Church History of Dallas Lutheran

 

The arrival of the Scandinavian immigrants to northwest Wisconsin during the latter quarter of the 1800s gave rise to the creation of the Dallas Lutheran Church.  A place of worship was a primary concern of the new families arriving in this country. 

 

The first Lutheran church in the community was Nye (New) Scandinavia Lutheran Church, which was organized in 1875.  As the Village of Dallas was established, another Lutheran church became necessary to serve the growing community.  The first services in Dallas were conducted as early as 1889, and on October 8, 1892, a meeting was held to organize a congregation. This came to be called Dallas Lutheran Church and building commenced within weeks. Nye Scandinavia and Dallas Lutheran became sister congregations served by one pastor, and this relationship continues to this day. The Dallas Lutheran Church became the center of spiritual and social activities in the Dallas community for decades.  Even today, multiple families within the congregation can trace their families back to the original members in the 1800s. Services were conducted in Norwegian for several decades, along with the English services.

 

Over the years, the church foot-print has increased, but the original sanctuary is still the current worship center. Changes have been made as the average age and mobility issues of the congregation and community have become important for member participation in worship and special events. The average age of the congregational members has become older as younger families have left the community.    

 

Over the 125 years of the existence of the Dallas Lutheran Church, thousands can trace their baptism, confirmation, Sunday School education, marriage services, family funerals and spiritual growth to their connection to this church.