History of Curtiss Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church 1885 - 1953

Contributed by Eva Schiszik

February 8, 1885, the Curtiss Evangelical Lutheran Church came into existence. The early settlers - the Norwegian pioneers - who had begun to arrive in the Curtiss area around 1872 and 1873 were poor in worldly goods and few in number. But in spite of all handicaps, they had an urgent desire to worship God as was their heritage from their former country.

At first they were content to be served by mission pastors. A Norwegian Church in Dorchester was attended by some. But 'the way was long, and travel difficult. Therefore, on February 8, 1885, a meeting was held at the Oluf Thompson home. It was the opinion and desire of everyone present at the meeting, that a new Lutheran congregation should be organized. It is reported that the following were present at that meeting: Evan Johnson, Gunder Johnson, Arne Olson, Martin Peterson, Peter Peterson, Gunder Botterud, Ole Thompson and Oluf Thompson. Three trustees were elected: Oluf Thompson for one year, Ole Thompson for two years and Martin Peterson for three years. It was decided that the congregation would be incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin, and that the newly elected trustees should, as soon as possible, take care of the legal aspects of creating a new congregation. A constitution was also considered at this first meeting. Thus, from these humble roots, our present congregation has emerged.

The erection of the church building could not be immediately accomplished, so arrangements were made to have regular services in several schools in the area. Rev. Forde, of Amherst, Wisconsin, who had made regular visits to Curtiss beginning in 1881, was called as the first pastor. He was promised a yearly salary of $50.00.  From the historical records we learn that he was a noble servant of God who worked courageously with love and understanding in ministering to the infant congregation. He served faithfully until 1892.

Rev. Forde's successor was Rev. I. G. Monson, also of Amherst, Wisconsin. He served until 1893. It was during his pastorate here that the Ladies Aid was organized.

Rev. T. Saetveit was the next pastor. It was during his pastorate that the first church was built. The year was 1887. It was erected on land that an early lumberman, Haskell Withee, had donated for a cemetery, one mile west of Curtiss. It must have been a joyous occasion when the congregation could finally worship in their own temple. It is reported that the following were members at that time: Ole Borgemoen, John Botterud, Ever Erickson, C. Gilbertson, John Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jorgen Hanson, Even Johnson, Gunder Johnson, Ole Johnson, Nels Johnson, John Klemetson, Peter Lokken, Oluf Moilund, Arne Olson, Knute Olson, Fred Ostenson, Peter Peterson, Matt Rued, Ole Thompson and Oluf Thompson.

During Pastor Saetveit's leave of absence during 1896-97, Rev. C. B. Bestul served as pastor.

In 1898, the congregation called Rev. Th. Fretheim. He remained until 1900 when he returned to Norway to become a pastor there.

Up to this time, services had been conducted exclusively in the Norwegian language. But these early settlers were rapidly adopting the English language and becoming Americanized. So in 1900, according to the minutes of the annual meeting, the new Pastor to be called should be able to preach in English as well as in the Norwegian language. The man who answered these qualifications was Rev. H. Neilson. His salary was to be $100, with services twice a month. He remained until 1904 when he returned to Norway. for a time, Rev. A. J. Anderson of Marshfield held services occasionally.

According to the records, it was in 1901 that the congregation began to send delegates to district meetings. It is interesting that a district meeting was held in the Curtiss church June 9, 10 and 11, 1903. Knute Olson, Ever Erickson and Matt Rued were the organizing committee. Ole Thompson, Christ Moe and Peter Lokken volunteered to paint the church before the meeting.

Mr. & Mrs. T. S. Reishus  1905 - 1917

It 1905, Rev. T. S. Reishus of Stanley, was called as pastor. It was then that a disastrous tornado completely destroyed the church. It was a heavy loss indeed as there was no insurance on the building. Rev. Reishus encouraged the congregation with these words: "Therefore, let us say with Job: 'The Lord gave, the Lord took, the name of the Lord be praised!' " Plans were made to rebuild. In the meantime services were held at the German Lutheran Church in Curtiss.

Old Norwegian Church, completed in 1907

The new brick church was completed and dedicated in 1907. Rev. Reishus served the congregation continuously for twelve years, being forced to retire due to ill health. However, he resided on a farm north of Curtiss and he continued to be a member of the congregation. His son, Lysander Reishus, organized the Luther League in 1907.

Rev. H. P. Nordby, 1917-1921

It was in 1917 that Rev. H. P. Nordby accepted the call. As he was a very energetic and active pastor, activities in the congregation increased appreciably. Due to his efforts, Curtiss, together with Holway and Dorchester, became a self-supporting call. Rev. Nordby accepted a call to Baldwin in 1921. He served the congregation as much as was able after his move to Baldwin.

During the summer of 1922 a student from Luther Seminary, A. C. Odden, served the congregation. That fall, Rev. I. C. Dahl came, remaining until 1923. Rev. Odden was installed September 7, 1924.

Pastor Ivar C Dahl, 1922-1923

It was during this time that a parsonage was purchased - the Fred Machlett residence on the east side of Curtiss. Rev. Nordby and Rev. Dahl had lived in rented houses in Abbotsford. Rev. Odden had lived in Owen.

Rev. A. C Odden, Rev. H. A Nordby, Rev. J. Nordby,

(H. P.'s father), Rev. Seitviet and Rev. Langehough on

July 26, 1 925 at the celebration of the 40th anniversary

of the Norwegian congregation.

On November 24, 1926, a special meeting was held in the church for the purpose of incorporating the church. At that time a translation of the consititution was read and accepted as read. Rev. Odden's resignation was accepted January 31, 1927 at the annual meeting.

A. C. Odden, 1924-1927

Mrs. and Pastor W. L. Anderson, Pastor and Mrs. Borreson and

David, Neoma and Marcia Borreson on October 3, 1943 at the

celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ladies Aid.

From 1928 to 1930, the congregation was served by Rev. Skagen. Rev. W. L. Anderson came in June, 1930 and served until 1941. At the annual meeting in 1941, a pension plan for pastors, as put forth by the Board of Pensions of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, was adopted.

Pastor Borreson followed Rev. Anderson. In 1945 a parish hall, the Green Grove town hall, was purchased and moved to the village of Curtiss. It was placed on the lots next to St. Paul's German Lutheran Church which had been purchased for $225. A complete record of this project is on file in the church offices due to the efforts of Mrs. Bernice Laabs, who served as a member of the building committee for this project.

Mrs. and Pastor W. L.  Anderson, Pastor and Mrs. Borreson and

David, Neoma and Marcia Borreson on October 3, 1943 at the

celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ladies Aid.

Confirmation 1924

 Back Row (left to right) A. Bakke,

M. Knutesen, E. Bakke, A Thompsen, F. Matthais.

Second Row.  N. Lokken, Kluve, N. Johnson, M. Lupient.

Seated. E. Stevens, Pastor A. 0. Langehough, H. Larson.

West side of Green Grove Town Hall

after its move into Curtiss for use as Norwegian parish hall

*note St. Paul's Kirche in background. 

At the annual meeting in 1942, a motion was made and seconded that the constitution be amended to give women the right to vote.  At the 1943 meeting, it was voted to accept this proposed amendment (6 in favor, 3 against).  Rev. Borreson served until 1949.

1942  Confirmation Class

Standing: A. Lokken, E. Marking,

Seated: G. Wolfnim, Pastor Borreson, B. Fraland.

The parsonage was moved to its present location in 1949, onto land donated by Arthur Laabs. A full basement was constructed and the house redecorated and modernized. A wind break was planted on the north side and the grounds land scaped. Rev. Odlund came at that time.

In 1952, at a special meeting, a motion was made and carrier that we have joint services with the Evangelical Reformed Church January through March, with Rev. Odlund and Rev Deitrich of the Reformed Church to conduct services on alternate Sundays.

In May of 1953, an informational meeting was held to act on the decision of the Evangelical-Reformed Church to dissolve their congregation in Curtiss and to join the Lutheran congregation.  The motion was made and seconded to "whole heartedly accept them as members to our congregration and to use their church".  In September of that year, Rev. Grossheusch of the Evangelical-Reformed Church, set a $1000 value as settlement of that church property, to be paid to the Evangelical-Reformed Synod. Soon the settlement was agreed to and Written releases were given to the members of that church. 

Rev. Otis Odland, Mrs. Odland, David, Kathleen

and Ann Marie - taken at farewell party, May 1954

Christian Education has always been a vital part of the ministry of this church. The early pastors held Parochial School each summer, sometimes serving as the teachers, and sometimes being responsible for the hiring of another qualified teacher. Confirmation classes were also held, with classes from Owen as well as from the local area.

The pastor's wives have contributed much to the spiritual and physical welfare of this church body and to the community. They seem to have been involved in many aspects of life in and around Curtiss. Several of them were nurses, and most helped with Sunday School, Choir and Ladies Aid.

Many devoted lay people have added to the mission of the church over the years. Some have since moved away, some are still involved in spreading the Gospel of Christ through His church here in Curtiss.

Kirken!

Kirken den er et gammelt hus,
står, om end tårnene falde,
tårne fuldmange sank i grus,
klokker end kime og kalde,
kalde på gammel og på ung,
mest dog på sjælen træt og tung,
syg for den evige hvile.

Vi er hans hus og kirke nu,
bygget af levende stene,
som, under kors, med ærlig hu
troen og dåben forene.
Var vi på jord ej mer end to,
bygge dog ville han og bo
hos os i hele sin vælde.

Give da Gud, at hvor vi bo,
altid, når klokkerne ringe,
folket forsamles i Jesu tro
dér, hvor det plejed at klinge:
Verden vel ej, men I mig ser,
alt hvad jeg siger, se, det sker,
fred være med eder alle!