The Early Years: Establishing Our Savior's
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Nestled among the oaks west of Clifton, Texas, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Norse has provided a spiritual community for multiple generations. Our story begins in 1854 with Cleng Peerson, the man who would later be known as the “Father of Norwegian Immigration to America.”
Cleng encouraged early settlers to move into the area, and eight couples originally established the Norse community. Those early church services, all spoken in Norwegian, were held in humble conditions in homes for years before the congregation would officially organize. |
Church service in late 1800s with Pastor Rystad who served for more than 40 years.
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With the help of Rev. Ole O. Estrem formal steps were eventually taken to establish a church, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church was officially established on July 14, 1869 with 230 charter members.
Evolving Our Norwegian Roots
It wasn’t easy to establish a physical church home in those early years. With the 111-acres purchased in 1871 for $1 per acre, it would take years for the sanctuary to be complete. Times were hard but congregants were determined, and after 10 years of work, the first wooden sanctuary was completed and dedicated at last in 1885. In 1886, the congregation chose the name “Our Savior’s” (or Vor Frelsers Kirke).
Over the late 1800s, the number of people settling in the area quickly increased, and there was a need for another Lutheran congregation. In 1886, Our Savior’s also began a mission church, just six miles up the road, called Saint Olaf Lutheran (known today as the Rock Church).
Through these years, services were spoken in Norwegian, and then in 1915, an English service was introduced. Over time, the English services increased, and by 1941, the Norwegian services stopped entirely.
Over the late 1800s, the number of people settling in the area quickly increased, and there was a need for another Lutheran congregation. In 1886, Our Savior’s also began a mission church, just six miles up the road, called Saint Olaf Lutheran (known today as the Rock Church).
Through these years, services were spoken in Norwegian, and then in 1915, an English service was introduced. Over time, the English services increased, and by 1941, the Norwegian services stopped entirely.
An Essential Place in History
Smorgasbord circa 1960
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The early 1900s saw continued growth of Our Savior’s, with several expansions to the sanctuary and parish hall, as well as construction of a parsonage. In October 1962, the church was awarded the Texas Historical Building Medallion and has been recorded as a historical landmark of cultural significance by the State of Texas.
This is in large part due to the influence of Cleng Peerson, who is buried in Our Savior’s cemetery. His grave site brings many visitors to Norse. This includes King Olav V of Norway, who attended Sunday church service and visited Peerson’s grave site in October 1982. |
The 150-year Tradition Continues
In June 2019, we celebrated the first 150 Years in our “Journey of Faith” at Our Savior’s Lutheran. We have been blessed by the leadership of 14 pastors over this time.
The Rev. J.K. Rystad served here for 47 years (1878-1925) and is buried in the cemetery near the front gate. Three other former pastors of this congregation, The Rev. Lawrence Jenson (1973-1979), The Rev. John Homerstad (1979-1988) and The Rev. Ben Warrenburg (1988-2000) are also buried here.
Today, the church remains a vibrant and busy congregation. The Norwegian heritage of this church remains strong as hundreds attend the annual Smorgasbord held each November and the church archives hold a wealth of information about the rich Norwegian history of this area. The church archives are located in the parish hall.
The Rev. J.K. Rystad served here for 47 years (1878-1925) and is buried in the cemetery near the front gate. Three other former pastors of this congregation, The Rev. Lawrence Jenson (1973-1979), The Rev. John Homerstad (1979-1988) and The Rev. Ben Warrenburg (1988-2000) are also buried here.
Today, the church remains a vibrant and busy congregation. The Norwegian heritage of this church remains strong as hundreds attend the annual Smorgasbord held each November and the church archives hold a wealth of information about the rich Norwegian history of this area. The church archives are located in the parish hall.
