Parsonages

FIRST BERGEN PARSONAGE - 1879

Currently located at 302 S. Cottonwood St.

In 1879 a tract of 15 acres of land was purchased from Ingebrit Grindem for the sum of $1700. On this tract of land was a large, square house, which was used for the parsonage. This old house was moved to a point just south of where it stood. It remains there to this day at the southeast corner of Cottonwood and Locust Streets.

(Photo taken in 2009)

SECOND BERGEN PARSONAGE – Feb 5, 1902

Currently located at 118 N. Cottonwood St.

At a called meeting of the members of Bergen's church congregation, it was decided to build a house for the minister, at a cost of $3,000, on the present site of the Bergen parsonage. A committee of five has the matter in charge.

On April 16, 1902, the building committee of Bergen's church who has charge of the specifications of the proposed new parsonage met and opened the sealed bids. The contract was let to Brit Hovland and John Jondal, of this city. The building was an imposing structure with all modern conveniences. Construction began during the pastorate of Rev. G.A. Smedal.

A historical fact on the parsonage is taken from the Roland Record of July 2, 1902: Rev. and Mrs. G. Smedal invited a number of people to help observe the old Norwegian custom of a "Kranselag" Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being the raising of the rafters of the new Bergen church parsonage. A beautiful wreath, surmounted by a tiny flag, was raised on a pole high above the rafters and "Old Glory" was raised on Rev. Smedal's flag pole. Coffee and cake was served after which the visitors were shown through the new building.

Digging the hole for the new parsonage - old parsonage in background.

THIRD BERGEN PARSONAGE - 1958

Currently located at 234 Cottonwood St.

During the pastorate of Rev. A. E. Nelson the present parsonage was built on the original property southwest of the former site at a cost of approximately $25,000. Dedication was held November 9, 1958.

Also in 1958, the former parsonage was sold and moved to a new location in 1959 across the street and to the east of where Bergen church still stands today.

(Photo taken in 2009)