A cornerstone a silent witness to a century of stories. This is Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Right here on the corner of 41st and Harriet it stands a testament to community faith and unwavering spirit.
Judson Memorial Baptist Church wasn’t always here. It began as an extension of Calvary Baptist Church in 1909. A small chapel served the growing Kingfield neighborhood. As the neighborhood blossomed so did the congregation. In 1909 Judson Church incorporated. A new building was erected at its current location.
The cornerstone was laid in March 1915. The sanctuary was added in 1927. The original vision was for Judson to be a neighborhood center. More than just a place of worship it was to be a hub for social and recreational activities. For over a century Judson has lived up to that vision. It’s hosted concerts art shows book launches lectures and even yoga classes. It’s been home to a counseling center a street festival and a playground. Today it continues this legacy. It houses the Judson Preschool and provides space for events like Kingfield’s Empty Bowls. The church also provides office and kitchen space for the TRUST Meals on Wheels program.
An interesting tidbit is the naming of the church. Church historian Tom Balcom believes Harry Wild Jones named the church. Jones a prominent architect and member of Calvary Baptist designed both the original chapel and the current building. He’d taken a world trip after a near-fatal accident. During his travels he visited Burma learning about Adoniram Judson a missionary. Jones’s grandfather also worked with Judson in Burma. Balcom suggests the name honors Adoniram Judson and reflects a common practice of the early 1900s memorializing important figures in institutional names.
Even the cornerstone holds a story. In 1914 Judson’s first minister placed a sealed box inside. The box contained records of the church’s early years. In 2014 the church opened the box. Sadly the contents were destroyed by rust and moisture. However the church plans to place a new time capsule in the cornerstone this fall.
Judson Memorial Baptist Church isn’t just a building it’s a living community. It’s a place where people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs come together. It welcomes everyone with open arms. It’s a place of deep spirituality social justice hospitality and joy. Come and explore this historic gem discover its rich history and witness the spirit of its vibrant community.