St. Paul's Lutheran Church

Extensive History 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church was organized on March 16, 1919, by Rev. A. M. Skindlev, District President.  Rev. H. B. Vogter was called and served from March 16, 1919 until March 19, 1920.

The charter members of the church were as follows:  Mr. and Mrs. Amund Larson and sons, Alfred and Edward; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnson; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Peterson; Mr. and Mrs. Barney Sorenson and children, Solveig, Lillian, and Archie; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Larson and children, Alberta and Gerald; and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Truen and daughter, Anna.

The services were preached in Norwegian and were held in a log cabin school in Peterson Addition.  Mr. Fred Berglund was the organist.

After Rev. Vogter's resignation on March 20, 1920, the congregation was without a pastor.  The Mission Board called Rev. J. A. Korshawn.  He was installed in August 1920 and served until June 1923.  During his pastorate, seventy-two new members were added to the congregation and the sunday school.  Also, the Ladies Aid was organized.

At this time the congregation needed a larger place for worship.  The Episcopalian Church, which is now the Grange Hall, was not in use, so St. Paul's rented the building at $60 per year and the Ladies Aid paid the rent.

Mr. L. C. Johnson served as Sunday School Superintendent from 1920 until his death on January 25, 1932.  H. M. Thostensen was appointed Treasurer to replace Amund Larsen, and Olaf Hatley and Peter Brudeset were trustees.

From June 1923 until May 19, 1924, St. Paul's was without a regular pastor.  Mr. John Rosand from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spokane, WA, occasionally conducted services.  Then Rev. Robert Hermansen was called, and he was installed on June 1, 1924 by Rev. Skindlov; he served until April 30, 1927.  Rev. Hermansen had the first confirmation class, which consisted of Arvilla Johnson, Dorothy York, and Della Ragan.

The Mission Board of the Rocky Mountain District withdrew their part in paying the pastor's salary.  As the congregation was unable to carry on alone, and Rev. Hermansen was unable to serve without a salary, he tendered his resignation.  Thirty-seven new members were added to the congregation during his ministry.

St. Paul's was without a pastor from April 30, 1927 until December 23, 1928, when Rev. Eugene Lee of Northfield, MN, was installed.  During the period before Rev. Lee came to St. Maries, Mr. Rosand conducted services and met with the confirmaiton class.  He came  by train on Saturday mornings, met with the class, stayed overnight, and then preached on Sunday.  This confirmation class numbered eighteen and was confirmed by Rev. Lee on April 28. 1929.  Two members of that class still reside in St. Maries:  Freda Leonard and Raymond Appel.

During the years from 1920-1935, Edna Henrickson was our faithful organist.

The congregation of St. Paul's was eager to have a place of their own, so on September 14, 1930, a special meeting was called to appoint a committee to investigate property suitable for church purposes.  Members of this committee were Erick Rehnberg, Jacob Henricksen, John Litzenberger, and H. M. Thostensen.  It was reported that Rev. Lee had accepted a call from Klamath Falls, OR, and would leave on October 1, 1930.  On December 11, 1930, another special meeting was called and the church building committee reported that the property of George Hemenway, at the corner of 6th and College, was for sale.  Mr. Hemenway offered the house and two lots for $1,000 cash.

At that time, the congregation had $600 in a building fund and the Ladies Aid had $325, which they contributed; by taking out a note for $75, the building became the property of St. Paul's.  Through volunteer labor, the house was remodeled into a church with living quarters in the back and upstairs for the pastors.

In the absence of Rev. Lee, Mr. Rosand served the congregation, together with the following outside pastors:  Rev. Arne and Rev. Norem.

The depression was in full swing at this time, work was scarce, and so was money.  On April 20, 1931, a special meeting was called by Mr. L. C. Johnson, President of the congregation.  He explained the feeling of the members, that owing to the financial condition of the times, it would not be advisable to call a pastor, much as it was regretted.  A letter was written to Rev. Skindlov, District President, explaining the matter, and also stating that St. Paul's would be willing to cooperate with Worley, ID, in whatever was advisable.  On Sunday, April 26, 1931, Rev. Skindlov conducted services.  He proposed that both Worley and St. Maries pay $25, and the Mission Board would add $50 towards the pastor's monthly salary.  It was agreed upon by vote of the members that a pastor be called on those terms.

Rev. Otis Knudson, a seminary student, was called.  He was installed by Rev. Skindlov on August 23, 1931.  The parsonage wasn't quite ready, so an apartment was rented for him.  He served until September 1935, when he accepted a call to Froid, MT.  While Rev. Knudson was here, the Ladies Aid started serving public dinners; they were successful and the proceeds, after expenses, were turned over to the church treasury.

Rev. Alvin B. Holland had been called, and he arrived October 30, 1935 (a memorable day, as the mercury dipped to 20 degrees below zero).  He was installed on November 3, 1935, and served until August 1937.

Again, Mr. Rosand filled the pulpit between August and October 31, 1937.

Rev. Bjorn B. Neilson was called and installed on October 31, 1937, by Rev. Skindlov; Rev. Neilson was married shortly after that.  Due to health reasons, Rev. Neilson and his wife left in 1939.  Both church services and Sunday school were suspended before they left.  Mr. Ivan Vallum, a seminary student, served as a summer interim pastor.  Rev. Neilson returned in the fall, but resigned in 1942.

Rev. Obert A. Rust was called and installed by Rev. Skindlov on August 2, 1942.  He served until the fall of 1944, when he enlisted in the Army as a chaplain.

Rev. Otis A. Lee was called and installed by Rev. Skindlov on February 21, 1945.  He served until November 27, 1946.  During his pastorate, the church suffered a disastrous fire; the entire building had to be redecorated.  During the time between pastors, Mr. Rosand came to the rescue once again.

Rev. John Arne Hjelmeseth was called and installed on July 25, 1948 by Dr. L. Field, President of Rocky Mountain District.  He served until October 15, 1950.  At a special meeting after services in June 1950, it was called to the attention of the congregation that the buildng was in need of extensive repair.  The church treasury was low and it was decided to ask Mr. Myklebust of the Home Mission Board to meet with the congregation and get his advice.  He came the following week and advised we dispose of the building.  It was his opinion the Home Mission Board would not lend money to repair an old building.  A motion was made and carried that we ask for a loan of $10,000 for a new building.  On May 15, 1951, three members of St. Paul's met with the congregation at Potlatch, ID.  It was moved and passed that the three congregations, St. Maries, Potlatch, and Deary, hire Mr. Myron Hoff to serve as interim pastor during the summer.  It was also moved that Mr. Paul Lionberger, a seminary student, be hired to serve the three congregations starting September 1, 1951.

The old building site was not suitable, so on November 18, 1951, the congregation voted to secure an option to the four lots located at 10th and College for the new church site.  The lots were purchased, and on November 27, 1951, the congregation decided to accept the sketch and drawings presented by Culler and Cale, Architects.  May 19, 1952, student pastor Lionberger announced that our loan request for the new building had been granted.  Sunday, May 15, 1952, he officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for our present church.  The old church property was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scott for $3,500; this is the present site of the Washington Water Power office.  Paul Lionberger left in September 1952 to return to seminary.

Rev. A. O. White (retired ELC pastor) was our interim pastor from October 1, 1952 until July 1953.  Mr. Alex Bergman was hired as head carpenter, along with Hans Hanson of Worley, who was a member of the church.  Many of the church members were volunteer workers.  Mr. Hanson built all the cabinets during the fall of 1952 and 1953.  He drove from Worley in all kinds of weather, and all he asked was $50 to pay for the gas.  Mr. Dale Delong built the pulpit.  The lumber was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Hatley.  Archie Sorenson, along with Paul Lionberger, helped design and build the altar.  The ALCW did most of the inside painting.  Mr. Lionberger worked every day and way into the night all through the summer.  He had to leave and go back to the seminary to finish his senior year, but Rev. White took good care of us.  The new church was sufficiently completed so that its first services were held on November 23, 1952.  During 1953, the parsonage was built; both men and women of the congregation worked hard to have it ready for occupancy by June 1953.  Both the church and parsonage were completed on time.

Rev. Paul Lionberger was issued a call, and after graduation and ordination at Bremerton, WA, he was installed at St. Paul's on July 12, 1953, by Rev. R. A. Daehlin, District President.  It was the first time St. Paul's was served by a full-time pastor.  Rev. Lionberger served until June 5, 1955.

Rev. Kermit Forde of Libby, MT, was called and installed in August 1955, and served until August 1, 1958.  Some of the church pews were built at this time.

Rev. Milo Mathison was called and installed by Dr. Daehlin on October 5, 1958; he served until October 15, 1966.  Rev. Mathison was also a carpenter, and during his pastorate, the church pews were all finished and partitions made for Sunday school rooms in the basement.

In September 1961, during the Mathison ministry, the St. Maries Lumber Company, where several of our members were employed, burned down, and as a consequence, several families left, seeking employment elsewhere.  This was a severe blow to all the churches and to businesses alike.  The ALCW worked hard to help, with rummage sales, dinners, and food sales.

A call was extended to Rev. Ernest Larsen of Wistby, MT, but he couldn't come until December 1966.  Dr. Daehlin suggested we call Rev. H. Hjortholm, a retired ALC pastor of Missoula.  He and his wife came in a few days and served until December 26, 1966.  Rev. Larsen was installed in January 1967, and served until June 9, 1974.  During his pastorate, the Bethel Bible Series was taught.  The teachers were Ben and Arlene Greene, Ben and Dellete Jarrell, Sally Lyngstad, and Jo Larsen.  They had studied under Rev. Larsen for two years before they began to teach.

After Rev. Larsen left, a call was extended to David Thomas of Columbus, OH.  He began his ministry August 19, 1974, and was installed by Bishop Norman Wick on September 8, 1974.  He resigned to accept a call at Solomon Lutheran Church, Woodville, OH.  Rev. Larsen came up with something different for the Luther Leaguers to raise money; they had a spook house in Bredvold's barn for three years at Halloween.  It proved to be fun and a good way to raise money that was used for going to church district conventions.

Rev. Marvin L. Sackchewsky of Wheatland, WY, was called and began his ministry October 4, 1978.  He was installed October 15, 1978 by Bishop Wick.

(Church history from 1919-1979 was compiled by Frankie Bredvold.)

May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupted.  All of us who live in the Northwest will remember this date for a long time.  Several members volunteered to clean-up the fallen ash on the church and parsonage.

A monthly newsletter, "The Twin Rivers Lutheran," was started by Margaret Anderson, as editor.

There were several fellowship activities such as Easter breakfast, Christmas bazaar, and a coffee hour after church services, held once a month.  The coffee hours met with such great success that it was changed to being held every Sunday after services.  Also, there would be a cake, if a church member had their birthday that month.

On May 3, 1981, a mortgage-burning celebration was held with a potluck dinner.

Pastor Marvin Sackchewsky accepted a call to Valentine, NE in December 1982.

Rev. Frank Caron and his wife, Bette, accepted our call and he was installed February 1983.  During his ministry, the plans were discussed to expand the church Narthex and basement classrooms as they are today.  Also, the Order of Service was changed to Setting II.  A new altar was constructed by Maurice Dreisbach and Bill Gredzinski, and kneeling pads and paraments were made by Capitola Schwend.  An Advent wreath was made by Ed Humann; the rough-hewn cross was made by Everett Anderson.

Several couples met once a month for a potluck dinner and fellowship called, "Peoples Club;" it was a great success.  There were twenty active Luther League members who were busy with lawn mowing, snow removal, and several dinners to help earn money for attending Lutherhaven, etc.

Pastor Caron and Council members started a Building Fund for the new addition.  In 1985, a ground-breaking ceremony was held on May 12.

Lenten services were held every Wednesday evening, preceded by a Soup Supper; this is a continuing tradition.  ALCW changed their Christmas bazaar to the present "Augustfest," which has been successful with the help of all our members and the community.  With this money, we give donations to various organizations in the community and to various church projects.

In December 1985, Pastor Caron accepted a call to Bullhead City, AZ.

Pastor Bill Liddell and his wife, Ellen, from Winifred, MT, accepted our call.

The building project was completed in May 1987.

Mission Partners program was established, with Clark Fork, ID being chosen for our monetary support and friends in Christ.

Our monthly newsletter, "St. Paul's Epistle," was started again by Sandra Young as editor.  Verdie Dryver continues the newsletter today.

On May 17, 1987, the dedication ceremonies were conducted by Bishop Wicks, with Pastor Liddell conducting the services.  The Luther Coat of Arms stain glass window in the Narthex was designed by church member Raleigh Hughes, Jr.  The building committee members were Bob Kingsley, Mike Weger, Paul Ugstad, Arlene Greene, Donna Jackson, Bonnie Adams, Ed Reaves, Everett Anderson, Raleigh Hughes, Jr., Bette and Pastor Caron.

Vacation Bible School was co-sponsored with the Presbyterian Church and was a success with 120 children attending.  The following year we had teachers and helpers from the Nazarene and Catholic churches.

Earlier in the year, Pastor Liddell reported a merger between the American Lutheran Church, to be renamed the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America ("ELCA").  The change was to be in January 1988, and would mean a new constitution, a Bishop, and a Synod (based in Spokane, WA) in this area.

In 1988, our gratest achievement was purchasing a new Allen organ.  Our organist, Gwen Wotring, along with Sandra Young and Ellen Liddell, helped to get the project going with fundraisers and many gift donations.  We were able to buy the organ seven months later!

ALCW went through a change by organizing under the women of the ELCA.  A new constitution was formed and named St. Paul's Lutheran Women.  With our "Augustfest" funds we were able to purchase carpet, linoleum, and window blinds for the basement.

In 1989, a new practice was begun by the Music & Worship committee, using families or couples to usher and read the lessons at the Sunday services.  The Women of ELCA purchased material through the Betty Kingsley Memorial Fund to upholster the church pews.  We volunteered to give the birthday party for the Senior residents born in the month of November at the Valley Vista Care Center.

Pastor Liddell accepted a call in Chinook, WA in July 1991.  During the interim, Rev. Steve Hammond of St. Maries offered his services to St. Paul's.

In February 1992, Pastor Arthur Dryver and his wife, Verdie, of Pierce, ID, accepted our call and he was installed on March 1, 1992.  A Wednesday evening service was started that spring and continued through the year.

St. Paul's has continued fellowship and Christian life with the annual "Super Spud" Saturday Supper in January, Easter Breakfast, Lenten Soup Supper, and Joy Night (with other community churches).  During Pastor Art's first year, there were thirteen new members, four marriages, and six confirmations.

Starting in 1993, the congregation began a new time schedule, with worship services at 9:30 a.m., and sunday school following afterwards.  Later in September, services were changed to 11:00 a.m for one month.  Then worship services were changed again to our present time of 10:00 a.m., with sunday school being held downstairs after the children's sermon.

St. Paul's joined the Community Church services on the second Sunday in March; it was sponsored by the St. Maries Ministerial Association.

Pictures were taken in April for our 75th Anniversary Pictorial Directory.  There were fifty-four participants, and booklets were distributed in December.

A Baptismal Fount was placed in the sanctuary in memory of Craig Minard and Willis Pugh.  It was dedicated on January 10, 1993.

In 1994, the Senior Choir was reorganized with Dee Richter as director.  Loy Felix formed a Children's Choir which sings on the fourth Sunday of the month for church services.  At the present time, we do not have a choir.

(Church history from 1980-1994 was compiled by Laura Lee Gibson.)

Our current pastor, Rev. David "Spike" Shine, is one of the longest serving pastors.  He came to St. Maries in January of 2001.