Houston County, Minnesota - Chapter 18: The Norwegian Lutheran Church, 1919

Before sketching the history of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Houston county, it might possibly not be amiss to preface with a brfef survey of the origin of the Lutheran Church in general.

This church, the largest Protestant church in the world, receives its name from Dr. Martin Luther, the great reformer of Germany, who was born Nov. 10, 1483, and died in 1546. The name was originally given to the adherents of the principles and teachings of Luther by his opponents, the Papists, and thus through usage came to be the designation of a large part of the Protestant Church.

Martin Luther was bom and grew to manhood in the Roman Catholic Church. His father, Hans Luther, a poor miner, had planned that his son should enter the legal profession, but Providence willed otherwise. During his student days young Martin was awakened to a deep anxiety for the welfare of his soul. In order to quiet the accusations of his conscience he entered an Augustinian Monastery and became a monk of that order. As a monk, he tried in every way to find peace with his God, by labors, fasting, prayers and penances. But his efforts brought him no relief. Not Until a devout old monk admonished him to believe in the "forgiveness of sins," did he begin to find a ray of light. About this time he found an old Latin Bible chained to the wall of the monastery, and he began reading the precious message. Day by day his soul found peace in the message that "man is justified by faith, without the deed of the law," and with the greatest avidity he continued to study the comforting truths. Nothing was sweeter to his troubled conscience than to learn that forgiveness is a free gift to everyone who believes, through the blood of the Redeemer Jesus Christ, and that it cannot be won by all our efforts.

Born of spiritual anguish and conflict, the two cardinal principles of Protestantism became more and more plain : First, that the Bible is the only true guide of faith and conduct; and, second, that we are saved by the grace of God alone and not by the deeds of the law. On these two truths the so-called Lutheran Church is built.

What really led, however, to the break between Luther and the church in which he was reared and had found peace, was the sale of Indulgences by the Roman monk, John Tetzel. Among others, he had been sent out to sell Indulgences for the benefit of the church then building at Rome, St. Peter's. When he reached Wittenberg, where Luther labored as professor at the university and pastor of a congregation, and began his traffic, Luther protested most vigorously. It was then he wrote the ''Magna Charta" of

Protestantism, his famous "95 theses," which he posted on the door of the church at Wittenberg, according to the custom of the times. This act, which has been considered the first real inception of the Reformation, took place on the evening of the 31st of October, 1517.

From this time on rapidly succeeding events made wider and wider the breach between the Papal church and the Protestants led by Luther, until the Lutheran Church was an established fact.

In the course of a few weeks the theses of Luther were translated into every continental language and spread over the entire civilized world, and the principles there held forth were received with the greatest eagerness.

Lutheranism spread rapidly from country to country. Nineteen years from the date of the posting of the theses, one of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark, had already adopted Lutheranism as the state religion.

Two brothers, Olof and Lars Pehrson, of Sweden, had studied at Wittenberg and were filled with enthusiasm over the Evangelical doctrines, as they were called at the time. Returning to their native land, they began to preach the new truths and so successful were they in their labors that in 1544, twenty-nine years after the beginning of the work of Luther, Sweden had become officially a Lutheran country.

Norway, at that time a province under Denmark, did not take so kindly to the new teachings. A monk, Anton by name, began preaching in Bergen in 1528, but the bishop very soon put a stop to his work. When Lutheranism was made the state church of Denmark, it was also introduced into the province, Norway, but the people clung to the Roman Church and often maltreated the ministers of the new faith that were sent to them. Not until about one hundred years later, when the King, Christian the Fouith of Denmark, began to improve the school system of Norway, and through - this medium introduce Lutheranism, was the opposition gradually overcome.

In time the Scandinavian countries became probably the most purely Lutheran countries in the world, and at the same time, and probably on account of that fact, these countries have always stood in the forefront of the nations of the world in the matter of popular enlightenment. Including imbeciles, the percentage of such as cannot read or write is less than one per cent of the total population.

The Lutheran Church, the church built firmly on the doctrine of free grsLce through Jesus Christ for every penitent sinner, based on the immovable foundation of the Bible, and standing for the widest and freest popular education, is the church in which the Norwegian emigrants who settled in Houston county in the middle of last century were bom and reared, and this fact will explain a great many things in the history of their subsequent development.

Norwegian Emigration. The emigration of the old pioneer Norwegian settlers in America from their native country due mainly to two reasons : First, though in a very limited degree, it was due to religious intolerance. In the second place, and principally, it was due to the exceedingly hard economic conditions obtaining in Norway at that time, especially among the rural population. The condition of the Norwegian "husmand" was little better than that of a serf. Even with the utmost diligence and f ru- gality it was impossible in many instances for a man to feed and care for a family. Therefore, when an opportunity presented itself for this sorely tried person to better his conditions, even though it was fraught with dangers and hardships, he resolutely set out to do it.

In the second decade of last century there was founded in Stavanger, Norway, a small society of Quakers. This society was founded by one Lars Larson, who had been taken prisoner by the English during the war of Denmark with England. He was kept prisoner from 1807 to 1814, when he was released. He spent two years more in England, during which time he became a Quaker. In 1816 he and a number of companions, who also had been won to the faith of the Quakers, returned to their native city and won a number of converts for their new faith. This new society was not kindly received either by the inhabitants nor the authorities of Stavanger, and they were often subjected to petty persecution. In 1821 two men, Kleng Person and Knud Olson Eide, probably sent by the Quakers, came to this country to investigate conditions. After a stay of three years, Kleng Person returned to Norway with a story of conditions so glowing that it resulted almost immediately in the organization of a party of emigrants made up mostly, if not entirely, of the members of the Quaker Society of Stavanger. In 1825 this company, in a sloop called "Restaurationen," arrived at the hospitable shores of America, and became the advance guard of an army of sturdy Norsemen, who found their way hither to conquer and subdue the wilderness and make it blossom as a garden.

After the arrival of this company of emigrants, who settled in Orleans county. New York State, the majority of Norwegians passed by the East -and settled in the great Middle West, which has become preeminently the home of the Norwegians. The second Norwegian settlement in America was founded in La Salle county, Illinois, and is known as the Fox River Settlement. This settlement, founded in 1834, also owes its existence to that important personage in the history of the early Norwegians, Kleng Person.

As time passed the tide of emigration flowed stronger, and each succeeding wave swept on past the preceding one. Each new settlement came to be a temporary stopping place for the emigrants, who then continued westward and founded others. The third permanent settlement, according to Prof. Rasmus B. Anderson in his "Norwegian Immigration," was founded in Chicago in 1836.

The fourth was the famous Jefferson Prairie settlement in Rock county, Wis., founded by Ole Knudson Nattestad; the fifth, the Muskego settlement in Waukesha and Racine counties, Wis.; the sixth, the Koshkonong settlement in Dane county, Wis., in 1840.

The first Norwegians to reach the territory now known as Houston county came from settlements further south. Later on the first pioneers were joined by others coming either from settlements in Wisconsin or directly from Norway. Gradually they became grouped into distinct set- tlements, and these settlements constitute four clerical charges and comprise today practically all of the people of Norwegian blood in Houston county. These charges given in the order of their organization are: The Spring Grove charge, served by Rev. Alfred O. Johnson; Wilmington charge, served by Rev. H. J. Wein of Caledonia; Black Hammer charge, served by H. H. Frost, and the Houston charge, served by Rev. B. B. Ostrem. An historical sketch of these charges will give a complete survey of the development of the Norwegian Lutheran churches in Houston county. The history of these charges follows :

Spring Grove, by Rev. A. O. Johnson. Sixty-eight years ago the prosperous district around Spring Grove was a wilderness in which the Chippewa Indian had his hunting ground and pitched his tent while he hunted and fished.

The first white man to come to the region now known as Spring Grove village and town was an American, James Smith by name. He came from Pennsylvania in the spring of 1852 and preempted a half section of land in the eastern part of the present village, where he built a house. In the fall of the same year he went to Lansing, la., where he found work in a printing office during the winter, returning in the spring to his claim in Spring Grove. In 1854 he married Elizabeth Landrum from Illinois and thus established the first family within the confines of Houston county. In their home the religious work in the county may be said to have had its inception, Mrs. Smith beginning a Sunday School in her own home for the settlers that began to come in.

Mr. Smith secured the establishment of a post office over which he was appointed master and to which he gave the name that it still bears, Spring Grove.

The first Norwegian to settle in Spring Grove township was Torger Johannesen Tendeland from Stavanger, Norway. He arrived in May, 1852, from Wisconsin, where he had spent three years. With a team of oxen and a covered wagon he transported his family and all of his worldly possessions from Wisconsin to Highlandville, la. There he left his family and his wagon and started on foot northward in quest of a future home. He reached the place, which later on became his home, but finding that the trees had been blazed by others, he dared not take the place he liked, but continued his search. After a visit to his family he returned again and, finding that the land of his choice was not yet claimed, he ventured to settle on it. In the meantime several other Norwegians had arrived and settled north and west of him. There were Haakon Narvesen, Fingal Flaten, Knud K. Kieland and Truls Haga, all from Sigdal, Norway; Peter and John Lommen, Knud Bergo, Even Hoime, and Ole K. Riste from Valders ; and Ole Berg, Tollef Berg, Knut Void and Ole O. Ulen, from Hallingdal. In 1853 the following arrived from Hallingdal : Hans Melbraaten and his son Engebret, Knut Gulbrandsen, Ole C. Stenerodden, Levor and Jorgen Quarve. Engebret K. Opheim and Ole C. Sagadalen ; from Ringerike, Nels O. Blixrud, Knut Blixrud and Ole Halbakken ; from Hadeland, Anders P. Kroshus ; from Osterdalen, Jans Ellemoen and family, of which one son, Thore, became the much loved and respected doctor of the neighborhood until his

The arrivals in 1854 were: Filing Kieland, Engebret Enderud, Lars Halstenrud from Sigdal, Bjorn Kolsrud from Hallingdal, Gulbrand and Andres Rud from Gulbrandsdalen, Hans Rosendal and family, Hans and Gulbrand Myrah, and Anders Kjos from Hadeland, Herman and Sebjom Dustrud from Nummendal and Amund G. Lunde and Ole T. Skotland from Ringerike.

1855 brought Even Haugen, Ole and Anders Stensrud, Ole J. Svartebraaten, Filing Snekkerpladsen, Hans, Knut and Amund Livdalen, Asle Sundet and Ole Bjertunes from Krodsherred, Helg« Bergsrud from Ringerike, Knud Sagadalen from Hallingdal, Hans H. Bakke from Gulbrandsdal, Anders B. Foss from Bergen and Ole Wendelbo Olson from Sogn.

The majority of them had lived a few years in Wisconsin before seeking their fortunes farther west, and had had an opportunity there to hear the Word of God expounded by some of the few ministers that had come over from Norway. But after they came to Minnesota there were no ordained pastors to minister to them.

They had brought with them in their emigrant chests their Bibles, hymnbooks, catechisms and their postils, always at that time an essential in their equipment. These books, priceless treasures to many of them, were brought out on Sundays, father reading a sermon, while the family devoutly listened. Also occasional lay services were conducted by Jens FUemoen.

Cornelius Narveson was the first school teacher. Faithfully he labored, going from place to place, conducting school in the farm homes, wherever he might and where he could obtain sustenance and a little compensation. He was one of the old typ^, to whom his work was a sacred calling, and the inculcation of knowledge, religious and secular, the most important of all things.

But these blessings, the religious books, the lay services and the work of a faithful teacher, great as they were, did not fully satisfy the demands of these simple, devout people who were accustomed from their childhood to the regular preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments by men ordained to the ministry. More than ever, in the hardships of pioneer life they called to mind the tolling of the church bells, solemnly calling them to worship, the singing of hjonns, the words of admonition, the christening and confirmation of their children, and they longed for the old church customs. When, therefore, they began to receive visits from the pioneer clergymen, who had left home to serve their countrymen in the West, there was unspeakable joy in the heart of many a pioneer.

According to the testimony of early settlers the first of these noble men to visit Spring Grove was Rev. V. Koren, for fifty-seven years one of the leading figures in the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America, and at that time stationed near Decorah, la. He had arrived at Washington Prairie,

In January, 1854, he visited Spring Grove for the first time and conducted full services at the home of Jorgen T. Quarve. Later visits were made by Rev. Nils Brandt and others, but it was the Rev. Mr. Koren who most often came to the settlers of Spring Grove and conducted services mostly in the homes of Jorgen and Timan Quarve.

In 1855 Mr. Koren preached under a large oak tree on the farm now owned by Peter Bergerud, where eighteen children were christened, some of them so large that they walked to the baptismal font. Among those baptised that day were Mrs. 0. B. Nelson, John N. Blexrud and Lars Johnsrud. June 19 the same year three couples were married by Mr. Koren in the home of Knut Kieland, Anders Foss and Anna Solberg, Dyre Linaas and Ingeborg Void, John Lommen and Marit Riste. The next day, June 20, a meeting was held, also in the house of Knut Kieland, and the congregation formally organized under the name of "The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norwegian Ridge."

That same year the congregation became a member of the recently organized "Norwegian Synod," convened in its second general meeting at Spring Prairie, Columbia county, Wis., in October.

Owing partly to the great lack of men who were willing to leave the settled conditions of Norway for the precarious living among the emigrants in America, and partly to the slender means of the new colonists around Spring Grove, several years elapsed before this community had a resident pastor, being served in the meantime by the Revs. Koren, Brandt, A. A. Sheie and others.

The winter of 1856 and 1857 was one of exceptional severity. Snow began to fall the latter part of October and continued to fall more or less every day for three months, until it is said to have reached a depth of eight feet on the level. To reach the mill or market for provisions was out of the question and the settlers were compelled to subsist on their meager store of provisions, which in many cases consisted chiefly of wheat and corn ground in a cofTee mill. A good Samaritan to them was Engebret Melbraaten. He was the owner of a little dappled horse that he provided with snow shoes that enabled it to walk on the top of the drifts, and with this outfit he helped to supply the most pressing needs of the community.

In the beginning of February Providence mercifully sent them a change of diet. A few days of mild weather melted the snow, when cold weather again came and formed a crust strong enough to sustain a man but not a large animal.

Deer, which had been very numerous during the past, were caught in the ice crust and became an easy prey to both man and beast. They were killed in large numbers by the famished settlers, whose larders were thus filled with the choicest meats.

In 1856 a call was sent by the newly organized congregation to Rev. F. C. Clausen of Norway. At that time Ole Wendelbo Olson was the secretary of the congregation, and according to his son, Ole S. Olson, wrote the call.

A notice in "Kirketidende," No. 3, for 1857, containing the following announcement, will give an idea of the conditions of the call: "Vacant charges in America: Norwegian Ridge, Minnesota, and Big Canoe, Iowa. Salary $400.00 and the usual incidentals." Later on in 1857 the Rev. Mr. Clausen accepted the call, entering upon his voyage to America August 22 and arriving in the fall of that year.

His home the first year of his ministry here was a little log house west of town, but later on he moved into a frame house 18 by 26, which the congregations had erected on the land owned by them a little to the east of the present parsonage.

In 1858 the building of a church became a live question, but work was not actually begun until 1860. Hans Nilson Myrah took the contract for the building and did most of the work himself. It was built of stone, 35 by 60 feet, exclusive of the tower and sanctuary, both of which were frame. A bell weighing 707 pounds, quite a respectable size for those times, was hung in the belfry. When the mason work was finished and the structure under roof, it was used for some time in an unfinished state.

In 1861 connections were severed with the Big Canoe and Root River congregations and the Rev. Mr. Clausen was left with Spring Grove, Wilmington and Black Hammer.

After having used the church until 1867, work was again resumed and the building completed, so that it could be dedicated on Nov. 5, 1868. At this memorable service Rev. H. A. Stub preached the introductory sermon, using as his text Acts 7, 13-14, and the dedication sermon was delivered by Rev. V. Koren preaching on Joshua 24, 21-24. The Revs. F. C. Clausen and Tobias Larson assisted.

At the time of the dedication of its church the Norwegian Ridge congregation consisted of 140 families, Wilmington and Black Hammer of about thirty families each, making the main congregation even at that time one of the largest, if not the largest, in America. Probably it was for that reason that the Norwegian Church held its general meeting in Spring Grove in the summer of 1869.

After thirteen years of strenuous service Rev. F. C. Clausen died in 1870, deeply mourned by his congregations. He was a quiet, retiring but extremely conscientious and kindly man.

After his death calls were sent in vain to several clergymen in Norway. Finally the call was sent to and accepted by the Rev. Styrk Sjurson Reque in 1871. In the meantime the charge was served by H. A. Stub, T. Larson and others.

The first church building served as a house of worship until a rather tragic episode gave birth to the idea of building a new and larger church. One of the side walls of the church had sagged outward. It was reinforced by a timber prop and was probably entirely strong and safe, but, nevertheless, it began to be generally whispered about that the church was not safe, and considerable apprehension was felt on that score.

this fact had brought together a large audience that more than filled the church. Improvised benches had been made in the gallery by laying planks on supports. While the gathering was waiting for the minister to arrive and the services to begin, one of the planks in the gallery snapped. Some one cried out that the church was falling and the people, already nervous about the church walls, lost all reason, and a panic ensued that for a time threatened dire results. Through windows and doors they threw themselves in unreasoning fear, those farther behind crowding onto those in front until men, women and children were one struggling mass of humanity. In the melee some were severely injured by being trampled under foot, others cut by glass in climbing through the windows. Fortunately, however, none was fatally injured, though some suffered for years, and in one case at least for life from the injuries sustained.

The pastor arrived, the situation was explained, the audience calmed down and services were conducted as usual and for some time yet the church was used for regular services. However, the panic, together with the fact that the church was too small, led eventually to the building of another church, begun in the summer of 1876.

This church was built of brick on a site about 300 feet south of the old church. It was of Gothic design, built in the old conventional "cross church" style and was one hundred feet two inches long and forty-six feet eight inches wide in the nave, with transepts projecting ten feet on either side, the whole surmounted by a spire 145 feet high. It was provided with a gallery running along three sides of the church and had a seating capacity of 950 persons. It occupied the most commanding site in the village, facing down the main road to the west and was the most conspicuous object for miles in every direction. The cost was approximately $16,000.00. It was dedicated July 11, 1877.

This meeting was historical from the fact that it witnessed the opening of the famous controversy on the doctrine of predestination, which eventually divided in two parts.

The church building, dedicated in 1877, and the pride of the community, was not destined to stand very long. One of the saddest days of the community was April 3, 1893, when this church was destroyed by fire.

About 400 feet northwest of the church stood an opera house, cheaply built and roofed with tar paper. In the evening fire was discovered in this building, which soon was beyond control, owing to a strong northwest wind and absolute lack of fire protection. Large sheets of burning tar paper were blown directly onto the shingle roof of the church and when morning came the rising sun looked down on the charred ruins of the House of God. A few things of the church were saved, among them being the beautiful altar painting, by Gaustad, which was saved when Sven Ellestad cut it from the frame.

Depressed but undaunted, the congregation at once took steps to restore the church, utilizing the same foundation and partially the same walls. The new church is a replica of the old one with a few changes.

Instead of the old lofty spire, the new church is adorned with a lower belfry, and the gallery was built only in the rear of the new church. With so much vigor was the work prosecuted that the new and latest church could be dedicated on Dec. 7 of the same year.

Again in 1899 the Synod held its general meeting here for the third time. At this time the general body was so large and cumbersome that none but the largest congregations with spacious churches could accommodate its meetings. And the meeting of 1899 taxed the hospitality of this congregation.

During all this time the congregations were faithfully served by the Rev. Mr. Reque. In 1876 the work became so taxing that it was found necessary to provide a helper for him and the Rev. Reier Larson, then stationed at Red Wing, Minn., was called as assistant. He was not destined to serve long in this capacity. He suffered from weak lungs and was taken away by tuberculosis on Oct. 27, 1878.

In the spring of that year the Rev. Mr. Reque had been granted a vacation in order to visit the country of his forefathers, Norway. He returned in the fall and took up his duties again.

The work proving too much for the strength of one man, even though that man was a physical giant, Rev. Eskild P. Jenson was called as assistant pastor in 1880 and served as such until 1895, when a division of the charge was effected and he assumed entire responsibility of the Black Hammer and Riceford congregations.

Again some years later the expansion of the work necessitated help and Rev. Hans J. Wein became assistant in 1903, living at Spring Grove, until the call was again divided, when Mr. Wein became pastor of the Wilmington and Caledonia congregations.

A tract of land comprising sixty-five acres had constituted the parsonage property, but in 1895 all the land south of the residence building, a parcel which now is the site of many of our most beautiful residences, was sold, and in 1906 the balance, with the exception of three acres around the buildings, was disposed of.

Thirty-nine years was the measure of the service of Mr. Reque in Spring Grove. What he has done for the copimunity and what influence he has wielded can not be measured by human standards. He was in every way a man and he performed a man's work.

Shortly after his arrival he applied himself to the Herculean task of turning public opinion against the saloon, which he found exerting a cursed influence in the neighborhood. And after five years of fearless work he succeeded in ridding the town of the liquor traffic in 1876, and Spring Grove has since been known as a saloonless town.

The other achievement, which is a splendid testimonial both of his popularity and his diplomacy, was that he was able to preserve his congregations intact until his death, particularly at the time of the Predestinarian controversy, when congregations, and even families, were being split up in the bitterness of feeling that was engendered.

As a consequence of these things Spring Grove presents a spectacle unique in this country and possibly in the world, a village of perhaps 800 inhabitants and a contiguous population of about the same number with only one church and no saloons.

In January, 1910, Mr. Reque slipped at his home and fell, fracturing his hip. He was taken to the hospital and given all possible care. By the middle of the summer he had recovered sufficiently to officiate for a few weeks, but was again stricken and died on August 20, 1910, at the age of almost seventy-four, weary after a task well and faithfully performed. His successor, Rev. Alfred 0. Johnson, of Chicago, III, was installed on Dec. 4, 1910, and still serves the congregation.

It may be of interest to know that the first boy born of Norwegian parentage was a son of Peter Lommen, named John. The first girl was Mary Bergh, a daughter of Tollef Bergh. She was bom Oct. 29, 1852, but died a month afterward and was buried on her father's farm.

The first couple married was Helge Bergsrud and Marit Brenden. The first to die was Maren Rud, wife of Anders Rud. She was buried on the farm of Andrew Hallan. The first one buried in the first cemetery, in the corner of Anton Johnson's land, just north of the present town hall, was Marit Void or Mrs. Riley. The funeral party consisted of four men, Knut Void, Dyre Linaas, Anders Kroshus and Engebret Melbraaten, whose dappled horse equipped with snowshoes and an improvised sleigh had brought the body over the drifts to the cemetery.

The first person buried in the cemetery adjoining the church was Hans Melbraaten and the first in the West End cemetery was Halvor A. Lee, who for many years served as a school teacher, both secular and parochial, in the neighborhood.

From a small beginning this congregation has grown to be one of the largest among the Norwegians in the United States and counts today in the neighborhood of 1,500 souls.

Scattered all over the northwest may be found sometimes whole settlements of people from Spring Grove, where the influence of the work done in this congregation is felt.

Black Hammer Congregation, by Rev. H. H. Frost. About five miles north of Spring Grove lies Black Hammer. Emigrants began to settle here in the early fifties. Other nations were represented, but the large majority of the people were Norwegian immigrants. The first white child born in this community was of Norwegian parents : Anna Marie Otternes, a daughter of Guttorm Otternes and wife, Brita. She was bom in the fall of 1854. The first death was the daughter of Lars Skaheim, which occurred the same year.

The first Norwegians who settled in Black Hammer had no other religious service than what they got by going in to Spring Grove, where the Revs. V. Koren and N. Brandt preached a couple of times each year, and occasional lay services conducted by a colporteur by the name of Peter Mehus. The first service conducted by a regularly ordained minister was held by Rev. F. C. Clausen at the home of Knut Eik in 1857. He had arrived at Spring Grove from Norway that same year.

It became more and more apparent to the settlers that it was absolutely necessary to have in their midst a church where they might gather for regular services, and in 1868 the following men headed a movement to build a church at Black Hammer : Guttorm O. Ottemes, Jens O. Ottemes, Jens 0. Winjum, Johannes Berquam, senior and junior, Knut Eik, Torkel Aagesen, Peter 0ns tad, Ole Bjorgo, Elling Karlsbraaten, senior, Torsten Johnson Lommen, Osten Bortnes, ToUeif Haakensen and Lars Svartaas. Some of these men drove to La Crosse for material and the work was begun that same year. The church cost $4,000 including furniture and a bell weighing over 800 pounds.

After the death of Rev. F. C. Clausen in 1870, Rev. St. S. Reque was called as his successor and began his labors here in 1871 - labors that continued through a period of a number of years.

His field was so large that it soon became evident that an assistant was necessary, and as such was called in 1876 Rev. Reier Larson. His labors here were brief. He was taken away by death two years afterward.

In the year 1880, Rev. Eskild P. Jensen was called and together with the Rev. Mr. Reque labored until the charge was divided in 1895. Since this time Black Hammer congregation, together with Riceford and Trinity congregation at Newburg, constituted a separate charge. Mr. Jensen became the first regular pastor of this independent call and served as such until his death in 1905.

In June of the year of his death. Rev. K. A. Kasberg was called as pastor and remained until 1912, when he accepted a call from Pierre, S. D. Since that time Rev. H. H. Frost has been the pastor of the congregation.

Ever since the early days it has been a member of "The Synod for the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of America" and has shown great loyalty towards this church body, bearing its share of the church's burdens.

In this connection must be mentioned the ladies' aid and the young people's society, who each year have donated considerable sums to the different activities of the church.

Riceford Congregation^ by Rev. H. H. Frost. In the western part of the township of Spring Grove lies the village of Riceford, receiving its name from H. M. Rice, from St. Paul, who visited the place in 1856.

For a considerable time its population was mixed as to nationality. In early days the village of Riceford gave promise of becoming a town of some little importance owing to its waterpower for milling. But when the railroad, which was built through the southern part of the county, did not reach Riceford, it was obliged, like so many other inland towns, to give up its dream of future greatness and in the seventies began a steady decline.

attempted to begin work here, Methodists, Adventists, Quakers and even Catholics. A number of persons were baptised in the creek that flows through the village.

When, however, the Norwegian population little by little became a large majority, the Lutheran church became thereby the main church and grew strong. A Norwegian Lutheran congregation was organized and became associated with Spring Grove and thereafter was served by the pastors living there.

The services were held in the schoolhouse until a church was built in 1877 at a cost of $3,000. In 1880 a parsonage was built one-quarter of a mile from Riceford.

Thus the first pastor to live within the limits of the congregation was Rev. E. Jensen, who had just been called as an assistant to Rev. S. T. Reque.

This congregation has since the earliest days been associated with "The Norwegian Synod" and throughout the years has displayed a great deal of interest for the church body it belonged to, and here also have the ladies aid and the young people's society taken an active part both in the local and general church activities.

The Norwegian Lutheran Church of Houston, better known as the "Stone Church," on account of the material of which its picturesque house of worship is constructed, was founded by that pioneer of Lutheranism in this region, the sainted Right Rev. V. Koren. He visited Houston in 1855 and organized the present church, as well as several in Fillmore county at the same time. In 1859 it was decided to have a local pastor, and a call was extended to Rev. N. E. Jensen, who came from Norway and took charge of the Highland Prairie and Rushford congregations in Fillmore county and Houston in this county. He also had a number of other preaching places. Rev. Jensen deUvered his first sermon in Houston in a blacksmith shop in the old Lower Town. Later services were held in private residences, schoolhouses, and such other places as were available. The parsonage was built at Highland Prairie. In 1863 the Houston congregation decided to build a church, but Civil War was raging and times were hard, and it was not until 1869 that the present sightly stone structure was erected. It stands on the open prairie, and with its tall spire is a landmark seen for miles around. Its large bell can be heard far in the surrounding country, and in its cemetery repose the departed faithful who for so many years gathered there to worship. Rev. Jensen, a most eloquent preacher, served ten years from 1859 to 1869. Then he retired and moved to Houston, where a short time later, he died. He was succeeded by Rev. Kr. Magelssen. The charge then consisted of the congregations at Rushford, Houston, Highland Prairie, Cedar Valley, Elstad, Whalan, Newberg, and several preaching places. In 1873 the charge had become so large that it was divided, and a new charge was formed of the Houston and Rushford congregations. A call was extended to Rev. E. Jaastad, of St. Louis, who preached his first pastoral sermon in the Stone Church Aug. 10, 1873. The parsonage, owned by both congregations, was at Rushford. Rev. Jaastad remained for thirtyfive years, and would have served many years more had his health permitted. But in the three decades and a half of hard and faithful work he had given his best of his health and strength and he longed for rest in the afternoon of life. At a meeting held April 3, 1907, a call was extended to Rev. B. B. Ostem as helper for one year. Later Rev. Jaastad resigned, and on Dec. 2, 1907, a call was extended to Rev. B. B. Ostem, the helper, to become pastor. He accepted, and took charge of the congregations July 1, 1908. In the meantime, Feb. 10, 1908, it had been decided to separate from the Rushford congregation, of which Rev. Jaastad remained as pastor. When the separation was made, the Houston people sold their share in the Rushford parsonage to the Rushford people, and proceeded to build one of their own. This beautiful residence was occupied by Rev. Ostrem and his family in November, 1908. The present officials of the congregation are as follows : President, Rev. B. B. Ostrem ; clerk, 0. P. Gaustad; treasurer, S. S. Vathing; trustees, Adolph Anderson, Marcus Lee, Ole S. Sanden, 0. T. Amundson, K. K. Kragnes, Ole Lee, Nils Dahle, Henry Hauge and T. T. Halvorson.

St. Peter Norwegian Lutheran Church of Houston. (Data furnished partly by Rev. B. B. Ostrem.) In 1856 Rev. A. A. Scheie came to Newburg, in Filhnore county, and there purchased a farm, and became a founder of organized Lutheranism in his community. July 26, 1856, he organized the congregation at Houston. The first members were Peter Erickson, in whose house the meeting was held, Sebjom S. Haukland, Martin Christianson, John Anderson, K. Salveson, Bernt Jacobson and Isaac Abrahamson. The first officers were: President, Rev. A. A. Sheie; secretary and treasurer, John Anderson ; trustees, Knut ,Salveson, Peter Erickson, and Sebjon S. Haukland; deacons, Knut Salveson, Martin Christianson and Peter Erickson. In 1860 Lars Dahl and Tennis Hanson joined. In 1861 Peter Olson and Mickael Johnson joined, and gradually the membership was increased.

The early meetings were held in the home of Peter Erickson and in Taylor's Hall. The first steps toward building a church were taken on Dec. 18, 1776, when it was voted to raise funds for the purpose. Mons Anderson, who platted the village and presented the public park, offered a site, as well as A. P. Johnson, whose offer was accepted. In 1883 the work was started, and in 1884 the church was ready to occupy. Additions and alterations were made from time to time, and the church was dedicated in October, 1890.

The officers of the congregation at present are: President, B. B. Ostrem; vice-president, I. G. Iverson; secretary, Gust. Thomson; cashier, Arnold Omodt; deacons, Peder Iverson and Ole Eliason.

Looney Valley Congregation. At Looney Valley there is a small congregation of Norwegians, comprising in the neighborhood of 100 souls. It has always been served from Houston and is today under the care of Rev. B. B. Ostrem. Unfortunately there are no available data regarding its early history.

Wilmington Norwegian Lutheran Church, by Rev. H. J. Wein. The early history of Wilmington Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation is in some respects the same as that of Norwegian Ridge Norwegian Lutheran Church. It was organized in 1855. From 1855 to 1857 a few services were held in the farm homes by Rev. V. Koren. In 1857 Rev. C. F. Clausen became the permanent pastor and served as such until his death, Oct. 23, 1870. During the first ten years of his pastorate in the congregation services were held in the homes and in the schoolhouses. In May, 1868, a church, 30 by 55, was begun and it was dedicated in the same year on November 4 by Rev. V. Koren. The other pastors present were : H. A. Stub, Tobias Larsen, Nils Brandt and C. F. Clausen. The church cost about $4,000, a sum that meant much for the pioneers of those days. Among the early settlers in the Fifties and Sixties who became members of the congregation were: Thomas E. Trehus, "Gamle" Ole Hefte and his sons, the older and the younger Ole, and Nils; Halvor Wermager, Ole Buxengard, Knut Hougen, Ivar Kinneberg, Amund Stenehjem, Ole Sannes, Ole Myhre, Asle Siwenson, Christen Ofstedahl, Endre Roble, Knut Dahle, Tov Tweten, Knut Skalet, Osten Olsgaard, Ole Ofstedahl, Ole Engen, Ole Rask, Erik Larson, Ole Renslo, Hans Johnson, Ole Engene, Nils Selland, Guttorm Tyribakken, John Ostem, Andreas Haugstad, Ole Haugstad, Lars Quinnell, Eskil Quinnell, Engebret Solandsen, EUing Burtness, F. Smestad and four brothers, Aslak Moen, Reier Rudsvigen and ToUef Newhouse and others.

The early pioneers did not forget the importance of religious instruc tion for their children. Some of the teachers in the early days were: Borreson, Engebret Iversen, "Gamle" Simon, Thorbjom Haavde, Torger Taudberg, Johan Hagen, 1873-1877; Gunnar Solvold, 1878-1879.

J. P. Kopang was called as permanent teacher in 1880 and is the congregation's teacher, organist and precentor at the present time. He has been a true and faithful servant in the Lord's vineyard. From 1894 to 1903 Rev. St. S Reque had no assistant. He served Spring Grove, Wilmington, Caledonia and Jefferson congregations. The field was entirely too large for one pastor. In October, 1902, Spring Grove and Wilmington called Rev. H. J. Wein of Milwaukee, Wis., as assistant pastor with the understanding that he was to serve Wilmington, Caledonia and Jefferson. He entered upon his duties as pastor in Wilmington, Feb. 15, 1903.

During the years the congregation increased in membership so that the church built in 1868 was getting too small, and as the congregation had been growing towards the north and east from the church it was decided to build a new church in a more central location. The new church was built in 1908 at a cost of $21,288. It was dedicated on June 6, 1909. More than 1,800 people were present at the dedication services conducted by Rt. Rev. 0. P. Vangsnes and assistants. In 1913 a $1,800 pipe organ was installed. The pastor secured a donation of $900 from Carnegie Foundation, the balance was given by the Young People's Society and the Ladies' Aid Societies. The organ was dedicated June 14, 1914, by Rev. J. A. O. Stub.

The question of forming a separate parish was discussed in 1907, and at the annual meeting in 1908 Wilmington was released from Spring Grove congregation; and at a special meeting Dec. 30, 1908, it was decided by Wilmington, Caledonia and Jefferson congregations to form one parish and call Rev. H. J. Wein as their permanent pastor. On Jan. 1, 1909, Rev. St. S. Reque preached his last sermon in Wilmington as their pastor, and on the same day Rev. H. J. Wein did the same in Spring Grove as their assistant pastor.

Wilmington congregation has now a membership of 460 souls. A considerable number of the younger members have gone north and west, where land is cheaper than it is here. This fact explains why the congregation has not increased in number of members during the past ten or fifteen years. It owns four-fifths of the parsonage located in Caledonia. The parsonage was bought in 1913. There is no debt on the church property. Wilmington is a liberal contributor to the cause of missions, schools and to charity. The Young People's Society and Ladies' Aid Societies are very active in church work. The congregation organized an auxiliary of the American Red Cross and all the funds raised by the Y. P. S. during the past year were given to that work. Twenty-eight young men and one Red Cross nurse entered the service of their country. Of these one died in the United States and one in France. The officers of the congregation are: Secretary, E. O. Steneroden; treasurer, H. E. Butrness ; teacher ,organist and precentor, J. P. Kopang ; trustees, Gerhard Morken, A. J. Sylling, A. Fossum, Rudolph Turten and Nicolai Nilson.

The congregation was small in numbers but it had the right spirit and was not afraid to sacrifice something for the spiritual upbuilding of young and old. Until it secured its own house of worship, services were first held in the homes and later in a rented church. A Sunday school had been organized long before the church was built. The congregation was served by Rev. E. P. Jensen and Rev. St. S. Reque until Rev. H. J. Wein took charge in February, 1903. Owing to the many congregations Rev. St. S. Reque and Rev. E. P. Jensen served, they were not able to hold more than about ten services each year in Caledonia. The congregation was not formally connected with any other congregation until 1909, when it together with Wilmington and Jefferson formed one parish and called its present pastor. Before that time it was served by the pastors of the Spring Grove and Wilmington parish, and as before mentioned, for some time by Rev. E. P. Jensen. Beginning with the year 1903 more services were held each year and the use of the English language increased. During the last ten years practically all catechumens have been confirmed in the English language. The congregation has had a slow but steady growth in membership. In 1893, the membership was about 40, in 1903, 62, and in 1918, 140. In 1907, the congregation joined the Norwegian Lutheran Squad. In 1909 it, together with Wilmington, bought a beautiful parsonage in which it has a onefifth interest. There are no incumbrances on the church property.

It ought to be mentioned that the Ladies' Aid Society has been a source of power and encouragement to the congregation, and especially so in the early days of its history, when there were few members. While practically all have been and are doing their share in the work of the church, some have rendered unusual services during a period of many years as organists and Sunday school teachers. What has been said of Wilmington, with regard to contributions to church work outside of the local congregation, also applies to this congregation. Eight of its young men are in the U. S. army.

E. K. Roverud has held the office of secretary since the congregation was organized; likewise J. P. Lommen that of treasurer. Trustees are: O. E. Burtness, J. P. Lommen, Andrew Anderson. Organists : Miss Adelia Rovernd and Miss Marie Wein.

Jeifersoti Norwegian Lutheran Preaching Place, by Rev. H. J. Wein. In the late sixties or early seventies a few families from Norway settled in Jefferson township. Pastors from Spring Grove held services there five or six times a year until Rev. H. J. Wein came to Spring Grove in 1903. After that year from eight to twelve services have been held each year in the homes of the members. No congregation has been formally organized and there is no church building. There are about 36 members. They show much interest in church work and are liberal contributors to the different activities of the Lutheran church.

The parents take much pains to instruct their children in the Word of God. It is doubtful that a Lutheran church ever will be built in Jefferson, but beside the services held in the homes. The Jefferson people often attend services in Wilmington and Caledonia in the summer. Mr. Glaus Grace is secretary. Beside the Grace families, M. Olsons, Oliver Anderson, John Swenson and John Moes are members. Jefferson congregation has three members in the army.

Rev. Styrk Sjurson Reque, for 39 years the faithful and efficient pastor of the Spring Grove and neighboring congregations, was a native of Norway, being born in the district of Voss on the 27th day of November, 1836. His parents were Sjur Styrkson Reque and Anna Gjenne. They emigrated to this country in 1845 and made their first home near Leeds, Columbia county, Wis., a little inland hamlet about 20 miles north of Madison. Three years later they moved to the famous Koshkonong settlement in Dane county, where the son Styrk received his preliminary education, such as the community afforded. Later he continued his studies at the Madison high school from 1857 to 1860, and at the University of Wisconsin from 1860 to 1861. From 1862 to 1865 he attended the Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary at St. Louis, Mo., where he received his divinity training, and upon graduating from this school he was ordained to the ministry. His first charge was at Roche a Cree, Wis., where he also served congregation at Kilbourn City, Lemonweir, Lewiston and Greenwood. While serving here he made an extensive missionary trip through Texas and Minnesota. After serving here for six years, he accepted a call extended to him from Spring Grove and vicinity in 1871. Their pastor, the Rev. F. C. Clausen, had been called by death the year before. In this charge he remained until his death in 1910. When he became pastor at Spring Grove, the charge extended over the greater part of the southwestern quarter of Houston county, and it soon became apparent that one man could not possibly satisfy the demands placed upon his strength. In 1876, therefore, an assistant was called in the person of Rev. Reier Larson. His time of service, however, became short. He succumbed to tuberculosis in the fall of '78 much beloved, especially on account of the gentleness of his nature. In 1880, Rev. Eskild P. Jenson became assistant in the charge, residing about half a mile east of Riceford, where a parsonage had been built that year, and having charge more particularly of the Riceford and Black Hammer congregations. These congregations were released in 1895 from their connection with Spring Grove, and together with a congregation at Newburg, Minn., became an independent charge under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Jenson until his death in 1905. Two years after his death, in spite of the curtailing of the field, the work had grown to such proportions that this fact, together with the necessity of getting a man who was thoroughly at home in the English language, led to the calling of Rev. Hans J. Wein as assistant pastor. He served in that capacity until the year 1908, when the call was again divided and the Rev. Mr. Wein took charge of the whole eastern part of the call, comprising Wilmington, Caledonia and Jefferson congregations, the latter a little congregation near Freeburg, Minn. In the latter part of January, 1910, Mr. Reque fell on the pavement outside of his home and sustained a fracture of the hip. He was taken at once to a hospital and given the best of care.. He recovered sufficiently to return home and take up the work again during the summer. This, however, was very burdensome, as he was obliged to use crutches. Again he was stricken with some internal trouble caused by his injury, and from this trouble he never rallied, passing away at his home on the 20th of August, 1910. Mr. Reque was a man of commanding personality. Physically he was a giant in build and strength. Added to this was a clear mind, splendid poise, moral and physical courage and Christian consecration. Such a personal equipment will explain the splendid work performed by him during the 39 years of his ministry here. When he took up the work his charge contained probably not over 200 families, while the same field at the time of his death contained over 500 families. During 39 years he kept all his congregations intact. Not once did the hydra of dissension raise its head, and today his field m^y look back upon a history that has known no internal strife. And that in spite of the fact that the Norwegian Lutheran church of this country during that time had three times passed through the agonies of bitter doctrinal controversies. In 1876 the saloons, up to that time a curse and a disgrace to Spring Grove, were voted out, and no one questions the contention that the change was due to the fearless and untiring work of the strong and energetic pastor. Far beyond the confines of his charge has the influence of Mr. Reque extended. Each spring a number of emigrants from this community have wended their way westward, and as a rule, wherever they have gone the influence of the pastor who had baptized them, taught them, confirmed them, and married many of them, went with them. In many instances they settled in groups, and there are today congregajtens composed very largely of people from Spring Grove and vicinity who ^Hterish the memory of their former pastor. It is not without interest to know that the records of Spring Grove congregation show that during his ministry the following nttnisterial acts were performed: baptized, 3,- 081; married, 629 couples; buried, 1,079, and confirmed, 2,052. After the death of Rev. Mr. Reque, the Rev. Alfred 0. Johnson, then located in Chicago, accepted the call extended to him by the congregation. On December 4, 1910, he entered upon his duties and still serves the congregation. Rev. Reque was, married July 2, 1866, to Cecelia Anderson, who died May 30, 1900. This union was blessed with nine children: Dr. Sever Reque, of Westby, Wisconsin ; Anna, now Mrs. Fred Mueller, of Iota, Wis ; Dr. Peter Reque, of Brodklyn, who has served as captain in the Medical Corps of the American Expeditionary Force in France; Dr. William A. Reque, a physician of Menomonie, Wis.; Sara, how Mrs. Oscar Omlie, of Spring Grove; S. Gerhard, an electrical engineer of AUentown, Penn. ; Lars, a pharmacist, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Otto, in the United States Mail service at De Forest, Wis. ; and Walter who has been a lieutenant in the United States Army.

Rev. Alfred O. Johnson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church at Spring Grove, Minn., was born at Zumbrota, Minn., May 12, 1871, son of Hans and Julia (Strand) Johnson. He is of Norwegian ancestry. His grandfather, John Hanson, bom in Norway, died at Red Wing, Minn., at the age of 86, while the maternal grandfather, Asle Strand, was for a number of years a farmer in Goodhue county, this state. Hans Johnson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Norway in 1844, and was brought to America in 1853, while his wife was born in 1849 and came to this country in 1855. They were married in Zumbrota in 1868. The father, who previous to the Civil War, had lived in Iowa, in 1862 enlisted in the 27th Iowa Infantry. He saw three years' military service, taking part in numerous campaigns and engagements, and at Mt. Pleasant, La., was wounded. This misfortune, together with the exposure due to lying on the battlefield for days at a time, brought on an affliction of the eyes which has since resulted in total blindness. After the war he engaged successfully in mercantile business at Zumbrota, and was elected clerk of Goodhue county, in which office he served for 12 years, but had to resign on account of his eyes. For the last 25 years he has lived retired. He has taken an active and influential part in Republican politics, and though largely self educated, is well informed and has had much experience with men and affairs. He and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church. They became the parents of five children : Julius Melvin, a farmer near Bowman, S. D. ; Alfred O. ; Edwin Casper, a dentist at Cannon Falls, Minn. ; Wilf ord Alpheus, a minister of the Lutheran church at Capron, 111. ; and Clara Oline, who married Rev. N. S. Magelssen, pastor of Highland Prairie congregation at Fillmore. Alfred O. Johnson was reared in Red Wing, acquiring his primary education in the public schools. He then entered the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, where he was graduated in 1891. His theological training was received in the Luther Seminary at Robbinsdale, Minn., and after graduating in 1894, he began his pastoral work at Morrisville, Wis., as assistant to the Rt. Rev. H. A. Preus, then president of the Norwegian Synod. In the following year he was called to the Church of Our Saviour at Chicago, and was pastor of that Norwegian Lutheran congregation until 1910. In tfie latter year he returned to Minnesota to take charge of the Trinity Lutheran church at Spring Grove, one of the largest Lutheran churches in the state, where he has done important work and won the confidence and high regard of the members. In politics he is an independent Republican, but all his time and energy are taken up by his church duties and his studies. As he is still in the prime of life he has the promise of many years of continued usefulness in his high calling. During the Great War, he was a leader in all patriotic endeavor, and was county director of the State Safety Commission until he resigned on account of ill health. His position is an ideal one in the community, he is truly the pastor of his people in all good things, and his voice and influence are ever raised in behalf of the best things, and sane progress, along all lines of civic and personal endeavor. Mr. Johnson was married, June 11, 1895, to Bertina Marie Olson, of Red Wing, Minn., whose father, Peter Olson, was a shoemaker in that city. Seven children have blessed their union, five of them now living: Paul Gerhard, a graduate of the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa; Bernard Alfred, also a graduate of that college ; Harold Edward, who has graduated from the public schools of Spring Grove and is now a student at Luther College ; Helen Marie, who died in Chicago in 1909, at the age of five years ; Clara Ovedia, and Alfred O., Jr., who are attending school, and Helen Marie (second), who died in 1914 at the age of three years.