History
The Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes, 900 Lake Avenue, as it appeared in the spring of 1893, shortly after construction was completed.
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Our unique history is shared under the history section of Facebook, but it bares repeating because it dates back to the early days of Detroit Lakes, MN.
In January of 1872, Rev. Hiram N. Gates was commissioned by Am. Home Missionary Society to establish churches along the newly constructed N.P. Railways. Rev. and Mrs. Gates arrive to the area once known as Detroit. The name was changed to Detroit Lakes on September 7, 1926 because it was often confused with Detroit Michigan. Our first worship service was held on February 18, 1872 in the “New England House” which is the Lakes Hotel today. |
An early photo of the Congregational Church and parsonage in about 1880. The buildings were then located on North Washington Ave., across the street from the old Washington School.
The first people to form and build a church in the area was the Baptist Church. They completed their build in the fall of 1872. They were kind enough to share their building with us until ours was complete.
The Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes was formally organized on August 12, 1872. Its development is closely associated with the history of the city. We completed our church on May 17, 1873 and held the first worship service on May 18th. The building was dedicated shortly after on June 1, 1873.
The original location of the church building was on North Washington Avenue. It was across the street from Washington School. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Park now stands where the building once was. The original building was used after the move as a hall and then later moved to Hills Corner on Highway 10. It was used as Eddie’s Corner Store in 1952. Unfortunately the building was destroyed by fire in 1969.
A new Estey pump organ was purchased for the congregation between 1874 and 1876. Rev. Henry J. Zercher is credited with installing the first pews in the church some time between 1879 and 1881. Reverend Stickney started the first Sunday School classes in 1881.
Photo taken from the North of the current location between 1893-1922.
An older photo of our current location.
A view of our Church from the North that shows the gym to the right.
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Becker County Court House built their presently used building in 1885. This sparked congregational members to adhere to traditional means of being on the village square. So it was decided in 1887 to build near the court house. The congregation held their first official worship service in the new building on February 5, 1893. The present sanctuary was dedicated on May 23, 1893.
The building was paid in full for $3,600 and the kitchen had a dirt floor and no plumbing. The ladies would run water from Mrs. Childs pump in her yard which was just west of the church. We are currently the oldest church building in Detroit Lakes. Miss Marion Darling served as our first female minister from 1901 to 1903. She returned several times after to fill the pulpit. Reverend Muriel Poole Hachfeld also served from 1987 to 1998. In 1910, an annex was added to house social activities. The annex held a gymnasium where several activities were held. The church sponsored the first Boy Scout troop in Detroit Lakes and held many pick up basketball games against the Baptist Church. This gymnasium was the first basketball floors in Detroit Lakes. This area in the church now houses a youth room, choir room, library and nursery on the main floor. Our fellowship room, kitchen and Sunday School class rooms are below. The first public library was also hosted within the church until the current Cargenie Library was built in 1913.
Rev. Paul Dahlstrom who served with us from 1948 to 1954 said that the altar, pulpit and other items at the front of the sanctuary were made at the Minnesota State Prison in St. Cloud, MN. Over several years our congregation has grown. With that growth came the need for updates, expansion and a very necessary elevator. Construction to move the steeple forward and add a larger Narthex, entrance and elevator shaft began in 1994 and was completed sometime in 1995. The current structure can be seen in the photos below.
Several Ministers have come through our doors. They have either served for a short time, or stayed with us for years. Reverend Hiram N. Gates and his wife were the first to preach for the congregation when we did not have a building to call home. He delivered his first sermon on February 18, 1872 in the New England House. The first minister in the original new building was Rev. J.C. Webber. |
South view of the new addition. Photo taken in 2018
Photo from the North of the current building, 2018
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Pastors:
Here are some of the Clergy who have served this congregation: Rev. W.H. Johnson (Revie) - 1927-1946 Rev. Emerson Harris - 1955-1971 Rev. H. Edward Otway - 1971-1985 Rev. Muriel Pool Hachfeld - 1987-1998 Rev. Mark Kuether - 1999-2022 |
Rev. Mark Kuether
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Reverend Mark Kuether has served as our Pastor and Teacher since 1999. We have been blessed to have him and his family as a part of our congregation. He enjoys good conversation and always welcomes anyone interested in doing so to stop in and say hello.
As a congregation, we strive to honor the faith journey of each individual. We encourage questions and together search for insight. We celebrate our unity in Christ while recognizing our diversity. People of various religious social experiences are welcome in the life of this congregation.
Freedom to worship God and to live according to the dictates of one's conscience is embodied in the life of The Congregational United Church of Christ of Detroit Lakes. The membership represents a variety of religious backgrounds and traditions. We celebrate our diversity as a healthy part of spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth.
Thus, in joining this church, members are not asked to accept a particular creed. Rather, we are invited to affirm together a statement of faith in God.
As a congregation, we strive to honor the faith journey of each individual. We encourage questions and together search for insight. We celebrate our unity in Christ while recognizing our diversity. People of various religious social experiences are welcome in the life of this congregation.
Freedom to worship God and to live according to the dictates of one's conscience is embodied in the life of The Congregational United Church of Christ of Detroit Lakes. The membership represents a variety of religious backgrounds and traditions. We celebrate our diversity as a healthy part of spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth.
Thus, in joining this church, members are not asked to accept a particular creed. Rather, we are invited to affirm together a statement of faith in God.