Klara Lutheran Church
47.86195, -99.63882
44th Ave NE & 31st Street NE
Maddock, Benson County, North Dakota 58348
47.86195, -99.63882
44th Ave NE & 31st Street NE
Maddock, Benson County, North Dakota 58348
By Mrs. Harold Backen
The "Klara Forsamling" was organized in 1897 by a group of early settlers who had come to this country mostly from a part of Sweden near the Klara River. There were twenty-four members who joined that first year. The meetings were held most often in private homes. The long "unfinished" upstairs at Ole Johnson's was a popular place.
On August 18, 1907, Pastor Andeer laid the cornerstone for the Klara Church which was completed in 1908.
Much of the work of hauling materials and building was donated by the members. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1897, made money with their basket socials and auctions where homemade articles were sold. A glimpse into their secretary book at a meeting held at the home of Mrs. Ed Benson on October 14, 1907, shows this resolution, "Resolved that the Ladies Aid shall pay for the building of the church," but we know members were asked to donate the net profit of as many bushels of wheat or flax as he wished toward the building fund.
On September 21 and 22, 1957 the Klara Congregation celebrated their 60th anniversary with Rev. Gustafson our pastor in charge. At that time, we printed a history of the church.
On July 23, 1972, we celebrated our 75th anniversary with Pastor Nordin in charge. In 1957 our church membership had been 124 but in 1972 only fifteen years later the confirmed membership had dwindled to 82.
All of the charter members had now passed away, but a special tribute was paid to those over eighty. This list included: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Noreli, Mathilda Anderson (both Amanda Norell and 139 Mathilda Anderson are members of the first confirmation class), Regina Backen, Mr. and Mrs. Helmer Olson, Mrs. Carl (Selma) Abrahamson, Gunhild Anderson, Carolina Nelson and John Otto.
Here are some of the improvements which have taken place since 1957: 1959 - Repaired basement floor, put in tile; 1963 - Put in new eaves troughs; 1964 - Ordered projector; 1965 - Night light put in; 1967 - Painted exterior of church; 1971 - Painted inside of church; 1972 - Put in basement paneling.
Information - Maddock Diamond Jubilee 1901 - 1976
The "Klara Forsamling" was organized in 1897 by a group of early settlers who had come to this country mostly from a part of Sweden near the Klara River. There were twenty-four members who joined that first year. The meetings were held most often in private homes. The long "unfinished" upstairs at Ole Johnson's was a popular place.
On August 18, 1907, Pastor Andeer laid the cornerstone for the Klara Church which was completed in 1908.
Much of the work of hauling materials and building was donated by the members. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1897, made money with their basket socials and auctions where homemade articles were sold. A glimpse into their secretary book at a meeting held at the home of Mrs. Ed Benson on October 14, 1907, shows this resolution, "Resolved that the Ladies Aid shall pay for the building of the church," but we know members were asked to donate the net profit of as many bushels of wheat or flax as he wished toward the building fund.
On September 21 and 22, 1957 the Klara Congregation celebrated their 60th anniversary with Rev. Gustafson our pastor in charge. At that time, we printed a history of the church.
On July 23, 1972, we celebrated our 75th anniversary with Pastor Nordin in charge. In 1957 our church membership had been 124 but in 1972 only fifteen years later the confirmed membership had dwindled to 82.
All of the charter members had now passed away, but a special tribute was paid to those over eighty. This list included: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Noreli, Mathilda Anderson (both Amanda Norell and 139 Mathilda Anderson are members of the first confirmation class), Regina Backen, Mr. and Mrs. Helmer Olson, Mrs. Carl (Selma) Abrahamson, Gunhild Anderson, Carolina Nelson and John Otto.
Here are some of the improvements which have taken place since 1957: 1959 - Repaired basement floor, put in tile; 1963 - Put in new eaves troughs; 1964 - Ordered projector; 1965 - Night light put in; 1967 - Painted exterior of church; 1971 - Painted inside of church; 1972 - Put in basement paneling.
Information - Maddock Diamond Jubilee 1901 - 1976