A Brief History of Galchutt Lutheran Church
(Excerpts from Galchutt Lutheran’s 50th anniversary booklet, with updates through 2015)
Almost seventy years after the founding of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Abercrombie Township, a number of people from the
St. John’s and Bethany churches felt that there should be a Lutheran church in the thriving community of Galchutt. Finally on February 1, 1940, a group of fifteen men met and formed The Galchutt Lutheran Group. Members of that nucleus group were John Bjerkager, Bernard Boren, Melvin Brotten, Alvin Carlson, Palmer Flaa, C.M. Johnson, Gilbert Johnson, Orville Klubberud, Walter Loff, Ole Lunde, Martin Mathieson, Edward Moen Sr., Martin Rasmussen, R.W. Sether, and Hans. E. Syvertsen. Under the chairmanship of Gilbert Johnson, the Group met once a month, having fundraising events and making plans. Dues were one dollar per month per family.
In April, 1940, the land on which the church now stands was purchased from Palmer Flaa for $150.00. In August, the Group purchased the Immanuel Lutheran Church building in Wahpeton for $352. A basement was constructed, and in late September the building was moved to Galchutt and placed on its new foundation. During the winter months, the fifteen member families and others who had become interested volunteered to remodel and decorate the interior of the church.
On March 2, 1941, Pastor Hans Upstad held the first worship service in the new church and Galchutt Lutheran Church became a reality. The formal laying of the cornerstone and dedication of the church were held on May 31, 1942, with Dr. David Stoeve, President of the North Dakota District, as the featured speaker. Also dedicated at that service were the beautiful white and gold chancel furnishings and altar given by the family of Mr. and Mrs. Einer Wold, the Baptismal Font given by Miss Signe Reine, and the pulpit purchased by the Ladies Aid.
From the dedicated and enthusiastic embryonic group of families, the church grew even though Pastor Upstad continued to conduct services at St. John’s, Bethany, and Abercrombie (now Emmanuel) churches for about a year. Then it was decided to discontinue services at St. John’s. Some members transferred to Galchutt and some to Bethany. From that start of fifteen member families, Galchutt Lutheran Church has been as large as sixty-seven member families in 1991. Since then, a few core families in the church have moved or passed away. Currently, in 2015, Galchutt has around fifty-three member families on its role.
Through the years many people have donated much-needed items to the new church including the first pump organ given by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Loff and the steeple bell given by Hans E. Syvertsen. The numerous other gifts given through the past seventy-three years, often as memorials, are now listed in the Memorial and Gifts Book kept in the fellowship hall.
In 1956 an education wing was added on the north side of the building to provide better facilities for the growing Sunday School. This allowed for individual rooms for each class as well as seating space in a large overflow room adjacent to the sanctuary.
Dr. J.C.K. Preus of Minneapolis was the speaker at the dedication service on November 4, 1956.
In 1964 an enclosed entrance and narthex were added providing a pleasant area to greet and visit with fellow members and visitors before and after services, a crying room, a place to hang outer garments, and a place to display bulletins and other information. Concordia President Dr. Joseph Knutson and the Rt. Rev. L.E. Tolleckson, President Eastern North Dakota District of the ALC were speakers when this fine addition was dedicated.
Through the next several years new pews were purchased, a fine electric organ and loud speaker system were installed, brick planters were built by the front entrance, white wrought-iron assist rails were placed near the altar railing, and colored glass windows replaced the clear glass panes.
It was with regret but understanding that the Church Council heard and accepted Pastor Upstad’s letter of resignation at the annual meeting in January of 1972, to become effective in the fall. When he presided over his final services in the Emmanuel and Galchutt Churches, he ended thirty-six years of service and concern to the people of this area. Pastor Upstad remained semi-retired, serving as an interim pastor in several churches.
Although the church basement had been kept in excellent repair and boasted a well-equipped kitchen, the members felt the need for an “above-ground” facility and, in 1978 and 1979, a fine fellowship hall/dining room addition was constructed on the south side of the main building. This addition was dedicated at a worship service on April 1, 1979, followed by a congregational dinner.
Being a rural community church, it is not surprising that one of the traditions that has become important at Galchutt Lutheran is the God’s Acre Offering. Each fall, after the harvest, on a Sunday specified by the Church Council, members are asked to make a special offering equivalent to the return from one acre of land. Even though many members of the congregation are not engaged in farming, this special offering at the end of the harvest season reminds everyone of God’s goodness in providing for our daily needs.
In 1984, a St. John’s Cemetery Committee was formed for the purpose of soliciting funds to landscape the cemetery and church grounds. Besides the planting of many evergreen trees, a wrought iron sign was placed in a newly planted shrub bed identifying the church and the year in which it was established….1872. Later, Vernon Johnson made a sizeable bequest to Galchutt Church stipulating the use of funds be used to assure continued and perpetual care and upkeep of St. John’s Church and Cemetery. Since that time, Galchutt Church as conducted at least one service each year in St. John’s hoping to keep the younger generations aware of the great heritage passed on from the pioneers who first came to settle in this area. A debt of gratitude is owed to Palmer Tverdahl who served faithfully as sexton for St. John’s and kept accurate records for many years after taking over the position held by Palmer Flaa. In the spring of 1991, David Fixen was appointed to act as assistant sexton. Galchutt Lutheran is also responsible for Stearns Cemetery located west of Galchutt. Daryl Overby served as sexton of Stearns Cemetery for many years. Galchutt Lutheran is indebted to the family of Daryl Overby as they continue to serve in this capacity.
In 1988 an electronically lighted brick bulletin-type sign was erected near the church as a memorial from the Overby families. At the annual meeting in January 1990, another dedicated member of the congregation, Elmer Hoel, resigned from his position as church treasurer after holding that office for forty-two years.
Over the past several years, Galchutt Lutheran church members have done an outstanding job keeping the building in excellent condition. Church members are always willing to help in any way possible when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. If major repairs are needed, members have been generous in their donations allowing the church to meet monetary needs. The families of Paul Syverson and Florence Isackson donated the piano that is housed in the church fellowship hall. Pew cushions were donated by the family of Don Hoel in 1992. In 1994 a sound system was donated by the families of Lloyd Fixen and Hans A. Syvertsen Jr. This system is still currently being used by Galchutt Lutheran. In 1999, the current organ used at Galchutt Lutheran was purchased in part, with a memorial donation by the family of Rachel Fixen. Updates to the sanctuary were made in 2000 by installing new carpet and painting the walls. In 2011 the ladies bathroom was remodeled and expanded into one of the storage rooms allowing more room and repairs that were needed. A new entrance door near the dining room was also replaced in 2011. Sunday school rooms were painted in 2013 with bright colors to portray a fun and inviting learning environment for the children.
Over the years, Sunday School has remained an important staple for the youth at Galchutt Lutheran. While the enrollment fluctuates as generations cycle through, members are thrilled to embrace the children in attendance. In the mid 2000’s, enrollment was down to as little as 2-4 kids. In 2015, we are very happy to have eleven Sunday School students with several younger youth in the congregation that will soon join us!
The present members of the congregation look back on the church’s first seventy-five years with humble pride, and look forward to the next seventy-five years with great hope basing their plans on the watchword found in Psalm 127:1…. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”
(Excerpts from Galchutt Lutheran’s 50th anniversary booklet, with updates through 2015)
Almost seventy years after the founding of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Abercrombie Township, a number of people from the
St. John’s and Bethany churches felt that there should be a Lutheran church in the thriving community of Galchutt. Finally on February 1, 1940, a group of fifteen men met and formed The Galchutt Lutheran Group. Members of that nucleus group were John Bjerkager, Bernard Boren, Melvin Brotten, Alvin Carlson, Palmer Flaa, C.M. Johnson, Gilbert Johnson, Orville Klubberud, Walter Loff, Ole Lunde, Martin Mathieson, Edward Moen Sr., Martin Rasmussen, R.W. Sether, and Hans. E. Syvertsen. Under the chairmanship of Gilbert Johnson, the Group met once a month, having fundraising events and making plans. Dues were one dollar per month per family.
In April, 1940, the land on which the church now stands was purchased from Palmer Flaa for $150.00. In August, the Group purchased the Immanuel Lutheran Church building in Wahpeton for $352. A basement was constructed, and in late September the building was moved to Galchutt and placed on its new foundation. During the winter months, the fifteen member families and others who had become interested volunteered to remodel and decorate the interior of the church.
On March 2, 1941, Pastor Hans Upstad held the first worship service in the new church and Galchutt Lutheran Church became a reality. The formal laying of the cornerstone and dedication of the church were held on May 31, 1942, with Dr. David Stoeve, President of the North Dakota District, as the featured speaker. Also dedicated at that service were the beautiful white and gold chancel furnishings and altar given by the family of Mr. and Mrs. Einer Wold, the Baptismal Font given by Miss Signe Reine, and the pulpit purchased by the Ladies Aid.
From the dedicated and enthusiastic embryonic group of families, the church grew even though Pastor Upstad continued to conduct services at St. John’s, Bethany, and Abercrombie (now Emmanuel) churches for about a year. Then it was decided to discontinue services at St. John’s. Some members transferred to Galchutt and some to Bethany. From that start of fifteen member families, Galchutt Lutheran Church has been as large as sixty-seven member families in 1991. Since then, a few core families in the church have moved or passed away. Currently, in 2015, Galchutt has around fifty-three member families on its role.
Through the years many people have donated much-needed items to the new church including the first pump organ given by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Loff and the steeple bell given by Hans E. Syvertsen. The numerous other gifts given through the past seventy-three years, often as memorials, are now listed in the Memorial and Gifts Book kept in the fellowship hall.
In 1956 an education wing was added on the north side of the building to provide better facilities for the growing Sunday School. This allowed for individual rooms for each class as well as seating space in a large overflow room adjacent to the sanctuary.
Dr. J.C.K. Preus of Minneapolis was the speaker at the dedication service on November 4, 1956.
In 1964 an enclosed entrance and narthex were added providing a pleasant area to greet and visit with fellow members and visitors before and after services, a crying room, a place to hang outer garments, and a place to display bulletins and other information. Concordia President Dr. Joseph Knutson and the Rt. Rev. L.E. Tolleckson, President Eastern North Dakota District of the ALC were speakers when this fine addition was dedicated.
Through the next several years new pews were purchased, a fine electric organ and loud speaker system were installed, brick planters were built by the front entrance, white wrought-iron assist rails were placed near the altar railing, and colored glass windows replaced the clear glass panes.
It was with regret but understanding that the Church Council heard and accepted Pastor Upstad’s letter of resignation at the annual meeting in January of 1972, to become effective in the fall. When he presided over his final services in the Emmanuel and Galchutt Churches, he ended thirty-six years of service and concern to the people of this area. Pastor Upstad remained semi-retired, serving as an interim pastor in several churches.
Although the church basement had been kept in excellent repair and boasted a well-equipped kitchen, the members felt the need for an “above-ground” facility and, in 1978 and 1979, a fine fellowship hall/dining room addition was constructed on the south side of the main building. This addition was dedicated at a worship service on April 1, 1979, followed by a congregational dinner.
Being a rural community church, it is not surprising that one of the traditions that has become important at Galchutt Lutheran is the God’s Acre Offering. Each fall, after the harvest, on a Sunday specified by the Church Council, members are asked to make a special offering equivalent to the return from one acre of land. Even though many members of the congregation are not engaged in farming, this special offering at the end of the harvest season reminds everyone of God’s goodness in providing for our daily needs.
In 1984, a St. John’s Cemetery Committee was formed for the purpose of soliciting funds to landscape the cemetery and church grounds. Besides the planting of many evergreen trees, a wrought iron sign was placed in a newly planted shrub bed identifying the church and the year in which it was established….1872. Later, Vernon Johnson made a sizeable bequest to Galchutt Church stipulating the use of funds be used to assure continued and perpetual care and upkeep of St. John’s Church and Cemetery. Since that time, Galchutt Church as conducted at least one service each year in St. John’s hoping to keep the younger generations aware of the great heritage passed on from the pioneers who first came to settle in this area. A debt of gratitude is owed to Palmer Tverdahl who served faithfully as sexton for St. John’s and kept accurate records for many years after taking over the position held by Palmer Flaa. In the spring of 1991, David Fixen was appointed to act as assistant sexton. Galchutt Lutheran is also responsible for Stearns Cemetery located west of Galchutt. Daryl Overby served as sexton of Stearns Cemetery for many years. Galchutt Lutheran is indebted to the family of Daryl Overby as they continue to serve in this capacity.
In 1988 an electronically lighted brick bulletin-type sign was erected near the church as a memorial from the Overby families. At the annual meeting in January 1990, another dedicated member of the congregation, Elmer Hoel, resigned from his position as church treasurer after holding that office for forty-two years.
Over the past several years, Galchutt Lutheran church members have done an outstanding job keeping the building in excellent condition. Church members are always willing to help in any way possible when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. If major repairs are needed, members have been generous in their donations allowing the church to meet monetary needs. The families of Paul Syverson and Florence Isackson donated the piano that is housed in the church fellowship hall. Pew cushions were donated by the family of Don Hoel in 1992. In 1994 a sound system was donated by the families of Lloyd Fixen and Hans A. Syvertsen Jr. This system is still currently being used by Galchutt Lutheran. In 1999, the current organ used at Galchutt Lutheran was purchased in part, with a memorial donation by the family of Rachel Fixen. Updates to the sanctuary were made in 2000 by installing new carpet and painting the walls. In 2011 the ladies bathroom was remodeled and expanded into one of the storage rooms allowing more room and repairs that were needed. A new entrance door near the dining room was also replaced in 2011. Sunday school rooms were painted in 2013 with bright colors to portray a fun and inviting learning environment for the children.
Over the years, Sunday School has remained an important staple for the youth at Galchutt Lutheran. While the enrollment fluctuates as generations cycle through, members are thrilled to embrace the children in attendance. In the mid 2000’s, enrollment was down to as little as 2-4 kids. In 2015, we are very happy to have eleven Sunday School students with several younger youth in the congregation that will soon join us!
The present members of the congregation look back on the church’s first seventy-five years with humble pride, and look forward to the next seventy-five years with great hope basing their plans on the watchword found in Psalm 127:1…. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”