Vang Lutheran Church
200 W Legrand Ave
Manfred, Wells County, North Dakota 58341
200 W Legrand Ave
Manfred, Wells County, North Dakota 58341
In the year 1893-1894 Norse Lutherans began to settle in Manfred and the community. In 1894 they received a visit from Pastor I. L. Oksendahl of Viking, N. D. He called the people together to hear the Word of God and initiated the first step toward the organization of a Lutheran church.
He officiated at the rites of the first funeral in our neighborhood, that of Mrs. Jacob O. Hagen, in the summer of 1894. The same fall he performed the first wedding ceremony when he joined Christian C. Rogne-Melby and Anna Ranum in wedlock.
After worship services on October 7, 1894, a meeting was held to formally organize a congregation. It took the name of "Vang Evangelical Lutheran Church" with the desire to follow temporarily the constitution of the United Church. The following officers were elected: secretary, Gullik Nordtorp; treasurer, Gullik H. Dahle; trustees, Knut O. Melby, Torstein O. Roble, Ole K. Melby. After this meeting, Pastor I. L. Oksendahl discontinued his visits and in the summer of 1895 Pastor E. T. Quam of Sheyenne, N. D., arrived to conduct several services. On the 23rd day of May he baptized Carl Anton Hovey, son of Nils and Marit Hovey, and Jennie Regina Nordtorp whose parents were Gullick and Ranghild Nordtorp.
On December 13,1894, the congregation called a meeting in the Mads Nertrost School requesting Pastor N. E. Ellestad, United Church Mission Superintendent, to send us a minister from the United Lutheran Church. In the meantime, the congregation was to be served by Pastor Quam. At this first annual meeting the following were registered as members: Gullik Nordtorp, Gullik H. Dahle,Knut O. Melby, Ole K. Melby, and Torstein O. Roble, New members enrolled were: Mads Nortrost, Tollef Roble, Christen Roble, Ole S. Hovey, Gulbrand Rogne, John Hanson, Peder Skattebo, Ole J. Rodne, Ole Skattebo and Ole Foss.
At a meeting of the congregation, February 2, 1896, the Constitution was read paragraph by paragraph and unanimously adopted. The duty of each of the newly elected trustees was to work in his own community securing new members. A committee of three, O. K. Melby, T. O. Roble and Ole Skattebo, was chosen to select a suitable cemetery location.
On May 3,1899, a congregational meeting was held, and a call was tendered to Pastor N. O. Fjeld to take up the duties as regular minister. He accepted the call and moved to Harvey, North Dakota, from where he served Harvey, Vang, and surrounding congregations. It was also decided to incorporate the congregation as of Nov. 2, 1896.
By now many new settlers had moved into the community and ministerial duties were expanding to such an extent that Vang congregation decided to sever its connection with Harvey and form a unit with Ontario and Cathay congregations. (Ontario was the beginning of a town located a few miles north and a little west of what is now Bowdon. The route of the railroad was changed, however, and Bowdon replaced Ontario.)
Pastor N. E. Ellestad, with the headquarters of the United Lutheran Church, was asked to be present at a congregational meeting on May 7, 1899, to help give advice relative to the calling of a new pastor. The summer of 1899 was a time of distress for the congregation. In the eastern portion, many left to affiliate with the Norwegian Synod. The congregation had little success in securing a pastor. Interest lagged and minds seemed confused. At that time the congregation had a visit from candidate L. C. Fylling and offered him the call, but he declined.
Pastor A. O. Fonkalsrud accepted the call and began his work late in the fall of 1899. Under his ministry a change took place. Interest grew to the extent that church officers could, with rejoicing, report progress and growth to the district's visitation Pastor Lovland. Church attendance improved during the winter of 1900, and an increased zeal in church activities of the congregation was noted.
At a meeting of the congregation on February 4, 1901, a letter was presented from some of the members who, due to distance, found it inconvenient to attend services in Manfred. In this letter they reported that they had found a new congregation under the name of Bethania (at Wellsburg) but wished to affiliate with Vang Congregation at Manfred to be served by Vang's pastor. This plan was accepted and approved.
Pastor Fonkalsrud served until the fall of 1901, the Pastor E. S. Eidesvik was called as his successor and began his service the same fall. At a meeting of the congregation on July 17, 1902, it was decided to divide the Vang Congregation so that the east part form a separate unit yet continue to be served by the same minister.
It had been the congregation's wish and goal to secure its own place of worship since services had been held in schoolhouses. The first item for consideration at the yearly meeting in 1905 was to name a committee whose duties were to gather funds for the erection of a church building. The following were named: Ole K. Melby, Knut Melby and Bendik Rogne. In the winter of 1906, the ingathering committee reported results of their labors to the effect that the congregation could now proceed with the church building.
The church was built in Manfred during the summer of 1906 by A. G. Beito, Effington, South Dakota. Now the congregation had the joy of worshiping in its own church where the Word of God was proclaimed. The cornerstone was laid on July 7, 1907. Pastor Albert Johnson officiated with the assistance of Pastors E. T. Quam, Nils Mehlen, M. O. Dybvig and E. S. Edisevik.
In 1908 Pastor E. S. Eidesvik left the congregation and was succeeded in the same year by J. M. Langseth.
On Sunday, June 26,1910, the church was dedicated by the then United Lutheran Church President, Dr. T. H. Dahl, with the following ministers taking part: E. J. Synnes. Nils N. Mehlen, O. L. Fladager, A. Bue, N. O. Rogver and the local pastor, John M. Langseth.
Although a place for worship had been provided, there was still a need for a place where the Ladies Aid could hold their meetings, yearly bazaars, and serve refreshments for those in attendance at special meetings and conventions since the church had no basement. After some time, an opportunity arose enabling the Aid to purchase an adjacent corner lot with a house. At a Ladies Aid meeting held at the home of Mrs. Bendik Rogne, February 7, 1913, it was resolved that the Aid buy the property with intentions to remodel the house for a meeting place for Aid activities. This proved to be too impractical and costly, so they sold the house and retained the lot. In the summer of 1918, the decision was made to provide a basement on the corner lot and move the church onto it. The contract for this undertaking was awarded to Bendik Rogne. He did the job conscientiously and in a workman like manner. Since then, the Aid paid for the installation of embossed metal paneling for the walls and ceiling of the church interior and the basement ceiling. The Aid also helped to finance the cost of providing electric lighting in the church and parsonage.
Pastor J. M. Langseth served our congregation faithfully for thirty-five years, the longest tenure of a pastor's service in our history, and guided the congregation through difficult and trying times, as one remembers the drought of the 1930's and the war years.
In the fall of 1943, the congregation called Pastor G. W. Mathre of Bowdon to serve them. In January 1945, the congregation received an invitation from the Bowdon Lutheran Parish to become a member congregation of that unit. On February 4, 1945, the congregation voted to join the parish and called the Bowdon pastor as their permanent pastor. The trustees met with the other trustees from Bowdon Parish and on February 6, 1945, reached a satisfactory agreement.
In February 1945, Pastor G. W. Mathre resigned as pastor of the Bowdon Lutheran Parish, so the congregation was again without a pastor. He had served faithfully and competently.
In March 1945, the Vang Congregation together with the Bowdon Parish, called candidate Erling Aarthun to be their pastor upon the completion of his studies-at the Seminary. He accepted the call and was ordained and installed as the congregation's pastor on September 23, 1945, at the Fall Circuit Convention of the Harvey Circuit at Fessenden.
In the line of improvements, a new electric Hammond organ was purchased in 1949 with money received from memorials and gifts from the Luther League, Ladies Aid and interested individuals. It was installed in the church and dedicated on November 24,1949. In 1950 the women of the church were granted the right to vote on matters concerning the church.
As of June 1, 1950, Pastor Erling Aathrun tendered his resignation to accept a call from Rugby, North Dakota.
Clifford Michelsen, a missionary who was preparing to go to the Sudan Mission field in Africa, kindly consented to serve the Bowdon parish until his time for departure.
At a special meeting on May 20, 1951, it was agreed that Manfred join the Fessenden parish. Pastor A. B. Solberg of Hazen, North Dakota, was called and he accepted. He labored among us for fourteen years serving the Lord.
The following improvements to our church were made. In November 1951 the envelope offering system was initiated. In 1953 an oil furnace was installed to replace the old lignite burner. In 1956 a fund was created to provide for an enlarged cloakroom, proceeds from two turkey dinners helped finance this project. In 1958-59 a motion was made that the Church and Ladies Aid officers cooperate in remodeling the basement and stairway. This also involved a new floor, paneled walls, glass block windows with ventilators, and kitchen cabinets. In 1961 each member donated for new hymnals for use in the church to help get acquainted with the new liturgy and hymns under the American Lutheran Church merger.
In 1965 the First Lutheran congregation of Fessenden decided to become a one-unit parish inviting Hoff and Vang to dissolve and join them. This move was not agreeable to Manfred and Hoff at Heimdal and resulted in consultations with our District President Loyal Tallakson. After lengthy discussions it was finally agreed that Vang congregation, as well as Hoff, join with the Trinity-Bethany parish at Harvey. This new five-point parish required assistant ministers to come from Concordia College or other available places every other Sunday to relieve Pastor Oscar J. Johnson of some of the added burden he graciously accepted as of April 10, 1966. We have all gained much from this new alignment and at the same time have accepted a higher standard of giving in Christian Service, increased giving to Synodical, district and local budgets. Should we become a bit weary or discouraged with our problems, responsibilities, and challenges, let us not forget to look up to our Lord and each one say with the Apostle Paul "I can do all things in Christ, which strengthens me."
As we come to the close of our 75th year, Pastor Oscar J. Johnson has tendered his resignation to become effective May 31, 1970, to accept a call to Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada.
We are informed now that Pastor Leslie Fess and family from Tacoma, Washington will come to our parish on June 14 to minister to our many needs. A sincere welcome is extended, and we also wish him and his family God's blessings as he labors amongst us.
The first generation of pioneers who settled in Manfred Township seventy-five years ago have long since gone to their reward.
The majority of farmsteads are owned by second and third generations who continue tilling the good earth, which has produced abundantly these many years.
When we look back across the years, we are reminded of the high hopes, the stunning disappointments, the heroic struggles pioneers endured, we realize that every foot of soil was hallowed with tears, toil, and prayers.
Information – 75th Anniversary Vang American Lutheran Church
He officiated at the rites of the first funeral in our neighborhood, that of Mrs. Jacob O. Hagen, in the summer of 1894. The same fall he performed the first wedding ceremony when he joined Christian C. Rogne-Melby and Anna Ranum in wedlock.
After worship services on October 7, 1894, a meeting was held to formally organize a congregation. It took the name of "Vang Evangelical Lutheran Church" with the desire to follow temporarily the constitution of the United Church. The following officers were elected: secretary, Gullik Nordtorp; treasurer, Gullik H. Dahle; trustees, Knut O. Melby, Torstein O. Roble, Ole K. Melby. After this meeting, Pastor I. L. Oksendahl discontinued his visits and in the summer of 1895 Pastor E. T. Quam of Sheyenne, N. D., arrived to conduct several services. On the 23rd day of May he baptized Carl Anton Hovey, son of Nils and Marit Hovey, and Jennie Regina Nordtorp whose parents were Gullick and Ranghild Nordtorp.
On December 13,1894, the congregation called a meeting in the Mads Nertrost School requesting Pastor N. E. Ellestad, United Church Mission Superintendent, to send us a minister from the United Lutheran Church. In the meantime, the congregation was to be served by Pastor Quam. At this first annual meeting the following were registered as members: Gullik Nordtorp, Gullik H. Dahle,Knut O. Melby, Ole K. Melby, and Torstein O. Roble, New members enrolled were: Mads Nortrost, Tollef Roble, Christen Roble, Ole S. Hovey, Gulbrand Rogne, John Hanson, Peder Skattebo, Ole J. Rodne, Ole Skattebo and Ole Foss.
At a meeting of the congregation, February 2, 1896, the Constitution was read paragraph by paragraph and unanimously adopted. The duty of each of the newly elected trustees was to work in his own community securing new members. A committee of three, O. K. Melby, T. O. Roble and Ole Skattebo, was chosen to select a suitable cemetery location.
On May 3,1899, a congregational meeting was held, and a call was tendered to Pastor N. O. Fjeld to take up the duties as regular minister. He accepted the call and moved to Harvey, North Dakota, from where he served Harvey, Vang, and surrounding congregations. It was also decided to incorporate the congregation as of Nov. 2, 1896.
By now many new settlers had moved into the community and ministerial duties were expanding to such an extent that Vang congregation decided to sever its connection with Harvey and form a unit with Ontario and Cathay congregations. (Ontario was the beginning of a town located a few miles north and a little west of what is now Bowdon. The route of the railroad was changed, however, and Bowdon replaced Ontario.)
Pastor N. E. Ellestad, with the headquarters of the United Lutheran Church, was asked to be present at a congregational meeting on May 7, 1899, to help give advice relative to the calling of a new pastor. The summer of 1899 was a time of distress for the congregation. In the eastern portion, many left to affiliate with the Norwegian Synod. The congregation had little success in securing a pastor. Interest lagged and minds seemed confused. At that time the congregation had a visit from candidate L. C. Fylling and offered him the call, but he declined.
Pastor A. O. Fonkalsrud accepted the call and began his work late in the fall of 1899. Under his ministry a change took place. Interest grew to the extent that church officers could, with rejoicing, report progress and growth to the district's visitation Pastor Lovland. Church attendance improved during the winter of 1900, and an increased zeal in church activities of the congregation was noted.
At a meeting of the congregation on February 4, 1901, a letter was presented from some of the members who, due to distance, found it inconvenient to attend services in Manfred. In this letter they reported that they had found a new congregation under the name of Bethania (at Wellsburg) but wished to affiliate with Vang Congregation at Manfred to be served by Vang's pastor. This plan was accepted and approved.
Pastor Fonkalsrud served until the fall of 1901, the Pastor E. S. Eidesvik was called as his successor and began his service the same fall. At a meeting of the congregation on July 17, 1902, it was decided to divide the Vang Congregation so that the east part form a separate unit yet continue to be served by the same minister.
It had been the congregation's wish and goal to secure its own place of worship since services had been held in schoolhouses. The first item for consideration at the yearly meeting in 1905 was to name a committee whose duties were to gather funds for the erection of a church building. The following were named: Ole K. Melby, Knut Melby and Bendik Rogne. In the winter of 1906, the ingathering committee reported results of their labors to the effect that the congregation could now proceed with the church building.
The church was built in Manfred during the summer of 1906 by A. G. Beito, Effington, South Dakota. Now the congregation had the joy of worshiping in its own church where the Word of God was proclaimed. The cornerstone was laid on July 7, 1907. Pastor Albert Johnson officiated with the assistance of Pastors E. T. Quam, Nils Mehlen, M. O. Dybvig and E. S. Edisevik.
In 1908 Pastor E. S. Eidesvik left the congregation and was succeeded in the same year by J. M. Langseth.
On Sunday, June 26,1910, the church was dedicated by the then United Lutheran Church President, Dr. T. H. Dahl, with the following ministers taking part: E. J. Synnes. Nils N. Mehlen, O. L. Fladager, A. Bue, N. O. Rogver and the local pastor, John M. Langseth.
Although a place for worship had been provided, there was still a need for a place where the Ladies Aid could hold their meetings, yearly bazaars, and serve refreshments for those in attendance at special meetings and conventions since the church had no basement. After some time, an opportunity arose enabling the Aid to purchase an adjacent corner lot with a house. At a Ladies Aid meeting held at the home of Mrs. Bendik Rogne, February 7, 1913, it was resolved that the Aid buy the property with intentions to remodel the house for a meeting place for Aid activities. This proved to be too impractical and costly, so they sold the house and retained the lot. In the summer of 1918, the decision was made to provide a basement on the corner lot and move the church onto it. The contract for this undertaking was awarded to Bendik Rogne. He did the job conscientiously and in a workman like manner. Since then, the Aid paid for the installation of embossed metal paneling for the walls and ceiling of the church interior and the basement ceiling. The Aid also helped to finance the cost of providing electric lighting in the church and parsonage.
Pastor J. M. Langseth served our congregation faithfully for thirty-five years, the longest tenure of a pastor's service in our history, and guided the congregation through difficult and trying times, as one remembers the drought of the 1930's and the war years.
In the fall of 1943, the congregation called Pastor G. W. Mathre of Bowdon to serve them. In January 1945, the congregation received an invitation from the Bowdon Lutheran Parish to become a member congregation of that unit. On February 4, 1945, the congregation voted to join the parish and called the Bowdon pastor as their permanent pastor. The trustees met with the other trustees from Bowdon Parish and on February 6, 1945, reached a satisfactory agreement.
In February 1945, Pastor G. W. Mathre resigned as pastor of the Bowdon Lutheran Parish, so the congregation was again without a pastor. He had served faithfully and competently.
In March 1945, the Vang Congregation together with the Bowdon Parish, called candidate Erling Aarthun to be their pastor upon the completion of his studies-at the Seminary. He accepted the call and was ordained and installed as the congregation's pastor on September 23, 1945, at the Fall Circuit Convention of the Harvey Circuit at Fessenden.
In the line of improvements, a new electric Hammond organ was purchased in 1949 with money received from memorials and gifts from the Luther League, Ladies Aid and interested individuals. It was installed in the church and dedicated on November 24,1949. In 1950 the women of the church were granted the right to vote on matters concerning the church.
As of June 1, 1950, Pastor Erling Aathrun tendered his resignation to accept a call from Rugby, North Dakota.
Clifford Michelsen, a missionary who was preparing to go to the Sudan Mission field in Africa, kindly consented to serve the Bowdon parish until his time for departure.
At a special meeting on May 20, 1951, it was agreed that Manfred join the Fessenden parish. Pastor A. B. Solberg of Hazen, North Dakota, was called and he accepted. He labored among us for fourteen years serving the Lord.
The following improvements to our church were made. In November 1951 the envelope offering system was initiated. In 1953 an oil furnace was installed to replace the old lignite burner. In 1956 a fund was created to provide for an enlarged cloakroom, proceeds from two turkey dinners helped finance this project. In 1958-59 a motion was made that the Church and Ladies Aid officers cooperate in remodeling the basement and stairway. This also involved a new floor, paneled walls, glass block windows with ventilators, and kitchen cabinets. In 1961 each member donated for new hymnals for use in the church to help get acquainted with the new liturgy and hymns under the American Lutheran Church merger.
In 1965 the First Lutheran congregation of Fessenden decided to become a one-unit parish inviting Hoff and Vang to dissolve and join them. This move was not agreeable to Manfred and Hoff at Heimdal and resulted in consultations with our District President Loyal Tallakson. After lengthy discussions it was finally agreed that Vang congregation, as well as Hoff, join with the Trinity-Bethany parish at Harvey. This new five-point parish required assistant ministers to come from Concordia College or other available places every other Sunday to relieve Pastor Oscar J. Johnson of some of the added burden he graciously accepted as of April 10, 1966. We have all gained much from this new alignment and at the same time have accepted a higher standard of giving in Christian Service, increased giving to Synodical, district and local budgets. Should we become a bit weary or discouraged with our problems, responsibilities, and challenges, let us not forget to look up to our Lord and each one say with the Apostle Paul "I can do all things in Christ, which strengthens me."
As we come to the close of our 75th year, Pastor Oscar J. Johnson has tendered his resignation to become effective May 31, 1970, to accept a call to Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada.
We are informed now that Pastor Leslie Fess and family from Tacoma, Washington will come to our parish on June 14 to minister to our many needs. A sincere welcome is extended, and we also wish him and his family God's blessings as he labors amongst us.
The first generation of pioneers who settled in Manfred Township seventy-five years ago have long since gone to their reward.
The majority of farmsteads are owned by second and third generations who continue tilling the good earth, which has produced abundantly these many years.
When we look back across the years, we are reminded of the high hopes, the stunning disappointments, the heroic struggles pioneers endured, we realize that every foot of soil was hallowed with tears, toil, and prayers.
Information – 75th Anniversary Vang American Lutheran Church
The Vang Evangelical Lutheran Church is a historic church located in Manfred, North Dakota. It was built in 1906 by immigrants from Norway. The church stands proudly on West LeGrand St. in the small unorganized village of Manfred. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2011, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), recognizing its significance and preserving its heritage.
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