Going to church

Esther and her family (the Hansens) had always been Lutheran since they were of Danish-Swedish heritage. Esther was baptized, confirmed, and went to Sunday school at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson.
Before she was married, Esther said her family’s attendance was somewhat irregular because of several reasons: 1. Lots of chores - they milked; 2. Bad roads; 3. Every 4th Sunday the service was in Norwegian.
 Later on their attendance was quite regular.
 Tom grew up north of Alpha and his church participation was very minimal. The Ringkob family belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Tom attended some Sunday school at the nearby Town hall where he probably walked. 
 Esther and Tom were married at her parents’ home. (Common practice in those days.) After their marriage Esther belonged to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, but Tom did not.

Our Saviors Lutheran Church - Jackson, MN

It was the tragic death of their first child, Ruth Mary, which changed everything. The support of the people at Our Saviors Lutheran Church comforted them in their time of grieving. Tom took the lead to have him and his brothers, Freel and George, join the Lutheran Church. They all took confirmation and joined the Lutheran Church. From this point on “Going to Church” was a very important part of our family life.


OSLC Altar

Cradle Roll Graduation - Marita

A couple years later, Rev. Mannis had given a rather long sermon on a hot summer day. At the end of the sermon he said “Shall we pray?” Kent who was about two years old and had been playing in the pew stood up and said in a very loud, clear voice- “NO!” Esther was mortified. Many in the congregation agreed the service was getting a bit long! 
 One of the things they did at “OSLC” was to have “cradle roll”. This was mainly where mothers brought their babies and had their pictures taken as a large group. Remember, there were lots of babies…after all these were the “baby boomers”.



After Esther was married, she never taught school again. But, it was at our church that she often used her teaching skills and intellect. She often taught Bible studies at circle, adult Sunday school, Bible school in the summer.
 Women have a need to be with other women to have a chance to talk, share their feelings, etc. In the days before most women were in the work force, church often met those needs. At least once a week, Esther left the farm in the car and went to circle, mission, club, etc. It somewhat defined her weekly schedule. Of course she also took care of her children, did household chores (before modern appliances), gardened, helped with some of the farm work, sewed clothing, etc. All in all, it was a good life. She was raising a nice family and found satisfaction in the other activities in her life. 
 “Going to Church” was important to the whole family. Tom went to men’s brotherhood. All the children went to Sunday school, and we all went to confirmation and were confirmed in front of the church wearing a white robe and red corsage on a Sunday in May. Church was a big deal!


Confirmation - Kathy (1960)

There was Bible school in early June and Bible camp at Lake Shetek and Mount Carmel. We spent a lot of time with the kids in our school class that also went to Our Saviors Lutheran Church. The Luther league met at the church on Sunday evenings.


Kathy and Marita were both married at OSLC. Their wedding receptions were held in the basement of the old church. In the late 1970’s a decision was made by the congregation to build a new church. Construction soon began on the new building. Esther, the historian, recorded much of this with her camera. She put together a photographic display of the old church building.


Going to Bible Camp - Kent & Tommy (1954)

New Our Saviors Lutheran Church

The old church that had been built by the families from Scandinavia finally was torn down. It had been built with dark red brick and had a traditional interior. With the old church went many fond memories. Memories of special events such as: baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, Christmas programs and also of the pastors who led the congregation.

One of my best memories was going down the steps of the old church to a potluck dinner and smelling all of the good food the women in the kitchen were busy preparing. And who can forget the staple of Minnesota Lutheran church potluck dinners—“JELL-O salad”. There was orange jell-o with grated carrots, green jell-o with sliced pears, purple jell-o with grapes. You get the picture…potlucks gave the women of the church the opportunity to be creative!
 “Going to Church” was a very important to our family. It meant being together with other people from our community. The church gave us strength to survive the tough times, and also learn of eternal life given to us by our Lord and Savior—Jesus Christ. -Kent

Cradle Roll 1951