History of Saron Lutheran Church
A History of Saron Lutheran Church - by Heidi Lipps in 2021
In the spring of the year of 1869, two young brothers started out on foot from Goodhue County in Minnesota to locate some good farming land. After a tiresome journey they reached Chippewa County and made their homestead near Wegdahl, Minnesota. Ole and Nils Wefsenmoe were the two young men.
At that time there were only a few scattered settlers here and there. Ole and Nils went back to Goodhue County and in the fall of the same year they took their families and belongings and came back to take up the task of the pioneer life. A few other Norwegian families had arrived at this time, coming first to Goodhue and Fillmore counties when arriving from Norway, but wanting to go farther west. They began to gather around the word of God, as they had brought their Bibles, Hymn books and Huspastile (a devotional book) with them from Norway, but almost all of the settlers had very small houses. Some lived only in dugouts for awhile. Therefore, they only had prayer meetings to begin with.
The 4th day of November 1870, the settlers met in the home of Berdinus and Serena Anderson, whose house consisted of one 12 X 14 room, without a ceiling according to one source, and was the largest house in the community, with the intentions of organizing a Lutheran congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came from Norway in 1869 to homestead on a farm of 160 acres in Sparta township. That farmstead is 1 1/2 miles south and 3/4 of a mile west of Saron Church. They were the grandparents of B. A. Anderson who owned the place in 1960. Fifth generation members of that family, Joseph Anderson, and his wife now live on the farm site. (Their log cabin is placed at the Chippewa County Historical Society in Montevideo). Reverend N. E. Wikre, who at that time was a pastor at Christiana, Minnesota, was chosen as chairman. One reference says he was the organizer and temporary from 1870-1872. He conducted services occasionally until 1872. The Wegdahl Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized with 99 Norwegians, 16 Swedes, and 2 Danes with 25 voting members and 115 souls.
In 1870 when the church was founded, there were no railroads; Benson was the nearest trading center. Montevideo had just been founded, but was not to have a railroad for several years. The county itself had not come into existence. Many of the land owners farmed 80 to 160 acres. The sod was broken and the soil was cultivated and the crop was harvested by horse drawn machinery.
This new church organized a group to find a place for building a church, cemetery, and parsonage. A tract of land consisting of 60 or 80 (sources differ) acres was chosen in Section 31 of Leenthrop township. Ten acres was a gift from the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad and the remaining land was purchased from them for $650.00. The church affiliation was called Conference from 1880-1890. A letter of call was extended to Edward M. Erikson on the lst day of March 1872 or May or June according to other sources and served until 1904. Edward Erikson lived in Ole Anderson's school house from 1873-1874. The congregation built a parsonage 26 X 18 X 14 on the 15th of September 1873 or 1874 for $900.00.
On July 6, 1871 the women met to discuss the need among the heathen (foreign missions) and the decision was made to begin work for missions in the name of Jesus. After a few meetings a comforter was finished and sold to Reverend E. M. Eriksen for $5.00. One lady had walked to Granite Falls with honey for sale with the proceeds going towards making the comforter. Some others agreed to save together 50 cents for cloth which in the spring of 1872 was brought from Willmar that is about 40 miles away. The ladies met regularly both winter and summer. The children were also along and generally carried to the place of meeting if the distance was not too great. Included in the activity was also the sewing of underwear for students at Augsburg Seminary in Minneapolis.
On January 7, 1873, the church had a "menighedo mode" or annual business meeting. It was a nice day with a few snowflakes falling but almost thawing so quite a few came out. This was held at the Ole Anderson homestead east of where the church is now. About 11 o'clock the sky became cloudy and by noon it began to snow and blow and shortly a big storm came up and making every object invisible. Stranded were 35 men who had come for the meeting in the one-room log house of Ole Anderson with the wife and children, 38 in all. The storm got worse and very cold. Luckily a few days before Mr. Anderson had been in New London and purchased a sack of flour and a gallon of syrup. They made mush which they lived on for 2 1/2 days. The chopped wood gave out and the wood pile was completely covered. Near the house was a pile of wood rails, so the men made a line from the door of the house with Mr. Anderson at the end. This made a line long enough to reach the pile. One by one they handed the rails to each other until they had enough to hold out. Pastor Edward Eriksen was also there and had devotions every day. When the first night came, the bed was given to the wife and children. A big, brown wooly dog had come with one of the members. It also had to come in the house during the storm. Pastor Eriksen, who thought of occupying the place under the bed, had the dog as something warm to sleep by. The postmaster of Wegdahl also crawled under with them and slept with the rest of them on the floor. Every few hours they would change off so all could get some sleep. On the 3rd day around 4 o'clock the storm let up, but no one was allowed to go to their home alone. There were 2, 3, and 4 who helped each other get to their farms, and there were at this time only two log houses in this section of the country - others lived in dugouts and sod houses. At one farm a group of men had to start digging the cattle out of the stalls so they could move. Another place while shoveling snow, a rooster was uncovered which actually jumped out of the snow and crowed.
On February 25, 1875 the ladies had a constitution adopted and selected the name of Wegdahl Congregation Ladies Aid. A few changes to the constitution was made in January of 1885. There were no records until 1885 except the constitution and the record of the first meeting. Due to the distance for some of the members to go to aid (every three weeks on Tuesday), the aid was divided into two groups, the North and South aids.
A storm where many people were out and froze to death occurred in 1876, and in '77 the grasshoppers took all their crops. Some called them a Rocky Mountain locust. Just a few acres of wheat were harvested in 1877. In Chippewa county they even ate the fence posts. When they left it was like a cloud and blotted out the sun. In 1879 a diphtheria epidemic struck the community. Many died and one family lost 3 children in one week. Some settlers got discouraged and left for other parts, but some did not give up.
At a meeting held April 30, 1894 Pastor Erikson requested that his son M. B. Eriksen be called as assistant pastor. The request was granted. Other sources said the son M. B. Eriksen assisted from 1897-1904. His other son, O.J. Erickson was also an assistant pastor.
At the annual meeting in January of 1880, the question about changing the name of the congregation came up. 22 members voted in favor of changing the name and 16 against it. Three names that were suggested were Black Oak Prairie, Zion, and Saron. The name Saron was unanimously adopted. The 1st day of March 1880, the constitution of the conferensen (the church synod) was accepted and the congregation became a member of that synod.
At a business meeting December 8th, 1885, it was decided to erect a church edifice 48 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high with a chancel 18 X 20. At a meeting held March 4, 1886 the size of the proposed church building was changed to 54 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high with the chancel being 18 deep and 18 wide and 14 in height. The tower room would be 12 X 12 and 80 feet in height.
It was completed in the fall of 1885 or 1886, depending upon sources, for $4,750.00 or $4,759.00. When building, a windstorm came up just as the framework was up and wrecked it. In rebuilding, the height was lowered. At a July 5th, 1886 meeting, a church bell weighing at least 1000 lbs was recommended. The bell was purchased by the Ladies Aid that same year costing $200.00. On it is this inscription: "In God We Trust" Saron Menighed 1886. The Norwegian word "menighed" means congregation. The name "Saron" (sharon) is a Hebrew word meaning a plain or level country. The forefathers of Saron congregation came basically from Norway, a country with a very mountainous terrain. To them, the land where most of them had taken homesteads, was indeed very level when compared to Norway. In October it was decided to purchase chairs, altar, altar painting, and a pulpit and in November to include a gallery. In May of 1887 a baptismal font and communion ware were to be purchased. The communion ware was given as a gift by the Reverend A.M.Arntzen.
The records for November 25, 1889 refer to the organization of the United Lutheran Church. The congregation decided to become a member of that Synod instead of Conferensen. Another source said United Church was from 1890-1917.
In 1891 there was a request by Trinity and Palmer Creek congregations for amalgamation with Saron. There was also a matter of church discipline around this time. The party in question later acknowledged his sin and forgiven for same and the committee of investigation released from its duties. In December of that year, it was decided to build a new parsonage the following spring. The next year it was decided to remodel instead.
Also, in 1892 the United Lutheran decided to sever its connection with St. Olaf College and that the college department at Augsburg Seminary continue. In 1893 there was a reference made to the disagreements within church synods.
A report in 1895 reference is made about deploring dancing in the community and reports from board of deacons reference is made to the practice of regular prayer meetings in the homes of the parish--a custom of many years standing.
A new parsonage was erected in 1899 at a cost of $3700.00 including 80 acres of land according to one source.
In 1900 the contribution to missions was given to each synod. A new barn was erected at the parsonage in 1902 and a report in 1903 referenced the need of the barn for horses instead of using hitching posts to increase attendance at services.
Pastor E. M. Eriksen resigned in 1904 so then the son, M. B. Eriksen served both Saron and Buffalo Lake Church in Grace township from 1904-December of 1907 with Reverend O. J. Erikson assisting him those years. It was moved at a meeting in 1904 to collect money for the purchase of a house for former Reverend E. Ericksen.
The well was drilled in 1906 on the parsonage grounds and in 1907 trees were also planted on parsonage grounds. At the end of 1907 Saron congregation had been in the same parish with Maynard, Hawk Creek and Rock Valley and at this time severed connections with them. Letters from Rock Valley, Hawk Creek and Maynard congregations with reference to change in parishes was received and resulted in resignations of the pastor and assistant pastor. In 1908 it was arranged to be affiliated with Trinity at Wegdahl and the Buffalo Lake congregation with Reverend J. Mortensen serving from February 1908 to December 1915.
From 1907-1919 the funds of the ladies aid were divided quite equally between the former United Church (which amalgated with the Norwegian Synod and Hauges Synod in 1917) and the still existing Lutheran Free Church. Beginning with the report for September 21, 1910 the organization is referred to as Saron Ladies Aid. Officially this name was adopted May 7, 1912. Their contributions were many and in the later years went to the general church budget for missions, education, charities, and pensions. Money for these purposes also came in through use of "Mission Boxes", "Thank Offering Boxes", and "Cradle Roll" memberships.
Another report in 1908 was to purchase a new baptismal font. The first Girl's Society known as the "Busy Bee" was organized about the year 1910. It was decided to pay 25 cents when joining and five cents at each meeting. The money taken in was used to buy material for fancy work. Meetings were held once a month. During the summer there was a sale of articles made and lunches were served. There are records of three such events. The first one was held at the parsonage grove, one at the church, and one at the Fossum home.
In 1912 the young people's society were able to secure gas lamps for the church. The orchard at the parsonage was greatly appreciated according to a report in 1913. Also, that year a request by Buffalo Lake Congregation to erect a monument to the memory of the pioneer Reverend E. M. Ericksen (who served from 1872-1904) was mentioned. A committee formed and it was erected in June, 1913. The cost was $275.00 with Rock Valley, Hawk Creek, Buffalo Lake, Maynard, Wang, and Saron contributing.
In January 1915 a cemetery fence was recommended and the Girls' Society, the Busy Bees, started the fund for the cemetery fence and Luther League also paid for this. Another history stated that there is a well-kept cemetery in connection with this church. The cemetery is not platted. Records of burials are to be found in three volumes of the pastor's records from 1885-1936 as well as interments. That same year of 1915 a proposal to build an Old People's Home by the United Church in Montevideo was not realized.
In 1916 Reverend H. L. Urness became pastor and served until the fall of 1919.
The church continued to grow until 1918. A sad chapter in the history of the church arose, which should not have arisen, and which might have been averted if just a little more tolerance, patience, and tactful guidance had been exercised. It resulted in a division of Saron Church when 25 voting members withdrew from the church. This was from the history that Pastor B.L.Opdahl (serving from 1930-1939) wrote about the church. He did not disclose the reasons, but eloquently went on to write that by the grace of God Saron people took courage and trusted that she would conquer. This was 1932 and he wrote that she is stronger than she has been since the division took place.
The records for January 10, 1918 refer to the union of the Hauge, United, and Norwegian synods which took place in 1917. The congregation then became a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1950.
The church affiliation was Norwegian Lutheran Church of America from 1917 to 1940 according to a source. In March 1918 a service flag for soldiers in service of war was purchased by the Luther League or at that time known as "Ungdomsforening" (Young People's Society). The Girl's Society, or Busy Bees as they were known, was discontinued in about the year 1918.
In 1919 a furnace was installed in the parsonage. In 1920 it was suggested to have a 50th anniversary of the congregation that summer and it was observed on October 30-31. In the report for January 1920, it was decided to have one third of the services in English. In later years it was decided to have a Norwegian service every 6 weeks. The ladies aid used English in their reports in September of 1921. In February of 1935 it was decided to have two-thirds of the services in English and in January 1940 it was decided to have a Norwegian service every 3 months. The reports of the treasurer were given in English starting in 1923. The secretary's reports were in English starting in May of 1928. In 1932 the constitution of the congregation was printed in English.
The report in 1917 reference is made to a church basement which was completed in 1923 after a committee was formed as well as a committee of the Ladies Aid. This committee was to go on tour to investigate other basements. A bid of $3,000 was accepted to build the basement in 1923. Another source said it was $3800.00. The cornerstone was laid November 4th, 1923. The furnace of the church was installed in 1924. Also, in 1924 a dishes and silverware fund was established by the ladies aid. New hymn books were purchased in 1925.
In 1927 the envelope system was adopted, used for awhile, and then adopted again in 1940. In 1930 the church barn was sold. The 62nd Anniversary of the congregation was observed October 9th, 1932.
The ladies aid earned money for the Basement Fund by having a dinner. It was the first money taken in for a dinner in the new basement Saturday, Nov. 4, 1933 with a ticket bought by Reverend Eidesvik. On the following Sunday $66.90 was taken in for dinner. They also contributed curtains, repairs on the parsonage from time to time, dishes and utensils, altar carpets and extra church improvements also from time to time.
The drought years came from 1933-1935. With no crops and little other income, the Ladies Aid had to help the congregation with the expenses.
On November 22, 1937 a committee drew up a constitution for the Ladies Aid. Part of it was translated from the Norwegian language. On May 10, 1938, it was decided to send $5.00 a year to the Centennial Appeal for a period of 5 years. A source said that the North aid also paid its share for the confirmation gowns.
In 1938, or another source says the summer of 1939, the church was redecorated with "Nuwood" at a cost of $500.00 of which the Luther League contributed $50.00 and in 1939 electric lights were installed in the church and parsonage of which the Luther League contributed $450.00. The parsonage also was redecorated and all the buildings painted and improvements made.
Another father and son serving as pastors were Pastor H. L. Urness in 1916-1919 and E. O. Urness serving from 1939-1943.
New hymn books were purchased in 1939 and music for the choir by the Luther League. Other projects included from time to time the following: expenses in connection with Christmas programs (refreshments and decorations); International Luther League Projects; one half of expenses of those attending Green Lake Bible Camp and also contributions to the camp itself for improvements.
On October 14, 1939 a meeting was called at the parsonage for the purpose of talking over starting of a Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation. At this meeting 8 girls met up. (two of the girls were Alice and Dorothy Norman-mother and aunt of Pam Schaefer Schultz-current 19 year secretary of Saron/Baxter). The model constitution for the L.D.R. was read and discussed after which the girls decided to organize a local L.D.R. It was decided to hold regular meetings on Saturday afternoons once a month with a 10-cent charge per member. It was also decided to support the activities of the General L.D.R. to the best of the society's ability. On December 3, 1939 a special program was arranged to present to the congregation and friends a general review of the work and activities of the L.D.R. The Reverend Urness showed pictures on Alaska because the Alaska Mission was the main project of the organization. After the program a 10-cent lunch was served in the church parlors. The program itself was given in the church auditorium.
On February 17, 1940 the L.D.R. had a Valentine's party that was held at the Alfred Nygaard home in Wegdahl. The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed and there was also knitting under the leadership of Mrs. Harry Strobeen. Scarves and hoods were made to be sent to the Alaska Mission. Another special feature was a mother-daughter banquet held in the church parlors on Saturday, May 11, 1940. The tables were set for 24 people including the L.D.R. girls and their mothers. A program was given by the girls in honor of their mothers to whom fresh tulips were presented to be worn throughout the evening. By this time there were 14 members in all. The organization also had 3 verses of a song to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers".
On June 16-17, 1940 the congregation celebrated the 70th Anniversary. Reverend E. O. Urness compiled information that they had a North Ladies Aid with 20 members meeting on Tuesdays every 3 weeks since 1872, South Ladies Aid with 24 members meeting 2nd Wednesday each month for about 60 years, Luther League since 1909 meeting every 4 weeks on Sunday evenings which included all confirmed members of the church, a choir since 1875 with 24-30 voices meeting Thursday evenings, Girls' Society since 1908 reorganized as L. D. R. in 1939 which is the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation that meets once a month on Saturday and has 14 members, and Sunday School with 6-8 teachers and pupils using the new graded system and teachers training course conducted by the pastor at teachers meetings held at least once a month. There had been a Jewish Mission Society since 1875, Choral Society since 1875, a Temperance Society since 1884, and a Men's Society from 1915-1919, but in 1940 there were none. The Saron Men's Society was called the Men's Brotherhood in 1950. There were about 45 families in the congregation and about 150 souls. In 1950 those numbers jumped to 80 families, 270 souls and 185 confirmed members.
A library was being planned for 1941 and in 1941 the congregation joined the new Pension Plan of the general church synod. In 1942 the interior of the church was repainted. A storm in September of 1942 almost proved fatal, but comparatively little damage was done.
At a meeting held January 25, 1944, Buffalo Lake severed its parish connection with the congregation and Trinity of Wegdahl had been dissolved. It was then decided to unite with Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Baxter. On June 25, 1945 it was decided to sell the country parsonage and 70 acres and to buy a parsonage in Montevideo together with Baxter congregation. The ten acres were retained as church and cemetery grounds. At this meeting it was also decided to start a building fund.
During 1949 the church basement was completely remodeled and redecorated and modern conveniences added. The church was re-shingled and a new heating system and water system were installed. Improvements were also made on the church grounds and the cemetery. That same year the L.D.R. organization purchased an Estey Cathedral electric organ which cost $965.00. On May 27, 1949, the ladies aid carried out a pioneer setting by dressing in colonial costumes and carrying a Bible, Hymn book and knitting or other handiwork. The tables were covered with old fashioned cloths and featured a display of antiques brought by the members.
During 1950 the church was repainted on the outside and inside. The improvements made during 1949 and 1950 cost approximately $17,000.00. In 1949 the velvet coverings on the altar, pulpit and altar kneeling ring were replaced. (This replaced the original that had been there since these things were placed in the church). A group of ladies of the church did the work. The last cradle roll group was July 1951. In 1954 a new floor was laid in the auditorium and new carpet was laid in the chancel and aisle. A new Hammond electric organ was purchased in 1957. Indoor-outdoor carpeting has been installed in the narthex, and the pulpit, altar kneeling pad, and pastor's chair has been recovered with gold velvet this centennial year.
Pastor H. B. Mathison was pastor from 1953 to 1959 and passed away 3 weeks after his resignation. Pastor Robert Esse came here in 1960 having just graduated from Luther Seminary and served until 1966.
One source of information talked about the ladies aid that started in 1872 with the Palmer Creek aid starting awhile later. They merged in 1951. Previous info stated it was the North and South ladies aid. In 1960 the church is a member of the American Lutheran Church and contributes its share to the different missions and the synodical budget.
The 90th Anniversary of Saron was celebrated on November 13, 1960. Church services had been only every other Sunday, but were changed to every Sunday in 1960. That was the year of the merger of three Lutheran synods - the American Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church. This was named the American Lutheran Church. Saron became one of its charter members. The new revised liturgy was introduced and the new bright red hymnals were purchased by memorials, etc. Colored windows were installed in 1962 by members and other donations at the cost of $2,656.00. In 1963 light oak pews were purchased and installed at the sum of $1,250.00.
Kenneth Eliason was pastor in 1966. At this time the two congregations decided to sell the parsonage on 6th Street in Montevideo. A more modern house on 4th St. was purchased for $26,000.00. A perpetual cemetery fund was started in 1968 to insure continued care and upkeep of the cemetery in future years.
Several people were ordained in the Saron Lutheran Church. Mission fests were held for many years with a mission speaker in the forenoon, a picnic dinner at noon, then a sale of home-made articles in the afternoon. This was most of the time held in the country parsonage grove. In later years a chicken supper was held in October. That month got changed to September. Also, there was Mid-week evening services during the Lenten season.
Confirmation instruction is two years instead of one, and one week of vacation Bible School instead of one month of Religious or "Norwegian" school. Other changes noted were kerosene lamps went to gas lamps and then electric lights. For heating it was first wood stoves, a coal furnace and then an oil furnace. For transportation it was oxen and wagons, horses and buggy, model T autos to cars, trains, and planes.
In 1970 there were 64 families, 208 souls and 149 confirmed members.
In the summer of 1977, a new entry was added. This construction enclosed the stairway that led into the Narthex, as well as the steps on the left that led into the fellowship room in the basement. The addition was also extended to the right and rest rooms were added on the lower level with a multipurpose room built above them. All of the area is heated electrically and is carpeted except for the rest rooms.
In 1978 it was found that the oil furnace which had been installed in 1949-1950 was faulty and needed to be replaced. It was decided that a more functional heating system could be obtained by installing three smaller furnaces. One to heat only the basement during the winter months to keep the water pipes from freezing.
It was at about this time that Rowland Norman, who had served as custodian for thirty-three years, expressed his desire to retire. No one wanted to take on those full-time duties, so a plan was devised whereby members would volunteer for the janitorial work for a month at a time. The care of the cemetery and lawn had been done by Luther League members, but later individuals were hired by the council to mow and trim the grass as needed.
In 1979 the Lutheran Book of Worship was adopted. With that, the order of service included a new liturgy making use of cantors to sing the Kyrie. Also, the congregation sang an appointed Psalm at every service. Special music by a group of five high school girls formed a group known as "The Bright Tomorrows". They sang every Sunday throughout the school year for about four years. The group disbanded so in the early 1980's a choir was formed.
On May 31, 1981 a memorial of an outdoor electrically lighted sign which states the name of the church, name of the pastor and time of the service and was placed on the east lawn.
At the annual meeting in 1982 discussion about the merger of ALC, LCA and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Church was held and it was voted to merge. Also, the annual meeting minutes of 1987 said the merger was passed by voice vote. The Lutheran Standard was also to be continued to be sent out to entire congregation members and again was voted to continue in 1987.
In 1983 part of the church was rewired. The fuse boxes which were scattered here and there, were all moved to the furnace room and breaker switches instead of fuses were installed. A new loudspeaker system was also installed in that year.
Two ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary in 1981 to help circulate the heat from the high ceiling. Later in 1985 a third fan was installed in the balcony. Carpeting has also been laid on the stairway to the balcony as well as on the floors of the bell room and balcony.
The exterior of the building was re-sided in 1981 and in the summer of 1985 the interior of the sanctuary was painted. The committee chose two shades of gold for the walls, with the wood trim being finished in an antique brown wood design.
Colorado Blue Spruce were planted in 1973, but only a few survived because of the dry years which followed the planting. In 1985 a memorial given for more spruce were planted filling in the spaces where trees had not survived. One large spruce tree has also been planted next to the outdoor sign.
The American Lutheran Church Women (ALCW) served an annual chicken dinner in late September with the work being somewhat simplified. Since 1970, the ladies have used dried instant potatoes instead of each lady bringing one gallon of peeled potatoes. Two other fund raisers of Silent Auctions were also had. They also sponsored a Father-Son and Mother-Daughter Banquet.
The young, ages 10-14, take turns to serve as acolytes. One adult each month serves as a Communion Assistant. Adults have also read the lessons for the Sunday.
Each year on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service, 13 men would participate in a Lord's Supper pageant and this was concluded with a Tenebrae Service. Christmas Eve had organ-piano duets as preludes and postludes, trumpets joined with the organ to accompany the hymns, the choir sings, plus soloists. Holy Communion is also served at this service. Shut-in members or nursing home residents can watch a video-tape of the service. In 1985 the Christmas tree was decorated with Chrismons made by the ALCW.
There is a Pascal Candle which in Advent includes an Advent wreath and converts to the Marriage symbol for weddings. These chancel furnishings and the sound system along with the lighted outdoor sign, spruce trees, confirmation picture stand, vigil light, flower stands, candle lighters, altar vases, and an organ lamp are gifts that have been purchased by present members as memorials. There have been a number of banners displayed in the church as well as a marriage and baptismal banner.
Sunday school was declining, but in 1985 there were 37 children in kindergarten through ninth grade. The Luther League is inactive, but youths attend the Green Lake Bible Camp. Lynn Sederstrom Henderson, a former member of Saron, and her husband Dan served in the mission field in the Central African Republic. The ALCW gave some monetary support each year.
An adult Bible study was held for a couple of years - about 1985 and 1986. A newsletter is sent out to all members from the church office each month. Attire in the summer is casual with sleeveless garments seen on women and men wear short sleeved shirts and washable slacks. The youth often wear blue jeans and tennis shoes as well as other casual clothes. Women often wear slacks in the winter. Hats are seldom seen as a part of women's wear.
The pastor's report for the 1985 annual meeting expressed concern about the practice of publishing a list of member's contributions.
In 1987 there was a rule made that the cemetery markers were to be made flush with the ground. At the annual meeting in 1988, it was brought up that some people would like to switch Christmas Eve service times with Baxter. Remodeling, painting, etc. was done in the basement in 1990. The Wegdahl Willing Workers 4-H Club asked in 1992 to be able to hold their meetings in the church basement for 8 meetings per year. The club members would do work at church to pay for the use of the basement and use this as their Community Pride Project.
The basement was rewired in 1993 for a cost of $800.00. Also, a fund was started for an organ because the present one was getting old and needs repairs. Memorials and donations could be used for this. Also interest from the perpetual fund would be put into the cemetery fund and used for lawn mowing. A new Sound System was installed in 1993. In the pastor's report for that year, it was suggested to tape the services and deliver the tapes to shut-ins as well as thinking about providing access to the church by installing an elevator. The pastor also felt directional signs to the church were needed.
On April 23rd of 1995 a new electronic and computerized Rodgers 595 Digital Organ was dedicated. A video player and television also were used in the church. Saron also supports a missionary with $1,000.00 a year. The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Saron WELCA) contributed recipes made into a book called "Our Favorite Recipes". They also continue to serve the traditional chicken and lefse supper usually held in early September.
A new pictorial directory was printed in 1995 for the 125th Anniversary. The Sunday School has 35 students enrolled preschool through high school. The mixed choir rehearses and sings during the Advent to Christmas season and also the Lenten to Easter season. Luther League, 7th grade through high school, meets on a regular basis during the school year.
A memorial of stained-glass windows was added to the front entryway in 1996.
At the 2000 annual meeting it was decided to change the church bylaws concerning the number of people on the Board of Education. Due to the lack of students enrolled in Sunday School, a vote was taken to change the bylaws to have at least 2 people but no more than 4 on the board depending upon the enrollment of the Sunday School. New supplemental hymnals were also purchased at a cost of $10/pc. WELCA offered to pay for them. Racks were made for the pews to put the hymnals in.
A piano was given to be used in the sanctuary and a gazebo was erected with memorials and stands next to the cemetery. There is a grave directory with a chart that was catalogued and updated in the gazebo. The sexton committee found discrepancies in the books of the layout of the cemetery. In 2001 a motion was made that every year the sextons meet prior to the annual meeting to update and compare their books. An older member needs to be available to confer with concerning cemetery plots. There will be 4 members on the sexton committee.
The 2001 annual meeting decided to keep the education committee at three people and to add one new person each year. Also, in 2001 a new sign was made to mark entrance to the cemetery. In addition, the county was asked to mark the direction of the church with signs on county roads 5 and 6 for a cost of about $125.00 to $150.00. Discussion was had about improving the sign on the church lawn and it got moved to the side of the church versus by the gazebo, which was also discussed.
Pastor Steve will be taking a sabbatical this year for a few months and retired Pastor Beem from Alexandria will be serving the congregation in his absence. It was agreed to do a church directory with Baxter this year and keep the two congregations separate in the book. The narthex got new siding and the church walls were pulled in and straightened with the cables.
The money received from Lord of Life church was used to broadcast part of the weekly services on KDMA radio. The cost is a dollar a minute and they were started with a 15-minute slot on Sunday, February 11, 2001. Easter services have many times been at 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M.. Two outdoor church services with communion and potlucks were held in the park midweek of 4th of July and Labor Day. The availability of Bibles in the church was discussed. Some were donated and others located for those who wish to use them.
In 2002 the radio ministry went up from $15 to $25. The cables in the church were discussed and checked to see if they needed to be tightened. Trees were ordered and some of the church land was put into the RIM program to cost-share expenses. Three people were in charge of watering the trees and maintenance. The department of health conducted tests on the well at the church and all failed. The well once again was treated with chlorine and will be tested once it has been flushed and the chlorine smell is gone. It was decided to haul water to the church for drinking and cooking purposes for 1 year and see how that works out.
In this same year air conditioning for the church had a $500.00 memorial designated and was put in. The flags at the front of the church had been taken down, but no one knew why. The flags were to be checked into. A memorial for a Funeral Pall was given. The cemetery perpetual care fund's interest was to be put back into the fund to build up the balance. Pastor Steve, on behalf of the education committee, asked that members of the congregation consider helping with Sunday School and Bible School even if they no longer have children attending.
The church is looking for a pastor with the process moving along slowly in 2003. Not many students were in the seminary right now and the ones there are all spoken for. Interviews start January 22, 2003. The 3 summer holidays will once again be having midweek services. On March 30, 2003 Pastor Charles Bunk was called to be the pastor with his service beginning on April 27th. He moved from Blair, Wisconsin.
Siding of the church was discussed and it was decided that the steeple portion of the church was in the most need of siding and that project was proceeded with first. At the March 2003 meeting that was rescinded and the entire church would be sided for a cost of $21,575.50. Of that, $19,933.00 was donated and the remainder was paid out of the improvement account and the general fund throughout the year.
The parsonage is in the process of being painted this year. One room needs texturing and the woodwork throughout the home is very dirty and needs thorough cleaning. The bathroom, including the tub, needs repair and updating. A decision about the carpet in the living room being replaced had not been made yet. Approximately $3,500.00 was spent on parsonage repairs. Also, in 2003 the church will sponsor Pastor Steve in his missionary work in Oman.
An archway for the cemetery was given from memorials. A request for donations of fabric or money for quilting was asked. It was reported that 23 children were enrolled in Sunday School and they had a joint Bible School with Maynard and Wang Lutheran Churches. Pastor Bunk came once a month to share a Bible Story with the children. Next year's annual meeting will be held during the church service and the potluck dinner served following the meeting.
In the pastor's report at the 2004 annual meeting, everyone was encouraged to fill out an evaluation form so that we may have a clear picture of what God wants us to accomplish together in 2004. The council would use it as a tool. It had three main sections including worship, fellowship, and witness. Lord of Life continues to send funds which are used for camps, radio ministry, and workshops. The year end net worth of the church was $27,873.87 of which $17,000.00 was in perpetual funds. 2004 also was the final payment from the Reiman Estate.
There is a low number of youth in our congregation so they will be joining Baxter for activities. Summer worship times were set at 8:30 and 10:30 on a permanent basis. Each church set aside $1250.00 annually for future repairs to the parsonage. The latest well water test came back OK, but it was decided to continue using Culligan drinking water.
The radio ministry will continue, but one month worth of messages will be recorded at a time at the parsonage with choir music, etc. being dubbed in.
Christmas Eve services for the church holding early services will continue to be at 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. for the church holding late services. During the year the choir continues to sing, we participate in the CROP Walk, Relay for Life, and joint services, as well as the women putting on showers for couples getting married. There were intergenerational Sunday School events in February and March. David Lipps organized and led a church softball team for young and middle-aged people in the summer. An electric piano was purchased for the balcony from a memorial and from the church home fund.
The water sanitation at church was discussed and it was decided to hire a professional well-driller to sanitize the well head and give advice on how to maintain clean water in our faucets. A letter will then be written to the State Department of Public Health on the measures taken to take care of the problem. The church bell needed repairs. One of the bell tower brackets was broken and needed to be welded together.
At the 2005 annual meeting a letter from Luther Haven was received and requested that our church include them in their budget for capital improvements during 2005, 2006, and 2007. We agreed to $400.00 per year. The parsonage porch and water heater were maintained this year.
The annual meeting in 2006 said that the well tested positive for E. coli. A new cover was put on it, chlorinated, and sealed in the spring. It seemed to work well all summer and tests taken in November and December were fine. It was decided to dig a deeper well and cap the present well. The well bid was $4962.00 and the bill was $6540.00. Adding the electrical expense, the total was approximately $7250.00. Everything is fine with the state. The new well is about 75 feet deep.
Lord of Life sister church will no longer be sending us undesignated mission support. If we have a project which we feel is worthy of their help we can write our request to their church council. A document for non-member wedding and funeral policy and guidelines was passed by the church council on April 23, 2006. A funeral policy regarding serving of lunch by the WELCA was adopted April 26, 2006. Cemetery policies were adopted November 15, 2006. These will be laminated and put up. Also, letters were mailed to the funeral homes. It was mentioned that we may start seeing more city people being buried as it is about $1500.00 to be buried in town. The council felt we needed the policy.
The annual meeting minutes of 2007 said that every year the budget seems to go up $4000.00. Prices continue to rise. The call committee finalized a packet. A congregational picture was donated to hang in the gazebo. A pictorial directory was discussed and it was decided that each family was to provide a page to be put into a 3 ring binder. T-shirts for the softball team should be in the budget also.
The caulking for the stained-glass windows is loose and was fixed at a cost of $1485.00 to do the inside and $1275.00 to do the outside. A power of attorney was appointed for the FSA office basically for the tree windbreak. Mike Knudson and Wayne Formo were appointed to be the permanent ones. New hymnals were purchased for a cost of $17.50 each. The selling of the parsonage came up. Saron values keeping it, as it is an asset.
In 2008 it was decided to have a list of what has been given (no names) to the church treasury and put it into the newsletter. Quilting is continuing and there was a Sunday morning Bible study. A parish relations committee was discussed to serve as liaisons between the parish and pastor. Pastor Theresa Kraft would like this. Worship times would change permanently to 8:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. depending upon Baxter's meeting. Saron has communion twice a month and Baxter has it once a month. The joint council will discuss this in March. Many improvements were made to the parsonage and church. The altar area was redecorated.
Dale Lietzau has served as treasurer of the church for close to 20 years. Paul Sachariason has agreed to be the new treasurer.
The memorial committee has funds available and request a contact with the committee if there are ideas for using those funds. The WELCA is continuing with quilting and also sponsored an area family at Christmas. The parish relations committee, PPRC, established last year provides an avenue to address congregational concerns and questions of the pastor. Two people were appointed for members to bring concerns or ideas to. Baxter increased the pay for their organists to be in line with the average in our area as per Pastor Theresa. Saron did the same.
There was low turnout of Saron kids for youth activities. An adult is needed to help coordinate youth activities with Baxter. The Christmas tree setting up and taking down organization was voted to be the responsibility of the parents of Sunday School kids. A lay-led contemporary service once a month was voted to be pursued. The cable at the parsonage was disconnected, phone service downgraded, and garbage pickup suspended to cut down on expenses since the parsonage was not occupied at this time. Pastor Wold has been here for a few weeks.
In 2010 a new computer was needed. Repairs and maintenance of the parsonage and church building were done. There was about $3700.00 more spent than was collected in 2010, but it was mostly due to call committee expenses and church repairs. A term call was extended to Pastor Lori Wold. The possible sale of the parsonage was considered, but was tabled until a pastor is hired. With Pastor Willie Rosin, the office was moved from the parsonage basement to a space in Klein Bank.
At the 2011 annual meeting, the Memorial committee has $1400.00 available for use if there were suggestions. New hymns are being learned as well as trying different liturgies. Our mission funds were redirected to a different person in part due to reduced Synod funding. A brief discussion about continuing the chicken supper was held. It was decided to continue as usual. In addition to quilting and the church supper, world hunger contributions, churchwide mission support and companion synod support, local food shelf donations and noisy offering contributions, green Lake Lutheran ministries sponsorship, etc. Saron did Operation Christmas Child and Feed My Starving Children MobilePack.
A bylaw was created stating that any remaining assets (undisposed property) should this congregation cease to exist, would become property of the Cemetery Association instead of passing to the South West Minnesota Synod. The Chicken Supper will go on as usual and communion will continue being served two times a month. A Ministry review was to be conducted with review sheets being distributed to the congregation through the council. A new fence in the front of the cemetery was installed. Offering envelopes, which will last for several years, cost $585.00.
The cemetery association has a tax ID number and have written articles of incorporation. They will be filed with the secretary of state after they are signed and notarized. This was completed in 2013. Thrivent has changed the way that they do their contributions. It is an election by the Thrivent members to contribute to their church. The parsonage got repaired from water damage and also got a new oven. Luther Haven was struggling with low numbers and funding issues.
In 2012 we ventured out to try outdoor midweek summer worship services and a Youth and Family Fishing trip at Enemy Swim at NeSoDak Bible Camp. We also tried new ways of worshipping. Summer worship services were done on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays during June, July, and August. They would be different than a normal Sunday service and perhaps allow for many who are not around on Sundays during the summer to attend. The Narrative Lectionary was used. Also, another person was added to the worship committee section of the by-laws to include the pastor, organists, choir director, and one lay person.
Pastor Willie purchased a laptop and LCD projector. The Facility Use Policy was discussed. Increases in fees for non-members and wording changes were made. Those having made cemetery reservations prior to this change will be grandfathered in, but any non-member reserving a spot in the cemetery after this point will be told that there is a $500.00 burial plot fee as well as a $500.00 fee for the perpetual fund.
The chicken supper will no longer be allowed due to Minnesota Dept of Health regulations. The food is required to be made on the premises with a licensed person overseeing the whole thing. The kitchen would need to be remodeled with stainless steel counter tops and multiple sinks which is cost prohibited. A committee was formed to decide what to do.
Anyone 10 or over can be served communion. Saron decided to keep this as is, but gave Pastor Willie the right to determine if visitors who are younger may receive communion.
A type of camera for the organist to be able to see under the balcony downstairs was installed in 2012. Pastor Willie will make sure the acolyte gowns fit when he does acolyte training. Council meeting attendance has been low this year.
WELCA donated $2650.00 to agencies this year. Much of it was given for food for families in the form of gift cards to both YM and Chippewa counties. They meet monthly for Bible study. Hygiene baskets are collected each year.
In 2013 summer worship was 8:30 A.M. per Sunday alternating between the 2 churches with communion. Also, there were 2 mid-week Wednesday services per month at each church. In November of 2013 we helped pay for and pack 208,864 meals to send to hungry children at home and around the world called Feed My Starving Children MobilePack. Saron raised over $1700 for the project. $1200 was sent in and there remains an account with $571.00 for next time. The St Martin funds are relocated to Prairie 5 instead of the Catholic Church because of the safety of the person giving out the funds. There is a board for this which Saron has one person on it.
An elevator for the church has been installed and 100% funded without having to borrow money. Our sponsored missionary changed this year after the other one served in Japan for 2 years. The church pictorial directory hadn't been updated since 2001 so a committee was formed to discuss this. Saron continued the new traditions of the Youth and Family Night at the Ballgame (Stingers in Willmar) and the Youth and Family Fishing trip which involved over 50 youth and adults combined.
The Sunday school, choir and WELCA have also been active in 2013. Quilts are still being made, but there is a need for donations for thread to tie quilts. The malaria project was a success with the purchase of nets. The other projects are school kits health kits, and material for quilts. The chicken supper went on because Saron had a licensed food person and chicken was brought in with the other items being made at church. Luther Haven had a good lunch at their annual meeting and are pinched for funds, but still hanging in there. We participated in the formation of the Montevideo ELCA Confirmation Program which combines confirmation students from Baxter, Saron, Trinity, Maynard, Jevnaker, Our Savior's, and Salem into three confirmation levels and six pastors that team teach the three levels.
In 2014 the stucco on the parsonage was in bad shape. It would cost about $2,000.00 to repair and would not be long time fix so it was decided to use steel siding at a cost of $5,200.00 for Saron's share. The summer worship will be the same as last year. The constitution will be updated to be in line with the synod. The street in front of the parsonage is estimated to have an assessment of $5120 because it will be redone.
The Youth and Family Fishing Trip as well as going to the Willmar Stingers Veteran's Appreciation Night in July were enjoyed. A trip to one of the permanent packing sites for Feed My Starving Children in the Twin Cities was spent packing food for a shift and then stopping by Valleyfair on the way home.
The council meetings were well attended this year in 2014. The lift will need an inspection every year at a cost of $100.00. The chicken supper went on as the year before with the changes that had to be met. It was mentioned at the annual meeting that when Saron receives contributions from people for doing large projects/jobs and don't want payment that there should be a written thank you to them.
At the 2015 annual meeting there was a discussion about continuing the chicken supper. A committee was formed and a bake sale and silent auction was decided upon. It was held in the Montevideo Community Center in November. Pastor Willie left and we had Pastor Doris Weber for an interim before Vicar Matthew Danielson came. The constitution committee got the constitution approved by the Synod and the council is reviewing the by-laws.
Saron continued the bake sale and silent auction again in 2016. The congregation voted on the changes to the by-laws. A memorial was given to the cemetery of a flag and flag pole, a large cross, and a bench all on a cement pad. The sextons of the church were eliminated and it became the cemetery association.
Much discussion was held on the future of the parsonage. The financial aspects of selling vs. renting were presented. It was the council's recommendation that the parsonage be sold. Currently there is not a pastor living there. Vicar Matt has his own house. There were a lot of "what if" questions such as what if the next pastor needs a house, what if we need an interim pastor, etc. It was decided to sell the house and allow the joint councils to determine the sale price and work with a realtor.
Members voted for the second time on accepting a new constitution at the 2017 annual meeting. Someone will be hired to thoroughly clean the church. The west side entry door needed repairs. The bake sale and silent auction were again held in November with proceeds of $3810.40.
The nominating committee worked hard on a ballot for election of officers and had multiple selections for most offices for 2018. A housing allowance was added to the budget for the minister after he becomes ordained. Since Vicar Matt will be an ordained pastor, the church had to undergo the call process as if they were hiring a new pastor. A call committee was formed to interview Vicar Matt in February and bring their recommendation to the congregation in March for a vote. His ordination took place in May.
The memorial bench from previously was put in the cemetery in the summer of 2018. Pillow case dresses were sewn and decorated in church by Saron's men and women as a mission project. In the fall many kits were assembled for Lutheran World Relief. Shoes of any kind are being collected for Soles for Souls. During the Lenten season personal care kits were collected. Discussion was held again on the age for first communion. If a parent requested, the pastor would meet with the parents and the child to determine if the child was ready. No vote was taken because there was not enough information on what determines the criteria for "ready".
Members voted to have a Brookside Manor Board delegate. The names for the officers and committees changed. A council member will be assigned to attend meetings of another board and serve as a liaison between that meeting and the council. The Stewardship and Worship committees are called the Ministry board and a council member will also be a liaison. The steeple was shingled and sided at a cost of $16,000.00. There were $9620.00 in donations and $7400.00 came from insurance. The WELCA also donated $3000.00 to the treasury. The bake sale and silent auction were held in November.
At the 2019 annual meeting the memorial committee reported there were $905.00 in donations, but could always use more. There is a scholarship available to anyone who wants to attend college at Gustavus. Treasurer Paul Sachariason retired and Diane Sachariason was voted the new treasurer. There will no longer be a WELCA group as it has been in the past. Members have discussed this for some time and have been communicating with members in area churches. Without having a formal WELCA, involvement in projects will be by utilizing our work groups. More membership involvement is the hope. Each workgroup will be assigned a job and the leader will get it accomplished within their group. Some of the projects will be bigger and some smaller but will rotate among the groups. Some of the projects will remain the same as in the past. The Bible study will continue on the 4th Wednesday monthly and will welcome any men also.
In May Saron and Baxter were in charge of serving about 100 people at the community center for a community meal. Equipping Congregations Day was again held in Willmar. Two additional services were added during the summer. One was held as a picnic at the Wegdahl Park and the other was a picnic at Heritage Hill. The basement carpet was cleaned. The bake sale and silent auction were held in November with all prices being an even dollar amount so change was not needed. Personal care items were being collected and bought with donations and Thrivent Action team money for local school children who were in need as determined by the school social worker.
Technology was the word for 2020 with the world being in a pandemic due to Covid 19. We had church services via Zoom as well as funerals and then were allowed to meet in person with mask wearing, sanitizer using, and distancing six feet. With the help of the PPP funds from the government we were able to make our budgets. Saron was able to distribute to local schools the personal care items from the year before.
The church office located at the Old National Building on main street has a lease through August at $150.00 per month. Old National plans to vacate so a new office space will be needed. In 2020 Saron had 187 baptized members and 146 confirmed members with an average in the building worship of 26 people.
New pew cushions were bought in 2021 and the church was re-shingled. The Sunday School has a church member that volunteered to teach and take charge of the Sunday School program. A bake sale with Baxter will be at the end of October this year in the community center and again next spring. A handheld vacuum with some extra bags was purchased to replace the 6 that have collected in the furnace room. Also, a new upright vacuum with bags was donated. Our 151st Anniversary will be celebrated on October 3rd this year. Nothing special is planned for Saron, but Baxter will be having a dinner so Saron will be having the early service that day.
Reverends/Pastors who have served:
N. E. Wikre 1870 or 1871-1872 (organizer and temporary)
Edward M. Erikson 1872-1904
M. B. Erikson 1897-1904 (assistant to father)
M. B. Erikson 1904-1908
O. J. Erikson 1904-1908 (assistant to brother)
Jacob Mortenson 1908-1915
H. L. Urness 1916-1919
E. S. Eideswik 1919 or 1920-1930
B. L. Opdahl 1930-1939
E. O. Urness 1939-1943 (son of H. L. Urness)
K. S. Mickelson 1944-1947
Albert H. Holm 1948-1953
Henry B. Mathison 1953-1959 (died 3 weeks later)
Robert Esse 1960-1966
Kenneth Eliason 1966-1976
John Sandager 1976-1979
Duane A. Lokken 1980-1988
Vicki
Wayne W. Mensing 1988-1995
David Webster Oct. of 1995-Feb. of 1996
Steve Rheingans 1996-2002
Larry Gedde, Interim July 2002-Sept 2002
Roger Olness, Interim Oct. 2002-Mar 2003
F. Charles Bunk 2003-2006
Greg Hall, Interim Sept 2006-May 2007
Diane Odermann, Interim June 2007-Dec 2007
Theresa Kraft 2008-2009
Lori Wold, Interim Dec 2009-May 2010
Rob Kemppainen, Interim June 2010-July 2010
Willie Rosin 2010-2015
Doris Weber, Interim July 2015-August 2015
Matthew Danielson 2015-
In the spring of the year of 1869, two young brothers started out on foot from Goodhue County in Minnesota to locate some good farming land. After a tiresome journey they reached Chippewa County and made their homestead near Wegdahl, Minnesota. Ole and Nils Wefsenmoe were the two young men.
At that time there were only a few scattered settlers here and there. Ole and Nils went back to Goodhue County and in the fall of the same year they took their families and belongings and came back to take up the task of the pioneer life. A few other Norwegian families had arrived at this time, coming first to Goodhue and Fillmore counties when arriving from Norway, but wanting to go farther west. They began to gather around the word of God, as they had brought their Bibles, Hymn books and Huspastile (a devotional book) with them from Norway, but almost all of the settlers had very small houses. Some lived only in dugouts for awhile. Therefore, they only had prayer meetings to begin with.
The 4th day of November 1870, the settlers met in the home of Berdinus and Serena Anderson, whose house consisted of one 12 X 14 room, without a ceiling according to one source, and was the largest house in the community, with the intentions of organizing a Lutheran congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came from Norway in 1869 to homestead on a farm of 160 acres in Sparta township. That farmstead is 1 1/2 miles south and 3/4 of a mile west of Saron Church. They were the grandparents of B. A. Anderson who owned the place in 1960. Fifth generation members of that family, Joseph Anderson, and his wife now live on the farm site. (Their log cabin is placed at the Chippewa County Historical Society in Montevideo). Reverend N. E. Wikre, who at that time was a pastor at Christiana, Minnesota, was chosen as chairman. One reference says he was the organizer and temporary from 1870-1872. He conducted services occasionally until 1872. The Wegdahl Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized with 99 Norwegians, 16 Swedes, and 2 Danes with 25 voting members and 115 souls.
In 1870 when the church was founded, there were no railroads; Benson was the nearest trading center. Montevideo had just been founded, but was not to have a railroad for several years. The county itself had not come into existence. Many of the land owners farmed 80 to 160 acres. The sod was broken and the soil was cultivated and the crop was harvested by horse drawn machinery.
This new church organized a group to find a place for building a church, cemetery, and parsonage. A tract of land consisting of 60 or 80 (sources differ) acres was chosen in Section 31 of Leenthrop township. Ten acres was a gift from the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad and the remaining land was purchased from them for $650.00. The church affiliation was called Conference from 1880-1890. A letter of call was extended to Edward M. Erikson on the lst day of March 1872 or May or June according to other sources and served until 1904. Edward Erikson lived in Ole Anderson's school house from 1873-1874. The congregation built a parsonage 26 X 18 X 14 on the 15th of September 1873 or 1874 for $900.00.
On July 6, 1871 the women met to discuss the need among the heathen (foreign missions) and the decision was made to begin work for missions in the name of Jesus. After a few meetings a comforter was finished and sold to Reverend E. M. Eriksen for $5.00. One lady had walked to Granite Falls with honey for sale with the proceeds going towards making the comforter. Some others agreed to save together 50 cents for cloth which in the spring of 1872 was brought from Willmar that is about 40 miles away. The ladies met regularly both winter and summer. The children were also along and generally carried to the place of meeting if the distance was not too great. Included in the activity was also the sewing of underwear for students at Augsburg Seminary in Minneapolis.
On January 7, 1873, the church had a "menighedo mode" or annual business meeting. It was a nice day with a few snowflakes falling but almost thawing so quite a few came out. This was held at the Ole Anderson homestead east of where the church is now. About 11 o'clock the sky became cloudy and by noon it began to snow and blow and shortly a big storm came up and making every object invisible. Stranded were 35 men who had come for the meeting in the one-room log house of Ole Anderson with the wife and children, 38 in all. The storm got worse and very cold. Luckily a few days before Mr. Anderson had been in New London and purchased a sack of flour and a gallon of syrup. They made mush which they lived on for 2 1/2 days. The chopped wood gave out and the wood pile was completely covered. Near the house was a pile of wood rails, so the men made a line from the door of the house with Mr. Anderson at the end. This made a line long enough to reach the pile. One by one they handed the rails to each other until they had enough to hold out. Pastor Edward Eriksen was also there and had devotions every day. When the first night came, the bed was given to the wife and children. A big, brown wooly dog had come with one of the members. It also had to come in the house during the storm. Pastor Eriksen, who thought of occupying the place under the bed, had the dog as something warm to sleep by. The postmaster of Wegdahl also crawled under with them and slept with the rest of them on the floor. Every few hours they would change off so all could get some sleep. On the 3rd day around 4 o'clock the storm let up, but no one was allowed to go to their home alone. There were 2, 3, and 4 who helped each other get to their farms, and there were at this time only two log houses in this section of the country - others lived in dugouts and sod houses. At one farm a group of men had to start digging the cattle out of the stalls so they could move. Another place while shoveling snow, a rooster was uncovered which actually jumped out of the snow and crowed.
On February 25, 1875 the ladies had a constitution adopted and selected the name of Wegdahl Congregation Ladies Aid. A few changes to the constitution was made in January of 1885. There were no records until 1885 except the constitution and the record of the first meeting. Due to the distance for some of the members to go to aid (every three weeks on Tuesday), the aid was divided into two groups, the North and South aids.
A storm where many people were out and froze to death occurred in 1876, and in '77 the grasshoppers took all their crops. Some called them a Rocky Mountain locust. Just a few acres of wheat were harvested in 1877. In Chippewa county they even ate the fence posts. When they left it was like a cloud and blotted out the sun. In 1879 a diphtheria epidemic struck the community. Many died and one family lost 3 children in one week. Some settlers got discouraged and left for other parts, but some did not give up.
At a meeting held April 30, 1894 Pastor Erikson requested that his son M. B. Eriksen be called as assistant pastor. The request was granted. Other sources said the son M. B. Eriksen assisted from 1897-1904. His other son, O.J. Erickson was also an assistant pastor.
At the annual meeting in January of 1880, the question about changing the name of the congregation came up. 22 members voted in favor of changing the name and 16 against it. Three names that were suggested were Black Oak Prairie, Zion, and Saron. The name Saron was unanimously adopted. The 1st day of March 1880, the constitution of the conferensen (the church synod) was accepted and the congregation became a member of that synod.
At a business meeting December 8th, 1885, it was decided to erect a church edifice 48 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high with a chancel 18 X 20. At a meeting held March 4, 1886 the size of the proposed church building was changed to 54 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high with the chancel being 18 deep and 18 wide and 14 in height. The tower room would be 12 X 12 and 80 feet in height.
It was completed in the fall of 1885 or 1886, depending upon sources, for $4,750.00 or $4,759.00. When building, a windstorm came up just as the framework was up and wrecked it. In rebuilding, the height was lowered. At a July 5th, 1886 meeting, a church bell weighing at least 1000 lbs was recommended. The bell was purchased by the Ladies Aid that same year costing $200.00. On it is this inscription: "In God We Trust" Saron Menighed 1886. The Norwegian word "menighed" means congregation. The name "Saron" (sharon) is a Hebrew word meaning a plain or level country. The forefathers of Saron congregation came basically from Norway, a country with a very mountainous terrain. To them, the land where most of them had taken homesteads, was indeed very level when compared to Norway. In October it was decided to purchase chairs, altar, altar painting, and a pulpit and in November to include a gallery. In May of 1887 a baptismal font and communion ware were to be purchased. The communion ware was given as a gift by the Reverend A.M.Arntzen.
The records for November 25, 1889 refer to the organization of the United Lutheran Church. The congregation decided to become a member of that Synod instead of Conferensen. Another source said United Church was from 1890-1917.
In 1891 there was a request by Trinity and Palmer Creek congregations for amalgamation with Saron. There was also a matter of church discipline around this time. The party in question later acknowledged his sin and forgiven for same and the committee of investigation released from its duties. In December of that year, it was decided to build a new parsonage the following spring. The next year it was decided to remodel instead.
Also, in 1892 the United Lutheran decided to sever its connection with St. Olaf College and that the college department at Augsburg Seminary continue. In 1893 there was a reference made to the disagreements within church synods.
A report in 1895 reference is made about deploring dancing in the community and reports from board of deacons reference is made to the practice of regular prayer meetings in the homes of the parish--a custom of many years standing.
A new parsonage was erected in 1899 at a cost of $3700.00 including 80 acres of land according to one source.
In 1900 the contribution to missions was given to each synod. A new barn was erected at the parsonage in 1902 and a report in 1903 referenced the need of the barn for horses instead of using hitching posts to increase attendance at services.
Pastor E. M. Eriksen resigned in 1904 so then the son, M. B. Eriksen served both Saron and Buffalo Lake Church in Grace township from 1904-December of 1907 with Reverend O. J. Erikson assisting him those years. It was moved at a meeting in 1904 to collect money for the purchase of a house for former Reverend E. Ericksen.
The well was drilled in 1906 on the parsonage grounds and in 1907 trees were also planted on parsonage grounds. At the end of 1907 Saron congregation had been in the same parish with Maynard, Hawk Creek and Rock Valley and at this time severed connections with them. Letters from Rock Valley, Hawk Creek and Maynard congregations with reference to change in parishes was received and resulted in resignations of the pastor and assistant pastor. In 1908 it was arranged to be affiliated with Trinity at Wegdahl and the Buffalo Lake congregation with Reverend J. Mortensen serving from February 1908 to December 1915.
From 1907-1919 the funds of the ladies aid were divided quite equally between the former United Church (which amalgated with the Norwegian Synod and Hauges Synod in 1917) and the still existing Lutheran Free Church. Beginning with the report for September 21, 1910 the organization is referred to as Saron Ladies Aid. Officially this name was adopted May 7, 1912. Their contributions were many and in the later years went to the general church budget for missions, education, charities, and pensions. Money for these purposes also came in through use of "Mission Boxes", "Thank Offering Boxes", and "Cradle Roll" memberships.
Another report in 1908 was to purchase a new baptismal font. The first Girl's Society known as the "Busy Bee" was organized about the year 1910. It was decided to pay 25 cents when joining and five cents at each meeting. The money taken in was used to buy material for fancy work. Meetings were held once a month. During the summer there was a sale of articles made and lunches were served. There are records of three such events. The first one was held at the parsonage grove, one at the church, and one at the Fossum home.
In 1912 the young people's society were able to secure gas lamps for the church. The orchard at the parsonage was greatly appreciated according to a report in 1913. Also, that year a request by Buffalo Lake Congregation to erect a monument to the memory of the pioneer Reverend E. M. Ericksen (who served from 1872-1904) was mentioned. A committee formed and it was erected in June, 1913. The cost was $275.00 with Rock Valley, Hawk Creek, Buffalo Lake, Maynard, Wang, and Saron contributing.
In January 1915 a cemetery fence was recommended and the Girls' Society, the Busy Bees, started the fund for the cemetery fence and Luther League also paid for this. Another history stated that there is a well-kept cemetery in connection with this church. The cemetery is not platted. Records of burials are to be found in three volumes of the pastor's records from 1885-1936 as well as interments. That same year of 1915 a proposal to build an Old People's Home by the United Church in Montevideo was not realized.
In 1916 Reverend H. L. Urness became pastor and served until the fall of 1919.
The church continued to grow until 1918. A sad chapter in the history of the church arose, which should not have arisen, and which might have been averted if just a little more tolerance, patience, and tactful guidance had been exercised. It resulted in a division of Saron Church when 25 voting members withdrew from the church. This was from the history that Pastor B.L.Opdahl (serving from 1930-1939) wrote about the church. He did not disclose the reasons, but eloquently went on to write that by the grace of God Saron people took courage and trusted that she would conquer. This was 1932 and he wrote that she is stronger than she has been since the division took place.
The records for January 10, 1918 refer to the union of the Hauge, United, and Norwegian synods which took place in 1917. The congregation then became a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1950.
The church affiliation was Norwegian Lutheran Church of America from 1917 to 1940 according to a source. In March 1918 a service flag for soldiers in service of war was purchased by the Luther League or at that time known as "Ungdomsforening" (Young People's Society). The Girl's Society, or Busy Bees as they were known, was discontinued in about the year 1918.
In 1919 a furnace was installed in the parsonage. In 1920 it was suggested to have a 50th anniversary of the congregation that summer and it was observed on October 30-31. In the report for January 1920, it was decided to have one third of the services in English. In later years it was decided to have a Norwegian service every 6 weeks. The ladies aid used English in their reports in September of 1921. In February of 1935 it was decided to have two-thirds of the services in English and in January 1940 it was decided to have a Norwegian service every 3 months. The reports of the treasurer were given in English starting in 1923. The secretary's reports were in English starting in May of 1928. In 1932 the constitution of the congregation was printed in English.
The report in 1917 reference is made to a church basement which was completed in 1923 after a committee was formed as well as a committee of the Ladies Aid. This committee was to go on tour to investigate other basements. A bid of $3,000 was accepted to build the basement in 1923. Another source said it was $3800.00. The cornerstone was laid November 4th, 1923. The furnace of the church was installed in 1924. Also, in 1924 a dishes and silverware fund was established by the ladies aid. New hymn books were purchased in 1925.
In 1927 the envelope system was adopted, used for awhile, and then adopted again in 1940. In 1930 the church barn was sold. The 62nd Anniversary of the congregation was observed October 9th, 1932.
The ladies aid earned money for the Basement Fund by having a dinner. It was the first money taken in for a dinner in the new basement Saturday, Nov. 4, 1933 with a ticket bought by Reverend Eidesvik. On the following Sunday $66.90 was taken in for dinner. They also contributed curtains, repairs on the parsonage from time to time, dishes and utensils, altar carpets and extra church improvements also from time to time.
The drought years came from 1933-1935. With no crops and little other income, the Ladies Aid had to help the congregation with the expenses.
On November 22, 1937 a committee drew up a constitution for the Ladies Aid. Part of it was translated from the Norwegian language. On May 10, 1938, it was decided to send $5.00 a year to the Centennial Appeal for a period of 5 years. A source said that the North aid also paid its share for the confirmation gowns.
In 1938, or another source says the summer of 1939, the church was redecorated with "Nuwood" at a cost of $500.00 of which the Luther League contributed $50.00 and in 1939 electric lights were installed in the church and parsonage of which the Luther League contributed $450.00. The parsonage also was redecorated and all the buildings painted and improvements made.
Another father and son serving as pastors were Pastor H. L. Urness in 1916-1919 and E. O. Urness serving from 1939-1943.
New hymn books were purchased in 1939 and music for the choir by the Luther League. Other projects included from time to time the following: expenses in connection with Christmas programs (refreshments and decorations); International Luther League Projects; one half of expenses of those attending Green Lake Bible Camp and also contributions to the camp itself for improvements.
On October 14, 1939 a meeting was called at the parsonage for the purpose of talking over starting of a Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation. At this meeting 8 girls met up. (two of the girls were Alice and Dorothy Norman-mother and aunt of Pam Schaefer Schultz-current 19 year secretary of Saron/Baxter). The model constitution for the L.D.R. was read and discussed after which the girls decided to organize a local L.D.R. It was decided to hold regular meetings on Saturday afternoons once a month with a 10-cent charge per member. It was also decided to support the activities of the General L.D.R. to the best of the society's ability. On December 3, 1939 a special program was arranged to present to the congregation and friends a general review of the work and activities of the L.D.R. The Reverend Urness showed pictures on Alaska because the Alaska Mission was the main project of the organization. After the program a 10-cent lunch was served in the church parlors. The program itself was given in the church auditorium.
On February 17, 1940 the L.D.R. had a Valentine's party that was held at the Alfred Nygaard home in Wegdahl. The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed and there was also knitting under the leadership of Mrs. Harry Strobeen. Scarves and hoods were made to be sent to the Alaska Mission. Another special feature was a mother-daughter banquet held in the church parlors on Saturday, May 11, 1940. The tables were set for 24 people including the L.D.R. girls and their mothers. A program was given by the girls in honor of their mothers to whom fresh tulips were presented to be worn throughout the evening. By this time there were 14 members in all. The organization also had 3 verses of a song to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers".
On June 16-17, 1940 the congregation celebrated the 70th Anniversary. Reverend E. O. Urness compiled information that they had a North Ladies Aid with 20 members meeting on Tuesdays every 3 weeks since 1872, South Ladies Aid with 24 members meeting 2nd Wednesday each month for about 60 years, Luther League since 1909 meeting every 4 weeks on Sunday evenings which included all confirmed members of the church, a choir since 1875 with 24-30 voices meeting Thursday evenings, Girls' Society since 1908 reorganized as L. D. R. in 1939 which is the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation that meets once a month on Saturday and has 14 members, and Sunday School with 6-8 teachers and pupils using the new graded system and teachers training course conducted by the pastor at teachers meetings held at least once a month. There had been a Jewish Mission Society since 1875, Choral Society since 1875, a Temperance Society since 1884, and a Men's Society from 1915-1919, but in 1940 there were none. The Saron Men's Society was called the Men's Brotherhood in 1950. There were about 45 families in the congregation and about 150 souls. In 1950 those numbers jumped to 80 families, 270 souls and 185 confirmed members.
A library was being planned for 1941 and in 1941 the congregation joined the new Pension Plan of the general church synod. In 1942 the interior of the church was repainted. A storm in September of 1942 almost proved fatal, but comparatively little damage was done.
At a meeting held January 25, 1944, Buffalo Lake severed its parish connection with the congregation and Trinity of Wegdahl had been dissolved. It was then decided to unite with Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Baxter. On June 25, 1945 it was decided to sell the country parsonage and 70 acres and to buy a parsonage in Montevideo together with Baxter congregation. The ten acres were retained as church and cemetery grounds. At this meeting it was also decided to start a building fund.
During 1949 the church basement was completely remodeled and redecorated and modern conveniences added. The church was re-shingled and a new heating system and water system were installed. Improvements were also made on the church grounds and the cemetery. That same year the L.D.R. organization purchased an Estey Cathedral electric organ which cost $965.00. On May 27, 1949, the ladies aid carried out a pioneer setting by dressing in colonial costumes and carrying a Bible, Hymn book and knitting or other handiwork. The tables were covered with old fashioned cloths and featured a display of antiques brought by the members.
During 1950 the church was repainted on the outside and inside. The improvements made during 1949 and 1950 cost approximately $17,000.00. In 1949 the velvet coverings on the altar, pulpit and altar kneeling ring were replaced. (This replaced the original that had been there since these things were placed in the church). A group of ladies of the church did the work. The last cradle roll group was July 1951. In 1954 a new floor was laid in the auditorium and new carpet was laid in the chancel and aisle. A new Hammond electric organ was purchased in 1957. Indoor-outdoor carpeting has been installed in the narthex, and the pulpit, altar kneeling pad, and pastor's chair has been recovered with gold velvet this centennial year.
Pastor H. B. Mathison was pastor from 1953 to 1959 and passed away 3 weeks after his resignation. Pastor Robert Esse came here in 1960 having just graduated from Luther Seminary and served until 1966.
One source of information talked about the ladies aid that started in 1872 with the Palmer Creek aid starting awhile later. They merged in 1951. Previous info stated it was the North and South ladies aid. In 1960 the church is a member of the American Lutheran Church and contributes its share to the different missions and the synodical budget.
The 90th Anniversary of Saron was celebrated on November 13, 1960. Church services had been only every other Sunday, but were changed to every Sunday in 1960. That was the year of the merger of three Lutheran synods - the American Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church. This was named the American Lutheran Church. Saron became one of its charter members. The new revised liturgy was introduced and the new bright red hymnals were purchased by memorials, etc. Colored windows were installed in 1962 by members and other donations at the cost of $2,656.00. In 1963 light oak pews were purchased and installed at the sum of $1,250.00.
Kenneth Eliason was pastor in 1966. At this time the two congregations decided to sell the parsonage on 6th Street in Montevideo. A more modern house on 4th St. was purchased for $26,000.00. A perpetual cemetery fund was started in 1968 to insure continued care and upkeep of the cemetery in future years.
Several people were ordained in the Saron Lutheran Church. Mission fests were held for many years with a mission speaker in the forenoon, a picnic dinner at noon, then a sale of home-made articles in the afternoon. This was most of the time held in the country parsonage grove. In later years a chicken supper was held in October. That month got changed to September. Also, there was Mid-week evening services during the Lenten season.
Confirmation instruction is two years instead of one, and one week of vacation Bible School instead of one month of Religious or "Norwegian" school. Other changes noted were kerosene lamps went to gas lamps and then electric lights. For heating it was first wood stoves, a coal furnace and then an oil furnace. For transportation it was oxen and wagons, horses and buggy, model T autos to cars, trains, and planes.
In 1970 there were 64 families, 208 souls and 149 confirmed members.
In the summer of 1977, a new entry was added. This construction enclosed the stairway that led into the Narthex, as well as the steps on the left that led into the fellowship room in the basement. The addition was also extended to the right and rest rooms were added on the lower level with a multipurpose room built above them. All of the area is heated electrically and is carpeted except for the rest rooms.
In 1978 it was found that the oil furnace which had been installed in 1949-1950 was faulty and needed to be replaced. It was decided that a more functional heating system could be obtained by installing three smaller furnaces. One to heat only the basement during the winter months to keep the water pipes from freezing.
It was at about this time that Rowland Norman, who had served as custodian for thirty-three years, expressed his desire to retire. No one wanted to take on those full-time duties, so a plan was devised whereby members would volunteer for the janitorial work for a month at a time. The care of the cemetery and lawn had been done by Luther League members, but later individuals were hired by the council to mow and trim the grass as needed.
In 1979 the Lutheran Book of Worship was adopted. With that, the order of service included a new liturgy making use of cantors to sing the Kyrie. Also, the congregation sang an appointed Psalm at every service. Special music by a group of five high school girls formed a group known as "The Bright Tomorrows". They sang every Sunday throughout the school year for about four years. The group disbanded so in the early 1980's a choir was formed.
On May 31, 1981 a memorial of an outdoor electrically lighted sign which states the name of the church, name of the pastor and time of the service and was placed on the east lawn.
At the annual meeting in 1982 discussion about the merger of ALC, LCA and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Church was held and it was voted to merge. Also, the annual meeting minutes of 1987 said the merger was passed by voice vote. The Lutheran Standard was also to be continued to be sent out to entire congregation members and again was voted to continue in 1987.
In 1983 part of the church was rewired. The fuse boxes which were scattered here and there, were all moved to the furnace room and breaker switches instead of fuses were installed. A new loudspeaker system was also installed in that year.
Two ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary in 1981 to help circulate the heat from the high ceiling. Later in 1985 a third fan was installed in the balcony. Carpeting has also been laid on the stairway to the balcony as well as on the floors of the bell room and balcony.
The exterior of the building was re-sided in 1981 and in the summer of 1985 the interior of the sanctuary was painted. The committee chose two shades of gold for the walls, with the wood trim being finished in an antique brown wood design.
Colorado Blue Spruce were planted in 1973, but only a few survived because of the dry years which followed the planting. In 1985 a memorial given for more spruce were planted filling in the spaces where trees had not survived. One large spruce tree has also been planted next to the outdoor sign.
The American Lutheran Church Women (ALCW) served an annual chicken dinner in late September with the work being somewhat simplified. Since 1970, the ladies have used dried instant potatoes instead of each lady bringing one gallon of peeled potatoes. Two other fund raisers of Silent Auctions were also had. They also sponsored a Father-Son and Mother-Daughter Banquet.
The young, ages 10-14, take turns to serve as acolytes. One adult each month serves as a Communion Assistant. Adults have also read the lessons for the Sunday.
Each year on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service, 13 men would participate in a Lord's Supper pageant and this was concluded with a Tenebrae Service. Christmas Eve had organ-piano duets as preludes and postludes, trumpets joined with the organ to accompany the hymns, the choir sings, plus soloists. Holy Communion is also served at this service. Shut-in members or nursing home residents can watch a video-tape of the service. In 1985 the Christmas tree was decorated with Chrismons made by the ALCW.
There is a Pascal Candle which in Advent includes an Advent wreath and converts to the Marriage symbol for weddings. These chancel furnishings and the sound system along with the lighted outdoor sign, spruce trees, confirmation picture stand, vigil light, flower stands, candle lighters, altar vases, and an organ lamp are gifts that have been purchased by present members as memorials. There have been a number of banners displayed in the church as well as a marriage and baptismal banner.
Sunday school was declining, but in 1985 there were 37 children in kindergarten through ninth grade. The Luther League is inactive, but youths attend the Green Lake Bible Camp. Lynn Sederstrom Henderson, a former member of Saron, and her husband Dan served in the mission field in the Central African Republic. The ALCW gave some monetary support each year.
An adult Bible study was held for a couple of years - about 1985 and 1986. A newsletter is sent out to all members from the church office each month. Attire in the summer is casual with sleeveless garments seen on women and men wear short sleeved shirts and washable slacks. The youth often wear blue jeans and tennis shoes as well as other casual clothes. Women often wear slacks in the winter. Hats are seldom seen as a part of women's wear.
The pastor's report for the 1985 annual meeting expressed concern about the practice of publishing a list of member's contributions.
In 1987 there was a rule made that the cemetery markers were to be made flush with the ground. At the annual meeting in 1988, it was brought up that some people would like to switch Christmas Eve service times with Baxter. Remodeling, painting, etc. was done in the basement in 1990. The Wegdahl Willing Workers 4-H Club asked in 1992 to be able to hold their meetings in the church basement for 8 meetings per year. The club members would do work at church to pay for the use of the basement and use this as their Community Pride Project.
The basement was rewired in 1993 for a cost of $800.00. Also, a fund was started for an organ because the present one was getting old and needs repairs. Memorials and donations could be used for this. Also interest from the perpetual fund would be put into the cemetery fund and used for lawn mowing. A new Sound System was installed in 1993. In the pastor's report for that year, it was suggested to tape the services and deliver the tapes to shut-ins as well as thinking about providing access to the church by installing an elevator. The pastor also felt directional signs to the church were needed.
On April 23rd of 1995 a new electronic and computerized Rodgers 595 Digital Organ was dedicated. A video player and television also were used in the church. Saron also supports a missionary with $1,000.00 a year. The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Saron WELCA) contributed recipes made into a book called "Our Favorite Recipes". They also continue to serve the traditional chicken and lefse supper usually held in early September.
A new pictorial directory was printed in 1995 for the 125th Anniversary. The Sunday School has 35 students enrolled preschool through high school. The mixed choir rehearses and sings during the Advent to Christmas season and also the Lenten to Easter season. Luther League, 7th grade through high school, meets on a regular basis during the school year.
A memorial of stained-glass windows was added to the front entryway in 1996.
At the 2000 annual meeting it was decided to change the church bylaws concerning the number of people on the Board of Education. Due to the lack of students enrolled in Sunday School, a vote was taken to change the bylaws to have at least 2 people but no more than 4 on the board depending upon the enrollment of the Sunday School. New supplemental hymnals were also purchased at a cost of $10/pc. WELCA offered to pay for them. Racks were made for the pews to put the hymnals in.
A piano was given to be used in the sanctuary and a gazebo was erected with memorials and stands next to the cemetery. There is a grave directory with a chart that was catalogued and updated in the gazebo. The sexton committee found discrepancies in the books of the layout of the cemetery. In 2001 a motion was made that every year the sextons meet prior to the annual meeting to update and compare their books. An older member needs to be available to confer with concerning cemetery plots. There will be 4 members on the sexton committee.
The 2001 annual meeting decided to keep the education committee at three people and to add one new person each year. Also, in 2001 a new sign was made to mark entrance to the cemetery. In addition, the county was asked to mark the direction of the church with signs on county roads 5 and 6 for a cost of about $125.00 to $150.00. Discussion was had about improving the sign on the church lawn and it got moved to the side of the church versus by the gazebo, which was also discussed.
Pastor Steve will be taking a sabbatical this year for a few months and retired Pastor Beem from Alexandria will be serving the congregation in his absence. It was agreed to do a church directory with Baxter this year and keep the two congregations separate in the book. The narthex got new siding and the church walls were pulled in and straightened with the cables.
The money received from Lord of Life church was used to broadcast part of the weekly services on KDMA radio. The cost is a dollar a minute and they were started with a 15-minute slot on Sunday, February 11, 2001. Easter services have many times been at 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M.. Two outdoor church services with communion and potlucks were held in the park midweek of 4th of July and Labor Day. The availability of Bibles in the church was discussed. Some were donated and others located for those who wish to use them.
In 2002 the radio ministry went up from $15 to $25. The cables in the church were discussed and checked to see if they needed to be tightened. Trees were ordered and some of the church land was put into the RIM program to cost-share expenses. Three people were in charge of watering the trees and maintenance. The department of health conducted tests on the well at the church and all failed. The well once again was treated with chlorine and will be tested once it has been flushed and the chlorine smell is gone. It was decided to haul water to the church for drinking and cooking purposes for 1 year and see how that works out.
In this same year air conditioning for the church had a $500.00 memorial designated and was put in. The flags at the front of the church had been taken down, but no one knew why. The flags were to be checked into. A memorial for a Funeral Pall was given. The cemetery perpetual care fund's interest was to be put back into the fund to build up the balance. Pastor Steve, on behalf of the education committee, asked that members of the congregation consider helping with Sunday School and Bible School even if they no longer have children attending.
The church is looking for a pastor with the process moving along slowly in 2003. Not many students were in the seminary right now and the ones there are all spoken for. Interviews start January 22, 2003. The 3 summer holidays will once again be having midweek services. On March 30, 2003 Pastor Charles Bunk was called to be the pastor with his service beginning on April 27th. He moved from Blair, Wisconsin.
Siding of the church was discussed and it was decided that the steeple portion of the church was in the most need of siding and that project was proceeded with first. At the March 2003 meeting that was rescinded and the entire church would be sided for a cost of $21,575.50. Of that, $19,933.00 was donated and the remainder was paid out of the improvement account and the general fund throughout the year.
The parsonage is in the process of being painted this year. One room needs texturing and the woodwork throughout the home is very dirty and needs thorough cleaning. The bathroom, including the tub, needs repair and updating. A decision about the carpet in the living room being replaced had not been made yet. Approximately $3,500.00 was spent on parsonage repairs. Also, in 2003 the church will sponsor Pastor Steve in his missionary work in Oman.
An archway for the cemetery was given from memorials. A request for donations of fabric or money for quilting was asked. It was reported that 23 children were enrolled in Sunday School and they had a joint Bible School with Maynard and Wang Lutheran Churches. Pastor Bunk came once a month to share a Bible Story with the children. Next year's annual meeting will be held during the church service and the potluck dinner served following the meeting.
In the pastor's report at the 2004 annual meeting, everyone was encouraged to fill out an evaluation form so that we may have a clear picture of what God wants us to accomplish together in 2004. The council would use it as a tool. It had three main sections including worship, fellowship, and witness. Lord of Life continues to send funds which are used for camps, radio ministry, and workshops. The year end net worth of the church was $27,873.87 of which $17,000.00 was in perpetual funds. 2004 also was the final payment from the Reiman Estate.
There is a low number of youth in our congregation so they will be joining Baxter for activities. Summer worship times were set at 8:30 and 10:30 on a permanent basis. Each church set aside $1250.00 annually for future repairs to the parsonage. The latest well water test came back OK, but it was decided to continue using Culligan drinking water.
The radio ministry will continue, but one month worth of messages will be recorded at a time at the parsonage with choir music, etc. being dubbed in.
Christmas Eve services for the church holding early services will continue to be at 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. for the church holding late services. During the year the choir continues to sing, we participate in the CROP Walk, Relay for Life, and joint services, as well as the women putting on showers for couples getting married. There were intergenerational Sunday School events in February and March. David Lipps organized and led a church softball team for young and middle-aged people in the summer. An electric piano was purchased for the balcony from a memorial and from the church home fund.
The water sanitation at church was discussed and it was decided to hire a professional well-driller to sanitize the well head and give advice on how to maintain clean water in our faucets. A letter will then be written to the State Department of Public Health on the measures taken to take care of the problem. The church bell needed repairs. One of the bell tower brackets was broken and needed to be welded together.
At the 2005 annual meeting a letter from Luther Haven was received and requested that our church include them in their budget for capital improvements during 2005, 2006, and 2007. We agreed to $400.00 per year. The parsonage porch and water heater were maintained this year.
The annual meeting in 2006 said that the well tested positive for E. coli. A new cover was put on it, chlorinated, and sealed in the spring. It seemed to work well all summer and tests taken in November and December were fine. It was decided to dig a deeper well and cap the present well. The well bid was $4962.00 and the bill was $6540.00. Adding the electrical expense, the total was approximately $7250.00. Everything is fine with the state. The new well is about 75 feet deep.
Lord of Life sister church will no longer be sending us undesignated mission support. If we have a project which we feel is worthy of their help we can write our request to their church council. A document for non-member wedding and funeral policy and guidelines was passed by the church council on April 23, 2006. A funeral policy regarding serving of lunch by the WELCA was adopted April 26, 2006. Cemetery policies were adopted November 15, 2006. These will be laminated and put up. Also, letters were mailed to the funeral homes. It was mentioned that we may start seeing more city people being buried as it is about $1500.00 to be buried in town. The council felt we needed the policy.
The annual meeting minutes of 2007 said that every year the budget seems to go up $4000.00. Prices continue to rise. The call committee finalized a packet. A congregational picture was donated to hang in the gazebo. A pictorial directory was discussed and it was decided that each family was to provide a page to be put into a 3 ring binder. T-shirts for the softball team should be in the budget also.
The caulking for the stained-glass windows is loose and was fixed at a cost of $1485.00 to do the inside and $1275.00 to do the outside. A power of attorney was appointed for the FSA office basically for the tree windbreak. Mike Knudson and Wayne Formo were appointed to be the permanent ones. New hymnals were purchased for a cost of $17.50 each. The selling of the parsonage came up. Saron values keeping it, as it is an asset.
In 2008 it was decided to have a list of what has been given (no names) to the church treasury and put it into the newsletter. Quilting is continuing and there was a Sunday morning Bible study. A parish relations committee was discussed to serve as liaisons between the parish and pastor. Pastor Theresa Kraft would like this. Worship times would change permanently to 8:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. depending upon Baxter's meeting. Saron has communion twice a month and Baxter has it once a month. The joint council will discuss this in March. Many improvements were made to the parsonage and church. The altar area was redecorated.
Dale Lietzau has served as treasurer of the church for close to 20 years. Paul Sachariason has agreed to be the new treasurer.
The memorial committee has funds available and request a contact with the committee if there are ideas for using those funds. The WELCA is continuing with quilting and also sponsored an area family at Christmas. The parish relations committee, PPRC, established last year provides an avenue to address congregational concerns and questions of the pastor. Two people were appointed for members to bring concerns or ideas to. Baxter increased the pay for their organists to be in line with the average in our area as per Pastor Theresa. Saron did the same.
There was low turnout of Saron kids for youth activities. An adult is needed to help coordinate youth activities with Baxter. The Christmas tree setting up and taking down organization was voted to be the responsibility of the parents of Sunday School kids. A lay-led contemporary service once a month was voted to be pursued. The cable at the parsonage was disconnected, phone service downgraded, and garbage pickup suspended to cut down on expenses since the parsonage was not occupied at this time. Pastor Wold has been here for a few weeks.
In 2010 a new computer was needed. Repairs and maintenance of the parsonage and church building were done. There was about $3700.00 more spent than was collected in 2010, but it was mostly due to call committee expenses and church repairs. A term call was extended to Pastor Lori Wold. The possible sale of the parsonage was considered, but was tabled until a pastor is hired. With Pastor Willie Rosin, the office was moved from the parsonage basement to a space in Klein Bank.
At the 2011 annual meeting, the Memorial committee has $1400.00 available for use if there were suggestions. New hymns are being learned as well as trying different liturgies. Our mission funds were redirected to a different person in part due to reduced Synod funding. A brief discussion about continuing the chicken supper was held. It was decided to continue as usual. In addition to quilting and the church supper, world hunger contributions, churchwide mission support and companion synod support, local food shelf donations and noisy offering contributions, green Lake Lutheran ministries sponsorship, etc. Saron did Operation Christmas Child and Feed My Starving Children MobilePack.
A bylaw was created stating that any remaining assets (undisposed property) should this congregation cease to exist, would become property of the Cemetery Association instead of passing to the South West Minnesota Synod. The Chicken Supper will go on as usual and communion will continue being served two times a month. A Ministry review was to be conducted with review sheets being distributed to the congregation through the council. A new fence in the front of the cemetery was installed. Offering envelopes, which will last for several years, cost $585.00.
The cemetery association has a tax ID number and have written articles of incorporation. They will be filed with the secretary of state after they are signed and notarized. This was completed in 2013. Thrivent has changed the way that they do their contributions. It is an election by the Thrivent members to contribute to their church. The parsonage got repaired from water damage and also got a new oven. Luther Haven was struggling with low numbers and funding issues.
In 2012 we ventured out to try outdoor midweek summer worship services and a Youth and Family Fishing trip at Enemy Swim at NeSoDak Bible Camp. We also tried new ways of worshipping. Summer worship services were done on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays during June, July, and August. They would be different than a normal Sunday service and perhaps allow for many who are not around on Sundays during the summer to attend. The Narrative Lectionary was used. Also, another person was added to the worship committee section of the by-laws to include the pastor, organists, choir director, and one lay person.
Pastor Willie purchased a laptop and LCD projector. The Facility Use Policy was discussed. Increases in fees for non-members and wording changes were made. Those having made cemetery reservations prior to this change will be grandfathered in, but any non-member reserving a spot in the cemetery after this point will be told that there is a $500.00 burial plot fee as well as a $500.00 fee for the perpetual fund.
The chicken supper will no longer be allowed due to Minnesota Dept of Health regulations. The food is required to be made on the premises with a licensed person overseeing the whole thing. The kitchen would need to be remodeled with stainless steel counter tops and multiple sinks which is cost prohibited. A committee was formed to decide what to do.
Anyone 10 or over can be served communion. Saron decided to keep this as is, but gave Pastor Willie the right to determine if visitors who are younger may receive communion.
A type of camera for the organist to be able to see under the balcony downstairs was installed in 2012. Pastor Willie will make sure the acolyte gowns fit when he does acolyte training. Council meeting attendance has been low this year.
WELCA donated $2650.00 to agencies this year. Much of it was given for food for families in the form of gift cards to both YM and Chippewa counties. They meet monthly for Bible study. Hygiene baskets are collected each year.
In 2013 summer worship was 8:30 A.M. per Sunday alternating between the 2 churches with communion. Also, there were 2 mid-week Wednesday services per month at each church. In November of 2013 we helped pay for and pack 208,864 meals to send to hungry children at home and around the world called Feed My Starving Children MobilePack. Saron raised over $1700 for the project. $1200 was sent in and there remains an account with $571.00 for next time. The St Martin funds are relocated to Prairie 5 instead of the Catholic Church because of the safety of the person giving out the funds. There is a board for this which Saron has one person on it.
An elevator for the church has been installed and 100% funded without having to borrow money. Our sponsored missionary changed this year after the other one served in Japan for 2 years. The church pictorial directory hadn't been updated since 2001 so a committee was formed to discuss this. Saron continued the new traditions of the Youth and Family Night at the Ballgame (Stingers in Willmar) and the Youth and Family Fishing trip which involved over 50 youth and adults combined.
The Sunday school, choir and WELCA have also been active in 2013. Quilts are still being made, but there is a need for donations for thread to tie quilts. The malaria project was a success with the purchase of nets. The other projects are school kits health kits, and material for quilts. The chicken supper went on because Saron had a licensed food person and chicken was brought in with the other items being made at church. Luther Haven had a good lunch at their annual meeting and are pinched for funds, but still hanging in there. We participated in the formation of the Montevideo ELCA Confirmation Program which combines confirmation students from Baxter, Saron, Trinity, Maynard, Jevnaker, Our Savior's, and Salem into three confirmation levels and six pastors that team teach the three levels.
In 2014 the stucco on the parsonage was in bad shape. It would cost about $2,000.00 to repair and would not be long time fix so it was decided to use steel siding at a cost of $5,200.00 for Saron's share. The summer worship will be the same as last year. The constitution will be updated to be in line with the synod. The street in front of the parsonage is estimated to have an assessment of $5120 because it will be redone.
The Youth and Family Fishing Trip as well as going to the Willmar Stingers Veteran's Appreciation Night in July were enjoyed. A trip to one of the permanent packing sites for Feed My Starving Children in the Twin Cities was spent packing food for a shift and then stopping by Valleyfair on the way home.
The council meetings were well attended this year in 2014. The lift will need an inspection every year at a cost of $100.00. The chicken supper went on as the year before with the changes that had to be met. It was mentioned at the annual meeting that when Saron receives contributions from people for doing large projects/jobs and don't want payment that there should be a written thank you to them.
At the 2015 annual meeting there was a discussion about continuing the chicken supper. A committee was formed and a bake sale and silent auction was decided upon. It was held in the Montevideo Community Center in November. Pastor Willie left and we had Pastor Doris Weber for an interim before Vicar Matthew Danielson came. The constitution committee got the constitution approved by the Synod and the council is reviewing the by-laws.
Saron continued the bake sale and silent auction again in 2016. The congregation voted on the changes to the by-laws. A memorial was given to the cemetery of a flag and flag pole, a large cross, and a bench all on a cement pad. The sextons of the church were eliminated and it became the cemetery association.
Much discussion was held on the future of the parsonage. The financial aspects of selling vs. renting were presented. It was the council's recommendation that the parsonage be sold. Currently there is not a pastor living there. Vicar Matt has his own house. There were a lot of "what if" questions such as what if the next pastor needs a house, what if we need an interim pastor, etc. It was decided to sell the house and allow the joint councils to determine the sale price and work with a realtor.
Members voted for the second time on accepting a new constitution at the 2017 annual meeting. Someone will be hired to thoroughly clean the church. The west side entry door needed repairs. The bake sale and silent auction were again held in November with proceeds of $3810.40.
The nominating committee worked hard on a ballot for election of officers and had multiple selections for most offices for 2018. A housing allowance was added to the budget for the minister after he becomes ordained. Since Vicar Matt will be an ordained pastor, the church had to undergo the call process as if they were hiring a new pastor. A call committee was formed to interview Vicar Matt in February and bring their recommendation to the congregation in March for a vote. His ordination took place in May.
The memorial bench from previously was put in the cemetery in the summer of 2018. Pillow case dresses were sewn and decorated in church by Saron's men and women as a mission project. In the fall many kits were assembled for Lutheran World Relief. Shoes of any kind are being collected for Soles for Souls. During the Lenten season personal care kits were collected. Discussion was held again on the age for first communion. If a parent requested, the pastor would meet with the parents and the child to determine if the child was ready. No vote was taken because there was not enough information on what determines the criteria for "ready".
Members voted to have a Brookside Manor Board delegate. The names for the officers and committees changed. A council member will be assigned to attend meetings of another board and serve as a liaison between that meeting and the council. The Stewardship and Worship committees are called the Ministry board and a council member will also be a liaison. The steeple was shingled and sided at a cost of $16,000.00. There were $9620.00 in donations and $7400.00 came from insurance. The WELCA also donated $3000.00 to the treasury. The bake sale and silent auction were held in November.
At the 2019 annual meeting the memorial committee reported there were $905.00 in donations, but could always use more. There is a scholarship available to anyone who wants to attend college at Gustavus. Treasurer Paul Sachariason retired and Diane Sachariason was voted the new treasurer. There will no longer be a WELCA group as it has been in the past. Members have discussed this for some time and have been communicating with members in area churches. Without having a formal WELCA, involvement in projects will be by utilizing our work groups. More membership involvement is the hope. Each workgroup will be assigned a job and the leader will get it accomplished within their group. Some of the projects will be bigger and some smaller but will rotate among the groups. Some of the projects will remain the same as in the past. The Bible study will continue on the 4th Wednesday monthly and will welcome any men also.
In May Saron and Baxter were in charge of serving about 100 people at the community center for a community meal. Equipping Congregations Day was again held in Willmar. Two additional services were added during the summer. One was held as a picnic at the Wegdahl Park and the other was a picnic at Heritage Hill. The basement carpet was cleaned. The bake sale and silent auction were held in November with all prices being an even dollar amount so change was not needed. Personal care items were being collected and bought with donations and Thrivent Action team money for local school children who were in need as determined by the school social worker.
Technology was the word for 2020 with the world being in a pandemic due to Covid 19. We had church services via Zoom as well as funerals and then were allowed to meet in person with mask wearing, sanitizer using, and distancing six feet. With the help of the PPP funds from the government we were able to make our budgets. Saron was able to distribute to local schools the personal care items from the year before.
The church office located at the Old National Building on main street has a lease through August at $150.00 per month. Old National plans to vacate so a new office space will be needed. In 2020 Saron had 187 baptized members and 146 confirmed members with an average in the building worship of 26 people.
New pew cushions were bought in 2021 and the church was re-shingled. The Sunday School has a church member that volunteered to teach and take charge of the Sunday School program. A bake sale with Baxter will be at the end of October this year in the community center and again next spring. A handheld vacuum with some extra bags was purchased to replace the 6 that have collected in the furnace room. Also, a new upright vacuum with bags was donated. Our 151st Anniversary will be celebrated on October 3rd this year. Nothing special is planned for Saron, but Baxter will be having a dinner so Saron will be having the early service that day.
Reverends/Pastors who have served:
N. E. Wikre 1870 or 1871-1872 (organizer and temporary)
Edward M. Erikson 1872-1904
M. B. Erikson 1897-1904 (assistant to father)
M. B. Erikson 1904-1908
O. J. Erikson 1904-1908 (assistant to brother)
Jacob Mortenson 1908-1915
H. L. Urness 1916-1919
E. S. Eideswik 1919 or 1920-1930
B. L. Opdahl 1930-1939
E. O. Urness 1939-1943 (son of H. L. Urness)
K. S. Mickelson 1944-1947
Albert H. Holm 1948-1953
Henry B. Mathison 1953-1959 (died 3 weeks later)
Robert Esse 1960-1966
Kenneth Eliason 1966-1976
John Sandager 1976-1979
Duane A. Lokken 1980-1988
Vicki
Wayne W. Mensing 1988-1995
David Webster Oct. of 1995-Feb. of 1996
Steve Rheingans 1996-2002
Larry Gedde, Interim July 2002-Sept 2002
Roger Olness, Interim Oct. 2002-Mar 2003
F. Charles Bunk 2003-2006
Greg Hall, Interim Sept 2006-May 2007
Diane Odermann, Interim June 2007-Dec 2007
Theresa Kraft 2008-2009
Lori Wold, Interim Dec 2009-May 2010
Rob Kemppainen, Interim June 2010-July 2010
Willie Rosin 2010-2015
Doris Weber, Interim July 2015-August 2015
Matthew Danielson 2015-