KRLC Church History (1927 - 1999)

Church Historian Audrey Carlson

Audrey Carlson recounting church history at 90th Anniversary. Photo: Ed Lee

This brief history was compiled from the Secretaries minutes, the books of the Ladies Aid and the Brotherhood, and the annual Congregational Reports by Audrey Carlson (above) who served as the church historian for over half a century.

Honoring the Past

Honoring Pastor Reppe at church 90th Anniversary. Photo: Ed Lee

We are excited about all that God does through this little church each year. We are an active congregation and God surprises us by all He does as we walk by faith on our journey together. Recent events from the past ten years are summarized on the Recent History page.

History of KRLC

In the beginning (1927-1929)

in August 1927, Mrs. Tom Loining attended church service in Two Harbors. While there, she asked Rev. Tetlie if he would come to Knife River to preach. He said he would, provided he had a place in which to deliver a sermon.
The Presbyterians gave their consent to use their church (this church).
The first service was held the later part of September, Rev. Tetlie speaking half in English and half in Norwegian and performing one baptism, for Phyllis Jacqueline Erickson. At this time, he agreed to hold services every other Sunday. This arrangement was fine until the group decided to have a Ladies Aid and Sunday School. The Presbyterians objected to this so the Town Hall (which was across from the DAC) was then used.
On October 27, the Ladies Aid was organized with the help of Rev. Tetlie, at the home of Mrs. Birger Martinson (Ragnhild); later, Mrs. Ole Roske. Officers were: President- Mrs. Sig Erickson (Emily), Vice President -Mrs. Birger Martinson, Secretaries -Mrs. Herman Hanson (Marie) and Mrs. Gust Torgerson. (Hannah).
Other charter members were Mrs. John Erickson (Sophie), Mrs. Tom Loining(Inga), Mrs. Nils Lind (Laura), Mrs. Magnus Martin (Alma), Mrs. Hans Pederson (Bergine), Mrs. Christ Roske, Mrs. Gunvold Skadberg (Tina), and Mrs. Bernhard Whiting. Sunday School had an attendance of twenty pupils and one teacher, Mrs. Sig Erickson.

First Fishcake Dinner held in the Town Hall

Knife River Town Hall (1920's) photo: Lake County Historical Society

In order to raise money, a fish cake supper was served December 10, 1927. There was no money for food, so these were solicited, and the fish and meat were donated by the members.
- It was a lot of hard work, as the Town Hall had no accommodations for cooking a supper. The men got together and made three long tables. Dishes, stoves, silverware, tables and chairs were brought over from homes. Water and wood had to be carried in also.
- The menu consisted of fishcakes (which had to be ground and pounded in wooden bowls), meatballs, creamed peas and carrots, peeled potatoes, apple pie ala mode, and coffee. Ladies were up early to fry 25 pounds of meat balls that morning.
- The weather being nasty had taken the high hopes of a successful supper down to its lowest ebb. It was a handicap to have to prepare meat in one house, potatoes in another, but a capacity crowd was served a good hot supper.
- It was a successful supper, $185 was taken in, and $72.85 of that was from fancy work. (So, actually only $112 from the supper)
- Mrs. Martin was overcome by an attack of pleurisy from over working on her fancy work too steadily and had to walk the floor one whole night. Everyone was too tired to clean up afterwards so everything was carried in tubs into the Pederson's basement.
- The next morning it was a busy time cleaning up the hall for services to be held in the afternoon. Then came the chore of sorting dishes and silverware. (So it’s a snap now compared to then – and we think it’s a lot of work for $3,000.)

1928 - The Early Church

Knife River Lutheran Church picnic (1920's) Source: Audrey Carlson

On February 1, 1928 a Men's Brotherhood was formed. Members: Ole Ruske, John Erickson, Carl Erickson, Sig Erickson, Nils Lind, Magnus Martin, Tom Loining, Hans Pederson, and Birger Martinson. (I have included the names of Ladies Aid, Brotherhood members as many of our members today are descendants of them)
Now that the Ladies Aid and Brotherhood were organized and the Sunday School going so well, with some money in the treasury, it was decided to fine a more suitable place to worship.
The Tom Larvey property was purchased for $700 (home of George and Pat Anderson now). On March 28, 1928, the Ladies Aid paid the first payment—funny, they did say the Church had the money in the treasury. Oh well! Changes were then made in the church building – partitions in the house were removed to make one large room painted inside and out. Rev. Tetlie brought up the matter of Sunday work. It was given some consideration and brought up again at the next meeting.
At another meeting the matter of Sunday work was again brought up by Rev. Tetlie, and the sentiment was to avoid Sunday work as much as possible. Do you think we'd need a meeting on that now?
It was brought to the attention of the group by Attorney Claus Monker that the Church incorporate.

1928 - The church incorporates

Rev. Tetlie and confirmands (1930). Source: Audrey Carlson

On June 5, 1928, a special meeting was held at the Town Hall. It was decided the church shall be called the Knife River Lutheran Church, affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Rev. E.J. Tetlie shall be the Pastor

A second supper of boiled trout was served and proved to be very successful. $127.59 was taken in. Linens, dishes and silverware were purchased for $50. Not only were suppers put on by the congregation, but they also attended them. (pg. 13, Brotherhood book). "All members meet at Erickson's Store at 6:30, November 1, 1938, and all members shall go to the Presbyterian supper."

1929

Rev. Eide and family (Sunday School teacher, 1930's). Source: Audrey Carlson

The first parochial school, with Oren P. Sheggeby as teacher, was held in June. This began a long list of Bible School teachers. These teachers were missionaries and student pastors. According to the Annual Reports of 1929, 30, and 31, they were paid $25 and had summer school for one month. They stayed at the Carl Erickson or Sig Erickson homes. Members would take turns serving them meals.
The children were expected to be on their best behavior and show good manners. Also it was time for cantaloupe for breakfast, special suppers when you came home from school—things you never got to eat unless the Bible School teacher came. It was a good geography lesson for the students, as they learned of faraway places—Madagascar, China, Africa, Brazil.
Even the language was sometimes learned, as the year "Jesus Loves Me" was taught in Chinese. (I still remember the words and could sing it now but I don’t want you all to leave. I know the Chinese wouldn’t understand it)

1930-1943 A new church building

Knife River Lutheran Church 1937. Source: church archives

1930
In 1930, an altar and pulpit were purchased, so the church could be dedicated in the Fall.

1931

In 1931, $15 was paid to the Norwegian Church of Two Harbors for the paving of 4th Avenue in front of the church. So, you see we have an investment in front of Bethlehem in Two Harbors.

Some interesting information found in the Brotherhood book of Carl Erickson that's not necessarily historical, but that we can relate to. Upon motion made by 7 members, whose names were all listed, Nils Lind was instructed to spend an amount not to exceed $10 for the Christmas Program, which was put on with the Ladies Aid Society. A committee was formed to see the school board in regards to the use of the school for this.
Another interesting note from the Brotherhood book: "Motion made and seconded that the Brotherhood sell Ole Johnson the barn that stands on the rear of the church property for $25. Mr. Johnson agrees to serve as janitor for the church until this bill is paid off.

The Brotherhood Book ends in 1935, with the Congregational Secretaries book beginning in 1951. The only books available until 1951 are the Ladies Aid Secretary books; so the history is sketchy here.

In June of 1937, the Presbyterian church came up for sale. It was purchased for $350. It was then remodeled inside and out. A new porch was added and electricity was put in.

A dedication service was held December 4, 1938.

Suppers were still being served to pay off the mortgage on the new church. Smorgasbords were served at the Sig Erickson store (now Emily's), and they also helped. When points (which were used to buy food during WW II) and fish were hard to get, making church suppers difficult, the Ladies Aid members gave $2 every 3 months to pay current expenses. An oil stove was purchased and the church insulated. Sometime during these years there was a fire in the church. Due to the fast actions of Mel Bugge and John Madison, the church was saved; some pews were scorched badly, though.

Rev. Tetlie left in 1943 after 16 years

1943-1953 Rev. Jorgenson

Photo: Rev. Jorgenson with confirmation class (1945). Source: Audrey Carlson

Rev. J. Obert Jorgenson became the new pastor in 1944.

The Ladies Aid purchased a new oil tank and piped the oil into the church around 1946.
A basement was added in 1949 to accommodate a growing Sunday School. The Sunday School Christmas Program was always the highlight of the season. Wonderful, elaborate programs were staged. There were costumes of all kinds, from the Holy scene to sheep and animals. Little ones in holiday dress had learned their pieces and recited them for Mom and Dad, Grandparents and friends. They sang songs from "Away in the Manger" to our modern songs of "365 Days of Christmas all Year Long". Behind all of that have been all the dedicated Sunday School teachers. Men and women, young and old, who have given so unselfishly of themselves during a busy holiday season.

At the end of Bible School and Sunday School there was always the picnic to look forward to. It was held in places like Big Lake in Cloquet, Lester Park, Island Lake, or at the "second sand beach", or in open fields around the area. Games were also played, lots of food and crocks of lemonade were devoured. These were also family gatherings of the congregation.

Rev. Jorgenson left in 1951 Rev. Arnold Anderson filled in for two years until 1953.

1952-1973 Pastor Reppe

Pastor Reppe and confirmation class of 1955. Source: church archives

In 1952, the Ladies Aid held an open house commemorating their 25 Anniversary. Rev. Anderson gave the address. Eleven charter members were present. A history of the Society was read by Mrs. Bertil (Audrey) Carlson. The program was arranged by Mrs. Sig Erickson.
In 1953, John Reppe become our Pastor. He had previously served as our Bible School teacher, and the congregation was very pleased to have him as our Pastor. He had a wife, Imogene, and a daughter, Christine.

The following is a brief list of major changes and improvements made over the
years:
1954: Mortgage on basement was burned by the trustees who had signed the loan: Magnus Martin, S.J. Erickson, and Bertil Carlson.
1955: Organ was purchased
1957: A special meeting of the congregation was called to order by Pastor Reppe on April 2 to fill the vacancy of Treasurer Carl Erickson, who passed away after Holding the office of Secretary and then Treasurer since the church was organized. Mrs. Ivar (Lorraine Erickson) Peterson, Assistant Treasurer, was elected. She went on to hold that office for 18 years until 1975. We all wondered what would happen as we had lost Carl who was a leader also. Then the Lord gave us Kenneth Ojard.
1959: Lake Superior and Iron Range Circuit purchased the Boy's Camp at Lake Vermillion for a Bible Camp for $72,000; we paid our share of $170 with extra donations by the members, as it was too late to be included in the budget.
1960: Stuccoed the outside of the church.
1967: Bathrooms added. Yes, we had an outdoor biffy!
1969: Kitchen sink and cupboards put in.
1973: Painted inside of church

1974-1990 Pastor Reppe Retires

Pastor Reppe and confirmation class of 1974. Source: church archives

1974: Library added
1977: New ceiling in church
1978: Organists Evelyn Ojard and Lillian Eskola retired. Carol Carlson became our new organist. (Additional comments by Marv Holt: Today, June 9, 2013, Carol has been our organist for 35 years. She has played over 7,000 hymns for us in that time.)
1982: Kitchen remodeled.
1984-86: Extensive remodeling including re-wiring, new heating system, insulation, Walls redone in wainscoting, chancel remodeled, cupboards put in basement and pews stained. Many hours of hard work by the congregation members went into this. It was completed in time for confirmation Sunday to be held upstairs. Services had been held in the basement.

1987 Our Anniversary celebrating 50 years in this church and 60 years as a congregation was held Oct. 24 and 25, 1987. On Saturday, a fish cake supper was served with the theme, "Fishers of Men". On Sunday at 9 AM, the worship included a history of the church, presented by Audrey Carlson, and the Background of the Altar Painting, read by Christin Carlson. Special music was included also. At 2 PM that afternoon, a program was held with a Skit of Early Years and special music. Cake and coffee followed. A hand loomed banner dedicated to early founders was presented. The outside light to illuminate the cross, altar linens and the eternity light also were dedicated.

1990 Pastor Reppe retired July 31st, 1990. A potluck honoring him and Imogene was held on Sept. 9, 1990. He had been here 37 years. I think he was trying to break Carl Erickson and Ole Roske's records, which he did of course! A program of music and a skit, "A Day In the Life of Pastor Reppe or “One Head, Many Hats", were part of the program.