Once known as Hauge’s Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod in America, Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church has a unique history. This church embodies the traditions of its founders. Let’s delve into the story of this place.
The Hauge Synod got its name from Hans Nielsen Hauge. He was a Norwegian revivalist lay preacher. The synod embraced a low-church approach. It emphasized personal faith over formal worship. This aligned with the Haugean tradition.
Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church’s roots trace back to a schism. In 1876, it split from The Evangelical Lutheran Church of North America. That earlier church was known as the Eielsen Synod. Rev. Elling Eielsen founded it in 1846. He brought the Haugean movement from Norway to America.
Interestingly, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church joined the Hauge Synod in 1902. It was the first English congregation to do so. St. Paul’s had a fascinating beginning. Professor R.F. Weidner organized it in 1890. He was from the English Lutheran Seminary.
Now, picture this Humboldt Park Church. It was razed and from its cornerstone, an 1889 time capsule was recovered. That church was St. Paul’s E.E.L. Church. The capsule contained a dime and penny from 1889. It also held a card with the reverend’s information. There were newspapers and church publications from that year too.
Rev. E.C. Jessup, according to the business card found, held services twice every Sunday at Gamboni Hall. The address was 925 California Avenue. He lived at 817 N. Washtenaw Avenue.
Among the items was a Norwegian-language newspaper. It was the “Skandinaven.” A blue pencil marked an announcement about St. Paul’s Church construction. There was also “The Daily Inter Ocean” from October 26, 1889. You could also find “The Workman” and “Augustana och Missionaren”. “The Morning News” and “The Lutheran Observer” were also present. A copy of the “Svenska Tribune” and a handwritten letter completed the collection.
From 1900 to 1901 Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized. It was part of Hauge’s Synod. In 1901, the church moved to its location.
Red Wing Seminary was the Hauge Synod’s educational center. It operated from 1879 until 1917. In 1917, Hauge Synod merged. It joined the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Later, this group became the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1960, it merged into the American Lutheran Church. The ALC then joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Consider how the Hauge Synod’s story reflects a broader narrative. It shows migration and cultural shifts. It is a record of Scandinavian cultural life.
Today, Hauge Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament. It represents faith, community, and heritage. It embodies the spirit of its Haugean founders.