Our History

Medora Lutheran Church had it's beginning during the early 1950's with a few families gathering for services in the Billings County courthouse. A Missouri Synod pastor from Dickinson, ND was the first minister.

An organizational meeting was held at the court house in May 1954. This newly organized church became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod. It also became the third congregation of a three-point parish, with Belfield and Daglum, ND as the other two. 

A permanent church became a reality when the St. Jacob's Church of Gorham, ND was donated to the Medora Congregation of July 30, 1955. Land for the church was donated by Duke Vallombrosa, the grandson of the Marquis DeMores.

The moving of the church building from Gorham to Medora took place in October, 1955. The renovation of the church building was done by volunteers, with Tom DeHaven of Theodore Roosevelt Park designing the interior of the church, the steeple and outdoor sign.

The first services were held in the basement in June, 1956. With the completion of the church proper, dedication services were held on January 20, 1957. The dedicatory address was given by Dr. Loyal E. Tallakson of Fargo. Special music was provided by the junior and children's choirs, with Charles DeLaney singing "The Lord's Prayer."

To help finance the beginning of the church, $2000 was borrowed from Home Missions, and $3000 was loaned by Mrs. Sorenson of Belfield, ND. A special "Going Off Home Missions" Sunday was held September 10, 1957 to celebrate the repayment. Mrs. Sorenson was repaid in 1960.

The charter members of the church were: John and Frieda Hinkel; Clyde, Pearl, Leah and Lynette Zilsdorf; Walter, Marion and LaVern Christensen; Donald Gustafson; Chester, Ebba, Roger, Nancy and Ann Brooks; William, Eileen, Dale, Virginia and Connie Eichhorst; E.K. and Lena Rusth; Jorine, Sharon, Garrett, Barry and Peggy Burhardt; Victoria Johnson; Harold Johnson; Victor, Amy, Doris and Donal Stigen; Gerda A. and Richard Anderson; Ward and Evelyn Glenn; Ray C., David and Karen Paasch; Gunnerd and Margarette Johnston.

The Brass cross on the altar was a gift from the Gorham Church. The brass candle holders were a gift from Victoria Johnson in memory of her husband. The flower vases are a memorial from the Johnson Family. The oil painting above the altar is the work of a Sentinel Butte artist, the late Einar Olstad, and was donated to the church. 

In 1960, carpeting was added and a piano was purchased. Floor tile was laid in the basement and entry in 1961. An electric Conn organ was purchased in 1966. In 1979 the Entry was carpeted and in 1987 new front doors were installed. In 1988 the interior of the church was carpeted.

The first Sunday School opened on Rally day, September 11, 1955. Superintendents have been Ebba Brooks, Jornine Burkhardt, Peggy Myers and Julie Powell.

The first conformation class was held October, 9, 1957. Sharon Burhardt, Roger Vanvig, Sydney Connell and Dale Eichhorst were the confirmed within Medora Lutheran Church.

During the 1950's a Ladies Aid met at the homes of members. After the church was formally organized, the ladies organization became the Women's Missionary Federation. It was engaged in missionary and charitable work. In 1960 the Medora Lutheran Church became a member of the newly merged American Lutheran Church and the ladies organization became the America Lutheran Church Women. In January, 1988 the American Lutheran Church merged with the Lutheran Church in America, and Evangelical Lutheran Church to become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and the ladies became women of the ELCA.