Norrona
Here is the history of Norrona Lutheran Church
The information was taken from several sources.
From the “Between Long Lake and Last Mountain” history book Volume 1 published in 1982.
Norrona Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was organized on Dec 13, 1910 . Charter members and officers of the congregation were Hans Evenson – chairman, A.J. Flotre – secretary, Peder Tagseth – treasurer and Hans Wick and A.B. Pederson – trustees. With their families these men made a total of 22 souls in the infant congregation. Prior to the organization of Norrona, some of the early settlers had participated in the life of Our Saviour’s Congregation of Bulyea. Also previously, the Norrona Ladies Aid had been organized on March 26, 1909.
At the beginning services were held in homes. As more settlers arrived, plans were made to build a church. Peder Tagseth donated land and in 1917, construction of the building, 24′ x 32′ x 12′ was begun. The building committee consisted of P.B. Thompson, Andrew Nordal and Peter Isaccson. On November 13, 1917 the first wedding in the church took place between Lorentz Brevig and Elizabeth Madland. At that same service three infants were baptized: Marie Pederson, Alf Nordal and Astrid Tagseth.
In 1932 a basement was poured and the church building moved onto its present foundation. A tower and narthex were also added. The building has been well cared for and continues very serviceable to the needs of congregation and community. The cemetery adjoining the church was duly registered and many early pioneers are buried there. In 1970 a huge, petrified tree trunk found by Raymond Johnson, was donated by him to be erected in the cemetery as a memorial to the Christian pioneers of the district.
Ministerial records indicate that over the years there have been some 215 baptisms, 140 confirmations , 33 marriages and 51 funerals conducted under the auspices of Norrona. These statistics indicate that the lives of many people have been touched by Norrona’s life and through these people, the lives of other congregations and communities.
Norrona has been a part of a number of parish alignments beginning with Lunnar, Southey in 1910. At different times there were parish associations with congregations at Viscount, Govan, Southey, Silton and Bulyea. With changing rural population patterns some parish partners were disbanded, others realigned. Since 1965 Norrona has been a parish partner with St. John Lutheran of Strasbourg. Services are held every Sunday, there is a Sunday School, an active ladies’ group known as Norrona Lutheran Church Women. Present membership of the congregation is 82 baptized and 67 confirmed members.
Many people have played and continue to play a vital role in the life of Norrona Lutheran Church. We mentioned some as an example of the devotion and dedication of those too numerous to mention. R.W. Nordal served as sexton for over 30 years. For many of those years he was also the janitor, faithfully trekking through the snow in sub-zero weather to fire up the wood burning heater. A.J. Flotre served many years as congregation chairman and Sunday School Superintendent. Many remember how he would often walk the three miles from his home to the church to meet the children and guide their religious instruction. A.B. Pederson and Andrew Nordal left a legacy of years of service. Mrs. Helmer Hanson and Alpha Flotre began a long tradition of meaningful service in music. Presently, Mrs. Helen Thompson faithfully carries on the tradition. She has served the congregation with her musical talents for the past 35 years.
In June 1980, Norrona Lutheran Church celebrated the 70th anniversary. The congregation looks forward to many more years of meaningful service under the guidance and direction of Almighty God. 14 pastors have served Norrona over the years with one of these serving two terms.
Pastor P. Mykland 1910-1911
Pastor C.M. Knardahl 1911-1915
Pastor C.L. Jothan 1915-1918 and 1927-1939
Pastor H.0. Mosby 1918-1922
Pastor N.H. Wangen 1922-1927
Pastor H.L. Urness 1939-1943
Pastor T.J. Langley 1944-1951
Pastor C. Johnson 1951 – 1954
Pastor A.S. Olson 1955-1958
Pastor S. Rude 1959-1965
Pastor H. Martin 1965-1970
Pastor J. Buenting 1971-1973
Pastor G. Preibisch 1973-1979
Pastor H. Lovrod 1979 –
Norrona Lutheran Church Women
Following the organization of Norrona Lutheran Church, a need was expressed for a Ladies’ organization, and the Ladies Aid was formed. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Anton Johnson. The president was Mrs. J. Alderman, and the secretary Treasurer was Mrs. A.J. Flotre. The purpose of the group was to support religious school and church work.
In 1925 we joined the Women’s Missionary Federation of the Lutheran Church.
In 1967 when the Canadian Lutheran Church became autonomous, our organization became known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church Women. Our purpose is to know and to do the will of our Lord, our Bible Study being the focal point of each meeting.
From the “Between Long Lake and Last Mountain” history book Volume 3 published in 2007.
Pastors who served Norrona Lutheran Church since 1980 are Pastor Harold Lovrod 1979-1984, Pastor Lois Knudson-Munholland 1985-1997, Pastor Richard Schulz 1998-2002, Pastor Don Hansen 2002 to present.
Brenda Small has been our organist since 1991 and also took over directing the joint choir when Fran Schulz left. She is a member of Spirit Led, which was formed in 1999. They have purchased a bus for travelling to spread the gospel through word and song. We are blessed by these groups.
Our church building has had some major improvements in the last few years. The basement has been updated with a rug, table and chairs, paneling and a new staircase. The kitchen has been completely upgraded with new cupboards, running water, a storage room and a greatly appreciated bathroom. The windows have stained glass. One done by Lorne and Ruth White, was recently presented as a memorial. We have replaced the main doors, flooring in the sanctuary and put rugs in the aisles and porch. An exit off the new stairs was also added. In 2005 a bell was installed in the bell tower. What a wonderful call to worship. It came from the Anglican church in Bulyea. The renovations are welcome. Our people are willing to help with the work of the church just have people have done in the past.
In 2005 we will celebrate our 95th anniversary over two days in July. Saturday there will be fun games, campfire and songs for people coming back. Sunday we will have an outdoor service with communion and more visiting and food for body and soul.
In the past we have had a very good Sunday school and youth choir but have neither at the present time due to a lack of young families. There is a joint youth group with St. John led by Sherri Riess and helpers. Through the years the youth group has taken part in services.
In August 2004 the parish hosted a supper and campfire with Spirit Led performing at Norrona. This was for our Bishop and Mission Pastors from across Canada. They were very impressed with our church and our group, Spirit Led.
May the Lord continue to guide, direct and lead us in the way we should go as he has in the past. All glory be to God.