History

This is the history of the Herndon Covenant Church.  It was established in 1887.  As the congregation of the church looks back over the past 139 years to the days when Swedish immigrants settled in this community, it is with deep thankfulness to God, who tenderly cared for them during the hardships of living first in meager dugouts and later when they broke the sod itself with primitive tools to make homes for their families. 

From the beginning several Swedish families who loved the Lord met in their humble homes for worship services.  The attendance increased until it became apparent that they would need a larger place to gather.  

In the fall of 1887, eighteen Christian friends met at the home of Mr. & Mrs. O. A. Sandberg for the purpose of organizing a church.  This group continued to meet in their homes for Sunday services and prayer meetings for two more years.  In 1889 it was decided by the group to build a sod church.  It was located near the present site of the Herndon Covenant Cemetery and the address was Thornton.  So many came to help that it was nearly completed in one day.  The interior had a ceiling but they could not afford a floor until the next year.  A.M. Hoaglund was the first chairman, O. W. Erikson, the first secretary and L.V. Larson, the first treasurer.

The financial support of the church was quite a problem for the early settlers so in order to meet the obligations, members planted three acres of corn each year which was sold and the money given to the general fund.  At times the three acres produced as much as $20 for the treasury.  Total income recorded for the first year was $1.97 and expenses were $1.83.

In 1901, a new frame structure was erected at the present location in Laing Township at a cost of $568.20.  Pews were purchased for $130.26 and a pulpit was built by Nils Nelson for $35.  The clock, which is still in use, was given by A.M. Hoaglund.  An organ was purchased in 1903 for $45. 

In 1926, a font entrance was built, then in 1953 the building was extended to the North expanding the size of the platform, adding two classrooms, as well as making a larger kitchen in the basement, a classroom and rest rooms.

During the ministry of Pastor Tom Garretson, it was decided to purchase the Laing School building and it was moved and added to the West side of the original structure  It enlarged the sanctuary and also added a larger area for serving, as well as adding classrooms in the basement.  It was dedicated the year of the 100th Anniversary of the church. 

Covenant Women Ministries played an active role in the church, as well as the Young Proples Society and Missionary Prayer Band, which was formed after Gleneva Noren was sent from the church as a missionary to the Congo in Africa. 

The congregation purchased the August Erikson house in 1941 and moved it across the road South of the church.  Many improvements have been made to both the church and parsonage over the years.  Present pastor of the church is Pastor Jack Kyle.