Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
Extent
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This folder includes a booklet from the 75th anniversary, a letter to the creators of “New Partners-Old Roots," and a history of the church.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
The Norway Augustana Synod in 1882 received word that there were enough Lutherans north of the Yellowstone River to start meeting in the Castle-Melville area. In 1895 Jorgen Elius Madsen accepted a call to that area and as a circuit rider, traveled the Absarokee area. As a result, Immanuel congregation was organized on February 16, 1897. Madsen was the first pastor, serving from his residence near Castle. In 1899 they built the first Lutheran church south of the Yellowstone River on Butcher Creek immediately above the site of the old Crow Agency. The land was donated by Magnus Johnson. In 1901 Rev. Madsen became resident pastor and moved to Absarokee. Need for a church in the community became apparent because it was hard to reach the country church, so construction was started in November of 1915. It was dedicated on July 15, 1917 with a three-day festival. Rev. O. T. Haugan came in 1924 and remained for 15 years. When he left, the membership had doubled to 400 souls. The new parsonage was built in 1931, the materials being purchased with funds from the sale of the first church, and at that time the congregation received its permanent endowment when pastor John Rudd deeded his ranch to the church. The church was renovated and redecorated in 1967.