History

On September 23, 1931, a meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Jahnke to consider the organization of a Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Eighteen were present.

Several meetings were held and the congregation was organized on February 5, 1932, and was called the American Lutheran Church of Long Prairie, Minnesota. The following officers were elected for the year: H. C. Jahnke, chairman of Board of Trustees; J. O. Huset, vice president; Parm Lystad, secretary; C. C. Beim, treasurer; Ole Austinson, trustee; L. J. Ramstad, trustee.

First services were held in the American Legion Hall on February 21, 1932, with Rev. J. W. Johnshoy of Moorehead as acting pastor. Rev. Johnshoy served until Pastor Oscar Galstad was called as regular pastor of the American Lutheran and Osakis Lutheran Churches. The first regular meeting place was the Odd Fellows Hall.

In September, 1934, we severed with Osakis and later in the year Pastor M. O. Kraabel was called to serve our church and Our Saviors in Clarissa.

In 1936 a big step was taken when it was decided to purchase and remodel the village hall to be used as our church home. We were here until 1944, when we purchased the Presbyterian Church and parsonage. Later the parsonage was sold and our present parsonage was purchased.

Pastors who have served this congregation are O. J. Ramstad, 1932-1934; M. O. Kraabel, 1934-1937; Daniel Halvorson, 1938-1947; Wallace Asper, 1947-1950; G. I. Rasmussen, 1950-1954; E. H. Lyso, 1954.

In the interim before Pastor Halvorson arrived to take over the work, Pastor J. M. Langemo served as supply pastor.

Two displaced families were sponsored by our congregation in 1949 and 1951, and homes and supplies were ready upon their arrival.

In 1954 the church decided to become a separate congregation and to support it's own pastor.

There have been a number of significant developments in the life of our congregation during the recent years under the direction of Pastor Lyso. In 1956 two services have been conducted each Sunday morning. P.T.R. mission has been carried on each fall since 1955. Evangelism and Stewardship have been stressed.

The following are the present officers: Roy Wilk, president; Kenneth Fehrman, vice president; Melvin Bergh, secretary; R. A. Schroeder, treasurer; A. L. Stigen, financial secretary; Trustees -- Al Dahlman, Donald Zinter and Charles Robertson; Deacons -- Paul Groethe, Richard Sommers, Jerry Goplen, Gaylan Larson and Robert Thompson.

Now as we approach our 25th Anniversary we have reason to say with the Psalmist; "Praise the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endureth forever." Psalms 107-1.

The American Lutheran Guild was organized on April 21, 1932. The first officers were: Mrs. C. C. Beim, president; Mrs. H. C. Jahnke, vice-president; Mrs. 0. Austinson, secretary; and Mrs. C. A. Dahlman, treasurer. Charter members were:

Mrs. 0. Austinson	Mrs. H. C. Jahnke
Mrs. C. C. Beim	Mrs. Parm Lystad
Mrs. 0. B. Bye	Mrs. R. A. Perkins
Mrs. C. A. Dahlman	Mrs. P. J. Peterson
Mrs. C. M. Farnberg	Mrs. L. J. Ramstad
Mrs. C. D. Haukland	Mrs. H. K. Robinson
Mrs. Carl Hinricks	Mrs. L. K. VanValkenburg
Mrs. J. 0. Huset	Mrs. 0. E. Wahl

    Guild meetings were held at the homes on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month Fund raising was a necessary and important objective. This was done through food sales, suppers, serving at the County Fair, fall bazaars and dinners, rummage sales etc. In 1939, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Clayton Johnson, the first Smorgasbord was served. This became an annual event for many years. Through their efforts they were able to pay off a church debt of $1200.00 as well as helping to support the church budget. In 1936 the old City Hall was purchased to serve as a place of worship, and the second floor was remodeled for a dining room and kitchen.

Events of significance which took place during the ensuing years were:
*Remodeling the church basement and chancel of our present building 1947-48.
*Purchase of a Baldwin Electronic Organ in 1950.
*Remodeling of kitchen and redecorating the parsonage in 1954.
*Preparing for and welcoming two displaced persons families in 1949 & 1951.

    In spite of the emphasis on fund raising, the Guild showed a growth spiritually in its determined efforts to keep the church alive and growing. Gradually the programs became longer and members more aware of the real meaning of the W.M.F. Recommended departments such as Cradle Roll, In Memoriam etc. were created. Life Membership pins have been presented since 1950. Donations to missions and the various departments of the E.L.C. have increased steadily.

    Membership in 1957 was 61, three of whom were charter members. A Bible study group was organized in 1957 within the W.M.F. to meet once a month in addition to regular meetings.

The Brotherhood of the American Lutheran has had its ups and downs throughout the years.

The first attempt to organize was during Rev. Halvorson's tenure as pastor, or sometime between 1938 and 1940. Several meetings were held at that time, including a Father and Son banquet and a "Gubba Fest" or men's party, to which a number of guests from all the other churches in town attended.

From 1940 until November 14, 1949, the Brotherhood was quite dormant. We re-organized while Rev. Wallace Asper served as pastor. A number of meetings were held. Attendance was limited to a few enthusiastic members. The Brotherhood again fell dormant until 1952.

The Brotherhood was re-organized again together with Our Saviors Lutheran Church at Clarissa and Zion Lutheran of Little Elk as a Parish Brotherhood and was called the A.O.Z. Lutheran Brotherhood.

Charles E. Johnson from the national office in Minneapolis was the guest speaker at the organizational meeting. This organization continued to function until January of 1954, when American Lutheran congregation voted to go independent. Rev. Eldon Lyso was called and installed as pastor that year.

In 1955 a number of meetings and socials were held. Members of the three-parish executive committee carried on and served in the same capacity during the remainder of 1955 and 1956.

During these times men of our church have held offices in the circuit level, attending circuit meetings and working in that capacity.

Our present officers are: Paul Grothje, president; Robert Axum, vice president; Burton Kvernevig, secretary; Donald Millard, treasurer; Harold Clementson, circuit vice president.

A number of projects have been adopted and are now in progress. We are working and praying for the future that our Brotherhood will develop into a real and powerful organization to bring men to Christ and Christ to men.

The new congregation of the American Lutheran Church was aware of the needs of the children, and on September 18, 1932, the first meeting of the Sunday School was held, with Mrs. L. J. Ramstad as superintendent. The enrollment was 42.

The first teachers were Mrs. Carl Farnberg, Miss Inez Hendricks, Alfred Haukland, Mrs. R. A. Perkins and Mrs. Ramstad.

During the years that followed, enrollment increased and equipment and supplies were added. Mrs. Ramstad worked faithfully, going beyond the line of duty many times.

In 1984 Mrs. Perkins became superintendent, followed by Dr. A. Erickson. The present superintendent is Mrs. Phil Bergh.

The enrollment for 1957 was 113 and space for classes is a real problem. Many faithful workers could be enumerated, among them Mrs. Clarence Olson, Mrs. Alfred Strieck and Mrs. Harold Clementson, who have each served more than ten consecutive years.

In addition to the Sunday School, a Vacation Bible School is held each summer for two weeks. The past year the enrollment was over 100 pupils and 12 teachers.

May God bless the work of our Sunday School and may our young remain true to their Savior and serve in the work He has intended for them.

Among the many activities of American Lutheran Church, it is proper to devote some space in this historical souvenir to the work of the Luther League. In earlier days of the congregation an organization called the L.D.R. (Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation) was active. Later it was dropped and the Luther League was formed. The first meetings were held with Rev. Halverson but due to is failing health, a definite League program was not affected. In 1948 Pastor Wallace Asper led in reorganizing the group.

The first officers were elected in 1949. Patricia Perkins, president; Evelyn Stigen, vice president; Robert Hysell, secretary; Bradley Bennett, treasurer. Advisors were Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Reynolds and Miss Ruth Lehmann.

At present the Luther League meets on alternate Sunday evenings. The program consists of hymn singing, Devotions, topic and discussion, business meeting and closing prayer. Usually there is lunch and games at the close of the meeting.

Those who have been members of the Luther League have derived much in spiritual growth. Ever mindful of the Lord's exhortation "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6) The League's aim is to win youth for Christ. Through study of His Word they develop into fine Christian men and women.

A great joy to many Leaguers was the trip to San Francisco to the National Convention of the Luther League in 1955. Our youth found it thrilling beyond words to assemble with thousands of other Leaguers with the same convictions and confess their faith to the nation.

The League officers for 1957 are: John Mosby, president; David Olson, vice president; Susan Robertson, secretary; Janet Hulin, treasurer; Connie Bergh, Pocket Testament League secretary.

God has blessed the efforts put forth and we pray He may continue the Luther League organization.

The first efforts to organize a choir was under the direction of Mrs. Daniel Halvorson in 1938. Candlelight service during the Christmas seasons were given.

Ten years later, in 1948, with the encouragement of Pastor Wallace Asper, the choir participated regularly in the worship service. Under the direction of Mrs. Gordon Rasmussen the choir continued to meet every Wednesday evening for rehearsal and Christmas Candlelight programs were resumed.

A Junior Choir was started in 1950 under the direction of Mrs. A. Erickson, and sing, whenever possible, at the early worship service.

50th Anniversay
1932 - 1982
American Lutheran Church
A Love Challenge
To God Be The Glory
Psalms 115:1

This 50th Anniversary booklet is dedicated to:
The Members who cared
The Members who shared
The Pastors who served
And the Faith that endured.

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God...Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:1, 2, 21.

This is a time of celebration. It is the celebration of 50 years of life in Christ as American Lutheran Church, Long Prairie, Minnesota. This is also a time of remembering. There are memories of faithful people who gave of the time, abilities prayers and finances to bring the dream for a congregation into being. That dream has not faltered. It has not faded away into nothingness. It continues to burn brightly in the hears of the men, women, young people and children who currently make up this congregation. The dream came from the heart of God and it is nurtured by God to this day.

This is a celebration for all who attended our 50th Anniversary festivities. It is a time of new commitment, too. We have established goals that commit us to reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ to the people of the community and the world who do not yet know the forgiving love of Christ. In this reaching out we are "imitators of God". He reached out to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. In this reaching out we are "walking in love", the same love which brought us to know and love God, Christ's love.

We do not look at our past accomplishments with pride. We look at them with gratitude to our Heavenly Father who has kept His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. We look to our future with the same sense of gratitude. We know that even as God was with us with His blessing in those bygone days, He will be with us as we continue to imitate His love and thereby bring others into the new life in Christ, nurturing them, loving them and enabling them to move out into God's world as his servants proclaiming His love by their words and deeds.

It is my prayer "that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" Philipians 1:9-11.

1931 - A meeting of eighteen people interested in possibly organizing a Lutheran church was held. It would be affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church synod. After many meetings, a decision was made to organized.

1932 - On February third the American Lutheran Church of Long Prairie was organized with Rev. J.W. Johnshoy of Moorhead as acting pastor. He served until the calling of Pastor Oscar Galstad of Osakis, who then served both parishs. This same year, a Sunday School of 42 students was organized, Mrs. L.J. Ramstad, superintendent, and a Woman's Guild was formed.

1934 - Connections were severed with Osakis. We had a very rough time financially and almost decided to give up, but were encouraged by a district officer. We were made a mission church. Pastor M.O. Kraabel was called to serve us and Clarissa. During this time worship serves were held in the Odd Fellows Hall, Now Michael's Hall.

1936 - We purchased and remodeled the old Village or Fire Hall, now the Senior Citizens Center. The pews, pulpit, baptismal font, altar, and communion rail were hand made by a local carpenter, Arthur Bliese. Many of these were paid for by individuals.

1937 - Pastor Kraabel was called to serve Canby. Pastor Joseph Langemo served as interim pastor.

1938 - Pastor Daniel Halvorson was called to serve Clarissa and us. We purchased the Presbyterian church and parsonage, which was then sold because Clarissa owned a parsonage. The church is now the Assembly of God Church.

1946 - We remodeled our facilities. The building was put up on blocks to construct a basement. After finishing their regular jobs, the men came to work at the site. It was hard work. As it grew dark, the women of the church arrived with food and coffee. It made long days, but it was a project of cooperation, joy and companionship. As a charter member stated, "Everyone had to be dedicated, because everyone was needed."

1947 - Pastor Halvorson resigned because of ill health. Pastor Wallace Asper was called. We purchased a parsonage at 321 Second Avenue North.

1950 - Pastor Asper resigned to accept a call to Trinity Church, New York. Pastor Gordon Rasmussen accepted our call.

1954 - Pastor Rassmussen resigned to go to Jasper, MN. Pastor Eldon H. Lyso accepted our call. The church continued to grow in numbers, finances, and in faith.

1957 - Our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary. For months people worked on the plans creating a feeling of fellowship and thankfulness. Dr A.E. Hanson of the District office gave the sermon at the 9 o'clock worship service; Pastor Wallace Asper, at the 10:30. Others bringing messages were former pastors Kraabel and Rasmussen. Pastors Johnshoy and Melby brought greetings.

1950's - The Building Program. By the mid-50's we were outgrowing our facilities, especially the Sunday School, which in 1957 had an enrollment of just over 100. Parking and seating space were limited. We purchased the Ford garage next door with a view to using that lot after tearing down that building. A church architect and a consultant suggested building instead. A site was searched for and preliminary drawings made. The consultant from church headquarters conducted an every member visit to obtain pledges for a three year period. From that campaign he felt we had the potential for a hundred thousand dollar facility. From the first architect's drawing contract bids exceeded the dollar limit. Changes, such as eliminating the basement, brought the bid to $98,500. The congregation authorized the church council and the building committee to begin negotiations with the building contractor. Because we had no building fund from which to draw, we had trouble financially. Lutheran Brotherhood would loan us only $50,000 - we needed $75,000. The building committee personally obligated themselves for a $30,000 loan from First National Bank. A childhood friend of Phil and Leona Bergh, who was from Alexandria Federal Savings and Loan, negotiated a loan for $50,000 for a five year period, after which time we were refinanced by Lutheran Brotherhood.

1959 - April 12, Service of Blessing of the Church Site and Groundbreaking for the Church and Education Building. Dr A.E. Hanson represented the district office.
September 20, Morning Worship and Cornerstone Laying Service. Pastor Clarence Solberg from the Home Mission Department of the ELC gave the sermon. The cornerstone box, containing a Bible, a copy of the Augsburg Confession, a history of the congregation, a booklet and plans for expansion, and newspaper containing stories of groundbreaking and cornerstone laying, was put into place. The date 1959 is imprinted on the column to the left of the double door entrance.

1960 - April 3, Service of Leaving the Old Structure and Walking to the New. Pastor Lyso and Dr. Hanson led the walk through the lovely spring day. They were followed by the council members and the congregation. We were filled with memories, thoughts of the Lord's continued blessings and faith in His constant leading.
April 10, Service of Dedication. Nine pastors from the surrounding area read scripture passages. Dr. Hanson gave the dedication sermon.

1966 - Pastor Lyso accepted a call to Washington. Pastor Marshall D. Moen was installed. He taught the Bethel Bible Training Course, a two year course.

1967 - Interim pastors served us, mainly Richard Holy and Edwin Silrum. We appreciated all of them and their work among us, as well as that of our laymen. It was a time of blessed cohesiveness.

1970 - A Rueter pipe organ was installed in the church sanctuary. It have been provided for through the will of Anne Linderud. The radio broadcasts of worship services were begun over KEYL.

1971 - The parsonage at 321 Second Avenue North was sold and a newer house at 905 First Avenue SE was purchased for a parsonage.

1976 - The missionary sponsorship program was begun with Dale Smith family in Ecuador through the World Mission Prayer League. Fair Stand proceeds were designated for youth work, with an emphasis on Bible camping. Pastor Dennis helped organize the first central Minnesota Holy Spirit Conference held in Alexandria.

1977 - The parsonage at 905 First Avenue SE was sold and the pastor was given a housing allowance instead. November 6, a commissioning service for Dr. Paul and Lois Thompson was held. They were sent to serve the mission field in Bolivia.

1978 - The annual Advent Festival was initiated for the purpose of preparing the church for the Christmas season, as well as to enjoy family fellowship.

1980 - Thompsons returned from the mission field at Bolivia. We began sponsoring Robin and Steven Grames of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. They serve in Columbia, South America. Seventh and eighth grade confirmation students are trained to serve as acolytes for our worship services.

1981 - Jerry Webster entered Luther Theological Seminary to study for the ministry.

1982 - Commissioning Service for Mark and Sharilyn Walters as missionaries to Madagascar.. Pastor Dennis resigned to accept a call to University Lutheran Church, Long Beach, California. His last service was Easter Sunday, April 11th.

1983 - A building committee was formed. Proposed expansion and improvements not to exceed $300,000. John and JoAnn Toso commissioned as missionaries to Madagascar for three year term.

1985 - Building improvements began to include new office spaces, bathroom facilities and a large fellowship hall.

1986 - Pastor Andrew Hanson called to serve as part time Visitation Pastor. New building facilities were finished and dedicated.

1987 - New Fair Stand constructed at the Todd County Fairgrounds in support of our annual Food Stand operations.

1989 - A part time Youth Minister was added. David Jordahl was hired to fill the position.

1993 - Major repairs, renovations and improvements were undertaken to the facilities. A new digital piano was added to enhance the musical worship ministry.

1996 - Wednesday night Family suppers with devotions were started to precede normal Wednesday night church activities.

1998 - A Praise & Worship team was formed to enhance contemporary worship service.

1999 - Expanded parking facilities were accomplished. A Youth and Family Coordinator position was established. Lay person Len Andersen was hired part time to fill this position.

2001 - ALC congregation joined the Word Alone Network. Pastor Sorenson accepted a call to Salem Lutheran in St Cloud, MN. Pastor Douglas Larson called to serve as interim. Several major improvements to the facilities were accomplished.