And the Wilderness shall Blossom

"More than a century after his death, the story of his complex life - as churchman, educator, and advocate for Native Americans in the fragile, pioneering years of the American westward movement-looms just as large." "Henry Benjamin Whipple was one of Minnesota's best-known citizens. In his forty-two years as Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, he oversaw the development of this state's Episcopal Diocese, founded four churches, and established two secondary schools (Shattuck and St. Mary's) as well as Seabury Seminary." "As a champion of the rights of Native Americans, he was a major voice in bringing the plight of Minnesota's Ojibwe and Dakota to national and international attention. His tireless advocacy of their treaty rights earned him respect on the reservations, in the pulpit, and at the nation's capital. He was, said one colleague, "90 percent St. John and 10 percent New York politician" - a charming blend of evangelist and businessman whose 'friends ran the gamut from presidents to backwoodsmen. His strong faith, simple sincerity, and powerful voice made him a popular speaker as well as a persuasive negotiator and fundraiser." "Anne Beiser Allen's carefully documented research and well-written text sheds new light on this able man and his enduring legacy, tracing his origins in upstate New York, his unexpected election as Minnesota's first Episcopal bishop, and his widespread influence in religious affairs, education, and Indian policy." --Book Jacket.