It All Started When...

The First Baptist Church

Eden Baptist Church

On August 22, 1895, a committee of English-speaking Baptists met to contemplate the organization of the American Baptist Church. On September 18, 1895, the American Mission Baptist Church, later called the Eden Baptist Church, was organized with nine charter members. In 1898, the first church building was erected at a cost of $2000. At a Watch Night service in 1899, the church was destroyed by fire. The pastor, J. L. Hedbloom, and the janitor had a narrow escape and were severely burned, but all three miraculously got out without many injuries. Undaunted by the setback, the congregation of 41 members erected a new building. It was dedicated on June 8, 1902. The church grew to over 100 members during the ensuing years.

The Stromsburg Baptist Church

In May 1932, negotiations were entered into for the merger of the two churches. Pastor Pitman pastored the two churches from November 1932 to March 1933, with services alternating in each church. On Friday, October 6, 1933 the final merger of the two churches was consummated. The united church was called the Stromsburg Baptist Church. The first pastor was V. E. Hedberg and under his ministry the two churches were welded into a working unity.

Rev. Walfred Holmberg began his ministry here in January 1944. The first steps chosen toward a new church building were taken. In May a building committee was chosen; the result being the beautiful house of worship we now enjoy. The church building was dedicated November 8, 1953 and the 80th anniversary celebrated. The estimated cost of the building and equipment was about $100,000. Dr. Reuben Nelson, General Secretary of the American Baptist Convention gave the dedicatory sermon and Dr. Henry Wingblade, president of Bethel College and Seminary brought the anniversary message.

During Rev. Earl Byleen’s ministry, 1956-1960 the debt on the church was liquidated and a new ranch style parsonage was built in 1959. The old parsonage was torn down.

During Pastor Duane Tweeten’s ministry, from 2004-2006 an addition was planned and erected. This included a Sunday school wing with 4 Sunday school rooms, and two offices for the secretary and pastor, as well as a nursery and lobby. Also added to the church building was a lift so it is handicapped accessible. The groundbreaking service was held September 11, 2005 and the dedication of the new addition was on April 2, 2006.