Salem Lutheran Church Records (Sandwich)

Collection — Volume: 1

Identifier: RHC-RC-084

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records in this collection document the history of the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1904 to 1978. The collection contains official church records describing the congregation’s origin, growth, and service organizations. Documents include the original constitution and official advisory board minutes, correspondence, annual reports, membership records, and financial accounts dating from 1904 to 1976. Also included are records from committees and organizations charged with responsibility for the congregation’s mission in the Sandwich community. Researcher Note: Since Salem Lutheran was a religious center for many Swedish immigrants, much of the earlier documentation is in the Swedish language. The collection also contains the Church’s printed material, publications, and include volumes of Salem Co-Worker, The Salem Spectator, and Salem Church Bulletins and guest registers dating 1944 to1978. For related materials, researchers may wish to consult the following collections: First Congregational Church Collection (RC 17), DeKalb First United Methodist Church Collection (RC24), and St. Paul's Episcopal Church Collection (RC55).

Dates

created: 1904-1978
Other: Date acquired: 11/26/1979

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by Salem Lutheran Church; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sandwich, Illinois, was organized on April 20, 1904 for the purpose of serving Swedish immigrants who settled in the area around the turn of the century. By 1908, the pastoral leadership of Reverend Ostrom encouraged membership and made possible the purchase of their own church building where the congregation worshipped until 1957. For the first forty-one years, Salem Lutheran shared pastoral service with Grace Lutheran Church in Aurora, Illinois. In 1946, the congregation took steps to secure its own pastor. Dedicated efforts from the Board of American Missions of Augustana Lutheran Church enabled Salem Lutheran to establish a full parish program with T.C. Peterson serving as the first resident pastor. Salem’s membership continued to grow and by 1957 the congregation had built a new church facility where they continue to worship today.

Note written by

Extent

3.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Reverend Philip Lund

Method of Acquisition

Reverend Philip Lund deposited the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church records with the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on November 26, 1979.

Related Materials

For related material, researchers may wish to consult the following collections: First Congregational Church Collection (RC 17), DeKalb First United Methodist Church Collection (RC 24), and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Collection (RC 55).