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Our History
Solem Lutheran Church
Centennial
1873 - 1973
The publication of this history marks the one hundredth year in the life of Solem Congregation. This booklet will help recall for its readers the people and events which have made Solem. We hope you enjoy looking back at the events, names, and photographs.
When one looks at the history of a Christian congregation, it becomes apparent that the grace of God is the reality which has made all of this possible. The people and events are merely reflections of God’s love to His People in Christ. A century of Word and Sacraments allows all of us to be thankful in a new way for the Good News which, finally, is the only thing which can sustain us.
The history contained in these pages comes to us for the most part through the work of the late Mrs. John (Emma) Elton. Without her concise writing, the task of putting this booklet together would have been almost overwhelming. Along with our gratitude to Mrs. Emma Elton, our thanks go to Mrs. Norman Elton, who continued where Emma Elton left off. So, to Emma and Myrtle Elton, and to all those who contributed information and photographs, our deep gratitude is extended.
Permission to use the material as specified above was granted by John Elton, eldest son of Norman and Myrtle Elton.
Our Mission Statement:
Solem Lutheran Church is called by God to:
- Share the Gospel
- Nurture its members (in the Christian faith) and
- Send them out in service to the world
Who We Are and What We Do
Welcome to Solem Lutheran Church!
Here are some things that we get involved with every year:
Spring Bazaar
In the spring members of Solem have a Bazaar which includes a breakfast or luncheon and the sale of quilts, crafts and baked goods and raffle items. This is an opportunity for you to show off your talents, and proceeds help support Solem!
Syttende Mai Dinner
In May, on a Sunday that is on or close to Norway’s Independence Day (May 17th or Syttende Mai) we have a dinner in church that is open to the public. Ham, scalloped potatoes and a variety of vegetable and fruit salads are served, but most importantly we provide all of the Norwegian goodies (lefse, pickled herring, spritz, krumkake, rosettes, etc.) that everyone comes to enjoy. Our waitresses dress in Scandinavian attire, but not many can speak the language! Proceeds for this event also help support Solem.
Rummage Sales Supporting Mission Work
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, we have a rummage sale to raise money for our three-church parish mission work and quilting. Everything is sold for free will donations. If you want to clean out your closets, bring everything you want to “recycle” to the church office. This can be done during the week prior to the sale.
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR)
If you’re from this area, you’ve certainly heard about the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN. On Saturday of that Labor Day weekend, volunteers get up in the wee hours of the morning and go to Rollag to prepare for serving the traditional thresherman’s breakfast beginning at about 6:00am. At about 10:30am (another crew of workers comes in) we shift gears and serve lunch the rest of the day. Everyone always hopes we run out of food because that makes clean-up a lot easier. This is a long day, but usually very successful, and everyone has a lot of fun! If we do have food left over, we have a little “bake sale” at church the following day. The money raised during Labor Day Weekend goes a long way towards the expenses of maintaining the church and its continuing mission.
