History of the Trade River Evangelical Free Church
The work at Trade River Evangelical Free Church had its beginning in 1887. Bible study and Cottage prayer meetings were held in the homes. Sunday School work was begun at the home of Carl and Augusta Peterson. The first Sunday four boys enrolled, but attendance kept increasing. 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. Farmers cut timber and brought it to C.E. Peterson's sawmill. 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. Wooden planks were provided for the seating.
The first recorded meeting was July 3, 1892. Issac Nelson chaired the meeting. November 15 and 16, 1893 saw Trade River Mission House's first recorded missions meeting. Trade River's first Sunday School Superintendent was P.E. Danielson (1895). January 22, 1898 Trade River Church was officially incorporated as the "Trade River Mission Church." The Charter members are as follows:
- Carl E. and Augusta Peterson, Esther, and Anna
- Sv. Andrew and Anna L. Peterson
- B. Andrew and Beda Peterson
- C.A. and Ida Granquist
- Miss Tillie Granquist
- Andrew and Augusta Hedberg
- Peter E. and Johanna Ramsrtom
- P.E. and Sophie Danielson
- Claus Danielson
- Axel and Beda Jevert
- Widek and Wilhelmina Fors
- C.M. and Hannah Wallin
- Frederic and Anna Lindgren
- Peter E. and Marie Isaacson
- August Fandeen
- Edward Borup
- Henry Magnuson
- Lotta Norling
- Eric Axel Jevert
In 1901, a decision was made to purchase 1/2 acre land for a cemetery. In 1902, Andrew Hedberg was voted to be the Trade River Police and the church would buy him a star. He was to patrol outside the church. 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 build on to the church due to the large Sunday School which numbered 160. 1933 marks the first mention of the Ladies Aid Society (Free Church Women's Ministries). A branch Sunday School was started at Pleasant Prairie as well with 40 students taught by Joseph and Frieda Peterson.
The year 1936 marked the first time the church records were to be written in English instead of 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 1964, a decision was made to remodel and add on to the sanctuary to the south. 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 the history of the Trade River Evangelical Free Church can be found in "The 100 Anniversary" centennial book.
The year 1936 marked the first time the church records were to be written in English instead of 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 1964, a decision was made to remodel and add on to the sanctuary to the south. 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 the history of the Trade River Evangelical Free Church can be found in "The 100 Anniversary" centennial book.
