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The Lake Campbell Lutheran Congregation was originally the Medary
Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, Brookings County, Dakota
Territory. The congregation, with nineteen charter members, was
organized June 13, 1870 at the John Thompson home in Sverdrup Township,
Minnehaha County. At that time the early Scandinavian pioneers of
the Lutheran faith, living in this part of the country, were requested
by the Rev. E. Christenson and the Rev. E. Olson to send a delegation to
participate in a service in the Nidaros Norwegian Lutheran Congregation,
Minnehaha County. Martin N. Trygstad was then elected as pastor's
assistant. His duties were to conduct services for the
congregation in the homes. The group of early settlers made use of
their freedom to worship God by organizing a congregation and providing
religious instruction for their children. The first recorded congregation meeting
was held July 9, 1870 to extend a call to Rev. E. Christenson, who became
the first pastor. Pastor Christenson lived near Vermillion, and
served congregations over a large area. He agreed to serve this
new congregation twice a year for a salary of thirty dollars. The
early pioneers had a deep concern for holding fast to their Christian
Heritage and establishing churches, as evidenced in the written church
records. Distances and condition made for difficult travel and
ordained pastors were relatively few. The members of the congregation
were constantly striving to unite with other groups and congregations to
secure adequate and qualified pastoral service. The present Lake
Campbell Church building was built in 1890, costing approximately $2000
with members of the congregation providing the labor. The land was
donated by Johannes A. Berge, who also became the first custodian.
Johannes N. Trygstad was 'Klokker' (song leader). The evergreen
trees which adorn the church yard were planted in 1910. In 1924, a balcony
was installed and a full basement was added. In 1955 the entrance
was enlarged, an overflow room and educational unit were added,
and other modernization completed. In 2002,
Venneskapshalle (Friendship Hall), kitchen, and bathrooms were added which
makes the building handicap accessible. This is a thriving
congregation abiding in God's love.
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