Sunne Lutheran Church
7701 ND-36
Wilton, McLean County, North Dakota 58579

Sunne Lutheran Church east of Wilton has played an important part in the history of the area since the congregation was organized on February 22, 1893, in the home of Anders Olson. Even before that itinerant pastor Nelsenius and Kjellgren brought the Swedish settlers the Word and the Sacraments, and the Rev. Magnus Spangberg had confirmed a class of 12 young people. A cemetery had also been established in 1886.
 
A small frame church building was erected in 1893. In 1949 this building was razed and a larger one erected.
 
The congregation has had three parsonages -- one that originally sat across from the church and is now owned by L. W. Asplund; one that was bought in Wilton in 1954; and the present one that was built in 1966.
 
Resident pastors have been Magnus Spangberg, Carl H. Olson, E. 0. Valberg, George A. Olson, Alfred Lewensten, Carl F. Johnson, and the present pastor, John Bispala. Many students and interns, as well as faithful vice-pastors have served the congregation.
 
Mathilda Anderson and Herman Falkenstein were the first couple married in the old church. The largest confirmation class was in 1914 with 23 members.
 
Sunne and Bethlehem Lutheran of Wing are now a joint parish.
 
Information – Wilton Diamond Jubilee 1889 - 1974