First Pastoral visits on Coon Prairie

Continued from last week

In 1872, the congregation numbered about 1,200 souls and the Church built in 1857, was too small so it was decided to build a church large enough to seat everyone. The cornerstone for this foundation was laid in 1875, was taken into use in 1884 and dedicated in 1884. Building of the spire was postponed until 1891. Perhaps there was a reluctance among the workers because of height so Pastor Halvorson volunteered for the job. This church was built of limestone and was 100 feet high, 60 feet wide and 30 feet under the ceiling. It cost $25,600.00 along with much volunteer labor. The congregation kept growing until in 1886, it numbered 1670 souls. Then following a couple of good years about 50 families withdrew from the congregation over a dispute, election (of Grace).

On Easter Sunday 1909, the new church was struck by lighting and burned to the ground. A meeting of the congregation was called and it was decided to build a new Church immediately. Because of convenience to the widespread membership it was decided to build one church at the same site and one church in Westby. These two churches were to cost $22,000.00 each.

In the fall of 1920, Pastor Halvorson underwent surgery for cancer. After he got out of his sickbed, he wanted to make a last trip back to Norway accompanied by his daughter, Signe. On his arrival in Norway he had to go back to bed again and in spite of good care he died there July 11, 1921, at the age of 76 years. He was brought back to America and at his wish was laid to rest at Coon Prairie on the 17th of August. The funeral service was very long. According to Pastor Anderson and other accounts there were about 5,000 people at the funeral with about 1,200 cars counted.

Send all inquires, letters, questions or answers and photos to Hans c/o the Westby Times or Hans at westby.times@gmail. com.