Saron’s Timeline

Discover Saron Lutheran Church’s Rich History!

Saron's Rich History

1967
May 25
Educational Wing Addition Completed
Black and white photo of new stone construction on stone church

Saron broke ground on the new Christian and Educational Fellowship Wing in 1966 and dedicated it May 25, 1967.

1960
August 19
Diamond Jubilee
Diamond Jubilee

Saron’s 75th Annversary was celebrated August 19-21, with many festivities.

1959
April 1
Pastor R. Dean Johnson Called
Black and white portrait of man with buzz cut, white robe, clerical collar, and church garments.

Pastor R. Dean Johnson is called to Saron. He, his wife, and four children moved into the newly bought parsonage.

March 15
Parsonages
black and white photo of a house with text 911 Ellis Ave.

Nina Nelson, Dr. N.A. Nelson’s widow, buys the parsonage (704 MacArthur Ave) so she could continue living in it. A new parsonage (911 Ellis Ave) was bought for the new pastor and his family.

1958
May 14
Dr. N.A. Nelson Dies
Yellowed newspaper image of older man and woman, with middle-aged man, standing behind a table. Text reads: At Tribute to Dr. Nelson. Dr. and Mrs. NA Nelson and son Nathan.

Dr. Nels Anton Nelson was born in Sweden and died in Ashland, WI. He served Saron and the surrounding Lutheran congregations for 35 years (1923-1958). Newspaper clipping from Ashland Daily Press, April 5, 1954.

1957
September 15
Saron Debt-free Again
Black and white photo of a house with text 704 MacArthur Ave.

Saron is again debt-free and has a mortgage burning ceremony. Dr. Nelson and his wife Nina enjoy living in the parsonage.

1951
August 19
New Church is Dedicated
Color postcard of stone church, red roof, blue sky.

Dr. Emil Swenson, President of the Minnesota Conference conducted the dedication services.

June 17
Bethesda Lutheran Church merges with Saron

Bethesda Lutheran Church (Ashland) merges with Saron. It was historically the Swedish immigrants from Finland’s church.

1950
April 30
Break Ground on 3rd Church Building

Congregation of Saron breaks ground on 3rd church building on the same location as second church

1945
January 14
Temporary Church Home
black and white photo of wooden church painted white.

1945-1950- Saron uses empty Congregational Church