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OUR CHURCH HERITAGE |
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(Please Note: The information below is a collection of data assembled over the years of our congregation. We try to do the best we can when recording this information, but there may be some errors and inconsistencies in these notes. We were not there, but the Spirit that guided and helped form this rich heritage continues to guide us today. Thank you.) 1870's 'To the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Chisago Lake. The undersigned members of the above named Congregation wish to, out of all humility, love and good will, set forth to the Congregation our desire to organize a Congregation for ourselves. As we know that the Congregation is convinced that there is no difference in the confession of faith, or any dislike for the Congregation, that lie as the foundation for this our desire, but on the contrary, a long and difficult way to church and a rapid increase in the population around here makes this need so urgent, we hope that the Congregation respects us, perceiving the need hereof. Chisago City, August, 1873.' The above was followed by the handwritten signatures of 55 men representing a total of 106 communicants. And so, a new church was conceived. Church Founders
On February 8, 1874, residents of the Chisago City area gathered together to work on their new church. These were the pioneers of the new Minnesota frontier, many were emigrants or family of emigrants from Sweden. Otto Walmark was chosen chairman of this group as they proceeded to organize this new church. At a meeting 12 days later they decided to name this new church 'Svenska Evangelisk-Lutherska Forsamlingens, in Chisago City, Chisago County, Minnesota'. The constitution of this church was adopted May 14, 1874. The first Swedes who came to the area of the Chisago City congregation were: Peter Johan Kron from Algusboda, 1852, Sven Magnuson from Vaxjo, 1853, Otto and A.P. Wallmark from Asige, Halland, 1854, Carl Quist and his wife from Vaxjo, 1854 and August Johnson from Elmeboda, Kronobergs Ian, 1854. The largest immigration to the area occurred during the years 1866 to 1870. The Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church in Center City was organized May 12, 1854, by Reverend Erland Carlsson. The Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia was organized May 19, 1854, by Reverend Erland Carlsson. The Chisago City church became more organized during 1874 and at the end of 1874 had 113 communicant members and 106 children. At the annual meeting in November, 1874, it was decided that the annual membership fees would be $1.50 for men and $1.00 for women, payable in January and July. Pastor L.O. Lindh of Marine On St. Croix was the visiting pastor from 1874 to 1876. Early church records and notes until the 1930's were in the Swedish language.
Unfortunately there are not too many members that can read these records and notes in the Swedish language. During September of 1874 work began to clear the land donated by Bernhiemer Land Co. for the church. Construction began on a church building in May of 1875 with Ellias Magnuson in charge of the work. Frank Roost was in charge of securing stone for the foundation. August Johnson made benches in the church for $2.50 each, materials were supplied by the congregation. In 1876 the old county court house was bought, remodeled and used for a parsonage until 1914. At the December 1, 1876 annual meeting Frank Roost was elected organist for 3 years. His salary would be one half bushel of wheat or 50 cents per male member per year plus an annual free will offering. (The first offering was $7.28) Also each district would bring milk to his house for making cheese. There was no organ but Frank wrote his own music, led the singing and after a few years a small reed organ was purchased. He served in this position for 25 years. On June 29, 1877, before the interior of the church was completed, a storm moved one end of the church off its foundation. At the 1877 annual meeting it was voted that each man pay $1.00 toward the purchase of stoves and stove pipes for the church. Four men from each of the four districts were to supply one cord each of stove length wood, to be delivered to the church and the parsonage when the sexton was available. It was also voted to erect a pulpit and altar ring in the church by Christmas of 1878. Pastor J. J. Frodeen from Center City was the visiting pastor from 1877 to 1880. First Church Building
At the 1879 annual meeting the membership fees were reset to $8.00 per family and $3.00 for unmarried men. The fees were $2.00 for widows or unmarried women or $4.00 if they owned a farm. If there was a visiting pastor it was decided that he would receive $5.00 for each visit. 1880's The first resident pastor, Pastor E.J. Werner, began in July of 1880 and would continue serving the congregation until 1886. In 1880, with a church membership of 178, it was decided to hire a Gustavus Adolphus College student during June and July to teach Swedish to the children. The salary would be $1.00 for each child enrolled. On May 29, 1881, the first confirmation class was confirmed by Pastor Werner. Prior to this time confirmation was held at the Chisago Lake Church. On March 25, 1886, Pastor Werner resigned and at the same meeting Pastor Johannes Lundquist was called and accepted the call. Pastor Lundquist served from 1886 to 1908 and was remembered for liking long sermons. Church services lasted from 10:30 until about 2:00. On confirmation days the members brought lunches and the service lasted until 3:30 or 4:00. 1890's During the March, 1898, annual meeting it was decided to enlarge and beautify the church. The bid estimate was $3,200 and a new Pipe Organ estimate was $1,400. In June of 1898 work began on the church with C.A. Palmer in charge of the work. The work on the church was completed by May 14, 1899, in time for the 25th anniversary. The seating capacity was now 600. A pulpit was built by C.A. Palmer for $125. In 1889 the Ladies Aid Society (Syforening) had been organized. During the construction of the church the ladies sewed and tacked 81 yards of carpet which cost $45.00 and also contributed the pipe organ, the number boards, the communion silver and pulpit and altar cloths. The ladies would sew and donate articles at each of their meetings and at the annual July 4th church picnic which was held at the lakeshore of the Old People's Home their articles were sold. Professor Emil Anderson was the organist from 1898 to 1905. Augustinus Soderlind pumped the organ for $25 a year. He pumped the organ by hand from 1899 until the church burned in 1908. In May of 1899 there were still 64 of the 113 founding members alive. 1900's During 1904 a hole was dug under the church as the wood stoves were taken out and a new furnace was installed. On March 25, 1908, fire destroyed the first church building. It was thought that the fire started from the furnace which had been fired up that night for services the next day. The building was valued at $10,000 and there was $5,000 insurance on it. Pastor Lundquist resigned May 15, 1908, and later returned to Sweden. Construction of the new church began during the spring of 1908 and the 1908 Christmas services were held in the new basement. Church Interior
The first English church minutes were written in 1908 by C. E. Swenson. The Luther League group was organized in 1909. Pastor C. E. Slatt was called in October of 1908 and began his ministry on Good Friday, 1909. This Good Friday service was the first service in the new church main auditorium. The total cost of the church was $14,000 and the cost of the pipe organ was $2,675. Pastor Slatt retired on September 1, 1934 and moved to the Bethesda Old People's Home with his wife. 1910's The parsonage was built in 1914 by architect C. A. Palmer at a cost of $5,700. In May of 1914 there were 31 of the 113 founding members alive. In 1917 the first English class was organized in the Sunday School for those who couldn't understand Swedish.
Church and Parsonage
1920's In 1920 the old village school house was purchased. After changes and repairs this building was used for Sunday and Thursday evening services, choir rehearsals, meetings of the Lutheran Brotherhood, Ladies Aid Society and circle meetings. This building was used until 1968. In 1923 two adult Bible classes were organized, one in Swedish and the other in English. In May of 1924 there were 19 of the 113 founding members alive. November 15, 1925 was the first meeting of the Lutheran Brotherhood with Pastor C.E. Slatt as chairman. In 1925 alternate Swedish and English evening services were held in the chapel. Only Swedish services were held on Sunday mornings. In 1928 the Sunday morning services were alternated between Swedish and English. The envelope offering system was inaugurated in 1929. 1930's On August 1, 1930 Professor A.O. Peterson became the organist and choir director. During 1932 the church was roofed with slate. The name of the church was changed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church around 1933. In 1934 the congregation celebrated its 60th anniversary and on that day had one English evening service. In May of 1934 there were 3 of the 113 founding members alive. They were Frank Noren, Kristina Lindblom and S.P. Leaf. Pastor Constance Johnson served Zion from September 1, 1934 to 1939 when he accepted a call to New York. During 1936 the pipe organ was rebuilt, provided with electric action, and moved to the front of the church. The choir loft was enclosed with paneling from the old organ and stained glass windows were added to the church. During 1939 the church interior was redecorated, a new roof was put on the parsonage and the stained glass window behind the altar was replaced. 1940's Pastor E. H. Baker served Zion from 1940 to 1945 when he accepted a call to Sioux Falls. During 1941 new lights were installed in the Chapel, a piano was placed in the church, oboe pipes were installed in the organ, trees were planted in the cemeteries and church signs were placed east and west of the village. In 1944 the congregation celebrated its 70th anniversary and had its first all English anniversary. The celebration was limited because of rationing. During 1945 the parsonage was insulated and a stoker was installed at the church. During 1946 the second floor of the Chapel was converted from storage to class meeting rooms. During 1947 a set of Deagan Cathedral Chimes and loudspeaker were installed in the church and loudspeakers were installed in the Chapel. Pastor Arnold E. Carlson served Zion from 1946 until September1, 1947 when he left for a Gustavus Adolphus professor position. Pastor Elmer F. Sahlgren served Zion from 1947 to 1953. Two hundred people contributed 3000 hours of work for the 75th anniversary celebration in 1949. The song 'Oh Zion Raise Thy Voice' was prepared by the organist Arnold W. Johnson for this anniversary and sang by the congregation. 1950's Pastor Clarence W. Peterson served Zion from 1954 to 1960. 1960's Pastor Russell Knutson served Zion from 1961 to 1962. Pastor Kermit Youngdale served Zion from 1962 to 1965. A fund appeal was started in November, 1963 for the construction of an Education Building.
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