1837 - The first Norwegian settlers in Northeastern Iowa were two bachelors who came from Wisconsin to Fort Atkinson, 13 miles northeast of Lawler, about 15 miles south of Decorah. They were hired by the US Government to "teach the Indians how to farm (European style)". These two Norwegians plowed the first land in the Decorah area.

1851 - Reverend Claus Lauritz CLAUSEN was the first Lutheran Minister to preach a sermon in the Norse language on Iowa soil. He visited the Norwegian settlements of Painted Creek (north of Decorah), Turkey River, and Little Iowa, around the present Clermont, 37 miles southeast of Lawler. Rev. CLAUSEN was born and educated in Denmark. As he reached maturity he decided to dedicate his life in the service of the church, choosing missionary work as his special field.

1852 - Reverend Nils BRANDT met with the residents of the three settlements for the purpose of calling a pastor from Norway. The Letter of Call was issued through the Norwegian Lutheran congregation in Wisconsin, who authorized church officials in Norway to select a candidate. Reverend Ulrick Vilhelm KOREN, a recent graduate of the University at Oslo, received the call in the summer of 1853. Rev. KOREN preached his first sermon on Christmas Day at Washington Prairie, the mother church of all the churches that grew out of the Little Iowa Congregation. During all those years Rev. KOREN resided at the parsonage located near the Washington Prairie church.

1853 - The Synod of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, commonly called the Norwegian Synod, was formally organized.

1854 - The first settlers in the district known as Little Turkey, were: Ole G. VAALA, John Johnson LANDSVERK, John Svennungston BOLAAGER, Knut Olsen KULTAN, Kittle HAUGEN, Ole TOSTENSON, Jetmund KITTLESON, Aslag THORVILDSON.

Rev. Claus Lauritz CLAUSEN held the first baptismal ceremony, (perhaps in 1859) at which time he baptized Birgit THORVILDSON and Gunild HAUGEN (Mrs. John TREIDEN).

Summer 1855 - Ministerial records show that the first death in the area was that of Martha JOHANSDOTTER, wife of Aslag NELSON. Martha and her husband, along with three small children lived in a "shanty". No one in the area at that time had cooking or heating ovens. They made a so-called chimney or fireplace on bare ground inside the shanty. Here they would cook their food, and keep warm. It is easy to understand what a fire hazard this would be. One day, when Aslag was away from home, the fire burned out of control. Martha saved her children but she herself was burned badly and died shortly thereafter. There was no doctor to relieve her suffering, or no pastor to comfort her.

1855 - Records indicate that Norwegians burials were made in a plot of ground located in Howard County, about 1-1/2 miles north of the present site of the Saude Lutheran Church. A commitment service was held at Saude on 19 May 1862, to re-inter the remains near the old oak tree. These early burials are recorded as: Martha JOHANSDATTER, d. 1855 (braendt tildode) Leif LEIFSON, d. Oct 1855, age 35 years, birthplace: Hitterdal Ola Olson VINDEDAL, d. 9 Aug 1856, age 28, birthplace: Leirdal Gjermund KETILSON, d. Sept 1856, age 41, birthplace: Maeland, Telemark Sander KITTLESON, d. 1857, age 3, birthplace: Rock Prairie, Wisconsin Ola Gregerson VAALA, d. May 1858, age 51, birthplace: Sovde Tobias TOLLEFSON, d. 1859, age 5, birthplace: Wisconsin Ola HALVORSON, d. 1860, age 4 mo, birthplace: Chickasaw County, Iowa Severina HENRICKSON, d. Feb 1861, birthplace: Chickasaw County, Iowa Francis Ann SAHLS, d. April 1861, age 2, birthplace: Chickasaw County, Iowa Charles Adam SAHLS, d. Dec 1861, birthplace: Chickasaw County, Iowa Kari TOLLEFSDOTTER, age 15, birthplace: Hvidseid, Norge.

26 Nov 1856 - Rev. KOREN conducted worship services in the home of Gregor Olson VAALA. Twenty-four people partook in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Anton, son of Andreas Olson SARINGEN and Eli SARINGEN was baptized. (Some of the ministerial acts performed by Pastor KOREN are recorded in the first record book at the Washington Prairie congregation.)

12 May 1857 - The first Baptism was held at Saude. The following were baptized: Ole ANDREAS, parents Sivert OLSON and wife; Gjori ENGEBRIGHTSDOTTER; Eli OLSDOTTER, parents Anders OLSON and wife Eli; Johan HEREMIOR, parents Jetmund KITTLESON and wife Johanna OLSDOTTER.

12 May 1858 - A congregation called the "Dale Congregation", and/or "Little Turkey Congregation", was organized by eleven families. The Pastoral record book refers to "Little Turkey and annexed congregations". Among the organizers were: John Johnson LANDSVERK, Tollef Olsen HAUGEN, Aslag THORVILDSON, Knut Olsen KULTAN, Kittle Kittleson STORDALEN (Stardabu), Halvor EIVINDSON, Ola TOSTENSON, all from Upper Telemark. John Svenungson BOLAGER, and the brothers Alf Olsen VAALA & Gregor Olsen VAALA, from Lower Telemark; Knut Tostenson (Jorgenson) EINANG from Slidre, Valders.

1 Jun 1858 - A pastoral Call letter from the Little Turkey Congregation was delivered to Rev. KOREN of Washington Prairie. The letter was signed by: John SWENMUNGSON, Tobias JACOBSON, Ole THORSTENSON, Kittle OLSON, Tollef OLSON, John JOHNSON, Kittle KITTLESON, Knud OLSON, Aslag THORVALDSON, Anders LARSON, Seivert OLSON, John SALL (SAHL), Anders OLSON, Svenung SVENUNGSON, Ole KITTLESON, Gregor OLSON, Alf OLSON, widow Anna LARSDOTTER, widow Ragnild JONSDOTTER, widow Johanna OLSDOTTER (Mrs. Johanna HALVORSON). This Letter of Call, dated 1 June 1858, becomes the date of the founding of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Saude.

1860 - The Saude Lutheran Congregation purchased from Andreas & Cornelia LARSON, 1.5 acre plot of ground, located in Section 20-97-11 of Utica Township. The location was then known as Little Turkey. Besides being called the Dale Congregation, it has been known as the Little Turkey Congregation, The Norwegian Lutheran Church at Howard & Chickasaw Counties, and in 1922 as the Saude Lutheran Congregation. The congregation built a log church, 30' x 20', at its present location. On 19 May 1862, the old cemetery was moved to the site of the new church building.

1863-64 - Twelve Norwegian families arrived at the Crane Creek Settlement:
From Jostedal came: Ole Anderson Kluven MJOLVER, Hans Olson MJOLVER, Thor Halvorson FAABERG (FOUBERG), Hans Olson NIGAARD, Kristian Olson STEINBAKKEN, Otto Olson NYGAARD and Soren Torbjornson FAABERG; also Melchoir Munson SCHELDRUP, and Mikkel Monson RONNEI from Luster; Halvor Nilson LYSEN and Jetmund Knudson BJERKE from Laerdal; and Helge MATHIESON and Mikkel SKARE from Hardanger. They had sojourned for a while near the Koshkonong settlement in Wisconsin, followed by their migration to the Missouri Valley, near Yankton, South Dakota. They were forced out of South Dakota by Indian uprisings and were forced to retreat to Chickasaw County, Iowa.

1864 - Rev. KOREN, who had served Little Turkey, as well as other congregations since 1857, began conducting services in the homes and schools of the Crane Creek area.

15 Mar 1864 - Andrew (ANDERSON) was born, and was in all probability, baptized by the young Rev. KOREN on his visit to the settlement in 1864.

1865 - Neil ELLINGSON and Lars Robinson HELGEGAARD arrived in 1865.

2 Sep 1866 - Christopher J. (O) NATVIG and Kristina HOFFLAND were the first couple married in the church at Saude.

14 Jul 1867 - Pastor KOREN officially organized a congregation consisting of sixty members. There is no known record of the names of these sixty founding members. It was first known as the Crowe Creek congregation. This name was used only for a few years, and the congregation was named: Crane Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.

The Record Book of "Little Turkey and annexed congregations" recorded:
First Baptism - 1867 Johannes Olson BORLAUG (1867-1868)

First Confirmation - 14 July 1867, the class of 13 included Kristi Nilsdotter ELLINGSON (1848-1890)and Mrs. Knute K. STEENSLAND and Miss. Emma MUNSON, both members of the Little Turkey Congregation; Anders ROBINSON, member of the Crane Creek Congregation.

First Marriage - 1867, Hans JORGENSON & Sigrid ASLAGSDATTER.

First Burial - 1867, Ola JETMUNDSEN.

22 Apr 1868 - Ingeborg Jensdotter YLVISAKER (1828-1868), wife of Johannes Johnson FRETLAND (1827-1903), was buried by Reverend KOREN. [Great grandmother of the author of this paper.]

1869 - Membership of the Saude Lutheran Church had grown to 100. Prior to this time, Rev. KOREN would come from the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, a rural church about 6 miles southeast of Decorah, to conduct services at the four "annexes". Now each of these four congregations called their own pastor, they were no longer "annexed" to Washington Prairie. Crane Creek and Saude "called" Reverend John Christian Tordenskjold MOSES as their first resident Pastor.

Apr 1869 - Ola Olsen KVAALE (1849-1916) and Martha Halvorsdotter FAABERG (1842-1869) were married by Rev. KOREN.

4 Sep 1869 - Martha Halvorsdotter KVAALE (1842-1869) was buried by Rev. MOSES.

20 Oct 1869 - The first Confirmation Service was held at Saude.

1870 - A parsonage was built near the present site of the Saude Lutheran Church.

1871 - The Crane Creek Congregation was incorporated.

1872 - The first property was purchased for the present Crane Creek Church.

1874 - No further reference to the "Crowe Creek Congregation" found. By this time the name "Crane Creek Norsk Evangelisk Luthersk Menighed" was more commonly in use.

1875 - Construction began on the Crane Creek church building. It was located one mile east and two miles south of Jerico. The land was donated to the Congregation by the "American, Sommerville". Johannes BJORK, the first one who had emigrated from Jostedalen to America, built the foundation for this church for FREE. It was sold, fifteen years later, to a minority of the Congregation. Completion and dedication of the building was delayed until 1892.

17 Aug 1875 - Reverend MOSES laid the cornerstone for the frame church at Saude. Included in the cornerstone was a document drawn up by Rev. MOSES, "This area in which we dwell is called Little Turkey Settlement in Utica Township, Chickasaw County, Iowa". Since its organization in 1857, three men had served as teachers in the religious school; Knud Tostenson EIVANG, Knud Svendson FEDT and Sjur Baardson VIKDAL.

15 Aug 1875 - Reverend John MOSES dedicated the first frame church of the Saude Lutheran Church at Saude, Utica Township. This frame church building, 40' x 80' x 100', cost $4,000 to erect. $200 was spent for the gold guilding on the altar and pulpit. Trustees were: Ole P. DYBEVIK, Halvor HALVORSON, and Nils H. OFFERDAL.

1875 - A joint Confirmation Service was conducted for the Saude and Crane Creek congregations.

25 Oct 1876 - Jens Johnson FRETLAND (1862-1931) was confirmed by Rev. MOSES. [Grandfather of the author of this paper.]

8 February 1877 - A meeting was held at Little Turkey to discuss the formation of a Norwegian parochial School. It was suggested that in view of the fact, that the congregation was so recently established and was so heavily burdened financially, that it would be most difficult to support a fulltime teacher, although everyone was in accord with the view that this would be the right thing to do.

16 May 1877 - "The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church on Crane Creek" was incorporated, as a part of the Norwegian Synod. This act made Crane Creek a parish in its own right, as opposed to being an "annex" under the direction of Little Turkey. Lars HELGEGAARD represented the congregation at the Norwegian Synod, District Convention held at Story City, Iowa. The Trustees were: Jetmund KNUTSON, Bernt J. SUNVOLD, Erik Erikson SLINDEE. Members of the Council were Helge MATHISSON, Halvor NELSON, and Endre Endreson GORDON (1827-1906).

22 May 1877 - The Crane Creek Articles of Incorporation were filed in the District Court of Chickasaw County.

25 Oct 1877 - Ragnhild Olsdotter FAABERG (1865-1936) was confirmed by Rev. MOSES (aka Nellie JOHNSON) and Mrs. Jens JOHNSON. [Grandmother of the author of this paper.]

Between 1862 and 1878 the following families had arrived from Norway:
Ingebrit OLSON, Thomas HALVORSON, Ole ANDERSON, Hans OLSON, Jetmund KNUTSON, Halvor NELSON, Otto OLSON, Miller Johnson BJERKE, Andrew SEVERSON, Attley ATTLESON, Peter JOHNSON, Tollof JOHNSON, Andrew GORDON, Lars Robinson HELLEGAARD, Halvor MUNSON, Andrew THOMPSON, Severt KNUTSON, Ole THOMPSON, Hans BREUM (BRAHAM), Jacob JERDEE, Ole I. NJUS, and Thomas THOMPSON.

In the 1880s a doctrinal controversy arose in the Norwegian Synod, of which both Little Turkey and Crane Creek were members. The first reference to the controversy was made in 1882. This controversy was referred to as the "Election Controversy" and/or the "Predestination Controversy". Its basis was "...whether sinful man can in any measure contribute towards his salvation by his faith or whether faith itself is wholly a divine gift." It would eventually split the congregation, and develop into a civil war. These two groups fought, not only with words, but also with actions.

For a while, both factions conducted services in the same church building, and both continued to be known as the Crane Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. This proved an unsatisfactory solution. Eventually, the minority group paid the majority group, $600 for all rights to the Crane Creek Church property.

When it was over, one-third of the congregations and pastors had withdrawn from the Norwegian Synod.

23 Mar 1887 - John Ingvald JOHNSON (1887-1956), son of Jens & Nellie JOHNSON, was baptized by Rev. MOSES. Atle JENSEN (1819-1889), Ola O. FLATEJORD (1825-1910), Kari JENSEN (1844-1923), and Elen FLATEJORD (1871-1942) were his sponsors.

May 1887 - The Crane Creek Ladies Aid Society was organized at the home of Gunnar and Kari HALVORSON. Those present were: Kari HALVORSON, Kari OTTESON, Ingeborg NELSON, Kari ATTLESON, Kari Ellestad JOHNSON, Martha Ellestad JOHNSON, Betsy GORDON, Sonneva I. OLSON. These ladies were all from families who would later withdrew from the Norwegian Synod, and form the Crane Creek Congregation (Anti-Missouri Synod).

Jan 1889 - The Immanuel Ladies Aid was organized by a small group of pioneer women. The Charter members were; Cecilia VIKDAL, Henrietta NERISON, Mrs. Aagot GILBERT, Lena HAUGEN, Clara ARNOLD, Lena SANDERSON, and Aasta ELLEFSON. The following ladies belonged to the aid, but did not sign the constitution; Mrs. John HAUGEN, Mrs. John SIME, Mrs. Ole HEREID, Mrs. Olaf LEE, Mrs. John RINDE, and Mrs. John VIKDAL.

29 Jan 1889 - The "Anti-Missourians" (present day Crane Creek) motion to withdraw from the Norwegian Synod, passed by a vote of 23 to 20.

7 Mar 1889 - Little Turkey voted to call a new Pastor, with a request that Rev. MOSES "continue to serve as pastor until the new Pastor takes charge". The controversy referred to as the "election controversy" was settled at Little Turkey, in this manner, "in the future, the election controversy shall not be discussed at any meeting of the Saude congregation".

11 May 1889 - The Immanuel Lutheran Congregation at Saude was organized by seven families (98 souls).

22 May 1889 - The trustees of the Crane Creek congregation were removed from office, for opening the building to "sectarian pastors" (Reverend M.F. LUNDE). The division of church property was discussed, with no decision reached.

24 May 1889 - Pastor MOSES offered his resignation. The Crane Creek congregation refused to accept his resignation.

21 Jun 1889 - Jerico agrees to call a pastor jointly with Saude.

29 Sep 1889 - Reverend Johannes G. NESS was installed a pastor of Saude and Jerico. Although the division of the two factions at Crane Creek was inevitable, a second congregation had not been formed at the time Rev. NESS was installed as Pastor.

27 Oct 1889 - A minority of the Crane Creek Lutheran Church, approximately 190 members, joined the "Anti-Missouri Brotherhood." At a meeting held 27 October 1889, the congregation was reorganized and a new constitution adopted. The Council included; Attle ATTLESON, Gunnar HALVORSON & Andrew GORDON. The membership included: Endre E. (1827-1906) & John E. GORDON (1861-1904), Tollev & Peter ELLESTAD, Atle JOHANNES, Jens & Thorkeld ATTLESON, Ole O. FLATJORD, Ole O. HAUGEN (1825-1910), Jetmund ANDERSON, Mikkel & Ole IVERSON (NJOS), Jens NORTHNESS, and Jens JOHNSON (1862-1931). Reverend M.F. LUNDE was called as Pastor.

9 Nov 1889 - The Immanuel Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation held its first annual meeting at the Saude Schoolhouse. The following families were received as members: Steinar ELLEFSON, Ole K. Olson HAUGEN, John T. BJONDALEN, John J. SIME, John J. LANDSWERK, Anders P. LANDSWERK, Amund HANSON, Thorkeld J. BJONDALEN, Baard S. VIKDAL brothers and sisters, Rollef ELLEFSON and Sondre S. LEE.

14 Dec 1889 - The Immanuel Norwegian Evangelical Congregation decided that a church should be built and the dimensions of the building were stipulated. Services were first held in the new structure in the latter part of 1890.

1890 - The "Anti-Missouri Brotherhood" helped form the "United Norwegian Lutheran Church" (Forende Kirke).

11 Feb 1890 - A meeting was held to discuss the division of the property at Crane Creek. The "Anti-Missouri" group had refused to sell their share of the property for $300. An offer of $500 was made by the Norwegian Synod majority to purchase the property.

16 Feb 1890 - The "Anti-Missouri" group refused the $500 offer and $700 was offered.

31 Mar 1890 - Ole A. ANDERSON, Iver O. DALLEN & Lewis ROBINSON, acting as Trustees of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Crane Creek, in consideration of the sum of $600.00 paid by Attle ATTLESON (1819-1889), Tollef J. ELLESTAD & Ole I. OLESON, Trustees of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Crane Creek (This is not an error, both parties used the same name.) sold by Quit Claim, all rights, title, and interest in the Crane Creek Church property.

13 Jun 1890 - Crane Creek Lutheran Church became a part of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in America.

16 Jun 1890 - The Jerico congregation voted to build a new church.

Jul 1890 - The Little Turkey congregation purchased land in the village of Saude for ten dollars. A church was built on this site.

27 Aug 1890 - The Jerico congregation purchased land near the village of Jerico, for $100. The official name of this congregation remained: Crane Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. However, due to its location it soon became known as the Jerico Lutheran Church.

19 Oct 1890 - Cornerstone of the Jerico church was laid.

9 Jul 1891 - The Jerico church building was dedicated by Rev. NESS. The cost of construction was $1,700.

28 Jun 1891 - Crane Creek and Immanuel Church called Reverend Martin Paulsen DOMMERSNAES as Pastor.

6 Sep 1891 - The Crane Creek Church building, started in 1875, was dedicated. Mildred Bertina JOHNSON (1891-1980) daughter of Jens and Ragnhilda JOHNSON, was baptized by Reverend Martin Paulsen DOMMERSNAES.

16 Jun 1892 - The Jerico Church steeple was struck by a bolt of lightening and the church burned to the ground.

20 Nov 1892 - The Jerico Church was dedicated by Prof. Lauitz LARSEN, Luther College's first president. This new building was located to the east of the former building. The cost was $1,800. The church bell was donated by Mr. John NILSON, not a small gift for one man.

Feb 1895 - Pastor Johannes G. NESS passed away. Rev. Ejvind BROCH served as interim Pastor of the Saude Lutheran Church.

Sep 1895 - Rev. Karl XAVIER became Pastor of the Saude Lutheran Church & the Jerico Lutheran Church.

1 Jan 1899 - A new 1,000 lb. bell rang over the Crane Creek Church.

29 Oct 1899 - Harold Edward JOHNSON (1899-1970) was baptized by Rev. DOMMERSNAES, at Crane Creek. [Father of the author of this paper.]

14 Aug 1900 - The first Crane Creek Church was struck by lightning and consumed by fire. John A. GORDON, George OTTESON, Thomas ATTLESON, Ole THRONDSON, Mikkel I. NJOS, Ole I. NJOS and Otte OTTESON were elected as the building committee.

25 Nov 1900 - The Little Turkey River Congregation (Saude Lutheran Church) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the dedication of its church building. ELS President T. A. TORGERSON gave the anniversary sermon.

14 Jul 1901 - Rev. DOMMERSNAES resigned as pastor of Crane Creek.

28 Jul 1901 - The present Crane Creek Church was dedicated. The Trustees were: G. OTTESON, K. SNETHUN and M. NJOS. Secretary: Thomas ATTLESON; Treasurer: Attle ATTLESON.

4 Aug 1901 - Rev. Lars Wilhelm BOE became Pastor of Crane Creek.

2 Oct 1901 - The Crane Creek Ladies Aid Society was reorganized. Those present were: Mrs. George OTTESON (1854-1931), Mrs. Peter ELLESTAD, Mrs. Tollef ELLESTAD, Mrs. Albert HERMAN (1875-1920+), Mrs. Martin (Ellen) NELSON (1871-1942), Mrs. Torkel ATTLESON, Mrs. Jens ATTLESON (1823-1907), Mrs. Otto O. OTTESON, Mrs. John GORDON, Mrs. Anna H. PETERSON, Mrs. James Nellie) JOHNSON (1865-1936), and Mrs. Fred CHRISTENSON.

1902 - The present site of the Crane Creek parsonage was purchased and a residence built.

Summer 1903 - Rev. Karl XAVIER (1869-1924) resigned as Pastor of Saude Lutheran Church & Jerico. Reverend Jacob G. RUGLAND (1867-1947) was Called.

8 Jul 1903 - The Saude Lutheran Church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

1904 - The Crane Creek Luther League was officially organized.

24 Jun 1904 - The cornerstone was laid for the Saude Lutheran Church, Rev. RUGLAND was Pastor. The Trustees were: K.K. STEENSLAND, Muns MUNSON, and Iver S. GRINDE.

26 Jun 1904 - The Crane Creek church was dedicated and furnished at a cost of $6,000.

18 Oct 1905 - The Jerico Ladies Aid Society held their first meeting. Those attending were: Mrs. Nils ANDERSON, Mrs. Andrew ELLINGSON (1850-1907), Miss Ida ELLINGSON (1890-1964) Mrs. Nils ELLINGSON, Mrs. Louie GROVE, Miss Carrie SLINDEE, Mrs. Erik SLINDEE, Mrs. J.G. RUGLAND, and Mrs. E. ATTLESON (a visitor).

It should be noted that they still refered to themselves as "The Crane Creek Ladies Aid (C.C.Kvf.).

2 Sep 1906 - Mildred Bertina JOHNSON (1891-1980), daughter of Jens & Nellie JOHNSON, was confirmed.

Sep 1909 - Pastor RUGLAND received a Call to North Dakota; as he favored the proposed merger of the Norwegian Synod, the congregation advised him to accept the Call. Reverend Martinus K. BLEKEN (1865-1922) was called to Saude and Jerico.

1911 - The Immanuel Lutheran Church in Saude, was remodeled; the sacristy was built, the bell tower and steeple were built, and the bell installed.

Jun 1913 - The Jerico congregation had outgrown its church building. The church was dismantled and a new church was constructed.

9 Nov 1913 - First service conducted in the new Jerico Church.

27 Nov 1913 - The Cornerstone of the Jerico Lutheran Church was laid and the building was dedicated on 24 May 1914.

1913 - Crane Creek parish hall was completed.

7 Jun 1914 - Harold Edward JOHNSON (1899-1970), son of Jim & Nellie JOHNSON, was confirmed at Crane Creek, by Rev. HELTNE.

1917 - The Norwegian Synod, The United Church, and Hauge Synod merged to form the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ALC/ELCA). There was a small group of Norwegian Synod congregations who did not join the 1917 merger. This group included both Saude and Jerico. This small group reorganized the Norwegian Synod in 1918, and today this group is known as the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

1918 - Prior to 1918, both the Devotion and business meeting of the Saude Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, were conducted in Norwegian. In 1918 the use of English was begun.

Dec 1922 - Pastor M.K. BLEKEN died. The Little Turkey Congregation changed its name to the "Saude Lutheran Congregation". The Saude Congregation, which had been independent since 1917, voted to join the Norwegian Synod of the American Evangelical Lutheran Church-currently the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Jan 1923 - At a meeting of the Saude Lutheran Church it was decided that they should join the "reorganized Synod". Rev. Peder C. FORSETH was called to Saude Lutheran Church & Crane Creek, as interim Pastor.

Mar 1923 - Rev. Helge Mathias TJERNAGEL (1871-1940) was installed as Pastor of Saude and Crane Creek.

1924 - In 1924, the Seventh annual convention of the ELS was hosted at Jerico. The Recessed Convention of the ELS again met in Jerico in 1960.

23 Aug 1929 - Harold James JOHNSON was baptized by Reverend Hans H. FINSTAD.

1930 - The majority of the congregations decided that all of the business meetings should be conducted in English.

25 Apr 1931 - Andrew ANDERSON (KLEIVEN) (1864-1931) died. He was the first Norwegian child born in Saude.

1932 - The Constitution of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saude was translated into English.

1935 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saude, the balcony was remodeled and the basement was built.

1937 - For many years the language used in the services and for business meetings was Norwegian. As the Norwegian language became less familiar to the congregations, it was replaced by the English Language. In 1937, Rev. Hans FINSTAD began using the English language in his services.

1941 - In 1941 the Jerico congregation assisted in establishing a sister-congregation in New Hampton. In time a number of members were transferred from Jerico to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

23 Aug 1941 - Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation was organized at Crane Creek by: Jeanne HALVORSON, Arldine HALVORSON, Anna Mae HALVORSON, Mavis SANDERSON and Charlene GORDON.

21 Jun 1942 - Crane Creek celebrated its 75th Anniversary, those serving on the church council were: Andrew THRONDSON, John J. ATTLESON, Alfred VIKDAL (1907-1991), Halvor FLATJORD (1874-1955), Edward GORDON and Andrew NYSTLE.

1947 - Members of the Jerico Lutheran Church, who had made use of the school at the Saude Lutheran Church, were, in the summer of 1947, moved to establish a Christian Day School of their own. It was in that same year that a joint Jerico-Saude Lutheran Youth Society was formed.

1954 - Immanuel Lutheran Church purchased a new organ.

28 Aug 1956 - Crane Creek Lutheran Church purchased from members of the MARKLE family, a portion of Section 11, Township 96.

1961 - The Evangelical Lutheran Church merged with the American Lutheran Church and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church to form the American Lutheran Church.

13 Jun 1965 - Immanuel Lutheran Church celebrated its Seventy-Fifth Anniversary, 1889-1964. Shortly after this the church was demolished. The bell is still in Saude with a plaque.

26 Jun 1967 - Crane Creek Articles of Incorporation were signed by Joseph JERDEE, Ward KNOLL, Arthur G. LEE, Charles ORVIS, and Lowell J. LARSON.

1968 - A Men's Club was formed at the Jerico Lutheran Church.

18 Nov 1973 - The Jerico Lutheran Church celebrated the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Cornerstone Laying of the present church building.