Saron’s Timeline

Discover Saron Lutheran Church’s Rich History!

Saron's Rich History

1903
March 1
Reverend C.A. Carlstedt is Called
faded black and white portrait of stern-looking man with shorter beard in oval paper frame.

Reverend Carlstedt becomes pastor at Saron. During his tenure, church membership grew to 550 people. The Luther League, Ladies’ Aid, and Sunday School were very active. He left Saron in 1913, moving to the Swedish Lutheran Church in Carthage, South Dakota.

1892
June 26
New Church is Dedicated
Sepia-toned photo of large church with rose window, stained glass, and tall steeple.

First services are held in the basement on June 26, 1892. The new building is dedicated in October 1892.

1891
July 12
Larger Church Needed

The wooden church is determined to be too small, so plans to build a second church building are made. Total cost: $9,408.67

1886
June 12
Pastor J.D. Nelsenius Called
Sepia colored photo of a young man with very long beard wearing pastor's collar.

He remains pastor at Saron until 1902. In 1888 the membership was 63 adults and 33 children. When his ministry ends, it is 222 adults and 185 children.

1885
December 14
Saron Organized

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Saron congregation was organized by Pastor M. Spongberg with 17 charter members.

January 15
1882-1885
Black and white photo of small wooden church

1882-1885- Swedish families work to organize Sharon Lutheran Church. They buy two vacant lots for $200. 1884- First wooden church completed and used for services, costing $967.93 (according to the 1909-1910 Church Year Book)

1876
July 26
July 26, 1876
Sepia-toned photo of man with large sideburns, mustache, from a 3/4 angle.

First Swedish Lutheran service conducted by Pastor J.J. Frodeen and the Mattson children were baptized.

1872
February 14
1872- Matt Mattson and Fred Peterson families arrive
Black and white portraits of older man and woman.
1870
May 22
1870’s- Swedish families begin arriving in Ashland, WI
sepia toned map from 1888 showing town of Ashland with docks on Lake Superior.