Medora Lutheran Church History

Medora Lutheran Church had its beginning during the early 1950’s with a few families gathering for services in the Billings County Court House. A Missouri Synod pastor from Dickinson was the first minister.

            An organizational meeting was held at the courthouse in May 1954. The newly organized church became the third congregation of a three-point parish with Belfield and Daglum (New England, ND) as the other two.

            A permanent church became a reality when St. Jacob's Church of Gorham, ND was donated to the Medora congregation on July 30, 1955. Land for the church was donated by Duke Antione Vallombrosa, the grandson of the Marquis DeMores.

            The moving of the church from Gorham to Medora took place in October 1995. The renovation of the church building was done by volunteers, with Tom DeHaven of Theodore Roosevelt National Park designing the interior of the church, the steeple and the outdoor sign.

            The first services were held in the basement in June 1956. Dedication services were held on January 20, 1957 with the completion of the church proper. The dedication address was given by Dr. Loyal E. Tallakson of Fargo. Special music was provided by the junior and children’s choirs. Charles DeLaney sang “The Lord’s Prayer”.

            To help finance the beginning of the church $2000 was borrowed from Home Missions and $3000 was loaned by Mrs. Sorenson of Belfield, ND. A special “Going Off Home Missions” Sunday was held September 10, 1957 to celebrate the repayment. Mrs. Sorenson was repaid in 1960.

            The charter members of the church were John and Freida Hinkel; Clyde, Pearl, Leah & Lynette Zilsdorf; Walter, Marion and LaVern Christensen; Donald Gustafson; Chester, Ebba, Roger, Nancy and Ann Brooks; William, Eileen, Dale, Virginia and Connie Eichhorst; EK and Leah Rusth; Jorine, Sharon, Garrett, Barry and Peggy Burkhardt; Victoria Johnson; Harold Johnson; Victor, Amy, Doris and Donald Stigen; Gerda A and Richard Anderson; Ward andEvelyn Glenn; Ray C, David and Kevin Paasch; Gunnerd and Margarette Johnston.

            The brass cross on the altar was a gift from the Gorham Church, The brass candle holders were a gift from Victoria Johnson in the memory of her husband. The flower vases are a memorial from the Johnson Family. The oil painting above the altar is the work of a Sentinel Butte artist, the late Einar Olstad and was donated to the church.

            The first Sunday School opened on Rally Day, Sept11, 1955.

            The first confirmation class was held October 7, 1957. Sharon Burkhardt, Syndey Connell and Dale Eichhorst were the conformants.

            During the 1950’s a Ladies Aid met at the homes of members. After the church was formally organized, the ladie’s organization became the Women’s Missionary Federation. It was engaged in missionary and charitable work. In 1960 the Medora Lutheran Church became a member of the newly merged American Lutheran Church, and the ladies organization became the American Lutheran Church Women.

            1960 Carpeting was added and a piano purchased.

1961 Floor tile was installed in the basement and entry

1966 An electric Conn organ was purchased

1979 The entry was carpeted

1987 New front doors were installed

1988 The interior of the church was carpeted

In January 1998 the Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America merged to become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the ladies organization became the Women of the ELCA.

1992 The basement was refurbished. The walls were repainted, vinyl floor covering was installed in the furnace room and carpeting laid in the remaining basement area. The window curtains were replaced. New wine-colored dividers were made and hung to provide privacy for groups at work. 

1994 ColorLok siding installed, window frames painted, church sign was refurbished

1996 Air conditioning installed

Presidents of the church council have been Walter Christiansen, Ray Paasch, Art Grafsgaard, Roger Myers, Betty Arness and Darlene Mitchell.

            Organists have been Marion Christensen, Laura Grafsgaard, Terry Mosser and Pat Stalnaker. Recent accompanists have been Jennifer Schumacher and Tami Elefson.

Moving the Gorham Church	Gorham Church	Inside Gorham Church

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
       therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Psalm 45:17