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Our Heritage
1847 - Present
The history of Christ Lutheran
Church is more than a chronological series of events and a succession of
names. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, commitment,
controversy, struggle, and a basic common faith in a God of love and grace
and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Early Years of Birth and
Growth
The recorded history of Christ
Lutheran Church begins in 1847. Wisconsin had not achieved statehood, but
Norwegian settlers who came to till the fertile soil and enjoy not only
civil freedom, but religious freedom as well populated the land. Often
two or three families lived in a small one-room log cabin. Men, women,
and children struggled to cut timber and clear the land so they could plow
the virgin land with teams of oxen and huge breaking plows. Life was hard
and often threatened with fever and ague. As R. B. Anderson writes in his First
Chapter of Norwegian Immigration. “They learned to appreciate the
value of human sympathy and kindness, and they rallied from their sufferings
with natures purified and strengthened for the battle of life.”
By 1847, the congregations
at Koshkonong were established as a result of the work of Pastors C. L.
Clausen and J. W. C. Dietrichson. Recognizing the need for worship and
sacraments, the Norwegian settlers of Norway Grove, Spring Prairie, and
Bonnet Prairie invited Pastor Dietrichson to conduct services. He accepted;
and on March 7, 1847, the first service was held. Three weeks later on
March 28, he returned to organize the three areas with 50 members to become
the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation as an annex to the Pastor J.W.C. Dietrichson
Koshkonong Norwegian Lutheran congregation. This first service was simple
and held at the home of Sjur Styrkson Reque under an oak tree with the
celebration of the sacraments of baptism and holy communion.
Pastor
J.W.C. Dietrichson
The relationship with Koshkonong
remained until October 15, 1849, when the three congregations voted to
become a separate parish. Pastor Dietrichson preached his last of 11 sermons
on April 7, 1850, at which time he was given authority to secure a permanent
pastor from Norway. The congregation promised to provide the pastor with
a parsonage, 20 to 40 acres of land, 10 of which were to be plowed, and
a salary of $250.00 per year plus the free will offerings of festival services
on Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost.
Pastor
A.C. Preus
Rev. A. C. Preus of the Koshkonong
churches served the parish until Rev. Herman Amberg Preus arrived from
Norway to accept the position as pastor and conduct his first service on
August 10, 1851.
While the late 1840's and
early 1850's saw the development of an established congregation of members
from Spring Prairie, Bonnet Prairie, and Norway Grove it was also a time
of dissension. Dissension not only among the settlers of the three areas,
but also in Norway where the rationalists of the State Church supported
a more or less worldly and indifferent belief; the Haugeans who were serious
students of the Word and opposed the State Church; and orthodox State Church
pastors who were separated from the Haugeans.
The dissension was evident
in the Dane, Columbia, and Sauk counties as Elling Eielson undertook the
task of lay preaching the Haugean position of opposition to the State Church
of Norway. As Eielson developed a following among the settlers, Pastors
Dietrichson, Clausen, and H.A.Stub were attempting to organize a synod
that would develop a closer union among the new congregations. In 1851,
the Synod was formed and named “The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.”
For two years the parish continued,
and the Lodi settlement was added. A church council of 12, with representation
from each area, was organized; and services were conducted in the homes
of each district about once each month. Finally, on May 12, 1853, the parish
met at the schoolhouse in Leeds and agreed to divide into three independent
congregations. These congregations became the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation
of Norway Grove and included Lodi; the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation
of Spring Prairie; and the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Bonnet Prairie.
Pastor
H.A. Preus
Although Norway Grove became
an independent congregation in May of 1853, it was eight years before the
first church was completed. During these years, Pastor H. A. Preus continued
to conduct services in the homes of members and children walked to Spring
Prairie for their confirmation instruction.
In January 1852, the Preus
family moved into the parsonage, a log house of three rooms, a loft, and
a cellar. The parsonage was situated on 20 acres of land purchased for
$100 and located in Spring Prairie. This log home remained the parsonage
for Norway Grove until 1891 when a new one was built in DeForest.
By December 1853, a site for
the first Norway Grove church was chosen, and the deed was signed on the
15th of December. For $10, Erik and John H. Johnson sold one
acre and 152 square rods of land to the congregation for a church building
and cemetery. Today, this land is the site of Norway Grove Cemetery and
Norway Grove Memorial Church.
Member pledges of $3,000 to
build the church were satisfied by both cash and work donations. Some men
helped with the task of quarrying and hauling stone as well as making the
pews. The work was hard and long, but on the sixth Sunday after Trinity,
186l, Pastor A. C. Preus preached at the service of dedication and complimented
the congregation on the spirit of cooperation.
While members of the early
church were not able to have regular weekly services, the teachings of
the church were, nevertheless, very influential in their daily life. When
Sunday church services were not held the rules of the church admonished
its members to hold public devotions with prayer, scripture, hymns, and
reading from devotional books at the homes of members or other designated
meeting places. Members were often summoned to appear before the congregation
to be shown the error of their ways. Those found guilty of sins such as
drunkenness, adultery, slander, dancing, membership in secret organizations,
failure to send children to church school, misconduct at weddings, neglecting
to pay assessed church dues, cursing, and swearing, were denied the Sacrament
of the Altar. Not until the member repented, asked for forgiveness, and
promised to mend his ways was he allowed to participate in the sacrament
once again.
Along with the established
growth of the church, organized Christian education also developed. By
1868, the area included in the Norway Grove congregation had grown so large
that it was necessary to divide the parish into three school districts.
Pastor H. A. Preus was an ardent supporter of Christian day schools and
felt that if congregational schools were neglected, the church body would
perish. As president of the Norwegian Synod from 1863 to 1885, he continued
to promote Christian schools throughout the Synod.
Pastor
Kristian Magelssen
In 1863, Pastor H.A: Preus
was serving dual roles as Pastor of Norway Grove and President of the Norwegian
Synod. The congregation voted to permit his continuation as synod president
and also approved the addition of an assistant, Pastor Kristian Magelssen,
(1866 to 1867), Pastor Anders T. Vinnor (1872 to 1873), and Pastor Adolph
Bredeson (1873 to 1876). In 1876, Pastor Christian K. Preus became the
assistant following his ordination by his father, Rev. H.A. Preus.
Pastor Adolph Bredeson Pastor Christian K. Preus
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Years of Controversy and Division
By 1880, the Norwegian Synod
and the congregation of Norway Grove were embroiled in a bitter controversy
on conversion and election. This controversy developed as a result of the
charges issued by Professor F. A. Schmidt, a trusted leader within the
Norwegian Synod, against the Missouri and the Norwegian Synods. These charges
held that while the churches were preaching the universal grace of God
and gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, they were practicing the Calvinistic
view of predestination.
As the pastors and laymen
of Norway Grove discussed this controversy, feelings and opinions intensified.
Following a series of 12 meetings from 1881 to 1883, there was no resolution
to the dispute. Finally in 1883, a majority of members denied Pastors H.
A. and C. K. Preus the right to continue serving the Norway Grove Congregation.
Pastor
S. Gunderson
To fill the pastoral vacancy,
Norway Grove joined with Madison and Burke to receive the services of Pastor
S. Gunderson. His work at Norway Grove continued until 1890. In 1887, the
Norwegian Synod dismissed Norway Grove from Synod membership. This break
in Synod affiliation continued for three years until 1890 when the church
sent its first delegate to the United Lutheran Church convention and became
a member. In that same year, Pastor Gunderson resigned to go to Mount Horeb.
Norway
Grove DeForest is established
Following the removal of the
pastors in 1883, Pastors H. A. and C. K. Preus organized the Norway Grove
Evangelical Lutheran Church of DeForest and continued their affiliation
with Spring Prairie. For four years, services were conducted first in the
village schoolhouse and then Molstad's Hall. A new church was completed
in 1887 on land purchased from Thomas Campbell for $130.
Pastor H. A. Preus served
the DeForest congregation until his death on July 2, 1894. Thus ended a
life of service to the Lord, 43 years as pastor and 32 years as president
of the Norwegian Synod. At the time of his father's death, C. K. Preus
was on loan to Our Savior's Church in Chicago. He remained in this position
until spring of l895 when he returned to the Spring Prairie parish.
During the two-year interim
(1893 to 1895), Pastors J. W. Preus and Alfred O. Johnson served as assistants
to the Spring Prairie parish. When C. K. Preus returned from Chicago to
resume his position, J. W. Preus continued to assist Spring Prairie; Alfred
Johnson was called to Our Saviors in Chicago; and Rev. L. M. Gimmestad
was called to serve as assistant to C. K. Preus. This relationship continued
until 1897, when C. K. Preus resigned due to health problems.
Pastor J.W. Preus Pastor A.O.
Johnson Pastor L. M. Gimmestad
Pastor
L.S.J. Reque
Up to this point in time,
the parish included the congregations of Spring Prairie, Bonnet Prairie,
Lodi, and Norway Grove DeForest. With the resignation of C. K. Preus, the
parish was divided. Rev. Gimmestad was called to Bonnet Prairie, Rev.
Christian Haugstad to Lodi, and Rev. Lauritz S. J. Reque to Spring Prairie
and Norway Grove DeForest. Rev. Gimmestad served the whole charge until
he installed Rev. Reque in May of 1899.
For 19 years, Rev. Reque served
Spring Prairie and Norway Grove DeForest. Weekly Sunday services were
held at each church along with catechism instruction and vacation school
for religious instruction. Annual mission festivals were co-sponsored.
A Sunday school, choir, and Young People's Society were organized in 1902
to 1903 and the first pipe organ was installed. In 1905, it was traded
in for a larger organ that was installed in the newly remodeled balcony.
In 1918, Pastor Reque resigned to take another call.
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Norway Grove Continues to Grow
While the Deforest Church
grew during the period from 1883 to 1918, so did the Norway Grove Church
outside the village. Following the resignation of Pastor Gunderson in 1890,
Pastor Krostu served part-time until Pastor Otto Baker was installed in
1891. His home was the new parsonage built in DeForest at a cost of $1,783.
Following Pastor Baker's death in December 1897, Pastor Olaf Guldseth accepted
the call to serve. Now 50 years old, the congregation held a festival to
commemorate the anniversary. Like many Wisconsin fall days, a cold wind
was blowing as an estimated crowd of 800 to 900 people crowded under a
thin canvas tent pitched on the lawn of the old stone church to worship
and celebrate. By 1899, the congregation was again without a pastor when
Pastor Guldseth resigned due to poor health.
Pastor Otto Baker Pastor
O. Guldseth Pastor J.A. Aasgaard
It was not until 1901 that
Rev. J. A. Aasgaard accepted the call. Soon after, the congregation voted
to build a new church with a seating capacity of 500 and at a cost not
to exceed $11,000. The old church was to be torn down and materials used
in the new one. The cornerstone was taken from the old church and placed
on the southeast comer of the new church on September 7, 1902. Construction
of the church moved along, and the new church was dedicated on May 17,
1903. The festivities lasted two days, and although the final cost of almost
$16,000 exceeded the original estimate, the church was paid in full on
the day of dedication.
In
1905, the congregation was once again making building plans and parish
merger decisions. Plans were made to build a new parsonage on the site
of the original parsonage in DeForest. The old parsonage was sold and moved
across the street and a new house was built for $3,500. At a congregational
meeting in May, a contract was drawn up to form a joint parish call with
Burke Lutheran. This relationship continued for 47 years.
Pastor
N. Stubkjaer
After ten years of service,
Pastor Aasgaard resigned and accepted a call to Concordia College. He was succeeded by Rev. N.
Stubkjaer who served until 1918. Prior to Rev. Stubkjaer's leaving, a new
pipe organ was purchased. It was dedicated by Rev. O. J. H. Preus (son
of C. K. Preus) who accepted the call to Norway Grove and Burke Lutheran. Prof. F. Melius
Christianson of St. Olaf College gave
the organ recital.
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Norway Grove Churches Reunite
By 1918, Norway Grove and
Norway Grove DeForest had been two independent congregations for 35 years.
The decision by the United Lutheran, Norwegian Synod, and Hauge church
to unite in 1917 set in motion the discussion of plans for reuniting the
two churches. Rev. O. J. H. Preus was installed by his father, Rev. C.
K. Preus, as pastor at Norway Grove church; and Rev. Reque resigned from
the DeForest church. Members of the DeForest church voted to dissolve their parish connection
with Spring Prairie and merge with Norway Grove. Members at Norway Grove
voted to merge in February 1919. The merger became reality in May 1919,
when the churches were reunited into one congregation with O. J. H. Preus
as pastor.
Pastor
O.J.H. Preus
Pastor Preus accepted the
position as president of the Eastern District of the Norwegian Lutheran
Church in America in 1927, and asked to be released as pastor one year
later. Rev. J. 0. Tweton, who had served as Pastor Preus' assistant for
one year, was installed as the permanent pastor. He remained in that position
for 16 years until 1943 when he requested release. Rev. P. J. Johnson,
a son of the congregation, served for eight months until Rev. Axel
Anderson was installed in September 1944.
Pastor J.O. Tweten Pastor P.J. Johnson Pastor
A. Anderson
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Norway Grove Church Moved
By the time of the 100th anniversary
(1947), many of the members lived in the village of DeForest and found
it inconvenient to travel to Norway Grove for worship. In addition, the
building had little insulation and, sitting on the crest of a hill, it
was expensive to heat in the winter months.
The DeForest church was no
longer large enough to accommodate Sunday worshipers. Options were considered
and, after much deliberation, the congregation voted to move the Norway
Grove Church into the village and join it to the DeForest church building.
To accommodate the enlarged building and provide a needed parking area,
Cora and Agnes Reigstad donated additional adjacent land to the congregation.
All
of the brick was removed from the building, the windows were boarded up,
and in the early winter of 1949, the momentous journey began.
Church after brick removal
The church was moved on rollers
down the hill to the north and then across the marshy area near River Road
and South Street. Due to uncooperative weather, the move was not completed
until spring.
Church moving on rollers
On Palm Sunday, April 2, 1950,
ground was broken for the building and the cornerstone was laid August
6, 1950. The smaller DeForest Church was turned 90 degrees and joined to
the Norway Grove Church providing a new entrance. There was an area for
choir robes and music files and a small kitchen at ground level, with office
space for the Pastor and Secretary on the upper level. The first floor
of the smaller church became the Fireside Room, a large all-purpose meeting
room. The second floor was divided into Sunday school rooms. Part of the
basement became home to the boiler for heating the building, plus rest
rooms and three Sunday school rooms.
On either side of the chancel
of the Norway Grove Church was a small enclosed room. The one on the left
was "the baby room" where the mother of a baby to be baptized
waited until the time for baptism. On the right was the sacristy where
people went for confession prior to receiving communion. This room also
contained the stairs to enter the raised pulpit. When the churches were
joined, the two walls of the room on the left were removed to provide entrance
to the sanctuary.
Authorization was given to
rebuild and electrify the organ of the Norway Grove church and to move
it from the balcony to the front of the sanctuary. The new organ console
was placed perpendicular to the back wall of this newly opened area and
the pipes were installed in the space over the sacristy on the right side
of the chancel. They were accessible by ladder through a trap door in the
ceiling. The choir was seated in front of the organ console on tiered steps.
Three pews were shortened to create this area.
The outside of both buildings
was faced with stone. During this construction, the congregation worked
out an agreement with Ralph Johnson, owner of the movie theater in DeForest,
to hold worship services and ladies aid meetings in the theater. This theater
building on Commerce Street later housed the Thunderbird supper club and
was razed in the summer of 2000.
The dedication of the rebuilt
and remodeled churches was held on July 1, 1951, this again being the 7th Sunday
after Pentecost. Former pastor, Dr. J. A. Aasgaard, then President of The Evangelical
Lutheran Church, gave the dedicatory sermon. This was an especially
poignant day because it also marked the 50th anniversary of
Dr. Aasgaard's first sermon at Norway Grove and was 90 years after the
Rev. A. C. Preus, President of the Synod, dedicated the very first church.
Pastor Nelson Preus, who lived
in DeForest while his father, O. J. H. Preus, was pastor at Norway Grove,
gave the address at the evening service of celebration. The congregation's
decision to move the Norway Grove Church was not met with favor by some
members and, sadly, once again the parish was divided.
Sanctuary before move Sanctuary
after move
Two become one
Construction Complete...Alleluia!!!
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Partnership with Burke Severed
In May 1953, the congregations
of Burke Lutheran and Norway Grove voted to sever their partnership parish
of 47 years and each call its own pastor. August minutes of that year reveal
the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to record the "fine spirit
of Christian Brotherhood and cooperation that existed between the Burke
congregation and Norway Grove during the many years of close affiliation
in the sharing of a pastor and parsonage - it being worthy of comment and
record that no ill will ever existed and that the relationship was terminated
in the same manner and spirit."
Pastor S. Ingvoldstad
Pastor Axel Anderson announced
his resignation effective June 30, 1953. In November 1953, Pastor
Stephen Ingvoldstad accepted the call to Norway Grove congregation, coming
from Yuma, Arizona, where he had been an Air Force Chaplain. During his
years of service, the Evangelical Lutheran Church body joined with the
old American Lutheran Church, and various smaller Lutheran church bodies,
to form The American Lutheran Church in 1960.
An interesting history sidelight
is that the cost of the lutefisk dinner in
1954 was $1.50 for adults!!
The congregation at Spring
Prairie suffered the destruction of their church by fire in 1957.
To assist in rebuilding, our Easter offering of $800 was given to them.
In keeping with the church's
mission oriented character, the congregation approved extending the church's
credit to the new Minnetonka Lutheran Congregation at Wayzata, Minnesota,
organized by former Pastor Axel Anderson, as security for a loan of $25,000
from Lutheran Brotherhood. Later, the congregation also underwrote loans
for St. Paul Lutheran of Shorewood, Washington and Hope Lutheran of Freeholt,
New Jersey.
In 1957, the mission festival
speaker was Pastor Mahkathini from Zululand in South Africa and member,
Karl Anderson, son of Mr. & Mrs. A. L. F. Anderson, was ordained.
By 1960, there were 255 students
enrolled in Sunday School, a number impossible to accommodate in the available
space. Therefore, it was decided to hold two sessions of Sunday School
and worship so that teachers and pupils could attend a worship service.
There were 30 regular teachers and 12 substitutes.
In the middle sixties, several
members undertook the year-long study discipline to become teachers of
the Bethel Bible Series written by Pastor Harley Swiggum. Classes of this
excellent two-year adult Bible study, taught by Anna Kessenich and Millie
Anderson, were well attended.
Name Change
Two important events occurred
in 1961. Since the church was moved into the village of DeForest, the congregation
voted to change the church name from Norway Grove to Christ Lutheran Church
of DeForest. Secondly, a new parsonage was built at 300 South Main Street,
just across Sunset Drive from the church. The architect was Rolf Anderson,
a member of the congregation.
The rock, which stands on
the church lawn and is inscribed with "Christ Lutheran Church",
was uncovered during the excavation for the parsonage. Rev. Ingvoldstad
was influential in having this rock inscribed and placed - symbolic of
the "Rock" on which the church is built. The former parsonage
on the northeast corner of Holum and Stevenson, Streets was sold.
Pastor C. D. Peterson
When the house adjoining the
property on the north became available in 1969, the members approved its
purchase for use as the church office. Under Pastor Ingvoldstad's leadership,
the congregation authorized the formation of a church council to oversee
the operation and mission of the church. Ill health forced Pastor Ingvoldstad
to submit his resignation effective in the fall of 1973. During the time
the congregation was searching for a replacement, Peter Sherven, seminary
graduate, and Pastor Lowell Mays served the congregation.
Upon recommendation of the
Call Committee, a call was issued to Charles D. Peterson, assistant pastor at Dr. Martin
Luther Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Pastor Peterson began his ministry
here on April 15, and was installed on April 21, 1974. A year later, Palmer
Wahl, recently retired, was hired as visitation pastor.
Pastor P. Wahl
Groundbreaking
Ceremony
By 1974, it had been 24 years
since any major work or change to the physical structure of Christ Lutheran
Church had taken place. In July of that year, a study and planning
committee was appointed to evaluate the facility, study the church's needs,
and make a recommendation to the congregation. Following acceptance of
the proposal, on October 31,1976, ground was broken for a two-story addition
and remodeling of the existing structure. When ground was broken, a representative
from each Sunday School class turned a shovelful of dirt.
With
this addition and necessary changes to the narthex, the courtyard was created.
At this time, the chancel area of the nave was also remodeled. The partial
removal of two walls of the sacristy allowed the organ console to be moved
to the right side. The choir remained on the left. A new oak pulpit, serving
table and straight communion rail were put in place. May 15, 1977, the
cornerstone for this new structure was dedicated. A pillar was constructed
to house this and former cornerstones and placed in the courtyard. More
than stone, this pillar contains documents dating back to 1902. Dedication
of this new structure took place July 17, 1977, again the 7th Sunday
after Pentecost.
Foundation Stone Dedication
Members were asked to submit
names and the new room areas became "Friendship Room" (sanctuary
level), "Norse Korner" (basement area), and "Shalom Hall" (second
floor). Another significant event occurred in 1977 when Pastor Peterson
ordained Richard Thompson, son of John and Lorraine Thompson.
Beatrice Knudtson
Included in the building plans
was the renovation and enlarging of the pipe organ. To provide somewhat
easier access to the organ pipes for tuning and repair, the pipes were
moved to an enclosed room above the choir area. Four ranks of pipes plus
two electronic ranks for the pedal board were added. Its dedication took
place June 4, 1978, a day designated to honor Beatrice Knudtson, who served
as organist for 37 years. Professor David Blanchard of Augustana College and former member gave
the organ recital.
Pastor A. S. Christensen
The congregation also decided
it would be wise to remodel the Fireside Room for church office use. The
former office house was sold and removed from the property. Realizing that
the shepherding of our congregation required more time than one pastor
could give, Pastor A. Stanley Christensen was called on July 19, 1978 to
serve on a half-time basis and he was installed on September 10, 1978.
Pastor Christensen initiated an ecumenical Bible Study on Tuesday mornings
that was regularly attended by 30-40 people. Following a leave of absence,
- Pastor Wahl retired in September.
Rekindling
the Lutefisk Tradition
1977 was also a year of rekindling
tradition as the church women served a lutefisk dinner in November to eight
hundred people. This successful venture has been held on the second Saturday
in November ever since. As a congregational project almost everyone is
involved in some way and enjoys the good fellowship that results from working
together. Improvements are made each year to more efficiently serve the
great numbers of people who attend. In 1996, 1650 people were served 3,000
pounds of fish. Profits have helped to redecorate the nave, remodel Fellowship
Hall, purchase needed equipment for the kitchen, provide new lighting in
the Friendship Room, and assist the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Assembling Cookbooks
In 1983, the church women
published a cookbook entitled "Vaer Sa God", which emphasized
our Norwegian heritage in the rosemaling on the cover and title pages,
the work of Betty Lund. With the profit realized the women purchased the
carved doors at the front entrances. The women's spirit of Christian love
and concern was further felt halfway around the world in the newly independent
African country of Botswana. A donation of $5,000 was sent to help the
people suffering the hardship of revolution and drought. The money was
raised through a variety of events including an evening with Katherine
Koob. Mrs. Koob was one of the hostages released from Iran after 440 days
of captivity.
Pastor
J. Olson
A second Sunday morning worship
service was begun in 1984. In 1989, the congregation approved hiring an
architect to draw plans for refurbishing the church. The James Company
was contracted to conduct a stewardship program requesting pledges to the
building fund to be given over a three-year period. Pledges totaling $330,000
were received. This provided for the construction of a new entrance to
the basement from the parking lot, remodeling the Fellowship Hall, updating
Sunday School rooms and a new roof for the sanctuary and office.
Recognizing the need for a
full time associate pastor to fully care for the congregation; to
expand educational opportunities; and meet increased evangelism needs in
our growing community, the congregation issued a call to Pastor Jerry A. Olson. He began his service here November
1, 1990. At the same time Pastor Christensen retired, having served Christ
Lutheran for 12 years. Because there were so many conflicts with high school
activities, confirmation classes were changed to 7th and 8th grades
instead of 8th and 9th grades. This necessitated
having 3 grades (90 children) attending confirmation classes for 2 years
to accommodate the changeover. Consequently there were 57 children confirmed
in 1995 - half at each of the two services.
New Ventures
In199l, Pastors Peterson and
Olson were asked by the Dane County Sheriff's office to set up guidelines
and recruit helpers for a Chaplaincy Program. Its purpose is to provide
pastoral ministry to officers and with officers in their service to Dane
County. This has proven to be a great asset to law enforcement personnel.
As a charter member, the Christ
Lutheran congregation has been associated with the Oakwood Lutheran Home for five decades.
As an outreach to the community, Oakwood established a parish nurse program
in 1993 for area Lutheran churches. This service was a very valuable asset
to the Christ Lutheran church family and the surrounding area, due to the
fine leadership of Sue Lux. Her untiring effort led to the creation of
a grief support group, blood pressure screenings, weight loss meetings,
as well as helping individuals cope with difficult changes in their health.
In 1996, a new south entrance
was constructed to provide space for the installation of an elevator. It
provided access for everyone to all three floors as well as an easy means
for moving equipment or supplies from one floor to another. When approaching
this new entrance the etched glass captures one’s attention. The doors
picture the welcoming angels; the windows show the sacramental elements
of wheat and grapes. Going inside, the courtyard windows show the fish
(the first symbol for Christians) swimming in the symbolic waters of baptism.
These were provided by gifts from several families in memory of loved ones.
Since the founding of the
Jail Chaplaincy Program in 1975, Christ Lutheran has faithfully supported
this ministry of the Madison Area Lutheran Council. Having the services
of a pastor available to Dane County Jail prisoners and jail personnel
for counseling, worship experiences, or providing cards, stamps, puzzles,
and sometimes clothing, has been most helpful for all concerned.
A quilting group meets regularly
throughout the year to make and tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Conservatively estimating,
they have made over 5,000 quilts. Distributed in the United States and
around the world, they not only provide warm coverings but also can be
used as room dividers or a means of carrying ones belongings.
Christian education has always
been deemed a necessary and important area of our church. Sunday School
classes for preschoolers through adults are offered as well as catechism
classes, vacation bible school, women's bible study groups, and an early
Wednesday morning men's breakfast group. For many years, the Sunday School
staff has prepared and served an Easter breakfast for the congregation.
The children have been willing and generous contributors of items for health
kits, school kits, "Pennies for Poverty" which benefit women
and children, and the local food pantry. In recent years, vacation bible
school has been a cooperative week-long effort with various other local
congregations. Children of kindergarten age through sixth grade have learned
about biblical heroes of faith, often on the beautiful church lawn.
Sunday School Children Vacation Bible School
Men’s Breakfast
St. Louis Youth Convention
A national Lutheran
convention for high school youth is held every three years. Through
many and varied fund raising activities; our youth have attended these
events. Besides special music and inspiring speakers, these gatherings
included eye-opening hands-on experiences of helping under privileged
people. Together with middle school youth, they have assisted at local
area homeless shelters, helping to serve meals or overseeing bingo games
at the Salvation Army. A more
recent service has several youth and adults spending a week assisting
at a Habitat for Humanity work site.
Habitat
for Humanity
For decades, Christ Lutheran
pastors and congregations have actively participated in the ecumenical
life of the DeForest Area Community. Through the DeForest Area Clergy,
the community celebrates Thanksgiving and holds Baccalaureate services
for local high school graduates. Most recently the group, under the direction
of Pastor Jerry A. Olson, completed the application, plans for, and building
of 20 HUD financed low-income senior citizen apartments on Southbound Drive.
150 Years of Ministry
In 1997, Christ Lutheran celebrated
the 150th anniversary of its founding, in 1847, with several
joyful events. A lovely unusual sight greeted worshipers when 3,647 white
and gold origami doves were hung over the pews on both sides of the nave,
representing all the people who have been baptized in the church since
its beginning. The folded doves were the work of Millie Anderson and Pat
Kreibich. From almost invisible fish line the doves hung and gently moved.
The secretary of The Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, Pastor Lowell Almen of Chicago, preached at the first anniversary
celebration on April 13, 1997. All who had been confirmed in our church
were invited to a June service at which former Pastor A. Stanley Christensen,
brought the message. A display of confirmation class pictures, old Bibles
and hymn books was held in the Friendship Room.
3,647 doves representing church baptisms
In remembrance of our ethnic
heritage and as a gift to the community, we sponsored a performance by
the delightful Stoughton Norwegian Dancers followed by Norwegian goodies
and, of course, coffee. On August 3rd, a wonderful ecumenical
worship service took place. With Christ Lutheran, the Spring Prairie Lutheran,
Bonnet Prairie Lutheran and St. Joseph Catholic churches were all celebrating
their 150th anniversary. Members of the four churches gathered
at St. Joseph church in East Bristol for an afternoon of praise, thanksgiving
and prayer. All enjoyed a display of interesting historical items together
with cake and ice cream.
Celebration continued the
weekend of September 13th and 14th with an unusual
and exciting experience for area musicians as well as Christ Lutheran members.
Well-known hymn writer and clinician, John Ylvisaker of Iowa, conducted
a seminar for choir directors and worship committees on Saturday morning.
That evening he led a "hymn jam" where the audience joined in
singing hymns and learned about his work as composer, arranger and writer.
He also led the musical portion of the worship services Sunday morning
at which time we sang the hymn we commissioned him to write for this occasion.
His presence among us was especially meaningful because members of his
family had lived in this area many years ago.
Area
pastors
Another special day was planned
for October 18th. An ordained son of the congregation, Pastor
Richard Thompson, Dubuque, Iowa, preached at the morning services and also
spoke at a banquet held the same evening. Dr. Kent Tweton, Madison, son
of Pastor Tweton, and Marlys Ingvoldstad of Florida, wife of Pastor
Ingvoldstad, were honored guests at the banquet. Reminiscences by several
of our members brought back memories or informed guests of life in earlier
years.
Gathering families around
tables to share food has always provided memories that are treasured. With
this in mind, the church women published a cookbook in further celebration
of the 150th Anniversary.
As churches looked toward
the closing of the 20th century, great effort was made by several
denominations to form a joint ministry. Even though this didn't result
in a merged church, recent national convention action permits congregations
of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to have altar and pulpit
fellowship with the Reformed churches (such as the Windsor United Church
of Christ), the Moravian Church and, most recently, the Episcopal Church.
At this writing, Christ Lutheran
Church has been a visible and viable witness for Christ for 153 years.
When those first few Norwegian settlers met in March 1847 under the oak
tree at Norway Grove, they had no way of knowing what the future held.
They could only remember their past, know the present, and lay foundation
stones for the future.
Seven generations have continued
to build on that foundation through faith in God and salvation through
His son, Jesus Christ, sacrifice, and commitment to the future. We are
the future built on that foundation. Now it's our responsibility to remember
our past, know our present, and lay our foundation stones for future generations.
To
be continued!!
To God be honor and glory forever. Amen
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August 1, 2005
Copyright 2002-2007 Christ Lutheran Church
1847 - Present
The history of Christ Lutheran Church is more than a chronological series of events and a succession of names. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, commitment, controversy, struggle, and a basic common faith in a God of love and grace and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Early Years of Birth and Growth
The recorded history of Christ Lutheran Church begins in 1847. Wisconsin had not achieved statehood, but Norwegian settlers who came to till the fertile soil and enjoy not only civil freedom, but religious freedom as well populated the land. Often two or three families lived in a small one-room log cabin. Men, women, and children struggled to cut timber and clear the land so they could plow the virgin land with teams of oxen and huge breaking plows. Life was hard and often threatened with fever and ague. As R. B. Anderson writes in his First Chapter of Norwegian Immigration. “They learned to appreciate the value of human sympathy and kindness, and they rallied from their sufferings with natures purified and strengthened for the battle of life.”
By 1847, the congregations at Koshkonong were established as a result of the work of Pastors C. L. Clausen and J. W. C. Dietrichson. Recognizing the need for worship and sacraments, the Norwegian settlers of Norway Grove, Spring Prairie, and Bonnet Prairie invited Pastor Dietrichson to conduct services. He accepted; and on March 7, 1847, the first service was held. Three weeks later on March 28, he returned to organize the three areas with 50 members to become the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation as an annex to the Pastor J.W.C. Dietrichson Koshkonong Norwegian Lutheran congregation. This first service was simple and held at the home of Sjur Styrkson Reque under an oak tree with the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and holy communion.
Pastor
J.W.C. Dietrichson
The relationship with Koshkonong remained until October 15, 1849, when the three congregations voted to become a separate parish. Pastor Dietrichson preached his last of 11 sermons on April 7, 1850, at which time he was given authority to secure a permanent pastor from Norway. The congregation promised to provide the pastor with a parsonage, 20 to 40 acres of land, 10 of which were to be plowed, and a salary of $250.00 per year plus the free will offerings of festival services on Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost.
Pastor
A.C. Preus
Rev. A. C. Preus of the Koshkonong churches served the parish until Rev. Herman Amberg Preus arrived from Norway to accept the position as pastor and conduct his first service on August 10, 1851.
While the late 1840's and early 1850's saw the development of an established congregation of members from Spring Prairie, Bonnet Prairie, and Norway Grove it was also a time of dissension. Dissension not only among the settlers of the three areas, but also in Norway where the rationalists of the State Church supported a more or less worldly and indifferent belief; the Haugeans who were serious students of the Word and opposed the State Church; and orthodox State Church pastors who were separated from the Haugeans.
The dissension was evident in the Dane, Columbia, and Sauk counties as Elling Eielson undertook the task of lay preaching the Haugean position of opposition to the State Church of Norway. As Eielson developed a following among the settlers, Pastors Dietrichson, Clausen, and H.A.Stub were attempting to organize a synod that would develop a closer union among the new congregations. In 1851, the Synod was formed and named “The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
For two years the parish continued, and the Lodi settlement was added. A church council of 12, with representation from each area, was organized; and services were conducted in the homes of each district about once each month. Finally, on May 12, 1853, the parish met at the schoolhouse in Leeds and agreed to divide into three independent congregations. These congregations became the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Norway Grove and included Lodi; the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Spring Prairie; and the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Bonnet Prairie.
Pastor
H.A. Preus
Although Norway Grove became an independent congregation in May of 1853, it was eight years before the first church was completed. During these years, Pastor H. A. Preus continued to conduct services in the homes of members and children walked to Spring Prairie for their confirmation instruction.
In January 1852, the Preus family moved into the parsonage, a log house of three rooms, a loft, and a cellar. The parsonage was situated on 20 acres of land purchased for $100 and located in Spring Prairie. This log home remained the parsonage for Norway Grove until 1891 when a new one was built in DeForest.
By December 1853, a site for the first Norway Grove church was chosen, and the deed was signed on the 15th of December. For $10, Erik and John H. Johnson sold one acre and 152 square rods of land to the congregation for a church building and cemetery. Today, this land is the site of Norway Grove Cemetery and Norway Grove Memorial Church.
Member pledges of $3,000 to build the church were satisfied by both cash and work donations. Some men helped with the task of quarrying and hauling stone as well as making the pews. The work was hard and long, but on the sixth Sunday after Trinity, 186l, Pastor A. C. Preus preached at the service of dedication and complimented the congregation on the spirit of cooperation.
While members of the early church were not able to have regular weekly services, the teachings of the church were, nevertheless, very influential in their daily life. When Sunday church services were not held the rules of the church admonished its members to hold public devotions with prayer, scripture, hymns, and reading from devotional books at the homes of members or other designated meeting places. Members were often summoned to appear before the congregation to be shown the error of their ways. Those found guilty of sins such as drunkenness, adultery, slander, dancing, membership in secret organizations, failure to send children to church school, misconduct at weddings, neglecting to pay assessed church dues, cursing, and swearing, were denied the Sacrament of the Altar. Not until the member repented, asked for forgiveness, and promised to mend his ways was he allowed to participate in the sacrament once again.
Along with the established growth of the church, organized Christian education also developed. By 1868, the area included in the Norway Grove congregation had grown so large that it was necessary to divide the parish into three school districts. Pastor H. A. Preus was an ardent supporter of Christian day schools and felt that if congregational schools were neglected, the church body would perish. As president of the Norwegian Synod from 1863 to 1885, he continued to promote Christian schools throughout the Synod.
Pastor
Kristian Magelssen
In 1863, Pastor H.A: Preus was serving dual roles as Pastor of Norway Grove and President of the Norwegian Synod. The congregation voted to permit his continuation as synod president and also approved the addition of an assistant, Pastor Kristian Magelssen, (1866 to 1867), Pastor Anders T. Vinnor (1872 to 1873), and Pastor Adolph Bredeson (1873 to 1876). In 1876, Pastor Christian K. Preus became the assistant following his ordination by his father, Rev. H.A. Preus.
Pastor Adolph Bredeson Pastor Christian K. Preus
Back to top
Years of Controversy and Division
By 1880, the Norwegian Synod and the congregation of Norway Grove were embroiled in a bitter controversy on conversion and election. This controversy developed as a result of the charges issued by Professor F. A. Schmidt, a trusted leader within the Norwegian Synod, against the Missouri and the Norwegian Synods. These charges held that while the churches were preaching the universal grace of God and gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, they were practicing the Calvinistic view of predestination.
As the pastors and laymen of Norway Grove discussed this controversy, feelings and opinions intensified. Following a series of 12 meetings from 1881 to 1883, there was no resolution to the dispute. Finally in 1883, a majority of members denied Pastors H. A. and C. K. Preus the right to continue serving the Norway Grove Congregation.
Pastor
S. Gunderson
To fill the pastoral vacancy, Norway Grove joined with Madison and Burke to receive the services of Pastor S. Gunderson. His work at Norway Grove continued until 1890. In 1887, the Norwegian Synod dismissed Norway Grove from Synod membership. This break in Synod affiliation continued for three years until 1890 when the church sent its first delegate to the United Lutheran Church convention and became a member. In that same year, Pastor Gunderson resigned to go to Mount Horeb.
Norway
Grove DeForest is established
Following the removal of the pastors in 1883, Pastors H. A. and C. K. Preus organized the Norway Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church of DeForest and continued their affiliation with Spring Prairie. For four years, services were conducted first in the village schoolhouse and then Molstad's Hall. A new church was completed in 1887 on land purchased from Thomas Campbell for $130.
Pastor H. A. Preus served the DeForest congregation until his death on July 2, 1894. Thus ended a life of service to the Lord, 43 years as pastor and 32 years as president of the Norwegian Synod. At the time of his father's death, C. K. Preus was on loan to Our Savior's Church in Chicago. He remained in this position until spring of l895 when he returned to the Spring Prairie parish.
During the two-year interim (1893 to 1895), Pastors J. W. Preus and Alfred O. Johnson served as assistants to the Spring Prairie parish. When C. K. Preus returned from Chicago to resume his position, J. W. Preus continued to assist Spring Prairie; Alfred Johnson was called to Our Saviors in Chicago; and Rev. L. M. Gimmestad was called to serve as assistant to C. K. Preus. This relationship continued until 1897, when C. K. Preus resigned due to health problems.
Pastor J.W. Preus Pastor A.O. Johnson Pastor L. M. Gimmestad
Pastor
L.S.J. Reque
Up to this point in time, the parish included the congregations of Spring Prairie, Bonnet Prairie, Lodi, and Norway Grove DeForest. With the resignation of C. K. Preus, the parish was divided. Rev. Gimmestad was called to Bonnet Prairie, Rev. Christian Haugstad to Lodi, and Rev. Lauritz S. J. Reque to Spring Prairie and Norway Grove DeForest. Rev. Gimmestad served the whole charge until he installed Rev. Reque in May of 1899.
For 19 years, Rev. Reque served Spring Prairie and Norway Grove DeForest. Weekly Sunday services were held at each church along with catechism instruction and vacation school for religious instruction. Annual mission festivals were co-sponsored. A Sunday school, choir, and Young People's Society were organized in 1902 to 1903 and the first pipe organ was installed. In 1905, it was traded in for a larger organ that was installed in the newly remodeled balcony. In 1918, Pastor Reque resigned to take another call.
Back to TopNorway Grove Continues to Grow
While the Deforest Church grew during the period from 1883 to 1918, so did the Norway Grove Church outside the village. Following the resignation of Pastor Gunderson in 1890, Pastor Krostu served part-time until Pastor Otto Baker was installed in 1891. His home was the new parsonage built in DeForest at a cost of $1,783. Following Pastor Baker's death in December 1897, Pastor Olaf Guldseth accepted the call to serve. Now 50 years old, the congregation held a festival to commemorate the anniversary. Like many Wisconsin fall days, a cold wind was blowing as an estimated crowd of 800 to 900 people crowded under a thin canvas tent pitched on the lawn of the old stone church to worship and celebrate. By 1899, the congregation was again without a pastor when Pastor Guldseth resigned due to poor health.
Pastor Otto Baker Pastor O. Guldseth Pastor J.A. Aasgaard
It was not until 1901 that Rev. J. A. Aasgaard accepted the call. Soon after, the congregation voted to build a new church with a seating capacity of 500 and at a cost not to exceed $11,000. The old church was to be torn down and materials used in the new one. The cornerstone was taken from the old church and placed on the southeast comer of the new church on September 7, 1902. Construction of the church moved along, and the new church was dedicated on May 17, 1903. The festivities lasted two days, and although the final cost of almost $16,000 exceeded the original estimate, the church was paid in full on the day of dedication.
In
1905, the congregation was once again making building plans and parish
merger decisions. Plans were made to build a new parsonage on the site
of the original parsonage in DeForest. The old parsonage was sold and moved
across the street and a new house was built for $3,500. At a congregational
meeting in May, a contract was drawn up to form a joint parish call with
Burke Lutheran. This relationship continued for 47 years.
Pastor
N. Stubkjaer
After ten years of service, Pastor Aasgaard resigned and accepted a call to Concordia College. He was succeeded by Rev. N. Stubkjaer who served until 1918. Prior to Rev. Stubkjaer's leaving, a new pipe organ was purchased. It was dedicated by Rev. O. J. H. Preus (son of C. K. Preus) who accepted the call to Norway Grove and Burke Lutheran. Prof. F. Melius Christianson of St. Olaf College gave the organ recital.
Back to TopNorway Grove Churches Reunite
By 1918, Norway Grove and Norway Grove DeForest had been two independent congregations for 35 years. The decision by the United Lutheran, Norwegian Synod, and Hauge church to unite in 1917 set in motion the discussion of plans for reuniting the two churches. Rev. O. J. H. Preus was installed by his father, Rev. C. K. Preus, as pastor at Norway Grove church; and Rev. Reque resigned from the DeForest church. Members of the DeForest church voted to dissolve their parish connection with Spring Prairie and merge with Norway Grove. Members at Norway Grove voted to merge in February 1919. The merger became reality in May 1919, when the churches were reunited into one congregation with O. J. H. Preus as pastor.
Pastor
O.J.H. Preus
Pastor Preus accepted the position as president of the Eastern District of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America in 1927, and asked to be released as pastor one year later. Rev. J. 0. Tweton, who had served as Pastor Preus' assistant for one year, was installed as the permanent pastor. He remained in that position for 16 years until 1943 when he requested release. Rev. P. J. Johnson, a son of the congregation, served for eight months until Rev. Axel Anderson was installed in September 1944.
Pastor J.O. Tweten Pastor P.J. Johnson Pastor A. Anderson
Back to TopNorway Grove Church Moved
By the time of the 100th anniversary (1947), many of the members lived in the village of DeForest and found it inconvenient to travel to Norway Grove for worship. In addition, the building had little insulation and, sitting on the crest of a hill, it was expensive to heat in the winter months.
The DeForest church was no longer large enough to accommodate Sunday worshipers. Options were considered and, after much deliberation, the congregation voted to move the Norway Grove Church into the village and join it to the DeForest church building. To accommodate the enlarged building and provide a needed parking area, Cora and Agnes Reigstad donated additional adjacent land to the congregation.
All
of the brick was removed from the building, the windows were boarded up,
and in the early winter of 1949, the momentous journey began.
Church after brick removal
The church was moved on rollers down the hill to the north and then across the marshy area near River Road and South Street. Due to uncooperative weather, the move was not completed until spring.
Church moving on rollers
On Palm Sunday, April 2, 1950, ground was broken for the building and the cornerstone was laid August 6, 1950. The smaller DeForest Church was turned 90 degrees and joined to the Norway Grove Church providing a new entrance. There was an area for choir robes and music files and a small kitchen at ground level, with office space for the Pastor and Secretary on the upper level. The first floor of the smaller church became the Fireside Room, a large all-purpose meeting room. The second floor was divided into Sunday school rooms. Part of the basement became home to the boiler for heating the building, plus rest rooms and three Sunday school rooms.
On either side of the chancel of the Norway Grove Church was a small enclosed room. The one on the left was "the baby room" where the mother of a baby to be baptized waited until the time for baptism. On the right was the sacristy where people went for confession prior to receiving communion. This room also contained the stairs to enter the raised pulpit. When the churches were joined, the two walls of the room on the left were removed to provide entrance to the sanctuary.
Authorization was given to rebuild and electrify the organ of the Norway Grove church and to move it from the balcony to the front of the sanctuary. The new organ console was placed perpendicular to the back wall of this newly opened area and the pipes were installed in the space over the sacristy on the right side of the chancel. They were accessible by ladder through a trap door in the ceiling. The choir was seated in front of the organ console on tiered steps. Three pews were shortened to create this area.
The outside of both buildings was faced with stone. During this construction, the congregation worked out an agreement with Ralph Johnson, owner of the movie theater in DeForest, to hold worship services and ladies aid meetings in the theater. This theater building on Commerce Street later housed the Thunderbird supper club and was razed in the summer of 2000.
The dedication of the rebuilt and remodeled churches was held on July 1, 1951, this again being the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. Former pastor, Dr. J. A. Aasgaard, then President of The Evangelical Lutheran Church, gave the dedicatory sermon. This was an especially poignant day because it also marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Aasgaard's first sermon at Norway Grove and was 90 years after the Rev. A. C. Preus, President of the Synod, dedicated the very first church.
Pastor Nelson Preus, who lived in DeForest while his father, O. J. H. Preus, was pastor at Norway Grove, gave the address at the evening service of celebration. The congregation's decision to move the Norway Grove Church was not met with favor by some members and, sadly, once again the parish was divided.
Sanctuary before move Sanctuary after move
Two become one
Construction Complete...Alleluia!!!
Back to TopPartnership with Burke Severed
In May 1953, the congregations of Burke Lutheran and Norway Grove voted to sever their partnership parish of 47 years and each call its own pastor. August minutes of that year reveal the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to record the "fine spirit of Christian Brotherhood and cooperation that existed between the Burke congregation and Norway Grove during the many years of close affiliation in the sharing of a pastor and parsonage - it being worthy of comment and record that no ill will ever existed and that the relationship was terminated in the same manner and spirit."
Pastor S. Ingvoldstad
Pastor Axel Anderson announced his resignation effective June 30, 1953. In November 1953, Pastor Stephen Ingvoldstad accepted the call to Norway Grove congregation, coming from Yuma, Arizona, where he had been an Air Force Chaplain. During his years of service, the Evangelical Lutheran Church body joined with the old American Lutheran Church, and various smaller Lutheran church bodies, to form The American Lutheran Church in 1960.
An interesting history sidelight is that the cost of the lutefisk dinner in 1954 was $1.50 for adults!!
The congregation at Spring Prairie suffered the destruction of their church by fire in 1957. To assist in rebuilding, our Easter offering of $800 was given to them.
In keeping with the church's mission oriented character, the congregation approved extending the church's credit to the new Minnetonka Lutheran Congregation at Wayzata, Minnesota, organized by former Pastor Axel Anderson, as security for a loan of $25,000 from Lutheran Brotherhood. Later, the congregation also underwrote loans for St. Paul Lutheran of Shorewood, Washington and Hope Lutheran of Freeholt, New Jersey.
In 1957, the mission festival speaker was Pastor Mahkathini from Zululand in South Africa and member, Karl Anderson, son of Mr. & Mrs. A. L. F. Anderson, was ordained.
By 1960, there were 255 students enrolled in Sunday School, a number impossible to accommodate in the available space. Therefore, it was decided to hold two sessions of Sunday School and worship so that teachers and pupils could attend a worship service. There were 30 regular teachers and 12 substitutes.
In the middle sixties, several members undertook the year-long study discipline to become teachers of the Bethel Bible Series written by Pastor Harley Swiggum. Classes of this excellent two-year adult Bible study, taught by Anna Kessenich and Millie Anderson, were well attended.
Name Change
Two important events occurred in 1961. Since the church was moved into the village of DeForest, the congregation voted to change the church name from Norway Grove to Christ Lutheran Church of DeForest. Secondly, a new parsonage was built at 300 South Main Street, just across Sunset Drive from the church. The architect was Rolf Anderson, a member of the congregation.
The rock, which stands on the church lawn and is inscribed with "Christ Lutheran Church", was uncovered during the excavation for the parsonage. Rev. Ingvoldstad was influential in having this rock inscribed and placed - symbolic of the "Rock" on which the church is built. The former parsonage on the northeast corner of Holum and Stevenson, Streets was sold.
Pastor C. D. Peterson
When the house adjoining the property on the north became available in 1969, the members approved its purchase for use as the church office. Under Pastor Ingvoldstad's leadership, the congregation authorized the formation of a church council to oversee the operation and mission of the church. Ill health forced Pastor Ingvoldstad to submit his resignation effective in the fall of 1973. During the time the congregation was searching for a replacement, Peter Sherven, seminary graduate, and Pastor Lowell Mays served the congregation.
Upon recommendation of the Call Committee, a call was issued to Charles D. Peterson, assistant pastor at Dr. Martin Luther Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Pastor Peterson began his ministry here on April 15, and was installed on April 21, 1974. A year later, Palmer Wahl, recently retired, was hired as visitation pastor.
Pastor P. Wahl
Groundbreaking
Ceremony
By 1974, it had been 24 years since any major work or change to the physical structure of Christ Lutheran Church had taken place. In July of that year, a study and planning committee was appointed to evaluate the facility, study the church's needs, and make a recommendation to the congregation. Following acceptance of the proposal, on October 31,1976, ground was broken for a two-story addition and remodeling of the existing structure. When ground was broken, a representative from each Sunday School class turned a shovelful of dirt.
With
this addition and necessary changes to the narthex, the courtyard was created.
At this time, the chancel area of the nave was also remodeled. The partial
removal of two walls of the sacristy allowed the organ console to be moved
to the right side. The choir remained on the left. A new oak pulpit, serving
table and straight communion rail were put in place. May 15, 1977, the
cornerstone for this new structure was dedicated. A pillar was constructed
to house this and former cornerstones and placed in the courtyard. More
than stone, this pillar contains documents dating back to 1902. Dedication
of this new structure took place July 17, 1977, again the 7th Sunday
after Pentecost.
Foundation Stone Dedication
Members were asked to submit names and the new room areas became "Friendship Room" (sanctuary level), "Norse Korner" (basement area), and "Shalom Hall" (second floor). Another significant event occurred in 1977 when Pastor Peterson ordained Richard Thompson, son of John and Lorraine Thompson.
Beatrice Knudtson
Included in the building plans was the renovation and enlarging of the pipe organ. To provide somewhat easier access to the organ pipes for tuning and repair, the pipes were moved to an enclosed room above the choir area. Four ranks of pipes plus two electronic ranks for the pedal board were added. Its dedication took place June 4, 1978, a day designated to honor Beatrice Knudtson, who served as organist for 37 years. Professor David Blanchard of Augustana College and former member gave the organ recital.
Pastor A. S. Christensen
The congregation also decided it would be wise to remodel the Fireside Room for church office use. The former office house was sold and removed from the property. Realizing that the shepherding of our congregation required more time than one pastor could give, Pastor A. Stanley Christensen was called on July 19, 1978 to serve on a half-time basis and he was installed on September 10, 1978. Pastor Christensen initiated an ecumenical Bible Study on Tuesday mornings that was regularly attended by 30-40 people. Following a leave of absence, - Pastor Wahl retired in September.
Rekindling
the Lutefisk Tradition
1977 was also a year of rekindling tradition as the church women served a lutefisk dinner in November to eight hundred people. This successful venture has been held on the second Saturday in November ever since. As a congregational project almost everyone is involved in some way and enjoys the good fellowship that results from working together. Improvements are made each year to more efficiently serve the great numbers of people who attend. In 1996, 1650 people were served 3,000 pounds of fish. Profits have helped to redecorate the nave, remodel Fellowship Hall, purchase needed equipment for the kitchen, provide new lighting in the Friendship Room, and assist the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Assembling Cookbooks
In 1983, the church women published a cookbook entitled "Vaer Sa God", which emphasized our Norwegian heritage in the rosemaling on the cover and title pages, the work of Betty Lund. With the profit realized the women purchased the carved doors at the front entrances. The women's spirit of Christian love and concern was further felt halfway around the world in the newly independent African country of Botswana. A donation of $5,000 was sent to help the people suffering the hardship of revolution and drought. The money was raised through a variety of events including an evening with Katherine Koob. Mrs. Koob was one of the hostages released from Iran after 440 days of captivity.
Pastor
J. Olson
A second Sunday morning worship service was begun in 1984. In 1989, the congregation approved hiring an architect to draw plans for refurbishing the church. The James Company was contracted to conduct a stewardship program requesting pledges to the building fund to be given over a three-year period. Pledges totaling $330,000 were received. This provided for the construction of a new entrance to the basement from the parking lot, remodeling the Fellowship Hall, updating Sunday School rooms and a new roof for the sanctuary and office.
Recognizing the need for a full time associate pastor to fully care for the congregation; to expand educational opportunities; and meet increased evangelism needs in our growing community, the congregation issued a call to Pastor Jerry A. Olson. He began his service here November 1, 1990. At the same time Pastor Christensen retired, having served Christ Lutheran for 12 years. Because there were so many conflicts with high school activities, confirmation classes were changed to 7th and 8th grades instead of 8th and 9th grades. This necessitated having 3 grades (90 children) attending confirmation classes for 2 years to accommodate the changeover. Consequently there were 57 children confirmed in 1995 - half at each of the two services.
New Ventures
In199l, Pastors Peterson and Olson were asked by the Dane County Sheriff's office to set up guidelines and recruit helpers for a Chaplaincy Program. Its purpose is to provide pastoral ministry to officers and with officers in their service to Dane County. This has proven to be a great asset to law enforcement personnel.
As a charter member, the Christ Lutheran congregation has been associated with the Oakwood Lutheran Home for five decades. As an outreach to the community, Oakwood established a parish nurse program in 1993 for area Lutheran churches. This service was a very valuable asset to the Christ Lutheran church family and the surrounding area, due to the fine leadership of Sue Lux. Her untiring effort led to the creation of a grief support group, blood pressure screenings, weight loss meetings, as well as helping individuals cope with difficult changes in their health.
In 1996, a new south entrance was constructed to provide space for the installation of an elevator. It provided access for everyone to all three floors as well as an easy means for moving equipment or supplies from one floor to another. When approaching this new entrance the etched glass captures one’s attention. The doors picture the welcoming angels; the windows show the sacramental elements of wheat and grapes. Going inside, the courtyard windows show the fish (the first symbol for Christians) swimming in the symbolic waters of baptism. These were provided by gifts from several families in memory of loved ones.
Since the founding of the Jail Chaplaincy Program in 1975, Christ Lutheran has faithfully supported this ministry of the Madison Area Lutheran Council. Having the services of a pastor available to Dane County Jail prisoners and jail personnel for counseling, worship experiences, or providing cards, stamps, puzzles, and sometimes clothing, has been most helpful for all concerned.
A quilting group meets regularly throughout the year to make and tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Conservatively estimating, they have made over 5,000 quilts. Distributed in the United States and around the world, they not only provide warm coverings but also can be used as room dividers or a means of carrying ones belongings.
Christian education has always been deemed a necessary and important area of our church. Sunday School classes for preschoolers through adults are offered as well as catechism classes, vacation bible school, women's bible study groups, and an early Wednesday morning men's breakfast group. For many years, the Sunday School staff has prepared and served an Easter breakfast for the congregation. The children have been willing and generous contributors of items for health kits, school kits, "Pennies for Poverty" which benefit women and children, and the local food pantry. In recent years, vacation bible school has been a cooperative week-long effort with various other local congregations. Children of kindergarten age through sixth grade have learned about biblical heroes of faith, often on the beautiful church lawn.
Sunday School Children Vacation Bible School
Men’s Breakfast
St. Louis Youth Convention
A national Lutheran convention for high school youth is held every three years. Through many and varied fund raising activities; our youth have attended these events. Besides special music and inspiring speakers, these gatherings included eye-opening hands-on experiences of helping under privileged people. Together with middle school youth, they have assisted at local area homeless shelters, helping to serve meals or overseeing bingo games at the Salvation Army. A more recent service has several youth and adults spending a week assisting at a Habitat for Humanity work site.
Habitat
for Humanity
For decades, Christ Lutheran pastors and congregations have actively participated in the ecumenical life of the DeForest Area Community. Through the DeForest Area Clergy, the community celebrates Thanksgiving and holds Baccalaureate services for local high school graduates. Most recently the group, under the direction of Pastor Jerry A. Olson, completed the application, plans for, and building of 20 HUD financed low-income senior citizen apartments on Southbound Drive.
150 Years of Ministry
In 1997, Christ Lutheran celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding, in 1847, with several joyful events. A lovely unusual sight greeted worshipers when 3,647 white and gold origami doves were hung over the pews on both sides of the nave, representing all the people who have been baptized in the church since its beginning. The folded doves were the work of Millie Anderson and Pat Kreibich. From almost invisible fish line the doves hung and gently moved. The secretary of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pastor Lowell Almen of Chicago, preached at the first anniversary celebration on April 13, 1997. All who had been confirmed in our church were invited to a June service at which former Pastor A. Stanley Christensen, brought the message. A display of confirmation class pictures, old Bibles and hymn books was held in the Friendship Room.
3,647 doves representing church baptisms
In remembrance of our ethnic heritage and as a gift to the community, we sponsored a performance by the delightful Stoughton Norwegian Dancers followed by Norwegian goodies and, of course, coffee. On August 3rd, a wonderful ecumenical worship service took place. With Christ Lutheran, the Spring Prairie Lutheran, Bonnet Prairie Lutheran and St. Joseph Catholic churches were all celebrating their 150th anniversary. Members of the four churches gathered at St. Joseph church in East Bristol for an afternoon of praise, thanksgiving and prayer. All enjoyed a display of interesting historical items together with cake and ice cream.
Celebration continued the weekend of September 13th and 14th with an unusual and exciting experience for area musicians as well as Christ Lutheran members. Well-known hymn writer and clinician, John Ylvisaker of Iowa, conducted a seminar for choir directors and worship committees on Saturday morning. That evening he led a "hymn jam" where the audience joined in singing hymns and learned about his work as composer, arranger and writer. He also led the musical portion of the worship services Sunday morning at which time we sang the hymn we commissioned him to write for this occasion. His presence among us was especially meaningful because members of his family had lived in this area many years ago.
Area
pastors
Another special day was planned for October 18th. An ordained son of the congregation, Pastor Richard Thompson, Dubuque, Iowa, preached at the morning services and also spoke at a banquet held the same evening. Dr. Kent Tweton, Madison, son of Pastor Tweton, and Marlys Ingvoldstad of Florida, wife of Pastor Ingvoldstad, were honored guests at the banquet. Reminiscences by several of our members brought back memories or informed guests of life in earlier years.
Gathering families around tables to share food has always provided memories that are treasured. With this in mind, the church women published a cookbook in further celebration of the 150th Anniversary.
As churches looked toward the closing of the 20th century, great effort was made by several denominations to form a joint ministry. Even though this didn't result in a merged church, recent national convention action permits congregations of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to have altar and pulpit fellowship with the Reformed churches (such as the Windsor United Church of Christ), the Moravian Church and, most recently, the Episcopal Church.
At this writing, Christ Lutheran Church has been a visible and viable witness for Christ for 153 years. When those first few Norwegian settlers met in March 1847 under the oak tree at Norway Grove, they had no way of knowing what the future held. They could only remember their past, know the present, and lay foundation stones for the future.
Seven generations have continued to build on that foundation through faith in God and salvation through His son, Jesus Christ, sacrifice, and commitment to the future. We are the future built on that foundation. Now it's our responsibility to remember our past, know our present, and lay our foundation stones for future generations.
To be continued!!
To God be honor and glory forever. Amen
August 1, 2005
Copyright 2002-2007 Christ Lutheran Church