In 1888, German Catholic families began immigrating to present-day Cavalier County from Ontario and Manitona, Canada. The newcomers sought land along the banks of the Little Pembina River, a quiet place in northeastern Dakota Territory. Before the arrival of these settlers, the whole region was practically uninhabited, with very few homesteaders having staked their claim here. They faced great hardship, from blizzards to disease, but the open prairie became their home, the sky their shelter, and the wagon-box their only room until they could construct more permanent homes.

Once they were settled on their new homesteads, their focus shifted to the church, yearning to be close to God as they tilled the soil and began their lives in their new homes. A mission was soon established and served by the priests from Olga, who celebrated mass in the log homes of settlers. Even with its humble beginnings, the light of faith burned bright in the growing parish, which soon moved into a school house built in the area.

In 1889, the first church was constructed under the direction of Father L. A. Rickin of Olga near a conspicuous mound of dirt which had become known as Mount Carmel. At this time, the diocese of Fargo was established and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church was legally incorporated. The early priests served as an example for generations to come, braving severe winter cold and snow to bring the Mass and Sacraments to the pioneers. In May of 1899, Father Arnold Ridder became Mt. Carmels first resident pastor, welcomed by a congregation that had grown tremendously.

As one would imagine, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church would eventually need to be renovated or replaced in order to best serve the community. In June of 1952, after years of saving, a construction crew arrived at Mount Carmel, ready to break ground on a new church. On July 16, 1953, after years of sacrifice and fundraising by former pastors and parishioners, the church bell rang and Mount Carmel was dedicated.

Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church still stands on the prairie of North Dakota, a house of God amongst the fields, a living monument to the great priests and pioneers who came generations before, dedicated to their preserving and practicing their Catholic faith and ensuring those after would have that opportunity as well.