PREECEVILLE — The St. John Lutheran Church marked its 120th anniversary on May 25. A celebration was held on Aug. 9, an enduring legacy of faith, perseverance and community. The church’s history is woven with moments of growth, transformation and resilience, reflecting generations of dedication to spiritual service.
Kim Dyky, one of the organizers and a church member, recited the history of the church.
Maicey and Kyla Scheller of Preeceville; Pastor Hein Bertram; Ellie, Olivia and Natalie Sorestad of Buchanan; and Carol Holizki of Nelson Lake all provided entertainment. Caroline Sorestad of Buchanan accompanied Hein Bertram on the Sunday service in a few musical selections performed in Norwegian.
Saturday kicked off with a meet and greet followed by a program and concluded with a supper and fellowship. On Sunday, a worship service with communion was held, followed by a lunch and fellowship.
Past Pastor Frank Armistead (1988–1993) and Pastor C. Johnson (1997–2011) joined in the celebration.
Dyky recited some of the historical highlights.
"The story of St. John Lutheran Church began in the home of Samuel Swan, located nine miles southeast of Preeceville. On May 25, 1905, with Pastor Saunders leading the congregation, the church was first organized under the name ‘St. John’s Scandinavian Lutheran Church.’ This early assembly served as a beacon for Scandinavian immigrants settling in the area, offering a spiritual refuge and a sense of community amidst their new surroundings.
"In 1906, during the church’s annual meeting, the congregation made the pivotal decision to organize into two separate entities due to geographical challenges. This led to the establishment of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preeceville and Trinity Lutheran Church in Buchanan. Over the next few years, further changes unfolded under the leadership of Pastor Urness. In 1910, the parish was reorganized into multiple divisions, including St. John’s, White Hawk P.O., North Prairie, Strand P.O., Trinity Buchanan and Emmanuel Crystal Lake.
"January of 1911 marked a key turning point in the church’s history as Pastor Urness approached the railroad company to purchase property for the construction of a dedicated church building. The present site was selected, and by 1913, construction commenced. Although financial constraints limited the initial structure to the completion of the outside walls and roof, in July of 1913, the first service was held in the unfinished church, demonstrating the congregation’s unwavering commitment to their spiritual journey.
"The church saw significant developments in 1919, with the addition of a new front entrance and a steeple; a new bell was gifted by the young members of the congregation. These enhancements symbolized the community’s collective efforts and passion for creating a house of worship that reflected their faith.
"By 1928, more substantial improvements were undertaken. A new basement was dug beneath the building, allowing the church to be wired for electricity and equipped with a wood and coal furnace. These upgrades not only modernized the church but also provided more comfortable surroundings.
"The subsequent decades brought a series of renovations that further refined and transformed the church. In 1938, the front steps were rebuilt, cupboards were installed in the kitchen, and cocoa matting replaced the church aisle flooring. A used electric organ was also purchased, enriching the musical experience during services.
"The year 1953 marked another phase of renovations. A back entrance was added to the basement, a red carpet was laid down the church aisle, and the ceiling was lowered. Additionally, the church underwent complete redecoration, creating a refreshed and welcoming atmosphere.
"In 1970, the church underwent a major transformation when it was moved off its foundation to allow for the excavation of a larger and deeper basement. Once the building was reset on its foundation, an addition was constructed on the south end of the church, surrounding the tower. This expansion provided more space for the congregation and symbolized the church’s adaptive approach to meeting the needs of its growing community.
"Throughout the 1990s, additional renovations were undertaken to enhance the church. These included the installation of new doors at the east entrance, handrails along the altar steps, a ramp and another door on the west side of the building, as well as new siding, windows and upgraded lighting within the sanctuary.
"In 2014 the church installed a power chair lift to accommodate those who had difficulty manoeuvring the stairs. In February of 2015, the congregation began discussing the church addition, construction began in 2016 and was completed in 2017, with a pastor’s office, an administration office, a Sunday School room, mechanical room and restroom. Between 2018 and 2019, the kitchen underwent significant modernization, featuring the installation of new cupboards, a closet and drywall. In 2021, blinds were added to the sanctuary, while in 2023, the narthex was refreshed with new paint and flooring. Further improvements were made in 2024, when the sanctuary received a comprehensive aesthetic enhancement, including updated paint and flooring, and the basement was brightened with a coat of paint. In 2025, the kneeler was reupholstered, and an updated frame for the Last Supper was gifted to the church.
"The ladies’ group has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication in their fundraising initiatives to support renovations, with the resulting funds directed towards the notable enhancements visible throughout the church today.
"We extend our sincere appreciation to Gateway Co-op of Preeceville for their generous contribution of all painting materials, which substantially aided the successful completion of the church’s renovation projects in 2023 and 2024. We are also grateful for the numerous memorial items received over the years. On Nov. 17, 2019, there was the dedication of the new hymnals ‘The Celebration Hymnal,’ which were purchased from donations in memory of Lyle Swan.”
Pastors who served:
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H.L. Urness (1905–1915, 1919–1925)
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H.J. Langaunet (1914–1915)
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C.M. Knardahl (1915–1916)
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H.T. Braa (1916–1919)
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A.K. Odland (1925–1930)
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P.C. Haaland (1930–1938)
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G.J. Ostrem (1938–1944)
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A. Tveit (1944–1948)
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M.A. Steiestol (1948–1956)
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V. Severson (1956–1957)
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E.K. Rostad (1957–1963)
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D. Faust (1963–1967)
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L. Hoveland (1967–1972)
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D. Haugen (1973–1977)
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R. Jarock (1977–1983)
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P. Morck (1984–1987)
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F. Armistead (1988–1993)
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S. Forbes (1994–1997)
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C. Johnson (1997–2011)
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B. Deobald (2013–2014)
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H. Bertram (2016–present)
Intern pastors who served:
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O. Olson (1944)
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V. Severson (1956–1957)
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R. Dixon (1976–1977)
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K. Havard (1978–1979)
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K. Hedlin (1980–1981)
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H. Farmer (1981–1982)
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S. Scheidt (1982–1983)
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R. Haugen (1983–1984)
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B. Cantelon (1984–1985)
Outreach
The church congregation has engaged in numerous outreach efforts since its inception. In 1905, the women of the congregation established the first Ladies Aid, supporting church life through picnics, socials and needlework for altar and pulpit hangings.
Now known as St. John Lutheran Women, the group organizes the annual Christmas dinner, serves lunches after funerals, quilts, assists at Nelson Lake Bible Camp, provides treats for care home residents, raises funds with garage and bake sales, supplies Bibles to Grade 3 students, and coordinates the LAMP mitten tree project.
Music has been a constant part of the church’s heritage, with choirs, cantatas and guest performances enriching services. Today, youth contribute with instrumental and vocal performances, gathering songs and piano accompaniment.
Teaching has also been central, with Sunday school beginning in 1908 and continuing today. Programs such as Luther League, Bible camps and confirmation classes have long supported youth.
The congregation has also reached beyond Preeceville, completing mission trips to Mexico in 2010, 2013 and 2018 to build homes. Members also support care homes, community concerts, Bible studies, a vegetable exchange program and the Filling the Gap initiative.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church adopted livestreaming, which remains part of Sunday services.
Cemetery
In 1906, the first Lutheran cemetery was established on Charley Johnson’s property. In 1910, Harold Haroldson donated land south of town, across the Assiniboine River, which became the present cemetery.
The grounds are maintained through donations and volunteer work. In 2023, the main shed was re-shingled, and in 2024, the smaller shed was repaired. That year, benches were added, rows of headstones levelled, the gate repainted, and trees trimmed. Current work includes filling low spots, installing new fencing and straightening additional monuments.
Ministerial acts and legacy
As the church reflects on its 120 years, members honour the past while looking ahead with hope and faith.
“With deep gratitude and unwavering faith, we honour the story of those who have walked before us and rejoice in the assurance that, by God’s grace, the chapters yet to come will proclaim His enduring faithfulness and love in our midst,” concluded Dyky.
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