Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Chapter 18: Norwegian Lutheran Churches, 1917

The people of Norwegian blood in Trempealeau County constitute about seven-tenths of its population, the German and Polish people constituting about one-fifth, and a scattering of nationalities the other tenth.

These Norwegians are the descendants of that fearless race, the Vikings, who peopled the coast of Norway, and swept the oceans with their swift craft, venturing to Iceland, then to Greenland, and then, it is beUeved, even to the Atlantic coast of North America as far south as Long Island. It is stated that Bjarni Herjulfson, while driven about in a storm, sighted the coast of Labrador in 986. Eric, the Red, was one of the pioneers of Iceland and Greenland, and his son, Leif Ericson, or Leif the Lucky, as he was called, was early filled with the spirit of adventure. In the year 1000, this Leif with a company of 35 men set out for Greenland and started down the North American coast, landing on the Island of Newfoundland and on the peninsula of Nova Scotia. Continuing their voyage, they reached the vicinity of what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island, in the fall of the year. The wild grapes were hanging heavy on the vines, and Tyrker, a German, who accompanied the expedition, called the place Vineland. Norwegian historians have declared that Leif landed and settled near what is now Fall River, Mass. Even to the present day there exists in New England a stone believed to have been the work of these Norsemen.

In 1003, Leif's brother, Thorwald, was killed by the savages while leading another expedition in about the same locality. In 1007 came a larger expedition, headed by Thorfinn Karlesfin, who had married Gudrid, a widow of Thorstein, a brother of Leif. This expedition consisted of 600 men and possibly some women. They landed near what is now Buzzards Bay. Three years later this settlement was abandoned and the party sailed back to Greenland with hides and timber.

Other expeditions followed (see P. DeRoo, History of America Before Columbus - Philadelphia and London. 1900^Vol. 88, pp. 174-282). A stone has recently been unearthed at Kensington, Minn., bearing what purports to be Runic characters, which if genuine, apparently furnishes evidence that eight Swedes and 22 Norwegians penetrated Wisconsin and Minnesota in 1362.

In 1619, a Norseman, Jens Munk, visited America at the head of a Danish expedition, the intention of which was to take possession of a part of the country in the name of the King of Denmark. He returned to Norway in 1620, the only survivor of the attempt.

York was then called. It is also believed that there were some 20 other Norwegian settlers in that early colony. Claus Vam Sande. the Indian interpreter of the New Amsterdam colony, was a Norwegian.

July 4, 1825, a party of Norwegian Quakers left Stavanger, Noi'way, and in due time reached New York. What subsequently became of the party has never been positively established.

In 1839 a large colony came to Wisconsin. The first Norwegians came to Trempealeau County in 1854, with a colony that settled over the line in Jackson County. There is considerable difference among Scandinavian writers and investigators as to the first Scandinavian in Trempealeau County. Possibly Gullick Olson, a member of a colony which located over the line in Jackson County, settled in this county in 1854. Possibly Sever Johnson settled here that year. Both were in the vicinity of what is now Blair. In 1855 a considerable colony settled in the same vicinity.

Rev. H. A. Stub organized the Trempealeau Valley Congregation, over the line in Jackson County, in 1857, and this was the parent church of many of the churches of the county. Later he organized churches in Beaver Creek Valley.

The history of all the congregations in Trempealeau County, past and present, has been gathered by 0. M. Norlie, and is embodied in a work called "Norsk Lutherske Menigheder I Amerika, 1843-1915," which is being published this year by the Augsburg Publishing House of St. Paul. Dr. Norlie's material is here reprinted.

Trinity Congregation. Galesville. Norwegian Synod, 1894. Organized 1894. 31 souls in 1894 (four Germans, two Americans), 224 in 1914 (two Germans, one American). Pastors: L. M. Gimmestad, 1894. Officials in 1894: a, Ole Hemma; b, Benjamin Dale; c, Ole Hemma; e, Benjamin Dale, P. Sauers, A. J. Scarseth; f, Ole Hemma. In 1915: b, Einar Olson;

Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Pigeon Falls. Conference, 1878-87. Organized 1878. Dissolved 1887 in order to organize a new congregation with Our Saviour's Congregation of the Antimissourians. Seventy-five souls in 1878, 240 in 1887. Pastors: C. J. Helsem, 1878-92. Officials in 1878 : b, Hans Karlstad ; c. Nils Nilsen ; d, Peder Ekern, Andreas Olsen ; e, Nils Nilsen, Ole Tuff, Soren Thompson ; f , Ole Tuff (3410- 670).

Our Saviour's Congregation. Pigeon Falls. Antimissouri, 1885-87. Organized 1885. Dissolved 1887 to form a new congregation with Pigeon Falls Church of the Conference. (Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation.) Pastors: P. Stromme, 1885-87; A. E. Hauge, 1885-87; H. C. Wik, 1885-87 (3408-671).

Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. (Merger of Our Saviour's, 1885-87, and Pigeon Falls, 1878-87.) Pigeon Falls. Independent (Kf ) , 1887-89. Organized 1887. Divided 1889 on account of the Conference people wishing a Conference pastor and the Antimissourians wishing an Antimissouri pastor. 257 souls in 1887, 257 in 1888. Pastor: C. J. Helsem, 1872-92. Officials in 1888: b,O.Goplem. Church (3409-672).

Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. (From 1878 to 1887 a part of Pigeon Falls ; from 1887 till 1889 a part of Pigeon Falls.) Pigeon Falls. Conference, 1889-90; United Church, 1890-91. Organized 1889. Dissolved 1891 in order to organize a new congregation together with Our Saviour's of the United Church. 116 souls in 1890, 220 in 1891. Pastor: C. J. Helsem, 1878-92 (3412-674).

Whitehall Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Whitehall (one mile). Norwegian Synod, 1870-87. Organized June 14, 1870. Divided in 1887 on doctrinal grounds (Our Saviour's Norwegian Lutheran - Fk; Whitehall Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran - Ns). 20 souls in 1870 (two Swedes), 260 in 1886. Pastors: N. E. S. Jensen, 1870-71; L. 0. Sherven, 1871-76; S. Svennungsen, 1871; Em. Christophersen, 1876. (See below) (3404-676).

Elk Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Hale. Norwegian Synod, 1870. Organized 1870. Divided 1911 on account of the Pleasantville people desiring a congregation of their own. (Pleasantville Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.) 170 souls in 1876, 299 in 1910. Pastors: E. P. Jensen, 1871-73; Em. Christophersen, 1873-80;

Strum Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1872 to 1887 a part of West Beef River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.) Strum. Independent (Ns), 1887-1900; Norwegian Synod, 1900. Organized 1887 (1872). Divided 1887. 329 souls in 1889, 369 in

Strum Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1872 to 1887 a part of West Beef River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran.) Strum. Antimissouri, 1887-90. Organized 1887. Dissolved 1890 to merge with Conference Congregation (St. Paul's). 50 souls in 1887. Pastor: A. Ronnerberg, 1887-90 (3403-688).

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod Congregation of Blair. (From 1857 to 1879 a part of Trempealeau Valley ; from 1879 to 1889 a part of The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Blair. Blair. Norwegian Synod, 1889 (1857). Organized 1889 (Nov. 3, 1879, 1857). 133

Blair Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1857 to 1879 a part of Trempealeau Valley ; from 1879 to 1889 a part of The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran in Blair.) Blair. Antimissouri, 1889-90. Organized 1889. Dissolved 1890 in order to organize a new congregation together with Blair of the Conference (Blair - Fk). Pastor: 0. Waldeland, 1890 (3389-694).

The history of several of these churches is given in greater detail in the following articles. In the preparation of this work letters have been sent to all the pastors of the county, asking for material, but only a part have responded. The histories which follow are, however, to a large extent typical of the growth and progress of all the Norwegian churches.

The French Creek Congregation. One of the oldest Lutheran congregations in Trempealeau County is the French Creek Congregation, located in the fertile French Creek Valley in the Towti of Ettrick and comprising also Abrahams Coulee in the Town of Gale. Pioneers from the eastern part of Norway moved in as early as 1859. Three years later there were at least ten families. These early settlers had to travel by ox-team or on foot to Trempealeau Valley when they desired to attend religious worship. Seven of these early settlers organized the French Creek Congregation in March, 1862. These seven were: Ole Gloppestuen Gilbertson, Johannes Hodgen (still living), his brother Andreas Anderson Hodgen, Johannes Nilson Odegoord, Johannes Christensen Engehen, Peder Anderson, Peder Olson. The congregation was organized by the Rev. Dr. Lauritz Larson, then residing pastor and president of Luther College, started in Half Way Creek, La Crosse County, and moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 186-3. As people moved in family after family joined the church. Its growth was rapid. At present the congi'egation comprises 140 families of 339 communicant members.

At first the preaching was conducted in the simple log huts of the settlers, later in a spacious schoolhouse built near the I. P. Enghagen home. This schoolhouse served as the meeting house of the congregation for sixteen years. A tract of land was bought for cemetery in 1869. A church building 60 by 34 feet, with a seating capacity of 400, was erected in 1878, which cost when completed $4,000. So rapid was the growth of the settlement and congi-egation that it was decided to rebuild in 1903. The present building was completed two years later at a cost of $8,000, not counting the gratuitous work done by members. It was dedicated May 28, 1905, by Prof. Dr. J. Ylvisaker of Luther Seminary, St. Paul. The congregation has four Ladies' Aid Societies, three Missionary Aid Societies and a Young Peoples' Society divided into three districts. The money raised is used for various purposes, a part is given to local church an,d not a little to charity.

Tamarack Congregation. Another old settlement is the Tamarack settlement, comprising Norwaj- Coulee, Little Tamarack and Thompson Coulee in the Town of Arcadia, and Holcomb Coulee in the Town of Gale. The pioneers here came mostly from Telemarken. Norway. The earliest settler was Ole Guttormson. He moved in from Vernon County in 1862. Within a year the settlement had ten families. The first church service was held in 1862 in the home of John Hendrickson. The Rev. J. B. Frich from La Crosse County preached the sermon and organized the congrega- tion, The Tamarack Valley Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The congregation grew fast. The 10 families of 1863 was increased to 48 in 1869 and to 61 in 1877.

The settlers met with reverses, however. Poor crops and the ravages of the chinch bugs disheartened many. The growth of the settlement was not only checked, but original settlers sold out and left for points north in this state and Minnesota. Of the 61 families of 1877 probably 50 percent moved away. In Holcomb Coulee only a handful remained. The heavy emigration had its depressing effect also on church work. The congregation which promised to outnumber its sister congregation in French Creek gradually fell behind. Today the congregation numbers 56 families with 108 communicant members. But what is lost in numbers is compensated for in quality. A vigorous and intelligent church activity has obtained. In 1864 a cemetery was bought. In 1877 a site for a church was purchased. A building was erected and so far completed that it could be used in May, 1878. Though ample in size this building has about outgrown its usefulness. Steps have been taken to replace the old building with a new. The young people have taken the initial step. The Ladies' Aid and individuals have been boosting the project so that the congregation has a promise of $5,000 for a new church. A Missionary Aid Society contributes annuallj' liberal donations for charity. The earliest settlers in Tamarack were : Ole Guttormsen, Tollef Egilsen, Sigurd Bjorguvsen, Bjorguv Bjorguvsen, John Gunderson, Knut Leinfson, Egil Mikkelserf, Trond Osovson, John Hanson, John Henricksen, Henrik Oleson, Hans C. Olesen.

Hardie's Creek Congregation. Still another communitj' of Norwegian- Americans that has shown a vigorous and praiseworthy church activity is the Hardie's Creek settlement, located mainly in the Town of Gale. Early Settlers moved in prior to 1862, mainly from Biri, Norway. They were a Godfearing people. The nearest congregation was in Lewis Valley. There was a Black River to cross. In the winter the going was good. But when spring and summer came it was different. The river was too deep to ford, too swift of current to swim and no boats to row. But there was plenty of material for raft building. Two logs tied together was all that was needed to bring a man and his family across, and all who could footed it the rest of the way. Small children were carried the whole way. Finally the minister at Halfway was urged to come to this constantly growing settlement, and he came. His transportation means- were the same as those used by the apostles of old. His means of navigation were still more primitive, the log raft. The Rev. J. B. Frich organized the Hardie's Creek Congregation in December, 1862. The following twelve families constitute the charter members: Christian Hoff. Gulbrand Ekei'n, Andreas Ekern, Amund Bjornstad, Peter Bjornstad, Martinus Scorseth, Ole Semb, J^ars Grythe, his two sons Martinus and Ole, Amund Krisselstuen, Mikkel Spedalen. Church services were held in the homes, also in the Glasgow schoolhouse. In 1876 a building was erected, 40 by 24 feet, on land donated by Otto Rindahl. This building was in time added to and beautified. In time demands grew for a larger and better equipped church. Finally in 1915 the old church was taken down and in its place was built a handsome structure that cos; com- pleted $10,000, not reckoning the gratuitous work done by members. This church has a seating capacity of 300. The cornerstone to the new church was laid Oct. 3, 1915, and the church dedicated the same day by Rt. Rev. J. Nordby of La Crosse. The church will, as long as it stands, remain a fitting monument to the Christian faith and love of its builders. This community has not appreciably suffered from emigration. The second and third generations who constitute the present membership of the Hardie's Creek Congregation have succeeded in building themselves homes within its boundaries, a circumstance that has contributed to the welfare of themselves no less than to that of the parent congregation. The Ladies' Aid and the Young Peoples' Society has been very active and contributed generously towards the strengthening of church work.

Fagernes Congregation. The Fagernes congregation was at one time called Plumb Creek. Another early designation of this settlement was "Storskogen," Big Timber. The reason for this name is obvious. There was little or no timber on the surrounding hills, the virgin growth having been annually burned off by the Indians. For some reason parts of the town of Preston was spared from these destructive fires. When white men finally settled sections to the south of this wooded land they would refer to it as the Big Timber, where fuel and material for building the simple log huts were plentiful. These conditions do not obtain now, there being plenty of timber throughout the county north and south. The first settlers came to the Fagernes community between the years 1865-1871. It is believed that no church service has been held within this settlement prior to 1866. People were hungry for the Word of God in those days. The nearest meeting place was in Trempealeau Valley many miles away, a little too far to travel forth and back in one day by ox-team or on foot. Torsten Nerhagen was appointed to visit the residing pastor in Trempealeau Valley and make, if possible, a more satisfactory arrangement. The outcome was that Rev. 0. Waldeland agreed to come. The first service was held at the home of Even Hanson Sveum in 1866. Finally a congregation was organized after a church service held in the home of Lars Stokke in the fall of 1867. The growth of the settlement must have been quite rapid. In 1866 the whole settlement could come to its first meeting in a little log hut. The whole assembly consisted of Levor Olson, Hans Sedal, George Reisel, Ole Fagernes, Andreas Larsen and Lars Stokke and their families. When the congregation was organized a year later this little band was increased to eighteen and in 1874 to thirty-nine. Prior to 1874 the congi-egation had no church building, but owned a cemetery lot, donated by Ole and Christian Fagernes and Torsten Nerhagen. Shortly after that a small church was built at a cost of $540. This building was taken down and replaced by a new one in 1892 at a cost of $2,700. This building was struck by lightning Aug. 26. 1901, and burned to the ground within one hour. The 4th of September of the same year it was decided to rebuild. So fast did the work progress that the building could be used during the winter. It gave slight protection against the cold, it is true. One was strongly reminded of what is told about the non-heated churches of Siberia: The temperature outside is measured by the number of coats worn by the preacher in the pulpit. The janitor did his best to heat the Fagernes church during the winter of 1901-02, but the heat escaped too freely by way of nuhierous knot-holes and cracks in the board wall. The building was completed before May 17 the following year. On this day it was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. H. Halverson of Westby, Wis. Its length is 60 feet, width 30 feet. Its total cost $4,000, besides gratuitous work. The congregation now consists of fifty families of 166 communicant members. Its members live in the Towns of Preston and Arcadia.

South Branch Beaver Creek Congregation. This congregation consists of two distinct settlements separated by a narrow German settlement. The lower district comprises about 26 families, who originally came from Biri, Faaberg or Ringsaker, Norway. The upper district lies in Jackson County and comprises about 40 families, the first settlers coming fi'om Solor, Norway, and some from Sweden. Prior to 1867 these communities were united with the congregation of North Branch congregation organized in 1859. This was a great disadvantage. Their pastor. Rev. Waldeland, residing at Trempealeau Valley, was in time induced to hold services also in South Branch. In 1867 a separate congregation was organized in this valley. Its official name became South Branch Beaver Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The families belonging to this congregation from the beginning and residing in Trempealeau County, Town of Ettrick, were: Ole Christensen, Gulbrand Nilson, Even Swenson, Mathias Swenson, Peder Larson, Christian Syljeberget, Lars Osley, Peder Bratstiengen, Ole Brendhangen and Sven Bergum. Some of the oldest settlers in the upper district in towns of North Bend and Melrose were: Hans Hanson, Nils Johnson, Ole Olson, Bernt Olson, Ole Karlstad, P. Smedsturn, Erik Paulson, Ole Lindberg, Peder and Lars Amundsen. Not until 1885 was a church built on a site that commands a full view down the valley. Its cost was $2,000, fully equipped. The congregation has 66 families, 233 communicant members.

This brief sketch of the religious activity within the five congregations constituting the so-called French Creek charge would be incomplete without appending an account of the establishing of this charge and adding a few words about its beneficiaries.

The early immigrants from Norway came to the United States with good traditions. Honor, frugality and enlightenment were some of their characteristics. They were a religious people, whose spiritual sentiments are expressed in these lines so often sung:

Shall be our chief endeavor ; Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay; Lord grant, while worlds endure, We keep its teachings pure.

So soon as a settlement was formed a congregation was organized and a pastor was called. The pioneer pastors were a highly educated class of men, being largely graduates from the University of Christiania before entering upon their theological studies. They were eminently qualified to bring true culture and high ideals into the communities in which they labored. They were men with a will to work and a readiness to share the privations of pioneer hfe. The field was extensive. Each pastor had charge of twenty and more settlements throughout many counties. It meant incessant travel over primitive roads by oxen, horses and very often on foot. As the number of pastors increased and the congregations were able to support a minister the field was divided. There are circuits now served by fifteen to twenty pastors - circuits that for years were served by one.

Thus it was in Trempealeau County. Up to 1866 there was no residing pastor in the county. Rev. H. A. Stub organized the first Lutheran congregation, serving the people of this county in 1857. This was the Trempealeau Valley Congregation, over the line in Jackson County. He resided in Vernon County. He had eighty-five miles to travel. Another congregation was organized by him within the county, namely, North Branch Beaver Creek, in 1859. He is said to have preached in the newly started French Creek settlement before 1861. Rev. Stub had a number of congregations in La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford, Monroe and other counties. In 1861 this vast field was divided. A pastor, Lauritz Larson, was stationed in Halfway, La Crosse County. He had charge of all congregations north of La Crosse. When Prof. Dr. Larson moved to Iowa in 1862 Rev. J. B. Frich took charge of the field. Finally a pastor was stationed in Trempealeau County. Rev. Ole Waldeland came to Trempealeau Valley in 1866. He took charge of all congregations north of the Black River except Hardie's Creek, which was served by Rev. Frich until 1869. In the month of July of this year a new division was made. French Creek, Tamarack, Fagernes, South Branch of Beaver Creek and Hardie's Creek were united to form the so-called French Creek charge, and Rev. S. Svennungsen was called. He came to French Creek in September, 1869. The following spring 40 acres of land was bought for a parsonage. In 1874 Rev. Svennungsen was called to Winona, Minn. The next pastor was Rev. L. Sherven. He entered upon his work July 12 and remained until in the fall of 1880, when he accepted a call fi'om South Dakota. In 1875 a new house was built for the minister. Rev. G. A. Lunde succeeded Shevren. He came in October, 1880, and remained until 1890, when he was called to Nebraska. A call was now extended to Rev. O. A. Myhre, who came May 1 of this year. During his incumbency the old manse was sold and a more modern building erected. In the spring of 1900 Rev. Myhre got leave of absence and went to Norway. In his absence Rev. G. I. Breivik had temporary charge of the work. In the fall Rev. Myhre resigned and when Breivik left in December the charge was vacant until March the following year. Rev. C. B. Bestul was called and entered upon his work March 10, 1901. He is still the resident pastor.

necessity. Neglect of the child spells the gradual disintegration of the church. The Master knew whereof He spoke when He delivered this mandate: "Feed My lambs," and again: "Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." In compliance with this demand the Lutheran church endeavors to supply the religious training of her children through trained teachers besides the pastor. Inestimable good has been accomplished by supplementing the secular training received in the common school with the systematic, intelligent religious training of the parochial school. A number of capable men and women have taught in the church schools of the various congregations of the French Creek charge. Ole J. Engru taught in French Creek and Tamarack 1869 to 1891 with the exception of three or four years ; H. G. Saebo, 1891 to 1897 ; A. Oksnee, 1887 to the present time. In Fagernes 0. T. Arneson taught for many years. In Hardie's Creek the first teachers were Ole Skundberg, Lars Orevig, J. E. Hovelsrud. In South Branch the first teachers were Christian Syljeberget and Mr. Ringstad. In Hardie's Creek and South Branch both the following teachers have taught: J. 0. Saeter, J. M. Systad, A. Modal, M. Rund, John Ellertsen, Ida Myrstuen, Hilda Anderson, Helen Olson. These names deserve a place in history. They are the names of men and women who have striven and succeeded to make successive generations good citizens of both church and state.

Whitehall Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized June 14, 1870. Services were held in the homes of the different members and in the schoolhouse at Whitehall until the Baptist church was bought in old Whitehall in 1874. In 1892 a new church edifice was built in Whitehall on a lot adjoining the court house. Oct. 22, 1893, the church was dedicated by H. A. Preus, president of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America. The following ministers assisted : B. Hovde, I. Waage, T. L. Brevig, Th. Nilson, H. Rosenquist, F. A. Moller, A. Heyer and the local pastor, Em. Christophersen.

The charter members of the congregation were Hans Bringrosen, Lars Skjonsby, Peder Kristianson and Kristian Pederson. The records of the congregation do not show who preached the first sermon nor when the congregation was organized, but very likely it was Rev. E. Jenson from Trempealeau Valley who helped organize the congregation, and the congregation was undoubtedly organized in the home of one of the charter members. From 1871 to 1902 the congregation has been affiliated with the Pigeon Falls charge. Rev. L. O. Sherven serving from 1871 to 1876, Rev. Em. Christophersen 1876 to 1902. In 1902 it organized a separate charge and called Rev. 0. K. Ramberg as resident minister. A modern and beautiful building was erected on Dewey street to serve as parsonage. In 1912 Rev. O. K. Ramberg accepted a call to West Prairie, Wis. Since then the congregation has been served temporarily by Rev. E. B. Christophersen. In 1913 a basement with heating plant costing about $2,000 was installed in the church. The first baptism performed in the congregation was June 14, 1870, when Nels, a son of Lars and Ingeborg Skjonsby, and Martin, a son of Peder and Maren Kristianson, were baptized.

The first wedding recorded was the one of Ole Jacobson and Helene Olson, May 19, 1871. The first funeral recorded was May 3, 1874. for one Olive Olsdatter, aged 30.

The Pigeon Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Pigeon Falls was organized Aug. 18, 1866, by Rev. 0. Waldeland of Trempealeau Valley. He had been requested by the few early Norwegian Lutheran settlers residing in the vicinity of the present Pigeon Falls to come and preach for them. He complied with the request. Services were usually held in the homes and on week days. The minister could not preach for them on Sundays, because his call was so large that he could not reach around to them all on Sundays. His call comprised at that time a tei-ritory extending from Black River Falls to Galesville. Among the early settlers who organized the congregation were : Peder Pederson, Kristian Kaas, Erick and Lars Larson, Ole Iverson Hofstad, Anton Ekern and Anders Kristianson. Services were usually held in Peder Pederson's and Erick Larson's homes and in the schoolhouse. In 1867 seven services were held. In 1868 eight services were held.

Rev. 0. Waldeland and his call were affiliated with the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod of America. Therefore when the time camq m 1870 to call a resident minister for Pigeon Creek and affiliated charges in its vicinity, it was decided to put the matter of calling a minister in the hands of the church council of the Norwegian Synod. Rev. L. Sherven was called. He accepted the call and preached his introductory sermon Sept. 26, 1871. Up to this time the congregation had been served by the pastors of Trempealeau VaUey. 0. Waldeland, E. Jenson. Svennungson from French Creek and John Frich from Halfway Creek also preached a few times. At the time Rev. L. Sherven was called the field comprised Pigeon Creek, Chimney Rock, Bennet Valley, Thompson Valley, Strum, South Beef River and Whitehall congregations. Whitehall congregation had been organized June 14, 1870. Rev. L. Sherven served these congregations and did considerable mission work outside of them until 1876. The president of the Norwegian Synod, H. A. Preus was then asked to secure a minister. There being a scarcity of Norwegian Lutheran ministers in the country. Bishop Heuch of Norway had been requested by President H. A. Preus to endeavor to induce young ministers from Norway to go to America and serve Norwegian Lutheran congregations there. As a result of these transactions Rev. Emanuel Christophersen was called. His field was to be Pigeon Creek, Whitehall, South Beef River, Elk Creek and Upper Pigeon Creek congregations. Upper Pigeon Creek, Jackson County, having been formed of a part of Pigeon Creek congregation May 31, 1876, he was introduced to the Pigeon Creek congregation by Rev. L. Sherven. From that time until his death, March 23. 1909, he served continually as pastor of this congregation and the other congregations affiliated with it. A piece of land, about 23 acres, had been bought about one-half mile noi'th of Pigeon Falls, which was to belong to the parsonage. Here a parsonage 20 by 20 feet was first built late in the fall of 1876. This was later on added to in 1887 very extensively. In 1912 a completely new parsonage was built.

tions formed a separate call. In 1902 the Whitehall congregation also formed a new call and Rev. 0. K. Ramberg was called as resident pastor. From 1909 to 1910 the Pigeon Creek call was served temporarily by 0. K. Ramberg. In 1910 Rev. Einar Bjorn Christophersen was called as pastor to these congregations. On June 10, 1910, he was ordained a minister in the Pigeon Creek Church by Rt. Rev. J. Nordby.

The present church edifice, which is the original one, was commenced in 1871, but not completed and dedicated until several years later. In 1906 a substantial Young Peoples' Society hall was erected on property belonging to and adjoining the church. In this hall regular meetings are held by the Young Peoples' Society of the congregation, also by the Ladies' Aid, and the business meetings of the congregation are held in it.

The first child baptized in the congregation was Oline, daughter of Anders and Randine Kristianson, Sept. 18, 1866. Since that time 1,002 children have been baptized.

The first to be married were Anton Hendrickson and Johanne Louise Anderson. They were married April 21, 1868. Two hundred and eighteen couples have been married in the congregation since.

The first to be buried in the church cemetery were Agnette Larson, 33 years old, and an infant, Gustav Anderson, Nov. 14, 1867. Three hundred and three have been buried since. The records of the congregation also show that 1,026 services have been held up to Sept. 1, 1917. Sept. 17, 1916, the congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. A great number of people took part in the celebration. Rt. Rev. J. Nordby delivered the anniversary sermon. Rev. L. Shurer preached to an overflow meeting in the United Lutheran church. The following ministers took part in the celebration: J. Nordby, E. Jenson, L. Shuren, S. S. Urberg, A. J. Orke, C. B. Bestul and E. B. Christophersen.

In 1885 doctrinal differences which had caused dissension and separation in the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America also brought about a rupture in the membership of the congregation. A great number severed their connections with the original congregation, and as a result of this a new congregation, later on known as the United Lutheran Church congregation was formed, called thus because it affiliated with the general Lutheran body organized in 1891, the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

Negotiations looking toward the amalgamation of the two church bodies, the Noi'wegian Lutheran Synod of America and the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, and also the Hauges Synod have been carried on for several years. The fruit of these negotiations was the gi-eat union meeting in St. Paul, Minn., where, June 9, 1917, these three bodies were merged into the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Locally the two congregations continue as two separate organizations, but the future will undoubtedly see them united in one congregation.