August 3 Worship in New Solum

Here is the sort of transportation used to get the preacher.
Rindal Ladies Aid. Standing: Mrs. Thorinus (Pauline) Mellem, Mrs. Fred (Johanna) Styrlund and Mrs. Sivert (Johanna) Rafteseth. Seated: Mrs. Even (Maria) Anderson, Mrs. Andrew (Hannah) Opseth, Mrs. Ole Nyhus and Mrs. Martin (Ingrid) Nordhagen.

By the time the settlers had gotten their homes built, they began making plans for a place of worship. Congregations were organized and services were held in the various homes until the churches could be built. Most settlers brought their Norwegian Bibles and hymnals with them from Norway. The Bibles were bound in heavy leather, were large — 8" x 12" x 4", and had large print.

The first church in New Solum Township was Bethlehem Lutheran Church, built of logs in 1885, and later replaced by a frame structure. The services conducted by a Pastor were often three months apart, as he came from Crookston to Warren by train where he was met by a parishioner with a yoke of oxen and a two wheeled cart, being the members did not all have horses yet. But just the same, they each took their turn to bring their Pastor.

In the absence of the Pastor, services were conducted by lay­men of the congregation. The women would sit on the left side and men on the right on plank benches with no back rest, for as long as two hours. But no one complained of the length of the sermon in those days. Singing was usually led by a man, called the Klokker, who had a strong and clear voice and was familiar with the old hymns from Norway.

Rindal Lutheran Congregation of New Solum Township was organized on February 28, 1886. There were 29 charter members. The officers were elected as follows: Samuel Tun-heim, chairman; Sam Sorenson, secretary; John Kirkholt, treasurer; Guner Evenson, Olaf Johnsrud. and Peder Shoren-son, trustees; Ole O. Nyhus, Hans Stromsmoe. and Samuel Tunheim, deacons.

The building committee consisted of Per Sorenson, Andreas Opseth, and Bori Sagmoen. Ander G. Anderson of Holt built the church with the help of the members. The members hauled the building materials from Greenbush and Mud Lake. The sawmill was operated by Peder Sjasvold.

The Ladies Aid and Young Peoples Society helped pay for the church. Some of the members went out and asked for donations from nearby towns to help the building fund. The beautiful altar was made by Ole John and his brother.