Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church
8711 40 Ave N
Harwood, Cass County, North Dakota 58042

The Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church, of the Augustana Synod, was organized Feb. 5, 1878, by Pastor J. T. Mattson with 21 communicant members. The first church was built in 1885 under the leadership of Rev. J. O. Cavalin. The present church was erected in 1913 during the pastorate of Rev. H. F. Chilgren, enlarged and remodeled in 1948. Fourteen ministers have served this congregation including the present pastor, Rev. S. R. Baglien. The current communicant membership is 186 and 60 children are enrolled in Sunday School. This plate is designed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church.

Information - back of Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church Prosper, ND 1878-1953 Plate

Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church, located just outside the Fargo-Moorhead area in Harwood, North Dakota, has a rich history that spans over 140 years. Let’s delve into its fascinating past:

• Early Settlers: The church owes its existence to pioneers who settled in the area. Two of the first settlers, August Landblom and Hans Hoglund, arrived in 1871. They built their log cabin near the confluence of the Maple and Sheyenne rivers, which would later be the church’s location.
• Building a Community: More settlers followed, all with the vision of creating a community with schools and a place of worship. Homes made of sod and logs sprang up, and eventually, schoolhouses and teachers joined the landscape.
• The Church Becomes Reality: In 1878, after visits from several pastors, Rev. J. P. Mattson organized a congregation. They requested admittance into the Augustana Synod, marking the official beginning of Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church.

Information - Bing Copilot