Church History

East Lemonweir

  •  July 25, 1854: The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Lemonweir was established. The first services were held in a parishioner's home. The next place of worship was a log church. The logs which are still in existence, are stored near the present church building.
  • 1864: The parsonage farm was bought in 1864 for $750. This parsonage was used steadily by all of our ministers and their families until 1953. In 1969 the farm and house were sold,and the house was destroyed by fire in December 1973.
  • 1872: In the fall of 1872 the question came upconcerning the building of a new church. During this discussion some tried to get the new church located on land belonging to the parsonage. Others living farthest West-those living "in the bluffs" wished for a church there. After long and sober deliberation the congregation divided, in the late fall of 1871 into the East Lemonweir and West Lemonweir congregations.
  • 1874: During the summer of 1874, two new churches were put in use. The West Lemonweir church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground on August 3, 1924.
  • 1921: Electricity was installed in the church parsonage.
  • 1924: East Lemonweir added a basement to their church around1924.
  • 1930: During the1930's a gradual change over from Norwegian to English services began. The changeover was completed in1940 when the Church records were written in English for the first time.
  • 1940: Electricity was installed in East Lemonweir Lutheran Church.
  • 1953: January 1953 we became at two point parish with Our Savior'sLutheran in Elroy. This union lasted until 1959.
  • 1954: East Lemonweir observed their 100th Anniversary on July 23-25, 1954.  A complete renovation of the church was done in preparation of this milestone.
  • 1959: From 1959 until February1963 East Lemonweir was a single parish.  During this four year period the ladies of the church began to vote.
  • 1963: East Lemonweir Lutheran Church became a joint parish with Bethany Lutheran Church New Lisbon,WI. Together they called Pastor Ernest Gilberts. 
  • 1964: The first woman was elected to the church council.
  • 1973: Running water and restrooms, and new cupboards were installed at church.
  • 1981: On April 12, 1981, the bell was stolen from the bell tower. A replacement bell was installed in 1987.
  • 1984: We celebrated our 130th Anniversary. We received a plaque commemorating us as a founding congregation of Luther College.

  • 1998: Discussion began on the addition of handicapped accessibility to our church.

  • 2000: Construction began on the addition which would house an elevator system, making the church handicapped accessible

  • 2004: Our150th Anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, July 18, 2004

Bethany History
  • 1943 – Bethany organized as a church; Pastor Urberg was the first minister
  • 1944 – Ladies Aid group was organized
  • 1945 – October, Bethany had its own place of worship (Gage School purchased and placed on a lot)
  • 1946 – Bethany Lutheran was established on a permanent basis
  • 1950 – The Sarnow School was purchased and attached to the building and Rev. Sidney Jorgensen was called as pastor
  • 1950s – Senior Choir formed; new furnishings purchased
  • 195x – Rev. Donald Olson called as Pastor
  • 195x – Rev. E.O. Gilberts called as Pastor
  • 1962 – New site for the church was purchased at present location
  • 196x – Rev. J. Midtling called as Pastor
  • 1967 – Groundbreaking for new church begun
  • 1968 – Moved into new church at present location on September 8h
  • 197x – Parsonage was built
  • 197x – Rev. John Soltvedt called as Pastor
  • 19xx – Rev. Harvey Frye called as Pastor
  • 19xx – Rev. Tim Quarberg called as Pastor
  • 19xx – Pr. David Carls called as Pastor
  • 1989 – New Lisbon Food Pantry was organized and opened June 15,1989
  • 1993 – Bethany celebrated 50 years in ministry


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