New marker highlights local church’s history

IOLA – The Iola Historical Society revealed its 26th historical marker at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church last Sunday.

Our Savior’s held its first service in November 1904 and was dedicated to the “Glory of God” in 1905. Originally called the Iola Norwegian Evangelical (United) Lutheran Church, it became Our Savior’s in 1921.

Lutheran ministry in the Iola area dates back to the early 1850s, according to information from the Iola Historical Society. In 1854, Pastor Olaus Frederick Duus became the first resident pastor at the Scandinavia Lutheran Church, where the first services were held in a new building in 1857. Conflicting Lutheran doctrines later led to the organization of the First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Iola in 1889, laying the groundwork for what would become Our Savior’s.

The marker unveiled at the church last week is part of the Historic Iola Markers series, which highlights local history at sites that residents can walk or drive to.

“Historic Iola markers document the prominent people, unique places, historic buildings and important events that helped shape Iola and the area since 10,000 B.C. when native Americans were first living here,” said Greg Loescher, founder of the marker program.

The program began in 2010 with the unveiling of Historical Iola No. 1, chronicling the 100th anniversary of the Iola Winter Sports Club and its ski jump locations throughout its history.

Other historical markers include Buttolph Bridge, “I’m Chet” at Chet Krause Legacy Park and the Iola Car Show 50th anniversary marker. The next marker, honoring the Iola Lions, will be unveiled at 5:30 p.m. April 20, next to the Iola Fire Station.

“The cast-aluminum markers – dubbed “History on a Stick” by the marker’s manufacturer, Sewah Studios – are a long-term reminder for both area residents and visitors of Iola’s rich history,” Loescher said.

Several new markers are unveiled each year, with updated information and locations on the Iola Historical Society’s website at iolahistoricalsociety.org/markers.