Hettinger Lutheran Church
904 2nd Ave S
Hettinger, Adams County, North Dakota 58639
904 2nd Ave S
Hettinger, Adams County, North Dakota 58639
Hettinger Lutheran Church
Hettinger, North Dakota
1953
The congregation of the Hettinger Lutheran Church was organized on December 15, 1907. A Church Building was erected in 1908, with the basement completed for use. The building was finished and dedicated in 1911. Rev. A. B. Bergh was the first pastor, 1908-21. The following pastors have served the Church; Rev. L. Dordal, 1927-32; Rev. E. L. Rude, 1933-38; Rev. F. T. Lokensgard, 1939-42; Rev. K. A. Xavier, 1944-48; Rev. M. P. Lutness, 1949-. It was decided to build a new Church in 1948, and the actual construction began in May 1952.
Info from - the back of Hettinger Lutheran church plate
Hettinger, North Dakota
1953
The congregation of the Hettinger Lutheran Church was organized on December 15, 1907. A Church Building was erected in 1908, with the basement completed for use. The building was finished and dedicated in 1911. Rev. A. B. Bergh was the first pastor, 1908-21. The following pastors have served the Church; Rev. L. Dordal, 1927-32; Rev. E. L. Rude, 1933-38; Rev. F. T. Lokensgard, 1939-42; Rev. K. A. Xavier, 1944-48; Rev. M. P. Lutness, 1949-. It was decided to build a new Church in 1948, and the actual construction began in May 1952.
Info from - the back of Hettinger Lutheran church plate
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The history of the Hettinger Lutheran Church dates back to the time when the first homesteaders were settling in Adams County, and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway was extending its roadbed to the west coast. The extension reached Hettinger in October 1907. Many homesteaders had filed in 1906 and settled on their land the following year. They were busy putting up houses and other buildings. Construction was necessarily primitive - either light frame buildings or sod houses.
Among the settlers of Lutheran extraction there was little activity in the first year. The Congregational Church was the first to take up work.
The Rev. J. D. Runsvold conducted services for the Lutherans on December 15, 1907, following which a congregation was organized and a constitution adopted. It was signed by the following members present:
O. B. Severson. L. M. Anderson, Andrew Carlson, J. M. Carlson, P. N. Ahlness, Carl Austad, Otto Jacobson, L. C. Ausen, Louis Overby and H. O. Olson. (Except for various amendments adopted from time to time, this constitution remained in effect until January 1957.) There were 33 charter members.
At this first meeting of the congregation the following officers were elected: Trustees: P. N. Ahlness, A. Carlson and O. B. Severson; Secretary, Carl Austad; Treasurer, L. M. Anderson; Auditors; Louis Overby and H. O. Olson.
For a short time, services were conducted by various pastors who had settled on homesteads in this area. Among them were Pastor E. S. Eidesvik; Pastor L. A. Vigness of Wolf Butte, who conducted a service in the Meyer's Hall on June 20, 1908; Pastor J. S. Helland and Emissary Bentsen, who conducted services in various homes. Pastor J. O. Runsvold, who came here to visit his parents, and Pastor N. A. Stubkjar, also conducted services. So did Pastor 0. Glesne, of Aberdeen. He conducted a service in Meyer’s Hall on July 12, 1908, at 10:30 A.M. and in the country the same day at 3:30 P.M.
Meanwhile, the ladies of the congregation were busy with their Ladies' Aid organized in 1908. Meetings were sponsored by Mrs. O. B. Severson, Mrs. J. M. Carlson, Mrs. Andrew Carlson, Mrs. P. M. Ahlness, Mrs. S. T. Wiprud and Mrs. Gilbert Flom.
Pastor N. A. Stubkjar conducted a service at the Meyer's Hall on August 2, 1908. The following week, the Rev. Oluf Glasce, Superintendent of Home Missions of the Lutheran Church, came to Hettinger to help secure a resident pastor for the congregation. As a result, Pastor A. B. Bergh, who had finished the Theological Seminary in 1906 was called to be the first pastor. He held his first service in the Meyer' s Hall on September 6, 1908.
At a special meeting of the congregation held September 21, 1908, it was decided that a church should be built provided a sum of $900.00 could be raised. The following committees were appointed:
Committee to obtain a site: P. N. Ahlness. A. Carlson, O. B. Severson, Carl Austad, L. M. Anderson, A. G. Newman, S. T. Wiprud, Jorgen Osmundson, Otto Jacobson.
Committee on plans and specifications: Carl Austad, P. N. Ahlness and Pastor Bergh.
Building Committee: P. N. Ahlness, O. B. Severson, Carl Austad, and J. M. Carlson.
October 8, 1908, the Milwaukee Land Company donated Lots 5 and 6 of Block 34 as a site for the new church. Construction began immediately. The basement was completed that fall and used for services and Sunday School. A loan in the sum of $500.00 was secured from the United Norwegian Lutheran Church, to be repaid in five years. (It was repaid in full in 1914, with the help of a donation of $300.00 from the Ladies' Aid.
The framework of the building was completed in the fall of 1909, but on November 29th of that year a severe windstorm demolished it, blowing the whole building to shreds. But the spirit of the congregation was not daunted. On December 1st the Ladies' Aid had a supper and auction sale which netted $160.00. The auctioneer was Walter F. Kelly. Music was furnished by a five-piece orchestra. On December 24th the members were again engaged in the task of erecting a new church.
The congregation was incorporated on December 14th, 1908. From the very beginning of his ministry, Pastor Bergh was active in organizing congregations round about in the Hettinger area. The Immanuel congregation northwest of Hettinger, the Bethel congregation in Haynes, the North Grand congregation south of Bucyrus and the Richland congregation northeast of Hettinger were all organized by him. Considering the fact that the only means of transportation was the horse and buggy, it is readily seen that this involved a lot of time in driving.
The ministerial emoluments at this time were not large. The salary paid by the Hettinger congregation was $300.00 per year, and part of that came from Home Mission funds. It was paid in a lump sum at the end of the year, when, as was the custom in a large part of the Lutheran Church of that time, a collection was taken up from among the members of the congregation. (This system was changed at the annual meeting in 1911.)
The congregation owned no parsonage. So Pastor Bergh bought a lot and erected a home for himself a short distance north of the church. It was completed January 28th, 1909. Until September 29th, 1922, when
the congregation obtained its own parsonage; Pastor Bergh's home was regarded as the church parsonage.
When Pastor Bergh was about to establish his legal residence on his homestead in what is now Aragonne Township, the congregation proceeded to the parsonage in a body and surprised him with a money gift.
The first regular Christmas program was given by the Sunday School in 1909. There were vocal solos by Mrs. E. L. Gundberg and A. L. Holland, and an instrumental solo by Emil Ahlness. At the following annual meeting Jorgen Osmundson was elected Sunday School superintendent,
and Ellen Ahlness organist.
In 1909 the congregation numbered 70 baptized members.
Work had been going on the church basement and superstructure during the winter of 1910. The dedication of the basement was an event which was to be long remembered. It lasted two days, Saturday and Sunday,
March 27th and 28th, 1910. The speakers were Pastor Laurits Gunderson of Hettinger, Pastor E. S. Eidesvik of Bowman, and Pastor Bergh. The rite of dedication was carried out by Pastor Bergh's father, the Rev. Johan Bergh. A noteworthy feature of the occasion was the method of raising funds with which to finish the church. An auction sale was conducted by the Reverend George N. Keniston of Hettinger. Windows and other parts of the church were sold to members and friends of the congregation. The sum of $1700 was obtained in this manner.
In late 1909 or early 1910 the Young People's society was authorized to raise funds with which to purchase a bell for the church, to cost $250.00. In 1910, the congregation numbered 114 baptized members.
In the fall of 1910 a building committee, consisting of Christine Nelson, Mrs. J. S. Holland, Jacob Sonderall, Iver Forthun, Carl Austad and Jorgen Osmundson, was placed in charge of completing the building of the
church. The cornerstone was laid by Pastor Oluf Glasoe on Saturday, May 6th, 1911. Otto Jacobson gave a history of the congregation. and Mrs. G. A. Raines sang a solo. In the evening there was a second service at which: Pastor O. J. Holtan of New England and Pastor L. O. Helleklev of Hettinger spoke. The church was dedicated the following day, Sunday May 7th. The dedicatory sermon was given by Pastor Johan A. Bergh of Beloit, Wisconsin. Pastors E. S. Eidesvik, O. J. Holtan, L. O. Helleklev, H. S. Froiland of Bowman. J. S. Holland and A. B. Bergh also took part. At the afternoon service, Pastor Froiland spoke in English.
The main part of the building was 32 x 48 - 16-foot posts. There was a 16 x 18 chance extension and a 10 x 10 tower. The basement was the same size as the building proper. The windows were of chipped glass, casings and other woodwork in golden oak. The pews as well as the altar rail were quarter sawed oak. Two stained glass windows lit up the chancel. The altar was stained 6 ½ feet-wide, finished in white and gold. In the
Center of the 14-foot reredos was a replica of Thorwaldsen’s statue of Christ. To the left of the chancel was a platform used by the choir.
Due to much voluntary labor on the part of the members, the cost of the church can be estimated only at approximately $5,000.00.
Records show the activity of the Young People’s Societies as early as 1911.
In 1912 the pastor’s salary was raised to $350.00, of which $150.00 was paid by the Home Mission Department of the Church. In 1913 the congregation became self-sustaining. In 1915 Hettinger's share of the pastor’s salary was raised to $450.00. Immanuel and Bethel (Hayes) contributing the balance of the $900.00 the pastor received. In 1919 the salary was raised to $1200.00. In 1919 Hettinger and Bethel united to form one congregation.
Prior to October 1914, services had been conducted in the Norwegian language. Beginning at that time, English services were held every other Sunday evening. Beginning in 1919, English was used every other Sunday morning.
In January 1921, Pastor Bergh moved to Nelson, British Columbia but returned to Hettinger in the 50's to sell LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD insurance. For a while, the congregation was served by various pastors, among them the Rev. Lars Dordal of Rhame, to whom a call was extended and who began his ministry here in 1922. He and his family became the first occupants of the parsonage purchased in 1921 at a cost of $4800.00. During his ministry morning services in Norwegian were discontinued, offerings to the pastor at festival services were dispensed with and women were given the right to vote in congregational matters. The Luther League began to raise money for a pipe organ.
Pastor Dordal resigned January 6, 1927, to accept a call to Larimore, North Dakota.
After a short time during which the congregation was again served by various pastors, the Rev. Albert N. Livedahl accepted the call offered him. During his ministry a 22 x 12 addition was built on to the west side of the church, for the choir and the organ, at a cost of $1200.00. The building committee consisted of Carl Austad, M. P. Quickstad, M. E. Remmen, O. C. Bergland, Elmer Severson and Elmer Hokensen. The pipe organ purchased by the Luther League at a cost of $2250 was installed in 1929. Pastor Livdahl died in office, August 22nd, 1932. Various pastors conducted services until a call was extended in December 1932 to Pastor E. Leland Rude of Bison, South Dakota. He accepted on condition that he be given a free hand in the language matter. During his ministry the services were all conducted in English.
Various improvements were undertaken during his ministry. The church was painted and redecorated, and a new carpet was laid in the chancel. The parsonage was painted and shingled. The improvements begun on the grounds during Pastor Livedahl’s ministry were completed. A Men's Club was organized in 1933.
In I 937 the congregation celebrated its 30th anniversary. Both the living former pastors, Bergh and Dordal were present. The congregation now numbered 338 baptized members. Its financial policy had been pretty
much one of "pay as you go," although debts had been incurred from time to time to accomplish specific tasks. Much of the credit for the financing of its various projects was due to the outstanding work of the Ladies' Aid. Other organizations which contributed their share to the effective work of the congregation were the Sunday School, the Young People's Society (now known as the Luther League), the Sunbeam Society, the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation and the Men's Club (now known as the Lutheran Brotherhood).
Pastor Rude left in July 1938, to accept a call to Devils Lake, North Dakota. Pastor O. J. Nesheim served the congregation for a time as interim pastor. Mr. Teber Hill, a Seminary student, came out during Christmas week.
Pastor F. T. Lokensgard was installed in July 1939. His father had conducted services here earlier in the history of the congregation.
During Pastor Lokensgard's ministry there was steady Progress in the congregation. It was at this time that the Circles were organized. During a vacancy in the Bucyrus parish, Pastor; Lokensgard served the Richland
congregation. He left the congregation on New Year's Day, 1943, to become a chaplain in the United States Navy.
Pastor L. O. Onerheim served the congregation for a short time as interim pastor, coming in the fall of 1943 and leaving in January 1944. Mr. K. A. Xavier, who had taught vacation Bible School in Hettinger during the
summer of 1943, came out from the Seminary to conduct services during the spring of 1944. He accepted the call that was extended to him to become the pastor and was installed June 11, 1944.
By this time, it was becoming evident that the church building was too small. The big question was whether to enlarge the old building or to put up a new one. A survey committee was appointed to contact the people
and learn their wishes. A committee was later appointed to draw up plans for enlarging the old church, but opinion was too evenly divided, and the decision was postponed. Meanwhile the soliciting of funds with which to enlarge or build anew was begun in 1945.
It was at this time that Bible Camp work was started in this area, culminating in the conversion of a dude ranch four miles south of Medora into the Badlands Bible Camp. It was also during Pastor Xavier s ministry
that the Brotherhood began sponsoring a Scout troop.
Pastor Xavier left in October of 1948. Pastor E. C. Goetz came up from Mott to conduct services, and Pastor Agrimson from Reeder, Pastor G . O. Torvik also served interim.
Pastor M. P Lutness was installed July 10, 1949. The big questions before the congregation at that time were whether to enlarge the old church or build a new one. On June 2, 1950, due to the rapid increase membership of the congregation, congregation authorized the church council to appoint various committees to make plans for a new church.
One of the first committees to be appointed was the one whose purpose it was to visit other churches for ideas which might be incorporated into the church to be built here. On this committee were Lloyd Miller (chairman), Pastor A. B. Bergh, Pastor M. P. Lutness and Oscar Osmundson. Later on this committee was
enlarged in size, and consisted of; Lloyd Miller (chairman),Pastor M. P. Lutness, Ernest Evenson, Elmer Erickson, Allen Leer, L. C. Mensing, Dave Schreiner and Lowell Seamands.
The other committees were as follows: Finance Committee: Earl Hersrud (chairman) Marion Anderson, Eric Eneberg, Ernest Stenberg, Julius Gjoplin and Lowell Seamands.
There was also a soliciting committee, but it was so large that it is impossible to recall the names of all the people who served on it.
Building Committee: Elmer Erickson (chairman), Carleton Austad, Ernest Evenson, L. C. Mensing and Oscar Osmundson.
Labor Committee: Gerhard Christianson (chairman), George Ehlers. Jr., Gunnard Ramstead, Elmer Severson and Robert Simonson.
Trucking Committee: Lowell Seamands (chairman), Ed Becker, Ferdy Hoity, and Milton Leetun.
Kitchen Committee: The following served at various times: Mrs. Leonard Ellefson (chairman), Mrs. L. C. Mensing, Mrs. Lloyd Miller, Mrs. Dale Quickstad, Mrs. Elmer Severson and Mrs. J. 0. Wigen.
Organ Committee: Mrs. Ernest Stedje (chairman), Mrs. M. P. Lutness, Mrs. Roy Lyman and Mrs. Robert Woods.
Furnishings Committee: J. O. Wigen (chairman), Allen Leer, Mrs. Harley Erickson and Mr. Robert Wallin. Pastor Lutness met with the committee " ex-officio."
Having inspected a number of churches, and having found one very much to its liking, architect Haukom of Fargo was engaged to draw up the plans for a church similar in design. It was to be built just east of the old church, with the educational wing to the north of the old church. Thus, the old church could be used until the
congregation could move into the new.
Lloyd Miller was chosen to be superintendent of construction.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were conducted April 20, 1952. Excavation began May 21, 1952. Actual construction was begun in the summer of 1952. The cornerstone was removed from the old church on March 22, 1953. The cornerstone laying for the new church was conducted May 3, 1953. Former pastors A. B. Bergh
and E. L. Rude took part in the ceremonies.
The last service in the oId church was held May 30, 1954, and the first service in the new church June 6, 1954. A class of seventeen young people was confirmed at that time.
The following report concerning the cost of the new church is taken from the treasurer’s report to the congregation for the year 1955:
Building material Labor 54,546.83
Brick laying and plastering 39,821.87 Plumbing and heating 16,476.80
Electrical equipment and wiring 17,054.20
Inside and outside lights 4.739.48
Freight, express, hauling, dirt moving 1,044.60
Floor covering main floor-chancel 4,434.20
Fuel, insurance, Workman's Compensation 2,906.92
Architect's fees 4,813.90
Miscellaneous 1,110.82
Organ 4,666.06
Pews 5,405.65
Other furnishings 3,264.48
$162 ,662.34
The treasurer's report adds "The above figures indicate cash outlay only." It must be remembered that much volunteer labor was performed by willing friends and workers. In this connection it is well to bear in mind
that the organ which was placed in the new church building was donated by Carl J. Austad."
Pastor Lutness accepted a call to Bismarck and held his last service at Hettinger on June 27th, 1954. The Board of Deacons was given the task of arranging for services until a new pastor could come. Services were
sometimes conducted by them, and sometimes by neighboring pastors, until Pastor Jersing Thompson came in September 1954 to serve interim. It was about this time that the old church was sold and moved away.
Pastor U. A. Turmo was installed January 9, 1955.
Since the congregation had at its previous annual meeting, appropriate funds for a part-time secretary, Mrs. R. W. Simonson was offered and accepted the position.
During the winter of 1955, Family Night, with the presentation of religious movies, was made a regular monthly feature of congregational life. A new projector was purchased in 1956. The Sunday School purchased a set of twenty-three filmstrips on the Catechism, as well as well as a set of 2000 colored slides illustrating the entire Bible. It has also purchased a daylight projector for slides and filmstrips.
The new pews were installed in the spring of 1955. Dedication services for the new church were held May 14th and 15th, 1955. The service on Saturday evening, May. 14th was a communion service. There were four services on Sunday: for Sunday School at 9:30 A. M.; morning worship at 11:00 A.M.; the dedication service at 2:30 P.M.; and a fourth service in the evening. The rite of dedication was carried out by Dr. L. N. Field, of Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul. Former pastors E. L. Rude, F. T. Lokensgard, K. A. Xavier, M. P. Lutness and Jersing Thompson took part. Most of the neighboring pastors were also present.
During the summer of 1956 sidewalks were laid, the parking lot on the west side of the church laid out, and shrubbery planted under the direction of Russell Korsmo. All the labor was donated.
At the 1957 annual meeting a new constitution was adopted. It was based partly on the old constitution which had been in force since the organization of the congregation, and partly on the recommended by the
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
We close with a brief resume of the congregation at the time of its 50th anniversary.
At the close of the year 1956, the congregation numbered 863 resident baptized members and 544 resident confirmed members. It has a Sunday School enrollment of 29 officers and teachers and 295 pupils. Its Vacation Bible School enrollment in 1957 was 23 officers and teachers and 230 pupils.
The congregation had a Senior Choir and a Junior choir. Its auxiliaries consisted of the Hettinger Ladies' Aid, the Immanuel Ladies' Aid, nine Circles, the Brotherhood, the Senior Luther League, the Junior Luther
League, and the Young Adults' League, organized in 1957. The Women's Bible Hour met once a week in the homes of members.
The Scout troops sponsored by the Brotherhood have continued to be very active. Cub Pack #45 was organized in the fall of 1954. Scout Troop # 45 and Explorer Post # 545 have grown so large that the Brotherhood
decided to organize a second troop.
Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the Church and in Jesus Christ to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20.21.
Info from - PRAIRIE PIONEERS A STORY OF ADAMS COUNTY (pages 258 - pages 263
Among the settlers of Lutheran extraction there was little activity in the first year. The Congregational Church was the first to take up work.
The Rev. J. D. Runsvold conducted services for the Lutherans on December 15, 1907, following which a congregation was organized and a constitution adopted. It was signed by the following members present:
O. B. Severson. L. M. Anderson, Andrew Carlson, J. M. Carlson, P. N. Ahlness, Carl Austad, Otto Jacobson, L. C. Ausen, Louis Overby and H. O. Olson. (Except for various amendments adopted from time to time, this constitution remained in effect until January 1957.) There were 33 charter members.
At this first meeting of the congregation the following officers were elected: Trustees: P. N. Ahlness, A. Carlson and O. B. Severson; Secretary, Carl Austad; Treasurer, L. M. Anderson; Auditors; Louis Overby and H. O. Olson.
For a short time, services were conducted by various pastors who had settled on homesteads in this area. Among them were Pastor E. S. Eidesvik; Pastor L. A. Vigness of Wolf Butte, who conducted a service in the Meyer's Hall on June 20, 1908; Pastor J. S. Helland and Emissary Bentsen, who conducted services in various homes. Pastor J. O. Runsvold, who came here to visit his parents, and Pastor N. A. Stubkjar, also conducted services. So did Pastor 0. Glesne, of Aberdeen. He conducted a service in Meyer’s Hall on July 12, 1908, at 10:30 A.M. and in the country the same day at 3:30 P.M.
Meanwhile, the ladies of the congregation were busy with their Ladies' Aid organized in 1908. Meetings were sponsored by Mrs. O. B. Severson, Mrs. J. M. Carlson, Mrs. Andrew Carlson, Mrs. P. M. Ahlness, Mrs. S. T. Wiprud and Mrs. Gilbert Flom.
Pastor N. A. Stubkjar conducted a service at the Meyer's Hall on August 2, 1908. The following week, the Rev. Oluf Glasce, Superintendent of Home Missions of the Lutheran Church, came to Hettinger to help secure a resident pastor for the congregation. As a result, Pastor A. B. Bergh, who had finished the Theological Seminary in 1906 was called to be the first pastor. He held his first service in the Meyer' s Hall on September 6, 1908.
At a special meeting of the congregation held September 21, 1908, it was decided that a church should be built provided a sum of $900.00 could be raised. The following committees were appointed:
Committee to obtain a site: P. N. Ahlness. A. Carlson, O. B. Severson, Carl Austad, L. M. Anderson, A. G. Newman, S. T. Wiprud, Jorgen Osmundson, Otto Jacobson.
Committee on plans and specifications: Carl Austad, P. N. Ahlness and Pastor Bergh.
Building Committee: P. N. Ahlness, O. B. Severson, Carl Austad, and J. M. Carlson.
October 8, 1908, the Milwaukee Land Company donated Lots 5 and 6 of Block 34 as a site for the new church. Construction began immediately. The basement was completed that fall and used for services and Sunday School. A loan in the sum of $500.00 was secured from the United Norwegian Lutheran Church, to be repaid in five years. (It was repaid in full in 1914, with the help of a donation of $300.00 from the Ladies' Aid.
The framework of the building was completed in the fall of 1909, but on November 29th of that year a severe windstorm demolished it, blowing the whole building to shreds. But the spirit of the congregation was not daunted. On December 1st the Ladies' Aid had a supper and auction sale which netted $160.00. The auctioneer was Walter F. Kelly. Music was furnished by a five-piece orchestra. On December 24th the members were again engaged in the task of erecting a new church.
The congregation was incorporated on December 14th, 1908. From the very beginning of his ministry, Pastor Bergh was active in organizing congregations round about in the Hettinger area. The Immanuel congregation northwest of Hettinger, the Bethel congregation in Haynes, the North Grand congregation south of Bucyrus and the Richland congregation northeast of Hettinger were all organized by him. Considering the fact that the only means of transportation was the horse and buggy, it is readily seen that this involved a lot of time in driving.
The ministerial emoluments at this time were not large. The salary paid by the Hettinger congregation was $300.00 per year, and part of that came from Home Mission funds. It was paid in a lump sum at the end of the year, when, as was the custom in a large part of the Lutheran Church of that time, a collection was taken up from among the members of the congregation. (This system was changed at the annual meeting in 1911.)
The congregation owned no parsonage. So Pastor Bergh bought a lot and erected a home for himself a short distance north of the church. It was completed January 28th, 1909. Until September 29th, 1922, when
the congregation obtained its own parsonage; Pastor Bergh's home was regarded as the church parsonage.
When Pastor Bergh was about to establish his legal residence on his homestead in what is now Aragonne Township, the congregation proceeded to the parsonage in a body and surprised him with a money gift.
The first regular Christmas program was given by the Sunday School in 1909. There were vocal solos by Mrs. E. L. Gundberg and A. L. Holland, and an instrumental solo by Emil Ahlness. At the following annual meeting Jorgen Osmundson was elected Sunday School superintendent,
and Ellen Ahlness organist.
In 1909 the congregation numbered 70 baptized members.
Work had been going on the church basement and superstructure during the winter of 1910. The dedication of the basement was an event which was to be long remembered. It lasted two days, Saturday and Sunday,
March 27th and 28th, 1910. The speakers were Pastor Laurits Gunderson of Hettinger, Pastor E. S. Eidesvik of Bowman, and Pastor Bergh. The rite of dedication was carried out by Pastor Bergh's father, the Rev. Johan Bergh. A noteworthy feature of the occasion was the method of raising funds with which to finish the church. An auction sale was conducted by the Reverend George N. Keniston of Hettinger. Windows and other parts of the church were sold to members and friends of the congregation. The sum of $1700 was obtained in this manner.
In late 1909 or early 1910 the Young People's society was authorized to raise funds with which to purchase a bell for the church, to cost $250.00. In 1910, the congregation numbered 114 baptized members.
In the fall of 1910 a building committee, consisting of Christine Nelson, Mrs. J. S. Holland, Jacob Sonderall, Iver Forthun, Carl Austad and Jorgen Osmundson, was placed in charge of completing the building of the
church. The cornerstone was laid by Pastor Oluf Glasoe on Saturday, May 6th, 1911. Otto Jacobson gave a history of the congregation. and Mrs. G. A. Raines sang a solo. In the evening there was a second service at which: Pastor O. J. Holtan of New England and Pastor L. O. Helleklev of Hettinger spoke. The church was dedicated the following day, Sunday May 7th. The dedicatory sermon was given by Pastor Johan A. Bergh of Beloit, Wisconsin. Pastors E. S. Eidesvik, O. J. Holtan, L. O. Helleklev, H. S. Froiland of Bowman. J. S. Holland and A. B. Bergh also took part. At the afternoon service, Pastor Froiland spoke in English.
The main part of the building was 32 x 48 - 16-foot posts. There was a 16 x 18 chance extension and a 10 x 10 tower. The basement was the same size as the building proper. The windows were of chipped glass, casings and other woodwork in golden oak. The pews as well as the altar rail were quarter sawed oak. Two stained glass windows lit up the chancel. The altar was stained 6 ½ feet-wide, finished in white and gold. In the
Center of the 14-foot reredos was a replica of Thorwaldsen’s statue of Christ. To the left of the chancel was a platform used by the choir.
Due to much voluntary labor on the part of the members, the cost of the church can be estimated only at approximately $5,000.00.
Records show the activity of the Young People’s Societies as early as 1911.
In 1912 the pastor’s salary was raised to $350.00, of which $150.00 was paid by the Home Mission Department of the Church. In 1913 the congregation became self-sustaining. In 1915 Hettinger's share of the pastor’s salary was raised to $450.00. Immanuel and Bethel (Hayes) contributing the balance of the $900.00 the pastor received. In 1919 the salary was raised to $1200.00. In 1919 Hettinger and Bethel united to form one congregation.
Prior to October 1914, services had been conducted in the Norwegian language. Beginning at that time, English services were held every other Sunday evening. Beginning in 1919, English was used every other Sunday morning.
In January 1921, Pastor Bergh moved to Nelson, British Columbia but returned to Hettinger in the 50's to sell LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD insurance. For a while, the congregation was served by various pastors, among them the Rev. Lars Dordal of Rhame, to whom a call was extended and who began his ministry here in 1922. He and his family became the first occupants of the parsonage purchased in 1921 at a cost of $4800.00. During his ministry morning services in Norwegian were discontinued, offerings to the pastor at festival services were dispensed with and women were given the right to vote in congregational matters. The Luther League began to raise money for a pipe organ.
Pastor Dordal resigned January 6, 1927, to accept a call to Larimore, North Dakota.
After a short time during which the congregation was again served by various pastors, the Rev. Albert N. Livedahl accepted the call offered him. During his ministry a 22 x 12 addition was built on to the west side of the church, for the choir and the organ, at a cost of $1200.00. The building committee consisted of Carl Austad, M. P. Quickstad, M. E. Remmen, O. C. Bergland, Elmer Severson and Elmer Hokensen. The pipe organ purchased by the Luther League at a cost of $2250 was installed in 1929. Pastor Livdahl died in office, August 22nd, 1932. Various pastors conducted services until a call was extended in December 1932 to Pastor E. Leland Rude of Bison, South Dakota. He accepted on condition that he be given a free hand in the language matter. During his ministry the services were all conducted in English.
Various improvements were undertaken during his ministry. The church was painted and redecorated, and a new carpet was laid in the chancel. The parsonage was painted and shingled. The improvements begun on the grounds during Pastor Livedahl’s ministry were completed. A Men's Club was organized in 1933.
In I 937 the congregation celebrated its 30th anniversary. Both the living former pastors, Bergh and Dordal were present. The congregation now numbered 338 baptized members. Its financial policy had been pretty
much one of "pay as you go," although debts had been incurred from time to time to accomplish specific tasks. Much of the credit for the financing of its various projects was due to the outstanding work of the Ladies' Aid. Other organizations which contributed their share to the effective work of the congregation were the Sunday School, the Young People's Society (now known as the Luther League), the Sunbeam Society, the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation and the Men's Club (now known as the Lutheran Brotherhood).
Pastor Rude left in July 1938, to accept a call to Devils Lake, North Dakota. Pastor O. J. Nesheim served the congregation for a time as interim pastor. Mr. Teber Hill, a Seminary student, came out during Christmas week.
Pastor F. T. Lokensgard was installed in July 1939. His father had conducted services here earlier in the history of the congregation.
During Pastor Lokensgard's ministry there was steady Progress in the congregation. It was at this time that the Circles were organized. During a vacancy in the Bucyrus parish, Pastor; Lokensgard served the Richland
congregation. He left the congregation on New Year's Day, 1943, to become a chaplain in the United States Navy.
Pastor L. O. Onerheim served the congregation for a short time as interim pastor, coming in the fall of 1943 and leaving in January 1944. Mr. K. A. Xavier, who had taught vacation Bible School in Hettinger during the
summer of 1943, came out from the Seminary to conduct services during the spring of 1944. He accepted the call that was extended to him to become the pastor and was installed June 11, 1944.
By this time, it was becoming evident that the church building was too small. The big question was whether to enlarge the old building or to put up a new one. A survey committee was appointed to contact the people
and learn their wishes. A committee was later appointed to draw up plans for enlarging the old church, but opinion was too evenly divided, and the decision was postponed. Meanwhile the soliciting of funds with which to enlarge or build anew was begun in 1945.
It was at this time that Bible Camp work was started in this area, culminating in the conversion of a dude ranch four miles south of Medora into the Badlands Bible Camp. It was also during Pastor Xavier s ministry
that the Brotherhood began sponsoring a Scout troop.
Pastor Xavier left in October of 1948. Pastor E. C. Goetz came up from Mott to conduct services, and Pastor Agrimson from Reeder, Pastor G . O. Torvik also served interim.
Pastor M. P Lutness was installed July 10, 1949. The big questions before the congregation at that time were whether to enlarge the old church or build a new one. On June 2, 1950, due to the rapid increase membership of the congregation, congregation authorized the church council to appoint various committees to make plans for a new church.
One of the first committees to be appointed was the one whose purpose it was to visit other churches for ideas which might be incorporated into the church to be built here. On this committee were Lloyd Miller (chairman), Pastor A. B. Bergh, Pastor M. P. Lutness and Oscar Osmundson. Later on this committee was
enlarged in size, and consisted of; Lloyd Miller (chairman),Pastor M. P. Lutness, Ernest Evenson, Elmer Erickson, Allen Leer, L. C. Mensing, Dave Schreiner and Lowell Seamands.
The other committees were as follows: Finance Committee: Earl Hersrud (chairman) Marion Anderson, Eric Eneberg, Ernest Stenberg, Julius Gjoplin and Lowell Seamands.
There was also a soliciting committee, but it was so large that it is impossible to recall the names of all the people who served on it.
Building Committee: Elmer Erickson (chairman), Carleton Austad, Ernest Evenson, L. C. Mensing and Oscar Osmundson.
Labor Committee: Gerhard Christianson (chairman), George Ehlers. Jr., Gunnard Ramstead, Elmer Severson and Robert Simonson.
Trucking Committee: Lowell Seamands (chairman), Ed Becker, Ferdy Hoity, and Milton Leetun.
Kitchen Committee: The following served at various times: Mrs. Leonard Ellefson (chairman), Mrs. L. C. Mensing, Mrs. Lloyd Miller, Mrs. Dale Quickstad, Mrs. Elmer Severson and Mrs. J. 0. Wigen.
Organ Committee: Mrs. Ernest Stedje (chairman), Mrs. M. P. Lutness, Mrs. Roy Lyman and Mrs. Robert Woods.
Furnishings Committee: J. O. Wigen (chairman), Allen Leer, Mrs. Harley Erickson and Mr. Robert Wallin. Pastor Lutness met with the committee " ex-officio."
Having inspected a number of churches, and having found one very much to its liking, architect Haukom of Fargo was engaged to draw up the plans for a church similar in design. It was to be built just east of the old church, with the educational wing to the north of the old church. Thus, the old church could be used until the
congregation could move into the new.
Lloyd Miller was chosen to be superintendent of construction.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were conducted April 20, 1952. Excavation began May 21, 1952. Actual construction was begun in the summer of 1952. The cornerstone was removed from the old church on March 22, 1953. The cornerstone laying for the new church was conducted May 3, 1953. Former pastors A. B. Bergh
and E. L. Rude took part in the ceremonies.
The last service in the oId church was held May 30, 1954, and the first service in the new church June 6, 1954. A class of seventeen young people was confirmed at that time.
The following report concerning the cost of the new church is taken from the treasurer’s report to the congregation for the year 1955:
Building material Labor 54,546.83
Brick laying and plastering 39,821.87 Plumbing and heating 16,476.80
Electrical equipment and wiring 17,054.20
Inside and outside lights 4.739.48
Freight, express, hauling, dirt moving 1,044.60
Floor covering main floor-chancel 4,434.20
Fuel, insurance, Workman's Compensation 2,906.92
Architect's fees 4,813.90
Miscellaneous 1,110.82
Organ 4,666.06
Pews 5,405.65
Other furnishings 3,264.48
$162 ,662.34
The treasurer's report adds "The above figures indicate cash outlay only." It must be remembered that much volunteer labor was performed by willing friends and workers. In this connection it is well to bear in mind
that the organ which was placed in the new church building was donated by Carl J. Austad."
Pastor Lutness accepted a call to Bismarck and held his last service at Hettinger on June 27th, 1954. The Board of Deacons was given the task of arranging for services until a new pastor could come. Services were
sometimes conducted by them, and sometimes by neighboring pastors, until Pastor Jersing Thompson came in September 1954 to serve interim. It was about this time that the old church was sold and moved away.
Pastor U. A. Turmo was installed January 9, 1955.
Since the congregation had at its previous annual meeting, appropriate funds for a part-time secretary, Mrs. R. W. Simonson was offered and accepted the position.
During the winter of 1955, Family Night, with the presentation of religious movies, was made a regular monthly feature of congregational life. A new projector was purchased in 1956. The Sunday School purchased a set of twenty-three filmstrips on the Catechism, as well as well as a set of 2000 colored slides illustrating the entire Bible. It has also purchased a daylight projector for slides and filmstrips.
The new pews were installed in the spring of 1955. Dedication services for the new church were held May 14th and 15th, 1955. The service on Saturday evening, May. 14th was a communion service. There were four services on Sunday: for Sunday School at 9:30 A. M.; morning worship at 11:00 A.M.; the dedication service at 2:30 P.M.; and a fourth service in the evening. The rite of dedication was carried out by Dr. L. N. Field, of Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul. Former pastors E. L. Rude, F. T. Lokensgard, K. A. Xavier, M. P. Lutness and Jersing Thompson took part. Most of the neighboring pastors were also present.
During the summer of 1956 sidewalks were laid, the parking lot on the west side of the church laid out, and shrubbery planted under the direction of Russell Korsmo. All the labor was donated.
At the 1957 annual meeting a new constitution was adopted. It was based partly on the old constitution which had been in force since the organization of the congregation, and partly on the recommended by the
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
We close with a brief resume of the congregation at the time of its 50th anniversary.
At the close of the year 1956, the congregation numbered 863 resident baptized members and 544 resident confirmed members. It has a Sunday School enrollment of 29 officers and teachers and 295 pupils. Its Vacation Bible School enrollment in 1957 was 23 officers and teachers and 230 pupils.
The congregation had a Senior Choir and a Junior choir. Its auxiliaries consisted of the Hettinger Ladies' Aid, the Immanuel Ladies' Aid, nine Circles, the Brotherhood, the Senior Luther League, the Junior Luther
League, and the Young Adults' League, organized in 1957. The Women's Bible Hour met once a week in the homes of members.
The Scout troops sponsored by the Brotherhood have continued to be very active. Cub Pack #45 was organized in the fall of 1954. Scout Troop # 45 and Explorer Post # 545 have grown so large that the Brotherhood
decided to organize a second troop.
Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the Church and in Jesus Christ to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20.21.
Info from - PRAIRIE PIONEERS A STORY OF ADAMS COUNTY (pages 258 - pages 263