St. Paul's Lutheran Church
46°10'18.4"N 98°35'34.9"W
46.171778, -98.593028
3rd Street & 2nd Avenue
Monango, Dickey County, North Dakota 58436

• Monango – Saint Paul Lutheran Church
• Location: Town of Monango
• Closing service held 25 September 2005
• Community History: Ellendale, ND – Centennial 1882-1982 – A Century of Memories, p.336

 

• Community History: Monango, ND – Centennial 1886-1986 – The Banner City, p.64-66. [Excerpts] Many changes have come to our world since the founding of St. Paul's congregation. Would charter members believe that men have walked on the moon, or that a person can live with another's heart beating within him: The size and complexity of the congregation has changed; the congregation is smaller, and the budget is larger. As a congregation, they have adjusted quite well to the changing times. But, amid all this change, something has remained the same. The same God who protected pioneer people, who brought their children to faith, who guided them through life, pardoning their sins when they strayed, and who gave them hope when they died, is still their God today. He was their help in ages past, their hope for years to come. The following is a list of all who served St. Paul's Lutheran Church from 1892 to the present: (1892-1899) Pastor C.E. Bode, Albion; Assisting Bode-Student W. Roering, Assisting Bode-Student Bierwagen; (1899 1902) Reverend W. Bohsen; (1902-1907) Pastor George Lahme; (1907-1908) Pastor H.E. Vomhof, Edgeley, Assisting Vomhof-Student Albert Gierke; (1908-1923) Pastor Paul Kluender; (1923-1927) Pastor John Brandt; (1927-1929) Pastor Hans von Gemmingen, Kulm; (1929-1932) Pastor J.E. Timian (first resident pastor); (1932-1939) Pastor Hans von Gemmingen, Kulm, Assisting von Gemmingen-Candidate R.R. Schulz, Assisting von Gemmingen-Candidate John W. Meyer; (1939-1942) Pastor J.W. Meyer; (July November, 1942) Pastor M.J. Haerther, Edgeley; (1942-1953) Reverend F.F. Brauer; (1953-1955) Pastor N.F. Spomer, Edgeley; (1955-1961) Pastor Walter T. Eifert; (April-July, 1961) Pastor Franklin Wesselius, Forbes; (1961-1965) Pastor Gordon Giese; (1965-1967) Pastor Ron Seitz, Ellendale; (1967-1968) Pastor Theo. Allwardt, Oakes, Assisting Seitz & Allwardt (1966-1967)-Vicar John Rische, Assisting Allwardt (1967-1968)-Vicar David Caspersen; (1968-1975) Pastor Edgar Baumann; (1972-1975) Pastor Lueker, Edgeley and Pastor Keohler, LaMoure. (Serving as Vicars under the leadership of Pastors Leuker and Koehler: (1972-1973) Vicar Victor Meyr; (1973-1974) Vicar Maynard Spitzack; (1974-1975) Vicar Sam Christensen. (1972-1973) Pastor Theodore Voll; (1979-1981) Pastor Bob Tasler, Oakes, Assisting Tasler (1980-1981) Vicar Larry Jost; (1981-1982) Pastor William Hegg; (1982-1983) Pastor Theo Knepper, Forbes; (1983-1984) Pastor Larry Sieferth; (1984 to present) Pastor Leo Deitemeyer, Ellendale.

 

• Church History: Monango, ND – 100th Anniversary of the Organization of the Congregation – 1894-1994. The beginnings of St. Paul's Lutheran Church take us back to the early nineties of the past century when the first Lutherans from Southern Russia settled in the Monango territory. Some of the first settlers in the Monango area named approximately in the order in which they established homes were: Ferdinand and Johanna Biederstedt Mintz; John A. and Maria Biederstedt Gebhardt; Jacob F. and Frederika Schock Gebhardt; William and Magdalena Gebhardt Fiechtner; Gustave and Maria Gebhardt Fiechtner; Gottlieb and Johanna Frigen Oster; Philip and Karolina Fandrich Gebhardt; and Joseph and Karolina Bender Frigen. According to St. Paul's Lutheran Church record book, the above-named families are assumed to be the founders of St. Paul's congregation in 1894. After 1894 the following established homeowners in this area were: Christian and Eva Oster Bollinger; Frederick and Karolina Oster Stahlecker; George and Elizabeth Mantai Speidel; Christian and Christina Kirsch Scheuffele; Christian and Katherina Gebhardt Rempfer; Gottlieb and Karoline Speidel Gebhardt; Christoph and Regina Steinwand Biederstedt; Matthias and Karolina Gumke Roeszler; Christian and Elizabeth Nitschke Fey; John and Elizabeth Bollinger Wiederrich; Christoph and Frederika Speidel Gebhardt; and Gottlieb and Louise Wutzke Speidel. All the above mentioned came from the Black Sea area of South Russia, where their forefathers settled in the early 1800's. They were promised free land, religious freedom, and exemption from military service. When there was no more free land to be had and military exemption was abolished, these settlers decided to move to the United States for the same reasons: religious freedom, free land and no military service. With one exception, all the above-mentioned settlers settled in Hamburg and Potsdam townships. They all established new farms. They did not build sod houses but used sun-dried clay blocks. The first service was held in the Johann A. Gebhardt home on the outskirts of Monango in the year 1892. It was then that the first child, Johanna Gebhardt, daughter of pioneers, Johann and Maria Gebhardt, was baptized. Pastor C. Bode of nearby Albion Township had been asked to conduct this service. From then on, he served these early settlers regularly. Services were held in the different members' homes. Due to lack of seating, the worshippers often brought their own chairs and homemade benches. The first marriage ceremony was performed in October of 1892. William Fiechtner and Magdalena Gebhardt were united in holy wedlock by Pastor C.E. Bode, the officiating clergyman. The first class to be received into the church by the rite of confirmation was in 1899; members were: Gottlieb Oster, Jr.; Ottilie Roessler, Adam Oster, Clara Noess and Christina Speidel. This solemn ceremony took place in the George Speidel home. The first burials in this settlement were between the house of John Gebhardt and the railroad tracks on the north edge of Monango. Most of those buried there were later moved to the cemetery west of Monango. One or two bodies are still buried there in unmarked graves. It is possible that their graves are now under U.S. Highway 281. The first burials in the new cemetery west of town were in 1899. The first adult buried in St. Paul's cemetery was Matthias Steinwand in 1907. The first charter member, Ferdinand Mintz was born in 1852, died and was buried there in 1910. The last charter member, Gustave Fiechtner, born in 1872, died in 1958. All eight of the charter members are buried in this cemetery. The earliest born person buried at the cemetery is Magdalena Frigen, born in 1833, died 1923. Student Assistants Pastor Bode served a far-flung mission field and required students to assist him. Among these were Pastor W. Roering and Pastor Bierwagen. These men faithfully attended to the spiritual needs of this constantly growing band of immigrants from Russia. Shortly before Christmas of 1899, Pastor Bode was compelled to resign on account of his advanced age. In March of 1900 the Rev. W. Bohsen accepted the call to this parish. By this time about 20 families attended the services. In the summer of 1902, another vacancy occurred. Dr. F. Pfotenhauer, then President of the Minnesota-Dakota District of the Synod, induced a certain Pastor George Lahme of the Minnesota Synod to come to teach school and to preach. The Parish extended a call to him which he accepted. The first church building was erected in 1903, dedicated in October. The size was 22 by 36 feet. During the long vacancy, occasioned by the resignation of Pastor Lahme in May 1907, some of the members were attracted to the Peace Lutheran Church which had been organized near Merricourt (this was originally an Iowa Synod Congregation. Later, they applied for and were granted membership in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.) Pastor H.E. Vomhof of Edgeley, and Student Albert Gierke served the Parish for over a year. On the 30th of August 1908, the long and blessed ministry of Pastor Paul L. Kluender began. He was installed by Pastor John Meyer of Columbia, South Dakota. For fifteen years he faithfully served this parish. Soon the membership grew from 12 to 35 families. This necessitated the enlargement of the church. This enlarging was completed in August 1913 and dedicated to the glory of God on August 24. It was believed this church would serve for many years to come. "Man proposes, God disposes." During the night after Ascension Day, May 15, 1915, it was struck by lightning and burned completely. On the following Sunday, a special humiliation and prayer service was held, after which the congregation courageously decided to rebuild. The cornerstone was laid on August 15, 1915, and the structure was completed in the summer of the following year. The estimated cost for the building was $4,400.00. The cost of the altar was $120, the pews cost $381. The pulpit cost $90 and the Baptismal font $18. These facilities are still in use today. Dedication services took place on July 16, 19196. The celebration of the 75th anniversary in 1978 will mark to a day the 62nd anniversary of the dedication of the present Church building. Guest speakers for the dedication were Pastors T. Hinck, A. Junz, F. Wessler, and H.E. Vomhof. During the interim, while their house of worship was in the process of construction, the members living in the western part of the parish met for services in a schoolhouse, while the others congregated in the Presbyterian Church at Monango which had so graciously been offered them. It was during this time, in 1915, that the Congregation joined the Synod of the Lutheran Church of Missouri, Ohio, and other states. Saint Paul's regretted to see their beloved Pastor leave when he followed the Call to a large Parish at Melrose Park, Illinois. Pastor Kluender preached his farewell Sermon on Easter Monday (April 2), 1923. Pastor Kluender continued as Shepherd of the Congregation in Melrose Park until his retirement. Pastor Kluender is still an active member of the Congregation. The Rev. Brandt of Wilton, North Dakota, became the next Pastor. He served the Albion-Monango Parish from Rogate Sunday, 1923, until August 1927 when he accepted a call to Dorchester, Wisconsin. After his departure the parish was divided. The ties binding the two Congregations for so many years were severed. Albion, together with Ellendale and Forbes, formed a new parish under the leadership of Pastor Walter Rohe. St. Paul's asked Pastor Hans von Gemmingen of Kulm to serve them. This latter was to be a temporary arrangement, but it continued until the summer of 1929. Twenty-fifth Anniversary The 8th of July 1928 was a day of praise and thanksgiving for St. Paul's. It was the day of the Silver Anniversary of the dedication of the first Church building! God had showered them with the rich treasure of His Grace and Mercy! A quarter century of pure Gospel preaching! This must be fittingly observed. The Church was redecorated, and many improvements made. To accommodate all the guests, a large tent was erected on the grounds. Festival speakers were: President J.P. Klaussler, Pastors Rohe and Kluender. Since it had rained hard the night before, and since the wind blew strongly the day of the services, some men had a difficult task. During the services, they had to walk around the outside of the tent and drive the stakes in, since the wind kept pulling them out. First Resident Pastor The Congregation was flourishing, but the work in his large mission field became too strenuous for Pastor von Gemmingen. As a result, Monango decided to call its own Pastor. The selection fell on Pastor J.E. Timian of Crystal, North Dakota. His installation took place on May 5, 1929, and he thus became the first resident Pastor. During his Pastorate, the present commodious parsonage was purchased. A Long Vacancy In April 1932 another vacancy occurred and for a time Monango was served by Pastor Vomhof and again, until 1939, by Pastor von Gemmingen. Owing to his advanced age Pastor von Gemmingen could no longer endure the hardships of long drives his extended charges demanded during the trying depression years. Candidates R.R. Schulz & John W. Meyer came to his assistance and served the Congregation. A New Merger The year 1939 brought forth a new parish. This time it was Saint Paul's with Peace Congregation of Merricourt. This newly formed parish elected Candidate J.W. Meyer as its Pastor, and on February 19, 1939, he was ordained and installed. In July 1942 the Rev. Mr. Meyer accepted a call to New Germany, Minnesota. The Rev. M.J. Haerther served as vacancy Pastor. A Call was extended to the Rev. F.E. brauer of Minot, N.D., and on November 15, 1942, he officially assumed his duties as Pastor, being installed by Pastor Haerther. Pastor von Gemmingen and Candidate Winkler assisted in the installation. Language Question In some congregations, the transition from the German language to English caused bitter controversy. This was not so for St. Paul's, the change was gradual. For a number of years, the confirmation classes, as well as the Sunday school, were conducted in English. Some services had to be conducted in English, also. At first only one service per month was in English. In February 1943 a second service per month in English was added, alternating with the German. The last class to have some students confirmed in German was in 1941. During the past several years all services are conducted in the language of the land. The faith of our fathers in the language of the children. New Finance System After thorough study and discussion the old collecting system together with the "Klingenbeutel" were discarded by the Congregation and a modern finance system was adopted which provided weekly duplex envelopes for every communicant in accordance with God's exhortation, "Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him (1 Corinthians 16:2)". This system was introduced in January 1944, and has proved a stride forward in the right direction. As one member so aptly put it: "Never again back to the old horse and buggy system". An Anniversary The fortieth anniversary of the dedication of the first Church building was observed on July 4, 1943. Two former Pastors, the Rev. von Gemmingen and Rev. P.E. Kluender, and the Rev. A.H. Grumm, President of the District, were the guest speakers on this happy occasion. The afternoon and evening services were held in the school gymnasium. The ladies of the Congregation served a hot dinner to over 600 guests. A Revolutionizing Resolution The decision to move the Church from the former site to the present one in the village of Monango was preceded by much discussion, opposition, and fervent prayer. It has proved to be in the best interests of the Kingdom. The corner stone laying of the present Church building at the new site was held August 10, 1947. Dr. A.J. Grumm was the speaker at this service which was held on the lawn. A basement with complete kitchen was built and the old building entirely renovated, rewired, and painted at a total cost of $12,000. Much of the work was done by the members. The following year a two manual Wurlitzer electric organ was installed. This was largely given as a memorial for Henry Fiechtner by the family members. When the work was completed, all the bills were already paid. Improvements Love for the Lord and a keen interest in His Church have always characterized the members of St. Paul's. In humble gratitude they brought the generous sum of $2,328 as a Peace-Thank offering in April 1945. In 1952 nearly $4,000 was gathered for Synod's ten-million-dollar expansion program. The local Church and parsonage have not been forgotten. In the fall of 1944, a cistern was built and later a cement floor laid in the parsonage basement. Labor was furnished by the members. The parsonage was insulated. A modern sewage system was installed, and a hot water heater purchased. The kitchen was remodeled. A Few Observations Made By Pastor Brauer in 1953 The size and complexion of St. Paul's Congregation has been influenced by several factors. The recent trend away from the farm to the city has affected it. Farms are becoming larger, farmers fewer, as bigger and more machines replace manpower, forcing the young men to seek a livelihood elsewhere. The economy of the nation and of the farmer in particular has induced travel, encouraged better education, and thus opened a wider field of employment for both young man and women. To this has been added the influence of the war with its forced travel. Mixed marriages have become more and more common. The faith of our fathers has become the faith of the children by use of the language of the children. Use of the pure Word of God through the years; two world wars; the depression; all helped to retain a high regard for the ministry, to deepen the spirituality of a large percentage of the members, to broaden their conception of Synod and their obligations to it. The fervent desire to please God and walk in His ways is here, too. May God's love and mercy abide with each member of St. Paul's. May He help them to grow in grace, knowledge, faith, love by continuing the diligent use of His pure Word and Sacraments in their midst....Celebration of the 50th Anniversary, 1953 For the anniversary celebration elaborate preparations were made. Memorials for the occasion were: Carpeting of the center aisles of the Church, bronze altar vases, bronze missal stands, altar service books, deluxe pulpit Bible, landscaping of the Church grounds, and additions to kitchen equipment. Former Pastors Kluender, Meyer, and Brandt were invited as guest preachers. Seven hundred attended the July 5 services, and eight hundred on July 12. Four different choirs, under the leadership of Mrs. F.E. Brauer, enhanced the beauty of the services and were massed to conclude the final service, singing Bach's immortal chorale, "Wake, Awake!" Greetings from District President Cordts and also from Mr. Gus Fiechtner of Fargo – the only living charter member at that time – were read. Frank Fischer, from the sister Congregation at Edgeley, brought greetings personally. On Wednesday evening, July 8, a fellowship banquet was held in the local school gymnasium with Victor Fiechtner as master of ceremonies. Former Pastors, sons of the Congregation, Pastors G.J. Fiechtner of Hazen and William Rempfer of Pettibone, and Mr. Fred Fiechtner were the speakers interspersed with home entertainment talent and community singing led by Frank Gebhardt. Reinhold Fiechtner, as president of the Congregation, gave the address of welcome. In May and June of 1953 sidewalks were built around the Church and the outside walls and roof were painted. This was under the continuing Pastorate of Rev. Brauer, who had faithfully served the Congregation for many years. After The Anniversary The Lord led Pastor Friedrich Brauer to accept a Call to Scotland, South Dakota, and he preached his farewell Sermon on November 29, 1953. Following his departure the Rev. N.F. Spomer of Zion, Edgeley served as Interim Pastor. The Congregation endured a Pastoral Vacancy for almost two years until Sunday, July 31, 1955, when Candidate Walter T. Eifert was installed as Pastor by Rev. Mehl of Ellendale. Under Pastor Eifert's consecrated leadership a number of improvements were made in the Church and parsonage. In December of 1956 chimes and a loudspeaker system were installed in the Church steeple. In 1957 a half-bath was built in the parsonage and the garage was shingled. At the quarterly voters' meeting on August 30, 1959, it was decided to construct an addition to the main Church to consist of four Sunday school rooms, a Pastor's study, a new kitchen, and rest rooms. Work was begun that fall and was nearly completed by the Voters' meeting in March 1960. The addition was dedicated to the glory of God on June 19, 1960. Pastor Felix Rubbert, Executive Secretary of the District, and Pastor H. Huber, our Circuit Counselor, were the guest speakers. The addition was proved very helpful and is used frequently for meetings and Sunday School. Communion cards were introduced to the Congregation on April 5, 1959. On July 7, 1959, a special offering was taken for Immanuel Lutheran Church of Fargo, North Dakota, whose Church building was badly damaged by a tornado. Pastor Eifert served the Congregation until Easter Sunday, April 2, 1961, when he preached his farewell Sermon. He left to organize a new Congregation in Lee's Summit, MO. Rev. Franklin Wesselius of Bethelehem, Forbes, served as interim Pastor following his departure. The Congregation was again blessed with a Pastor when on July 16, 1961, Candidate Gordon Giese was installed. The blessing of God continued upon the Congregation through his shepherding. But in one instance the blessing was mixed with a little hardship. Everyone who was in Church on September 7, 1964, will probably remember it. A storm came up and it hailed so hard that the rattling against the roof made the Pastor stop his Sermon because he couldn't be heard. Almost everyone who drove to Church that Sunday had proof that they were there – their cars were full of dents from the hail. On April 19, 1964, the Church and parsonage were painted. Pastor Giese served until August 1965, when he accepted a Call to Amery, Wisconsin. In August 1965, the dual parish agreement with Peace Lutheran Church, Merricourt, came to an end. This was because the Merricourt Congregation closed. This agreement had been initiated in 1939 and worked well for both Congregations. Pastor Giese's departure initiated a Pastoral Vacancy of over three years. During this the Congregation was served by two interim Pastors, Pastor Seitz of Ellendale until he accepted a Call on May 21, 1967; and Rev. Theo. Allwardt, of St. John's, Oakes, who served ad interim Pastor until November 17, 1968. On July 10, 1966, individual Communion cups were introduced to the Congregation and approved for use in services. Under the supervision of these Pastors the Congregation was served by two Vicars. Vicar John Rische was installed on July 31, 1966. This was a happy day for the Congregation, but one which they will long remember for another reason also. On that evening what had been the driest July that anyone could remember became the wettest when over six inches of rain fell throughout the area. The lights went out, the basement began to flood, but everyone came out safe and sound, if not dry. On October 23, 1966, a new furnace was installed in the Parsonage. Vicar Rische left to return to the Seminary on August 13, 1967. Under his leadership a thorough community and area canvass was completed. In December 1967 Vicar David Caspersen was installed. He served the Congregation until July 28, 1968. At this time Services were again conducted by Pastor Allwardt. On November 17, 1968, the Congregation was again blessed with a resident Pastor when Rev. Edgar T. Baumann was installed. He served faithfully until his retirement on June 25, 1972. During his Pastorate the steeple was painted and the cross at the top was straightened, and the Sedalia was made. After Pastor Baumann's departure Pastor Lueker of Edgeley assumed duties as Vacancy Pastor, followed shortly thereafter by Pastor Luther Koehler of Lamoure. Under their leadership the Congregation was served faithfully by three consecutive Vicars: Vicar Victor Meyr, from September 3, 1972, to August 12, 1973; Vicar Maynard Spitzack from August 19, 1973, to August 11, 1974; and Vicar Sam Christensen from August 18, 1974, to July 13, 1975. The Congregation enjoyed a time of spiritual growth and happy Christian fellowship while it was served by these Vicars. On February 2, 1975, a dual parish agreement was signed with Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Kulm, North Dakota. The two Congregations had never been formally affiliated before, although Pastor Von Gemmingen of Kulm had served St. Paul's as Interim Pastor in the 30's. The dual parish submitted a Call to the Board of Placement of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and was assigned a graduate. Candidate Theodore Voll was installed as Pastor of the Parish on July 20, 1975. Since his installation the Congregation has been busily preparing for its 75th Anniversary celebration. The Church and Parsonage exteriors were painted. In 1978 the Church pews were stained and varnished, the floor tiled, and a sanctuary lamp installed. In 1976 our nation celebrated its 200th birthday, and the Congregation gave glory to God for the great country in which we live, work and worship. They celebrated God's blessing in a very special way. The entire Congregation was invited to participate in a bicentennial pageant held at Ellendale entitled "Dickey County in Review". The pageant was an historical sketch of significant events in the communities of Dickey County. Since St. Paul's has played a long and influential role in the development of the Monango community, the Congregation was invited to participate. Our portion consisted of Congregational singing, both in German and in English, and in relating how God is with us at birth, throughout life, and even in death. The 75th Anniversary of the Congregation was observed with festival services on January 1, 1978, and, God willing, will be again observed on July 16, 1978, when our guest speakers will be present. Pastor Walter T. Eifert will be the speaker for the morning service, Pastor Alwin Reimnitz, President of the North Dakota District, will speak for the afternoon services. A banquet will be held on Monday evening, July 17. To God alone be the glory. History from 1978-1994 Under Pastor Voll's guidance St. Paul's Lutheran of Monango did indeed celebrate an anniversary on July 16th and 17th in 1978. The church overflowed with worshippers for the 2 services conducted by Pastor Walter T. Eifert, former pastor, and De. Alwin Reimnitz, President of the North Dakota District. Pastor Reimnitz began his service with, "It's hot. You know it, I know it and the Lord knows it!" Voices were raised in glorious song by both the choir and congregation and Christian fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended. A banner was made for this joyous occasion praising God for His love, now and always. The banquet was held in the school gymnasium because of the number attending, and a large choir made up of past and present choir members raised their voices in jubilant song following the banquet. In 1979 it was decided that the congregation purchase a new organ with the special fund that was established with designated offerings and memorials. At about that same time Pastor Voll received and accepted a call to Michigan. In November, shortly after Pastor Voll's departure, with the Reverend Robert Tasler, from Oakes as our vacancy pastor, the new Allen Organ was dedicated; the purchase price being $5250.00. Pastor Tasler served our congregation from October 1979 to November 1980, and it was during this time that lay members Steve and Cindy Fiechtner assumed leadership of the youth group call[ed] Active Christian Teens. A special "Living Nativity" was presented every Christmas by this organization for many years in the Fiechtner's barn, complete with cow and calf, sheep, chickens, dog and cats. By lantern light the audience found their cozy and comfortable seating on the straw-bale bleachers. Following the performance a hot lunch, caroling and fellowship were enjoyed in the church basement. Pastor Tasler supervised the vicarage of Vicar Larry Jost who served our congregation from December 1980 to November 1981, at which time he accepted a call to Milwaukee, WI. A call was extended, and Candidate William Hegg arrived in December of 1981. After Pastor Hegg's departure in January of 1982, Pastor Theo Knepper of Forbes served as our vacancy pastor until January 1983 at which time Candidate Larry Seiferth was installed. During his pastorate here the ceiling fans, new outside doors, and a ramp for the handicapped were installed. He served us until September of 1984 at which time he accepted a call to Hampshire, Illinois. After Pastor Seiferth's departure a pastoral vacancy existed for only a short time. Pastor Leo Deitemeyer of Ellendale served us from September 1984 to July of 1985 when Candidate Stephen Juergensen was installed. In all probability Pastor Juergensen had not even finished unloading his furniture before he realized his community was in a flurry of activity preparing for the centennial celebration of the "city" of Monango. In a community the size of Monango, everyone gets involved including the church and the pastor. A float for the parade was constructed with the message "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." a cross, a model of the earth, and a replica of our church (built some time earlier by Theo Frigen) were the main components of the float. Pastor Juergensen himself become involved in the centennial activities. When a drummer was needed for the Community German Band, it seemed he was the only member in this community with this particular talent, so he very ably became the German Band drummer. A special service of thanksgiving and praise was held in our church on June 29th, 1986, for all members and visitors here for this happy celebration. While Pastor Juergensen was serving our congregation, extensive remodeling and redecorating was done in the pastor's study, the educational rooms, and the kitchen in the church. In the fall of that same year, 1988, a new 12' by 17' parsonage entry-utility room addition was built at the cost of $6517.00. In the fall of 1989, it was deemed necessary to install a new church heating system, fueled by propane. In 1990 Pastor Juergensen accepted a call to Bethel Lutheran at Bismarck, North Dakota. He bade us farewell in November at which time we once again were served by Pastor Deitemeyer as our vacancy pastor. We extended our call for a candidate, and our prayers were answered. In July of 1991 Candidate Kevin Ader arrived to shepherd this little flock. He was installed on July 14, 1991, during a special evening service by Rev. N.C. Sincebaugh, North Dakota District President. As the farming community dwindles and loses population, so does our congregation lose numbers. But as we have been blessed in so many ways for so many years, we always remember the words, "Our God our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come." Our theme for this 100th anniversary of the organization of our congregation states, "O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples!" (Psalm 105:1)

 
Information – Churches_ Dickey County, ND (pages 53 through 58) Compiled by: Allen E. Konrad