Eielsen Synod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eielsen Synod |
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|---|---|
| Classification | Lutheran |
| Region | United States |
| Founder | Elling Eielsen |
| Origin | 1846 Jefferson Prairie Settlement, Wisconsin |
| Separations | Hauge Synod (1876) |
| Other name(s) | Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |
The Eielsen Synod was a Christian church group that followed the Lutheran faith. It was first called the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This church was started in 1846 in Jefferson Prairie Settlement, Wisconsin. It was founded by a group of Lutherans called Haugean Lutherans. Their leader was Elling Eielsen, who was the first Norwegian Lutheran minister in the United States.
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History of the Eielsen Synod
The Eielsen Synod faced some challenges early on. There were church splits in 1848 and again in 1856. By 1876, the synod had grown to include 24 pastors and 59 churches. They had about 7,500 members.
The 1876 Split
In 1876, a big split happened within the Eielsen Synod. Many of the pastors and churches decided to leave. They then formed a new church group called the Hauge Synod.
After this split, Elling Eielsen and his supporters continued the original synod. They kept following the church rules from 1846. Their main location was in Jackson, Minnesota.
What the Eielsen Synod Believed
The Eielsen Synod had some strong beliefs. They thought it was very important for people to show sorrow for their sins and to change their lives. They also believed in "lay preaching." This meant that regular church members, not just pastors, could lead worship and share religious messages.
They were not big fans of fancy church ceremonies or special clothes for pastors. They also felt that the authority of the clergy (church leaders) should not be too strong.
Later Years and Decline
Over time, the Eielsen Synod became much smaller. In 1953, it had about 1,500 members spread across ten churches. By 1971, the number of members had dropped to only 75. These members were in churches in places like French Lake and Jackson, Minnesota; Centerville, South Dakota; and Taylor and Lodi, Wisconsin.
By 1985, there were only about 50 members left in just three churches. These were Stall Norwegian Church in Jackson, Minnesota; Bethania Lutheran in Lodi/Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Immanuel in French Lake, Minnesota.
Today, Immanuel is an independent Lutheran church. Stall Norwegian Church has closed down. A minister was ordained for Bethania ELCA-Eielson Church in 2008. Martin Leroy Bystol was the president of this ministry until he passed away. Rev. Orvin L. Bystol is now an ordained minister and lives in Eau Claire, where the church is located.
