Submitted article

In 1869, Christian Olsrud uprooted his wife and four children from their homeland near Kongsvinger, Norway. Food and land were scarce in Norway, and the promise of new opportunities in the United States filled adventurous minds with dreams of a better life.

The long journey over the treacherous sea was just the beginning of tough days.  After arriving in Minnesota, they traveled by oxcart and horse-drawn covered wagon. They settled north of Donnelly near what was called Douglas Station. The Olsrud family sacrificed much, saying goodbye to parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends, and also to the church that had guided them since their baptisms.

As the settlers viewed the barren prairie, they realized they needed a place to worship and share their love of God. Seven long years later, on September 20, 1876, their first pastor, Reverend C. Saugstad, led the settlers in prayer. The goal, however, was always to build a house of worship on the prairie. In 1884, a committee was formed to find a location to build a church in Rendsville Township. This enormous task took 22 years to complete.

It was November 1906 when the Norwegian settlers were finally able to worship in the beautiful church they had built. They named their church Kongsvinger Lutheran Church. That was 150 years ago – from the first service they held on September 20, 1876. Kongsvinger Lutheran Church continues to serve a community of worshipers in rural Donnelly, Minnesota.

With great pleasure, Kongsvinger Lutheran would like to invite members, family, friends, and our community to celebrate the 150th Anniversary on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Church services with Holy Communion are at 9:30 a.m. A catered free-will donation meal will be provided after the service. If you plan to attend, RSVP by Sept. 16. Call the Parish Office at 320-246-3211, email stjkongs@runestone.net, or text 320-288-8506.

Following the meal, there will be a documentary, “150 Years of Faith: Kongsvinger Lutheran” in the fellowship hall. Michael Cihak has produced a documentary of Kongsvinger history by interviewing over twenty Kongsvinger members. He also interviewed Mark Granquist, Professor of History of Christianity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. This documentary will be a treasure for Kongsvinger, documenting our historical roots. An anniversary program will be held in the church followed by cupcakes and refreshments. If you would like further information, please text, call, or email (contacts above). They invite the public to help celebrate “150 years – Rooted in Christ, Reaching for the Future.”