Early History
from To God’s Glory: Faith, Hope and Love, a booklet created for the centennial celebration in 1996
The first step towards organizing the Norwegian Lutheran church, now known as First Lutheran Church, was taken on April 14, 1896, at the Claus Melheim home. (the property presently owned by Mrs. Leonard Hanson.-- 200 Second Street So.). Thorkveen acted as chairman and John Berdell as
secretary. Members of the first board of trustees were J.P. Langeland, and Claus Melheim. Thorkveen, Hans Bertilson, Claus Melheim, and C.N. Sonnessyn were elected to draw up a constitution. It was drawn up and adopted in well chosen words and inspired with the holy zeal. Thorkveen declared the congregation organized in the name of The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. At this meeting, Claus Melheim was elected "klokker" (song leader); C.N. Tonnesyn, treasurer; Hans Bertilson, janitor; and John Berdell, secretary. In 1896 and 1897, services were held in the Butterfield School on the corner of First Street North and Chapman Street West. The charter members were J.P. Anderson, John H. Berdell, Hans Bertilson, G.S. Langeland, Claus Melheim, Isaac Olson, C.N. Tonnesyn, H.E. Slaalien, A. Syverson, and S.J. The new congregation at once made plans for the er****on of a house of worship. Moses K. Armstrong, a banker in St. James, donated the building site (lot 7 in block 55) and gave $150.00 to the building fund. Later Mrs. Armstrong gave a fine church bell (evidently the one we still have). On September 6, 1897, a building committee was formed (J.P. Berdell, Claus Melheim, C.N. Tonnesyn, and A. Syverson) and instructions were given to proceed with the building. Two carloads of stone from the Mankato quarry were used for the foundation. In May of 1898, Rev. Hoyme, president of the United Lutheran Church, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone. About three years later, on June 2, 1901, dedication services were held by Rev. L.E. Green. A building 26 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 14 feet high with a entry 10 feet by 10 feet was erected. Twenty benches and two Rochester Lamps were purchased. The congregation borrowed $500.00 from Mr. Armstrong giving the church property as security. According to the figures available, the first church building must have cost $800.00. Thorkveen served the church for 27 years. The first year he received a salary of $30.00, which he returned back to the church. Services were held every third Sunday in the Norwegian language. While traveling between his five churches, Albion, Long Lake, St. Olaf, and Butterfield, Rev. Thorkveen was provided lodging and transportation by his parishioners. The last annual meeting Rev. Thorkveen attended was May 27, 1922. A summer Bible School has been held from the early start of the church. Thorkveen left the church $500.00 when he passed away. Interest from that fund was to be used for religious instructions. There was a "pikeforening" (Young Ladies' Society) at one time. They gave the first communion service set and "Preste Stole" ( preacher's chair) to the church.
