Evangelical Covenant Church History from the 75th Anniversary Observance
In the late 1870's and the early 1880's a number of immigrants settled in Grant County, Dakota Territory. Many of them were Swedish. Among the Swedish immigrants were some Christians who had been in contact with the Mission Friends in Sweden and the United States. They gathered in homes for devotional meetings and on April 17, 1883 a congregation was organized that became the parent congregation to our church. John Engstrom was chosen as lay pastor. Although most meetings were held in homes, meetings were also held in the Indian Church, a log church built by missionaries to the Indians, located nine miles northwest of LaBolt and three miles northeast of Stockholm. The Indians and settlers would worship together at these services. A number of Sunday Schools were held in homes and school houses throughout the area. In 1892 the Indian Church (This is a link to a site made by a Milbank student. I think it is in Swedish.) was purchased by the Mission Friends (Covenanters) and used for monthly services of worship until October 1899.
Since this location was too far to travel from LaBolt, Rev. A. G. Larson, who had become the pastor in 1889, offered a corner of his farm, which was between LaBolt and Stockholm, for a church location. However, at a business meeting on February 16, 1899, at the home of O. B. Fornell, of Stockholm, it was decided to build two churches at once, one in each town. A committee was elected for each district to gather funds and to build.
In 1899, Andrew Haukland donated a piece of land just south of where the railroad tracks are now, and the LaBolt congregation decided to build their church there. They erected a building 32 feet by 58 feet, seating about 300. At this time the church had only one tower. A barn was build soon afterward to house the many teams of horses used for transportation.
Before the turn of the century, a missionary from Alaska, Rev. Lydell. started the Sparbossafest. Al those attending the service were to give a penny for each year of their age. This offering went to missions. This service is still held, usually on the second week in January.
In April 1900, the Sunday School which had been taught for some time by Magnus Englund southeast of LaBolt, and the Sunday School taught by Mrs. Maria Larson at her home northwest of LaBolt merged to meet at the church. This was the beginning of the most important branch of our church. Also, in 1900, the first confirmation class was graduated.
Finally on December 19, 1900, a meeting was held at the LaBolt church and the Swedish Christian Mission Church of LaBolt, South Dakota was organized with nineteen charter members and Rev. A. G. Larson as pastor. The charter members were: Rev. Anders G. Larson, Maria C. Larson, David N. Larson, Erick J. Englund, Anna S. Englund, Carl A. Malkerson, Esther Malkerson, Magnus J. Englund, Augusta C. Englund, John A. Winquist, Anna Winquist, John Swanson, Beda C. Swanson, Nils G. Everson, Maria N. Everson, August Everson, Maria l. Everson, Erick W. Malkerson.
The Swedish language was used exclusively. The word "Mission" in the name of the church was to designate not only that this was a group of Mission Friends, but also that the founders of our church saw it as a mission to help anyone who was in need. A constitution and by-laws were drawn up and approved at this meeting. The church was incorporated by state law on February 11, 1901.
In 1901, two new members were added to the church and in 1902, four of the charter members moved away. On February 28, 1902, an auction was held to sell the flowers that had been made as decorations for the Christmas trees. $21,50 was raised, $8.10 of it cash. The Sunday School enrollment that year reached 98.
Rev. Larson passed away on July 9. 1903, and a resting place was needed. Two acres of land one-half mile east of LaBolt was obtained from John N. Englund for a cemetery, and the new pastor, L. G. Lance, officiated at Rev. Larson's funeral. Rev. Lance served both the LaBolt and Stockholm churches and lived in the parsonage that had just been built in Stockholm. Rev. Lance served as pastor until 1907. During his ministry twenty-seven new members were added, one moved away, and one died. As one early account reads, "The young people turned to Christ and joined the church." A Young Peop0le's League was organized in 1906. Also in 1906 it was decided to move the church building to its present location because the railroad right-of-way included the church land. Andrew Haugland gave the land on which the church now stand in exchange for the old location. The church was moved the following year.
On March 29, 1907, the congregation voted to join what is now the Evangelical Covenant Church of America.
Rev. O. H. Miller accepted and call, and served the church from 1907 to 1913. During his ministry there were twelve new members added, eight passed away, and twelve moved. In 1909, seventy-five Swedish hymnals were purchased.
In 1916 Rev. J. William Johnson became pastor and served until 1919, during which time four new members were added to the church.
In 1916 a basement measuring 25 feet by 40 feet was dug and the church raised. All were to help with the digging. The total cost was $610. A furnace was installed for $137. In 1918 electric lights were installed and the church exterior and basement were painted.
Due to a flu epidemic in 1918, the Sunday School met only twice in the second half of the year, and no church services were held during that time.
Until 1919, the parsonage for the Stockholm and LaBolt churches had been located in Stockholm. During the year 1919, donations were sought to build a new parsonage in LaBolt. $5,248.88 was received and a new parsonage was build next to the church.
Rev, A. W. Magnuson arrived on December 5, 1919, as the next minister, and served until September, 1922. He was the first pastor to occupy the new parsonage, and to serve only the LaBolt Church. During his stay 21 new members were added and one moved away.
In 1920 it was decided to hold English services on the first and fourth Sunday evenings, but it was not until 1925 that parents could choose whether they wanted their children to receive English or Swedish Bibles for Confirmation. The Ladies Aid group was organized in 1920, with eighteen members. The organization, called "Tabatha", did sewing and other service projects as well as worshipping together. Now called "Covenant Women." It still serves to bring the women of the church together for devotions and service.
Rev. August Andren next served as pastor until July, 1923. Rev. L. B. Challman was then called and served until April, 1927. During Rev. Challman's ministry two new members were added, two moved, and five passed away.
From June 19-26, 1927, revival meetings were held jointly with the Stockholm church in a large tent. Rev. Sigfred Carlson was the speaker. There were many other such meetings during the years, held either in tents or barns, as an added means to reach people for Christ.
Rev. H. L. Sorvik accepted a call from the church and served from July, 1927 to 1931. During his pastorate the constitution and by-laws were translated into English and amended, and the Thirtieth Anniversary of the church was celebrated on May 31, 1930. Former pastors L. G. Lance, O. H. Miller, A. W. Magnuson, and L B. Challman were present. At that time the congregation numbered sixty members. Seven charter members were still active, eight had passed away, and four had moved to other communities.
During 1931 through 1933, Rev. L. B. Challman, D. L. Seim, and Rev. Elner Anderson served as interim pastors.
In 1933 Rev. August Polson was called to serve both the Stockholm and LaBolt churches. During his ministry one new member joined, ten passed away, and one moved. In 1935, a young girls' sewing circle was organized called the "Wide Awake Circle". This group was active until the 1950's when it was reorganized to form the Junior League which ministered to boys and girls ages nine through fourteen. Both Stockholm and LaBolt youth belonged to this organization.
In 1936 the church minutes were kept in English. In May, 1937, the church hosted the semi-annual meeting of the South Dakota District Conference. Rev. Polson served until November, 1937.
In December, 1939, Rev. C. H. B. Peterson, of Willmar, Minnesota, accepted a call as pastor of the two churches and served until June of 1944. During his pastorate, eleven new members were added, four passed away, and six moved. The South Dakota Sunday School Conference held its annual meeting at the church on September 29, 1940, and on June 26-29, 1941, the Fortieth Anniversary of the church was held. Brief histories of the Ladies Aid, Young People's Society, Wide Awake Society, Sunday School, and church were read. At the confirmation reunion there was representation from every confirmation class since the organization of the church in 1900.
A student pastor, Paul Sundberg, served as pastor for the 1944 Christmas season before returning to school.
In April, 1945, Rev. Paul J. Webster became pastor and served until September, 1948. During Pastor Webster's ministry, two members were added to the church, two passed away and one moved away.
Rev. Nels G. Malmstedt served as interim pastor following Rev. Webster's resignation. The strain of serving two churches during the winter of 1948-49 was too strenuous for Pastor Malmstedt's health, and he spent two months in a Minneapolis hospital before returning to continue his interim ministry until September 1, 1949.
Rev. Edwin L. Lindholm began his ministry at that time and served until August, 1957. During his ministry there were 22 members added to the church.
in 1950 a remodeling program was undertaken, including a new full-size basement, automatic heating system, new interior finish, stained glass windows, and a new lighting system. Services were held at the school auditorium during the summer while this work was being dome.
1950 marked the 50th anniversary of our church. Due to the remodeling being dome, the celebration of this was postponed until March and April of 1951, During which time also the newly remodeled building was dedicated. Dr. Theodore W. Anderson, President of the Evangelical Covenant Church of America was the special speaker for this event.
1955 saw an organ fund started. In 1957 a new organ was purchased. This was a much appreciated addition to services.
In 1956 a tradition was started to present a rose to the gather after a baby was born. This was done during the Sunday morning worship service. In 1956, an outside bulletin board was also built. This has been used for announcements for services and as a witness to anyone going by.
Rev. Gerald Peterson served as the next pastor, from September, 1958 until June, 1962. During this time new pews were installed in the sanctuary. Nine new members were added during his ministry.
Rodger Jorgenson, a lay preacher, came to us in June, 1962 as interim pastor. In December, 1962 he accepted the call to be full time minister, and served her through August, 1971, during which time 30 new members were added to the church. While he was pastor here, Pastor Jorgenson earned his degree at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul. In his absence William Oakleaf, Jr., Wes Atkinson, and Rev. Leon Eastman filled the pulpit.
In 1964 a Sunday School addition was begun. This also included a pastor's study.
The constitution of the church was revised in 1965, and the name was changed to the Evangelical Covenant Church of LaBolt, South Dakota.
In 1967 a new public address system was installed in the sanctuary, with speakers in the foyer, nursery, education wing, and basement.
In 1970, work was begun on a new foyer addition, placing the front stairs of the church on the inside of the building for safety in the winter, and creating a much larger space for visiting and hanging coats. The addition also provided a new library, lounge area and a larger nursery. The dedication for this addition was held October 25, 1970, at special services for our 70th anniversary.
Also during Pastor Jorgenson's ministry the Senior League was formed for the high school youth of the Stockholm and LaBolt churches. For a time this group organized a gospel team and traveled to churches in our area and in the South Dakota District to shard their faith in Song. The senior League met monthly for discussion, Bible Study, or recreation.
The church has provided a camping experience for its young people for many years. Camps have been held at Swan Lake, Lake Kampeska, Big Stone Lake, and Lake Poinsett. These have provided a real ministry in spiritual growth for those attending. In 1971 the youth of our district churches began attending Lake Beauty Covenant Bible Camp at Long Prairie, Minnesota. The excellent facilities and creative well-planned programming have greatly increased our ministry to the spiritual needs of our youth.
Also in 1971, the lot west of the church was donated for use as a parking lot.
Rev. Cody Crandall came to our church in September, 1971. Lee Boleyn served as interim pastor from August, 1972 through May, 1973 while Rev. Crandall was finishing his schooling at North Park Seminary. Health reasons forced Pastor Crandall to resign, and in June, 1973, Rev Mark A. Johnson came as pastor for our church.
In 1973 it was decided to change the name of the Young People's to Family League. This organization involved most of the families of the church in worship and fellowship together one Sunday evening a month.
The earliest treasurer's book that can be found is for 1921. The budget for that year was $534.34. The budget for 1975 was $12,000.
In 1974, in preparation for the Diamond Jubilee of the church, extensive redecorating of the sanctuary and basement was undertaken. This gave a more pleasant place to worship, a paneled, carpeted fellowship hall, and a more modernized kitchen.
The story of our church involves many changes in language, organizations, pastors, members, building and finances. But there are some things that do not change. Our church was established because of a love for Jesus Christ and a desire to share this love with others. This is still our reason for being. The changes in the church building are not important in themselves, but they are a sign of a serious commitment to continue to effectively present the gospel. The real church is the people. Our prayer for the future is that our church-the people-will grow in their commitments to their Savior and that we will foster a willingness and zeal to share Christ with others of our community and with those of other nations through an enlarged mission outlook.