Twenty-six years after the small railroad town of Dillon, Montana, was incorporated, a few people of Old World backgrounds, using their native languages, gathered on March 4, 1906, to form a permanent congregation. Worship services were held in rented building, private homes and churches of other denominations. Pastors from surrounding congregations helped support the congregation (then called First Evangelical Lutheran.)
During World War I, the women began knitting for the Red Cross and called themselves the Scandia Club, until changing their name to Lutheran Ladies Aid in 1930. In that same year, the first pastor was called and served for 7 months. Sunday School began with our second pastor, Pastor Orval Schmidt, in 1931.
Our first church building project began in 1932 at 28 North Pacific Street. Our Savior’s Lutheran in Helena donated their old altar, pulpit and pews and the church was dedicated two years later.
Around 1959, the first Lutheran Men’s Smorgasbord meal was held — an annual tradition that continues to this day.
In the mid-1990s, the growing congregation started to form a long range plan and consider building and remodeling alternatives. The phrase “Space for Grace” was coined and a capital campaign officially began in 1998. Over $200,000 eventually was given by generous members and friends of the church.The Lord does provide!
A nostalgic, yet joyful procession took place on Palm Sunday in April of 2000 when the congregation walked from its church on Center and Pacific to its new home at 715 East Bannack. The larger sanctuary, gym, many Sunday School rooms and parking lot were much appreciated. Hand n’ Hand Preschool opened and the Community Vacation Bible School could now be held in one location. We also share our space with the community for special events, even serving as Dillon’s official polling place.
In 2006 we celebrated our 100th anniversary. A few years later, the congregation wrestled with a difficult decision and ultimately decided to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and join the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. We changed our name to Our Savior’s Lutheran and look forward to celebrating many more milestone anniversaries.