Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Cranfills Gap, Texas) facts for kids
.jpg)
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, also known by its Norwegian name Vår Frelsers Kirke, is a historic church. It is located near the towns of Clifton and Cranfills Gap. You can find it in the small community of Norse, which is in Bosque County, Texas. This church holds a special place in the history of Norwegian settlers in Texas.
Church History and Beginnings
The group of people who would become Our Savior's Lutheran Church started on June 14, 1869. These were Norwegian families who had settled in Bosque County, Texas. The church building itself was built over several years, from 1875 to 1885.
As more Norwegian families moved to the area, the church community grew. They needed another church in the western part of their settlement. So, St. Olaf Kirke was built. It began as a part of Our Savior's Lutheran Church when it was finished in 1886. Later, in 1902, St. Olaf Kirke became its own independent church.
Important People and Places
The church has a cemetery on its land. Many of the first Norwegian settlers in the area are buried there. One very important person buried here is Cleng Peerson. He is often called the "father of Norwegian immigration" to the United States. Today, a part of Texas Highway 219 in Bosque County is named the Cleng Peerson Memorial Highway in his honor.
The area around Norse, Clifton, and Cranfills Gap is known as the Norse Historical District. Recently, a monument was placed just outside the church's cemetery. This monument honors the 17 original Norwegian settlers of Bosque County.
Modern Day Church
In October 1962, Our Savior's Lutheran Church at Norse received a special award. It was given the Texas Historical Building Medallion. This means the State of Texas officially recognized it as an important historical and cultural landmark.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church is still an active church today. Regular services are held there. The current pastor is the Rev. Dr. Ruth E. Hetland. The church community has almost 300 members. It is part of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
