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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. 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. Construction began on a church building in May of 1875 with Ellias Magnuson in charge of the work. 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. 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. 1900's On March 25, 1908, fire destroyed the first church building. 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. 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 began his ministry on Good Friday, 1909. He retired on September 1, 1934 and move to the Bethesda Old People's Home with his wife. The parsonage was built in 1914 by architect C. A. Palmer at a cost of $5,700.
Church and Parsonage
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. The name of the church was changed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in the 1930's. In 1934 the congregation celebrated its 60th anniversary and on that day had one English evening service. Pastor Constance Johnson served Zion from 1934 to 1939 when he accepted a call to New York. Pastor E. H. Baker served Zion from 1940 to 1945 when he accepted a call to Sioux Falls. In 1944 the congregation celebrated its 70th anniversary and had its first all English anniversary. The celebration was limited because of rationing. Pastor Arnold E. Carlson served Zion from 1946 to 1947. Pastor Elmer F. Sahlgren served Zion from 1947 to 1953. Pastor Clarence W. Peterson served Zion from 1954 to 1960. Pastor Russell Knutson served Zion from 1961 to 1962. Pastor Kermit Youngdale served Zion from 1962 to 1965.
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