Labor, Bulletin No. 84; Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1909), 350–353Google Scholar; Ely, Minnesota, , 70th Anniversariy CelebrationGoogle Scholar (pamphlet, composed chiefly of items clipped from Ely newspapers; Ely, 1958), lists Finnish families, pp. 45, 52–53; Iron Home (Ely), August 20, 1889Google Scholar, described Tower population; Trunk, J. M., Ameriski in Amerikanci [Americans in America] (Celovec [Yugoslavia], 1912), 498–499.Google ScholarSyrjamaki, John, “Mesabi Communities: A Study of Their Development,” unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Yale University, 1940, 203–215Google Scholar, discusses the phenomenon of ethnic succession.

4. Autere, S. V., “Calumet in Betlehem Seurakunnan Historian Pääpiirteitä 50 Vuoden in Ajalta” [A Summary of the History of the Calumet Bethany Congregation”], in Kiricollinen Kalenteri … 1927 (Hancock, Michigan: Finnish Lutheran Book Concern, 1927), 46.Google ScholarSaarnivaara, U., Amerikan Laestadiolaisuuden eli Apostolis-luterilaisuuden Historia [American Laestadian or Apostolic Lutheran History] (Ironwood, Michigan: National Publishing Company, 1947)Google Scholar, am English summary of which appeared the following year, gives the details on Laestadianism.

I have been assisted in both research and translation of Finnish materials by Professor Douglas Ollila, of Thiel College, whose unpublished dissertation on the Suomi Synod Lutheran Churches, done at Boston University, is the best introduction to theological phases of the subject.

5. Järnefelt, Aksei, Suomalaiset Amerikcssa [The Finns in America] (Helsinki: Kustan nusosakeyhtiö Otava, 1899), 144Google Scholar; Rautanen, William, Amerikan Suomalainen Kirkko [The Finnish American Church] (Hancock: Finnish Lutheran Book Concern, 1911).Google Scholar

6. Rautanen, , 241–247Google Scholar; Järnefelt, , 141–145Google Scholar; Trustees of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, Ely, December 15, 1922, to Captain Charles Trezona (0. I. M. Co., Executive Files, folder, “Contributions, Immigrant Churches, Protestant”); Eveleth News, 11 21, 1935, p. 1.Google Scholar

7. Edith Koivisto, Lupaus: Hibbingin Suomalaisen Raittiuslukkeen Historia vv. 1895–1957 [The Pledge: A History of the Finnish Temperance Movement of Hibbing from 1895 to 1957], unpublished typescript, in the possession of the author, pp. 5–28, 35–38, contains detailed summaries of minutes and of news accounts of activities. Cf. Järnefelt, , 144; Eveleth News, 09 5, 1903, p. 1.Google Scholar

8. Rautanen, , 327–328; Eveleth News, 07 21, 1906, P. 3Google Scholar, and January 6, 1909, p. 1, record local meetings of national and regional organisations.

9. Eveleth News, April 15, 1904, p. 1, June 17, 1904, p. 1, and June 24, 1904, p. 1, gives full details. See the same, June 25, 1914, p. 1, by which time the event was a permanent institution.

10. See Koivisto, , 122Google Scholar, and, for discussions of local and national educational activities, pp. 52–55, 97–98.

11. Saarnivaara, , 273–281Google Scholar; Mott, Fred B., Virginia, 02 19, 1923Google Scholar, to W. 3. Olcott (0. I. lvi. Co., Executive Files, “Contributions, Immigrant Churches, Protestant”).

12. Ollila, , 166–187Google Scholar, is an excellent discussion, based on all the contemporary sources, and is the best historical passage in the dissertation.

13. Ibid., 208–225; 0. A. Aho and Nopola, J. E., Evangelis-Luterilainen Kansalliskirkko… [Evangelical Lutheran National Church…] (Ironwood, Michigan: National Publishing Company, 1949), 1–45, passim.Google Scholar

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15. Ollila, , 259–268Google Scholar; Suomi Opiston Albumi, 1896–1906 The Suomi College Album 1896–1906 (Hancock: Finnish Lutheran Book Concern, 1906), 25–26Google Scholar; Suomi College and Theological Seminary, Catalog … 1918–1919, 48–58Google Scholar, describes the business course and lists graduates prominent in mining-region firms.

16. Sosialitsti [organ of the syndicalist or I.W.W. wing of Finnish socialists], September 1 and September 3, 1914; IImonen, S., Amerikan Suomalaisten Sivistyshistoria [American Finnish Cultural History] (2 vols; Hancock: Finnish Lutheran Book Concern, 1930), I, 162–166.Google Scholar The papers and records of the Work Peoples College have recently been acquired by the University of Minnesota.

17. Kolehmainen, John I., Sow the Golden Seed (Fitchburg, Massachusetts: The Raivaaja Publishing Company, 1955), 16–22Google Scholar, tells the story of the coming of Marxism to the workingmen's clubs. On conflicts over property, see Koivisto, , 46–50Google Scholar; and Sulkanen, Elis, American Suomalaisen Työvdenlikkeen Historia [History of the Finnish American Labor Movement] (Fitchburg, Massachusetts: The Raivaaja Publishing Company, 1951), 458Google Scholar; and Lahti, Matt, interview with the writer, 08, 1962.Google Scholar

18. See “Naswaukin S. S. Osaston Ompeluseuran Pöytäkirja [“The Minutes of the Finnish Sewing Circle of Nashwauk] October 1, 1908 – May 25, 1909,” ms., now in the Minnesota Historical Society, entries for October and November, 1908; “Nashwaukin S. S. Osaston Huvtomikunnan Pöytäkirja [“Secretarial Record of the Entertainment Committee of the Nashwauk Finnish Socialist Party] 1909–1912,” minutes for March 6, 8, and 24, 1911, and February 16, 1912, detailing temperance discussions; Työmies [organ of democratic socialism], January 4, 1910, and February 1, 1910, p. 3, noting ritual of naming new-born child; Sosialisti, 09 7, 1914, p. 1Google Scholar, an early description of a Finnish socialist funeral; and, Ibid., December 18, 1916, p. 1, and December 23, 1916, p. 2. on Christmas celebrations.

19. See summaries in Sosiaiisti, 12. 11, 1914, p. 3Google Scholar; Kolehmainen, , 18–28, 44–52Google Scholar; Olhla, , 304–309.Google Scholar On the itinerants, see also Sosialisti, 06 13, 1914, p. 4Google Scholar, and June 22, 1914, p. 3; and on education, Makela, A. B., ed., Aakksia Sosialistien Lapsille [A Primer for Socialist Children] (Hancock: Finnish Publishing Co., n.d.), 39–48.Google Scholar

20. Sulkanen, , 63, 87Google Scholar; Rautanen, . 230–242Google Scholar; Pace, Charles N., Our Fathers Build; A Century of Minnesota Methodism [Minneapolis, 1952?], 132–134Google Scholar; and Methodist Piispallinen Kirkon Suomalisen Lähetyksen Pöytäkirjat, 1911–1931 [Minutes of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Finnish Mission] (ms. at Suomi College and Seminary), passim.

21. Ollila, , 312–315Google Scholar, summarizes much material from newspapers.

22. Rautanen, , 330–331Google Scholar; discussion of labor problems by the same writer in Kal, Kirkollinen enteri … 1914, 59–64Google Scholar; Työmies, , 12 14, 1909, P. 3Google Scholar

23. Sirjainaki, John, interview with writer, 08, 1962.Google Scholar

24. Ollila, , 280–297.Google Scholar

25. Rautanen, , 328–329Google Scholar, notes close alliance of Suomi Synod with Kaleva societies. See also, J. W. Lähde, “Säilyttämme Nourisomme Suomalaisena Siveelisenä ja Raittina” [“Let Us Keep Our Youth Finns, Moral and Temperate”] in Raittiuskalenteri [Temperanee Almanac] … 1913 (Hancock: Finnish National Brothers Temperance Society, 1912), 137–132.Google ScholarWesterback, M. N., Erimielisyydet Kansalliskirkossa, Niiten Syyt Ja Seuraukset [Differences of Opinion in the National Church, Their Reasons and Consequences] (Ironwood, Mich: National Publishing Co., 1926), 3–16Google Scholar, deals with early stages of discussion of merger with Missouri Synod Lutheranism. Haapenen, Alfred, ed., Kirkhmme Tyovainioilta, Suomi-Synodia 40 Vuotisuistojulkaisa, 1890–1930 [From the Work fields of our Church: The Fortieth Anniversary Publication of the Suomi Synod, 1890–1930] (Hancock, Mich: Finnish Lutheran Book Concern, 1930), 44Google Scholar, 51, 125, discusses the preservation of the “Finnish cause” in the church.

26. Rautanen, , 327–328Google Scholar; “The Temperance Work of our Church People,” Kirkollinen Kalenteri … 1916, 106–110Google Scholar, urges greater participation.

27. U.S. Commisioner-General of Immigration, Annual Reports 1899–1914, contain an annual summary of literary and work skills.

28. “In Memoriam – Right Reverend James McGolrick,” Acta et Dicta, V (07, 1918), 153–169Google Scholar; Sav, Matija “Monsignor Fran Jošef Buh,” Ave Marie Koledar, X (1923), 60–72Google Scholar [English tr. by Mrs. Mary Molek, in Immigrant Archives, Walter Library, Univer sity of Minnesota, as is true of all items from the Slovene referred to hereafter in this article].

29. Ibid., 60–61; Lydon, Patrick, “Notes on the History of the Diocese of Duluth,” Acta et Dicta, V, 242–245Google Scholar; Trunk, , 592–593Google Scholar, 604, contains sketches of younger Slovenian priests.

30. Savs, loc. cit., 62–64.Google Scholar

31. Trunk, , 494–498, 547–548, 584Google Scholar; Ave Maria Koledar IV (1917), 165.Google Scholar See the list of 38 children confirmed at Tower in Amerikanski Slovenec, 09 27, 1895, p. 1Google Scholar, of whom 13 were South Slays, 16 were Irish, 2 were French, 1 Italian, and the remainder English or German.

32. Jubilejna Spominska Knjiga … Tridesetletntice K.S.K.J… [Jubilee Memorial Book … Thirtieth Anniversary … Grand Carhiolian-Slovenian Catholic Union of the U. S. A.] (Cleveland: Ameriska Domovina, 1924), 184–185Google Scholar, sketches the life of Bilban. See also Brunt, Walter Van, ed., Duluth and St. Louis County, Minnesota (3 vols.; Chicago: American Historical Society, 1921), II, 520–521Google Scholar; and Mitchell, R. J., Eveleth, Minnesota, 06 24, 1919Google Scholar, to Olcott, W. J. (O. I. M. Co., Exec. Files, “Contributions, Roman Catholic Churches”).Google Scholar

33. Hibbing Daily News, 10 21, 1921 [an historical issue], p. 6Google Scholar, quotes contemporary accounts.

34. Quillin, Joseph S., Biwabik, , Minnesota, , 09 26, 1919Google Scholar, to Olcott, W. J.; and Grabowsky, Charles, Eveleth, , Minnesota, , 10 6, 1923Google Scholar, to W. J. Olcott (O. I. M. Co., Exec. Files, “Contributions, Roman Catholic Churches”)

35. Molek, Ivan, “Over Hill and Dale; Autobiographical Sketches,” (unpublished ms., tr. Molek, Mary, Immigrant Archives, University of Minnesota), 175–176, 199; Jubilejna… K.S.K.J., 186–187.Google Scholar

36. Ibid., 11. 59, and, on formation of individual lodges, 180–181; Savs, loc. cit., 66–69.Google Scholar

37. Contemporary discussions containing the quotations appear in Amerikanski Slovenec [Fr. Buh's weekly, Tower, Minn., 1891–1899Google Scholar, and Ill, Joliet., 1899–1915], 10 27, 1893Google Scholar, November 10, 1893 [both reprinted in Glasilo K.S.K.J., official organ after 1915, April 7, 1915, p. 10], and a salute from the young seminarians, April 20, 1894, p. 2. Cf. Savs, loc. cit., 69–70Google Scholar; sketch of the life of Sušteršič in Sixtieth Anniversary, Grand Carniolian Slovenian Catholic Union … (Joliet: K.S.K. J., 1954), 11Google Scholar

38. See the series of letters by Matija Savs attacking the socialist printer, Sakser, M., under the pseudonym “Prairie Farmer,” Amerikaniski Slovenec, 03 30, 1894, p. 2Google Scholar, April 20, 1894, p. 2, and April 27, 1894, p. 1.

39. Ibid., June 28, 1895, is given over almost completely to the convention at Tower.

40. Ibid., March 30, 1894, p. 3; April, 1894, containing a serial printing of the U. S. Constitution in Slovene; and September 27, 1895, p. 1, advertising the dictionary, a copy of which is in the Immigrant Archives, University of Minnesota, along with a catechism, the annual almanacs after 1897, etc. Cf. Sušteršič, F. S., Poduk Rajakom Slovencem ki so hočejo naseliti v Ameriki [Instructions to Slovene Countrymen Who Desire to Emigrate to America] (Joliet, Illinois: Amerikanski Slovenec, 1903), 21.Google Scholar

41. Zavertnik, Joe, Amerikanski Slovenski… [American Slovenes…] (Chicago: Slovene National Benefit Society, 1925), 375Google Scholar; Frank Tomsich, Ely, Minnesota [Supreme Secretary, J. S. K. J.], interview with writer, May 30, 1963.

42. Zavertnik, , 1–25Google Scholar, and passim, is a poorly-organized summary. A complete file of Glas Svobode [Monthly and weekly, Pueblo and Chicago, 1902–1908] is on microfilm at the Immigrant Archives, University of Minnesota; see especially, in the issue of February 21, 1906, p. 2, “Klerikalizem, Liberalizem, Socialna, Demokracija,” as well as the translations into Slovene of passages from William T. Brown's Appeal to Reason, beginning as early as December 25, 1903, p. 1. Molek, 199–200, records the impact upon one freethinker of this paper.

43. Glas Svobode, issues for 1904–1906, show only one local lodge in Minnesota, at Ely, Ameriski Družinski Koledar [American Family Almanac], XI (Chicago: S.N.P.J., 1935), 141–142Google Scholar, attempts an explanation of the continued weakness of Slovene socialist activities in the iron-mining regions.

44. Zavertnik, , 376–380Google Scholar, is a rambling account. Trunk, 497, counted in 1911 twelve Slovene lodges serving the 1600 Slovenes of Ely. Molek, , 370–371Google Scholar, describes the publications of church Slovenes, but does not do justice to the variety of literature to be seen in the St. Mary's seminary library, Lemont, Illinois Cf., on origins of Slovene Library Clubs of Chisholm and Ely, , Eveleth News, 04 27, 1916, p. 1Google Scholar; Proletarec [weekly organ of Yugoslav Socialist Federation, Chicago, 1907–1948, on microfilm at Immigrant Archives], March 12, 1912, p. 3, and May 7, 1912, p. 3; and Slovene Library Club, Ely, Minnesota, “Minute Books” (ms. on microfilm at the Minnesota Historical Society), entries for the year 1913.

45. Amerikanski Slovenec, 12 22, 1899, pp, 1–5Google Scholar, carries a statement of policy on the move to Joliet.

46. O. I. M. Co., Executive Files, “Contributions, Roman Catholic Churches” records fully the shift; see esp. W. J. West, Virginia, Minnesota, November 6, 1918, to W. J. Olcott, one of a series seeking generous support of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Virginia, whose pastor, West writes, “has always been a friend of ours and most of the membership seem especially well disposed.”

47. St. Vasilje of Ostrog Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church, Chisholm, Minnesota, , Golden Jubilee Souvenir Book (Chisholm, 1960), passimGoogle Scholar; Serbian Benevolent Society, Eveleth, January 18, 1927, to William J. Bell (in William Bell papers, now in Minnesota Historical Society); and William Bell, interview with writer, July 15, 1963.

48. Congregation B'Nai Abraham, Virginia, Minnesota, “Minute Book. 1917–1954” (ms. in. possession of the congregation) chronicles the story fully.

49. The William Bell papers contain numerous contemporary evaluations of the religious life of Range towns during the years 1913–1927; we especially W. P. Shriver, “The Mesabi and Vermillion Ore Ranges of Minnesota,” typescript, 1914. A survey of city directories for the second decade of the century showed non-immigrant Protestant churches weak in numbers, and understaffed, far more than immigrant churches.

50. See my essay, “School and Community: The Quest of Equal Opportunity in Iron Mining Towns,” multilith in the University of Minnesota Library, esp. pp. 35–42.