USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 110
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Whitehall Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1870 to 1887 as above.) Whitehall Norwegian Synod, 1887 (1870-1887). Organ- ized 1887 (June 14, 1870). 246 souls in 1889, 262 in 1914 (12 Swedes). Pas- tors: N. E. S. Jensen, 1870-1871; S. Svennungsen, 1871; L. O. Sherven, 1871-76; E. Christopherson, 1876-1904; O. K. Ramberg, 1904-12; E. B. Christopherson, 1912. Officials in 1915: b, O. C. Hanson; c, G. F. Steig ; e, John Iverson, H. Hagen, Albert Bringsosen, P. C. Pederson; f, H. Samuel- stad, John Olson, J. Ellertson, P. P. Dahl; h, Mrs. Gilbert Rice. Church 1, $125. Church 2, 1892, $6,500. Parsonage, $3,500. Cemetery, one acre, $20. Three Ladies' Aid Societies, 1896, $32,000. Young Peoples' League, 1896, $350. Choir, 1904. Pastor's salary, $300 (1914), $9,850 (1870-1914). Janitor, etc., $7,000 (1870-1914). Parochial school, $3,500 (1870-1914). Denominational schools, $2,700 (1870-1914). Missions, $3,100 (1870-1914). Charitable institutions, $2,400 (1870-1914). "Konstitution," 1888; "Kirke- tidende," 1893, 759. E. B. Christopherson (2262-677).
Hauges Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Whitehall (eight miles east). Hauges Synod, 1887-93. Organized 1887. Dissolved 1893. 58 soul in 1889; 47 in 1891. Pastors: A. O. Oppegaard, 1887-89; Th. Himle, 1889- 93 (3406-678).
Immanuel Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Whitehall. Indepen- dent (Fk), 1899-1908; United Church, 1908. Organized 1899. 46 souls in 1899; 190 in 1914. Pastor: A. J. Orke, 1899. Officials in 1899: b, E. Berg; c, Peter Nilsen ; d, John Vold; e, E. B. Guland, John Schansberg; f, E. Berg. In 1915: b, Lewis Schansberg; d, Ludwig Solsrud; e, Olaus Galstad, Erik Baalrud, Peter Ekern; h, P. K. Risberg. Church, 1901, $5,200. Ladies' Aid Society, 1888, $2,214. Choir, 1907. Pastor's salary, $50 (1899), $175 (1914), $1,375 (1899-1914). Janitor, etc., $6,000 (1899- 1914). Parochial school, $1,100 (1899-1914). Denominational schools, $600 (1899-1914). Missions, $800 (1899-1914). Charitable institutions, $200 (1899-1914). "Konstitution," 1899. A. J. Orke (892-680).
Our Saviour's Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Whitehall (eight miles east). Antimissouri, 1887-90. United Church, 1890-91. Organized 1887. Dissolved 1891. Reorganized 1899 (Immanuel-Fk). Pastor: A. Ronnerberg, 1887-90 (3405-679).
Elk Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Hale. Norwegian Synod, 1870. Organized 1870. Divided 1911 on account of the Pleasantville people desiring a congregation of their own. (Pleasantville Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.) 170 souls in 1876, 299 in 1910. Pastors: E. P. Jensen, 1871-73; Em. Christophersen, 1873-80;
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
H. Heyer, 1880-99; P. Toft, 1899-1908; S. Folkestad, 1909. Three Ladies' Aid Societies. Young Peoples' League. Church 1, 1892. Church 2, 1915, $7,000. S. Folkestad (2715-681).
Pleasantville Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. From 1870 to 1911 a part of Elk Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congre- gation. Whitehall (seven miles north). Independent (Ns), 1911. Organ- ized 1911. 84 souls in 1911. Pastors: S. Folkestad, 1911. Officials in 1911: b, C. T. Hulberg; c, C. T. Hulberg; e, Lars Swaim, Chaly Gilbertsen, T. H. Hauge; f, Ole O. Hovre ; h, T. H. Hauge. In 1915: b, C. T. Hulberg; c, C. T. Hulberg; e, Lars Swaim, Chaly Gilbertsen, William Gjestvang; f, Ole O. Hovre; h, Gilbert Hulberg. Pastor's salary, $50 (1911), $50 (1914). $200 (1911-14). Church. 1911, $4,000. S. Folkestad (2714-682).
Elk Creek Valley Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Osseo (three miles south). Hauges Synod, 1872. Organized 1872. 50 souls in 1872, 140 in 1914. Pastors: P. J. Solberg, 1872-74 ; S. Berntson, 1874-78; A. O. Oppegaard, 1878-88; H. Hjertaas, 1888-89; Th. Himle, 1889-94; O. H. Elstad, 1894-1906; J. C. Hjelmervik, 1906. Officials in 1872: a, Andrias Prestegaarden; b, Anton Larson; d, Andrias Prestegaarden, Anders Larson, Hans Bagstad; e. A. H. Lewis, S. P. Solberg. In 1915: a, H. H. Lewis ; b, A. N. Freng ; c, J. H. Call; d, H. H. Lewis, Sam Gunderson, John Prestegaarden; e, Anton Amundson, John Vold, Albert Ihle; f, H. H. Lewis; h, Sam Gunderson. Church, 1892, $1,400. Cemetery, two acres, $65. Ladies' Aid Society, 1885. Young Peoples' League, 1895. Girls' Club, 1900. Choir, 1895. Pastor's salary, $70 (1872), $200 (1914). J. C. Hjelmervik (186-683).
Mauls Valley Congregation. Osseo (?). Hauges Synod, 1889 (?). Organized 1889 (?). Dissolved 1906 (?). 36 souls in 1889, 42 in 1900. Pastors: H. Hjertaas, 1885-94; O. H. Elstad, 1894-06. Church (3413-684).
Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Osseo. Hauges Synod, 1893. Organized 1893. 79 souls in 1897, 142 in 1914. Pastors: Th. Himle, 1893-94 ; O. H. Elstad, 1894-1906; J. C. Hjelmervik, 1907. Officials in 1893: a, H. F. Larson; b, J. J. Aasgaard; d, Knudt Robeson, H. F. Larson ; e, O. Blexrud, Knudt Robeson, M. Johnson. In 1915: b, C. L. Ihle; c, O. Waller ; d. J. N. Lee, C. H. Larson, A. L. Erikson ; e. J. N. Lee, Even Torpen, Ludvig Anderson; f, J. N. Lee; h, John Carson, Torger Stenson. Church, 1894, $4,000. Ladies' Aid Society, 1892. Young Peoples' League. Two Girls' Clubs. Choir. Avholdsfor. Pastor's salary, $300 (1914). J. C. Hjelmervik (187-685).
West Beef River Congregation. Strum (one and one-half miles east). Norwegian Synod, 1872-87. Organized 1872. Divided in 1887 on doctrinal grounds. (Strum Congregation-Am; Strum Congregation-Ns). 368 souls in 1874, 350 in 1885. Pastors: O. Waldeland, 1868-71; E. Jensen, 1871-73; L. O. Sherven, 1873-76; I. L. P. Dietrichson, 1876-79 ; F. A. Moller, 1880-81; H. A. Hyer, 1881-99. Church, 1885 (3402-686).
Strum Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1872 to 1887 a part of West Beef River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Con- gregation.) Strum. Independent (Ns). 1887-1900; Norwegian Synod, 1900. Organized 1887 (1872). Divided 1887. 329 souls in 1889, 369 in
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
1911. Pastors: O. Waldeland, 1868-71; E. P. Jensen, 1871-73; L. O. Sher- ven, 1873-76; I. L. P. Dietrichson, 1876-79; F. A. Moller, 1879-80; H. A. Hyer, 1880-99; P. A. Toft, 1899-1908; D. Kvaase, 1908-09; S. Fokestad, 1909. Officials in 1915: b, Even Holte ; c, C. O. Dahl; f, Lars Moe ; h, Olaf Dahl. Four Ladies' Aid Societies. Young Peoples' League. Girls' Club. Church 1, 1885. Church 2, 1915, $15,000. Parsonage, 1908, $2,200. S. Folkestad (2716-687).
Strum Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1872 to 1887 a part of West Beef River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran.) Strum. Antimissouri, 1887-90. Organized 1887. Dissolved 1890 to merge with Conference Congregation (St. Paul's). 50 souls in 1887. Pastor: A. Ronnerberg, 1887-90 (3403-688).
St. Paul's Congregation. Strum. Conference, 1877-90. United Church, 1890. Organized Feb. 23, 1877. 128 souls in 1877, 714 in 1914 (eight French-Norwegian). Pastors: G. Hoyme, 1877-78; C. J. Helsem, 1878-1914; O. J. Hylland, 1914. Officials in 1877: b, E. Evensen; c, O. J. Romundstad; d, Erik O. Holden, Berger Semingsen, C. Svendby ; e, Ole J. Romundstad; E. Evensen, Andrew Call; f, Esten Johnsen. In 1915: b. Sivert Rekstad; c, Ole P. Berg; d, Ole Halvorsen, Christ. Amundsen, Otto Skaug ; Anders J. Romundstad, Sivert Rekstad ; e, Ole Thomasgaard, Gilbert Dahl, Hans E. Hanson, Christian Dahlby, Arne Hageness, Martin Stuberg, Daniel Anders, Matias Semingson, Paul Eide; f, Ole Halvorsen. Pastor's salary, $100 (1877), $400 (1914), $11,100 (1877-1914). Janitor, $2,060. Church, 1915, $4,500. Parsonage 1 (Helsem's). Parsonage 2, congrega- tion's). Cemetery, two acres. "Menighetshistorie," (1916, Sivert Rekstad. O. J. Hylland (1987-689).
Bruce Valley Congregation. Whitehall (10 miles northwest). Nor- wegian Synod, 1888. Organized 1888. 99 souls in 1888, 99 in 1914. Pas- tors: H. A. Hyer, 1888-99; P. A. Toft, 1900-08; O. K. Ramberg, 1909; S. Folkestad, 1909. Officials in 1915: b, Ole Bergsland; c, Erik Hagen ; e, Ole Bergsland, Knudt Johnsen, Ole Bergersen; f, Ole Bergsland. Church, 1911, $4,000. Schoolhouse 1, 1870. Schoolhouse 2, 1891. S. Folkestad (2713-690).
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1857 to 1879 was part of Trempealeau Valley.) Blair. Norwegian Synod, 1879-89. Organized 1879 (1857). Divided 1889 on doctrinal grounds (Blair-Am; The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod Ns). 496 souls in 1886, 496 in 1889. Pastors: H. A. Stub, 1857-60; P. L. Larson, 1860-61; J. B. Frich, 1861-66; O. Waldeland, 1866-69 ; E. Jensen, 1870-73; A. O. Alfsen, 1871-73; A. L. Lobben, 1875-78; B. Hovde, 1878-93; S. S. Urberg, 1893. Officials: a, Stener Hansen; b, C. A. Berg; c, Gullik Olson; d, Ole Helgeson, Martin Hansen, Anders Wraalstad; e, Mattis Mattison; h. Matt. Skyrud. Pas- tor's salary, $167 (1879). "Kirketidende," 1877, 587. Church, 1877, $6,000 (3388-691).
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod Congregation of Blair. (From 1857 to 1879 a part of Trempealeau Valley; from 1879 to 1889 a part of The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Blair. Blair. Norwegian Synod, 1889 (1857). Organized 1889 (Nov. 3, 1879, 1857). 133
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
souls in 1889, 350 in 1914. Pastors: B. Hovde, 1879-93; S. S. Urberg, 1893. Officials in 1915: a, Ole Malmin ; b, Olaus O. Mitskogen ; c, C. O. Grinde ; d, Emil Hanson, S. G. Ness, A. M. Mesundstad; e, Ole Malmin, Otto J. Berg, Peder O. Urlien. Church 1, 1877, $6,000. Church 2, 1895, $2,000. Church 3, 1899, $12,000. Parsonage 1, 1866. Parsonage 2, 1903, $5,000. Cemetery, two acres, $200. Land six and one-half acres, $500. Ladies' Aid Society, 1895, $2,000. Pastor's salary, $333 (1914). "Konstitution," 1876; "Kirke- tidende," 1877, 587; 1895, 631; 1900, 617; 1903, 1053. S. S. Urberg (1330- 692).
Blair Congregation. (Corness. From 1857 to 1870 a part of Trem- pealeau Valley.) Blair. Conference, 1870-90. Organized 1870. Dissolved 1890 in order to organize a new congregation together with the Antimissou- rians of Blair. 141 souls in 1876, 183 in 1887. Pastors: A. Weenaas, 1870- 73; E. H. Midtbo, 1873-81; N. Heierman, 1881-84; O. H. Stenson, 1884-88. Church (3391-693).
Blair Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. (From 1857 to 1879 a part of Trempealeau Valley; from 1879 to 1889 a part of The Nor- wegian Evangelical Lutheran in Blair.) Blair. Antimissouri, 1889-90. Organized 1889. Dissolved 1890 in order to organize a new congregation together with Blair of the Conference (Blair-Fk). Pastor: O. Waldeland, 1890 (3389-694).
The Norwegian Evangelical Congregation of Blair. (Merger of Blair of the Antimissourians, 1889-90, and Blair of the Conference, 1870-90.) Blair. United Church, 1890. Organized 1890 (Jan. 15, 1881). 678 souls in 1891, 811 in 1914. Pastors: O. Waldeland, 1890-94; O. Gulbrandson, 1894-1914; A. J. Boe, 1914. Officials in 1915: a, Peter Overby ; b, Edwin T. Mattison; c, Peter T. Herreid; e, Ebert Everson, John Pederson, A. O. Dahle. Ladies' Aid Society. Young Peoples' League. Choir. Pastor's salary, $375 (1914). "Konstitution," 1881. Church 1, 1877, $6,000. Church 2, 1907, $19,000. Parsonage 1, Parsonage 2, 1915, $4,200. Ceme- tery, three acres. Land, one acre. A. J. Boe (3390-695).
Trempealeau River Congregation. Arcadia (?). Norwegian Synod, 1872 (?)-74 (?). Organized 1872 (?). Dissolved 1874 (?). 70 souls in 1873. Pastor: L. O. Sherven, 1873 (?) 74 (?) (3395-696).
Independence Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Inde- pendence. Indepedent (Ns, Am), 1879-90; United Church, 1890. Organ- ized 1879. 80 souls in 1879, 150 in 1914. Pastors: H. A. Hyer, 1879-84; A. E. Hauge, 1884-98; H. J. Rasmussen, 1899-1913; A. J. Orke, 1913. Officials in 1879: b, Nathan Anderson ; c, O. P. Larson ; d, J. A. Johnson, Ole Rodningen; e, John C. Leafland, O. P. Larson, Nathan Anderson. In 1915: b, G. B. Anderson; c, C. Torgerson; e, Otto K. Lindberg, Christian Stuve, James Elstad. Church, 1883, $5,200. Cemetery, two acres, $600. Ladies' Aid Society, 1885, $1,600. Pastor's salary, $75 (1879), $180 (1914), $5,260 (1879-1914). Janitor, etc., $7,500. "Konstitution," 1879. A. J. Orke (1267-697).
Eleva Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. Eleva. United Church, 1893. Organized Feb. 27, 1893. 13 souls in 1893, 314 in 1915. Pastors: J. C. Helsem, 1893-1905; John Erikson, 1905-11; A. O. Langehough, 1911.
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Officials in 1893: b, Knute Jenson; c, Tom Olson; d, Martin Olson, Alick Toppen; e, John Volan, A. C. Hollanger, Ole Halvorson; f, S. H. Anderson. In 1915: b, N. I. Gilbert; c, Henry Vold; d, Andrew Hagen, A. Finreite, Anders Isakson; e, Andrew Gilberg, Knute Steffenson, Magnus Moen; f, S. H. Anderson; h, Magnus Moen. Church, 1897, $3,500. Parsonage, 1908, $2,500. Cemetery, two acres, $150. Land, one acre. Two Ladies Aid Socie- ties, 1893, $4,722 (1896-1916). Young Peoples' League, 1912, $320. Pas- tor's salary, $100 (1893), $300 (1914), $4,000 (1893-1914). Janitor, etc., $1,025 (1893-14). Denominational schools, $300 (1906-15). Missions, $572 (1907-15). "Konstitution," 1893. A. O. Langehough (970-699).
Chimney Rock Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Chim- ney Rock. Norwegian Synod, 1869-88. Antimissouri, 1888-90; United Church, 1890. Organized 1869 (1874). 60 souls in 1874, 424 in 1914. Pas- tors: L. O. Sherven, 1874-76; F. A. Moller, 1876-78; E. Christopherson, 1878-79; H. A. Hyer, 1879-84; O. O. Daehlen, 1884-88; Olaf Guldseth, 1888-92; M. C. Holseth, 1892-1906; M. C. Stenson, 1906-11; A. O. Lange- hough, 1911. Officials in 1874: b, H. O. Haagensen ; v, Peder Pedersen; d, Lars L. Instenes, Ch. Cotholfsen; e, C. O. Wenberget, T. O. Holstad, Ch. Botholfsen ; e, C. O. Instenes. In 1915. b, Julius M. Lek; c, Ole Paulsen ; d, Lars L. Instenes, Johan Spangberg ; e, Carsten Paulsen, Adolph Hendrig- sen, C. K. Risberg; f, Lars Instenes. Church 1, 1877, $1,200; church 2, 1908, $8,600. Ladies' Aid Society, 1879, $2,485. Young Peoples' League, 1907, $1,300. Pastor's salary, $140 (1874), $300 (1914), $5,400 (1874- 1914). Janitor, etc., $800. Parochial school, $2,000. Denominational schools, $1,400. Missions, $1,100. Charitable institutions, $600. A. O. Langehough (632-698).
East Bennet Valley Congregation. Eleva (seven miles south). Inde- pendent (Ns, Fk), 1890-1909; United Church, 1909. Organized 1890. 120 souls in 1890, 254 in 1914. Pastors: F. A. Moller, 1890-1901; M. C. Hol- seth, 1901-03; H. C. Wik, 1903. Officials in 1890: b, Johan Langseth; c, Halvor Svensen; e, Knut Stevens, Anfin Gray; f, Hans Olsen. In 1915: b, Hans Lengseth; c, G. A. Gundersen; d, Mons Hefte, Johannes Langseth ; e, Andreas Klevgaard, Sylfest Rene, Johannes Langseth; f, John Hansen. Church 1, 1901, $400. Church 2, 1910, $4,000. Cemetery, two acres, $120. Ladies' Aid Society, 1890, $1,900. Young Peoples' League, 1910, $300. Choir. Pastor's salary, $125 (1914), $1,270 (1901-14). Janitor, etc., $800 (1890-1914). Denominational schools, $250 (1901-14). Missions, $150. H. C. Wik. (586-700).
East Bennet Valley Congregation. Eleva (seven miles south). Nor- wegian Synod, 1901-05 (?). Organized 1890. Dissolved 1905 (?). 120 souls in 1890, 30 in 1905. Pastor: F. A. Moller, 1890-1905 (3401-701).
Travis Valley. Independence (two miles). Conference 1875 (?)-84 (?). Organized 1875 (?). Dissolved (?) 1884 (?). 55 souls in 1877, 82 in 1884. Pastors: E. H. Midtbo, 1875-77; O. C. Schonhovd, 1877-79 (4105- 702).
Gale College Preaching-place. Galesville. Norwegian Synod, 1911. Started 1901. Leader: L. M. Gimmestad, 1901 (4119-703).
The reference letters in the article are as follows: (a) president, (b)
HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
secretary, (c) treasurer, (d) deacon, (e) trustees, (f) "klokker," (g) teacher, (h) Sunday school superintendent.
The history of several of these churches is given in greater detail in the following articles. In the preparation of this work letters have been sent to all the pastors of the county, asking for material, but only a part have responded. The histories which follow are, however, to a large extent typical of the growth and progress of all the Norwegian churches.
1-French Creek, Tamarack, Hardie's Creek Fagernes and South Branch Beaver Creek Congregations, by Rev. C. B. Bestul.
The French Creek Congregation. One of the oldest Lutheran congre- gations in Trempealeau County is the French Creek Congregation, located in the fertile French Creek Valley in the Town of Ettrick and comprising also Abrahams Coulee in the Town of Gale. Pioneers from the eastern part of Norway moved in as early as 1859. Three years later there were at least ten families. These early settlers had to travel by ox-team or on foot to Trempealeau Valley when they desired to attend religious worship. Seven of these early settlers organized the French Creek Congregation in March, 1862. These seven were: Ole Gloppestuen Gilbertson, Johannes Hodgen (still living), his brother Andreas Anderson Hodgen, Johannes Nilson Odegoord, Johannes Christensen Engelien, Peder Anderson, Peder Olson. The congregation was organized by the Rev. Dr. Lauritz Larson, then residing pastor and president of Luther College, started in Half Way Creek. La Crosse County, and moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 1863. As people moved in family after family joined the church. Its growth was rapid. At present the congregation comprises 140 families of 339 communicant members.
At first the preaching was conducted in the simple log huts of the set- tlers, later in a spacious schoolhouse built near the I. P. Enghagen home. This schoolhouse served as the meeting house of the congregation for six- teen years. A tract of land was bought for cemetery in 1869. A church building 60 by 34 feet, with a seating capacity of 400, was erected in 1878, which cost when completed $4,000. So rapid was the growth of the settle- ment and congregation that it was decided to rebuild in 1903. The present building was completed two years later at a cost of $8,000. not counting the gratuitous work done by members. It was dedicated May 28, 1905, by Prof. Dr. J. Ylvisaker of Luther Seminary, St. Paul. The con- gregation has four Ladies' Aid Societies, three Missionary Aid Societies and a Young Peoples' Society divided into three districts. The money raised is used for various purposes, a part is given to local church and not a little to charity.
Tamarack Congregation. Another old settlement is the Tamarack settlement, comprising Norway Coulee. Little Tamarack and Thompson Coulee in the Town of Arcadia, and Holcomb Coulee in the Town of Gale. The pioneers here came mostly from Telemarken. Norway. The earliest settler was Ole Guttormson. He moved in from Vernon County in 1862. Within a year the settlement had ten families. The first church service was held in 1862 in the home of John Hendrickson. The Rev. J. B. Frich from La Crosse County preached the sermon and organized the congrega-
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tion, The Tamarack Valley Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The congregation grew fast. The 10 families of 1863 was increased to 48 in 1869 and to 61 in 1877.
The settlers met with reverses, however. Poor crops and the ravages of the chinch bugs disheartened many. The growth of the settlement was not only checked, but original settlers sold out and left for points north in this state and Minnesota. Of the 61 families of 1877 probably 50 percent moved away. In Holcomb Coulee only a handful remained. The heavy emigration had its depressing effect also on church work. The congregation which promised to outnumber its sister congregation in French Creek gradually fell behind. Today the congregation numbers 56 families with 108 communicant members. But what is lost in numbers is compensated for in quality. A vigorous and intelligent church activity has obtained. In 1864 a cemetery was bought. In 1877 a site for a church was purchased. A building was erected and so far completed that it could be used in May, 1878. Though ample in size this building has about outgrown its useful- ness. Steps have been taken to replace the old building with a new. The young people have taken the initial step. The Ladies' Aid and individuals have been boosting the project so that the congregation has a promise of $5,000 for a new church. A Missionary Aid Society contributes annually liberal donations for charity. The earliest settlers in Tamarack were: Ole Guttormsen, Tollef Egilsen, Sigurd Bjorguvsen, Bjorguv Bjorguvsen, John Gunderson, Knut Leinfson, Egil Mikkelsen, Trond Osovson, John Hanson, John Henricksen, Henrik Oleson, Hans C. Olesen.
Hardie's Creek Congregation. Still another community of Norwegian- Americans that has shown a vigorous and praiseworthy church activity is the Hardie's Creek settlement, located mainly in the Town of Gale. Early Settlers moved in prior to 1862, mainly from Biri, Norway. They were a Godfearing people. The nearest congregation was in Lewis Valley. There was a Black River to cross. In the winter the going was good. But when spring and summer came it was different. The river was too deep to ford, too swift of current to swim and no boats to row. But there was plenty of material for raft building. Two logs tied together was all that was needed to bring a man and his family across, and all who could footed it the rest of the way. Small children were carried the whole way. Finally the minister at Halfway was urged to come to this constantly growing settle- ment, and he came. His transportation means were the same as those used by the apostles of old. His means of navigation were still more primitive. the log raft. The Rev. J. B. Frich organized the Hardie's Creek Congrega- tion in December, 1862. The following twelve families constitute the charter members: Christian Hoff, Gulbrand Ekern, Andreas Ekern, Amund Bjorn- stad, Peter Bjornstad, Martinus Scorseth, Ole Semb, Lars Grythe, his two sons Martinus and Ole, Amund Krisselstuen, Mikkel Spedalen. Church services were held in the homes, also in the Glasgow schoolhouse. In 1876 a building was erected, 40 by 24 feet, on land donated by Otto Rindahl. This building was in time added to and beautified. In time demands grew for a larger and better equipped church. Finally in 1915 the old church was taken down and in its place was built a handsome structure that cost com-
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
pleted $10,000, not reckoning the gratuitous work done by members. This church has a seating capacity of 300. The cornerstone to the new church was laid Oct. 3, 1915, and the church dedicated the same day by Rt. Rev. J. Nordby of La Crosse. The church will, as long as it stands, remain a fitting monument to the Christian faith and love of its builders. This com- munity has not appreciably suffered from emigration. The second and third generations who constitute the present membership of the Hardie's Creek Congregation have succeeded in building themselves homes within its boundaries, a circumstance that has contributed to the welfare of them- selves no less than to that of the parent congregation. The Ladies' Aid and the Young Peoples' Society has been very active and contributed gener- ously towards the strengthening of church work.
Fagernes Congregation. The Fagernes congregation was at one time called Plumb Creek. Another early designation of this settlement was "Storskogen," Big Timber. The reason for this name is obvious. There was little or no timber on the surrounding hills, the virgin growth having been annually burned off by the Indians. For some reason parts of the town of Preston was spared from these destructive fires. When white men finally settled sections to the south of this wooded land they would refer to it as the Big Timber, where fuel and material for building the simple log huts were plentiful. These conditions do not obtain now, there being plenty of timber throughout the county north and south. The first settlers came to the Fagernes community between the years 1865-1871. It is believed that no church service has been held within this settlement prior to 1866. People were hungry for the Word of God in those days. The nearest meet- ing place was in Trempealeau Valley many miles away, a little too far to travel forth and back in one day by ox-team or on foot. Torsten Nerhagen was appointed to visit the residing pastor in Trempealeau Valley and make, if possible, a more satisfactory arrangement. The outcome was that Rev. O. Waldeland agreed to come. The first service was held at the home of Even Hanson Sveum in 1866. Finally a congregation was organized after a church service held in the home of Lars Stokke in the fall of 1867. The growth of the settlement must have been quite rapid. In 1866 the whole settlement could come to its first meeting in a little log hut. The whole assembly consisted of Levor Olson, Hans Sedal, George Reisel, Ole Fagernes, Andreas Larsen and Lars Stokke and their families. When the congrega- tion was organized a year later this little band was increased to eighteen and in 1874 to thirty-nine. Prior to 1874 the congregation had no church building, but owned a cemetery lot, donated by Ole and Christian Fagernes and Torsten Nerhagen. Shortly after that a small church was built at a cost of $540. This building was taken down and replaced by a new one in 1892 at a cost of $2,700. This building was struck by lightning Aug. 26. 1901, and burned to the ground within one hour. The 4th of September of the same year it was decided to rebuild. So fast did the work progress that the building could be used during the winter. It gave slight protection against the cold, it is true. One was strongly reminded of what is told about the non-heated churches of Siberia: The temperature outside is measured by the number of coats worn by the preacher in the pulpit. The
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