Waldheim Lutheran Church
46°40'00.7"N 97°56'05.3"W
5145 120th Ave SE
Kathryn, Barnes North Dakota 58049
46°40'00.7"N 97°56'05.3"W
5145 120th Ave SE
Kathryn, Barnes North Dakota 58049
Waldheim Church
During the mid-1880s, the Sheyenne River Valley was beginning to fill with settlers, many of whom were Scandinavian Lutherans eager to follow faith and tradition in providing religious instruction to their children. Responding to the need were Lutheran missionaries many of whom were recent immigrants themselves. In
1892, the land for the church and cemetery was donated by local landowner Carl Jensen Bjerke. The church was completed in 1900.
The Waldheim congregation was first organized in 1886 by one such missionary, an immigrant Norwegian pastor named Nils Forde. In the early years, services were held in a local schoolhouse.
Information - Waldheim Church / Ladies Aid Societies Historical Marker (hmdb.org)
During the mid-1880s, the Sheyenne River Valley was beginning to fill with settlers, many of whom were Scandinavian Lutherans eager to follow faith and tradition in providing religious instruction to their children. Responding to the need were Lutheran missionaries many of whom were recent immigrants themselves. In
1892, the land for the church and cemetery was donated by local landowner Carl Jensen Bjerke. The church was completed in 1900.
The Waldheim congregation was first organized in 1886 by one such missionary, an immigrant Norwegian pastor named Nils Forde. In the early years, services were held in a local schoolhouse.
Information - Waldheim Church / Ladies Aid Societies Historical Marker (hmdb.org)
Info from - nordicamericanchurches.org
WALDHEIM CONGREGATION-100 Years
In the beautiful Sheyenne Valley, two miles north of Highway 46 stands the Waldheim Church, one of the old landmarks of the community, the foundation being laid in 1886, arid later the building erected.
The first minister that visited the community, was a missionary, Pastor Forde. The following pastor was Johnannes Bothne. Pastor O.K. Anderson served from 1887 to 1898. He was the first permanent Pastor. In the years 1886 to 1892 the congregation's services were held in the schoolhouse near the Peder Dahl home.
Knud Ruud was the congregation's first secretary and held this office until the year 1894. Hans Erickson was the first sexton. In 1892 Carl Jenson donated 5 acres of land for the church yard and cemetery. That same year the building of the church began. In the year 1879, the first pioneer to be laid to rest in the Waldheim Cemetery was Jens Bjerke.
From the congregation's early records, the following families began the work in this congregation, namely –
Ever Olsberg, Peder Dahl, Hans Jensen, Carl Jensen, Jacob Olsberg, Ole Olsberg, Anders Prestrud, Invald Roe, Hans Erickson, Knud Ruud, Edward Knatrud, Lars Thorud, Jens Paulson, John Kregness, Olaus Prestrud, Fred Johnson, Martin Prestrud, John A. Prestrud, Anton Prestrud, Eric Prestrud, Severin Prestrud, Thom Thompson, Rasmus Olsberg, Anders O. Mahlum, Casper Olson, Engebret Roe, Martinius Nelson, Tom Norgaard, Edward Strom, Jermund Hovde, B.A. Brorby, Henry Nelson and others.
Mrs. Peder Dahl, with her 2-wheel cart and 1 horse drove about collecting money for the first church bell. The first dollar was donated by Anna Gjerston. The bell cracked and was taken to Kathryn and used as a fire bell. The second bell was taken down during the first World War and was taken to the Fred Johnson farm for safe keeping.
Pastor A.H. Berger was ordained in 1899 and served Waldheim till 1930, the time of his death. He was beloved by all his people and respected by all who knew him. God Bless his memory.
The Waldheim Church, which up to this time was incomplete, was completed and in 1900 was dedicated by M.G. Hanson, President of the Hauge Synod.
The organ was built in 1905 by the Marshal and Co. Minneapolis at the cost of $1,200.00. It's hand pumped, pumped by Annie Dahl as each pipe was tuned. In 1909 an addition had to be built, for more horse room. In 1923 the beautiful statue of Christ and the new baptismal fount were bought.
Through all these years the Waldheim Ladies Aid did commendable work. Some of the proceeds of their work were sent to foreign missions. For many years they supported an Evangelist in China. The first English service was conducted in 1917, and at this time several families became members of the Waldheim Congregation, namely-
Ole Eidsvig, who for many years was the congregation's trustworthy janitor, P.L. Thorud was the secretary from the year 1899 to 1930. Iver Jacobson was the treasurer for many years. Ole Hoiberg was the organist and choir leader for many years. Other new members at this time were- Carl Jacobson, Lars Jacobson, Emil Lindvold, L.M. Larson, Ludvig Larson, Thom Gullickson, Margit Gullickson, Henry Jensen, Gina Thorkelson, Martin Anderson, Clarence Tingley, Nels Gustafson, Mrs. Thorkelson, Christopher Remmen, Emil Norby, Amund Laugen, Magnus Brander, Swan Benson, Charlie Clauson, Jacob Jacobson, Nels Tangen, Mrs. G.T. Gilbertson, Alfred Gilbertson, Martin O. Gilbertson, Selmer Gilbertson, Carl Nelson, Peder Lee, Sever Fjeld, Edwin Nelson, Tosten Lee, Bjarne Nytroen, Hans Hovde, Eugene, Alex and Adolph Johnson, Albert, and Everett Gustafson.
Beginning April 12, 1931, P.J. Mykland became our pastor and continued his good faithful service till March 10, 1946, when he gave his farewell sermon. In 1931 a committee was appointed to seek new members, and the following members joined our congregation then, namely- Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lee, Gunner Larson, J. Arthur Anderson, Peter Westerlund, Paul Fjelstad, Hans Solheim, W.B. Hibbard, Martin Mjoen, Lawrence Lee, Lena Helgeson, Anton Sorenson, A.A. Zacharias, Martin Swenson, Leth Anderson, Oscar Eidsvig, Oscar Lee, Martin L. Larson, Thomas Olson, C.K. Hoiberg.
In difficult times, dry years and the depression, the congregation, with the help of Ladies’ Aid, has been able to pay their part in the E.L.C. budget. In 1934 the Ladies Aid paid for the interior decorating of the church.
One hundred dollars, willed to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Anderson, was used for two colored glass windows in their memory. Worship services at this time were in English and Norwegian on every other Sunday, until 1946 when the Norwegian service was discontinued.
In 1939, St. Pauli, Nordheim, and Sheyenne Valley joined the Waldheim Preston Parish. The following years these families joined Waldheim Congregation- Tom Nelson, Ole Ager, Normen Johnson, Edvick Nelson, Chester Eskelson, Carl Benson, Vincent Zacharias, Sanford Tingley, Milton, Gilbertson, Maynard Baarstad, Palmer Revland, Ernest Lindvold, Evy Fjeld, James Smith, Theo. Solheim, Sam Hoff, Lesley Jorgenson, and Edwin Lindvold. Mrs. Turina Mikkelson, Nellie Johnson, Harriet Lee, Tillman Lee, Gilman Gilbertson, Earl Lindvold, Henry Thorstenson and Vernest Mikkelson.
In 1945 Evergreens and Birch trees were planted by Martin Prestrud on the church grounds. For years he tenderly cared for these trees, and now they are beautiful in our church yard.
In 1946 Pastor Leo Bjorlie was called and served till 1948. In 1947 the church building was wired for electricity, a great improvement over the old lighting system.
In 1949 Waldheim Congregation bought one-fourth interest in the Kathryn parsonage. This same year Missionary Elmer H. Dahl came to serve our parish. He had been a Missionary in Alaska and returned there. He passed away in 1960. In 1950 Pastor Vernon Holte came to serve our parish and was here until 1953.
For more than thirty years Betsie Gilbertson was our organist playing for services, special events, and helped with Sunday School.
In 1951 Waldheim Congregation left the Oakes Circuit and joined the Valley City Circuit where the other three congregations of our parish belonged, this made the work much easier for our pastor. During this time several gifts had been given to the church, namely the hymn board, entrance gate, communion set, candelabra, coffee server, pictures, mercury light, and several gifts of money. The following families joined at this time, Willard Lee, Roy Prestrude, Elmer Clauson, Gordon Gilbertson, Wesley Gilbertson, Melvin Fornes, Lee Anderson, Donald Gilbertson, Emil Olson, Donald Thoreson, Arthur Maasjo, Neil Tangen, L. James Hoff. Pastor L.A. Staveness served our parish from 1953 to 1958 when he resigned to accept a call from Winger, Minn.
Pastor Robert E. Twiton came to our parish June of 1958. We were very grateful to Pastor Bob and pray that the Lord will richly bless him for the fine work he did for us.
At this time some remodeling is being done at the church. The basement at the east entrance was being enlarged to provide an inside stairway, and also a cloak room.
In 1962 Pastor Twiton gave his farewell sermon. We are grateful for his years of faithful service.
In 1963 Pastor Dyrud was called to serve the parish. In 1967 we participated in the Life Gathering Program, in which we received $375.00. Pastor Dyrud gave his farewell sermon in 1968.
From 1968-1969 Pastor Friedrick served the parish.
In 1969 Pastor Ron Johnson was called to serve. We received the red hymnals as a memorial gift, and Pastor Ron suggested we start using them. The parish was to help sponsor a chaplain at Valley City hospitals and Waldheim voted to pay one third of the cost, which was $77.00.
In 1970 we decided to have Parish Sunday School and Church services from January to Easter, on a permanent basis.
Pastor Johnson gave his farewell sermon in 1972 and in the same year we welcomed Pastor Jerry Crawford to our parish. He told us we should renew our constitution and also incorporate the cemetery.
We adopted the constitution in 1974. Also in this year, a new floor was put in the basement, made possible with gifts and memorials. In 1975 Pastor Crawford was called to serve in California. In this year also Pastor Don Ostroot came to serve the parish.
During this time, we had the kitchen remodeled, bathrooms put in, and a new furnace.
In 1978 the Waldheim Cemetery was incorporated. A new fence, gate and brick pillars were installed with donations and volunteer labor. Once again, the time came to change hymnals, this time to green, which we are presently using. Each family was asked to purchase two hymnals for the church.
In 1979 a discussion was held to find out if the men were willing to continue helping the ladies with the church's annual turkey dinner. The men agreed and we do have good fellowship doing this. Just ask the ladies if the men can wash dishes and wait tables. They are super! Our annual dinners are held every third Sunday in September.
All families receive the Lutheran Standard. We also have a C.R.E. delegate to assist with their programs.
The parish was saddened on February 3, 1981, when Pastor Ostroot passed away. Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City, N.D. Pastor Don was a member of the Troubadors and also planned and started the Spasur Tur (a leisure walk) which is still continued every year in September. Blessed be his memory and thanks be to God for all the work he did for the parish.
A letter of call was sent to and accepted by Pastor Jon Sorum who was installed on August 23, 1981.
During this time, new steps, railings, and sidewalk in front of the church were installed as well as new carpeting for the balcony and entry, being made possible with generous donations. New flags were also given as memorials to the church. The outside of the church was painted, and plexiglass was put on the windows to preserve them as well as help insulate the church. New trees were planted Qn the north side of the church. Two clocks were also donated to the church.
On Sunday, May 14, 1985, a farewell supper was held for Pastor Sorum and his family.
In September 1985, Pastor Cathy Berger was called to serve the parish. Pastor Berger and all church members were busy planning our centennial, which was held June 22, 1986. Every Wednesday evening, we have choir practice, with coffee, goodies, and fellowship to conclude the evening.
We all receive a parish newsletter each month. One of our ALCW members writes the Waldheim news and keeps us informed of the activities of the month.
The annual meeting of the church is held on the first Sunday in November when we have services, with a potluck dinner preceding the meeting.
Every month two families are responsible for cleaning the church, getting ushers and special music. In December these families will also trim and untrim the Christmas tree.
The cemetery is kept up by members volunteering their time.
We have participated in the Seminary Appeal, Crop, United Mission Appeal and Church Extension Fund, which helps start new churches.
Since 1984 we have participated in the Maundy Thursday Seder Meal which was started by Pastor Sorum.
. The Aid Association for Lutherans presented Waldheim with a gift of $400.00 towards our 100th Anniversary, which was greatly appreciated.
As this history was written the sanctuary and all rooms were being painted, new basement lights and numerous repairs were being done to preserve the house of God. A sound system has also been installed, which was made possible with memorials and donations.
In conclusion we give thanks to God for his blessing upon this congregation during the past 100 years.
"One generation shall laud thy works to another."
Information – One Hundredth Anniversary 1886-1986 Waldheim American Lutheran Church Kathryn, N.Dak. Sunday, June 22, 1986 (pages 9-12)
In the beautiful Sheyenne Valley, two miles north of Highway 46 stands the Waldheim Church, one of the old landmarks of the community, the foundation being laid in 1886, arid later the building erected.
The first minister that visited the community, was a missionary, Pastor Forde. The following pastor was Johnannes Bothne. Pastor O.K. Anderson served from 1887 to 1898. He was the first permanent Pastor. In the years 1886 to 1892 the congregation's services were held in the schoolhouse near the Peder Dahl home.
Knud Ruud was the congregation's first secretary and held this office until the year 1894. Hans Erickson was the first sexton. In 1892 Carl Jenson donated 5 acres of land for the church yard and cemetery. That same year the building of the church began. In the year 1879, the first pioneer to be laid to rest in the Waldheim Cemetery was Jens Bjerke.
From the congregation's early records, the following families began the work in this congregation, namely –
Ever Olsberg, Peder Dahl, Hans Jensen, Carl Jensen, Jacob Olsberg, Ole Olsberg, Anders Prestrud, Invald Roe, Hans Erickson, Knud Ruud, Edward Knatrud, Lars Thorud, Jens Paulson, John Kregness, Olaus Prestrud, Fred Johnson, Martin Prestrud, John A. Prestrud, Anton Prestrud, Eric Prestrud, Severin Prestrud, Thom Thompson, Rasmus Olsberg, Anders O. Mahlum, Casper Olson, Engebret Roe, Martinius Nelson, Tom Norgaard, Edward Strom, Jermund Hovde, B.A. Brorby, Henry Nelson and others.
Mrs. Peder Dahl, with her 2-wheel cart and 1 horse drove about collecting money for the first church bell. The first dollar was donated by Anna Gjerston. The bell cracked and was taken to Kathryn and used as a fire bell. The second bell was taken down during the first World War and was taken to the Fred Johnson farm for safe keeping.
Pastor A.H. Berger was ordained in 1899 and served Waldheim till 1930, the time of his death. He was beloved by all his people and respected by all who knew him. God Bless his memory.
The Waldheim Church, which up to this time was incomplete, was completed and in 1900 was dedicated by M.G. Hanson, President of the Hauge Synod.
The organ was built in 1905 by the Marshal and Co. Minneapolis at the cost of $1,200.00. It's hand pumped, pumped by Annie Dahl as each pipe was tuned. In 1909 an addition had to be built, for more horse room. In 1923 the beautiful statue of Christ and the new baptismal fount were bought.
Through all these years the Waldheim Ladies Aid did commendable work. Some of the proceeds of their work were sent to foreign missions. For many years they supported an Evangelist in China. The first English service was conducted in 1917, and at this time several families became members of the Waldheim Congregation, namely-
Ole Eidsvig, who for many years was the congregation's trustworthy janitor, P.L. Thorud was the secretary from the year 1899 to 1930. Iver Jacobson was the treasurer for many years. Ole Hoiberg was the organist and choir leader for many years. Other new members at this time were- Carl Jacobson, Lars Jacobson, Emil Lindvold, L.M. Larson, Ludvig Larson, Thom Gullickson, Margit Gullickson, Henry Jensen, Gina Thorkelson, Martin Anderson, Clarence Tingley, Nels Gustafson, Mrs. Thorkelson, Christopher Remmen, Emil Norby, Amund Laugen, Magnus Brander, Swan Benson, Charlie Clauson, Jacob Jacobson, Nels Tangen, Mrs. G.T. Gilbertson, Alfred Gilbertson, Martin O. Gilbertson, Selmer Gilbertson, Carl Nelson, Peder Lee, Sever Fjeld, Edwin Nelson, Tosten Lee, Bjarne Nytroen, Hans Hovde, Eugene, Alex and Adolph Johnson, Albert, and Everett Gustafson.
Beginning April 12, 1931, P.J. Mykland became our pastor and continued his good faithful service till March 10, 1946, when he gave his farewell sermon. In 1931 a committee was appointed to seek new members, and the following members joined our congregation then, namely- Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lee, Gunner Larson, J. Arthur Anderson, Peter Westerlund, Paul Fjelstad, Hans Solheim, W.B. Hibbard, Martin Mjoen, Lawrence Lee, Lena Helgeson, Anton Sorenson, A.A. Zacharias, Martin Swenson, Leth Anderson, Oscar Eidsvig, Oscar Lee, Martin L. Larson, Thomas Olson, C.K. Hoiberg.
In difficult times, dry years and the depression, the congregation, with the help of Ladies’ Aid, has been able to pay their part in the E.L.C. budget. In 1934 the Ladies Aid paid for the interior decorating of the church.
One hundred dollars, willed to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Anderson, was used for two colored glass windows in their memory. Worship services at this time were in English and Norwegian on every other Sunday, until 1946 when the Norwegian service was discontinued.
In 1939, St. Pauli, Nordheim, and Sheyenne Valley joined the Waldheim Preston Parish. The following years these families joined Waldheim Congregation- Tom Nelson, Ole Ager, Normen Johnson, Edvick Nelson, Chester Eskelson, Carl Benson, Vincent Zacharias, Sanford Tingley, Milton, Gilbertson, Maynard Baarstad, Palmer Revland, Ernest Lindvold, Evy Fjeld, James Smith, Theo. Solheim, Sam Hoff, Lesley Jorgenson, and Edwin Lindvold. Mrs. Turina Mikkelson, Nellie Johnson, Harriet Lee, Tillman Lee, Gilman Gilbertson, Earl Lindvold, Henry Thorstenson and Vernest Mikkelson.
In 1945 Evergreens and Birch trees were planted by Martin Prestrud on the church grounds. For years he tenderly cared for these trees, and now they are beautiful in our church yard.
In 1946 Pastor Leo Bjorlie was called and served till 1948. In 1947 the church building was wired for electricity, a great improvement over the old lighting system.
In 1949 Waldheim Congregation bought one-fourth interest in the Kathryn parsonage. This same year Missionary Elmer H. Dahl came to serve our parish. He had been a Missionary in Alaska and returned there. He passed away in 1960. In 1950 Pastor Vernon Holte came to serve our parish and was here until 1953.
For more than thirty years Betsie Gilbertson was our organist playing for services, special events, and helped with Sunday School.
In 1951 Waldheim Congregation left the Oakes Circuit and joined the Valley City Circuit where the other three congregations of our parish belonged, this made the work much easier for our pastor. During this time several gifts had been given to the church, namely the hymn board, entrance gate, communion set, candelabra, coffee server, pictures, mercury light, and several gifts of money. The following families joined at this time, Willard Lee, Roy Prestrude, Elmer Clauson, Gordon Gilbertson, Wesley Gilbertson, Melvin Fornes, Lee Anderson, Donald Gilbertson, Emil Olson, Donald Thoreson, Arthur Maasjo, Neil Tangen, L. James Hoff. Pastor L.A. Staveness served our parish from 1953 to 1958 when he resigned to accept a call from Winger, Minn.
Pastor Robert E. Twiton came to our parish June of 1958. We were very grateful to Pastor Bob and pray that the Lord will richly bless him for the fine work he did for us.
At this time some remodeling is being done at the church. The basement at the east entrance was being enlarged to provide an inside stairway, and also a cloak room.
In 1962 Pastor Twiton gave his farewell sermon. We are grateful for his years of faithful service.
In 1963 Pastor Dyrud was called to serve the parish. In 1967 we participated in the Life Gathering Program, in which we received $375.00. Pastor Dyrud gave his farewell sermon in 1968.
From 1968-1969 Pastor Friedrick served the parish.
In 1969 Pastor Ron Johnson was called to serve. We received the red hymnals as a memorial gift, and Pastor Ron suggested we start using them. The parish was to help sponsor a chaplain at Valley City hospitals and Waldheim voted to pay one third of the cost, which was $77.00.
In 1970 we decided to have Parish Sunday School and Church services from January to Easter, on a permanent basis.
Pastor Johnson gave his farewell sermon in 1972 and in the same year we welcomed Pastor Jerry Crawford to our parish. He told us we should renew our constitution and also incorporate the cemetery.
We adopted the constitution in 1974. Also in this year, a new floor was put in the basement, made possible with gifts and memorials. In 1975 Pastor Crawford was called to serve in California. In this year also Pastor Don Ostroot came to serve the parish.
During this time, we had the kitchen remodeled, bathrooms put in, and a new furnace.
In 1978 the Waldheim Cemetery was incorporated. A new fence, gate and brick pillars were installed with donations and volunteer labor. Once again, the time came to change hymnals, this time to green, which we are presently using. Each family was asked to purchase two hymnals for the church.
In 1979 a discussion was held to find out if the men were willing to continue helping the ladies with the church's annual turkey dinner. The men agreed and we do have good fellowship doing this. Just ask the ladies if the men can wash dishes and wait tables. They are super! Our annual dinners are held every third Sunday in September.
All families receive the Lutheran Standard. We also have a C.R.E. delegate to assist with their programs.
The parish was saddened on February 3, 1981, when Pastor Ostroot passed away. Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City, N.D. Pastor Don was a member of the Troubadors and also planned and started the Spasur Tur (a leisure walk) which is still continued every year in September. Blessed be his memory and thanks be to God for all the work he did for the parish.
A letter of call was sent to and accepted by Pastor Jon Sorum who was installed on August 23, 1981.
During this time, new steps, railings, and sidewalk in front of the church were installed as well as new carpeting for the balcony and entry, being made possible with generous donations. New flags were also given as memorials to the church. The outside of the church was painted, and plexiglass was put on the windows to preserve them as well as help insulate the church. New trees were planted Qn the north side of the church. Two clocks were also donated to the church.
On Sunday, May 14, 1985, a farewell supper was held for Pastor Sorum and his family.
In September 1985, Pastor Cathy Berger was called to serve the parish. Pastor Berger and all church members were busy planning our centennial, which was held June 22, 1986. Every Wednesday evening, we have choir practice, with coffee, goodies, and fellowship to conclude the evening.
We all receive a parish newsletter each month. One of our ALCW members writes the Waldheim news and keeps us informed of the activities of the month.
The annual meeting of the church is held on the first Sunday in November when we have services, with a potluck dinner preceding the meeting.
Every month two families are responsible for cleaning the church, getting ushers and special music. In December these families will also trim and untrim the Christmas tree.
The cemetery is kept up by members volunteering their time.
We have participated in the Seminary Appeal, Crop, United Mission Appeal and Church Extension Fund, which helps start new churches.
Since 1984 we have participated in the Maundy Thursday Seder Meal which was started by Pastor Sorum.
. The Aid Association for Lutherans presented Waldheim with a gift of $400.00 towards our 100th Anniversary, which was greatly appreciated.
As this history was written the sanctuary and all rooms were being painted, new basement lights and numerous repairs were being done to preserve the house of God. A sound system has also been installed, which was made possible with memorials and donations.
In conclusion we give thanks to God for his blessing upon this congregation during the past 100 years.
"One generation shall laud thy works to another."
Information – One Hundredth Anniversary 1886-1986 Waldheim American Lutheran Church Kathryn, N.Dak. Sunday, June 22, 1986 (pages 9-12)