TIMELINE OF FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sept. 1 & 2, 1844 – First Divine Service held by Norwegian Lutheran Immigrants in America at Western Koshkonong, just outside of Stoughton, WI.
1887 – Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Madison established.
1926 – Our Saviour’s begins mission work on the East side of Madison, establishing Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
1960 – Grace Lutheran Church is established on the West side of Madison.
Dec. 7, 1978 – Ladies from Grace and Holy Cross organize the “Oregon Circle,” and begin meeting in Oregon.
Oct. 30, 1979 – On Reformation Eve, the first informational meeting is held at the Bank of Oregon. 15 people were in attendance. A steering committee was formed at a subsequent meeting, composed of John Barrett, Richard Waldschmidt, and Larry Zander.
Feb. 10, 1980 – Pastor Warren Granke and Vicar Craig Ferkenstad begin holding services in the basement of Community National Bank. Volunteers and friends of the future congregation had helped the bank finish the basement, in exchange for free rent for 18 months. The number of worshippers is 42.
Mar. 31, 1980 – The name Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church is adopted.
Apr. 20, 1980 – Faith is officially organized on this date when the constitution is adopted. It is signed by 53 names on Charter Sunday, May 25, 1980
Jun. 1, 1980 – Craig Ferkenstad is called from the Seminary and is ordained as Faith’s first pastor.
May 17, 1981 – An offer is accepted to purchase the former Danish Lutheran Church, St. John’s, building. The building, with pews, organ, and most church furnishings (except a bell, baptismal font, paraments, and statue), was obtained for $155,000. Ownership is granted on Dec. 31, 1981.
Jan. 3, 1982 – After a brief valedictory service at the bank, congregants drive in procession to the newly purchased building, where on a snowy day, the building is dedicated to the glory of God and congregants process inside.
1999 – Precious Lambs Preschool is begun at Faith. After taking no students in 2001, the preschool is restarted again in 2003, but graduates its final class in 2006.
2020 – The 40th Anniversary Service, initially planned for Apr. 19 (the Sunday after Easter, or “Faith Sunday”), is postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. An observance of the anniversary is held on Oct. 11, the Sunday closest to Founders’ Day (Oct. 14), with the hope a larger celebration may take place next year.
2021 – Amidst the school closures and radical changes in the public school system during the pandemic, Faith Lutheran Church begins to research opening a classical school
Sept. 24, 2023 – The Voters of Faith resolve to open a classical school. The school will be called “Sursum Corda Classical School” – a Latin phrase meaning, “Lift up your hearts” and will open officially next Fall. Initially, Sursum Corda will open with a grammar school cohort (K-3rd grade), adding logic school grades and cohorts (4-8th) and maybe even a rhetoric cohort (high school) in future years at a natural pace. The office & title of “Headmaster” is added to the call of Rev. Hendrix.
Fall, 2023 – A homeschool co-op is begun in preparation for opening a classical school, meeting each week Monday in alternation at Faith and at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Monroe.
Sept. 4, 2024 – Classes begin at Sursum Corda Classical School. A ribbon cutting ceremony is held on October 11.
Pastors of Faith Ev. Lutheran Church
Craig A. Ferkenstad – 1980-1982
Paul G. Petersen – 1983-1988
Gregory J. Haugen – 1988-1990
John A. Moldstad Jr. – 1990-1993
James F. Korthals – 1994-1997
Richard W. Lehmann – 1997-2004
William Mack – 2004-2009
Karl R. Hermanson – 2009-2017†
Jeffrey D. Hendrix – 2017-present
Precious Lambs Preschool Teachers
Kathleen Bartz – 1999-2001
Jackie Grundmanis – 1999-2001
Debra Lehmann – 2003-2004
Teri Schuman – 2003-2006
Debra Saeger – 2004-2006
Sursum Corda Classical School Teachers
Jeffrey D. Hendrix, Headmaster – 2024-present
Katie Bischoff – 2024-present
Jordan Bischoff – 2024-present
Carla Hendrix – 2024-present
A Brief History
Vicar Craig Ferkenstad was charged with canvassing the Oregon community. Craig was the Vicar of Grace Lutheran Church in Madison. A group of seventeen people started worship services in the basement of Community National Bank with Pastor Ferkenstad now preaching, freshly graduated from the seminary. Through God’s grace our membership grew rapidly. God blessed our church from the very beginning and an opportunity presented itself to Faith almost immediately.
St. John’s was looking to move out of their church into a larger facility. Faith members and leaders began meeting with Evangelical Lutheran Synod officials to develop a plan to purchase the church property from St. Johns. In 1980 we purchased our church from St. John’s. We have been blessed with several pastors and members, each lending their unique talents and gifts to our church. Some of whom were called home to Christ, some called to serve other congregations, and others who are still with us today. God has continued to bless us and our members to this day. We are thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us and look forward to continuing to grow in Christ.
