Renewed life for Ostmark Lutheran Church

Jean Doran MatuaThe night of April 1, 2000, was tragic for members and friends of the historic Ostmark Lutheran Church in Forest City Township in rural Watkins/ Kingston. Fire quickly consumed the building, complete with all its history. Its tangible history, that is. The church records, dating back to its origin in 1894 were gone. The intense heat of the fire either burned or melted everything, including irreplaceable momentoes from their sister church in Varmland, Sweden. But the spirit of the church members remained strong. Even as they watched the smoldering remains of their beloved church, thoughts of the next church building were entertained.

On June 3, 2001, ground was broken for the new building, on the same site, with many members of the founding families present. This new building is actually the fourth home of the Ostmark Lutheran Church. The first building was built in 1895 it burned down in 1911 The next building was completed in 1912 An addition was built on in 1952; this is the building that burned on April 1, 2000. Since then the church has been meeting at the All Saints’ Church in Darwin, sharing their facilities.

Palm Sunday 2002 will mark the first service in the new Ostmark Lutheran Church Building. This special service will be held at 9 a.m. on March 24.

All are welcome at the Palm Sunday service, to help the Ostmark family celebrate their new home!