Church receives damage in August 3 storm

The Salem Norwegian-Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eden Township received damage during the August 3 storm that went through the area.

The winds blew out windows and moved the building over on the foundation. One could see light between the foundation and the walls. Part of the building was blown off and tipped over in the cemetery. Several monuments were tipped over and it appears that the building will have to be torn down for safety. Several volunteers were out working to clean up the area.

The Church was completed in 1893 and was ready for worship services but has not been used in the last few years. Extensive painting and updating to preserve the church had been done in recent years by several people.

The church was built on two acres of land donated by Nels Lindstrom. The first meeting of the two groups was held at the home of Ole Edevold on November 13, 1890. His home was close to the Olga Store. 

Before the church was completed the Ladies Aid was formed in 1891. They held their meeting at Carl Martinson home. Mrs. Severt Larson was its first president.

There were no roads in Eden Township in 1891. Ladies would walk on trails through the woods to get to meetings that were held in various homes. They were busy carding wool, knitting and making items for their annual sales.