Isn’t it remarkable how a church can stand as a testament to faith? Here we are in front of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is a beacon of hope in Minneapolis. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church has a rich history. It reflects the evolving spirit of its community.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church’s story began in 1872. It started with Rev. O. A. Bergh’s leadership. He guided a small group of believers. They formed the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Early leaders included B. Aasen and M. J. Rudd. They served as secretary and treasurer respectively. A. Nilsen, A. Stamperud, and H. Olson Bakke were the trustees. I. I. Werstad, H. Henrikson, and C. Christofferson were the elders. The Ladies’ Aid was active from the start. Mrs. Josephine Oppedahl was the last charter member. She passed away in 1953.
In 1874, Rev. Chr. O. Brohaugh became the pastor. The congregation bought property for $2,500. It was at the northwest corner of 4th Street and 15th Avenue. They purchased it from The First Congregational Society of Minneapolis. In 1876, the church joined the Hauge Synod. C. Christofferson was the first delegate.
Rev. F. H. Carlson arrived in 1880. In 1883, the congregation decided to move the old church. They erected a new building. According to a newspaper clipping from 1927, this was just before the first horse-car line. It ran between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis’ population was only 50,000 then. It was the third Scandinavian Lutheran church in Minneapolis. The new church was dedicated in June 1885. A parsonage was built next to the church in 1884.
Pastor Eistinson began serving in 1884. By 1887, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church had 330 members. There were 80 voting members. The choir started in 1890. It has continued ever since. The choir officially organized in 1899.
A crisis hit St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1893. Twenty-seven families left. However, the congregation recovered. Rev. K. C. Holter succeeded Pastor Eistinson in 1894.
Under Rev. N. J. Lohre in 1898, changes occurred. English services began. By 1937, all services were in English. The Young People’s Society became the Luther League. The Evergreen Society was formed for young girls.
In 1899, the total expenses were $1,935. In 1994, the budget was $212,000. Quite a difference. In 1900, the Ladies’ Aid installed a steel ceiling. The cost was $540. In 1902, the church debt was paid off.
Rev. Martin Norstad led from 1903 to 1911. Regular activities included prayer meetings and Sunday School. There were also Ladies’ Aid Society meetings and choir practices. The Helping Hand Society was organized in 1905.
Pastor Edward Johnson arrived in 1911. The pipe organ was installed in 1912. In 1913, the Rice Lake Mission began. It later became Our Redeemer Lutheran congregation. By 1914, some Sunday services were in English.
Rev. A. L. Lawrence served from 1919. The congregation celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary in 1922. The Busy Bees gave a new Miller Grand Piano. The Ladies’ Aid redecorated and installed electricity.
Pastor C. K. Solberg began in 1924. In 1925, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church property was purchased. The first service was held there in 1927. The old church was sold to the St. James African Methodist Church. The new structure used stones from the old Westminster Presbyterian church. The Ladies’ Aid contributed $4,000 towards the new church.
Today, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church continues its mission. It serves a diverse community. St. Paul’s shares the good news of God’s love. It stands as a beacon. It shines brightly here in Minneapolis.