Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Cranfills Gap, Texas) facts for kids
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Our Savior's Lutheran Church is a special church in Bosque County, Texas. It's found near the towns of Clifton and Cranfills Gap. The church is in a small community called Norse. In Norwegian, its name is Vår Frelsers Kirke.
Contents
History of Our Savior's Lutheran Church
How the Church Began
The people who started Our Savior's Lutheran Church were Norwegian settlers. They formed their church group on June 14, 1869. The church building itself was built over many years, from 1875 to 1885.
Growing Community and New Churches
As more Norwegian families moved to the area, the church group grew bigger. They needed another church for people living in the western part of their settlement. This new church was called St. Olaf Kirke. It was finished in 1886. At first, St. Olaf Kirke was part of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. But in 1902, it became its own independent church.
Important People and Places
The church has a cemetery where many of the first Norwegian settlers are buried. One very important person buried there is Cleng Peerson. He is often called the "father of Norwegian immigration" to the United States. A part of Texas Highway 219 in Bosque County is even named the Cleng Peerson Memorial Highway to honor him.
The area around Norse, Clifton, and Cranfills Gap is known as the Norse Historical District. This means it's a place with a lot of history. A monument was recently built right outside the church's cemetery. It honors the 17 original Norwegian settlers of Bosque County.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church Today
A Recognized Landmark
In October 1962, Our Savior's Lutheran Church 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 landmark. It has great cultural meaning for the state.
Church Services and Community
Our Savior's Lutheran Church is still an active church today. Regular services are held there for its members. The church has almost 300 members. The current pastor is Reverend Dr. Ruth E. Hetland. The church is part of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod. This group is part of the larger Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
