Salem is proud to be celebrating more than 150 years of ministry in and around the Hitterdal community.
On Sunday, June 28, 1873, the church that would one day become Salem Lutheran Church was founded in the log cabin home of Andreas Larson. The new church was named Buffalo River Evangelical Lutheran Congregation but, more commonly, was known as Synod Church. In 1921, Synod Church joined with Hitterdal United Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, known as United Church, to form Salem Norwegian Lutheran Church. The word Norwegian was later dropped from the name.
The stone building that is the current home of Salem Lutheran Church was completed in 1953 after five years of construction. The stones of the building, as well as the labor for construction, were donated largely by members of the church and community. Rev. A. H. Amundson, the pastor at that time, was a stone cutter and also helped with the construction of the building.
“Like living stones let yourself be built into a spiritual house.”
1 Peter 2:5
FAQs
What do you believe?
Salem is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are rooted in Scripture and the teachings of Jesus Christ, we confess the Apostles’ Creed, and we practice an Open Table, which means that everyone is welcome at Holy Communion. Most of all, we believe that church should be a place where we experience God’s love and grace in community with one another before we are sent back out into the world to love and serve our neighbors.
What should I wear?
Whatever makes you most comfortable! On any given Sunday, you will likely see people at Salem wearing jeans, t-shirts, slacks, button-ups, dresses, shorts, and sweatshirts. If you prefer to wear your “Sunday Best," please do! But know that it is not a requirement for worship.
What about my kids?
At Salem, we believe that having kids in worship is like having kids at the dinner table. They are there because they are part of the family, not because their manners are perfect. We know that the only way for children to learn about their faith is by practicing it. Your kids and your family are welcome here.
During the school year, Sunday School follows worship for kids ages Pre-K through Sixth Grade. Check out the Events Calendar for more information about upcoming kids, youth, and family activities.
