About Faith Lutheran Church
CHURCH HISTORY
In 1938, a small group of 10 dedicated women came together to form the Lutheran Women's Society, marking the beginning of a journey filled with faith and community spirit. By 1943, the congregation had grown, and church services, along with Sunday School, were held in the evenings at the Seventh Day Baptist Church.
From 1945 to 1951, Rev. Robert Fitzgerald served as the pastor of Faith Lutheran Church. During his tenure, the church celebrated the dedication of a new Parish Hall in 1949, a significant milestone for the growing community.
Rev. Norman Bernston served as pastor from 1952 to 1956. Under his leadership, the church built a new parsonage at a cost of $16,500, which was dedicated in 1953. Rev. Marvin Nygaard followed him from 1956 to 1961.
The church continued to flourish under the guidance of Rev. Paul Idstrom, who served from 1962 to 1972. In 1967, the church and the parsonage were fully paid off, a testament to the congregation's dedication and generosity. In 1971, the church held a groundbreaking service for a new addition, which was dedicated in 1972 during Rev. Eldon Underdahl's tenure (1972-1978).
Rev. Lawrence Nelson led the church from 1979 to 2002, a period marked by significant events, including the 40th Anniversary Celebration in 1983 and the ordination of Rev. James Langworthy in 1985. The church continued to expand, with a fellowship hall groundbreaking in 1990 and its dedication in 1991.
Rev. Justin Boeding then led the congregation from 2003 to 2013, continuing the legacy of growth and community. In 2006, a capital fund drive was started. From 2007 to 2009, Rev. Sue Wallager joined Pastor Justin as an associate pastor. The church broke ground for a new addition in 2008, which was dedicated in 2009.
Rev. Barb Streed was installed as our pastor in 2014. Faith Lutheran Church became a teaching site for theology and seminary students, and ministry and outreach programs expanded. Preston Pflaum was hired as youth director, Jackie Short served as worship assistant and later transitioned to a vicar role as she attended seminary, and Lisa Carlson completed an internship at Faith Lutheran. In 2019, we bid farewell to Pastor Barb, and pledges were made to eliminate the $400,000 debt.
From 2020 to 2022, Faith Lutheran welcomed intern solo pastor Kira Anderson and Rev. Mike Zazke as interim pastor. The three-year debt reduction campaign successfully continued throughout the pandemic, and the mortgage loan retirement was celebrated in 2022. Rev. Jessica Bakken Busch was called from 2022 through 2024. Rev. Cheryl Indehar was joyfully welcomed as the Faith Lutheran interim pastor in 2025.
We are now pleased to welcome Rev. Rich McLeer as pastor and are looking forward to the continuing history of Faith Lutheran Church and its role in our community.
Faith Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith, community, and resilience, continually growing and adapting to meet the needs of its congregation.
From 1945 to 1951, Rev. Robert Fitzgerald served as the pastor of Faith Lutheran Church. During his tenure, the church celebrated the dedication of a new Parish Hall in 1949, a significant milestone for the growing community.
Rev. Norman Bernston served as pastor from 1952 to 1956. Under his leadership, the church built a new parsonage at a cost of $16,500, which was dedicated in 1953. Rev. Marvin Nygaard followed him from 1956 to 1961.
The church continued to flourish under the guidance of Rev. Paul Idstrom, who served from 1962 to 1972. In 1967, the church and the parsonage were fully paid off, a testament to the congregation's dedication and generosity. In 1971, the church held a groundbreaking service for a new addition, which was dedicated in 1972 during Rev. Eldon Underdahl's tenure (1972-1978).
Rev. Lawrence Nelson led the church from 1979 to 2002, a period marked by significant events, including the 40th Anniversary Celebration in 1983 and the ordination of Rev. James Langworthy in 1985. The church continued to expand, with a fellowship hall groundbreaking in 1990 and its dedication in 1991.
Rev. Justin Boeding then led the congregation from 2003 to 2013, continuing the legacy of growth and community. In 2006, a capital fund drive was started. From 2007 to 2009, Rev. Sue Wallager joined Pastor Justin as an associate pastor. The church broke ground for a new addition in 2008, which was dedicated in 2009.
Rev. Barb Streed was installed as our pastor in 2014. Faith Lutheran Church became a teaching site for theology and seminary students, and ministry and outreach programs expanded. Preston Pflaum was hired as youth director, Jackie Short served as worship assistant and later transitioned to a vicar role as she attended seminary, and Lisa Carlson completed an internship at Faith Lutheran. In 2019, we bid farewell to Pastor Barb, and pledges were made to eliminate the $400,000 debt.
From 2020 to 2022, Faith Lutheran welcomed intern solo pastor Kira Anderson and Rev. Mike Zazke as interim pastor. The three-year debt reduction campaign successfully continued throughout the pandemic, and the mortgage loan retirement was celebrated in 2022. Rev. Jessica Bakken Busch was called from 2022 through 2024. Rev. Cheryl Indehar was joyfully welcomed as the Faith Lutheran interim pastor in 2025.
We are now pleased to welcome Rev. Rich McLeer as pastor and are looking forward to the continuing history of Faith Lutheran Church and its role in our community.
Faith Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith, community, and resilience, continually growing and adapting to meet the needs of its congregation.