Eidsvold-Svea
LUTHERAN PARISH
BETHLEHEM
Founded on January 5, 1885 with membership of 85 people.
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The first church building was built on top of the hill where the cemetery is, and faced North. It was a cold place to be in the winter!
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In 1908, the church was rebuilt by members. They used as much of the original lumber as possible and locally sourced stone for the foundation. The church was moved more East, and was re-built facing East.
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There have been various additions to the church building over the years, but the bell has been tolling for services since it was purchased in 1899.
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Bethlehem and Eidsvold had been a two point parish since October 1956.
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Bethlehem held their final worship service on September 17, 2023.
EIDSVOLD
Founded in October 1872, by a group of pioneers, the majority of whom hailed from a Norwegian valley that was very similar to Esdaile.
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The first church building was built by these Norse pioneers and was named Eidsvold after the valley from Norway.
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In 1906, the original church was torn down and a new church was rebuilt, salvaging as much of the original lumber as possible.
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There have been many improvements and remodels over the years, including a Hammond organ in 1955, and a new coat of paint in 2021/2022!
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In October 2022, Eidsvold celebrated 150 years of sharing the love of Christ!
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SVEA
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Check back soon for a brief history of Svea Lutheran church!
JOINT PARISH
PARISH CELEBRATIONS
Svea will be celebrating 150 years of sharing the love of Christ in 2025!
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Eidsvold celebrated 150 years of sharing the love of Christ in 2022!
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As of 2023, Eidsvold and Svea became a two point parish, sharing a pastor and staff among our churches.
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