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History

A Brief Historical Review of
Urland Lutheran Church
1872-2009

Urland Lutheran Church, Section 30 Leon Township, Goodhue County, MN was one of nine congregations that had its beginnings in Holden. When Holden was organized in 1856 there were a few Norwegian settlers near Sogn in Leon Township that attended Holden congregation, among those were Amund Godskalksen Meland, Haldor Johannesen Eide, and Rognald Johannesen Ohnstad. Other settlers attended later on. They shared in the work and expenses of Holden congregation and its parsonage. What now constitutes Urland was formerly one of Holden’s Trustee districts

Because of the walking distance, a branch congregation was organized in 1870 meeting in homes and the Olson School (Dist #45) with Pastor B J Muus who was called to Holden in 1859 became Urland’s pastor also. In 1871 land was purchased and the church was built and named “Urland Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation.” It was named “Urland” because that was where many families were from in the Sognefjord area in Norway.

Subscriptions or “donations” were received by 1875 amounting to $3,262.50 and the new church was built with $3.15 left over!! During the winter of 1871-72 the lumber and other building materials for the church were transported from Red Wing by horse or oxen-drawn wagons.. The foundation walls were laid in the spring of 1872 by Hans H. Klostre, the mason. The cornerstone was dedicated by Pastor Muus on May 9, 1872. Pastor Muus served until 1879 when he was replaced by Rev. T. A. Hanson (Berger). On December 19, 1872 they incorporated as self-supporting and a constitution was adopted. In 1880 they dissolved from the mother church – Holden. Most of the records were kept by Pastor Muus until that time.

Then Vang and Urland became a joint parish served by one pastor with services every other Sunday. Rev. Kildahl, Rev. Ofstedahl and Rev. C. A. Mellby served as pastors. Pastor Mellby became a Professor at St. Olaf College and held that position for over fifty years! The next pastor, Rev. A. Hauge served Urland congregation for 27 years.

Wangen Prairie had been a Trustee District of Urland, but in 1901 they built a new church. Because this geographic segment of Urland was far from the church, the minister had been granted permission to conduct separate services in a schoolhouse which the Norwegians had built for their parochial school. It is still standing there beside the church building as a reminder of the importance of Christian education! It was recently redecorated by Clarence Husbyn.

Many changes and improvements have been made through the years. Urland’s pipe organ was purchased in 1909 for $1,200 and is still in use. It was completely rebuilt by Mr. Burfiend some years ago for $12,000. Much remodeling was done on the church proper in 1928, including lifting the church building and putting a basement in. In 1937 new leaded stained glass windows were installed. In 1939 the organ was electrified, before that it had been pumped by hand! In 1945 a water system was installed. The basement fellowship hall was redecorated with wanes coating, the wooden floors were sanded and new tables and chairs were bought. Two new large doors were donated for the sanctuary entrance as a memorial. A new entry way, Sunday School rooms, library, and new bathrooms among other things were done in 1969.

When Wangen Prairie was organized, Urland and Vang all became a part of a 3-point parish — until 1964 when there was a realignment of churches. Vang and Dennison went together to call a pastor. Urland and Wangen Prairie became a 2-point parish. At that time it was necessary to build a new parsonage which was built in 1965 close to the Urland Church. A beautiful park has been established between the parsonage and the church building.

At that time Pastor George O. Thompson was called to serve as pastor. He remained on staff — as Visitation Pastor! He passed away in January of 2002. That would be 36 years ministering in Urland and Wangen Prairie church congregations. Since Pastor Thompson resigned as full time pastor in 1992, several pastors have been called and served for a short time each — Rev. Lon Kvanli came over from Spring Garden where his wife continued on as full time pastor, then they moved to Lincoln, NE; Rev. Dan Clites was called in 1995 and left to go to Brainerd in 1998. The Rev. Scott McLaughlin came in 1999 and took a call in Plymouth in 2006. In 2002 Pastor Dean Lundgren accepted a call to be our Associate Youth Pastor serving us 1/4 time and as of last year serving us half time. (he puts much more time in than that). In 2007 a major changed happened with the Urland & Wangen Prairie Parish. Wangen Prairie made the decision to hire a 1/2 time pastor and we would then hire a full time pastor. In 2007 Pastor Arthur Sharot accepted the call to become our current senior pastor, our first full time pastor. The congregation is being blessed by the ministry of both Pastor Sharot & Pastor Lundgren.

Other pastors who have served at Urland were: Rev. M. E. Hauge, Rev. H. S. Fauske, Rev. Grafton, Rev. Adolph Egge, Rev. L. A. Wogen, and Rev. B. J. Blikstad. Pastor Dean Lundgren was called in summer of 2002 to be a part time Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry. Caretakers (janitors) over the first fifty years were: Knut E. Esterby, Anders O. Wangen, Anders S. Lee, Peder Fretheim, and Sjur O. Lee. A Klokker was a bell ringer and song leader — Johannes Ingebrigtsen Hegvik was the first and then I. D. Hustvedt served for many years and also served as secretary for 40 years!

The Urland Congregation was affiliated with the Norwegian Synod from 1873 through 1887; with the anti-Missourian Brotherhood from 1887 to 1890. The congregation helped create the United Lutheran Church in 1890 and remained with that body until 1917, at which time the Norwegian Synod, the Hauge Synod and the United Lutheran Church merged to form the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 1960 Urland became a member of the American Lutheran Church (ALC). The next merger took place in 1988 when Urland became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

Through the 136 year history of Urland Lutheran Church there have been several anniversary celebrations. A 25th Anniversary was held in 1897, Pastor B. J. Muus preached the sermon. A 50th Jubilee was celebrated in 1922. On the May 22, 1937 Urland observed its 65th Anniversary. At that time, Rev. Egge was pastor and Dr. C. A. Melby and Dr. H. B. Kildahl gave sermons. The 100th Anniversary was celebrated in 1972 and in 1992 we observed the 120th. We celebrated the 125th in 1997. A history book was published at this time and many of those books are still available.

After years of talk, study, and prayer, Urland Lutheran Church began its new building project! Sunday, July 11,, 2004 was the official ground-breaking worship service as we gathered in celebration to our theme: “Catch the Vision- With God All Things Are Possible!” All the hard work led to the Dedication Sunday on April 3, 2005. We had caught the vision and put faith into action. The addition included a much needed elevator, bathrooms, chapel, offices, class rooms, new kitchen, fellowship room – entrance on lower level, and a wonderful narthex, “The Upper Room”. What a blessing!

By the grace of God we are blessed and ask for His continued blessings on the future generations in this place of worship.

Sunday schedule

      9:00 Education hour
      Sunday School
      Youth Forum
      Adult Class

10:30 Worship

Summer schedule

(Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Worship 9:30am
No Sunday School

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Sunday schedule

Summer schedule

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