This Congregation, like most in our church, had a humble beginning consisting of just a few Scandinavians who gathered together for Services in individual homes and neighboring school houses.
This was kept up for a year or two, but then, after a Service conducted by Pastor N. C. Brun, at the C. J. Stromgren home, on Aug, 4, 1872, at the request of Pastor N. E. Anderson, it was decided that the Scandinavians around here, Norway, should organize into a Congregation.
A short temporary constitution was drawn up and accepted. According to that constitution, the first name given to this Congregation was: Our Savior's Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
The signers of that constitution were: Rasmus Lehn, Ole Hugos, Oly Ingebregston, Lars Tiller, Gust Nelson, Severt Lehn, Amund Larsen, Andri Larson, O. Peterson, Martin Hammerstad, Soren Sorenson, A. E. Ostberg, P. Hammer, N. Garberg, C. J. Stromgren, R. Rimol, John Hugos and P. Peterson.
At the annual meeting in 1873 the following officers were elected: R. Lehn, Pres,; R. Rimol, Sec.; G. Nelson, Trustee; and Deacons were Soren Sorenson and John Hugos. During these days a real pioneering, Pastor Jens Highland served this little flock.
In 1881 Pastor H. C. Roernes was called to succeed Pastor Highland. A parsonage was built for him by the congregation, in the fall of 1881, on a piece of land donated by Gust Nelson. In 1888 this parsonage was sold to Pastor Roernes for $425.00 and it is now a part of the Joseph Melhus home.
At the Annual Meeting Jan. 7, 1888, the congregation decided to build a church, on a log, again donated by Gust Nelson. This was built that spring, by popular subscription among its members and friends. Assistance was given by the Ladies Aid.
The size of the church was 24 by 40 and height of spire 60 feet. The Building committee consisted of: C. O. Hugos, Ole Tiller and H. Nelson. That church was dedicated Sunday, Feb. 26, 1893. And this was followed by a Mission Meeting that lasted two days.
The congregation worshiped in that church forty-four years. The ten shepherds who faithfully served that Congregation during these years were: Jens Highland, H.C. Roernes, T.O. Tosseland, H. H. Holm, T. M. Bakke, C. L. Rachie, O. R. Svore, R. H. Wareberg, C. H. Hjortholm and T. O. Torgeson.
This church had no basement but during Pastor Bakke's pastorate a kitchen annex was built to the church. Here the Ladies' Aid held their bazaars and church suppers. In 1893 a church bell costing $85.00 was hoisted in the steeple. Mrs. Amund Larson, the Aid Pres., was instrumental in soliciting the funds.
Charlie Hugos was the first choir director and was very faithful for many years.
The last services in the first church were conducted on Easter Sunday in 1934.
On Jan. 6c 1934, under the leadership of Pastor T. O. Torgeson, the Congregation decided to build a new church. That building committee: Pastor Torgeson, P. P. Hammer, E. A. Eastvedt, E. A. Carlgren, J. K. Melhus, and A. N. Hedstrom, was formed. The architect engaged was H. E. Linebaugh of St. Joseph, Mo., and J. A. Peterson of Brantford, Kansas was the contractor. The church was erected at a cost of $8,500.00. Much of the labor was contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
On Nov. 11, 1934, at 10 o'clock A. M. the corner Stone was laid and immediately following, the Consecration Service was held. Dr. N. A. Larson, the District Pres., preached the Dedicatory Sermon.
The congregation has now worshiped in this present church 18 years under the guidance of these four Pastors: T. O. Torgeson, V. O. Aaker, O. L. N. Wigdahl, and H. Severin Bly.
Sunday, July 12, 1942 was a Red Letter Day, for on that day, Norman L. Hammer, the first and only son of the Congregation to enter the Ministry, was ordained. He is now, Aug. 3, 1952, serving a Congregation in North Hollywood, Calif. 1961 in Hawaii.
On June 7, 1944, Evelyn, a daughter of the congregation married Pastor A. B. Heltne and is thus serving the joys and problems of a minister's home and parish.
In 1946 a gas burner was installed in our church furnace now automatic heat is enjoyed.
In 1949 the church yard was landscaped and during the past three years many improvements have been made, both in the parsonage and in the church basement. The kitchen has been remodeled, with new equipment. New floors have been laid in the basement and ceiling and walls have been redecorated. Considerable repairs have been made upstairs in the church proper.
The Sunday school was organized Nov. 22, 1891. Mr. Osul Thompson was elected Supt., Mr. O. Tiller, Sec., Mr. C. O. Hugos, Treas. First teachers were Mr. Osul Thompson, Mr. P. G. Peterson and Mr. Joe Hugos.
Presently, Aug. 4, 1952, officers are Mr. Chas. Carlgren, Supt., Mrs. Harold Smith, Asst. Supt., Mr. Glenn Stensaas, Sec.-Treas., and Miss Jan Dutton, Pianist. Teachers: Harry Buer, Ivan Carlgren, Milton Stensaas, Eddie Buer, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Porter Hammer, Mrs. Iver Hammer, Jan Dutton and Mrs. Joe Carlgren.
Lutheran Ladies' Aid---organized in 1873 by Pastor Jens Highland. The charter members were: Mrs. Peder Hammer, Mrs. Martin Hammerstad, Mrs. Ole Hugos, Mrs. Amund Larson, Mrs. Rasmus Lehn, Mrs. Severt Lehn, Mrs. Rasmus Rimol, Mrs. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mrs. Ole Tiller.
Mrs. Amund
Lutheran Brotherhood.-----was organized Feb. 8, 1955, with 14 members. The first officers were, president-Walter Darlington, vice-president-Joseph Melhus, secretary-Cecil Dickerhoof, treasurer-Loren Hedstrom. They meet once a month.
1961--All men in the congregation are members of the Brotherhood. Officers are: Pres.-Loren Carlgren: Vice-Pres., Porter Hammer; Sec., Cecil Dickerhoof; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Ladies' Aid in 1961 has 48 members. 1952 to 1961. Officers are: President, Mary Stensaas; Vice-President, Vivian Hammer; Secretary, Mabel Hammer; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Luther League.----Was organized early, then disbanded and reorganized about 1953. Officers in 1951: Robert Carlgren-Pres.; Elaine Carlgren-Sec.; Gary Hammer-Treas. The League has eleven members. Sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Dickerhoof.
The Ladies' Aid is now the A. L. C. W. (1961). The letters stand for "American Lutheran Church Women" and has the same duties as the former Ladies' Aid.
Rev. Knutson is pastor.
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