Beaver Creek Lutheran Church
13449 14th Street NE
Hatton, Steele County, North Dakota 58240
13449 14th Street NE
Hatton, Steele County, North Dakota 58240
Beaver Creek Congregation was organized in October 0f 1886 by C. J. M. Gronlid. The Articles of Corporation weren't drawn until September 16, 1898. The first years, the services were held in homes and schoolhouses. There were about 35 charter members including children.
The church was built in 1898. Dedication wasn't held until June 25, 1905. The chapel was built in 1916. In 1938, a kitchen was added. In 1957, the church was remodeled, pews sanded and varnished, and a new furnace was installed. In 1958, the old chapel parlors, and kitchen were torn down and the new church palors, kitchen and hallway were built. In 1985, an addition to the south and indoor plumbing was completed.
Info from - back of Beaver Creek Lutheran Church 1886-1986 Rural Parish Northwood, North Dakota
The church was built in 1898. Dedication wasn't held until June 25, 1905. The chapel was built in 1916. In 1938, a kitchen was added. In 1957, the church was remodeled, pews sanded and varnished, and a new furnace was installed. In 1958, the old chapel parlors, and kitchen were torn down and the new church palors, kitchen and hallway were built. In 1985, an addition to the south and indoor plumbing was completed.
Info from - back of Beaver Creek Lutheran Church 1886-1986 Rural Parish Northwood, North Dakota
Beaver Creek Lutheran Church
Hatton, North Dakota
1887 - 1962
75th Anniversary
Info from - back of the plate
Hatton, North Dakota
1887 - 1962
75th Anniversary
Info from - back of the plate
Rev. Gronlid 1886 - 1894
Rev. B. Tollefson 1894 - 1898 Rev. Louis Marvick 1898 - 1903 Rev. P. Thoreson 1899 - 1903 Rev. V. E. Boe 1903 - 1909 Rev. T. Tjornhom 1909 - 1913 Rev. S. H. Njaa 1913 - 1949 |
Rev. Victor Ovrebo 1949 - 1953
Rev. Albin Sherve 1954 - 1958 Rev. Raymond Poppe 1958 - 1963 Rev. Orville Sunde 1964 - 1973 Rev. Norman Beighley 1974 - 1977 Rev. Jeff Blakely 1978 - 1980 Rev. Dennis Ellingson 1980 - 1984 Rev. Gordon Cavers 1984 - |
The Beaver Creek Lutheran Church was organized in the fall of 1886, with about 35 members. As the members were largely first-generation immigrants from Norway, the services were held in Norwegian. Worship was first held in homes and schoolhouses.
The Lady's Aid was organized January 26, 1887, with Mrs. Ole Coltom, President, Mrs. M. Ullensaker, Secretary, and Mrs. Johanne Heskin the Treasurer.
Mr. Knut Brunsdale gave two acres of land for the church and cemetery and the Beaver Creek church was built in 1898 at the cost of $3,625. In 1909 Beaver Creek united with West Union and Bethania as a parish.
The church has been served by eleven pastors. From 1903 to 1909 Rev. V. E. Boe was pastor, coming out from Finley where he served as pastor of Finley Lutheran Church.
[Sources: Finley 75th Diamond Jubilee 1897 – 1972, s.n, s.l., unknown pub. date, p. 14; Finley Evangelical Lutheran Church website; Compiled and transcribed by Fred Coleman]
The Lady's Aid was organized January 26, 1887, with Mrs. Ole Coltom, President, Mrs. M. Ullensaker, Secretary, and Mrs. Johanne Heskin the Treasurer.
Mr. Knut Brunsdale gave two acres of land for the church and cemetery and the Beaver Creek church was built in 1898 at the cost of $3,625. In 1909 Beaver Creek united with West Union and Bethania as a parish.
The church has been served by eleven pastors. From 1903 to 1909 Rev. V. E. Boe was pastor, coming out from Finley where he served as pastor of Finley Lutheran Church.
[Sources: Finley 75th Diamond Jubilee 1897 – 1972, s.n, s.l., unknown pub. date, p. 14; Finley Evangelical Lutheran Church website; Compiled and transcribed by Fred Coleman]
The very first Lutheran pastor that visited this settlement was D. C. Granvold, but he was not able to get anything started. The first Lutheran pastor to begin work here was C. J. M. Gronlid, who was at the time pastor in Hatton. He began preaching in the homes and later in the schoolhouses. Pastor Gronlid organized Beaver Creek congregation in 1886, with about thirty-five members, counting the children. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Gronlid; Secretary, Ole Coltom; Treasurer, Knut Heskin; Trustees: Knut Heskin, Peter E. Bjerke, and Knut Johnson; Mr. M. Ullensaker was elected "klokker" or Precentor.
The Ladies Aid was organized January 26, 1887, with Mrs. Pete Coltom as the first president, Mrs. M. Ullensaker, secretary, and Mrs. Johanne Heskin, treasurer.
Mr. Knut Brunsdale gave two acres of land for the church and cemetery, and on this place the Beaver Creek Church was built in 1898 at a cost of $3,625.
In 1909 Beaver Creek united with West Union and Bethania. In 1914 these congregations bought the parsonage in Northwood, completely renovating it in 1949. After the church was remodeled in 1957, the old chapel was replaced with a new addition in 1958.
The following pastors have served the congregation: C.J. M. Gronlid, 1886-1894; B. Tollefson, 1894-1898; L. S. Marvick, 1898-1903; P. A. Thoreson, 1899-1903; V. E. Boe, 1903-1909; T. Tjornhom, 1909-1913; S. H. Njaa, 1913-1949; V. C. A. Ovrebo, 1949-1953; A. G. Sherve, 1954-1958; Raymond Poppe, 1958- 1963; Orville Sunde, 1964-1973; Norman Beighley, 1974-1977; Jeffrey Blakeley, 1978-1980; Dennis Ellingsen, 1980 to the present time.
Information - A Century of progress, 1884-1984, Northwood, North Dakota
The Ladies Aid was organized January 26, 1887, with Mrs. Pete Coltom as the first president, Mrs. M. Ullensaker, secretary, and Mrs. Johanne Heskin, treasurer.
Mr. Knut Brunsdale gave two acres of land for the church and cemetery, and on this place the Beaver Creek Church was built in 1898 at a cost of $3,625.
In 1909 Beaver Creek united with West Union and Bethania. In 1914 these congregations bought the parsonage in Northwood, completely renovating it in 1949. After the church was remodeled in 1957, the old chapel was replaced with a new addition in 1958.
The following pastors have served the congregation: C.J. M. Gronlid, 1886-1894; B. Tollefson, 1894-1898; L. S. Marvick, 1898-1903; P. A. Thoreson, 1899-1903; V. E. Boe, 1903-1909; T. Tjornhom, 1909-1913; S. H. Njaa, 1913-1949; V. C. A. Ovrebo, 1949-1953; A. G. Sherve, 1954-1958; Raymond Poppe, 1958- 1963; Orville Sunde, 1964-1973; Norman Beighley, 1974-1977; Jeffrey Blakeley, 1978-1980; Dennis Ellingsen, 1980 to the present time.
Information - A Century of progress, 1884-1984, Northwood, North Dakota

Beaver Creek Lutheran Church
As the settlers moved westward, Beaver Creek or Norway Township as it was called then, became populated and the need for ministerial services became imperative. They felt that a church of their own should be established. The first pastor that visited the settlement was Rev. O. C. Gronvold. The first pastor to begin work here was Rev. C. J. M. Gronlid, who was at that time pastor in Hatton. He began preaching in the homes and later in the schoolhouses.
Pastor Gronlid organized Beaver Creek Lutheran Congregation in the fall of 1886 with about 35 members counting the children. The following officers were elected: President Rev. Gronlid; Secretary, Ole Coltom; Treasurer, Knut O. Heskin, Trustees elected were Knut Heskin, Peder E. Bjerke and Knut Johnson. Mr. M. Ullensaker was elected “klokker” or precentor (song leader) and held the job for 37 years. The congregation was united with the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Although the Beaver Creek congregation was started in 1886, the Articles of Corporation were not drawn until September 16, 1898. The members of the Trustees of this corporation were: Knut A. Johnson of Norway Township, Peter Flesche of Golden Lake Township and Petter Coltom of Golden Lake, N.D.
Knut Brunsdale donated two acres of land for the church and cemetery. The church was built in 1898 at the cost of $3,625.00. Ed Coltom and Peter Norby were the carpenters. Dedication of the church was held June 25, 1905.
Pastor Gronlid served Beaver Creek Lutheran Church for eight years (1886-1894) but no records can be found. Pastor Bernhard Tollefson served for four years (1894-1898). Pastor Louis Marvick, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hatton, served from 1898 to 1903. Pastor P. A. Thoreson from Hannaford, N. Dak. took over in 1899 and two pastors served the congregation together for four years. Pastor V. E. Boe was installed on July 12, 1903. It was Beaver Creek that Rev. V. E. Boe gained his first experience as a young minister. He lived in Finley and made the fifteen-mile trip by horse and buggy or sleigh. Rev. Boe’s work in Beaver Creek terminated in May 23, 1909.
In 1909 Beaver Creek merged with West Union and Bethania congregations, with Rev. Tobias Tjornhorm as pastor. To get around to fulfill his pastoral duties he used a team of horses and later he purchased a motorcycle. He loved music, and often there was choir practice after services, members sat around the old wood coal stove with its chimney extending almost the entire length of the church. In 1913 he accepted a call to Hatton.
Rev. Sven H Njaa was called by the three congregations, and he was installed October 1913. In 1914 the parsonage was purchased. He served the three congregations for thirty-six years and retired in 1949. The Fiftieth Anniversary of Beaver Creek Church was celebrated June 20-21, 1936, with Pastors T. Tjornhom, V. C. Boe and S. H. Njaa in attendance.
Victor C. A. Overbo started as a student pastor on June 1949 and was called as the pastor after his ordination in June 1950. He ordained at the Sundahl Lutheran Church in Aneta on June 11, 1950, and installed by Rev. Njaa in the Beaver Creek Church June 18, 1950. He served Beaver Creek until November 1953.
In 1954 Pastor Albin G Sherve came to serve the Northwood Rural Parish and whiling serving this parish he took a clinical pastoral training at the State Hospital, Jamestown, several months every year for three years. He left Beaver Creek in 1958. In 1957 the church was remodeled, and a new furnace was installed. In 1958 the old chapel and kitchen were torn down, and the new church parlors, kitchen and hallway were built. Services for dedication of the new chapel and the rededication of the church were held May 18, 1958.
Pastor Raymond Poppe took over the pastorate of Beaver Creek Church in June 1958 and served until August 1963. On June 21-24, 1962, the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a reunion and anniversary observance.
Later pastors serving were: Pastor O. J. Sunde from June 1964 to July 1973; Pastor N. Beighley from February 1974 to August 1977; Pastor J. Blakeley from February 1978 to May 1980, and Pastor Dennis H. Ellingson, present pastor, came August 1980.
Info from – Steele County 1883-1983 A Centennial Commemoration (page 253)
As the settlers moved westward, Beaver Creek or Norway Township as it was called then, became populated and the need for ministerial services became imperative. They felt that a church of their own should be established. The first pastor that visited the settlement was Rev. O. C. Gronvold. The first pastor to begin work here was Rev. C. J. M. Gronlid, who was at that time pastor in Hatton. He began preaching in the homes and later in the schoolhouses.
Pastor Gronlid organized Beaver Creek Lutheran Congregation in the fall of 1886 with about 35 members counting the children. The following officers were elected: President Rev. Gronlid; Secretary, Ole Coltom; Treasurer, Knut O. Heskin, Trustees elected were Knut Heskin, Peder E. Bjerke and Knut Johnson. Mr. M. Ullensaker was elected “klokker” or precentor (song leader) and held the job for 37 years. The congregation was united with the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Although the Beaver Creek congregation was started in 1886, the Articles of Corporation were not drawn until September 16, 1898. The members of the Trustees of this corporation were: Knut A. Johnson of Norway Township, Peter Flesche of Golden Lake Township and Petter Coltom of Golden Lake, N.D.
Knut Brunsdale donated two acres of land for the church and cemetery. The church was built in 1898 at the cost of $3,625.00. Ed Coltom and Peter Norby were the carpenters. Dedication of the church was held June 25, 1905.
Pastor Gronlid served Beaver Creek Lutheran Church for eight years (1886-1894) but no records can be found. Pastor Bernhard Tollefson served for four years (1894-1898). Pastor Louis Marvick, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hatton, served from 1898 to 1903. Pastor P. A. Thoreson from Hannaford, N. Dak. took over in 1899 and two pastors served the congregation together for four years. Pastor V. E. Boe was installed on July 12, 1903. It was Beaver Creek that Rev. V. E. Boe gained his first experience as a young minister. He lived in Finley and made the fifteen-mile trip by horse and buggy or sleigh. Rev. Boe’s work in Beaver Creek terminated in May 23, 1909.
In 1909 Beaver Creek merged with West Union and Bethania congregations, with Rev. Tobias Tjornhorm as pastor. To get around to fulfill his pastoral duties he used a team of horses and later he purchased a motorcycle. He loved music, and often there was choir practice after services, members sat around the old wood coal stove with its chimney extending almost the entire length of the church. In 1913 he accepted a call to Hatton.
Rev. Sven H Njaa was called by the three congregations, and he was installed October 1913. In 1914 the parsonage was purchased. He served the three congregations for thirty-six years and retired in 1949. The Fiftieth Anniversary of Beaver Creek Church was celebrated June 20-21, 1936, with Pastors T. Tjornhom, V. C. Boe and S. H. Njaa in attendance.
Victor C. A. Overbo started as a student pastor on June 1949 and was called as the pastor after his ordination in June 1950. He ordained at the Sundahl Lutheran Church in Aneta on June 11, 1950, and installed by Rev. Njaa in the Beaver Creek Church June 18, 1950. He served Beaver Creek until November 1953.
In 1954 Pastor Albin G Sherve came to serve the Northwood Rural Parish and whiling serving this parish he took a clinical pastoral training at the State Hospital, Jamestown, several months every year for three years. He left Beaver Creek in 1958. In 1957 the church was remodeled, and a new furnace was installed. In 1958 the old chapel and kitchen were torn down, and the new church parlors, kitchen and hallway were built. Services for dedication of the new chapel and the rededication of the church were held May 18, 1958.
Pastor Raymond Poppe took over the pastorate of Beaver Creek Church in June 1958 and served until August 1963. On June 21-24, 1962, the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a reunion and anniversary observance.
Later pastors serving were: Pastor O. J. Sunde from June 1964 to July 1973; Pastor N. Beighley from February 1974 to August 1977; Pastor J. Blakeley from February 1978 to May 1980, and Pastor Dennis H. Ellingson, present pastor, came August 1980.
Info from – Steele County 1883-1983 A Centennial Commemoration (page 253)