East Nidaros Church, South Dakota
N 43° 43.938 W 096° 41.956
14T E 685288 N 4844713
In 1957, the Nidaros Congregation separated; yet it exists today as four churches - Baltic Lutheran, East Nidaros Lutheran, Renner Lutheran, and West Nidaros Lutheran.
Waymark Code: WMFBW
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 06/20/2006
Views: 54
The Nidaros Lutheran Congregation was chartered in the sod home of Norwegian immigrants John and Kirsti Thompson on August 12, 1868. In 1866 two Union Soldier veterans, John Thompson and Jonas Nelson, had come to Minnehaha County in Dakota Territory with their families to be the first homesteaders in the county and among the first in the territory. On May 26, 1867 a daughter was born to John and Kirsti Thompson, Berthine Bereline Thompson (Mrs. Thomas H. Fersdahl) - the first white child born in Minnehaha County. When Berthine was baptized on August 11, 1868 in her parents' home, it marked the beginning of the Nidaros Church. Ironically, eighty-nine years later in 1957, Berthine Fersdahl passed away, and coincidentally the Nidaros Congregation separated; yet it exists today as four churches - Baltic Lutheran, East Nidaros Lutheran, Renner Lutheran, and West Nidaros Lutheran.
The first church sat on the prairie. But winds blew it down due to the 100 foot steeple, so it was rebuilt (with a shorter steeple!) Then, due to flooding of the Sioux River, many could not get to church some Sundays. So "West Nidaros" Lutheran Church was built. Then East Nidaros followed in building as well. The nearby town of Baltic had no church. So in 1911 the church was moved to Baltic. (Flooding was still a problem.) Finally in 1939 the building was moved to Renner, where it still stands today. The other Nidaros churches became independent and liked the Nidaros name, so the Renner folks agreed to rename the church "Renner Lutheran".
Church Name: East Nidaros Church
Church In Use (even only just occassionally): yes
Date Church Built: Late 19th Century
Rate this church.: 
|
Visit Instructions:
Photo required...prefer photo with church and sign showing church name...if both in one photo terrific.
Pictures required:
1. Church picture
2. Church sign (schedule sign with Church name on it &/or gate with Church name, etc).