The late 1800s brought an influx of immigrants to the Upper Great Plains from all over the globe. The Pembina Hills became home to around fifty families who traveled from Iceland to Canada and down to Dakota Territory. Most of the families were destitute, but the Icelandic people were faithful, and, with the leadership of pastor Pall Thorlaksson, made plans for scheduled religious services. His guidance, dedication, and devotion in the early days of the Icelandic Lutheran Church were why he became known as the “father of Icelandic Settlement in Dakota”.

It was a challenging time for the Icelandic people. Winters were harsh, farming was a gamble, and their leader, Sera Pall Thorlaksson, was battling tuberculosis. In 1881, he donated land in Mountain, North Dakota, for a cemetery and a church. Aware of his failing health, he recommended his cousin, Sera Hans Thorgrimsen, be called as the next pastor. Even with his declining health, Sera Pall continued to hold services in his log home. The dynamic and respected pastor died in March of 1882 and was buried in the cemetery later that spring.

The loss was great for the Icelandic Lutheran Church, but their faithfulness prevailed. Construction plans were made two years after Sera Pall’s death to build the Vikur Church on his homestead. It was not an easy task to obtain the funds necessary to erect the church. Several farmers had to mortgage their lands to raise money, but by the end of the summer, the oak beam church was completed. It was a labor of love and dedication that began with Sera Pall and continued with his flock of parishoners. The church became the hub of the community, a beacon of hope amidst tough times on the prairie.

While it's no longer in its exact original condition, the church remains and serves as a symbol of a historic time when Icelanders were putting down roots in America. Vikur is a key part of the annual August the Deuce celebration of Icelandic-American culture, and has become a destination for Icelandic diplomats, heads of state, high-ranking officials, and friends, families, and visitors, who make a pilgrimage to Mountain for the celebration. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its preservation honors the story of Icelandic pioneers for future generations.