First English Lutheran Church (Fosston, Minnesota) Records

Early in 1920, Rev. P. J. Seltz was able to hold English services in the Old Norwegian Synod Church in Fosston. This worked for a brief period of time, but the search for a more suitable location was successful. On May 21, 1920, First English Lutheran Church of Fosston was organized. The building the congregation had been renting was purchased in 1924. In 1925, the congregation decided to buy a parsonage. In 1926, the altar was built. In 1931, Pastor Graupner was asked by the District to serve the Mahnomen parish. First English was requested to form one parish with sister congregations in McIntosh and Mentor. When the parsonage was sold in 1938, the long-standing debt on the church building was removed. The 25th Anniversary of the congregation was celebrated on November 25, 1945. The congregation joined the LCMS in June 1946. During 1947 and 1948, extensive remodeling was completed, including a basement wall structure, a new front entrance and a bell tower. Gothic style windows were added in 1948. In the spring of 1949, Trinity in Duane Township merged with First English. The interior of the building was repainted in 1970, and the narthex was paneled. The kitchen was also updated. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated on July 19, 1970. More improvements were made to the building in 1988. The Ladies Aid carpeted the hallway and stairs, the downstairs was paneled and painted, and a new stove was bought for the kitchen. Also, new siding and shingles were added to the building and a new furnace and organ were installed. From 1989-1992, the upstairs and basement were also carpeted by the Ladies Aid. The 75th Anniversary was celebrated on August 20, 1995. A green metal roof was installed in 2005 to replace the roof that needed extensive repair. The 90th Anniversary was celebrated on July 18, 2010. First English closed on September 30, 2013. The closing worship service was held on September 22, 2013.