Trinity Lutheran Church| Schools | Atlas of Benson County, 1910 Plat Map |
St.
Boniface Catholic Church
(Reprinted
from Esmond Diamond Jubilee 1901-1976 book)
In 1901 the branch of the Northern Pacific Railway was extended from Oberon to Esmond, then known as Rhodes. A few Catholic families settled here and the first mass was celebrated in 1901 in Huyssen’s Hall. There were approximately twenty original members.
The first services were conducted by Rev. Austin McDonald of Carrington in1902-1904. Fr. Wm. Gallahue came from New Rockford in 1905 to celebrate mass on weekdays. Fr. Anthony B. Woeste and Fr. Janasen from Odessa Church in Pierce County fulfilled pastoral duties until Fr. Joseph August Kern was assigned as pastor of Odessa and Esmond on August 15, 1907. St. Agnes Guild was organized to assist the pastor in raising funds to build a church. Church support came from about twenty-five families.
Later (1916-1917) two priests residing in Selz had charge of the following parishes: Selz, Strasburg, Odessa and Esmond. In 1928-1929 Rev. George Keim took over all these parishes with Esmond having services every fourth week. A petition was sent to Bishop O’Reilly to send a priest to Esmond as a bi-monthly mission. The parishioners helped prepare ground for a new church and bought a parish house. Notable mention is due: Albert Willy, Jacob Heisler, Mike Krebsbach and Mathias Schwab.
The original church building was erected in the south-western part of the village of Esmond. In1928 lightning struck St. Agnes church and damage was never repaired as a new and larger church facility was under construction. After services in Odessa were discontinued, permission was granted by Bishop O’Reilly to use the furnishings at Esmond. (The new church at Selz built in 1959 uses the original bells taken from Odessa, Strasburg and Selz.) The old building was sold to Nicholous Pfau.
On April 6, 1938, document from the Secretary of State indicates that the title was changed officially from St. Agnes Church to St. Boniface Church. During Fr. Othmar Steinhart’s pastorate the present basement and a temporary roof were erected at a cost of $7,000, with seating capacity of 500.
While Fr. Vincent Amman, O.S.B., was pastor (1950) a new church structure was erected over the basement at an approximate cost of $150,000. The church serves about 150 families. It has a seating capacity for 400 persons and a basement equipped with kitchen facilities and dining area which is used for church functions. Trustees Jake Leier and George Hoffner devoted many hours soliciting funds for the new building. Many parishioners, too numerous to mention, shared many services and funds so generously that the church was free of debt by December 24, 1955. Fr. Vincent served St. Boniface for nineteen years, longer than any preceding pastor. He observed his 50th anniversary in January 1961 – the parish honored him with two celebrations; one in January and one in June. He retired shortly after his anniversary to Assumption Abbey at Richardton. Mary Kalinowski was organist and was also in charge of household duties during Fr. Vincent’s pastorate.
On September 14, 1964, vernacular ritual (native language) was authorized and used thereafter, replacing Latin rite. During Fr. Chris Duscherer’s pastorate a new administration building was constructed at an approximate cost of $70,000 with furnishings. The new facility was designed large enough to accommodate visiting clergy while the basement is utilized for religious instruction, classrooms and meeting rooms. This project demanded much of the trustees at that time; Walter Bachmeier and Casper Pfeifer devoted many hours of faithful services. Again, parishioners responded generously and records indicate the note was paid on December 4, 1966.
Fr. W.F. Banasiewicz, pastor since 1968, came to the U.S. in 1952 after his release by the Nazi. Three months after his release, Fr. Banasiewicz was pastor of a misplaced persons camp. On his arrival in the U.S., he served as assistant pastor of St. Albert, Ohio until assuming duties at Olga Parish, Langdon, in 1963. Ornamental biblical stained glass windows were installed in St. Boniface Church in February, 1975, enhancing the beauty of the brick structure.
The following from the parish have chosen religious vocations: Rev. Bernard and St. Marita, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Pfau; St. Helaine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Arnold; and Sr. Gabrille, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Garmon.
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine masses are held weekly for parish youngsters, grades one through twelve, parish adult volunteers conducting the religious instruction program. Knights of Columbus, the parish men’s fraternity, has been active for many years and has sponsored various projects in the church life. Ladies Aid and Christian Mothers, active fund raising groups, have contributed enormous amounts of energy for the benefit of church life, socially and spiritually. The Christian Mothers celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1961.
Pastors at St. Boniface Church, Esmond (1928-1975) are: Rev. George Kreim, 1928-1929; Rev. Othmar M. Steinhart, 1929-1942; Rev. WJ. Osinski, August to November, 1942; Rev. Vincent Ammann, O.S.B., 1942-1961; Rev. Alex Jene, 1961-1962; Rev. Christian Duchscherer 1963-1968; Rev. W.J. Banasiewicz, 1969-1975 (present pastor).
St Boniface Cemetery is located in East Fork Township.
Trinity Lutheran Church
(Reprinted
from Esmond Diamond Jubilee 1901-1976 book)
Most home seekers were Norwegian decent and were Lutherans as usually the case when pioneers had built a shelter for their families and their animals, the next building to be erected was a church.
When neighbors met they began talking about organizing a congregation. The little group gathered at the home of Gilbert Rice to discuss methods whereby they might get a church started. Their chairman, Chris Kielland, was instructed to issue a letter of call to Rev. Frost of Sheyenne. He accepted this call temporarily and the first service was held in Mr. Kieiland’s sod house (near where the Virgil Bengson home is now.) on March 24, 1901. The following Wednesday a meeting was called to organize the congregation at the home of Nelius Liudahl.
Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Neilius Liudahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Woyen and family, Mr. and Mrs. Knute Rauk and family, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Lund and family, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Rice and family, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holje and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Arne and family, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Kieland and family, Peter E. Woyen, Ole Veum and Christian Amonrud.
April 8, 1902, a call letter was sent to Rev. Carl Figenbaum. He accepted and was installed June 29, 1902.
The first annual meeting was held at the Martin Reierson home July 23, 1903. In 1902 Ole Veum donated one acre of land one fourth mile south of town to be used as a cemetery.
In 1902 the first parsonage was built which was home for Rev. and Mrs. Figenbaum, Adelaide, Karl and Sigvort until 1913. Services were conducted in the Congregational church which most graciously had been offered the new congregation for its use until they would be able to get a house of worship of their own.
Trinity Ladies Aid organized April 19, 1902 at the home of Elling Karlsbraten. Mrs. Martin Reierson was the first hostess for Trinity Ladies Aid. Trinity Ladies Aid was later reorganized each one belonging to their own congregation, Trinity and Immanuel.
In 1906, a new church of Gothic style was build. Andrew Reierson, brother of Martin Reierson, of Spring Grove, Minn. was hired as contractor to build the church. It is a beautiful church; to this day former members return and remark, “It is the most beautiful church they have ever belonged to.” One outstanding feature is the Kelgan pipe organ. (A complete story on the organ will be found following this history of Trinity.)
The first class to be confirmed in the new church were: Gina and Ida Erickson, Clara Dahlseide, Chris Roholt, Henry Solberg, Theodore and Palmer Bloom. In 1910 a fine church bell was purchased.
In1913 Pastor Figenbaum resigned from the Esmond parish. Rev. H.M. Aanestad of Carpio accepted a call to Esmond where he and his fine wife were our spiritual leaders for 34 years. They raised a family of seven boys and one girl. Mrs. Aanestad was a great worker with the young people. She had much to do with the Sunday School. The Summer Bible School had been her dearest and nearest project. Mrs. Aanestad taught the Summer Bible School for 22 consecutive summers from 1920 to 1943 with the exception of 1921. At Christmas time she had wonderful Christmas programs.
The project promoted by the church Parlor Society in1925 to have a church basement was a great reality.
December, 1929the Sunshine Circle was organized. The purpose and aim was to promote the missionary cause.
The Trinity Aid was revived in 1934. So in June 1942 each aid was divided into circles for serving. No lotteries or petty gambling has ever been allowed in their midst. All has been done to the glory of God.
In the spring of 1947 one of the projects of the Trinity Luther League was the purchase of a Christian Flag which they presented to the congregation. The two crosses on the flag represent Rev. Wilhelm Aanestad and Rev. Regnavaid Aanestad as full time workers in the Kingdom. Their father, Rev. H.M. Aanestad, pastor of the congregation dedicated the flag May 4, 1947. In the year 1952 another cross was added to this flag concerning the commissioning of Miss Pearl Guttromson as a missionary to South Africa.
Rev. H.M. Aanestad handed in his letter of resignation to the three congregations of the Esmond Parish, Trinity, Immanuel and St. Olaf, on June 29, 1947, after thirty-four eventful years of service in work of the Lord. The Trinity Sunshine aid is divided into two circles, The Sunshine Circle and the Dorcas Circle. A joint meeting is held four times a year.
In 1947 Pastor Thompson accepted a call to Esmond Parish. He served for seven years. Rev. Oscar Bolstad agreed to be temporary Pastor until Rev. Norman Johnson was installed in 1955. He resigned in 1958. Rev. Vernon Awes accepted the call to serve Esmond Parish which he did until December of 1961, after which Pastor Ring was installed. In 1963 Bethany Church members asked to join a neighboring church of their choice. Those joining Trinity were Mr. and Mrs. Hilmer Lybeck, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Watterud, Mrs. Olina Watterud, Mrs. Tina Swingen, Ingvoid, Axle and Edward Swingen and Odmar Amundson.
In 1968 Pastor Delbert Ring asked to be relieved of his duties here. Rev. Winthers served as intern pastor until September 1968, when Pastor Wilford Hanson and family of Doyon came to serve Trinity as well as Immanuel and St. Olaf.
THE KELGAN PIPE ORGAN
The Kelgan pipe organ was installed in 1910. Soon after the church was dedicated it became evident that a larger and better organ was needed. A society was organized for the sole purpose of gathering funds to purchase a suitable organ. Coming together brought extra donations, which would go into the treasury. Their pastor, Rev. Figenbaum was the treasurer. When sufficient proportions would be made they would buy an organ, but lo and behold! What was taking place? One day in 1912, freight and more freight was being hauled up to the church and strange working men with tools in hand were on the scene and it was noised about that a pipe organ was being installed in the church. Everyone knew that the treasury of the organ society could not afford anything like that. Members wanted to stop the installation because they could not afford it. The gist of the matter was this: The pastor was guarding a secret which he hoped to reveal as a surprise on the day the organ would be dedicated, but was forced to divulge his secret before then. Unbeknown to anyone else he had conferred with the then great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and from him secured the sum needed to pay the balance of the cost of the organ after the organ funds in the treasury had been exhausted. The organ was $1,300.00 (a lot of money in those days), with the organ society and Andrew Carnegie sharing equally in its cost.
Organists down through the years are as follows: Mrs. Carl Figenbaum, Mrs. Mac Knutson, Ruth Nielson, Cora Holje, (Mrs. Oli Jensrud), Gerald Aanestad, Myrtle Holje (Mrs. Orville Westgard), Gladys Rauk, Vivian Rauk (Mrs. Don Jacobson), Palmer Rauk, Solveig Aanestad (Mrs. F.W.Thorstanson), Helen Rauk (Mrs. Carlyle Austinson), Luella Berg, Mrs. D.G. Aanestad, Mrs. Herman Preuss, Mrs. Norman Johnson, Ilene Gutromson, Claudine Guttromson, Mrs. Spriggs, Sherry Halvorson, Jackie Truax and Mrs. Wilford Hanson.
Bethany Evangelical Free Church
(Reprinted
from Esmond Diamond Jubilee 1901-1976 book)
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrew 13:8.
In the writing of the history of Bethany Evangelical Free Church of Esmond it is necessary for understanding of events that it was first known as the Esmond Congregational Church.
A Rev. E.E. Saunders, pastor of the Congregational Church in Oberon preached the first sermon in Esmond on June 3, 1901. A Mr. R.J. Mayo, a young man from the Congregational Missionary Society came and conducted services during the summer months of 1901.
On September1, 1901, Rev. Sheldon Slater, who was pastor of the Hesper Congregational Church, came to Esmond to take up the work. On January 12, 1902, Rev. E.H. Stickney of Fargo came to officially organize the church. It became the First Congregational Church of Esmond. Stella Jensen was appointed secretary at this meeting.
The following were received into membership at this time: J.E. Smith, Mrs. Emma Quennell, Roy Quennell, Mabel Jensen, Stella Jensen, Hannah Jensen and Elizabeth Homen. J.E. Smith was elected treasurer and Rev. Sheldon Slater was chosen as the first pastor.
Early in the ministry of Rev. Slater plans were made to build a church. Problems of money and land for a building were met. Miss Lillian Harrison donated the lot for the church. Rev. Slater sold his farm near Hesper, built a house in Esmond and donated $500 toward the building of a church.
In 1907, Rev. Slater left and Rev. Francis Chenoweth came to start his ministry in November of that year. A few years after the church was built, pews were purchased to take the place of the chairs. Financial aid was obtained from the Congregational Missionary Society.
On Easter Sunday, April 19, 1916, a mysterious fire started in the church about 7 p.m. in the southeast corner of the church proper. The insurance adjusters allowed $700 for the damages. The interior of the Church was redecorated with a metal ceiling and new wallpaper. Mr. and Mrs. Craig repaired the damage that was on the organ. The gas lights were replaced by electric lights. Charley Lunde helped to paint the ceiling. Frank Smith, though he had only one arm, painted the outside of the church. The church was repainted a number of times through the year by Elward Jensen and others.
In 1923 the church bell began making queer noises, and was found to have a crack in it; this called for a new bell. On June 24, 1923 a new bell was installed ready for the first sermon preached by Rev. LeMaster. The Ladies Aid had a large part in paying for the bell.
In about 1920, Rev. Slater suggested that we endeavor to get along without the support of the Congregational Missionary Society and it was voted on. From that time on, we never received missionary aid and we never had a Congregational minister as pastor.
Miss Claire Weihmuller, a former public school teacher in Esmond and a graduate of Northwestern Bible School, Minneapolis, served from September 1922 to June 1923 in a ministry whereby the Gospel was sown in many hearts.
In the spring of 1929, the women of the church and the Ladies Aid redecorated the church again with new wallpaper and a new rug for the rostrum. The old rug was cut into strips and was woven into a carpet for the center aisle and for the front back area of the church by Mrs. Marie Peterson. Varnishing of walls, floors, pews and window frames was also done. Some of the people that helped in this endeavor besides the church women were Rev. LeMaster, John and Oscar Bengson, Erick and Clarence Olson, Elward Jensen and Kenneth Hyuck. All of this work of redecorating was gone gratis, but was enjoyed by all who were able to have some part in it.
During the winter of 1933-34 there was no pastor and the church was closed except for Sunday School that was held in the basement. Until about 1939, we had student pastors for a time and other churches shared their pastors with us. After Rev. Folden had finished his schooling in the ministry, he accepted a call to become our pastor. He stayed with us until the summer of 1943. Rev. Arthur Lundberg became our next pastor. He came to Esmond with his wife and son Landis. Mrs. Lundberg was a zealous Sunday School worker. The quiet spoken Rev. Lundberg helped in any project that the church had on hand to do.
During this time the doors of the vestibule were changed to face north, cement steps were built and a sidewalk was laid. The grounds around the church were leveled and rocks removed. Wall board was put on the walls of the church proper. Some of the men helping with this project were Milton, Stevens, Ernest Hunter, Wilford Brown, Sr., Floyd Titus, and Wm. R. Preuss. The Ladies Aid again helped with the expenses, the labor was donated. Rev. Lundberg stayed until May 1948.
Rev. Don L. Martin came on Sunday, June 6, 1948 to candidate. Soon after the church extended him a call and he preached his first sermon July 4, 1948. He began his ministry as our pastor with his bride, Nola. Rev. and Mrs. Martin had only been married a week. Rev. Martin was ordained in our church and stayed with us until November, 1952.
In 1947 the church decided to finish paying to the Congregational Society the Grant Mortgage, which they had held, without interest since the church was built in 1902. In January 1948 the balance was paid and the church became debt-free. During the years after the church decided to become self-supporting and during the depression years, it seemed hard at times to meet the various obligations but with faith and prayer and some hard work the bills were always paid.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dysart lived in the church basement for several years and did much of the repair work needed in the basement and the church proper.
Some other pastors came to help from time to time and have not as yet been mentioned are the following: Rev. O.P. Champlain, Rev. George Atkinson, Rev. P.C. Hogie, Rev. J.A. Hoeksatatter, Rev. Wm. May, Rev. Chester Cording, Rev. H. Van Kormer, S.B. Wells, Edward Cross, and Mr. Alexander.
Pastor LuVerne Mulvihill of Minneapolis came with his family to Esmond the first week in February, 1953. He was ordained on July 18, 1954 by the Evangelical Free Church of America at the Hesper Church. During the six years that he was our pastor, there were many new members taken into the church and many improvements made. Mrs. May Engel willed her home to the church to be used as a parsonage. The old parsonage was sold and the Mulvihill family moved to the new parsonage a few blocks away. In 1959 Pastor Mulvihill accepted a call to go to New Norway, Alberta, Canada.
From this time on for several years the Esmond and Hesper Churches shared pastors with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Brinsmade. The pastors made their home in Brinsmade. Pastor James Brunko served our congregation until 1962. Our next pastor was Rev. Robert Karklin. Mrs. Karlin very ably took care of the music in our services. During this time the basement was remodeled and a new furnace installed. Much of the labor was donated. Rev. Karklin left us in the fall of 1965. Pastor Marshall Averbeck and his wife and daughter came from Minnesota in the spring of 1966. These three pastors, Brunko, Karklin and Averbeck were Christian and Missionary Alliance men. They were great a blessing to the church and community during the years they served our congregation.
Pastor Mulvihill returned from Canada and was serving the Bethel Free Church in Devils Lake. He agreed to serve Hesper and Esmond on a temporary basis for the time being.
It was decided in 1972 to merge with the Hesper Evangelical Free Church and the reorganize to become the Bethany Evangelical Free Church of Esmond. This merger has been mutually advantageous and all have worked together in harmony. We have two groups of ladies in the church that help in various ways with the work of the church. We have the Esmond Ladies Aid and the Women’s Missionary Society. Each group works together on large projects and in the White Cross Mission program.
Since 1972, the church has had a well drilled and sewer connections made. The basement has been enlarged a little for rest rooms, library, new stairway to the basement, and new windows added. The upstairs has been carpeted, the pulpit area extended across the front of the church from the east wall to the west wall and carpeted. The whole interior was painted.
In writing this account, I would like to give recognition to Mrs. Wm. Dysart and Mrs. Clarence Jensen for the help their writings gave me. Then, it is of importance to recognize three charter or early members of the church. We have Maud Ketts, Mable Hunter and Elward Jensen who still attend services as often as they are able.
Through these past 75 years, many names could be added to the history but of far more importance is to know and “rather rejoice because your names are written in Heaven.” Luke 10:20b
The church celebrated its 75th anniversary on
July 12, 1975. There was a dinner
for visiting pastors and friends of the church, held in the Esmond School Gym.
A great time of Christian fellowship and renewal of friendships was had
by the many returning for the anniversary.
The theme of the Diamond Jubilee of the Bethany Evangelical Free Church
of Esmond tells it like it is and should always be.
“Except the Lord build a house, They labor in vain that build it.”
Psalm 127:1.
From Esmond travel east on highway #19 two miles north and follow #19 around the curve for another four miles, turning north onto a gravel road for 1 mile and then turning west and go another 1/2 mile. The cemetery is owned and very well maintained by the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Both church and cemetery are still active. There is plenty of parking and excellent access from a major highway going through the area. Burials are on line.
Vasa Lutheran Church
This cemetery is located about 10 miles east of Esmond on Hwy 19 and a mile north and 3/4 mile east. Vasa cemetery was established beside the Vasa Lutheran Church in the early 1900s, but the church no longer remains beside the cemetery. The cemetery is well maintained and laid out nicely. Burials are on line.
If you wish to submit or correct data for this county, please contact
Colleen Goltz
Benson County Coordinator
If you have problems with this site, contact the State Coordinator or Assistant State Coordinator for the
NDGenWeb Project