HENRY BENJAMIN WHIPPLE was one of Minnesota's best-known citizens. In his forty-three years as Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, he oversaw development of the state's Episcopal diocese, founded four churches, and established two well-regarded secondary schools (Shattuck and St. Mary's) as well as Seabury Seminary. In his denomination, he was a force for conciliation and mission.

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 fund-raiser.