Trail Markers A Newsletter of the Baptist General Conference History Center
May 2010
Volume 9, No. 2
ISANTI: Beginnings and Celebrations In the fall of 1859, Olof Eastlund was 25 years old, an immigrant of just three years from Halsingland in Sweden. Having been baptized in 1858 in Chisago Lake, Minn., and now part of a Baptist minority in his community, Eastlund made a survey trip west to Isanti County; there he identified a settlement site on a small creek about a mile east of the Rum River. In March of 1860, he returned to the tract to build a cabin for himself and his wife Lovisa. In that simple home on June 17, 1860, the Eastlunds and 12 other Swedes formed the Baptist Church of Cambridge. The chartering group included Andrew P. and Elizabeth Norelius, who had been baptized by F.O. Nilsson in 1856, and whose son— also named Andrew—pastored the church from 1862-1865. Another son was Lutheran theologian Eric Norelius, who founded Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. The young church grew, but was almost immediately threatened—first by the departure of Eastlund and several other young men to serve in the Civil War, and second by a theological controversy over Sjodin’s Doctrine of Utter Sinlessness. Church membership dropped from 57 in 1865 to 11 in 1867. However, by Christmas Day of 1870, the Robert Venneman has been pastor of South Isanti Baptist Church since 1984. Prior to serving at South Isanti, he was involved in planting a church with the Great Lakes Baptist Conference in Tomahawk, Wis.
Jonathon Larson has been pastor of North Isanti Baptist Church since 1981. He grew up in southern Minnesota.
congregation was able to move into its first building, the Tamarack Church, about 1.5 miles northeast of the Eastlund homestead. In 1873, under the leadership of farmer pastor Erick Loden, a daughter church began at Fish Lake. Then, with the growth of Cambridge as Isanti County Seat, the now 28-year-old congregation gave its name and 36 members to a new church in town—First Baptist of Cambridge. Adopting the name Isanti Baptist Church, the original congregation decided to move about four miles farther southeast of Cambridge, where they erected a new church building. However, there was never a true consensus on this change, and after a period of discussion and debate, 71 members, including Eastlund and Loden, withdrew in 1893 to form a new congregation meeting in the Tamarack Church. Thus, the old church at the new site became known as South Isanti Baptist—retaining the original charter—and the new church at the old site became North Isanti Baptist— retaining the current pastor, Olof Engberg. Perhaps to avoid ruffling any feathers, the conference annuals continued to list both congregations as originating in 1860, and joint anniversary functions have occurred over the years. Both South Isanti and North Isanti churches are marking 150 years of ministry this year. South Isanti Baptist,
pastored since 1984 by Bob Venneman, began its anniversary events with a Heritage Sunday on April 25, with Jim Spickelmier as speaker; the focus was on the impact of the spiritual awakening in 19th century Sweden. Other special programs include a gospel concert on Saturday, June 26, at 6 p.m., and a Homecoming Sunday on October 10 with a service at 9:30 a.m. and dinner to follow. South Isanti is also celebrating its anniversary with “150 Ways to Serve”—emphasizing the church’s desire to remember its past by ministering to the community today in fresh ways. North Isanti’s 150th celebration will take place June 17-20, beginning Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m. with a
“Step Back in Time” original drama set in 1895. Friday, June 18, at 7 p.m. will feature a “Music through the Years” event, with MIBC Executive Minister Dan Carlson as special guest. Saturday, June 19, is Homecoming Day with a program at 6:30 p.m.; the Sunday, June 20, schedule includes a Heritage Service at 8:30 a.m. with former pastor Roy Johnson speaking, and a concluding Ministry and Vision Service at 11 a.m. For additional details, call South Isanti Baptist Church (763.444.5860) or North Isanti Baptist Church (763.689.3576).
Order Five Decades of Growth and Change
Birthday Party for Virgil Olson
Virgil Olson will turn 94 on June 17. On Saturday, June 19, the Friends of the History Center will host a birthday brunch and celebration at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Point Church, 2351 Rice Creek Road, New Brighton, Minn. We’ll begin the festivities with a meal and then enjoy a short program at 10:15 a.m. celebrating Virgil’s remarkable career as a pastor, church historian, seminary professor, dean of Bethel College, and executive secretary of BGC World Missions. The brunch costs $6.50. No gifts are necessary, but birthday cards are welcome. An offering for the History Center will honor Virgil and his leadership over the years in reminding us of our heritage. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, June 16, through Stephanie Reinders at Bethel University at 651.635.8053. Please join this celebration of the life and ministry of this remarkable servant of God.
3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999
Baptist General Conference History Center
A new book, Five Decades of Growth and Change: A History of the Baptist General Conference and Bethel College & Seminary 1952-2002, will be available July 1, 2010, through the Bethel University Campus Store or through Harvest Books. Orders can be placed now. The cost is $20 plus $5 for shipping and handling. Mail orders can be sent to Harvest Books, 2002 Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (customerservice@harvestbooks. org) or Bethel University Campus Store, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112 (651.638.6202). Five Decades is a hard-bound, 700-page description of how God has led the ministry of Bethel and the BGC over the last 50 years. Chapters cover the district ministries of the conference as well as Bethel and its presidents, home and world missions, and ethnic ministries. This book would be a valuable addition to any church library. Lay leaders, pastors, and missionaries who have helped shape the ministry of the conference since the 1950s will find this book valuable in their personal libraries as well.
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