CHURCHES OF PALO ALTO COUNTY
From Atlas of Palo Alto County
Compiled 1969 by Title Atlas Company; Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Zion Lutheran Congregation was organized at Ruthven on April 22, 1886, with Student L.O. Wigdahl, of Augsburg Seminary, Minn., acting as chairman. This new congregation consisted of 70 members, 31 of these being former members of Our Savior of Lost Island. The first deacons were Engle Nelson, Bertel Garo, and Peter Olson Tronsrud. Trustees: Ole Williamson, Lars Barstrum, and Peter Olson Tronsrud. Trustees: Ole Williamson, Lars Barstrum, Peter Olson; L.H. Sporan, Secy.; L.O. Larson, Treas.; Claus Christopher (Gaard), presenter and leading congregational singing. Student Wigdahl served one Sunday a month until ordained in 1887, when he, with Mrs. Wigdahl, took up residence and became Zion's first pastor.
     In June, 1886, the women of the church organized the Lydia Aid Society and were ready to furnish $400 toward the first parsonage in 1888. This property was valued at $1200 when completed, including $150 paid to Dr. Baldwin for 6 lots. When the first church was finished, they bought the pews for $200 and also the lighting.
     In 1892, after much consideration and prayer, the first Lutheran Church was erected. Before this, the members met in Skevington Hall, later in the Christian Church and Methodist Church for $1 a week. The contract for the new church was let in Sept., 1891, to Peter Sather for $2089. The foundation labor was donated by Mr. Cederholm. The building committee consisted of Bestel Garo, T. Knutson, August Muka, Nils Severson, and O.L. Olson-grading Ole Fosem, Columbus Larson and Nils Severson. The Deacons of this time, were: L.O. Sporan, Inbright Olson, and John Dalbek. Trustees: Ole Helgen, Clause Gaard and Nils Severson; Ole Albertson, Secy. The membership now totaled 175, a gain of 105 souls. Sunday School had early been of great importance in the teaching of God's work, making more space needed. In 1914, a basement was completed under the 22-year old church. For this project, Jens Rasmusson was the mason, L.L. Larson and Rier Rierson the carpenters, with Sporan and Tori Knutson helping them. The building committee members were L. Larson, Oscar Barstrum, and O.C. Gaard. This construction was completed for $2000.
     The Rev. L.O. Wigdahl served Zion Lutheran for 50 years, resigning in 1936; preaching his farewell sermon on July 9 that year. During the pastorate of Rev. Wigdahl, where he served Zion so long and well, several other congregations in the surrounding counties were organized and served by this dedicated servant of God. All these congregations grew as did Rev. and Mrs. Wigdahl's 10 children, all born and educated in Ruthven. Several members of this family are still contributing to the betterment of the community.
     Since 1936 the following pastors have served here: T.G. Wicks, 1936-42; Stanley S. Knutsen, 1942-52; M. Eugene Foehringer, 1952-57; Victor A. Fiskerbeck, 1957-65; and Marlan M. Johnson, since 1965.
     Pastor and Mrs. Wicks and family of 3 were the first to live in the present parsonage, purchased from the Thacher estate for $5000. The congregation increased in membership as it has under the guidance of all the pastors. Pastor Knutsen served during the dark days of the war when he, Mrs. Knutsen and their family of 5 were a great comfort to all in the community. Pastor and Mrs. Foehringer came to Zion shortly after he was ordained. Their family grew to 3, including twin girls.
     Again, the membership was outgrowing the room in the church, making it necessary in Jan., 1854, to elect a building committee: Carl Wichman, Harold Shirk, K.L. Berg, Leslie Sandvig, LaDoma Rierson and Marie Hanson. The members voted to build a new church and educational unit. A finance committee: Erik Erickson, Everett Roland, O.W. Myers, Selmer Wigdahl, Jean Severson, W.A. Salton, Viola Eaton, Florence Simonson Clarence Ruehle, Harold Wichman and Nora Tripp started the successful drive for funds. Of these, 3 were called to their eternal rest, and 3 resigned, making it necessary to add Harold Wigdahl, Alfred Wichman, Leo Sampson, Robert Looft, Joe Helgevold and Louis Wiggen, Jr.
     In Aug., 1959, the congregation authorized their president, Iver Holmgren and the council, to hire James Walsh, architect, to prepare specifications. Bids from contractors were opened May 10, 1960, with Anderson of Emmetsburg having low bid (under $125,000 as ordered), along with other tasks named. The completed and furnished unit was dedicated Sept. 17, 1961, on the 75th Anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven.
     The present pastor is Rev. Marlan M. Johnson.