According to a history of the church written for its 125th anniversary in 2009, the land on which the church was built originally belonged to Erik Ramstad, who had been a member of First Lutheran Church.

The “first” red brick church that housed the congregation was built in the early 1900s. According to a history put together by long time church members, each family with a wagon was asked to donate a load of bricks for the church.

A quarter of a century later, a white brick church was built just south of the red brick church. Another addition was added in the 1950s.

During the past 130 years, the church has been greatly active in the community. First Lutheran was involved in the Nurses Training School at Trinity Hospital and in the founding of Trinity Nursing Home. The First Lutheran Church Foundation, which was founded in the late 1960s, provided funds to send church members to the seminary and on overseas missions to foreign countries. A free clinic, City and County Health Clinic, is staffed by volunteer medical personnel, and located in the lower level of the church’s Luther Hall.

Submitted Photo

Rev. Ken Nelson, who recently resigned as pastor at First Lutheran, said in January that the church’s strength is its caring congregation.

Following the Souris River flood of 2011, the church pulled together to help those who were hurting. First Lutheran Church was flooded too, though not as badly as some other churches in the community, and the basement had to be renovated. The church met during the summer of 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church until it was able to return to its own building months later.

The Nelson family was also hard hit by the flood and learned once again about the kindness of neighbors. When their home was flooded, friends in the church gave them the use of a home at Rice Lake while they were waiting for their FEMA trailer to arrive. Another friend gave up her garage for the better part of two years so the Nelsons could store their items there.

Years ago the church recognized the deep need for child care in the community and is hosting the Acorn Hollow Early Childhood Education Center.

The basement that was flooded years ago is now a fellowship hall that is used by different community groups. Minot Air Force Base groups meet there on occasion and Lutheran Social Services holds training sessions. Three local music groups, the Heritage Singers, Minot Chamber Chorale and Minot Nodakords also meet at First Lutheran.

Since Nelson left to take a new call at Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wis., the current pastor at First Lutheran is the Rev. Brandy Gerjets.