History of Dayton Avenue's Congregation

BEGINNINGS:

Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church (DAPC) began as an idea in 1871 when Ministers and Elders of the only three Presbyterian Churches in St. Paul decided to establish a Mission Sunday School and Church on St. Anthony Hill. The "Hill" was open prairie at that time, but the church leaders recognized that the rapid growth of St. Paul required additional churches. Through subscription, they purchased land on the corner of Dayton Avenue and Mackubin Street. A Sunday School began in 1872; a chapel was completed in 1873. On 19 April, 1874, Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church was formally organized.

Dr. Maurice Edwards

 

The first pastor was Rev. Maurice D. Edwards. He was ordained and installed on 22 October, 1874 and continued as beloved pastor for 44 years. Under Dr. Edwards' leadership, DAPC built the magnificent structure that remains an official landmark on the Historic Buildings of St. Paul register. Designed by Cass Gilbert following the "sanctuary in the round" model, the building also has a spacious fellowship hall, various Sunday School and meeting rooms, and a full kitchen.

 

THE FIRST CENTURY:

In 1918, DAPC called Dr. James Wilson Bean, who served 10 years. Active in Youth Ministry, Dr. Bean promoted the new art form of movies and established an Athletic Association.

The Golden Jubilee (1924) became the occasion for redecoration of the sanctuary and the purchase of a new pipe organ. In 1925 the church installed a Casavant which continues to be used in original tunings today.

Dr. Charles A. Arnold served DAPC from 1928 until 1945 -- a period of economic hardship and political and military turmoil. DAPC continued to grow and supported a variety of missions and leadership programs.

In 1946, Rev. Joseph Rose was installed as the fourth minister of DAPC. He remained until 1952 and oversaw the 75th anniversary of the church.

From 1953 until 1956, the pastor was Rev. Urey. It was clear that the building required major rehabilitation and monies for that project began to be raised. In 1957, Rev. Kenneth F. Fox became pastor and oversaw roof repairs, sanctuary redesign and new lighting (completed in 1959).

Like many city churches, DAPC's membership had declined since WWII and by 1961, when Rev. Fox resigned, the church's future was uncertain.

 

THE RAINBOW CHURCH :

Rev. Harry Maghakian accepted a call in1962 and brought new vision to the church during his tenure. Additional renovations to church and grounds were accompanied by outreach to the community. At some point during the turbulent 1960's, the stately building housed a medical clinic, a bowling alley, an after-school tutorial program, a pre-school and day care center -- to name only a few of the efforts. In addition, DAPC members provided leadership and support for People, Inc. and The Loft (both of which remain active today).

Another major undertaking was Liberty Plaza, the largest church-sponsored low income housing project within HUD. Rev. Jay Rusthoven administered the project from its inception in 1969 until his retirement in 2000. He combined compassion and good stewardship to make the 173-unit complex one of the safest, most comfortable and well-run projects in the nation.

During this time, DAPC also redefined itself as a Rainbow Congregation -- accepting the challenge to be a diverse congregation -- racially, economically, socially. That vision has continued to guide the church (see our Mission Statement).

Reverend Tyrone Burkette

Rev. Tyrone Burkett served as pastor from 1972 to 1984. Under his leadership, DAPC continued to fulfill its mission to the community by continuing and expanding various ministries: The Clothing Center, a Homemaker's Program and others. In addition, the building was opened to various community groups, including a WIC clinic, an AA group and other self-help organizations, and several arts groups including the Penumbra Theater.

Rev. David Stewart came to DAPC in 1985 and remains the pastor today. Under Pastor Stewart's leadership DAPC also became one of the first churches to display a Peace Pole from the World Peace Prayer Society. In 2005, Dayton Avenue rededicated the Peace Pole in a new outdoor space honoring the late Arthur Sternberg, a long-time member and peace advocate.

In 1995, the Church became one of the first More Light Presbyterian churches. The mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Church also displayed and briefly housed the Shower of Stoles collection. The Shower of Stoles is a collection of hundreds of liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons active in the life and leadership of their faith communities.

We have recently celebrated the 125th year of the church and look forward to the next 125 years. Come see what God is doing on the corner of Dayton and Mackubin!

 

Join us for worship Sunday at 10:00 am