The history of the Deer Creek Lutheran congregation had its beginning along with the St. Ansgar congregation largely through the efforts of the Rev. Claus Clausen, the first Scandinavian Lutheran minister in America. He served these congregations as founder and pastor from 1853 to 1872.

First Deer Creek Lutheran Church near Carpenter. This picture was taken in 1901 after the south wing addition was made.

On January 4, 1877, district Number four of the St. Ansgar Lutheran congregation met for the purpose of organizing a separate congregation, to be known as the Deer Creek congregation. Pastor Johan Olson was the organizer and chairman, A. Nordbo, secretary, and Lars Anderson, treasurer. The first deacons were Torris Thompson, Ole Gordon and Olaf Anderson. The first trustees were N. Syverson, Gilbert Gilbertson and Haavel Olson. Meetings were held in homes.

The Deer Creek church was built in 1883 for $1,400 on a two acre tract of land donated by L. O. Anderson, with the south acre to be used for the cemetery and the north acre for the church. Planks and nail kegs were used for pews and boxes for the altar and table until 1888.

In 1901 the south wing of the church was built and Thorvaldsens Statue of Christ was bought with the Rev. Olson giving half of the cost.

Rev. M.E. Waldeland was the third pastor and was active with Luther League work. Deer Creek still has an acitve League with Christian studies and organized activities.

A new Brick church was built in 1954 when more land was bought at the same sight.

Pastors since Langehough left in 1956 have been Henry Erickson, Walter Carlson and Robert Lehmann.

This is the present Deer Creek Lutheran Church. The ground breaking for the brick building was made on the 75th anniversary of the church's history in 1952, and it was dedicated in 1955. The Rev. Olaf Langhough was pastor then.

The congregation has had an active ladies Aid since 1889 with mrs. Robert Jensen, President, Mrs. Andrew Throne, Secretary; mrs. nels Severson, treasurer. Meetings were held in homes at first, then in the parish house in Carpenter and now in the church parlors.

Early in the history of the congregation they recognized the need for religious training of their children, so a Sunday School was organized. Many lived a long distance from the church so at first three Sunday schools were held in different parts of the area. In 1917 Sunday school was held in the town of Carpenter with Rosetta Jensen as superintendent. Several superintendents served until 1925 when Mrs. Leonard Anderson was elected and served until 1968 when she resigned and Lola Knutson became superintendent.

The choir and the Brotherhood completed the organizations of this church during its long history. Confirmation classes have been held with the first ones in Norwegian language.

Mitchell County Press-News, May 20, 1971, at Osage Public Library.
Article also contains a photo of Rev. Lehmann.
A small portion of the article was missing from the graphic image of the article.