On November 21, 1880, twenty-five pioneer Norwegian and Swedish immigrants formed the congregation of Kongsvinger Lutheran Church to serve the farm families of the rapidly growing Scandinavian-American community. The first pastor was the Rev. Bersvend Anderson, a ‘circuit-riding' pastor who helped form numerous Lutheran churches comprised of Scandinavian immigrants in the Red River Valley of Minnesota. The congregation met in homes until 1887 when land was donated by one of the charter members to site a church and cemetery. The first church building was erected in 1887, just south of the current building. On August 27, 1931, lightning struck the church and the original building burned to the ground. The congregation immediately began to rebuild and a new structure was dedicated on June 12, 1932. In May, 2002, an expansion and remodeling project was begun that added almost 5,000 square feet to the building providing a new, accessible fellowship hall, kitchen, office and restroom facilities. In addition, the 1932 sanctuary was fully remodeled creating a totally new interior to the church building. The new facility was dedicated on August 3, 2003. The church was founded as a member of the Hauge Synod in the Red River Valley. In 1918, the church became part of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America and in 1941 was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC). Later, the church was affiliated with the American Lutheran Church (ALC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and in 1990 became part of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (The AALC). Until the mid-1930s, church services, hymnals and Christian education materials were all in the Norwegian language. At that time, English-speaking services alternated with Norwegian. The first English songbooks were purchased in 1939 and English became the language of the church. We dedicate ourselves to provide for the Divine Word and Sacraments and to act as a "Beacon on the Prairie", reflecting Jesus' forgiveness and proclaiming salvation for the souls of all people.
