“Great is thy faithfulness O God my Father” These lyrics resonate through the history of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. This isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and unity.
Standing before Holy Cross you see more than bricks and mortar. You see the culmination of generations of devotion. Its story begins long before this very structure. In fact it starts with several separate congregations.
St Paul’s started in 1887. A small group of German families built a simple church in 1909. It expanded in 1932. Meanwhile Our Savior’s a congregation of Norwegian heritage formed in 1889. They built their church in 1893. Amazingly it cost only $1525. Trinity another German congregation was established in 1891. Then there was Zoar in Emerald. They shared a pastor with Our Savior’s. Zoar disbanded in 1966. Many joined the burgeoning Faith Lutheran Church.
Faith itself was a merger of Our Savior’s and Trinity in 1962. The name Faith symbolized their shared belief. Then came a pivotal moment. St Paul’s and Faith merged in 1969. They chose the name Holy Cross. It reflected the county’s name Saint Croix. The cornerstone was laid on September 21 1969. The first service was held in 1970.
This church isn’t just about the past. It’s about ongoing faith. It’s about embracing change. It’s about the enduring power of community. It’s a story of mergers and growth. It’s a story that continues to unfold. Holy Cross welcomes all who seek spiritual connection. It’s a place of worship reflection and community.