Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/487

 IllSToKY OF GOODHUE COUNT!' n:; Several years before the organization, in 1866, of the congre- gation of the so-called Eaugefs people. Rev. 0. Hanson had served those who later composed the St. Peter's congregation by monthly visits to Red Wing, and the meetings were generally held in the old firemen's hall, then situated on Third street, between Bush and Plum streets. Rev. 0. Hanson was the first regular pastor, and was present at the meeting when the congregation was organized. He continued to serve until January 8. 1876, when Rev. Chr. 0. Brohough was elected to the charge. May 9, 1881, Reverend Brohough resigned, and the congregation called Rev. I. Eistenson. who served but one year. From August 10, 1882. till April 30, 1885, St. Peter's, congregation was served by Rev. A. Weenaas. For a few years the congregation had no regular pas- tor, but in 1889 a call was extended to Rev. 0. S. Meland, who accepted, and preached his introductory sermon Sunday, July 1, 1889. Rev. 0. S. Meland has since been the regular pastor of St. Peter's congregation. The present membership of the congrega- tion is about 500. Rev. Ole S. Meland, pastor of St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran church, was born in Norway, October 6, 1854. He received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, and later attended the seminary at Balestrand. In 1875 he emigrated to America, and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm in the summer, attending school in the winter. He engaged in teaching for three years, after which he entered Augsburg Seminary, at Minneapolis, where he studied for five years. On account of failing health he left school and went to Norway. He entered college at Christiania, and remained two years. Later he received a call to the Red Wing Seminary, as instructor, to succeed Prof. Sven R. Gunderson. This position he held for eight years, and was principal the last two years. In 1889 he was called to become the pastor of St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran church, which he still serves. Mr. Meland is also a member of the Seminary board and the pastor of the school. September 1, 1887, Rev. Meland was married to Elida C. Sim- mons, daughter of Thor K. and Hannah S. (Hawkins) Simmons, of Red Wing. Rev. and Mrs. Meland have four children : Alvin Simmons, born June 20, 1888, a student at Williams College, Massachusetts; Aneva Maria, born September 10, 1892; Norman, born June 20, 1894, and Jennette, born May 11, 1897, all of whom are attending school. Reverend Meland is Republican in his politics, and is an active and interested worker in the Anti-Saloon League. Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Aspelund. was organized in 1859 by Rev. A. E. Boyuni. Although not ordained, Oesten Hanson took charge of the congregation, and in 1861 was ordained, remaining until his death. At the time of the organiza-