| Spring Prairie Lutheran Cemetery |
Leeds {Columbia County} |
It is thought that the first settlers came to the town of Leeds, Columbia County, about 1843. On March 28, 1847, the Spring Prairie congregation at Keyeser was formed when Rev. Dietrichson conducted his second service at the home of Sjur Reque about two miles from the present church and cemetery location. [Corner of hwy C and DM] In 1851, Rev. Herman Amberg Preus accepted the call to be pastor at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church. In 1853, Preus was one of seven pastors creating the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod of America and served as president of the synod from 1862 to 1894. Soon after the organization of the church, Lars J. Moen donated land for the cemetery. In 1907 and again in 1931 additional land was purchased. The congregation created a cemetery association in 1923 and in 1924 the association adopted articles of incorporation. Officers elected were Peter Hermanson [Pres.]; Martin Anderson [V.P.]; J. A. Sharpee [Sec.]; and A. E. Fadness [Trea} |
