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The history of First Lutheran Church began in 1881 when Pastor
A. M. Andersen visited Blair and held Danish services for
Lutherans in the Congregational Church. In 1884 a
congregation was organized and a church was erected which cost
$650.00. In 1891 the structure was enlarged, but in
1902, it was sold and made into a residence which stands in
the Blair swimming pool park. In these early years,
Pastors' G. B. Christiansen and A. Rasmussen followed Pastor
Andersen. In 1902 a new brick church was built at a cost of
approximately $4000.00 This building underwent several
remodeling and served the congregation until 1956.
Serving as pastors in this church were Harald Jensen Kent, Kr.
Anker, A. Th. Schultz, H. Nielsen, James N. Lund, and Harold
Jorgensen.
In 1955 and 1956 while Harold Jorgensen was pastor a large
brick edifice was erected on a new site which included a
parish education wing. After the resignation of Pastor
Jorgensen, George Pallesen was called to serve as pastor in
1959. During these years the congregation had grown
significantly and enlarged the scope of its ministry. In
1968 Pastor Robert Albers was called as assistant pastor;
however prior to this the work of the congregation had been
assisted by a visitation pastor and four interns. After
Pastor Pallesen resigned as senior pastor in 1969 Pastor
Albers was called to assume that office, and Pastor Sanford
Sorgen was called to be his assistant. In 1975 Pastor
Sorgen resigned and Pastor John Peterson was called to be
Associate pastor. Upon the resignation of Pastor Albers,
John Peterson assumed the position of senior pastor and Kurt
Sortland was called to serve as Associate Pastor. In the
summer of 1980 Pastor Peterson resigned as senior pastor and
the congregation is presently in the process of calling a new
senior pastor. Submitted by Mrs. Florence Hanson. |
