A BRIEF HISTORY OF FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Condensed from the Dedication Booklet of 1961)

We trace our beginning as a congregation to a night in September, 1959, when certain Christians, together with their pastor, found themselves unable – for conscience reasons – to accept a decision of a former congregation in a matter of doctrine.

Pastor Rollin A. Reim had previously terminated his pastoral membership in the Wisconsin Synod in view of action taken at the 1959 convention of that body. That convention had established in official principle what had been practiced for several years--namely, the exercise of church fellowship with a church body that had been recognized as causing divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which we have learned (see Romans 16:17). Such union without unity is 'forbidden fellowship" according to the clear word of God. It made withdrawal from the synod a necessity rather than a matter of choice.

The pastor had pleaded for the congregation to prepare itself carefully for a sober decision in the matter of synodical membership. The plea was not heard. By majority vote it was decided that the congregation remain a member of the synod, “with the understanding that, if the resolution was adopted, the pastor would resign.” The next night, September 10, some of those who could not accept this action met in a private home and asked the pastor to continue to serve them, since they felt constrained to honor the call which they had extended in the name of the Triune God. For rather evident reasons, our congregation chose to be known by the name “Faith.” The Lord provided a place for divine worship in a meeting room of the “Turner Hall,” which was secured at a very modest rental cost. A comfortable parsonage was rented at 1009 South State Street. Almost immediately, Faith [Lutheran] Church became a haven for like-minded Lutherans in the surrounding area. People came from Winthrop, Springfield, Madelia and Mankato to share the concerns of the original group and become instrumental in formal organization as charter members. Faith Lutheran Church soon established contact with other congregations of the same confession which are scattered throughout the country. So we became charter members of the fellowship known as “Church of the Lutheran Confession” at the constituting convention of that body at Sleepy Eye in January of 1961. So the Lord provided the longed for opportunity to work with others in true unity of faith. With them we do dedicate ourselves to the glorious task of general mission work and the training of a future ministry which is committed as we are to confessing the full truth of God's holy Word.

At the time of this publication (January, 1962), we are enjoying the fine facilities of our own church plant (Units I and II) at 1106 South Broadway. Since this represents a large amount of our own sweat, toil and talent dedicated to the service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit may remain our Comforter and Guide into all truth -- in order that our gracious God might preserve unto us and our children what we now so richly enjoy.

In Jesus' Name