Early Elim

Picture, if you will, this little community of Robbinsdale, Minnesota in the year of 1922 when the population was around 1,000. It did not have too much to offer people in the way of cultural advantages. There was no high school and only two churches. In spite of this, several young couples with a pioneering spirit chose this community as a good place to settle down and raise their families. Many of the people had farms near by and almost everyone had a garden to supply at least some of their food. Among those who settled here were a group of Scandinavians, and although their backgrounds were different, they had one thing in common. They wanted a Lutheran Church where they could worship the Lord their God and have their children taught according to the Lutheran doctrine. Their Lutheran heritage meant much to these people, and they wanted to share it with others; especially with their children. During the time they were pondering this, one of the young couples had a baby boy, and it was important to them that their son be baptized by a Lutheran pastor. The Minnesota Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church was contacted, and as a result, Rev. J. G. Hultkranz came to Robbinsdale to perform the baptism of Carl Mattson on July 24, 1921.

In March of 1922, Dr. P. A. Mattson, President of the Minnesota Conference, met in the Robbinsdale City Hall with a group of people who had expressed an interest in having a Lutheran Church in this area. They met again in April and about twenty-six people attended the Swedish service conducted by Dr. Mattson. Shortly after this he became ill and little more could be done about organizing a church for several months. The ladies of this group were anxious to get started, and they felt if they could not yet organize a church, at least they were going to have a Ladies’ Aid. In August, 1922, seven women signed the charter membership of this organization which proved to be a real anchor to the congregation for many years to follow.

On September 1, 1922, a group of approximately forty-two adults and forty children met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Landahl, 4212 Wheeler Avenue (later renamed Quail Avenue) and the congregation was officially organized. Only twenty-six signed the original charter.

Worship services were held in the Robbinsdale City Hall for two years. The name chosen for this congregation was Evangelical Lutheran Elim Church of Robbinsdale. Although ‘ ‘Elim” means “resting place” (Ex. 15: 27) these new members found little rest in the years following. At the organizational meeting, Rev. J. G. Hultkrans was appointed to serve as the Pastor. Carl Mattson, A. W. Landahl, and Conrad Anderson were elected as deacons. The trustees were Axel Larson, A. W. Linderholm, and H. J. Henrickson. Mr. Landahl was also elected as Sunday School superintendent.

At the organizational meeting, Rev. J. G. Hultkrans was appointed to serve as the Pastor. Carl Mattson, A. W. Landahl, and Conrad Anderson were elected as deacons. The trustees were Axel Larson, A. W. Linderholm, and H. J. Henrickson. Mr. Landahl was also elected as Sunday School superintendent. In 1924 the congregation decided they would build a church. Two lots were bought on the corner of 40th and West Broadway for $3,000. The land was sold with the understanding that there should always be a church on this corner. Those who bought it agreed to build a church and never to sell the property for any other purpose. The building was to cost $12,000 and for a congregation of about thirty-five 29, 1924, families, this was a tremendous undertaking.

In 1945 the membership increased to 300, and by the end of 1947 there were 475 members. As the congregation continued to grow, they outgrew their church, and in 1950 voted to build a new sanctuary at a cost of $45,799.00. It was agreed that the old church building be sold to the Brunswick Methodist congregation for $9,000. The lot was large enough to erect a new church along side of the old enough to erect a new church along side of the old one, so the two stood side by side during the construction period. The Elim congregation held their first worship service and as they left, friendly greetings were exchanged with the Methodists coming in for their worship hour.

Greetings were again exchanged as the Methodists left the sanctuary and Lutherans came for their second service. Both congregations appreciated that old church which served well during the building period. As construction began, the congregation realized that the planned building would soon be inadequate to meet the needs of the youth and the fast growing community. After much deliberation, it was decided to go ahead with a building costing $130,00. On May 28, 1950, the ground breaking ceremony was held. On October 28, 1951, the congregation assembled in the old church where a farewell service was held. It was a very emotional experience, especially for those who had struggled to see this sanctuary built, and where the congregation had grown so close to each other and to God during many times of joy and sadness for the past twenty-seven years. The congregation sang “My Church, My Church. My church! My church! My dear old Church My father’s and my own!”

Father Nolan of Sacred Heart captured Elim’s big movie in this home movie!

This film spent quite a few years in the attic of the Ambrose family before it was retrieved and digitized by Dave Vos and David Krussow.
Thanks, guys!

750 people attended this dedication service on October 28, 1951. Dr. Emil Swenson, President of the Minnesota Conference, brought the dedication sermon and conducted the Rite of Dedication with the pastors of Minneapolis church assisting. The sanctuary had seating space for 440 people plus another 75 in the balcony.

Excerpted from

ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ROBBINSDALE
1922 — 1972
“Don’t Blow Out The Candles!”
(Theme for 50th Anniversary Celebration)

Doris Powell, Editor

The image at the top of the post is from Jeff Vick’s postcard collection.