Our Heritage
The work at Trade River Evangelical Free Church had its beginning in 1887. Bible study and Cottage prayer meetings were held in local homes. Sunday School work was begun at the home of Carl and Augusta Peterson. Several Christian families moved into the area and regular services were conducted in various homes. In 1890, plans were made to construct a church building. The church was to be constructed on land donated by C.E. Peterson. The church building was started in 1891; they could not finish it the first year. They only built as they could afford it. All the wood for the building was cut by local people who also provided labor for the project.
In 1901, a decision was made to purchase 1/2 acre land for a cemetery. During the early 1900's, the church was served by traveling ministers and Home Mission missionary ladies. In 1911, the congregation voted to build a parsonage. In 1932, a decision was made to add on to the church due to the increasing church attendance.
Until 1936 all church records were written in Swedish. And for the first time, there would be one service a month in English instead of in Swedish. In 1939, it was decided to hold only one Swedish service a month and one Swedish mid-week service per month. In 1940, Swedish was discontinued.
In 1950, Trade River voted to merge with the Evangelical Free Church Association and the Evangelical Free Church of America. The name of the church was changed to Trade River Evangelical Free Church.
In 1998, it was apparent that a larger facility was needed and a decision was made to break ground for a new church building located north of the original structure. In 1999, the first service was held in the new building.
Until 1936 all church records were written in Swedish. And for the first time, there would be one service a month in English instead of in Swedish. In 1939, it was decided to hold only one Swedish service a month and one Swedish mid-week service per month. In 1940, Swedish was discontinued.
In 1950, Trade River voted to merge with the Evangelical Free Church Association and the Evangelical Free Church of America. The name of the church was changed to Trade River Evangelical Free Church.
In 1998, it was apparent that a larger facility was needed and a decision was made to break ground for a new church building located north of the original structure. In 1999, the first service was held in the new building.
More of our church history can be found in the "100 Anniversary" centennial book.
