The Vikor Memorial Association was formed on December 19, 1948, when the then 83 year old congregation's members voted to merge with Vinji Lutheran Church in Willmar. On this occasion, a majority of the Vikor members transferred to Vinji The Vikor church (also known as Solomon Lake Church) and the grounds became property of the Vikor Memorial Association at this time also. The history of Vikor Chu
rch starts in the home of Guri Endreson Rosseland, pioneer heroine whose remains are buried in Vikor churchyard. Worship services had previously been held in her log cabin home and it was here that the congregation was organized in 1871. The congregation was granted a "permit" of 10 acres of land by the Great Northern Railroad on February 25, 1872, on which to build a church and for use as a cemetery. Each family was asked, in 1873, to contribute one or two logs and "each and every one labored for the completion of this church." By 1880 the siding was on, with considerable other improvements, according to a history compiled in 1931 by M.O. Vikor Evangelic Lutheran Church was chosen for the congregation's name , as a second constitution was drawn up on May 31, 1876, to replace one that had been destroyed. the present church building was constructed in 1897, with John Skoolheim the carpenter The interior was completed the following year. Trees were planted in 1905 and the sacristy was built and a furnace installed in 1909. The 1931 history tells of "foresight over a period of years to set aside money to a building fund for placing a basement under the superstructure of the church. In so doing there were able to complete this project without borrowing money." Pastors who have served Vikor Church include the Revs. L.J. Marcus, 1871-77; O. Estrem, 1877-1902; O.E. Heimdahl, 1902-04; J.N. Anderson, 1904-19; S.T. Norman, 1919-1920; A.J. Vaaler, 1920-1946. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1873, with the Young Peoples Society being organized later. Contributions to the Synodical Treasury were started in 1876 and continued through the years. The history notes that considerable sums of money were given to Luther College, and in 1881, a resolution was passed to support the work of the Willmar Seminary In 1883 the congregation conducted a meeting to undertake active work of the Saloon and Liquor Traffic. A monument was erected by the Sate of Minnesota and on Sunday, July 24, 1907 a dedication service was held for the Guri Endreson memorial. The 1931 history, translated in 1961 by Mrs. Albert J. Pederson, stated that the work of the congregation had been carried on up to that time in Norwegian. At the annual meeting Pastor Vaaler was asked to introduce some English into worship services.
