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A History of Roland, Iowa 1870-1970

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BERGEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Originally, Bergen Lutheran Congregation was a part of St. Petri Lutheran Congregation, organized in 1857, which built a church one mile east of Story City in 1864. In 1874, a part of St. Petri's membership resigned and built a new church at Roland. This church, known as Bergen Church, served the congregation until 1929, when the present church building was erected.

A new parsonage was dedicated November 9, 1958.

Pastors who have served the congregation include: Rev. N. Amlund, 1874 -78; Rev. C. B. Jacobson, 1878-94; Rev. G. Smedal, 1895-1919; Rev. M. O. Sumstad, 1921-42; Rev. Allen E. Nelson, 1942-59; and Rev. H. M. Lybeck, 1960-present.

The fiftieth anniversary of the building of the first church was celebrated July 11-13, 1924, and in September, 1949, the 75th anniversary was celebrated. On the 50th anniversary, a 16-page souvenir pamphlet was published, and on the 75th anniversary a larger 56-page illustrated historical booklet was published.

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Salem Lutheran Congregation was organized on November 7, 1868. A church was built in 1874, one mile west of Roland, about where Floyd Christian now lives. This church was moved to Roland and enlarged in 1890. It served the congregation until the present church was built in 1915. In 1951 additions were built on the east and on the west. Also, in the same year, the church was renovated with new pews, new altar and altar rail, and a new oil furnace installed. Rededication ceremonies were held November 11, 1951,

The parsonage was built in 1927.

The following pastors have served the congregation: Rev. Endre Johannesen, 1870-73; Rev. Ingvald Eistensen, 1873-84; Rev. C. C. Holter, 188496; Rev. J. N. Sandven, 1897-1925; Rev. Olaf Holen, 1926-57; Rev. Everett N. Nelson, 1957-present.

In 1943, the congregation celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding. A 52-page illustrated historical booklet was published on this occasion. The 85th anniversary was celebrated November 8, 1953, the 90th anniversary on November 9, 1958, and the centennial was observed in 1968.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Trinity Lutheran Congregation was organized August 5, 1900. In 1901, the congregation bought the Rod G Jacobson store building just south of the building which houses the Roland Record. This building was remodeled for use as a church.

The following pastors served the congregation: Rev. W. A. Lipe, 1900-1901; Rev. N. A. Whitman, 1901-03; Rev. J. E. Hummon, 1900; Rev. M. Londahl, 1904-05; Rev. T. T. Heimark, 1906; Rev. H. J. Holman, 1909; and possibly others.

The congregation was officially dissolved March 4, 1917.

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