Our History

Respecting our past, Eager to shape our future

On September 27, 1855, a group of Norwegian farmers held their first worship service for what was to be Vermont Lutheran. In 1856, in the Town of Vermont, Dane County, Wisconsin, the congregation of Vermont Lutheran Church officially was formed. Norwegians in the area had decided it was time to get together to organize their worship and give thanks to God in an assembly. As was true for many small rural churches, Vermont Lutheran was part of a multi-church parish for many years to come. Though few in number, the dedicated families soon had a building of their own which was located approximately 1/4 mile to the east of our present location. That Vermont Lutheran Church built in 1861 became inadequate to accommodate the growing congregation and has since gone through many changes.

1913

The current church was built.

1920s

Vermont Lutheran held its first Lutefisk Dinner which grew in years to serve about 1,000 people each October. All proceeds were given to mission
outreach.

1957

The church steeple was removed due to safety concerns.

1988

A new steeple was placed.

1995

A narthex entryway in the front of the church was constructed including an elevator.

2000s

In 2002, the kitchen was remodeled; in 2008 Vermont Lutheran voted to become a stand-alone congregation; and in 2010 a Gathering Place was built.

Who We Continue To Be

Vermont Lutheran continues to be a mission-oriented congregation involved in food pantries, supplying school kits, aiding homeless veterans, providing quilts and health kits for needy people around the globe, and so much more.

2020

The famous Lutefisk dinner was canceled due to COVID and was replaced with meatball and lefse take-out.

2022

Vermont Lutheran Church purchased 115 acres of surrounding land for the “Legacy Prairie and Woodland” and expansion of the cemetery.  At this time, the prairie was planted, the Gathering Place was updated, detention and retention ponds were dug, and a patio with a firepit was added. 

2023

Two shelter houses were erected.  One on the patio beside The Gathering Place and one atop the cemetery hill in the woods called “The Retreat”.

Our Future Plans

Following a Forestry Management Plan to manage invasive plants, brush and trees throughout the Prairie & Woodland

Calling a new pastor

Continuing our work with missions

We enjoy extending our hospitality to others through a series of events such as Cabin Fever Relievers during winter, the Men’s Meatball Dinner in February, Soup Suppers during Lent, a summertime Community Picnic, the meatball and lefse takeout during our Fall Festival, a Deer Hunters gathering in November, and many more.

A very friendly congregation, Vermont Lutheran Church welcomes everyone with open arms and more genuine smiles than you could imagine. We welcome all visitors and guests and encourage folks to come and see what this historic congregation, church building, and property are all about.

 

Historical Links

Visit these sites to learn more about the history of the area.