Timeline
1859: The Little Cedar congregation was first organized on November 26th at a meeting in the log home of Hans Erickson Floen, the James and Dorothy Bergene farm. Charter members were Rognald and John Olson Holstad, Tideman and Eric Knutson Aaberg, John and Harold Irgens, Helge Floen, John Osmundson Hauske, Henrick Benson Hagen, John Olson Hesjedahl and sons, John and Ole, John Olson Qvale, Simon Knutson Vik, Ole Gullickson Tildenn and sons, Gullick and Tollef, Anders Olson Alrick, Ole Johnson Holstad, Rasmus Rasmussen Vignas and Nels Finkelson Prestehegge.
1863: The first church was built where the cemetery is now located. It was named after the Little Cedar River which originates in Marshall Township.
The church was made of logs furnished by members of the congregation. It was 30’ x 40’. While it was being constructed, the Civil War broke out and Norwegians in the area responded in large numbers. The first pastor, Rev. C.L. Clausen, served as a chaplain and later returned to resume his duties for the five area congregations. |
1856-1871: Rev. C.L. Clausen
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1867: On October 12th, several congregations united, forming a single charge. These were Little Cedar, St. Ansgar, Rock Creek, Six Mile Grove and Blooming Prairie. Rev. P.G. Ostby (1871-1877), Rev. Clausen’s assistant, became permanent pastor.
1876: The original log building was replaced by a frame building. However, times were difficult and it took ten years for all the furnishings to be completed. |
1915-1919: C.B. Runsvold was the next pastor and during his pastorate, the weekday school was introduced and continues to this time.
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1989: A new tracker action pipe organ was dedicated on October 29th. Since that time, three more ranks of pipes have been added bringing the total of pipes to 1002. Also added, was a set of 25 Peterson chimes playable from the organ on a separate keyboard.
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2002-2009: Pastor Shari Mason
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2010-2011: Pastor Leslie Neist
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2013-Present: Pastor Jeremy Johnson
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