History of Immanuel Lutheran

Rev. Lauritz Carlson (1872 – 1875)

Born on November 6, 1842, the son of a prominent Trondheim, Norway pastor, Carlson grew up in Norway and attended the Cathedral School of Trondheim. He later graduated from the University of Oslo’s Theological department. 

Receiving a pastoral call from the Holmes City congregation, and having a desire to see what promises America might hold, Carlson left Norway and arrived in Alexandria, Minnesota in the summer of 1871. He served both the Holmes City and Moe congregations.

Not limiting himself to just these congregations, Carlson would travel the rural country side, bringing the “Bread of Life” to the scattered settlers in the area. Seeing a need and desire to share in fellowship, he began to organize the Immanuel Congregation. On March 31, 1872, Easter Sunday, they established the Immanuel constitution with Amendment 1 stating;

“We, the undersigned settlers in Town of Lien, Grant county, driven by longing for good things from the church, united us into a Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation and are drawing up for the same, the following decisions: (the constitution).

Amendment 1: “The congregation’s name shall be: the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Congregation.

However, as the steady influx of new settlers continued, it became physically impossible for one pastor to cover the far-flung fields, and to minister adequately to the spiritual needs of the pioneer settlers. Rev. Carlson continued to keep in touch with these folks until spring of 1875, when he accepted a call to San Francisco, California. He served parishes in Montana, Idaho, and twice to Sidney, Australia. He passed away in San Francisco, California on May 14, 1913.

Rev. G. Erdahl (1875 – 1914)

Rev. G. Erdahl was born in Hardanger, Norway, October 5, 1840. At the age of seven, he came with his parents to America, and made their home at Madison, Wisconsin.  Rev. Erdahl was a member of the first graduating class of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. He was graduated from the Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he took graduate work at the University of Michigan, and was married to Miss Anna Norman.

In the summer of 1875, this parish, consisting of Immanuel, Lincoln, West Elbow Lake, and Pomme de Terre congregations, sent a call to Rev. Erdahl, then a young pastor at Omaha, Nebraska. Rev. Erdahl accepted the call, and became the first resident pastor here.

He preached his opening sermon in the Immanuel congregation September 26, 1875. He continued to serve for 39 years providing ministry and caring, always with “an upwards look”.

During his term, the congregation moved forward with plans to build the church structure. With the generous donation of four acres of land by Ole E. Lien, the congregation now had a lot to build a church and establish a cemetery. While the main auditorium was finished in 1883, it was not until 1898 that the church edifice was completed with a sacristy, pulpit and alter. Dedication ceremonies took place on May 23, 1898, with the Rev. K. Bjorgo officiating.

On Wednesday, March 25, 1914, Rev. Erdahl passed away, survived by two daughters and two sons.

Rev. Ivar Sandberg (1914 – 1959)

Born in Bodo, Norway July 22, 1882, Rev. Sandberg graduated from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in the late spring of 1911, and from Luther Theological Seminar, St. Paul, Minnesota, May 29, 1914, and he served this parish since the day of his ordination.

During the month of May, 1914, a call was sent to Ivar Sandberg, then a senior at Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. The call was accepted, and Rev. Sandberg was ordained in Our Savior’s Church in Barrett on Sunday, June 7, 1914, by Professor O. E. Brandt of Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul.

Rev. Sandberg was married to Marion Berrum of Holmen, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Rev. E. Berrum and his wide, Ella, nee Brandt, October 4, 1917.

During his term, the church and congregation continued to grow and evolve, with original pioneer founders passing on, and their children and grandchildren continuing as active members in the congregation. He also served as pastor for Lincoln and Our Savior’s congregations and served both as president and secretary of the Glenwood Circuit and vice president of the Northern Minnesota Pastoral Association. An active member in the community, Rev. Sandberg was a member on the local school board for 12 years. He and his wife eventually retired to the town of Barrett, Minnesota.

Rev. Sandberg passed away on October 10, 1973 and is buried at Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

Immanuel’s Clergy

Rev. Lauritz Carlson  1872 – 1875

Rev. G. Erdahl  1875 – 1914

Rev. Otto Juul (to help Rev. Erdahl) 1899 – 1902

Rev. Ivar Sandberg 1914 – 1959

Rev. James A. Lokken 1959 – 1964

Rev. Harold Bueide (interim) 1964

Rev. George Lundquist 1964 – 1966

Rev. Karl Matthieson (interim) 1966 – 1967

Rev. Herman Buenting 1967 – 1972

Rev. Arthur E. Wickstrom 1972 – 1986

Mr. John Julden (intern) 1985 – 1986

Rev. Neil Gladen 1987 – 1991

Rev. Scot and Kristine Ruffatto 1992 –

Elwood Hall, vice pastor 1986 – 1987

Roger Claxton, vice pastor 1991 – 1992 

Immanuel Lutheran Church was officially closed in 1998

Once the church was officially organized, the next priority was a church building. While funds were scarce, discussion for a building was strong and fervent.

Ole E. Lien generously donated four acres of land which gave the congregation a lot for the building and cemetery. Plans were made for a new building and these were partly realized in 1883, when the main auditorium was built. There was discussion around adding a church tower but a decision was held for further cost evaluation at that time.  Although the parishioners decided to nix plans to install lightening rods, it was agreed to purchase insurance on the building.

Spittoons?? While the church had pews and stoves for heat, some also thought the church was in need of spittoons. In 1895, $1.05 was collected to purchase the spittoons. Later however during a church meeting, it was decided that those who used tobacco in the church should furnish their own spittoons, and those who donated money to the spittoon-purchase-fund found their hard-earned cash was now part of the church treasury.

It wasn’t until 1898 that the church edifice was completed with a sacristy, pulpit and alter. Dedication ceremonies took place on May 23, 1898 with Rev. K. Bjorgo officiating. 

In May 1920, the young people of the church asked for permission to build a basement under the church. Permission was granted with the cost to be between $3,000 to $3,700.

On Sunday morning, September 21, 1941, lighting struck and completely destroyed the church spire. Thinking there was no further danger from fire, services were conducted in the church that same day. But shortly after services, a strong wind fanned some hidden sparks into flames, and this time no one ever expected that the church would or could be saved. However, through the efficient work of the Barrett Fire Department, this cherished landmark was saved. The loss was partly covered by insurance and a much smaller steeple replaced that of the former. 

In 1997, at the 125th anniversary, membership stood at 36 individuals. These members continued to look after the church structure, installing a new chimney in 1991, and new roof in 1994, the outside was painted in 1995 and the inside in 1996, and a new sidewalk was installed in 1996. A monument was erected outside the church in 1995.

In 2008 the church was resided to help protect the aging building against the elements, and give it a newer look. The tall window on the steeple was covered over at this time.

In early 2020, after a major fundraising effort, the church building under went a massive restoration. Of primary concern was the crumbling foundation and there were fears it would soon collapse. In May 2020, the church was carefully lifted and the entire foundation removed and replaced. 

Religious School

With a deep concern for the Christian training of their youth, the early members of the church decided that “if a teacher could be found, to conduct Norwegian religious school, and if enough money can be gathered, this will be done as the congregation is willing.”

In the late 1870’s, with $27 subscribed or pledged, it was decided that a teacher was to be hired as soon as possible.

Lauritz Olson’s home served as the school headquarters and Mr. Hoaas was hired as the schoolmaster.

In 1896, during his term as teacher, John Leraas proposed the building of an addition to his house to serve as a school room. His plan called for each person in the congregation, having an interest in the religious school and who has the financial means, to pay him $10. If at least $300 could be collected, John Leraas would build the addition.

“The house (room) shall be my own, but as compensation for the $10, I will in return promise if God gives me life and health, that I will for 5 years give the children six weeks annually of school for $11 for every child for every year. This concerns only the children of those who have helped furnish money for building…the fee for each child shall not be more than $2 for six weeks. All this concerns only the first five years of the school.

In order to carry out the suggested plan, at least 5 of the present districts must join together. The children in these districts should they number over 70 shall be divided into 3 separate groups and be graded according to the different abilities of each. These should take turns of one week each.”

For those children who came from a distance, John Leraas offered free board and lodging for at least 10 in his home.

The parochial school conducted classes from two to seven months each year.

Nels Hoass  1877 – 1883

John J. Leraas 1883 – 1884

Larse J. Hauge  1884 – 1887

Knute Brorvig  1887 – 1891

John J. Leraas  1891 – 1918

When John Leraas was no longer able to be the school instructor, he suggested that his two annual offerings (salaries) he received now go to the organist, who had annually only received one offering.

Sunday School

On May 22, 1924, the organization of a formal Sunday school was discussed. The students were to meet at the schoolhouse by Hans Moen, District 60 and District 14 on Sundays when there were no services at the church.

Sunday School classes were started on March 19, 1933 under the sponsorship of the Ladies Aid. 

Mrs. J. Albert Larson was first superintendent with Mrs. Anton Ronhovde as her assistant.

The first teachers were:

Mrs. Larson – Primary class

Mrs. Norman Endreson – First grade

Josie Ronhovde – second grade

Jeannette Leraas – third grade

Dorothy Ronhovde – fourth grade

Lorna Ronhovde – fifth grade

Mrs. Adolph Johnson – seventh and eighth grades

Mrs. Henry Waugh – Confirmation class

Johannes J. Leraas – bible class taught in Norwegian

Sunday School classes at Immanuel ended in the 1974-1975 term. 

Immanuel youth then attended classes at Peace Church in Barrett, Minnesota.

Willing Workers Sewing Circle

This organization was started in February 1915 at the Jens Blixrud home with the intent of maintaining the church building and adding new furnishings. Some of the projects the group initiated was the purchase of new hymn books, alter and pulpit hangings, flags and rugs. Part of the organ, stained glass windows and pews were paid by circle plus re-decorating at various times.

A special project was the upkeep of the cemetery until a cemetery organization was incorporated. 

The first president of the Sewing Circle was Marie Blixrud with Mrs. Anton Ronhovde as secretary-treasurer. 

After 1950, the group focused on mission work, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

The group became inactive in 1986.

Ladies Aid

In November 1875, a small group of women met at the farm of Mrs. Berit Lee to organize the “Kvindeforening av Emanuels Menighed”. These women saw that a ladies organization was needed to bolster the work of the med. As stated in their constitution, their aim was to “perform Christian works at home and abroad.”

The women at that first meeting were: Mrs. Ole K. Alvstad, Mrs. Christian Anderson, Mrs. Jens Blixrud, Mrs. Haldor Eide, Mrs. Hans Endreson, Mrs. Reinert Johnson and the hostess, Mrs. Lee.

Mrs. Reinert Johnson was elected the first president.

The group purchased the church bell in 1893, the church pews in 1888, the later and pulpit in 1898, the first church organ in 1909 and the furnace in 1933.

Luther League

The young people of the community banded together in the early 1920s to form a Young People’s Society. Meetings were first held at homes and later at the church. The youth group performed programs and the church was often filled to over-flowing. Everyone was welcome and whole families attended. There was a 10-cent charge for lunch following the program.

During the 1930s the name was changed to the Luther League.

The Immanuel Luther League was a very active part of the church and had contributed much to the Christian experiences of the young and old. IT has helped in the financial support of church projects.

In 1965, after the Lincoln congregation left the parish, the Luther League was combined with Our Savior’s and Fridhem’s League of Barrett.

Sunday Services

Services were conducted on two Sundays, with none on the third Sunday. These were all in Norwegian. There was talk about an occasional English worship but nothing was decided until 1925 when the congregation decided to have four services in English annually.

Services in the winter:

Due to the severity of Minnesota winters and the difficulty in cleaning out the church lot, members decided to close the structure during the winter months with no services conducted. The members would gather again in the spring through early winter.

Worship in song:

Through the years, the congregation enjoyed excellent music. Organists, choir directors and singers have given generously of their time and talents. In the earliest years of the church there was no organ or piano and the music was led by the “kirke sanger” who would stand in front of the congregation to lead the singing.

The first organ was purchased in 1909.

Organists:

Martha Samuelson

Sophie Samuelson

Gladys Shervey

Gladys Johnson

Vyonne Block

Joan Larson

Janet Blixrud

Shirley Blixrud

Mary Blixrud

Karen Marie Block

The solid bronze church bell high in the tower came from the Henry Stuckstede Bell Foundry Company in St. Louis Missouri. It is rung by pulling the rope located in the church entryway. Its distinctive sound can be heard for miles around the countryside.

On the bell is the inscription:

To Immanuel’s Congregation

From its Women’s Association

Year 1892

Glory to God Alone

Heaven and Earth shall

Pass away but my words 

Shall not pass away

Matthew 24 35

In June 1970 a cemetery association was formed to assure that the cemetery would always be maintained. Funds are accepted and memorials appreciated for this fund.