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A Brief History of Our Savior's
(Copied from the booklet written for the anniversary in 1985)
Early Lutheran settlers in the Viborg area were not long in establishing a church. As early as 1875 a congregation had built a church west of Viborg, but doctrinal differences, aggravated by unyielding personalities, led to a division in the congregation, so it was not until the fall of 1910 that the foundation was laid for Our Savior's Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Dakota. The church is located on the highest spot in Viborg and is the only church with a steeple in Viborg. The beautiful hand carved altar and pulpit were the work of Jess Smith of West Denmark, Wisconsin. An early account reads "Beautiful lies the little church on the highest point in the city, with its spires pointing men to heaven. And inside, it is home-like and warm, inviting the soul of man to worship. "
At the time the church was built, Rev. R. J. Kristensen was pastor. He was a very active and sincere worker, and had followed in the footsteps of Rev. L.
Henningsen. Rev. Henningsen had been instrumental in the organization of the congregation, and during his stay, services were held in homes, in the Woodmen Hall and in the Methodist Church. It was during Kristensen's time that a parsonage was built with enough land for a church. Not only a parsonage and church were built but also barns for the parishioners' horses.
The following July, a Ladies Aid with 40 members was organized and much church activity was recorded. District Meetings, Young Peoples Meetings, a Community Festival at the Goodhope farm mentions an attendance of 1200 people. Rev. Kristensen's farewell sermon was preached on June 10th of 1917. Following his departure, another Kristensen
(Evold) took his place. Since his former work had been in the Donabod Folk School in Tyler, Minnesota, he conducted a Danish Summer School for the children. His pastorate continued until 1921. It was during this time that the Gym Hall (Parish Hall) was bought from the Baptist congregation. This building was moved from southeast of Viborg.
The next pastor to serve was Rev. J J. Lerager. He too, was a dedicated man who spent the next seven years at Viborg. One of his children died in infancy and is buried in Rosehill Cemetery.
In 1929 Carl Rasmussen accepted the call to Viborg. He served for the next two years. He was an energetic, well-liked man. The congregation was disappointed that he did not stay longer. During his time the Trinity Church at Rural Gayville became a part of the call, a fortunate arrangement for both congregations. Rev. Rasmussen moved to California in 1932 where he lived until his death at a very young age.
In June of 1932, following his ordination and marriage, Rev. Harris Jespersen and his bride come to Viborg where they were to serve for the next twelve years. During this time the painful transition was made from the Danish to the English language in the work of the church. This young enthusiastic pair breathed new life into the church. The "Dirty Thirties", the terrible depression had settled on the land., but in spite of financial hardship, the congregation held strong. Their work with the young people of the community was outstanding, due in part to Christensa's musical talent, which she gladly shared. The Young People League filled the need for many in the congregation, as well as the choir, and folk dancing. Through her efforts, the "World Of Song" was published. For many years a rural church at Howard, South Dakota had been served on a once a month schedule, this was discontinued. In spite of the hard times, many pleasurable things came to pass and it was with a real sense of loss that we bade them good-bye.
Pastor Holger Andersen accepted the Viborg call in June of 1944 and was married a short time later. He served for the following three years. It was during this time that the Senior League was begun. This was a fellowship of young married people in the congregation. It flourished for several years and was the source of many lasting friendships. Rev. Andersen and his family moved to Wilbur, Washington.
In July of 1948 Rev. Harald Ibsen accepted the call to Viborg. The old parsonage was sold and the present dwelling was built. Many improvements were made on the Parish Hall also. In February of 1949 the electric organ was given to the church by members of the Ibsen family, in memory of the parents who were staunch supporters of the early church. Church records also noted the gift of candelabra in tribute to other pioneers which might be of interest to the readers, listed as follows: Mr. and Mrs. P.C. Madsen, Mr. and Mrs. Erik Knudsen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans C. Hansen, Mr. and Mrs. Soren Andersen, Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Christoffersen, Mr. and Mrs. J P. Danielsen, Mr. and Mrs. Severin Rix, Mr. and Mrs. Peder Buck, Mr. and Mrs. Hans P. Smith and H. P.
Danielsen. Shortly after celebrating their Silver Wedding, the Ibsens accepted a call to Marquette, NE. Twelve good years had passed.
When Rev. Thorvald Hansen came in March of 1961 from Cozad, Nebraska with his wife Johanna and three little girls, new enthusiasm came with them and once more our church home was complete. Eight months later 15 young people were confirmed. Our Savior's Lutheran (a part of The American Evangelical Lutheran Church) merged with Augustana Finnish, and United Lutheran and became known as the Lutheran Church in America.
This was also a time of change for the SLS, which became known as Our Savior's Lutheran Church Women. Regardless of title, the group continued in its work for the church. We are especially indebted to Rev. Hansen for introduction of the "Committee of the Month" plan, which is still in use, a very worthwhile plan involving participation of all church members in the activity of the church. Having acquired his M.A. Degree in Government from the University of South Dakota, Rev. Hansen accepted a teaching position at Grandview College in Des Moines Iowa. We regretted his leaving the active ministry.
Rev. Paul Petersen accepted the call in December of 1965. Shortly after the New Year, volunteers removed the decorative tin from the walls and ceiling of the church. A month latter, the paneling was completed and services were again held in the church. Paul was also an enthusiastic part of the community. In a short time, the Ministerial Association had erected signs welcoming people to the Viborg churches. Annie Morck was honored for 15 years of faithful service in the Sunday School. Senior Citizens were invited to the Gym Hall on Tuesday afternoon, a Parish Directory was published and, to the satisfaction of older members, an occasional Danish service was held. Seven years quickly passed. Rev. Petersen accepted a call to Elbow Lake, Minnesota.
In January 1973, Rev. Donald Love accepted our call, coming from Wisconsin with his wife and twin babies, George and Elizabeth. Although he was not Danish, he had an intense interest in the teachings of Grundtvig and encouraged the congregation to appreciate their Danish heritage. He especially enjoyed working with the young and elderly and spent countless hours in the homes of shut-ins. The death of their infant son Clark, drew all of us closer together. The Loves spent six years in Viborg before moving to Cole Camp, MO.
In late February of 1979, Rev. Charles Lindgren came to serve from Roseau, MN and was joined by his wife, Marge, and thier family at the close of the school year, and he is our pastor at this time. We feel especially fortunate to have these two talented people in our midst. During this time, we have been privileged to help in the support of the Swansons who are missionaries in Taiwan. Thanks to the
Lindgrens, our young people have been actively involved in our worship services and many people have shared their talent with special music. The Ministerial Association has been stimulated as has the community at large through the Lindgren's participation and many good things are being accomplished.
Two young men from Our Savior's Lutheran Church, namely, Ronald Jespersen and Ralph Andersen have become ordained ministers. Ronald is the son of Nels and Ludivikka Jespersen and Ralph is the son of Dwight and Lillie Andersen.
Over the years, we have been blessed with many capable organists in our church, including Nina Rasmussen, who had also directed the choir for thirty years before retiring.
With our dwindling farm and small town population comes the need to stimulate interest and enthusiasm in our churches and community, for their untiring efforts we thank Church and Marge.
And so, in the words of Thorvald Hansen, we conclude this account. "During these years, some trying and difficult, the Gospel was preached, souls were nourished, and the church fulfilled its mission in many and various ways." |
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