At the time when Swedish immigrants came to this country in large numbers, many of them came to Minnesota. Some of them came fresh from the revivals which had swept over their native land and bore within a new life in Christ Jesus. A few of these settled in the Harris community. They built for themselves small homes, but they also felt the need of a spiritual home where they could meet for worship, and in a better way spread the gospel of salvation in the community.

ORGANIZATION

On Feb. 14, 1887 the group met and organized the Swedish Mission Church of Harris, Minn. Prof. D. Magnus of Minneapolis was present and assisted in organizing the church.

One of their first problems was how they could build a church, being few in number and of ordinary means. However, these obstacles were not large enough to discourage theS4 stalwart Swedes. With faith in God and assured of His will, the men set out to nearby woods to cut timber. Practically all the work was done by the members themselves as their wealth consisted more in strength, youth and willingness to work than in money The work progressed, and in the fall of the same year the church was ready. A dedication service was held, the date of which is not stated, but it is assumed it was the last part of November, 1887. With thankful hearts the little group began holding services as regularly as possible.

This was the first church in the village, and the businessmen subscribed a total of $37.00 toward the church. Sunday School was started Dec. 11th the same year, and has continued regularly ever since.

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

It was several years before the church had a full time Pastor. The Rev. D. Nordstrom preached here twice a month for a period of time when he was Pastor of the Rush City Mission Church. Pastors Skoglund and Finnstrom later also visited the church, preaching the word, from time to time during their respective ministries in our neighboring church. The church was also singularly blessed with brethren among the members who were able speakers, namely Mr. John S. Swenson, Mr. Otto Olson and Mr. C. J. Ramberg. These laymen were often asked to speak and their messages were well received. The church owed a special debt of gratitude to Mr. Swenson who was called on to preach when needed, not only in those early years of the church, but he continued this valued service until a few years ago, when physical illness prevented him. His messages were always rich and bore evidence of a close walk with God.

The Rev. Otto Bengston was called as Pastor in 1900, and he became the first full time Pastor of the church.

One branch of the church which has been of much help in the local work, as well as in other fields, is the Ladies' Aid Society, which was organized Feb. 6th, 1896.

In 1901 the church officially joined The Mission Covenant Church of America.

In 1902 the Rev. A. P. Sjodahl took up the work as Pastor, and his ministry extended over a period of nine years, and was richly blessed of God.

A parsonage was purchased in 1905.

CHURCH IMPROVEMENTS

In 1923 the church building was moved to its present location, a basement was built, two Sunday School rooms were added and other improvements made. This was also during the ministry of Pastor Dahlstrom.

The fortieth anniversary was observed Nov. 13th, 1927. The pastor of the church, Theo. Clemens and Pastor F. 0. Gustafson of Minneapolis were the speakers at these seivices.

The church officially joined The Northwest District Conference in 1929, and considers it a privilege to be a part of this active group of churches, to share its obligations as well as benefits.

Golden Jubilee services, celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary, were held June l3th to 15th, 1937. The opening service of this event was a missionary meeting, with the Rev. Albert Dwight, missionary to China as speaker. Other speakers at these services were the Rev. F. 0. Abraham and the Rev. Elmer B. Dahlstrom, both of whom had previously served as pastors of the church. Sunday was Homecoming Day, and many came from far and near to join in the festivities of their home church.

The two World Wars affected most of the families of the church. Several of our boys served in the first war while our service flag of the last war had twenty-seven stars. Two of these boys did not come back, they were brothers and at their own request served on the same plane in the Air Corps. On a mission over Germany their plane was shot down. These boys had attended our Sunday School and were confirmed here.

In 1941 the interior of the church was remodeled and redecorated, two more Sunday School rooms were added and other improvements made.

The church celebrated the Sixtieth Anniversary of its organization July 4th to 6th, 1947. Two former pastors, the Rev. Elmer B. Dahlstrom and the Rev. Clarence Swanson were the invited guest speakers. A new set of pulpit furniture was dedicated at this time. This was a Memorial to departed members and friends of the church who have gone to be with the Lord. Our Northwest Dist. Supt., the Rev. Jacob Elving, was also present and took part in the dedication service.

Confirmation classes have been instructed by the Pastors who have served the church, only God knows the sacred decisions made in the hearts of the young people in these classes.

In recent years Daily Vacation Bible School has been conducted every summer. We thank God for every consecrated worker in this field of labor among children.

FOREIGN MISSIONS EMPHASIS

In 1906 the China Society was organized. The purpose of this society was especially to interest the children in Foreign Missions, and to gather money for the work in China. This society is still active as a Missionary Society, and the church considers it a great privilege that in this way we may reach out to the regions beyond with our prayers and support.

The church observed its Twentieth Anniversary on Feb. 14, 1907 with a Jubilee service when the Rev. D. Nordstrom was the invited guest speaker.

A Young People's Society was organized during the ministry of Pastor Sjodahl. It has been difficult to carry on regular Young People's work here, because as in many other small rural churches, many of the young people go to the large cities to work or for further education. However, a youth organization has been active most of the time, and has been much blessing and inspiration to the church and the community.

It was during the ministry of the Rev. Elmer B. Dahlstrom that the change was made from the Swedish to the English language in the regular services of the church. The change was gradual and was made in a spirit of harmony and understanding.

AN APPRECIATION

The church membership has never been large, but we have reason to believe that this little church has had a place to fill in God's program, and that by God's grace it has been a means of blessing and spiritual help to many who have come under its influence during the sixty-five years of its existence. It is with regret that we find no great accomplishments to write about in this historical sketch of our church. However, we can say with certainty that the most important events, the greatest victories won have been written--"not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God; not on tables of stone, but on tablets of human hearts."

One of our members, Miss Kathryn Johnson, is at the present time in South America as a missionary. It is a privilege that God has called one from among us to be a witness for Him to those who have never heard the Good News of Salvation. Kathryn was active in the Master's service here at home, especially in Sunday School and in Young Peoples work, and also in Daily Vacation Bible School. She has also taught in the Covenant Mountain Mission. May God richly bless her and her ministry for the Master, whom she has loved since she was a little girl. She is expected home for her first furlough in August of this year.

The charter members have all passed on to their reward "they rest from their labour; and their works do follow them.

The faithful Pastors who have labored here throughout the years are worthy of far more recognition than is possible to give in this brief sketch. Their leadership has meant much to the church, and they are remembered with deep appreciation. They have left lasting impressions in the church and the community. Several of them also served the Rush City Covenant Church.

The following Pastors have served the church for longer or shorter periods of time:

Rev. Otto Bengston	Rev. Theodore Clemens
Rev. A. P. Sjodahl	Rev. Reuben E. Johnson
Rev. F. O. Abraham	Rev. Paul W. Peterson
Rev. E. Rodin	Rev. Edward G. Nelson
Rev. A.M. Palmquist	Rev. Clarence Swanson
Rev. Elmer B. Dahlstrom	Rev Roy Wiberg
Rev. John Lind	Rev. E. Lincoln Pearson

The Rev. Fred G. Granstrom is the present Pastor.

MEMORIALS HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY FAMILIES AND FRIENDS IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Mrs. Marie Anderson	Mr. Burt Maus
Mr. & Mrs. Olof Bjorklund	Mr. Charles Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Carlson	Mrs. George Nelson
Mrs. C. G. Carlson	Mr. & Mrs. John Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. Gustaf Carlson	Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Olson
Mr. Joseph Carlson	Mr. & Mrs. Ludwig Olson
Mr. & Mrs. Julius Carlson	Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ramberg
Mr. Paul Carlson	Mr. Frank A. Ramberg
Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Christenson	Mr. John A. Stark
Mr. Glenn L. Clover	Mr. John S. Swenson
Mr. & Mrs. John Erickson	Mrs. Maria Swenson
Mr. & Mrs. August Johnson	Mr. Albin Walberg
Mrs. Christine Johnson	Mr. & Mrs. Peter Walberg
Mr. Oscar Larson	Mrs. E. G. Wredberg

Source: Program for the 65th Anniversary Services, July 4-6 1952 purchased on eBay.