This photo shows St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wishek, North Dakota, a modern-style church with clean lines and a simple, rectangular form. The building features a light brick exterior with a tall, narrow tower topped by a cross. Its entrance is highlighted by decorative stained-glass windows above the double doors, framed by polished stone panels with a white cross mounted on the wall. Rounded windows line the upper level, while neatly trimmed shrubs accent the front steps, giving the church a welcoming yet dignified presence.

In 1898, the northern part of McIntosh County was a black strip of prairie with the occasional shack or rancher's home dotting the landscape. Later, however, the influx of homesteaders and early settlers from the South of Russia with German descent soon claimed portions of land. With few exceptions, those early pioneers had one thing in common: they were all concerned not only for physical needs but for spiritual needs as well, as they had learned in the old country. Most every family possessed a Bible, catechism and sermon book, which was read from on Sunday mornings. Small groups would gather in a schoolhouse or a home, to listen to a service or read by one of the pioneer Lutherans around Wishek.

When the spiritual need of these pioneers became known through petition to the old Iowa Synod, steps were taken to provide them with a means of grace. It was understood that during these already difficult times, to be without a church was the most bitter of afflictions. Thus, missionary pastors were sent up from South Dakota on occasion to lead mass. The first Lutheran worship services in the young town of Wishek were held by Pastor Wenninger of Ashley in the fall of 1904, although services had been held in private homes in the Wishek area by other missionaries from time to time. Pastor Wenninger held regular services every eight weeks from then on, and he did this in addition to his own parish. In the spring of 1905 he founded the St. Luke Congregation with about 20 families. Much later, Pastor W. Schroeder continued that mission and succeeded in laying the basis for today’s flourishing Wishek Parish. When Pastor John Meyer started to work there in the summer of 1909, the town congregation had more than thirty members. Under the guidance of Pastor John Mayer, the first church was built. Seven members pledged the sum of $475 toward the church building, which measured 24 feet by 36 feet in size. Pastor Mayer served the congregation until 1911. Reverend John Willms arrived on July 11th, 1911 and led the congregation which consisted of 35 families at that time. The church was enlarged in 1914, and later in 1917 electric lights were installed. Pastor Willms conducted the first English service on March 10th, 1918. During Pastor Willms time there the congregation had grown to 60 families.

Reverend A. Freymann served the parish from 1919 all the way to 1936, when the congregation numbered a hundred families. In 1955 the congregation was able to construct a new church edifice with ample room for worship services and educational facilities at a cost of $165,000. Over the years the congregation grew and changed–many additions came about, including a stained glass scene above the altar. Throughout the years the church has been blessed with many devoted Pastors, who have baptized, confirmed, and preached to so many over the years.

Funded in part by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for Humanities.