Records of the Norwegian Synod, 1853-1917 | Luther College Archives
By Adam Frei
Collection Overview
Title: Records of the Norwegian Synod, 1853-1917
ID: LCA/RG13/Series 1
Primary Creator: Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod (U.S.)
Extent: 28.11 Linear Feet. More info below.
Arrangement:
This series is arranged into 14 sub-series:
1) Governance Records (1850-1917)
2) Financial Records (1859-1902)
3) Correspondence (1849-1896)
4) Proceedings and Papers of Synod Meetings (1863-1917)
5) Conference Records (1864-1917)
6) District Meeting Records (1874-1890)
7) Institutional Records (1866-1912)
8) Special Events (1903-1998)
9) Publications (1877-1943)
10) Pastor's Papers (1863-1918)
11) Congregational Records (1849-1947)
12) Missions (1880-1881)
13) Photographs (1878-1910)
14) Lutheran Women's Caucus (1981-1983)
Subjects: Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, Norwegian Synod
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Collection Historical Note
The Norwegian Lutheran Synod was organized October 3-7, 1853. This synod organized 18,000 Norwegian immigrants who had immigrated to southeastern Wisconsin since 1825. Pastor A. C. Preus was elected as the first synod president. The synod was founded with the purpose of encouraging the growth of sound, orthodox Lutheranism in America.
The Norwegian Synod grew rapidly after the American Civil War, when Norwegian immigration increasd. In 1903, the synod had 280 pastors serving 900 congregations with 140,000 members. The synod established Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1861. In 1876, it opened a seminary in Madison, Wisconsin.
In 1917, 338 of the 351 synod pastors withdrew to merge with two other Norwegian synods and form the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America. The thirteen remaining pastors reorganized as the Norwegian Synod of the American Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor B. Harstad served as the first president.
In 1958, the synod changed its name to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, as a result of many congregations losing their Norwegian character. The Evangelical Lutheran Synod has been involved in missionary work around the United States and around the world.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository: Luther College Archives
Alternate Extent Statement: 46 boxes and 10 books
Access Restrictions: All materials are available for research.
Use Restrictions: Though we may hold the property rights, Luther College Archives does not hold the copyrights for all materials. Individuals may use materials for non-commercial, private use, but commercial users must secure permissions from the copyright holders and/or Luther College Archives to reproduce, publish, or quote protected materials and photographs. For more information about the Luther College Library and Information Services copyright and fair use policy, please visit http://lis.luther.edu/about/policies/copyright.
Technical Access Note: Some materials in this collection require the use of a microfilm reader.
Preferred Citation:
Cite unpublished materials: Records of the Norwegian Synod, RG13 Norwegian Synod and Founding Congregations, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa
Cite published materials as required by your chosen citation style (Chicago, MLA, APA, etc.).
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Sub-Series:
[Sub-Series 1: Governance, 1850-1917],
[Sub-Series 2: Financial Records, 1859-1902],
[Sub-Series 3: Correspondence, 1849-1896],
[Sub-Series 4: Proceedings and Papers of Synod Meetings, 1863-1917],
[Sub-Series 5: Conference Records, 1863-1868],
[Sub-Series 6: District Meeting Records, 1874-1890],
[Sub-Series 7: Institutional Records, 1866-1912],
[Sub-Series 8: Special Events, 1903-1998],
[Sub-Series 9: Publications, 1877-1953],
[Sub-Series 10: Pastors' Papers, 1863-1918],
[Sub-Series 11: Congregation Records, 1850-1982],
[Sub-Series 12: Missions, 1880-1881],
[Sub-Series 13: Photographs, 1867-1910],
[Sub-Series 14: Lutheran Women's Caucus, The Well Woman, 1981-1983],
[All]
- Sub-Series 2: Financial Records, 1859-1902
- Box 1: Financial Records, 1859-1902
- Folder 1: Academies, Colleges, and Seminaries, Building Costs, undated
- Folder 2: Bequests, Anders E. Friedericksen and Darold Thorson, undated
- Folder 3: Parochial Report, 1864
- Folder 4: Debts, 1886-1901
- Folder 5: Financial Report, Ole Juul, 3 June 1893
- Folder 6: First Lutheran Church Building, 1878, undated
- Folder 7: Loans, 1871-1876
- Folder 8: University Fund, 1862-1890
- Folder 9: President, Orders for Payment, 1871-1897
- Folder 10: Tax Receipts, 1859-1878
- Folder 11: Tavel Vouchers, 1895-1902
- Folder 12: University Fund Subscriptions, Report, 1862-1864
- Folder 13: Widow Pension Fund, 1871-1877
- Folder 14: Widow Pension Fund, 1872-1875
- Folder 15: Widow Pension Fund, 1876
- Folder 16: Widow Pension Fund, 1877
- Folder 17: Widow Pension Fund, 1878-1884
- Folder 18: Widow Pension Fund, 1891
- Item 1: Financial Record Book, 1865-1875
- Item 2: Financial Record Book, 1865
- Item 3: Financial Record Book, 1878-1894
- Item 4: Kirketide and Bornedlad, Records; Account Book, Subscriber List, Payment Book, 1875-1895
- Folder 1: Academies, Colleges, and Seminaries, Building Costs, undated
- Box 1: Financial Records, 1859-1902
Browse by Sub-Series:
[Sub-Series 1: Governance, 1850-1917],
[Sub-Series 2: Financial Records, 1859-1902],
[Sub-Series 3: Correspondence, 1849-1896],
[Sub-Series 4: Proceedings and Papers of Synod Meetings, 1863-1917],
[Sub-Series 5: Conference Records, 1863-1868],
[Sub-Series 6: District Meeting Records, 1874-1890],
[Sub-Series 7: Institutional Records, 1866-1912],
[Sub-Series 8: Special Events, 1903-1998],
[Sub-Series 9: Publications, 1877-1953],
[Sub-Series 10: Pastors' Papers, 1863-1918],
[Sub-Series 11: Congregation Records, 1850-1982],
[Sub-Series 12: Missions, 1880-1881],
[Sub-Series 13: Photographs, 1867-1910],
[Sub-Series 14: Lutheran Women's Caucus, The Well Woman, 1981-1983],
[All]