Minnewaska Lutheran Church will be celebrating their 140th anniversary on September 10. The celebration will begin with the 10 a.m. worship service and feature special speakers and a meal catered by Angelina’s following. The church has also invited former clergy and their families to attend the festivities.

According to Jim Wesen several people have gone into planning the special day including Kathy Stottler, Helen Dullun, Judy Toiveren, Tootie Anderson, Kayo Aslagson, Mary Ann Rolf and Pastor Joel Rolf.

In 1883, the original charter constitution was born at the home of Ole Knudsen to form what is now known as Minnewaska Lutheran Church. There wasn’t an actual church building so the members met in each other’s houses and on occasion the old schoolhouse. A church was built in 1896 and 140 years later, MLC is still thriving.

These men were farmers, laborers and a few businessmen who had recently emigrated from Norway and other Scandinavian countries and settled in and near Starbuck. They were men of faith and courage, and they were anxious to continue the worship they were accustomed to in their homeland. They had gathered occasionally in homes or schoolhouses to share their faith. At one such meeting they had drawn up a constitution which was read and accepted on February 9, 1883, beginning Hauges Menighet at Pope County. Rev. Olson Tuve was chairman at this meeting. During the early years many pastors served the congregation. Some of them came long distances. Consequently, services were very irregular. Rev. Tuve conducted the first confirmation service in May 1886.

Services were held in homes or in the schoolhouse during the first twelve years. With increasing membership and a desire to have a church, the congregation began negotiations for suitable church property and the gathering of funds. Faith, prayer, hard work and sacrifice resulted in the completed church in 1896. The name was changed to Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Shortly after the Lutheran Free Church was organized in 1897, this congregation became a member of that church body and the name was changed to Minnewaska Lutheran Free Church Congregation. In the 1950s a new constitution was adopted and the name of our church was changed to Minnewaska Lutheran Church. In 1963 the church became a member of the American Lutheran Church. In 1987 a major change came about when the ALC along with two other church groups formed the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and we became ELCA.

In 1952, it was decided to remodel the church, adding to the length and building a basement. Much of the work was donated and many items were given as memorials, serving as silent but permanent reminders of church members who gave of their strength and means so that future generations may share in the blessings that this church offers.

Over the years, Minnewaska Lutheran Church has had working relationships with area churches, including Lands Congregation of Hoffman (1921-1955) and St. Petri Congregation of Cyrus (1955-1962). In 1964 the councils and membership of Minnewaska and Fron churches of Starbuck voted to enter a working relationship (1964-1990). The year 1990 brought many changes. At this time, a re-awakening began of spirit and calling and began praying for a new direction for our congregation. After much soul searching and prayer, we voted unanimously on July 28, 1996, to withdraw from the ELCA and return to our roots by affiliating with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC). 

Today the church is continuously updating and upgrading with a recently refurnished basement and an added fellowship hall that seats 160. Last year there were 12 confirmands and over 40 vacation bible school kids. The congregation is led by Pastor Joel Rolf with several opportunities to gather throughout each week. Services at MLC are held on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and can be viewed via the internet by visiting the church’s YouTube channel or their website at minnewaskalutheran.org.