A Community of Faith
First Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
History of First Lutheran Church - Nov 9 - 1866
The history of First Lutheran Church dates to Nov. 9, 1866, when the Rev. O.G. Jukam, an officiating minister, drew up articles of organization for the new congregation, primarily Norwegian. In fact, the original articles were written in Norwegian; current members Maury Hartz and Mary Thompson noted that there was difficulty translating the original text into modern English since it is not a commonly spoken language anymore.
Those articles for what was called the Marengo Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church were drawn up in the home of Askand Faltinson. Traveling ministers had served the area prior to establishment of the new church. Original officers were Henrick Halvorson, John Hanson, Jacob Jacobson, Falton Nilson and a Mr. Opeim. Pioneers who were also early members were Lars Olson, John Jacobson, Andrew Jacobson, Gunar Olson, Hans Halvorson, Alek Hanson, Martin Hanson, Ole Englebert, Faltin Faltinson, Syrene Olson, Severt Halvorson, Peder Anderson, Hans Olson, John Helgeson and Askand Faltinson.
A church building was planned in 1876 at its current location, in rural Hilton Township. A 1966 article in the Pioneer-Republican noted that economic conditions at the time were unsettled, with crops going for cheap prices and interest rates high. However, members managed to raise the money and in 1877, construction began, with Marengo Norwegian free of indebtedness.
Until about 1930, the small congregation stuck together but struggled to find and afford resident pastors, and in fact for a time did not have a resident pastor. Part-time pastors from Iowa City and Huxley served the congregation once a month, arriving by train and then perhaps staying over to attend the Ladies’ Aid meeting. In 1930, Marengo Norwegian and two congregations in Norway, the North Benton and Bethlehem Lutheran churches, called the Rev. W.E. Carlson. But even under that arrangement, church services alternated between Norway and Conroy, not changing until transportation improved after World War II. The two Norway churches merged in 1948 to form Trinity Lutheran, and that church and First Lutheran remained yoked in service until 1999.
In May 1945, Marengo Norwegian changed its name to First Lutheran Church.
The church building has undergone many renovations through the years. Electrical service and indoor plumbing were installed in 1948, and the interior remodeled in 1952. Another extensive remodeling took place in 1958, including raising the church for a basement (with kitchen, restroom and Sunday School classrooms), a new heating system, a 15-by-30-foot addition to the front of the church, and awnings on the front and basement entrances.
The bell tower was enclosed in 1972, and an alcove was constructed in 1976. A handicap-accessible entrance was built in 2011, as were main-level restrooms and a drive-up ramp with ground-level accessibility.
First Lutheran boasts several firsts for the rural church. In 1984, the Revs. Keith Larson and Ginger Anderson-Larson were the first ELCA church to call a married couple to serve as co-pastors. Another first was Mary Eggerling entering the seminary and becoming ordained on June 23, 1991, receiving a call to Faith Lutheran Church in Marion.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives. Learn more about What We Believe.
We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.
With more than 10,300 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 4.5 million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.