In 2019, the synagogue where the Adas Israel community worshipped was destroyed by fire, yet the community persevered. Phil Sher, a prominent member of the synagogue, will be recounting the tale of his community at the Twin Ports Festival of History on the evening of April 4.
Reflecting on the significance of places of worship in our community, it’s evident that synagogues and churches hold profound narratives within their walls.
A remarkable example is the St. Mary and Joseph Log Church, erected in 1884 by Ojibwe Catholics at 1225 Mission Rd., Sawyer, just outside Duluth. This historic church miraculously survived the devastating 1918 Fire and, after being closed in the 1960s, was reopened recently. Its enduring presence serves as a poignant reminder of the unanticipated connections between our diverse communities, whether immigrant or indigenous.
In contrast, some churches are transient, making way for new beginnings. St. Jean Baptiste Church, established in 1885 for the influx of French Canadians to Duluth, eventually transitioned to Holy Family Catholic Church as the Italian Catholic population grew. The evolution from one congregation to another signifies the ever-changing dynamics within our communities.
Occasionally, communities rally to preserve a beloved church from closure. Despite facing a formal shutdown request from the diocese, St. Joseph Catholic Church on 151 W. Linden St., Duluth, managed to reopen this year, showcasing the resilience and determination of its parishioners to safeguard their cherished place of worship.
On April 4, Sher’s presentation will delve into the history of Lithuanian Jewish migration to Duluth, shedding light on the rich tapestry of Jewish immigration stories in Northeastern Minnesota encapsulated within the historic edifices of the region.
In the mining communities of the Iron Range, Jewish congregations emerged, repurposing former Christian churches for their worship. The narratives of Agudath Achim in Eveleth and Agudas Achim in Hibbing, established in the early 1900s, exemplify this cultural amalgamation and adaptive reuse of religious spaces.
The narrative of B’nai Abraham synagogue, erected in 1909, underscores the challenges faced by dwindling memberships over time. However, through community support, the synagogue was transformed into a museum and cultural hub, preserving its legacy for future generations.
As we navigate the present, the Twin Ports Festival of History prompts contemplation on the historic landmarks that shape our daily surroundings and the profound stories they encapsulate, fostering a deeper understanding of our regional heritage.
Transporting back to 1880, the melange of languages resonating outside these places of worship—English, French, Yiddish, Ojibwe, Swedish, Italian, Hebrew, and Latin—paints a vivid picture of the diverse cultural tapestry that defined our region’s past, emphasizing the significance of bridging societal divides to foster unity.
David Beard, a distinguished rhetoric professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, provides valuable insights into our regional history and heritage.
GET INVOLVED
WHAT: The Twin Ports Festival of History showcases authors and historians of local, regional, national, and international renown at various venues throughout the Twin Ports and in Two Harbors.
WHEN: April 3-9
SPONSORS: The University of Minnesota Duluth public-history and museum-studies programs, along with local heritage organizations
LEARN MORE: Contact David J. Woodward at 218-726-8417 or Steve Matthews at 218-726-7544, or visit z.umn.edu/festivalofhistory