Birchdale United Congregational Church UCC

 

 

A History of the United Congregational Church in Birchdale Compiled by Karen Schrader for the churches 100th celebration.

 

The church has always played an integral part in the Birchdale area. An article written by Mrs.George Smart tells how the Reverend Thomas Howard went to the Minnesota Home Missionary  Society, in 1902, asking for a field where no one else cared to go. Pages 13 and 14 of an old print from Congregational Minnesota tells how the Rev. G. R. Merrill , D.D., then state superintendent of home missions sent Rev. Howard into the Rainy River Valley in October, 1902, to look over the field and report back.Rev. Howard filed a claim to land on the river at that time and in March l903, he and his thirteen year-old son Earl came to their homestead to prepare for the family 's arrival.

 

Church history states that Rev. Howard held church services at his cabin the first Sunday after he arrived. About a dozen men attended that first meeting. It is unclear whether women and children were present. However, within a few months of arriving at the homestead, Mrs. Howard had organized a Sunday school that met weekly throughout the year. These meetings were held in the various area homes until a school was built. Desire for a school and more permanent church building prompted a log school to be built at Howard's Landing late in 1904. Church services were then held in the new school and soon eight charter members founded a Congregational Church. Reverend T.W.Howard, Mrs. Thomas (Susan) Howard , William Broeffle, Mrs. William (Ida) Broeffle, Emil Ostlund, Mrs. Emil (Maria) Ostlund , Florence Howard, and Anna Shelland signed the following church covenant on March  15, 1905.

 

"We receive the Holy Scriptures of the old and new Testaments as the only infallible rule of faith and practice; and recognize as Christians and worthy of fellowship, all who devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ; and are living a faithful, consistent Christian life, in accordance with His Word. We further agree to· attend the church services and contribute to its support; and to labor together to maintain its peace and harmony; and in so far as possible, in every way to promote its spiritual and temporal welfare."

 

For the first ten years, Reverend Howard received a salary of $25 per month. His field extended from International Falls in the east to Warroad in the west, a combined distance of about 125 miles. He was instrumental in establishing church work at International Falls, Indus, Border, Baudette, Pitt, Graceton, Cedar Spur, and Warroad.The early Congregational Minnesota article also states that the field was so large and the needs so great that it was impossible for one man to do the work. "Hence at the meeting of the State Conference at Northfield in October, 1912, in response to an appeal made to the Minnesota society" two men were appointed to visit the field. Their report was so favorable that pastors were sent to the Int'l. Falls, Baudette, and Graceton areas in 1913, freeing Rev. Howard  to concentrate on his home church. A movement to build a church at Birchdale was begun in February 1913, with settlers giving liber­ally in money, material , and labor. Olaf A. Nelson donated a lot for the site. Rev. Howard received about eighteen hundred dollars when he canvassed sister churches in the state. The combined funds, plus a grant of $1,000 from Congregational Conference of Minnesota, made it possible to build the church and furnish it for a cost of about $4,000 on August  13 and  14, 1913, a meeting was held at Birchdale where representatives from five con­gregations, as well as the State Superintendent of Missions and other directors were present to organize the Rainy River Association.

 

The cornerstone for the Birchdale Congregational Church was laid at that time. One of the speakers for the laying of the cornerstone was Rev. P. S. Pearson, who lived in the com­munity for many years. Ten members were received into the church at the close of the meeting.Records show that the desire for an actual church building persisted  and a building committee was chosen: Frank D. Ball, William Webb, and T. W. Howard. Carpenters were John A Johnson, foreman; H.T. Whitcomb, and Ben Tuey. Peter Olson, a man over seventy, built the chimney. Most of the lumber was sawed at E. W. Webb's mill, from logs donated by the settlers. It was necessary to go into the woods and cut more logs when they ran short of material. The logs were then hauled to the mill at night because the flies were so numerous it was impossible to work horses in the daytime. Rev. Howard also salvaged beautiful stained-glass windows from a church in the twin cities area. These were hauled up and placed into the new building without mishap. The church was completed and dedicated on January 4, 1914, with the Rev. Everett Lesher, State Superintendent of Missions, preaching the dedication sermon. The Rev. and Mrs. Howard continued to serve the church until her death in 1920. Her funeral pro­cession of March 26 was led by George Smart driving the wagon carrying her casket and accompanied by Allen (Allie) Shearer as acting undertaker. Sue Culver Howard was buried in the Birchdale Cemetery. Reverend Howard remained until 1924 when he left to work in a mission school in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee. He died i n Arizona six years later and was buried beside his first wife Florence in Trinidad, Colorado. Church records of February 25, 1924, show there were thirty-three members. At the September 17th meeting a committee of three; Mrs. George Smart, Mrs. Emil Ruberg, and Mrs. McGillivray was appointed to express appreciation to Pastor Howard for his years of service. The clerk was also instructed to write to the Congregational Conference of Minnesota stating a need for a new pastor. Church history and information taken from Pete Ruberg's memoirs state that Mr. Eric Bergsman and his family came from International Falls in December, 1924, and lived the first year in the Howard house by the Rainy River.

 

A parsonage was built in 1925 and a well was dug on the church property. Mr. Bergsman was ordained while at the Birchdale Church and served for fifteen years. His pastorate consist­ed of churches in Indus, Border, and Birchdale. He resigned in 1939 to pastor a church at Granite Falls. Of personal interest to me was a special meeting called on June 12, 1932. It was to fill the un­expired term of treasurer as Mr. Albert Schonsby had died. Records state "Mr. Philip Ostsund was duly elected" to fill the term. Leif Schonsby signed as clerk. Reading the church history has provided a glimpse of those who first called our place home. Reverend Clarence Weitemeir was called to the Birchdale Church from Pilot Mound, Iowa and moved his family into the parsonage in the fall of 1939. Electric lights were installed during his stay with a home light plant providing the electrical power. The church membership list for 1941 named 72 people. The Rev. Weitemeir resigned in the spring of 1942 after accepting a call to the church at Glyndon, MN. L.J. Derby, a student pastor, conducted services during the summer. When he returned  to school, Rev. Richardson, a pastor from Baudette filled in until July 1943, when Rev. Smith arrived. An interesting side note was when the Nov. 4, 1943 Board of Trustee meeting was held at the Hilmer Rud home. One of the items covered was a motion made by Abner Bilyeu, seconded and carried, that the boys or men who tipped and broke the church toilet, be made to build a new one. The meeting held at the Emma Whitcomb home on June 5, 1944 seemed to solve the problem. Jess Sonderman made a motion, which was seconded by Mrs. Whitcomb that a double building (toilet) be built on a foundation so it could not be rolled. It was voted on and carried. I wonder what they did from Nov. to June?During Rev. Edward Smith's stay as pastor, the REA line went through and the church and parson­ age were rewired to connect to the REA. The September 17, 1944 entry reads "We had electric lights in church first time in this evening service". The parsonage roof was re-shingled and the chimney repaired, also. Rev. Smith accepted a call to Backus, MN, in Sept. 1946. Pete Ruberg stated that the Smiths had a large family and that word was later received of both Rev. and Mrs. Smith being killed when their car rolled into a raging river somewhere out west. The churches at Birchdale, Border, and Indus voted to become yoked and formed a Joint Pulpit Committee to decide on future pastors to serve their three churches. The Rev. Hilding Peterson became pastor in October 1946.

 

He was ordained in September 1949 and resigned in July 1950 when he accepted a call to Wisner, Nebraska. The minister from Baudette again filled in until Rev. Alfred Vote, from the Border Church, came in April 1951. A new oil burner was installed in the parsonage and the church redecorated while Rev. Vote served as pastor. Personal files recall that the Votes only son lost his life fighting a forest fire in California. They left Birchdale in May 1954 to serve as pastor in Akely, MN. The Rev. Howard Constable came to Birchdale in July 1954 and served to May 21, 1957. The 50th anniversary of the church took place during his tenure, in March 1955. Church officers were Phillip Ostlund, Joe Chenoweth, Duane Ulrich, Mrs. E.W. Webb, and Mrs. Ray Bilyeu, trustees: Phillip Ostlund, treasurer; Deloris Ulrich, clerk; and Joe Chenoweth, deacon. Church organizations were the ladies aid, Sunday school, and the Pilgrim Fellowship (youth group). The church name changed to United Congregational Church on May 14, 1957. On July 21, 1957 the Indus and Border Congregational churches became a part of the Birchdale congregation rather than being yoked churches. A committee to arrange the services for the uniting and to send out invitations to other churches and ministers was made up of Mrs. Hilmer Rud, chairman; with Mrs. W. Hanson, Mrs. Duane Ulrich, Mrs. Robert Nelson, and Mrs. Kenneth Hasbargen helping. Clerk notes also state that it was decided to have a community picnic at the Roadside Park following the spe­cial service with Mrs. Westover, Mrs. Ray Bilyeu, and Mrs. Joe Chenoweth in charge of details. Percival Packer served as pastor from June 3, 1957 to August 17, 1958. Mr. Ruberg's files tell that Rev. Packer was killed in a head-on collision after he left Birchdale. The Rev. Ralph Imes and his family arrived from Iowa on August 20, 1958. Church records and personal files tell how the church building was completely remodeled in his first years at Birchdale.

 

The building was moved and a basement constructed. Inside lath and plaster was removed and paneling replaced. New shingles were put on the roof and the building was painted. Water and plumbing was also installed along with an oil furnace. Floor tile and carpeting were added, too. Memorials financed some of the remodeling, while a contract from Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company for forty cords of wood helped provide additional funds. Volunteer workers produced the pulp to fill the contract. Gerald Erickson often looked after securing the contracts that were used repeatedly to raise church funds. Rev. Imes moved to Baudette in September 1964 and worked on plans for yoking the Baudette, Birchdale, and William churches. William Bertrand Downey was the minister at Birchdale from May 1965 to March 3, 1968. Mrs.Downey taught piano and gave lessons to several people while they were here. The Downeys then left for service in New Albin, Iowa. Ralph Imes then returned to pastor the Birchdale church while living in Baudette and ministering to congregations there and Williams as well. A parish council yoking the three churches was formed in 1968. The church name was then changed to the United Church of Christ. Duane Ulrich and Robert Coope were Birchdale's first members on the council for the Rainy River parish. Rev. Imes left the parish in July 1973, but continued as chaplain at the U. S. Air Force base in Baudette. The Birchdale board of trustees met in April of that year to discuss buying shingles to re-roof the church. 31 squares of molted green shingles were bought from Standard Lumber for $12.50 a square delivered. Donated labor shingled the roof and it was later dedicated.On September 1, 1973, the Rev. Randall Leisey of Pennsylvania gave his first sermon at the church with his installation service held later that fall in Baudette. Mr. Ruberg 's files tell that the pastor took the confirmation group to New York City while he was here.

 

Church files also list a youth group and choir as part of his ministry. He moved on in January  1976, to a larger church i n Pennsylvania. The May 18, 1976 Board of Trustee's meeting was called to order by Chairman Duane Ulrich. Members introduced themselves to the new pastor Rev. Charles Edgar Finestie. The meeting was mostly to familiarize the new pastor on plans and procedures of church activities. It was decided to hold Bible school in July that year. Also, the church basement was remodeled that fall and a donation from Boise Cascade for one-half of the required materials helped to defray costs. Gifts and memorials were also received in 1977 from Emma Dahl man , Clara Ostlund, and Harold Nelson to cover additional costs of the basement remodeling and refurnishing. The year of 1978 found the church board discussing the need to paint the church and move the trees on the north end of the building. A pulpwood permit for 20 cords of spruce was also purchased and the tentative cutting date was set for December 30th. Various projects and church outreach continued dur­ing Rev. Finertie's tenure. The stained glass windows were repaired in 1981 using available memorial money with David Imes making up the difference.The church lost a trustee and long-time supporter when Joe Chenoweth passed away Dec. 12, 1982. Larry Dobbs was nominated to fill the trustee position.In 1983 the pastor took a Sabbatical leave of four months to spend time in Australia. Lay minister Greg Peterson served in his place. A organ was bought with memorial money and a new well was also drilled. The year also saw the parsonage up for bids. However, no bids were received and it was rented to Forestry officials. A dedication service for the restored windows. the organ, and the well was held in the fall of 1984 and a farewell potluck supper was held Oct. 21 to honor the Rev. Finertie. His last sermon at Birchdale was Nov. 18. 1984. Rev. Robert Caldwell of Chicago, Illinois served as interim pastor from Dec. 2, 1984 to Jan. 1986. Ceiling fans were installed during that time. In May  1985, the parsonage was rented to Laverne Thramer who lived there until her death in December 2001. The church was paid to plant 4,000 trees for Myron Smart as a means of raising money, also, while Rev. Caldwell was here. Another interim pastor, Reveren David Ransom from New Haven, Connecticut came for the year of 1986. Yet another, John R. Guttermann, from San Francisco, California filled in until September 1987. Rev. Ralph Gonichelis began his pastorate Oct. 4, 1987 and his ordination services were held in Baudette Aug. 13, 1988. Church records note that his wife had private health insurance that saved the Rainy River Parish over $2,000 in premiums and of how grateful the church was to them. They left in March 1990. The Rev. Donald Bump spoke on March 18th and church members cast a unanimous "yes" to call him as pastor. Christine Hultman became trustee in December of that year to replace Peter Ruberg who died the next year on Dec. 31, 1991. Also in 1991, the church was resided by Holmgren Local Building and Remodeling of  International  Falls for a cost of $9,650. In April of that year the Board of Trustees installed Christine as Treasurer to fill the vacancy left by the April 19th death of Ellen Murray. They chose, too, delegates for the pulpit search committee meeting in May in Baudette. Rev. Bump left on June 15th. The loan for the siding was already paid by October 10th and trustee minutes state that financial affairs were good. A CD memorial was also received from the Murray family in honor of their mother. Rev. Judith K. Hambleton , from Decatur, Illinois served as pastor of the Rainy River Parish from June 17 to Dec. 31, 1991 when Reverend Rosanna Walker, from Iowa came from a pastorate in Granite Falls, Minnesota to serve. Rev. Walker has been a driving force in many projects at Birchdale during her tenure and the church continues to be blessed with willing workers and faithful stewards. There has been only one  major mishap and that was caused by nature. The flooding of July 1999 necessitated restoring the base­ment. New paneling , carpeting and cupboards needed to be installed along with other repairs completed. An outside ramp was installed, and the parsonage was sold to Conrad Peterson and moved from the church premises in 2003. A gift to the church from Harold Nelson has allowed redoing and enlarging the entry to accommodate an elevator. An upstairs lavatory and a new bath and large storage room in the basement are also part of the project. Members serving in various offices of the Birchdale Church at the present time are as follows: dea­ coness: Jan Imes, Diane Dobbs , and Delores Nelson; trustees: Dave Imes, Ralph Lewis, Larry Dobbs, Soren Olesen, and Jake Jacobs; clerk: Margaret Chenoweth; treasurer: Nancy Leahy; and Sunday school superintendent: Lois Lewis. Ladies Aid president is Margaret Chenoweth; secretary, Diane Dobbs; and treasurer is Deedra Erickson. It is interesting to note that Margaret Chenoweth has been church clerk  from December 1, 1956 to the present 2005. Yes, there are still willing workers, and after one hundred years the church remains an integral part of the community.

 

Updated June 25th, 2015. Thank you Karen Schrader

 

Birchdale Church records of annual church meetings for the past ten years show a continued desire to serve. The clerk report for 2006 records a $500 donation to the Mission Fund for the Rainy River Parish by an anonymous donor. Then in 2007, the church and community youth took a church sponsored trip to the Winnipeg Zoo.

          However, change is inevitable and the church is no exception. After being church clerk for fifty-two years, Margaret Chenoweth submitted her resignation, in 2008, and Jan Imes agreed to fill the position, Also, Reverend Rosanna Walker’s retirement was set for June 15, 2009. She had served in the parish since January 1, 1992 and performed numerous baptisms, funerals and weddings for the church and community-at-large, as well as, classes for confirmation.

          The Reverend Deborah Bartelt served as Interim Pastor from July 1, 2009 to July 1, 2011 and continued the church ministry to the area. Audrey Nelson reported at the 2010 annual meeting that seventeen walkers had raised $500 for Crop Walk and the money was given to the Falls Hunger Coalition.

          Pastor candidate Reverend John Tschudy preached at the 8:30 AM service on May 1, 2011 and began his tenure on July 1st. By then the local church membership was about equal with Baudette and equal financial responsibility and representation to the Rainy River Regional Parish was voted in at the annual meeting. They also voted to continue the Thanksgiving Community Dinner, at the Hall, initiated the past year by Molly and Gary Dougherty. It was noted, too, that the new sewer system for the church was paid for as members gave extra.

          The year 2012 saw continued community service, fund raisers, and the Sunday School Christmas Child shoe boxes filled and sent off. A Cookie Walk with breakfast and lunch offered was held at the Hall on December 1st, too, as an added event that was repeated in 2013 and 2014.

          On May 12, 2013, Pastor John also confirmed four young people into the church and its’ Christian faith.      

          January 12, 2014, the church celebrated the 100th anniversary of the church building with a special service. Then in the summer, there was a Day Camp for Kids, with Jack Pearson, Mr. Song-Strummin Storyman, games, wiener roast and all. Plus, there was a Community Song Fest led by Sloughgrass, and a Pie and Ice Cream Social at the BirchdaleChurch, in August of 2013 and 2014.

          2015 promises more of the same with regular services intertwined with outdoor church service during Pioneer Days, breakfast at the Hall for fundraisers, Sunday School programs, candlelight services and caroling, church suppers, and Thanksgiving Community meals to name a few. The Birchdale Church would love to have you join them in celebrating faith, family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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