Virtual Tour

Click on a red arrow to visit a particular section of the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel.

Stained Glass Window Set 7

These windows on the lectern side of the Chapel are dedicated to Reverend Wiliamson, Col. Loomis, Dr. Samuel Pond, Henry Sibley, and Alexander Huggins, all Elders of the First Presbyterian Church. The first service for this church was held Sunday, September 6,1829 conducted by Reverend Alvin Co. This service was followed by the Lord’s supper and prayer services held on Sunday and Thursday evenings.

As the men who became the Elders arrived in the territory, the church was organized at Fort Snelling, June 11, 1835. In October 1836, the services were moved to “Mission House” at Lake Harriet, with evening services held at the Garrison. The first pastor called was Dr. Samuel Pond on June 26, 1835. The original church building was than built at 18th and Portland and was the first Presbyterian Church in the state of Minnesota.

This information was taken from the book, “History of the First Presbyterian Church” by Rev. Albert Marshall, who dedicated it “to all who through the first church of Minnesota who labored loyally and lovingly to extend the Kingdom of the Blessed Christ.”