ABOUT US

First Swedes settled in this area in 1858. All came in impoverished condition hoping to improve their economic circumstances. Most of the settlers originally came from Medelpad, Helsingland and Delarna, in Sweden. This church, organized in the Olof Eastlund home on June 17, 1860, was begun by fourteen baptized believers who brought letters from the Chisago Lakes (near Chisago city) and the Wastedo (near Cannon Falls) Baptist churches. Matthias Smith, one of the fourteen, was chosen by the group to serve as the first pastor.

The meeting in the Olof Eastlund home on June 17, 1860, began the first organized church in Isanti County.

NAME CHANGES OF THE CHURCH:

This church was first called the Cambridge Baptist church, as the original site of Cambridge was just west of Paul's Lake. Later, when it granted letters to 31 of its members to organize a new church the present site of Cambridge in 1888, the name was changed to the Isanti Baptist Church and, since about 1900, has been know as the North Isanti Baptist Church.

CONDITIONS OF OUR FOREFATHERS WHO SETTLED IN THIS AREA:

Life was very primitive. Forests and dense undergrowth covered the territory and there were no roads, making travel very difficult and always by foot. There were no stores or supply stations nearby. Food supplies, other than wild game, fish and berries, had to be carried from Anoka, nearly 30 miles distant. Houses were simple log structures, often no larger than 12 by 12 feet and composed by a single room. Despite their adject poverty these Swedish immigrants were happy, enjoying the freedom of speech and worship which had been denied them in their native land.

The first baptism took place July 17, 1860, when Signe, Olof and Margaret Danielson were immersed by Andrew Norelius. In the beginning additions to the membership were mostly by letter, many directly from churches in Sweden

Growth was slow in the first decade. Most of the adult men were away in the Civil War. A doctrine of "sinlessness", brought over from Sweden, caused a serious spiritual rift. Membership declined to as low as 11. Building of a house of worship was begun but made little progress for several years. Under the healing ministry of Rev. John Ongman fellowship was restored and the church building was completed and dedicated Christmas morning, 1870. "Tamarack Church", as it was known, as constructed of tamarack logs placed vertically and was 48 by 24 feet, with 18 foot high sidewalls.

The early pastors received no stated, if any, remuneration. They broke the ground and farmed like all the other members. On occasion they received gifts of meat, potatoes, or some flour from members. The first time any consideration was given to paying for pastor's services was in 1884. The very limited means of the congregation is revealed in the fact that in the early years the total annual income and expense was between $5 and $10.

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL PERIODS: Early 1870's; early 80's; late 80's; church growth 1884-86 going from 93 to 180 members; late 90's; large ingatherings in 1907 (result of Freeman meetings); 1912; 1919 (Aldrich campaign); 1924-30, when 75 members were received.

LANGUAGE AT NORTH: In the beginning all worship services were conducted in Swedish, though the Sunday School was to haves one classes in English. In June 1932 it was decided to have all evening services in English. With Rev. Carl Holmberg's coming in 1940 it was determined to have all services in English.

BUILDINGS: During the first decade there was no meeting house; services were held in pioneer homes on an irregular basis. Tamarack church was dedicated in 1870. Present structure, built in 1900 with several renovations, Educational Unit erected in 1974. The gym was added in 1989 and the new santuary was erected in 2002.

Taken from notes compiled by Wilbur W Bloom for the Anniversary Committee June 22, 1980.