Renville County, Minnesota - Chapter 40: Renville County Churches, 1916 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 40: Renville County Churches

First Services Held in the County - The Church the First Consideration of the Pioneers - Leading Denominations - Story of the Organization, Growth, Pastors, and Work of Leading Churches Told by Clergymen and Laymen.

The church has ever been a chief con- After the massacre, when the pioneers sideration with the people of Renville began to come back, one of the first decounty. Almost without exception the sires was to maintain religious observearly settlers were of a religious turn of ances. Services were held at first in homes, mind. Devout fathers of the Catholic later in school houses, and finally small faith brought religious consolation to the log churches were erected. French and half-breeds living here while Outside of the missions conducted for the county still lay in Indian territory. the French. Indians and half-breeds, the The name of Sacred Heart is the survival oldest denominations in the county are of the name given to a mission in this the Evangelical Association and the Methcounty bj seme devoted and now forgotten odist Episcopal. The strongest and most priest. The Protestant missionaries at numerous is the Lutheran church in its Lac qui Parle and other places early various divisions. The Catholic people preached the Gospel to Indians who roamed has some splendid churches and schools. Renville county. The Moravian, the Reformed, the Congre- manner as to preserve it for all time, the history of every church in Renville county, past and present. To this end over a thousand letters have been sent out. For the most part pastors and members of congregations have responded nobly. A few, however, have either failed or refused to send us the desired information. In such cases, where it has been impossible to obtain the information from other sources, the omission is due to the pastors or people of the congregations themselves and not to the compilers. In some instances as many as five different letters have been sent to one pastor without result. There may be errors -in some of the records here appended. This also is due to the lack of correct information by the pastors and people themselves. Every possible means has been used to give a correct and complete history of the county churches. Those who have assisted in this effort by contributing some of the splendid articles here appended deserve the thanks of their communities.

According to the census of 1870 there were then no church buildings in Renville county. There were, however, thirteen church organizations: five Methodist Episcopal, four Lutheran, two Catholic, one Baptist and one Presbyterian. At that time there were also many neighborhood meetings being held without formal organization of a church body.

Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran

Hauges Church in Renville County. (By Rev. Thomas Hanson.) Away up north, on the east coast of the North sea, lies a country called Norway. Its inhabitants are called Northmen, or Norwegians. These have not been enervated by the tropical sun or dazed by the equatorial climate, but have been spurred on and quickened to activity by the snapping cold and healthy climate that this country is noted for. The strong, sturdy, noble and brave men of this country were men of great achievements and have figured conspicuously in the development of other countries and not least in the development of this grand country of the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the true and the brave.

One of the first Norwegians to leave Norway's coast and strike out for the new world w-as Kleng Peerson from Stavanger, Norway. He landed at New York in 1821. After investigating the possibilities here he returned to his native land and in- \ duced 52 emigrants to follow him to this | land in the spring of 1825, this being in fact the first real emigration of Norwegians to America. No more came until 1836, when the second expedition came from Stavanger, fifty-two in number. In 1837 another expedition came from Bergen, Norway. In 1840 about 1,000 had come and taken up their abode here. In

1850 there were about 12,000. In 1860 over 43,000. And so on until now Minnesota alone has approximately 400,000, and the United States about 2,000,000, of Norwegian birth.

Early settlements were made near Chicago, at Fox River, 111. Later a settlement at Jefferson Prairie, Wis. From there on La Crosse, Wis., was the goal. Winneshiek county, Iowa, was settled from this point, as well as many other points in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Not the railroads but the boats brought the emigrants in those early days. From Winona was settled Fillmore county, Minnesota, so largely Norwegian. Later from Red Wing was settled Goodhue county, one of the most Norwegian places in Minnesota. The boats could not reach further than St. Paul, on account of St. Anthony Falls. Hence they turned up the Minnesota river to St. Peter. From this point was settled these western settlements at Fort Ridgely, Hawk Creek and even Norway Lake and Lac qui Parle.

Wherever these noble Norwegians settled they were true and loyal to their Christian faith and belief. No sooner was the log cabin built and the farm work started till they began to think of church and religious worship. They wanted their children baptized, their young instructed, the older admonished, their sick comforted by God's Word and the means of grace and their dead buried in a decent and Christianlike manner. Hence they always at every new settlement wrote back to the older settlements or to Norway to send men who could preach the gospel and administer the sacraments and perform the duties of the minister of the gospel.

In 1836 came Elling Eielsen, the first Norwegian Lutheran minister in America to the Norwegian settlement at Fox River, Wis. In 1843 he helped organize the "Evangelical Lutheran Church of America" at Jefferson Prairie, Wis., the first of its kind in the land of America. From this organization dates the Hauges Synod, to which organization the Hauges congregation of Renville county, Minnesota, belongs.

Fort Ridgely was the goal of settlers when Renville county was first populated. Among the early settlers were Hellek Pederson, Johannes Anderson Juve and others coming here as early as 1862. This first settlement was of short duration as the Sioux Indians made a savage outbreak in the fall of 1862, killing some of the first settlers, burning the homes of others and forcing the survivors to seek refuge at Fort Rigely. where a several days' battle was fought with the Indians. After this the Norwegians retreated to the older settlements further east. Several years later they again ventured out to Renville county, now followed by several more. They felt the need of a clergyman to administer to the needs of their souls, as well as they

In 1867 Peder Nelson, a pious and good man from Fillmore county, Minnesota, came and settled in Camp township, four miles northwest of Fort Ridgely. He gathered the people in the log cabins and sod houses on Sundays, reading, praying and expounding God's Word. In 1868 more of his friends and his like came from the older settlements and from Norway to settle here. Among these might be mentioned Ole Nesborg, Anders Hatlestad, Iver Branjord. Later came also Haagen Elstad, Ole Hogstad, Peder Lee and others, with large families and much interested in religion and church work. In 1869 and 1870 Rev. Peder Thompson, of Lac qui Parle county, made several visits. In 1870 he began instructing a confirmation class and held the first confirmation at Peder Nelson's log house in the fall of 1870. There were twelve young people confirmed, namely. Math. Killy, Ole Killy, Sjur Xelson, Oline Korsmo, Hans Larson, Kristina Larson, Maria Skarnes, Indianna Skarness, Gurina Anderson, Anna Anderson and Sophia Borgema.

In 1S71 the Hauges congregation of Renville county, Minnesota, was formally organized at Peder Nelson's log house in the Minnesota river valley, near the mouth of Three Mile creek. The congregation tendered a call to Rev. Peder Thompson, which was accepted. The settlers log bouses and the pioneer school houses were used as meeting places for quite a number of years, as in the early seventies came the so-called "grasshopper times," which dealt a heavy blow to progress in all lines and left the people too poor to build churches. About the year 1872 Rev. Peder Thompson tendered his resignation and Rev. Johannes Halvorson came to take his place and filled same till about the year 1877, when he was called to Sacred Heart, Minn. The congregation was then served by Reverends Brohough, Utheim and Boyum until about 1882, when a call was tendered Rev. Carl Holter, of Norway Lake, Minn., who served till 1884. Then Rev. M. G. Hanson, the present president of Hauges synod, was called as pastor. He was assisted by Rev. O. Anderson and served the congregation from St. Paul, Minn., where tie resided, until 1887, when he resigned and Rev. O. A. Ostby was called in his place, beginning his service in 1SS8. Rev. Ostby served until 1S92. Rev. C. O. Rosing was then called and served until 1895. Then the congregation was taken care of by Revs. Utheim, Pederson and Oppegaard. In 1896 a call was tendered Thomas Hanson, then a student at the theological seminary at Red Wing, Minn. He having calls also from other charges asked some time to decide. He finally decided for Renville county, beginning his duties as pastor of the Hauges church early in 1897, after first graduating from the seminary and being ordained at St. Paul. Minn. Rev. Thomas Hanson has served the church as its pastor ever since that date.

In 1878 the Hauges church was built by the members of the church under the supervision of Haagen Elstad. In 1894 the Hauges synod held its synod meeting at this place. An addition was that year built to the church. In 1913 still another addition was built too, money for this being largely collected by Mrs. Thomas Hanson, wife of the pastor, but donated by members of the church.

The congregation has several months of parochial school every year for instruction of religion to the young. It has also a very large and active young people's society, as well as a ladies' aid society that has sent hundreds and thousands of dollars out for missions and aid for poor, besies helping to uphold the religious work in our own midst.

The first cemetery was given by Erik Lokken. lying two miles west of Hauges church, used jointly with Franklin church. Some of the early interments in this cemetery were those of Johannes Anderson and Anders S. Korsmo. In the year 1900 a place for cemetery was bought near the Hauges church. The first interment in this cemetery was that of Hans Olson. Many of the old, faithful members have now gone to their final rest, but Hauges congregation has never lacked men and women who have been willing to do and to give and to help on the good work of upbuilding the kingdom of God and working for the salvation of souls. Andreas Nilsen was the first song leader for the congregation. After him Ole Steffenson served in that capacity and now John H. Elstad has filled that place for a period of thirty years.

Rev. Thomas Hanson, pastor of Hauges,. Franklin, Zions. Camp and Fairfax Lutheran churches, was born at Immanuel church parish, at Aspelund, Goodhue county, Minn., on February 3, 1871, being the son of Rev. Osten Hanson, for nearly forty years pastor at that place, and for many years president of the Hauges synod. Rev. Thomas Hanson was first sent to school at the early age of five years, diligently attending the English public schools during the winter months from that time on and attending parochial school during the summer months. This was kept up until 1SS5, when he was confirmed at Immanuel church. Aspelund, Minn., by his father, Rev. Osten Hanson. At the age of fifteen, after being confirmed, he was sent to take up his studies at the Red Wing Seminary, Red Wing, Minn. Partly because he had to look after his father's farm interests and partly because he loved outside work as well as loving much his home community, he spent a couple of years out on his father's farmstead. However, something seemed ever to be drawing him hack to college, and he did not feel satisfied until he again took up his studies there. In 1 S ; 1 5 he graduated from the college department. Having studied theology also during the senior year of his collegiate he was able to graduate (at the head of his class) in 1897, at the age of twenty-six years, having in the meantime taught school for many years during summer vacations. Long, strenuous and many had been the years of school and he accordingly had planned on a vacation before starting in the ministry. But as the charge he had accepted a call from was without a minister, he went to his duties in 1897 not long after the close of the school year, first attending to the necessary preliminaries. On June 2, 1897, he was united in marriage to Julia Follingstad, the lady having been teacher of music in his home community for more than five years and during the same time being church musician at Immanuel's church, Aspelund, Minn. To this union six children have been born, namely: Iuga, Mabel, Ernest, Joseph, Henry and Victoria. On June 7, 1897, Mr. Hanson was ordained to the ministry at St. Paul, Minn. Four brothers are all ministers, namely: the above mentioned. Rev. M. G. Hanson, president of Hauges synod; Rev. H. A. Hanson, of Chicago, and Rev. S. E. Hanson, of Jackson. Minn., all being the sons of Rev. Osten Hanson, Goodhue county, Minnesota.

Rev. Thomas Hanson has served as a minister of the gospel in Renville county for a period of eighteen years and is still serving there in that capacity.

Fort Ridgely Congregation. - (By Rev. P. H. Rognlie.) The first people of the Norwegian Evangelican Lutheran church came to the southeastern part of Renville county in 1861 and 1862. Among these settlers were Ole Sampson Kvam, sometimes known as Ole Quam, and his family; Hans Jorgen Halvorsen and his family, and two single men. John Hade and Conrad Hamm. At the time of the Indian outbreak in 1862 Ole Quam was killed by the Indians, as were also two of his children. His wife, Anna, with her infant child, as by a miracle, escaped the Indians, and hid for two or three days in the tall grass of the Minnesota bottoms. Then, carrying her almost dead child, she started for Fort Ridgely, which she reached the next morning, almost insane from fright, grief and starvation. She found there the other Norwegians who had escaped.

After the outbreak it took some years before the Scandinavians again began to immigrate to this part of the state. However, in 1868 a good many Scandinavians settled in the southeastern part of Renville county. As the Scandinavian people always have been known for their deep, earnest religiousness, they had longed for

On the fifth of May, 1868, Rev. Thomas Johnson, of St. Peter, Nicollet county, Minn., conducted his first service at the house of Johannes Andersen, in township of Camp.

On this occasion he baptized nine children, namely, Christopher I. Iversen, Bergitta Julia J. Ellestad, Edward Markus S. Iversen, Hilda Johanna P. Lathi, Gustav Daniel H. Johnson, Nicolai Juliana M. Johnson, Johan J. Anderson. Sala Louise T. Tweet and Genetta Christine H. J. Halvorson.

Among those present may be mentioned Iver and Marie Iversen, Jorgen and Martha Ellestad, Sevald and Adrianne Iversen. Peter and Johanna Lathi, Magnus and Caroline Johnson, Johannes and Marthe Anderson, Bella Johnson, Elizabeth Iversen, Mathias Johnson, Peter Isaksen, John and Sara Hallin. Rev. Johnson continued farther west to preach the gospel of Christ for Scandinavians living there.

On the twentieth of May. 1868, Rev. Johnson returned from the west and on that day a meeting was held at the house of Johannes Anderson, Camp township, for the purpose of organizing an Evangelical Lutheran congregation. Consequently the Fort Ridgely Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized, and on that day its constitution adopted. It is no doubt the first organized Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Renville county.

The founders of the congregation were Jorgen Gilbertsen Ellestad. Hans Jorgen Halvorsen, Magnus Johnson, Mathias Bogema, Johannes Anderson and Tov Rudy.

The first confirmation in this congregation took place on May 12. 1871. The names of those confirmed are: Johan Magnus L. Johannesen. Anton O. Lunder. Isak Astor S. Iversen, Johan O. Johnson, Martha O. Ellingsen, Martha Maria M. Johnson, Maria O. Johnson, Maria Elizabeth L. Johannesen, Gustava Hedvig H. T. Christiansen, Anna Gustava H. T. Christiansen, Anna S. Eriksen, Nicolai M. Johnson, Johan M. Johnson.

The first bridal couple that was married in this congregation was Johan O. Lee and Lina Ivensdotter. They were married in the residence of the groom's brother, Mathias O. Lee. in November, 1869, by Rev. Nils Ylvizaker, of Red Wing, Minnesota.

The first burial that is recorded in the congregation was that of Gunhild Thorsdotter. She died December 21. 186s, al the age of 41 years, and the last rites at her grave were performed in May, 1S69. by Rev. Thomas Johnson.

part of the state suffered greatly from the grasshopper plague from 1872 to 1876. And there also came other trials for this congregation, which shall not be mentioned here.

In 1874 this congregation joined the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North America. On June 2, 1874, this congregation was divided into two congregations, viz. Port Ridgely and Dale - an action which ever since has been more or less lamented. In 1871 a committee of five was appointed to find a suitable place for a church and cemetery, without any result. In the spring of 1878 the Fort Ridgely and Dale congregations bought the improvements from Rev. Johannes Halvorsen, made on the north one-half of the northeast quarter of section 16, in town of Camp. This parsonage, land and buildings, are now owned in connection by Fort Ridgely, two-sixths, Dale, two-sixths, Concordia, two-sixths. Palmyra, one-fourth. Clear Lake congregation. Sibley county, one-fourth.

On June 19. 1878, a committee meeting of members from Fort Ridgely, Dale and Palmyra congregations was held to discuss the erection of a parsonage on the northeast one-half of this land. A building committee was appointed, viz., Mathiaz O. Lee, Jacob P. Kopperud and Gabriel A. Nilsen Bjurselmo. It was decided that a frame building. 26x26. 14 feet high, should be erected. The work on this building was commenced October, 1878, and the building was partly finished the same fall, and on Christmas Eve, 1878, Rev. Nils P. Xavier with his family, moved into the new building.

From the earliest time it had been the greatest wisli of these congregations to get a house of worship of their own. The first money set aside for this purpose was the confirmation offering May 22. 1879 - $7.07, and on the Fourth of July the same year a collection of $6.08. On the fifteenth of .May, 1884, a joint meeting of Fort Ridgely and Dale congregations was held tn discuss the possibility of building a church in conjunction. It was decided with a great majority to go to work as soon as possible. In the meantime the controversies concerning the predestination had sprung up in the Synod and spread to most of its congregations. Also these congregations suffered greatly on account of those controversies. On Tuesday, December 15, 1885, a new meeting was held in the parsonage to discuss the question about building of the church on the parsonage land, the north one-half of the northeast quarter of section 16, Town of Camp. A subscription of $855 was raised that day. The next meeting was held in 1886. A building committee was appointed, and the site of the church was decided on to be 4u\L'S. and 16 feet high, with towei' and chancel. In the summer of 1S86 the church was built by Mr. Harrison. On October 29, 1886, the cornerstone was laid in the name of the Triune God, and the church was dedicated on May 28, 1893, by Rt. Rev. Knut Bjbrgo. On the following day an old settlers' reunion was held at the parsonage. The congregations have a graveyard adjoining the church in common.

The first funeral was held July 8. 18S4, over a dead born child of Mr. and Mrs. Ole P. Hoimge, and the next was that of Randi Enger, the wife of John Enger, Sr. The first child that was baptized in this church was Selma Genora H. Johnson, born July 10, 1886, baptized August 15, 1886. The first confirmation was held July 18, 1886. The first marriage that was performed in this church occurred June 20, 1S87. The bridegroom was Peter T. Lund, and the bride was Kari Marie Lykken.

Among the pioneers of Fort Ridgely congregation may be mentioned, besides the six founders, above named, the following: Mathias O. Lee, John Enger, Sr., and Jr., Lars Enger, Sylfest Olson, Leif Torgrimson. Ole E. Berge, Odd B. Jacobsen, Einar Nilsen Hunsaker, Olaf Dale, Hans Grasmoen.

Dale congregation was organized 1874. What already has been related about Fort Ridgely congregation does also for a great deal concern the Dale congregation, as they always have been served by the same pastors and have owned all church property in community.

Among the pioneers of Dale congregation may be mentioned Peder and Ole Hoimyr, Rasmus O. Ness, Gabriel A. Nilsen Bjurselmo, Ole Johnson, Gustav Anderson, Jacob Volen, Halvor Johnson. Hans Carlson, Ole Pedersen Ronne, Ole Veikle, Mathias O. Hagestad, Tarald Semmingsen, Peder Nestande.

Concordia Congregation of Franklin. (By Rev. P. H. Rognlie.l Our brethren in Franklin first belonged to the Dale congregation, but on account of the long distance to the church and the difficulty of making the trip, they asked for the privilege to be considered as an annex to the Dale congregation.

In the spring of 1898 they commenced the building of their own church. The first service in the new church was held May 22, 1898. The cornerstone was laid by Prof. Johannes Ylvisaker, July 22, 1898. The size of the church is 40x24. and 14 feet high, and supplied with a tower and chancel.

The first child that was baptized in the Concordia church was Clara Esther P. Wicken, born May 10, 1898, baptized June 6, 1898. The first marriage that was solemnized was that of Johan Bernhard Tweet and Marie Josephine Nilsen, March 14. 1:iihi.

Among the founders of this congregation may be mentioned Johannes A. Bergley, Haivor Johnson, Iver Mahlum, Ole Pedersen Ronne, Hans Jensen, John Foss, George O. Steen, Oscar Johnson, Gustav Johnson, Gottfried and Hans Cormontan, Martin C. Skau, Martin Larson. Johan Bernhard Tweet, Gabriel A. Nilsen Bjurselmo. Carl Nilsen. Sven and Gilbert Gilbertsen. Even Anderson.

Morton Congregation. (By Rev. P. H. Rognlie. ) On Sunday. April 8, 18S8, Rev. Nils P. Xavier preached the first Norwegian Lutheran sermon in the schoolhouse in Morton, and baptized one child, Axel Herman E. Lundquist, born January Id, 1888. From that time Rev. Xavier made regular calls to Morton, and likewise his successor. Rev. Parelius H. Rognlie.

On February 16, 1S99, the Morton Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized. Among those that first signed the constitution may be mentioned Nils P. Flink. John Anderson, Steffen Olson, Andrew Larsen, Hans Daasvand, Tom Thompson, Ole Syversen.

These congregations have been served by the following pastors: I. Rev. Thomas Johnson, from the organization of Fort Ridgely congregation to the tenth of October, 1871. He was born in Valders. Norway. April 27. 1837, graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary. St. Louis, Missouri, in 1863. The same year he came to Saint Peter. Minnesota, where he served in the ministry of the gospel to his death, April 19, 1906. In the pioneer days his mission field extended over the counties of Minnesota, Iowa and Dakota. II. Rev. Johannes E. Bergh. from Sacred Heart. Minnesota, served these congregations from October 10, 1871. to January 1, 1874. Rev. Bergh was born in Vos, Norway, May 5, 1842. graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, 1869, died August 21. 1905. III. Rev. Michael Borge. from January 1. 1874, to July 31, 1876. Rev. Borge was born near Bergen. Norway, September 9, 1846, graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Missouri, 1873. At present pastor and manager of the Old People's Home and Orphans' Home at Stoughton, Wisconsin. IV. Rev. Nils P. Xavier from July 31, 1876, till May 12, 1891. Rev. Xavier was born in Kautokeino, Norway, September 26. 1839, graduated from Springfield, Illinois. At present home missionary in the state of Washington. V. Rev. Parelius II. Rognlie, from July 22, 1891, to the present time. (Note by the publishers. - As Rev. Rognlie, the author of these splendid church histories, has modestly refrained from including his own biography in this list, it has been prepared by the publishers, and appears on a following page. )

Palmyra Congregation. (By Rev. P. H. Rognlie.) The first Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran settlers in Palmyra came there in 1871. Among the early settlers may be mentioned Even Olsen Kjonaas. Ole Halvorsen Svensb, John O. Vefald, Lorents and Johannes Eriksen, Leif Tinnes, Paul Ranberg and Bernt Andersen. In 1872 a number of others came, as Johan Bauman and Carl A. Mork. Ole and Elias Eriksen, Anton H. Christiansen, Alexander Johnson and sons, Ole Nordskog.

Monday, October 7, 1872. Gabriel A. Nilsen Bjurselmo took Rev. Johannes Bergh to Palmyra, and Rev. Bergh preached that day the first Evangelical Lutheran sermon at the residence of Bernt Anderson. Seven children were baptized that day: August Meier O. Eriksen, Nils Peter J. Johnson, Carl August C. Iluagensen. Albert J. Anderson, Dorthea O. Halvorsen. Svensb, Carl Johan J. Vefald and Gilbert Theodor E. Olsen Kjonaas. Among those present at that service we find the names of Sven and Iver Gerald. Brynild and An fin Tollefsen, Lars Tinnes, Styrk Eriksen, Ole and Elias Eriksen, Mrs. Alea Eriksen. Johan and Lina B. Anderson, Carl Gustav and Ellen Haagensen, John and Anna Anderson, John Bauman Mork and wife. Carl and Maren Anna Mork, Evrine Mork, Ole and Aaste Halvorsen Svenso. John and Kari O. Vefald, Even and Martha Olsen Kjonaas, Anton and Tonette Christiansen. Oline O. Eriksen, Andrew Larson. Anna Anderson, Sven Ahl and wife, Lina Blad, Carl Gustav Anderson, Anna Lina Bergman, Alexander and Susanna Johnson, Johannes Eriksen and wife. Martin Johnson, Guri and Ella S. Gerald. Paul Ranberg and wife, and Christine Bergman.

On November 7, 1872, the second service was held by Rev. Bergh at the house of Paul Ranberg. After the service the Palmyra Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized and its constitution adopted. The congregation was served by Rev. Johannes Bergh from Sacred Heart. Minnesota, to the end of 1873, and from January, 1874, to July 31, 1876, by Rev. Michael Borge from Mankato. Minnesota. On July 31 Rev. Nils P. Xavier preached his first sermon in the town hall of Palmyra, and he served the congregation till May, 1891. The present pastor, Parelius H. Rognlie, preached his introductory sermon July 26, 1891.

The first class of confirmants from Palmyra congregation was confirmed in the schoolhouse by Three Mile Creek on the fourth of October, 1874. Their names are:

The cemetery, where the church now stands, is located in the southeastern corner of section 16, Palmyra township. It was dedicated the 1st of June, 1874, by Rev. Michael Borge. The first burial on record is that of Samuel Svendsen, died September 29, 1876, and buried October 1, 1876, age 72 years.

The congregation was incorporated under the laws of the state the 9th of October, 1878. The first meeting called for the purpose of considering the building of a church was held May 19, 1884. On Tuesday, May 5, 1885, the cornerstone was laid by Rev. Johannes Bergh in the name of the Triune God. The size of the church is 40x28, 16 feet high, supplied also with a tower, chancel and sacristy. The church building committee was composed of Carl A. Mork. Elias M. Eriksen, Lars L. Tinnes, Tyke Ytterboe, Ole Johnson, John Pedersen and Peder P. Hornseth. The church was dedicated Wednesday, September 16, 1885, by Rev. Thomas Johnson, of St. Peter.

On June 23 and 24, 1912, the Palmyra Evangelical Lutheran congregation celebrated its fortieth anniversary. Professor O. E. Brandt preached the festival sermon on the first day, and the Swedish Lutheran pastor. Rev. A. Bengtson, preached in the afternoon. Prof. G. C. Ristad. from Fergus Falls, preached the second day, and the local minister gave a historical sketch of the congregation from its foundation up to the present time.

In spite of much weakness we still hope that these words from the holy Writ may be applied on these congregations: "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." Rev. 2, 2-3.

Rev. Parelius H. Rognlie was born near Trondhjem. Norway. December 21, 1858. He attended the public schools in his native land for about four years. In the spring of 1870 he immigrated with his parents to the United States and lived in Houston county. Minnesota, one year. In the spring of 1871 he moved to Lyon county, Minnesota, at that time a wilderness, and with his parents went through all the hardships of the pioneer days. The next year most of the homestead land in the town of Lucas was taken up and a year or'two later a school was organized which he attended. August 8, 1875, he, with thirteen others, was confirmed by Rev. Thorstensen in the Grove of Hellek Glaim on the Yellow Medicine river, there being no church in that part of the country. His pastor and others urged him to go to college and take up the study of the ministry, but on account of lack of means and also on account of his father's poor health, he decided to stay at home for a time and help his parents. In 1881 he entered the preparatory school at St. Olaf's college, Northfield, Minnesota, and later attended Luther college, Decorah, Iowa, earning his way by teaching school and doing farm work. In the fall of 1885 he went to Europe in order to receive treatment for his eyes and was operated on at the State Hospital in Norway. When he returned to the United States, he resumed teaching and continued his studies by himself. In 1888 he was admitted to the Luther Theological Seminary, Minneapolis, and graduated June 26, 1891. In February, 1891, he was called as pastor for the Fort Ridgely, Dale, Palmyra and Clear Lake congregations, Renville and Sibley counties, Minnesota. On July 22, 1891, he was ordained at Fort Ridgely and Dale church by Rt. Rev. K. Bjorge, assisted by Rev. S. J. Bergh, Rev. N. P. Xavier, Rev. Thomas Johnsen and Rev. B. Askevold. He has remained at this place ever since and now serves Fort Ridgely, Dale, Concordia, Clear Lake and Morton Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran congregations and every other month he serves Camp and Fairfax Norwegian Lutheran congregations, alternating with Rev. Thomas Hanson. He preached the first Norwegian Lutheran sermon in Bird Island, September 16, 1891, and organized the church there. He preached the first Norwegian Lutheran sermon in Fairfax December 10. 1893.

June 13, 1895, he was married to Ronnaug Marie M. Gullerud and they have had the following children: Ingolf Herman Marentius. born March 26, 1896: Katharina Josephine, born December 26, 1897; Parelius Monrad, born January 28, 1900, died July 2. 1901; Palma Margrethe, born April S, 1902; Clarence Parelius Monrad. born May 6, 1904; Julia Christine, born October 4, 1908. Among those who have made their home at the parsonage may be mentioned Christian Blichfeldt and James George Thompson.

Camp Congregation. In the early days of the settlement of those western prairies a considerable number of Norwegian emigrants moved west to find new homes, and during the last part of the sixties, especially in the years 1868, 1869, 1871 and 1S72, Camp township was very well settled. Most of the Scandinavians belonged to the Lutheran belief and confession, and as soon as these new settlers were well located they made arrangements to be visited by ministers of their own faith. Rev. Johnson of St. Peter, the nearest Norwegian Lutheran minister, took charge here the first number of years. Later he was followed by several others.

Rev. And Mrs. I'Arklius H. Koiixlik

congregation until after some years later, as during the so-called grasshopper plague this country was very badly set back. Finally in the year 1885 the Camp Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized, of which the first officers were elected as follows. G. O. Myrhang, president: Ole H. Grasmoen. Sever Nelson, and Ole Jacobson, trustees; N. O. Berge, secretary; J. O. Semmerud. treasurer. During the year 18S5 it was determined to start a fund to build a church. A subscription was secured to the amount of $1,000, a constitution was adopted, and the Camp congregation was formally incorporated under the state laws in March. 1SS6, and a building committee was appointed to see the church was built during the summer of that year.

Ole C. Engg got the contract to build the structure, on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 25, in town of Camp, three miles northwest from old Fort Ridgely. The church was fully finished and equipped and was dedicated in the summer of 1888. During these years the congregation has been served by ministers as follows: Rev. Falk. M. Gjertsen, of Minneapolis; Prof. Blegan, of Minneapolis; Prof. Theo. S. Reimstad; Rev. Ytterhus; Rev. Wold. Rev. S. E. Sorenson served the congregation for about three years. Rev. C. O. Rosing was the first minister to reside here, and served the congregation something over three years. Rev. J. S. Snave served little over one year. Rev. O. R. Farseth, of Clarkfield. served about one and one-half years. Rev. E. H. Midtbo served some over three years. Rev. Thomas Hanson served from 1901 until November, 1906. Rev. R. K. Fjelstad served from 1907 until 1912. Ever since. Revs. Thomas Hanson and P. 11. Rognlie have served the congregation alternately up to the present time.

Following is a list of the old pioneer members of this denomination, and who were the first to contribute the largest part of the cost of the church, namely: E. G. Melwold, G. O. Myrhaug, Ole Jacobson, M. J. Asak, J. O. Semmrud, Jacob Peterson, Sever Nelson, A. A. Bergley, N. O. Berge, Eimar Nelson, Andrias Nelson, Christian Nelson, A. L. Nesseth, Martin O. Nefson, Louis Peterson, A. H. Bergely, Gunder Borstad, Amon A. Berger, Engbrith Larson, Ole Melwold, Rasper H. Grasmoen, Ole Grasmoen, Ole O. Kinder, and several members joined later. The first service in the new church was solemnized on Sunday, the 21st of July, 1886. The first child baptized at the service was Gina Bergely, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Bergely, by Rev. S. E. Sorenson. The first marriage solemnized in the new church was the marriage of John O. Hogstad of Camp, and Nellie Jacobson, also of Camp. Rev.

This congregation has its cemetery on their church lot which contains about two and one-half acres, in which many of the old pioneer members are laid to rest. The first burials were: Mrs. A. J. Asak. Mrs. Lewis Hanson, Mrs. Halvor Hanson, away back in the eighties, of whose deaths there are no church records. The first death on record is that of Hans Eidsvold, December 16, 1SS8. The Camp Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation concluded some years ago to join and be a member of the United Lutheran church of America.

The present officers of this congregation are: A. A. Bergely, vice president; N. O. Nelson, J. O. Semmerud, and Johnny O. Jacobson. trustees; N. O. Berge, secretary; A. E. Melwold, treasurer.

Zions Congregation of Bandon. In the early days of the "homesteaders" several Scandinavian settlers took homesteads and settled in Bandon township and vicinity, where they built homes and tilled the soil in order to provide for themselves and their families,' but they were not satisfied with home alone. They felt the need of forming a congregation with the view of building a church in order that the Lutheran religion might be preached to them and their children.

And so on March 25, 1886, they held a meeting in schoolhouse No. 66, known as the Xestande schoolhouse, and organized Zions Evangelical Lutheran congregation. Among the first members of the congregation were: Hans Gumpolen, Tollef Pederson, Peder Sather. John Nestande, Rasolf Olson, J. M. Lunde, Ole Lee and others.

During the early days of the congregation services, which were dutifully attended, were held at the homes of members and largely at schoolhouse No. 66. Soon, however, the members felt that they must have a church wherein to worship, so a subscription was taken up to raise money for the purpose and as this succeeded well the church was built in the summer of 1891, during the pastorate of O. A. Ostby, by Contractor Engen, on lots donated by John Nestande and situated on the west side of the road opposite the Nestande farmstead. The church and adjoining graveyard were dedicated in 1901 at the time of Rev. E. H. Midthbs' pastorate.

In 1886 the congregation decided to call as pastor Rev. M. G. Hanson, of the Hauges Synod, now president of same. He accepted the call tendered him and served as pastor until 1887, when he resigned. Then O. A. Ostby was called as pastor and at his resignation in 1892, C. O. Rosing, who remained until 1896, became pastor. In 1896 and 1897 J. S. Sneve served as pastor and from 1897 to 1898 O. C. Farseth, E. H. Midthb, during whose pastorate the congregation joined the "United Church," served as minister from 1898 until 1902, when Rev. Thomas Hanson, the present pastor, was called as minister.

According to records Emilie Gumpolen was the first child baptized in Zions congregation, and Oline Pederson the first child to be baptized in the church after its completion. Knut Gunderson and Asborg Vasjb are on record as the first couple married in the church. Mrs. Gurine C. P. Sather was one of the first to be buried from the church and laid to rest in Zions cemetery.

.Many have been baptized, confirmed, and married in Zions church. The work of Zions congregation has not been in vain, and the younger generation owe much to the pioneer members who founded the congregation largely perhaps for their benefit. The congregation now has a Ladies' Aid which has given hundreds and thousands of dollars to missions and poor people and the church. It is still working faithfully for the same purpose as formerly, that of raising money and exercising influence to do good.

The membership is about 105 and has thus increased considerably since 1886, when the congregation was formed. Many of the pioneer members of the congregation are dead and buried in Zions cemetery, but many of them are still zealously working for the good of Zions congregation, for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls.

Fairfax Congregation. (By Rev. Thomas Hanson.) The village of Fairfax was started about 1SS2. when the M. & St. L. R. R. was built. The little new village was largely populated by Germans. A few Norwegians moved in from time to time. Rev. Midtbo, a Norwegian Lutheran minister, resided in this village from 1899 till 1902. No active church work in the village was, however, taken up by him. In 1902 Rev. Thomas Hanson, then pastor of Hauges, Franklin. Zions and Camp churches, was asked to come over and preach the Gospel. First a church was loaned by the Methodists and at other times other accommodations were used. This being rather inconvenient a house of worship was longed for. A Ladies' Aid was organized within the village for the purpose of raising money for a house of worship. Later the men also joined in soliciting subscriptions towards a church. Of those who took very active part in this and greatly helped on the work might be mentioned Segvart Gumpolen, N. P.- Nelson, Even Grasmoen and others. In 1905 a church was bought. The same year it was fully paid for and fully equipped with church bell, organ and the like.

In 1906 Rev. Thomas Hanson resigned, the work being a little too much, there then being five churches in his charge. Rev. R. Fjelstad was called. He accepted and began serving in 1907. In 1912 Rev. Fjelstad died. The church was then without a pastor. It was then decided to call both Rev. P. H. Rognlie and Rev. Thomas Hanson, each serving every other month. They have served this church since 1912 and are at present the pastors of the church.

The church has a very active Ladies' Aid and a Sunday school with an attendance of about 20 pupils. Segvart Gumplolen is the superintendent of the Sunday school and also the song leader of the church.

Franklin Congregation was organized in 1876 by the following: Thomas Tweet, Hellek Peterson, Holger Jacobus, who was also the first postmaster of Franklin, Erik Lokken, Jens Skarness, Magnus Johnson, E. S. Johnson and Engebert Thompson. Jacobus was the first secretary. It is not remembered who came here to preach before there was a regular called minister, but Rev. Erikson of Hawk Creek, was the first regular called minister who served the congregation for two or three years. Many members were added to the congregation during that time and later. After Rev. Erikson several of the minsters were: Revs. L. N. Pederson, Prof. Theo. Rumestad Jacobson. of Westbrook, Minnesota, M. G. Hanson and S. E. Sorensen, of St. Paul, who served the congregation for about thirty years, after which the Franklin, Hauges, Zions and Camp congregations consolidated so as to call one minister together who should then reside here. C. O. Rosing of the United church was called and accepted and moved here from Minneapolis and was minister for about three years. Hauges congregation then called Rev. Thos. Hanson, and the other three congregations called Student J. S. Sneve, who accepted and served here for nearly two years, when he resigned and left in the spring of 1S9S. when the present minister. Rev. Thos. Hanson, was called and is still serving as the congregation minister.

Trinity church of Franklin congregation was started in 1889, but was not completely finished until 1S95. Still later extensive improvements have been made such as installing a new altar and church bell, and the building of a full basement under the whole church neatly partitioned off into various useful compartments, same costing over $1,200. The church has a large Sunday school and conducts a parochial school during the summer months, for the instruction of religion to the young.

The first child on record as being baptized here is Julia Anette Monson. The first funeral was that of Inger Skarnes. The first confirmation was held July 8, 1877. Among those then confirmed might be mentioned Jacob Pederson and Emma M. Johnson.

One of the first marriages was that of J. M. Johnson and Carrie Lokken. Many of the younger generation use English more than their ancestral tongue, hence the church work is carried on in both languages. It might be mentioned that the young as well as the old for a great part are very loyal to the church, attending regularly and giving freely.

Hof Congregation Sacred Heart. (By Rev. T. J. Oppedahl. I This congregation was organized June 23, 1871, by Rev. Lars O. Rustad, a member of the Hauges Evangelical Lutheran Synode, and also having charge of several congregations near Willmar, Kandchi county, Minnesota. He was the first representative of the Hauges Synode that ever held any religious service in and around the village of Sacred Heart. The first service was held in 1870. A few of the pioneer members of this church can be mentioned. Lars Ingebretson. Hendrik Lien, Ole Skalbeck, Hendrik Berg, Ole Hendrikson, Andrias Erikson, Fredrik O. Johnson, Christian Krogfos, Ole Oppegaard, Ole Johnson, etc.

A church was built and partly finished in 1880; it was located about a half mile southwest from the village of Sacred Heart. A number of years later, namely in 1891, the church was moved into the village, and it was then completely finished, and has a seating capacity of 200 people. The church was built under the pastorate of Johannes Halverson: it was finished and dedicated under the pastorate of Rev. T. J. Oppedahl.

The congregation bought a dwelling house a few blocks from where the church is now located; this house they rebuilt, enlarged and remodeled, and it is now a most modern and complete parsonage.

Vestre Sogn Congregation. (By A. T. Ellingboe.) This congregation was organized in about 1870 and services were held in the farm houses and school houses. January 15, 1881, a meeting was held at the home of C. O. Narvestad in the town of Wang to discuss the advisability of erecting a church building. C. O. Narvestad offered to donate land for a church lot and it was decided to build a church. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the church building. They were Elling Johnson, K. Vikken, P. C. Brevig and Ole Ellefson. The next meetinn was held at the same place, Februarv 21. 1881. It was decided to build the church in the spring of 1881. At this meeting a building committee was chosen consisting of C. O. Narvestad, P. C. Brevig, Theo. Rongerud, H. T. Ellingboe and Ole Ellefson. C. O. Narvestad donated one acre of land to the church and sold one acre for $10. At a meeting held at the same place March 5, 1881, the committee on subscriptions reported having received $1,495 and it was decided to advertise for bids on building the church. The church was built in the summer of that year. The first services were held in the new frame church July 18, 1881, but the church was not completed until 1882. Rev. John Bergh was the first pastor. The congregation was incorporated March 30, 1905, by the following persons: P. C. Brevig, C. O. Narvestad, O. K. Williams. The officers were: President, C. T. Clausen; secretary, A. T. Kjersten; treasurer, P. C. Brevig; members of the board, John Engebretson', Hans Grotvedt and Ole Ellefson. June,' 1914. the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

The congregation is now dissolved and the members have joined other congregations, though at the present time a pretty chapel is being erected on the old site, and here services will be held from time to time.

Wang's Congregation. (By A. T. Ellingboe. ) This congregation was organized May 15, 1885. with the following trustees: Ole C. Soine, Ole G. Loe and Gullik H. Weflen. The officers were: Secretary, Christopher Gjevre, and treasurer, Christian Brevig. The church of the Vestre Sogn congregation was used until 1892, when the Wang church was built on the one and a half acre tract of land in section 9, donated by A. T. Ellingboe. The first pastor of this congregation was Rev. A. H. Gjevre. The present pastors are: Revs. M. B. and O. E. Erikson. The trustees are H. A. Weflen. O. T. Haugen and H. E. Thorkelson. The officers are: Treasurer, C. A. Hovda, and secretary, A. T. Ellingboe!

Our Savior's and Opdal Congregations of Sacred Heart, i By Rev. Nils Giere.) The majority of the early settlers along the banks of the Minnesota river in the western part of Renville county after the massacre were Scandinavians. Their heroic story is told elsewhere.

In those early days there were no public schools. It developed upon the parents all together to care for the instruction of their children. Accordingly every home had its private school where first of all the essentials of Christian doctrine were inculcated as set forth in Luther's Catechism, Pontoppidan's "Porklaring," and other textbooks. Much credit is given to the untiring and faithful services of Lars L. Rudi. a man of much learning and Christian experience. For some time he served as the local "teacher and pastor" of the entire community. Every Sunday Mr. Rudi would have the pioneers come together for Christian worship in log cabins, cellars or the open, lead on in prayer and singing, expound portions of scripture, exhorting his friends to steadfastness in faith and clean living and then devote the rest of his time to the instruction of the "little ones."

On a "bright Sunday morning," September 22, 1868, a large number - men, women and children - coming by foot, some from a distance of eight miles or more, assembled at the home of Ole Kolien, where the "first sermon" was preached and the mother church of all the Lutheran churches in western Renville county was organized as "Our Savior's Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Renville County, Minnesota." For a period of three years the devoted Rev. Johnson served the pioneer church as often and faithfully as time and occasion would permit. His salary was fixed at $40.00 a year. Sometimes the venerable reverend would have other pastors come to his assistance, like Revs. X. Brandt, of Decorah. Iowa; N. Ylvisaker, of Zumbrota, and T. Hattrem, of Lake Hanska, Minn. The constitution of Our Savior's church was undersigned, as it appears, by 97 charter members. Besides the names already mentioned may be added the following: Ole O. Melsness, Ole Enestvedt, Toilet' Enestvedt, Eric Nelson, Hellek Kollien, Ole B. Dahl, Iver Iverson, Christian Narvestad, Theodore Rongerud, Hans Grotvedt, Ole and Halsten Otos, Hans Gunderson, Christian Ingebritson, H. Stavne, P. G. Peterson, G. S. Melsness, Eric Golie, Hans Sagnes, Christian Hob, Halvor Mutta, H. Golie, Hermo Halverson. B. Hogenson. B. Kortgaard, Ole Skjaggeby, K. Throngaard, O. Holtan, K. Bergan, Peter Kartgaard, P. Erickson, P. Oslie. A. Samuelson, E. S. Gunderson, J. Tillisch, John Roste, M. Hogenson, Christian Listerud. T. Skrukrud, and John Hang. Later on names like P. P. Dustrud, Martin Jacobson, O. T. Rude and Ole Stensrud were added.

For reason of the great scarcity of ministers at that time, the Sacred Heart people did not succeed in securing their local and resident pastor till in the fall of 1871. Rev. Johannes E. Bergh, of Muskegon. Michigan, upon a call from Sacred Heart (Our Savior's), Ft. Ridgely and Yellow Medicine congregations was then installed by Rev. Thomas Johnson November 12 in the log cabin of Peter Erickson. A wide mission field extending to a radius now covered by all of ten parishes, tested the zeal and strength of the new pastor through pathless plains and dreadful winter blizzards. But he labored on and for 33 years devoutly ministered to his people. The people, though poor, were happy and hopeful, faithfully meeting winter and summer at all church services. Yellow Medicine and Fort Ridgely churches withdrew respectively 1874 and 1876 from the call.

About this time Our Savior's church joined the "Synod for the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America," to which society it has ever since belonged. A parsonage had been built about 7 miles southwest of Sacred Heart, preparatory steps were taken for the erection of a church, much interest was shown in arranging for parochial schools in the various districts and everything looked prosperous. But then came the pestering scourge of grasshoppers, which precipitated a sudden halt for years in all lines of progress. Many of the old homesteaders sold out and left the country, others for the support of their families would through the busy season of the year have to seek work in the southern settlements of the state, and yet the people never murmured, but displayed rather a spirit of cheerfulness and contentment ever ready to divide with one another their scanty portions of flour and cornmeal as best they knew how.

Not till 1880 was any effective work done toward the building of a church. By this time "the railroad had come," the consequence of which at once decided the location of the proposed house of worship. The cornerstone for the so-called "Synod church" of Sacred Heart was then laid on a lovely eminence in the center of the village, a small piece of ground south of town was secured as a place of burial. The new edifice was dedicated by Rev. Prof. H. G. Stub at a big church convention held here in the summer of 1S88.

Previous to and succeeding this event new church organizations had been formed as annex-churches to Sacred Heart like Yestre Sogn, Our Savior's of Renville, Rock Dell and Opdal, all of which in course of time became separate parishes, except Opdal. which ever since its organization has remained a part of the "Sacred Heart call."

Rev. Bergh's pastorate, as noted, covered a period of 33 years. The following pastors served as his assistants: Revs. S. T. Reishus (1885-86), H. A. Stub (1887), Nils Giere (1901-04). At the resignation of Rev. J. E. Bergh, May, 1904, call was extended to Rev. Nils Giere, the present pastor of the Sacred Heart parish. The old country parsonage, house and farm, was eventually donated to Rev. Bergh. There he resided for about 26 years. About 1897 Rev. Bergh erected his own dwelling in Sacred Heart. This magnificent structure was later on (1905) purchased by the parish for $3,500. Adjoining each of the two churches in Sacred Heart and Opdal chapels were built (1911 and 19131 at the cost of $4,300.

By statistics of 1908 the total number of baptisms was given as 2,359; confirmed, 1.187; married, 330; buried, 491. The first born: Jorgine Caroline Enestvedt and Halvor Ostenius Helgeson, both born 1867. First married: A. Samuelson and Chris-

The present total membership of Sacred Heart and Opdal churches, 813. Six Ladies' Aids, one girls' Priscilla club, and two V. P. societies have been in active work for years. Summer schools lor the imstruction of the young are maintained in the chapels and country school houses - besides Saturday and Sunday schools. Donations to various missions last year (1914) was $1,578.45.

Present officers: Janitors, O. H. Larshus, Ole Forkerud; choristers. P. C. Brevig, Ole Enestvedt; organists, Esther Giere, Anna Kottom; trustees, G. P. Mangerud, A. O. Skrukrud, Carl Jacobson, M. G. Melsness, H. Golie, H. Collin. H. Hagenson, L. Danielson: superintendent of Sunday school, G. P. Mangerud; building committee, T. A. Nellermoe, John Haug, H. Thostenson, A. A. Skjefte, Rev. Giere.

Rev. Nils Giere was born June 3, 1855, in the town of Deerfield, Dane county, Wisconsin. His ancesters, both on father's and mother's side, came from Hallingdal and Vass, Norway, in 1846 and 1850. He attended Luther college. Decorah. Iowa, 1873-1879. Luther Seminary. Madison, Wisconsin, 1879-1881. University of Christiania, Norway, 1881-1883. He was ordained September 6, 1883. and served at following pastorates: Crow River and Big Grove, Kandiyohi and Stearns counties, sixteen years. Renville and Bird Island five years, Sacred Heart and Opdal eleven years. He was married to Bertha Susannah Nielson, of Madison, Wisconsin, August 6, 1884, and their children are: Arthur Frederick, attorney at Centralia, Washington; Constance Berhardine, Mrs. T. H. Callin, Seattle, Washington; Silas Waldemar. student Rush Medical College, Chicago; Esther Luella and Ruth Erolinda, at home.

Our Saviour's Congregation of Renville. (By Rev. Gilbert Oppen.) In the early days, the first Norwegian settlers in this community, as in all new communities, had but very little spiritual guidance; but having been brought up as true Lutherans they loved their Bible, their hymn book, and their little Luther's Catechism. These books were their chief devotional books and they treasured them highly. As to public worship, they had little because of the lack of ordained ministers. The only time they could assemble for public worship was when occasionally some minister from some eastern community, on his missionary journey would visit them and conduct services in some private home. Then they would hear the gospel of Christ preached unto them, have their children baptized, and partake of the Lord's supper. To them the gospel of Christ sounded sweet.

May 5, 1873. a congregation was organized under the name of "Our Savior's Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Renville and Redwood Counties," and was composed of Norwegians in this vicinity of the western part of this county, and also of Redwood county. The pastor, Rev. J. E. Bergh. preached at various places in private homes and later on in the school house in Renville. It soon became apparent, however, that with so large a territory the pastor could not give the people as many services as they wished; hence, in the early eighties the Norwegians in Renville and vicinity began thinking of forming a congregation of their own, a thought which was realized in 1886. At a legally called meeting on October 25, 18S6, the articles of incorporation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Renville were adopted and officers elected. The following persons made up the first board of directors:

President, Rev. J. E. Bergh; secretary and treasurer, L. Pederson; trustee for one year, C. Carlson; trustee for two years, Jacob Olson Dahle; trustee for three years, Hans Olson Lilligaard.

In the year 1887 steps were taken towards the building of a church. In the early part of 1888 the present lots owned by the church were purchased and as soon as funds could be provided a church erected. The congregation prospered steadily, but was struck a heavy blow in the summer of 1894 when a cyclone came and totally destroyed the little church. The members were not dismayed, but took hold with renewed energy to rebuild the church, having full confidence that God would prosper their undertaking. In a short time a new structure took the place of the old one. This church property has been improved from time to time. In 1913 about $1,500 was spent for improvements on the church building: during the summer of 1915 about $8(10 was spent for improvements on the parsonage.

The present officers of the congregation are as follows: President, Rev. Gilbert Oppen; vice-president. L. E. Lien; secretary, Gurin Kvernes; treasurer, O. J. Dahle; trustee, P. J. Wigdahl, Hans Jepson, Lars Kronlokken.

The congregation has always realized that the religious instruction of the children is something the church must provide, and consequently as early as 1889 a Sunday school was organized and has ever since been kept up, doing its mission among the children.

A young people's society has always been actively at work in the congregation, doing its mission among the young. The ladies' aid was the first organization within the congregation, being organized as early as 1887. The ladies' aid has been one of the chief promoters of the church and has been at all times actively at work promoting the cause of both home and foreign missions. GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN.

Zion's Church of Olivia. (By Rev. H. Hupfer. ) The German Evangelican Lutheran Zion's church of Olivia was organized in 1887. The charter members were: W. Windhorst, C. Nelson, K. Korschnik, H. Dahlman, W. Yungk, P. Nelsen, N. Nelsen, J. Nelsen, F. Voelz. W. Speier, C. Nelsen, Jr., and L. Backhaus. The first services were held in the old public schoolhouse by Rev. G. Fischer. In 1S99 the first church was erected and dedicated at Olivia, and in 1903 the parsonage was purchased. In addition to the church a parochial school is maintained by the parish. The pastors who have served this congregation are as follows: G. Fisher, 1887-1896: H. Albrecht, 1897-1899: G. Albrecht. 1899-1903: P. Heidtke, 1903-1904; C. Schrader, 1904-1908; H. Hupfer, 1908 to the present time. The church records show that there have been 265 births, thirty-four marriages, and fortyfive deaths.

St. Matthew's Church of Danube. (By Rev. H. Hupfer.) The German Evangelical Lutheran Matthew church of Danube. Minn., was organized June 17, 1904, by the following: Gust. Miller (chairman); Folkert Hinrichs (secretary): Gust. Miller (treasurer); Fred Zinne, Louis Miller, Carl Laumer (elders) ; Henry Heineman, Edmund E. Grunnert. Albert Kuether (trustees): Henry U. Hinrichs, Otto Thorns, J. F. Hinrichs, L. ('. Hinrichs, A Wallert. W. Knigge, V. Hinrichs. A church was erected and dedicated in 1905. The following pastors have served this congregation: Rev. C. Schrader, 1904-1908; H. Hupfer, 190S to the present time. The records of the church show that there have been eightyeight births, twenty-two marriages and sixteen deaths.

Bethania Church of Emmet. The German Evangelical Lutheran Bethania church of Emmet was organized in 1S75 by Rev. J. Hunziker. The first members were: F. Butenhoff. J. Brettin. J. Benzin, H. Freudenthal. H. Fritz. J. Gens. K. Gluth, G. Grabow. Aug. Hussak, J. Joch. Aug. Kaatz, K. Kannenberg. F. Kraemin. F. Kopiska, Ferd. Lenz, H. Miller. Aug. Rauschke. Julius Rauschke. K. Reetz, A. Roschild. Aug. Roschild, H. Standfuss and K. Zaske. During the first year services were held in private homes and public schoolhouses. In 1879 the - congregation erected a parsonage, which was used as a schoolhouse and place of holding worship. In 1886 the congregation purchased forty acres of land at $(> an acre. On this a new church. 30 by 50 feet, and a new parsonage were built. In 1892 a new schoolhouse. 1^ by 26 feet, was built. The property is now valued at between $10,000 and $12,000, entirely free from debt. The congregation consists of sixty families. The pastors have been the Rev. Messrs. J. Hunziker, H. Kreuter, F. Spindler, G. Fischer, and the present pastor, Rev. G. Albrecht, who has served since 1S97. The congregation belongs to th& German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Minnesota and other states. (Written by the Rev. G. Albrecht.)

St. Matthaeus Church of Flora. The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Matthaeus church of Flora was organized in 1S72 by Rev. J. Hunziker. The first members were: Chr. Sperber, P. Binger, L. Wohlmann, Chr. Schaefer, Ferd. Breitkreutz, J. Beckendorf, K. Beckendorf. and Aug. Uhlig. In 1S75 the congregation became affiliated with Bethania congregation, and the same pastors have served both congregations. Until 1887. services were held in a public schoolhouse. The same year a new church was erected. At present the congregation consists of thirty families. The congregation belongs to the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Minnesota and other states. (Written by the Rev. G. Albrecht.)

St. Paul's Church of Hector. (By Rev. H. W. Krull.) The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's church of Hector was organized October 7. 1888. by Rev. C. H. Hilpert. of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Minnesota, who served as its pastor for nearly two years. The charter members were: Andrew Schwarzkopf, John Sauter, Fred J. Hilpert, Herman Schmalz. Leonard Rice, John Rice. Emil Sauter. Mrs. Kunigunda Rice, one of the early members, is still living. The first services were held in the home of John Rice. St., now deceased. For four years services were held in the public school houses and private dwellings. In 1892 the present church, a roomy frame building, was erected three miles from Hector in Melville township. In 19nl the church was moved into the village and in 1912 a large school house was erected on the same block on which the church stands. During the summer of 1913 a modern parsonage was erected next to the church. At the dedication of this, on September 28. 1913. the twenty-fifth anniversary of the congregation was also celebrated with proper services. Since June 29. 1913. services have been conducted in the English language regularly every alternate Sunday. During 1891 Rev. Peter Wuebben. of Stewart, Minn., served it. Since then it has been served by pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio. From the summer of 1892 till the autumn of 1897 E. Knorr, of Buffalo Lake, served the congregation. From December 1, 1897. to April 1. 1900, L. H. Kettner, of Brookfield township, was the pastor. From then until August, 1903, Emil Schalinske was the resident pastor. His successor was Rudolph Bergfeldt. who served until August, 1906. L. H. Kettner then again served it with the aid of theological students of St. Paul. Minn., until July 1. 1909, when the present pastor, H. W.

Krull, then a student of theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, was called and has served it ever since. Some of the prominent members are: John H. Rice, Albert Witte, John Ehlers, Carl Beskje, Fred G. Maschke, Henry Lafiin, Fred Tesch, Diegrich and Henry W. Koehler, Fred Foesch, Fred Lindekugel. The congregation at present is thirty-seven voting members and about 180 communicant members.

Trinity Church of Brookfield. (By Rev. L. Kettner.) The German Lutheran Trinity church of Brookfield, Minn., is located in section 11, township of Brookfield. The first service was held in the farm house of William Mutchler by Rev. L. Kettner. The congregation was organized in the spring of 1895 by Rev. Emil Knorr. Following are the names of the charter members: Henry Elling, William Mutchler, Albert Hoefs, Henry Wehking, Carl Bretzke, Henry Brede, Albert Elling, Christian Rockeman, William Wehking, Henry Hoecke, Gustave Boettcher and Ferdinand Bahr. The church building was erected in 1900 and dedicated in September. 1900. The parsonage was erected in 1897. The present membership of this congregation consists of seventy-five families. The present pastor, has served the congregation since its organization.

Zion's Church of Buffalo Lake. (By Rev. R. A. Schmidt.) The German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church of Buffalo Lake was organized in the public school house of that village January 1, 1886, by Rev. Jacob Frey, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church in Moltke township, Sibley county. Minnesota. The charter members who signed the first constitution were Carl Steglich. John C. Riebe. William Gerber, Carl Haman, William Matzdorf, H. J. Blomendahl, William Rusch, William Lueck, Edward Wohlfarth. Ferdinand Knopke. Wilhelm Knopke, Herman Schmalz, Ulrich Buehler, Ida Gruen, Friedrich Hilsberg, Friedrich Schwarz, Paul Totz, William Goebel, Friedrich Hoefs, Friedrich Schoenemann, Conrad Blomendahl and Edward Thieling. Of these twenty-two charter members only two, namely, Friedrich Schwartz, who is an old veteran soldier eighty-seven years old, and Friedrich Hilsberg, are at present writing still members of the congregation. All the others have either died or moved away to other locations. The first meetings were held in the public school house. In 1891 a church building was erected on Main street and known as the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church. The following pastors took part in the dedication exercises: Rev. George Punier, of Brownton, Minn., and Rev. E. Hermann, of Round Grove, Minn. The church is a stately edifice and reflects great credit on those few members who built it. For a short time the congregation was served by Rev. Malchow and by Rev. J. W. Wuebben, of Round Grove. In the fall of 1892 E. Knorr, a candidate of theology from the Luther Seminary at St. Paul was called and duly installed as pastor of the congregation. Rev. E. Knorr was a very able and ambitious man and served the congregation with much zeal and self-sacrifice. Under his pastorate the membership grew steadily, the debts of the church were paid off a handsome parsonage built, a new pipe organ of the firm Vogelpohl & Spaith, of New Ulm, Minn., was installed, a cemetery purchased and other improvements were made. He died March 24, 1903, much mourned by his congregation.

April 1, 1903, the present incumbent, Rev. R. A. Schmidt, of Holloway, Swift county, .Minn., was called as pastor of the congregation, which has continued to prosper. Two small affiliated congregations, one at Martinsburg, the other at Grafton, discontinued the services in their respective places of worship and joined the main congregation in a body. A parish school house has been built and all the buildings of the congregation are in good condition. The congregation at present consists of ninety voting members, fifteen contributing members, 320 communicants and 496 souls. The value of the church property is about $10,000. The present officers of the congregation are J. C. Nagel, president; Peter Ulrich, secretary; Gottlieb Quast, Gustav Koebnick, Herman Mueller, elders: and John Quast, William Ulrich, Fred Henske, trustees. The congregation is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states.

St. John's Church of Fairfax. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church, of Fairfax, was organized in March, 1879, by Rev. C. F. Helpert with eleven members - John Albrecht, Paul Albrecht. Robert Wiehr, Gust Rinner, William Borth, Sr., Fr. Fehlhaber, George Guggisberg, Fr. Helpert, G. Hoepner, John Severin and Albert Wiehr, the first four being still resident members.

From 1891 to 1895 the local church was presided over by the pastors of the Ridgely Lutheran church. Rev. Synleius Fischer Mild Rev. John Fidel.

In 1893. under the pastorate of Rev. Fischer, the local church was built, being dedicated June 11. 1893, by Rev. C. J. Albrecht. of New Ulm.

Rev. H. Naumann. now of Wood Lake, and president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Minnesota, was pastor of the church from 1895 to 1900, and from 1896 to 1898 he had for an assistant at this place the Rev. Ernest Scherf. The church at that time had a membership of seventeen.

In 1900 the congregation extended a call to Rev. 1m. F. Albrecht. of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. The gentleman was formerly of New Ulm and was the son of Rev. Albrecht, pastor of the German Lutheran church of that city and one of the big men in the German Lutheran work.

When young Mr. Albrecht assumed charge of the work in Fairfax the affairs of the church were not in the most flourishing condition. He soon demonstrated his worth as a pastor and during the past few years he has received numerous calls to larger fields of endeavor but the local people refuse to part with him. Although primarily an orator in the German language Rev. Albrecht's English discourses are very instructive and entertaining. His geniality and sterling character have won for him a host of friends outside the confines of his own congregation. Rev. Albrecht was the first resident pastor of his church. He has demonstrated that he has capacity for business as the material affairs of his church have prospered splendidly under his management. A handsome new parsonage was erected in 1905. A tract of 40 acres of land for cemetery purposes has also been purchased during the past few years.

In 1900 Rev. Albrecht established a parochial school which he taught himself for a number of > ears, but for the past four years the school has been conducted by a special teacher. Prof. H. G. Meyer was the teacher last year. Fifty-two pupils were enrolled during the year. Otto Boerneke, of Hutchinson, has been selected as principal of the school for 1912-13.

The present officers of the church are: Paul Albrecht, president; Carl Laub, secretary; William Kiehn, treasurer; board of trustees and deacons. John Albrecht. Henry Clobes. Louis Dickmeyer. William Kiehm and William Sommer. Organist. Meta Dickmeyer.

The church has the following auxiliary organizations: Ladies' aid. with a membership of forty and the following officers: Mrs. Fred Leng. president; Mrs. Louis Wellner, vice-president; Mrs. H. Hindermann, secretary; Mrs. ('. W. Heimann, treasurer: Mrs. Albert Briese, collector, and Mrs. F. Wendoff, reader.

The early part of 1915 the German Lutheran congregation in charge of the Rev. Im. F. Albrecht let the contract for a large and beautiful edifice. The building is erected near the parsonage and the parochial school of that congregation, and is one of the architectural ornaments of the town.

St. John's Church of Osceola. (By Rev, H. W. Krull.) The German Evangelical Lutheran St. John's church, of Osceola township, was organized June 7, 1892, at the home of Frank Voight. living in that township. It was organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states. The first pastor was Rev. Carl Dreyer, who served the congregation from his home at Geneva, Minn. The charter members were Henry J. Jungclaus, Henry Kahle. Karl Lehrke, August Ehrenberg, Frank Voight, John Homann, Gustav Wegner, Fred Alisch and Wilhelm Ehrenberg. During the first seven years the congregation held its meetings in the public school houses. In 1897 the congregation joined the Evangelical Luther Joint Synod of Ohio and other states and during the summer of 1899 the first church, a modest little frame building, was erected, being dedicated in September of that year. Michael' Grirnm had presented the congregation with a two-acre tract of land upon which they erected the church and laid out the cemetery. During the summer of 1911 a fine large frame church building, equipped with modern fixtures, was built on the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 33, Osceola township. The cornerstone was laid April 30, and the church was dedicated August 20, 1911. The old church is now used for school purposes, affording ample room also for meetings and gatherings. From 1897 to 1902, during which time Rev. L. Kettner, of Brookfield township, this . county, served this congregation, it composed one parish with the congregation of Brookfield. January 4, 1902, the congregation united into one parish with the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation at Bird Island. From that date until the fall of 1905. Rev. Jacob Dachsteine, of Bird Island, served the congregation. Rev. Rudolph Bergfeldt, of Hector, served it for one year after that. All the Lutheran pastors of the neighborhood having left the congregation found itself again obliged to call Rev. L. Kettner. of Brookfield. With the aid of several theological students of St. Paul. Minn., he served it for nearly three years. January 28, 1909, H. W. Krull. a student of theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., was called. He served it as a student until after his graduation. On Palm Sunday, April 5, 1909, he delivered his first sermon, but was not installed as regular pastor until July 11, 1909, after his graduation. He has served it regularly ever since, making his home at Hector, there being no parsonage of this congregation. At present the congregation consists of forty families, among whom may be mentioned: H. J. Jungclaus, Henry Broderius, Albert E., Fred O. and Elzie A. Grimm, Alvin Enzenauer and Henry Sins. The first elders and deacons were Henry J. Jungclaus, John Homann, August Ehrenberg and August Wegner. The present elders are H. J. Jungclaus, Albert E. Grimm, Carl Schroeder and John Homann. The secretary is Frank Stamer.

Zion's Church of Morton. (By Louis Zinne.) The German Lutheran Zion's contribution of Morton was organized in 1S87 by Rev. Jakob Bauer, of Sanborn. Minn. The first services were held in the public school house about every second or third

Sunday of the month. Rev. Jakob Bauer coming thirty miles from Sanborn, where he had a congregation. He received slim per year from the Morton congregation. The first members were Louis Zinne, II. M. Noak, Carl Walters, August Vogel, Christ Blume, Henry Blume, William L. Lussenhof, William Schublen, Edward Homier. The first trustees were Louis Zinne, treasurer; H. M. Noak, secretary, and Carl Walters. In 1888 the congregation built a church 24 by 46, with a steeple about eighty feet in height, the building costing $1,400. The contract for the erection of the church was awarded J. P. Thery and was built on the out-lot of Bueroys addition of Morton. The church was dedicated June 28, 1888, the following pastors taking part in the services: Rev. Bauer, of Morton, Rev. Hilpert, of Fairfax, and Prof. Sanders of Dr. Martin Luther College, of New Ulm, Minn. Besides the above mentioned early members there were about five to seven families who attended church from time to time but were not members.

In 1893 Rev. J. Bauer resigned and Rev. G. Fisher, of Ft. Ridgely, Minn., was called as pastor. He made his home at Ft. Ridgely, where he had a congregation, and served Morton about every second or third Sunday of the month. In 1896 Rev. G. Fisher accepted a call to Germany and Rev. Henry Schemperlen, of Ft. Ridgely. was called to serve the Morton congregation, coming every second or third Sunday of the month. The membership had increased slightly during these years. At that time the trustees were Louis Zinne, treasurer, Carl Walters, secretary, August Vogel.

In 1898 Rev. H. Schemperlen resigned and a call was extended to Rev. Henry Koch, who was pastor in Redwood Falls, .Minn. He preached in Morton every second Sunday of the month and conducted school two days every week during the winter. In 1899 the church membership had increased to twenty-eight members and the congregation decided that they were strong enough to support a pastor of their own. The same year they decided to build a parsonage. The building committee consisted of John Orth, Carl Walters and Gotlieb Herman. Peter Gash was given the contract for the erection and completion of the parsonage and the house was built on the out-lots one and two in Orth's addition to Morton, ?<2 by 32 feet, with a stone basement and constructed of solid brick. The same year a barn 14 by 22 l eei was built, the total cost of the house and barn being $3,000. When the house was completed the congregation asked the pastor to come and live at Morton, which he did, and served Redwood Falls from Morton. In 1900 Rev. H. Koch received a call from Wisconsin and resigned from his pastorate at Morton and Redwood Falls. Rev. Paul Henderer, of Goodhue, Minn , was his successor and lived at Morton and served Redwood Falls every two weeks.

receiving a salary of .fL'iiu from Morton and $150 from Redwood Falls. In 1901 Rev. I'. Henderer accepted a call to go to Good Thunder, Minn. By this time the membership of the congregation had decreased considerably, owing to the great expense involved in building the parsonage. About fourteen members withdrew from the congregation. The trustees at that time were Louis Zinne, treasurer August Lothart, secretary and August Vogel.

For about eight months Rev. Im. F. Albrecht. of Fairfax, served the congregation every second Sunday. Then later in the same year, 1901, Morton and Redwood Falls congregations extended a call to Rev. John Paustian at Milwaukee, Wis. On account of the small membership of Morton congregation they were unable to raise enough salary to have the pastor live there and he made his home at Redwood Falls, serving Morton every two weeks, and the parsonage was rented out to private families. Rev. John Paustian conducted parochial school in Redwood Falls. In 1908 he accepted a call to Wisconsin and for about six months Rev. Im. Albrecht from Fairfax again served Morton. The same year Rev. Aldebert Schuller was called. He had just graduated from college ami was the son of Prof. Schuller. of Dr. Martin Luther's College at New Ulm, Minn. He made his home at Redwood Falls and conducted parochial school there. The trustees of 1910 were Louis Zinne. August Lothart, William Wetzel. The membership has since increased, there being now thirty-six families, and since the congregation has lately paid their last indebtedness on the property they are planning to have the pastor live at Morton again. The trustees at present are Louis Zinne, treasurer, Herman Lussenhop, secretary, and William Lothart. Amelia Walter is the organist and Carl Walter, janitor. Lust year the congregation installed a new organ at a cost of $280. Every year they have a mission festival and the collections received at that time, amounting to from $30 to $75, are given to the missions.

The congregation is a member of the Minnesota Synod. Last year the congregation celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary and the following pastors were present at the services: Rev. Henry Kock, of Appleton, Wis.; Rev. John Paustian, of West Salem, Wis.; Rev. Jakob Bauer, of Morgan, Minn.; Rev. Im. Albrecht and choir of Fairfax, Minn., and the present pastor. Rev. Adelbert Schuller. of Redwood Falls.

St. Imanuel's Church of Wellington. (By Rev. E. G. Fritz.) The Evangelical Lutheran St. Imanuel's church of Wellington township, Renville County. Minnesota, is located in the center of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 23. The first service of this denomination was held February 6. 1879, at the house of Edward Kiecker. Rudolph Paschke,

Julius Kiecker and Michael Karan were elected as elders and Albert L. Kiecker, Otto Kiecker, Wilhelm Freyholtz as trustees. The first church and parsonage, the latter upstairs and the former downstairs, was built in 1880 on section 24, southwest quarter. In 1889 the second church was built on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 23. It was 58 by 30 by 16 feet, with a steeple seventy-five feet in height and was dedicated October 6, 1889. In 1914 an addition was built at the rear of the church, 16 by 18 by 12 feet. The second parsonage was erected in 1892. The old church building was turned into a school house, where a ten months' term of parochial school was conducted by the minister of the church. In 1908, however, a teacher, John Raedecke, was called, who served the congregation for two years. During the next two years Rev. Jul. Engel taught the school. In 1912 and 1913, A. Spaude and John Laub, students, assisted the pastor with this work. In 1914 Gust. Wachter, a teacher, was called and the school work has been in his charge ever since. The first pastors were Rev. Heinrich Albrecht and Rev. Vollmar, who both lived in New Auburn. Rev. J. Grabarkewitz was the first pastor who lived in the township and he was succeeded by Rev. C. K. Hilpert. Rev. Jul. Engel. and Rev. E. G. Fritz, who has been there since August, 1912. The present elders are Herman Schmechel and Reihnard Kiecker and August Wendt, Robert Freyholtz and Chas. W. Dallman are the present trustees. The school board is composed of Fred Kiecker, Anton Kiecker and Julius Dettman. Gust. Freyholtz is the secretary of the church and Robert Kiecker, Sr., treasurer. The sexton is E. A. Fritz, who has served for some time.

Some of the early baptisms on record are those of Albert Ernst August Berth. born July 4, 1880, baptized August 1, 1880; Clara Bertha Augusta Voecks, born December 6, 1880; Hugo Herman Adolf Kiecker, born February 10, 1881, and Emil Adolf Fritz, born August 10, 1881.

The first burial was that of Bernhard Buboltz, the infant son of Carl and Paulina (Rehbein) Buboltz. born August 1, 1881, and died January 18. 1882. Other early burials were: Gottfried Borth, born July 2, 1806, died November 26, 1884; August Kiecker, born April 1, 1821. died March 28, 1885; and John Daniel Schmechel. born August 25, 1808, died July 3d. 1885.

Some of the first marriages were: Carl Buboltz to Paulina Rehbein, December in, 1880; Gustav Lehmann to Paulina Witt. January 20, 1881; and Julius Dettmann to Wilhelmina Hillmann, March 31, 1881.

St. John's Church of Renville. (By Rev. Rud. P. Korn.) The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's church, of Renville, Minn., was organized on the 13th day of June in the year 1886. The German Lutherans of Renville and vicinity who constituted the congregation at that time were the Messrs. C F. Diekow. August Penke, Claus Postal, August Hanemann, L. Hanemann, Gust. Dusterhoft, William Goetz, Fred Leistikow, Gust. Herrman and Albert Bratsch.

In the first years the Rev. G. Fisher, of Emmett, conducted services, the services being held in the old public school house, now serving as city hall. Two years later, however, the Renville congregation decided to become independent of the Emmet congregation, and together with the Winfield congregation extended a call to the Rev. P. Burkholz, of Stillwater, Minn. Rev. Burkholz accepted this call and entered upon his duties here in the spring of the year 1889. At this time plans were made for erecting a church and shortly after the arrival of the Rev. Burkholz the cornerstone for the church was laid. In the fall of the same year the building was ready for dedication. October 20, 1889, the church was dedicated. In the same year a parsonage and barn also were built.

After five years of active work in Renville, the Rev. Burkholz was granted his dismissal, he having received a call to another congregation near Milwaukee, Wis. The Rev. Henry Albrecht, the nephew of the Rev. G. Albrecht. present pastor of the Emmet congregation, was then called. During his time here the parsonage was remodeled and enlarged to its present dimensions. In 1899 Rev. Albrecht accepted a call to Litchfield, Minn.

The Rev. W. Ullrich was the next pastor. He came here in the spring of 1899, but stayed only a few years. In the year 1902 he left with his family for Germany to take charge of a congregation there.

The Rev. M. Schuetze was then called and took up his ministerial work here in the spring of 1903. In the following year the church building was moved from the corner to its present location. A large basement was dug south of its old location and the building moved on the same. This basement is used for school and assembly room. Besides the basement added to the church, a niche for the new altar was added to the rear of the church, a balcony built along the west end of the church, and a bell placed in the belfry. A new entrance was also built. All these improvements taken together made this edifice the spacious and neat appearing church as any in Renville.

The Rev. M. Schuetze was pastor of the Renville congregation almost ten years. Near the close of 1912 Rev. Schuetze received a call from the congregation at Ellsworth. Minn. After having extended a number of calls unsuccessfully, the congre- gation secured the services of the Rev. Rud. P. Korn, of Rising City. Nebr., who took charge of the congregation in April, 1913. With his coming here English preaching has been introduced and conducted with success. English services are being conducted about once a month at present. With the installation of electric lights in Renville, the church and parsonage also were wired. This spring the buildings received a fresh coat of paint. The congregation today has a membership of 65 voting members and 250 communicants. Those who were active in organizing the German Lutheran congregation twenty-nine years ago and are still active members of this congregation are the Messrs. C. P. Diekow, Gust. Dusterhoft, William Goetz, Fred Leistikow, and Gust. Herrman. The officers of the congregation are: Ernst Hoffmann, president; Julius Klatt, secretary; William Goetz, Sr., treasurer. Other members of the church board are August Wilcken, C. Zabel, Gust. Stern, Paul Dusterhoft, Edward Goetz, J. Schemmel and Albert Tolzmann. Rud. P. Korn is the present pastor.

Finnish Lutheran

The Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church. The first services of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran church were held at the home of Mathias M. Johnson, Camp township, in the year 1875 by Jacob Wuollet, of Cokato, Minn. He was accompanied by Isaac Barberg and John P. Marttala. also from the same village. Those who took part in the early services were Mathias Johnson, Sr., Michael Heikka, Mrs. Marjaleena Anderson, Mrs. John Wuoppola, all of whom are deceased. Others who took part in these early services were Ole Johnson and wife. of Fort Ridgely; Mathias N. Johnson and wife, of Franklin, Minn., and the Lahti and Bogema families. The church was organized in about 1880, with the following as charter members: Mathias Johnson, Sr., Michael Heikka, Nels Folk, Nels Helppie, Benjamin Wohn, Andrew Anderson, John P. Marttala, all of whom are deceased. Among those still living are Sakarias Erickson, Oscar Isaacson, Isaac Sakari, Ole Johnson, J. A. Bogema. Mathias Mikkelson, Peter Stonelake and Herman Johnson. The church building was erected in 1885 in the township of Camp. In 1905 a small addition was built. The following have served as elders: Sakaris Erickson, 1878-1889; John P. Martala, 1890-1909; Isaac W. Rovainen, 1910-1915; Oscar Isaacson, for many years assistant elder, 1915. Among the first marriages in this congregation were: Michael Heikka to Mary Johnson, Mathias Johnson to Albertina Friska, J. Abraham Bogema to Rikka Kyro, of Cokato. Early records show the following births: Hilda J. Lahti, 1867; Margaret Anderson, 1870; Emma J. Johnson, 1870, and Henry Heikka, 1S72. Among the early deaths are recorded those of Andrew Anderson, 1868; Matti A. Maunn, 1870; Eva M. Bogema. 1882; Rigina Johnson, 1877, and Gustav Friska, 1873.

Swedish Christian Mission

The Winfield Church of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America. (By C. H. Uahlgren.) This church is located on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 9, township of Winfield. The first services of this congregation were held in 1886 at the school house in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 10, by Rev. C. S. Skoog. The congregation was organized in 1888 and among some of the first members may be mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. John Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Turnquist, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Snoren, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nyquist, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Dahlgren, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hedberg, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Kingstrom, and Andrew Erickson. The church was built in 1895 and a parsonage was erected in 1897. Other prominent members of the past are: Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Erickson, Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Berg, Mr. and Mrs. Gust. Ahlstrand, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Bonander, Mr. and Mrs. John Bonander, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Olive, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lindquist, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tanquist, Mrs. August Sjoberg, Mrs. C. O. Peterson, Anna Nyquist, Selma Kingstrom and Anna Kingstrom. Among the present members may be mentioned the following: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Turnquist. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kingstrom, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nyquist, Mr. and Mrs. John Snicker, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Kingstrom, Mrs. Alfred Erickson, Mrs. Emma O. Dahlgren, Ellen Kingstrom, Albert Kingstrom and C. H. Dahlgren.

During the later years the congregation has decreased in membership, many moving away to other places, and it has found itself unable to support a local pastor. Since 1908 the parsonage has not been in use by a pastor and last year was sold and moved away. The pastor at Palmyra serves the congregation once a month.

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Svedlanda Church of Palmyra. (By Rev. A. Bengtson.) The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Svedlanda Church of Palmyra is a member of the Evangelical Augustana Synod of North America. The first services of this local church were held on June 24, 1873, at one of the pioneer homes of Palmyra. These services were conducted by the lay-preacher, Malkan Egbom, who still resides at Dawson, Minnesota. The

Svedlanda church was organized in the year 1874 with the following charter members: Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hokanson, Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Bergman, Mr. and Mrs. Ola Knutson, Mr. and Mrs. Gustaf Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Johan Berndt Anderson. Peter Anderson, Anna Lena Anderson, Mr. and .Mrs. Andreas Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Herder Larson, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Borje Johanson. Andreas Jonson. Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Anderson, Andrew W. Anderson. Andrew- Anderson, A. P. Anderson. Johanna Lena Anderson.

Due the circumstances that the documents of incorporation were lost when a cyclone destroyed the home of the secretary of the organization it was deemed wise to hold a meeting for the purpose of re-issuing these so important papers. This was done at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Johnson, December 4, 1878, the Reverend Svante Anderson presiding, T. Johnson serving as secretary. The following board of trustees were elected : John B. Anderson, John B. Johnson, August Johnson.

In 1889 the first church building was erected which, with a number of marked improvements, still serves the congregation as their place of worship. Until 1905 this church together with the Swedish Lutheran church at Hector formed a joint parish, the pastor, the Reverend J. G. Kallberg, residing at Hector. In 1905 this union was severed and the Svedlanda church proceeded to call its own pastor and to erect, directly opposite the church, a parsonage. The Reverend A. Bengtson, the present pastor, moved into the new parsonage in the fall of 1905.

During the first fourteen years after the organization of the church there was no permanent pastor, visiting pastors and theological students filling the pulpit for short periods. Of these the Reverends A. Jackson and R. S. Nystrom served the church the longest. The permanent pastors of the Svedlanda church are: The Reverends Svante Anderson, now retired, L. P. Bergstrom, now of Winnipeg, Canada, J. G. Kallberg, Hector, and A. Bengtson, the present pastor.

The Fridsborg's Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church of the town of Crooks is located on the northeast quarter of section 4. The congregation was organized September 27, 1893, and the first service was held in schoolhouse No. 52 by Rev. J. Randahl. Rev. N. Porsander was also one of the early pastors who served this church. Among the early members may be mentioned Gustaf Carlson, Chas. Carlson, and Elias Janson. A church building was erected in 1897 and the church was incorporated January 18, 1S98. the trustees at that time being Otto F. Carlson, John Swenson and L. P. Johnson. The incorporators were A. F. Nelson and Gust. Anderson. Some of the present members are August Falk, August Johnson and Olaf Bryngetson. The present pastor is Rev. <'.!». Bergquist. ( By Rev. C. O. Bergquist.)

The Swedish Lutheran church of Olivia. The First Swedish Lutheran church was organized July 15, 1890, and incorporated under its present name March 4, 1891, at the schoolhouse of Olivia, by the following persons: J. O. Lundberg and N. P. Peterson, chairman and clerk, respectively. The first board of trustees were: Andrew u. Thurston, C. B. Carlson, and N. P. Peterson. Among the charter members may be mentioned: John C. Barker, John Miller, Sr., Charles Johnson, Andrew Thurston and Peter Olson. The first officers were Deacons John Miller, Sr., John Barker, and Peter Olson. The services were held in the schoolhouse until October, 1915, when the new church building recently completed was taken into use. It has a full basement, modern heating plant, light and water, and is finished with stucco finish outside and ornamental steel finish inside. A modern parsonage costing $3,000 was erected in 1902. The present deacons are: R. P. Peterson. Erick Johnson, Erick Erickson. The trustees are Nels Swanson. Olof Bohman and A. N. Nelson. The present pastor is Rev. C. O. Bergquist.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Hector was organized in 1890. A church was erected in 1892 and the parsonage was built in 1901. The present pastor is Rev. J. G. Kallberg.