The Milburn community
The Milburn community is along the St. Croix Road, about five miles east of Pine City. Most of the early settlers were Swedish. The first to come was J. P. Fogelquist, who came in 1885. After a few years he sold his land and moved away.
In 1892 T. E. Ryan arrived from Wisconsin and bought land just north of the Milburn cemetery. Ryan seemed to be the kind of man needed at this time, for he was constantly urging new settlers to come in. Soon several families from Wisconsin came, buying land and building homes. August and Fred Nordstrom, Knute and Erick Sanberg, Sam Charnley, R.Sundgaard and August Ekberg were among the early comers.
In 1894 a man named McKay came to the community and soon started a logging and lumbering project. All during the dry season of 1894 smoldering fires had been burning in peat bogs around the camp. One day a strong wind fanned those embers into flames and the whole camp -- logs, sawmill and all were consumed by fire. This gave the community its name--Milburn.
Two churches were built on the St. Croix road, a Norwegian Lutheran Church and a Swedish Free Mission Church.
(Excerpt from “One Hundred Years in Pine County”
Published by the Pine County Historical Society)
Den Skandinaviska Evangeliska Mission
After sawing down trees for logs, these early settlers were ready to build a home in which to live. This in itself was a daunting task, with only simple hand tools to do the job. Some of these immigrants had left beautiful, established homes in Sweden. A typical log home at the time consisted of two rooms--one room being the kitchen, eating area and living room; the other room was the bedroom. In view of the fact that most of these families had many children, we can imagine that it was rather crowded. Some would have a loft above, and a root cellar under the house that kept food cold in the summer and warm in the winter.
As soon as their houses were completed, they began gathering in various homes for worship. The families usually were not settled close to each other--there were many miles between them, and the only means of transportation was to walk through woods, brush and swamps. From time to time an itinerant preacher would “stop by” to encourage them and bring a message from God’s Word.
After some time, these pioneers desired to have a central place of worship and so on March 31, 1906 a group met at the home of Swan Nelson to officially organize a church. A constitution was drawn up, with officers elected as follows:
Chairman -- Mr. August Ekberg
Secretary -- Mr. Rudolph Sundgaard
Treasurer --Mr. Swan Nelson
Charter members were:
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Sundgaard
Mr. and Mrs. August Ekberg
Mr. and Mrs. Swan Nelson
Mr. Sam Charnley
Original records were written in the Swedish language. The official name was recorded as “Den Skandinaviska Evangeliska Mission” (The Scandinavian Evangelical Mission Church). The Swedish language, of course, was also used in all of the services. The first time minutes of the business meetings were recorded in English was in 1931.
Early in 1907 work began on a church building. With everyone in this small group of people planning and working together, the logs were cut and sawed into lumber, and in just a short time the building was erected and gratefully dedicated to the Lord.
Itinerant preachers who visited the church regularly were Anton Olson, A. Aarvold, Alfred Stone, Fritolf Sundstrom, John Kjenner, Al Nelson and C.E. Peterson. John Kjenner was called to be the first full-time pastor, followed by Alfred Stone, C.E. Peterson, I.J. Sunde, Carl Nicholson, Walter Steen and Alfred Amundson.
The first Sunday school was begun around 1912, and a “Young Peoples Society” was organized by Rev. Alfred Amundson. Another group that was very active and important to the work of the church was the “Ladies Aid”. They were originally known as “Siforeningen” or Sewing Society, then Ladies Aid, and then Women’s Missionary Society. Their efforts have helped to promote the work of the church in many ways over the years.
Interesting facts gleaned from annual reports--
- Total receipts for 1908 were $66.86; total expenses were $34.75
- Gas lights were installed in 1917
- In 1933 the name was changed to Scandinavian Gospel Mission Church
- In 1936 each family, members and/or non-members, were asked to give $1.00 per year to the treasury.
- Aladdin hanging lamps were installed in 1938. It was very common at that time to use candles on the Christmas trees.
- In 1939 the Norwegian Danish Free Church and the Swedish Free Church merged. The constitution was translated from Swedish to English.
- In 1942 the name was changed to Milburn Ev. Free Church.
- Pastor Ambrose Collins was called in 1940 at a salary of $25.00 per month.
- In 1942, the total income was $484.15 with expenses of $437.28
- In 1947, a basement was dug and the church was moved on to it. Average attendance at this time was 45. The insurance valuation was raised to $2000.
- Electricity was installed in 1949. They not only now had electric lights, but it meant they could have indoor plumbing, hot water by turning on a faucet -- they no doubt believed they had reached the ultimate in modern conveniences.
Pastors who served at the Milburn Evangelical Free Church after Pastor Collins departed in 1947 were Roy Brown, Erwin Carlson, Gordon Addington, Marlin Jones, Albert Taxdahl, and Darrel Pearson.
A Golden Anniversary celebration was held May 27, 1956, with former pastors, EFCA personnel, and musical selections from neighboring churches being a part of the program.
~the next 50 years~
. . .the Sixties
Pastor William Levin served at Milburn from 1957 to 1961, and as his pastorate came to an end, so did the era of the little country church.
By 1961, people from a wider area were attending Milburn Free Church; cars were plentiful so transportation was no longer a problem. The idea of relocating to Pine City had been talked of for many years, but it was felt that now was the time to do it. The primary goal, of course, would be to reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, a new building would mean that they would have a completely modern and more friendly facility. This, after much discussion and soul-searching, by majority vote of the congregation, the momentous decision was made to “move to town”. The property on the hill as one enters Pine City from the south was acquired, and building began in the fall of 1961.
Milburn becomes Pine City Evangelical Free Church--
In April of 1962 it was voted to change the name of the church from Milburn Free Church to Pine City Evangelical Free Church.
Rev. Harold VanderPloog called. . .
In March of 1962 Rev. Harold VanderPloog was called as the first pastor of the Pine City Evangelical Free Church.
Church building is completed. . .
The first service in the new building was held on May 27, with a service of dedication on July 8. Dr. Arnold T. Olson, President of the Evangelical Free Church of America, delivered the dedication sermon. Rev. Darell Pearson, who had served as interim pastor during much of the building process, was acknowledged for his leadership.
At the end of 1962, there were 54 resident members; general offerings totaled $3,486.64. The pastor’s annual salary of $4,010 was subsidized by the North Central District in the amount of $200 per month.
Upon completion of the church building, the next task was the improvement and beautification of the church grounds. Pastor VanderPloog, in his last report to the congregation before his resignation in 1964, commented on the great degree of unity among the people as they worked together, and the unity between the people and the pastor.
Rev. Wendell Baxter is called. . .parsonage is built. . .
Rev. Wendell Baxter was called in 1965. Work was begun on the building of a parsonage on July 19, 1966; it was completed and dedicated on December 4. A total of 1,349 hours was donated by men and women of the congregation.
A busy congregation. . .
In the year 1966, the Sunday School, with 124 students enrolled, received the North Central District Class A award--based on the improvement in a scoring system set up by EFCA in “100 Ways to Improve your Sunday School.”
Twelve members of the Youth Fellowship who were a part of “Every Home Crusade by Young People’ placed a gospel booklet in every home in Pine City.
The White Cross women (a part of the Women’s Missionary Society), worked hard at supplying bandages, quilts, slippers, bibs, baby needs, etc. to mission stations in India, the Congo, Hong Kong, and Venezuela, as well as to the Elim Home in Milaca. One 98-year old woman knitted 35 pairs of mittens-- another 89-year old woman made two quilts! New kitchen cabinets were installed with the major portion of the cost paid by the WMS.
As the 1960’s drew to a close, the membership had grown to 90; the Sunday School reported a all-time high attendance of 186, and PCEFC becomes a self-supporting church, no longer needing to be subsidized by the North Central District. Pastor Baxter resigned in 1969. During his ministry, 52 people received Christ as Savior.
. . .the Seventies
Pastor James Scobbie is called. . .
Rev. Paul Cassel served as interim from January--March of 1970, with Pastor James Scobbie beginning his ministry here in April. With general offerings for 1970 at $15,794.40, a donation of $241.73 was sent to the North Central District, which would in turn help another struggling church. Pastor Scobbie’s salary package for 1972 was $8500.
An evaluation process was undertaken by the C.E. Board, which resulted in a constitution being developed for the Sunday School, as well as changes in Sunday School curriculum, record-keeping, and in teacher training. Home Bible studies were started, and a Senior Christian Fellowship was organized in 1972. “Youth Fellowship” was changed to “Young Redeemed” in 1973. Ena Scobbie was a very effective leader for the Young Redeemed during her time at PCEFC, and this group of young people was referred to as being “a bright spot in the ministry of our church.”
Four new committees were formed in 1975, those being a Missions committee, a Worship committee, a Local Ministries committee, and a Evangelism committee. A building Fund was also begun, with plans for a new addition in mind. Pastor Scobbie resigned effective March 1, 1976 to accept a call to a church in White Bear Lake.
Pastor Tom Sahlstrom begins his ministry here. . .
Pastor Tom Sahlstrom came to PCEFC in August 1976. Constitutional changes had gone into place on January 1, whereby a Board of Elders was elected. The committee’s of the church (Christian Education, Missions, Worship, Evangelism, Local Ministries, and Property) were now responsible for the work in their particular area, and they in turn reported back to the Board of Elders. This change caused some discontent as some felt that the church would be departing from the traditional congregational form of government in the Free Church.
Opportunities were available for youth of all ages in Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigade for Boys, and the Young Redeemed. There were 30 young people attending regularly, with 27 kids and 4 sponsors attending the annual National convention at Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1977.
. . .the Eighties
In 1980 the congregation was involved in two series that had a profound effect--Dr. Schaeffer’s film series “Whatever Happened to the Human Race?” and Dr. James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family”. Two very important community groups were begun that year. The East Central Christian Action Council worked for the passage of a “Human Life Assessment” by the Congress, and a Crisis Pregnancy Center was formed for the purpose of counseling and advising young women. Members of the congregation were involved in both of these efforts.
Pastor Ken Hyatt, interim, and Rev. Robert Jacobsen called. . .
In December of 1980 Pastor Tom Sahlstrom resigned and moved on to a new ministry in Iowa. Pastor Ken Hyatt served as interim from January until June of 1981 when Pastor Robert Jacobson was called.
The 75th anniversary of the Pine City Evangelical Free Church was celebrated in May of 1981. Speakers at these services were Dr. Thomas McDill, President of EFCA; Rev. Mervin Seashore, District Superintendent of the North Central District; and Dr. Gordon Addington, former pastor. Music was provided by Ross and Jane McAfee, Young Redeemed, Glenn Larsen, and vocal quartets.
Pastor Jacobson resigned in April 1982; Pastor Ken Hyatt was again called to serve as interim.
Pastor Dennis Rigstad called. . .
Pastor Dennis Rigstad was called to lead the church in September, 1982. During his ministry, the membership voted to search for a Youth Pastor. A building project began which consisted of an addition over the flat roof area of the building, which would provide much-needed classrooms. A Men’s spiritual Leadership Training Class was begun; the Young Redeemed traveled to New York for the FCYF Conference.
Bob and Barb Dasman worked as Youth Directors from the spring of 1984 to 1985. Pastor Rigstad resigned at the end of 1984, and Rev. Andrew Johnson and Pastor Ken Hyatt served as interim pastors during 1985.
Pastor Keith Jeske called. . .
Pastor Keith Jeske was called and began his work here in January, 1986. In May of that year, a mortgage burning ceremony took place as well as the dedication of the new Christian Education addition. Rev. LaReau Thorwall, district Superintendent, was on hand to help celebrate the fact that the church was now debt-free.
An AWANA program was started in 1986, with 40 kids and 25 adult workers. Pastor Jeske worked with the youth in the absence of a youth pastor. A commissioning service was held for Ross and Jane McAfee as they embarked on the ship Doulos under Operation Mobilization. Ross and Jane had been very involved in the music ministry at PCEFC, as well as having served as youth leaders from 1976-1982. Under their leadership the youth of the Young Redeemed received many awards at District and National musical competitions.
The church entered the computer age when a computer and printer were donated, which Pastor Jeske found to be very useful in his many administrative tasks.
In 1987 the membership voted to go ahead with another building project, but only on a cash basis. Because of increased attendance it had become necessary to hold two morning services. This addition would include a larger foyer, improved restrooms, pastor’s study, office, nursery, additional classrooms, and would enlarge the rear of the sanctuary. By the end of 1988, $25,655 had been received toward a goal of $100,000.
A study known as the “50 Day Spiritual Adventure” was introduced in 1988 and was used for 50 days before Easter every year from 1988 to 1994. This was a study that helped participants to apply Scripture to their daily lives as well as to deepen concern for the community and the nation.
Tim and Candy Geisler began their ministry as Youth Leaders in February, 1989.
. . .the Nineties
At the beginning of the 1990’s, the church membership was at 78 resident members with the general offerings at $65,610. By early 1991 the theme “Commitment to Growth, Building for Christ” came into fulfillment. The building project which the membership voted for in 1988, became a reality in early spring with a groundbreaking ceremony with the actual project beginning in May and being completed by year-end.
In 1993, an organ, a keyboard, and Praise and Song hymnals were purchased. Also in 1993, as part of a unique VBS program called Marketplace A.D., coordinated by Pastor Jeske, a typical Judean Marketplace was set up on the north lawn of the church filled with tents, an outdoor bakery, a spice shop, a potter, scribe and story teller. Adults and children dressed in first century costumes; an animal horn was used to signal changes in activities.
1994 found the Missions Committee sending a total of $1828 to various missions, money that had been received in Sunday School offerings.
Tim and Candy Geisler resigned their positions as Youth Leaders in April of 1997. At that time the Young Redeemed had increased in numbers so it was decided to split the group into a junior high group and a senior high group.
Pastor Jeske resigned in July of 1997; Pastor Ken Hyatt became interim pastor in September of that year. In the annual report of 1998, Pastor Hyatt’s admonition to the congregation was “do not live in the tentative mode--we are all living in the interim. . .the very short time between birth and death.”
Tim Reynolds began his work as youth pastor in October of 1998. Again changes were made to accommodate the increasing numbers attending. The fellowship hall was enlarged by dismantling the Sunday school room, the youth room was carpeted and painted, and changes were made in bathroom facilities. The remodeling of the lower level was completed in 1999. At the end of 1999, the membership had increased to 83, and general offerings were $112, 362.
Pastor Tim Adams is called. . .
Pastor Tim Adams and family began their ministry at PCEFC on December 1, 1999.
. . .a new millennium
The first year of the new millennium found excitement and enthusiasm among the people of PCEFC. Twenty-nine new members were added in 2000; 16 parent/child dedications and 5 baptisms were noted. However, as Pastor Tim cautioned, “. . .church health is more important than church growth, and our goal is church health.”
Reports from the various committees and organizations indicate that all were working diligently in a unified effort to make life at PCEFC as meaningful and nurturing as possible.
It became possible, because of generous donations, to accomplish the much needed improvement of paving the parking lot. Additional landscaping was a part of this project.
Again, space needs became an issue, resulting in the forming of an expansion committee. As they determined that there would be a need for some type of building project, a building committee was formed.
The Young Redeemed grew in numbers under the leadership of Tim Reynolds. The highlight for them was a missions trip to Mexico in 1999. They youth came back with a renewed excitement of what God has done and will continue to do as they are obedient and faithful. In 2000, the name of this group was changed to Frontline. A second missions trip to Mexico, involving 9 youth and 2 adult sponsors, encouraged Jessica Babolik to return to Monterey to go through the YWAM discipleship training school. Tim Reynolds resigned in 2002.
In recent years, six of the youth from this church have gone into short-term missions work, those being Holly Larsen, Jessica Babolik, David Johnson, David Hansen, Amber Cummings, and Austin Neuman.
Praise teams were introduced to enhance the morning worship services. To alleviate the overcrowding problem in the sanctuary, an alternative worship service, the Video Café, was held in the lower auditorium.
In 2002, the Pine City Bowling Lanes, adjacent to the church property, became available for sale. By vote of the congregation this property was purchased, a sub-committee was formed, a renovation plan was developed and work was begun immediately. The parsonage was sold in 2003, with a net sale price of $146,000 which was used for the Annex (Bowling Lanes). The mobile home, included the purchase of the Lanes and used for a Child Care Center during worship services, also needed extensive remodeling. An ongoing “Building for Live” campaign was introduced in 2003, with $147,840 received in just the first year.
The 2003 Easter service, a musical, was held at the Pine City Elementary School, with 600 people attending. This is evidence of the potential for reaching people for Christ in the Pine City area.
Suggestions were given for a name for the new facility with the decision being to name it “The Lighthouse”. The first worship service was held there on April 4, 2004.
Exciting times. . .
Many exciting events and changes indicating growth in numbers and in spiritual growth took place in the first five years of the new millennium. A “40 Days of Purpose Campaign” involved 300 people--including some from the community. Four new staff positions were added: Worship Director, Associate Pastor of Student Ministries, Church Facilities Usage Coordinator , and Christian Education Director.
Jack Allen assumed the new position of Associate Pastor of Student Ministries in 2003 and was responsible for the youth work as well as other duties. Frontline had an average attendance of 100 each week. Jack resigned at the end of 2005.
Missions teams went to Crow Reservations in Montana during the summers of 2003, 2004, and 2005. They returned with glowing reports of ways in which God worked as they were able to minister to these Native Americans’.
The Missions budget for 2005 shows that the influence of PCEFC is being felt far and wide. A total of $28,640 was sent in support missionaries.
An additional $7100 was given to the local Crisis Pregnancy Center, Evangelical Free Church of America, North Central District, and Trinity University.
In his pastor’s report for 2005, Pastor Adams spoke of the numerical growth that had taken place, but more importantly, that there has been spiritual growth. “We have seen fruit, and just as one can identify a tree by its fruit, w can also identify people by their actions. Let us strive to have our actions identify us as a people who love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbors as ourselves.”
At the end of our first 100 years, there were an average of 100 attending Sunday School, 110 clubbers enrolled in AWANA, plus a new group for the 5th and 6th graders, about 100 teens attending Frontline, and over 90 were enrolled in VBS. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22.6) At the end of 2005, resident members totaled 147; general offerings were $263,806.
Transition…
In the summer of 2007 many members left to start Journey North Church. In January of 2008 the membership of Pine City voted unanimously to recognize Journey North as a split from Pine City Evangelical Free Church and not a plant as was originally conveyed. In June 2008 Darren Carlson assumed the role of interim pastor.
From 2008 until July of 2010 Darren Carlson was the Interim Senior Pastor. During that time the church experienced a time of peace and growth. God was gracious to us. The By-Laws were changed to ensure protection from future division. Elder training was instituted. Scripture was placed at the heart of our service. In response to the need for help with our youth, Aaron Goodenow was hired as the Youth Director in the fall of 2009.
New Beginnings...
After 16 months of searching Joel Preston was called to be the Senior Pastor of the church in July of 2010. We wait for God and pray for Him to bless Joel's ministry here in Pine City. |
