It was in February of 1937 when a group of Clarion worshippers first met for services in the public library basement; and a little over three years later, they dedicated their new building a few blocks away. They literally moved the altar with them, and that altar is still in the present church building. Though many things have changed over the years, the original church building still stands and now the First Lutheran Church congregation prepares to celebrate its 75th Anniversary on June 10. “I see the anniversary not only as a milestone, but a beginning stone,” said current Pastor Ron Nelson.  “The congregation is poised for significant ministry, coming through a period of trial and a crisis situation in the ELCA. I think we’re past that, and now are ready to celebrate a new vision for the future. It’s a congregation strong in word and sacrament ministry, and with many talents and abilities in the membership that are willing to bring these forth in service to their church. They’re also ready to go on a spiritual journey to feed the souls of those who come here and to proclaim the gospel to all who will listen. It’s my calling and privilege to be their pastor on this journey.” “We’re fortunate to have hung together all these years,” said longtime member Dee Waldon. “We hope to have a big crowd on June 10, and the entire community is invited.” “I’m so happy about the younger families who are coming in and taking over,” said another longtime member Arlene Homervold. Waldon agreed, stating, “The young people and children are the future of this church. They’re very faithful about attending.”

Under the leadership of Rev. T. J. Severtson, Rev. Deward Duea, student pastor Borgen Molstre, and Rev. Kjorland, attempts were made in October of 1926 to conduct Lutheran services and establish a Ladies Aid organization in Clarion. Four or five years later, the work was discontinued and the $100 that remained in the Ladies Aid treasury was turned over to the synod treasurer. In December of 1936 and January of 1937, meetings were held at the Clarion Public Library to organize a Lutheran Church. The group present decided to try to obtain Home Mission Aid, call a pastor, and rent the library basement as a temporary meeting place. On February 8, 1937, the first official assembly of the First English Lutheran Church of Clarion was held. The name was later changed to First Lutheran Church. The congregation continued meeting in the library basement; but after two years, received notification that they could no longer use the library as a permanent place of worship. Using the $100 set aside from the Ladies Aid as well as the monetary gifts from those present, it was voted to purchase the lot on the Northeast corner of the old grade school property (First Street Northwest) for $500. The Church Extension Fund authorized a loan of $2,500, and twenty families pledged a total of $1,735 to the building fund. An additional $1,500 was made available by the cooperation of the bank in issuing the notes, making for a total of $5,735. On October 15, 1939, the articles of incorporation were signed; and on October 16, the foundation for the new church building was laid. At the annual meeting, the congregation voted to purchase the adjoining lot to the south for $500. On May 12, in 1940 “the little church of California Redwood” with 130 members was dedicated. The church had literally and figuratively been built around an altar, with a church bell donated by the Lutheran Church in Dows. The portable altar was designed for the library basement by Professor Arnold Flater of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. It was built by Merrill Anderson of Eagle Grove, who would later become the general contractor for the church building. The altar was consecrated on Easter Sunday of 1938. The architects for the new building said, “We shall begin with this altar and build the church around it.” This original altar was carried in procession from the library basement to the new church, and its current home is in the fellowship hall.

“I remember going to Sunday School and church in the library,” said Waldon, whose family joined in 1940. “I also remember walking over from the library to the new church for the first service.” “The altar was carried over here on that day by the men of the church,” said Homervold. She joined on Palm Sunday in 1944. “They had 63 new members that day.” Homervold also has worked under all the pastors who have served the church. “We used to have two services every Sunday,” said Homervold. “Now we share with another congregation to keep going.” The parsonage was purchased in 1943, and by November of 1944, the congregation became self supporting as they were able to retire the remaining debt on the property. Membership at that time stood at 381. A project undertaken in 1948 added Sunday School rooms downstairs, along with a new parish hall, up-to-date kitchen, recreation room, pastor’s study, and an enlarged Nave. The debt on that project was retired in the early 1950’s. A new education unit to the south of the church building was dedicated in May of 1958, along with the church acquiring a nicer and better parsonage. Financial support of a building fund continued into the 1960’s, with the parsonage kitchen receiving a remodeling along with a new entry at the church for access to the kitchen and basement. The church again became debt free in 1969 as the building loan of the education unit was paid off. New stained glass windows were installed in 1972, with an extensive project in 1979 adding a new roof, along with remodeling of the Fireside Room, the Narthex, fellowship area, and classrooms. A new kitchen was built, in a different location, and the church offices and restrooms were moved. The parking area was improved, a new sound system installed along with painting and carpet in the Sanctuary. The building debt was again paid off in 1982. By the end of 1988, the church was able to replace the three furnaces and still end the year with funds available. The membership stood at 500. The Chancel was remodeled in 1990, along with new carpeting for the aisle and Nave. A changeover came in 1991 with the approval of a new church constitution. The system of deacons and trustees for congregational leadership was replaced, as members of the church council were now made up of department heads and committee chairpersons.

A new parsonage was purchased in 1997, along with construction of a new church sign. A larger kitchen was dedicated in September of 2002. Improvements continued in 2006, as the church was re-sided and the distinctive shining cross re-lit inside and out. The congregation entered into an agreement with First Lutheran Church in Dows in 2010 to share a pastor, with Nelson now serving both churches since last October. Another parsonage renovation was completed by last September. Discussion is underway on the hiring of a part-time youth leader, and work has begun on a joint Clarion-Dows pictorial directory as the two churches become better acquainted. The hallway walls in the education unit are lined with photos, some years missing, of all the confirmation classes at the church. The trend towards smaller families, along With a drop in membership numbers, becomes readily apparent as you progress through the years in these photos with class sizes progressively shrinking. “It’s Interesting to see the number of children we had then compared to now,” said Homervold. “All the churches work together for summer Bible School now.” “Families are smaller, and there are not as many farm kids because there are not as many family farms,” ”said Waldon. The First Lutheran Ladies Aid, now Called First Lutheran Church Women (FLCW) was organized in 1937, and Homervold recalls their first project was an ice cream social held as part of a reception for Rev. Ostroot. “We made $11.81 on our first fundraiser,” said Homervold. “We also contributed $100 toward the purchase of the lot for the new church.” The FLCW has done numerous activities, and given countless hours of donated labor towards the benefit of their congregation and church home.  For the past twelve years, they have held a successful salad luncheon twice a year, which helps to fund their work. The women continue to be an integral part of church life, serving in whatever way they can and unselfishly giving their time when it’s needed. Plans for the big anniversary event on Sunday, June 10 have been underway for some time. “We have notified four living pastors to return for this,” said Waldon. “Also sons of the congregation, who have gone to work in ministry, have been invited. Bishop Last of the Western Iowa Synod will preach the sermon. There will be a dinner following the 10:45 service, with a free-will offering. A service of remembrance will take place at 2 p.m., with the former pastors speaking at that time. refreshments will follow the reception.” Waldon wants the public to know they are welcome to attend the day’s events. “Come Help us celebrate, and join us in remembrance and thanksgiving for God’s blessings these past 75 years,” said Waldon. A booklet detailing a more extensive church history has been printed.

11 Apr 2015