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TANUM FOREST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)
6102 Cty Trk 00
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
920-743-9822 (voicemail only)
Map to Tanum Forest (zoomable)
Worship Services:
Sunday 9 AM
Saturday 4 PM
Sunday Service is followed by adult fellowship, and both adult and youth education.
Pastor Philip Peterson
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TANUM FOREST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARKS 135th ANNIVERSARY!
2007 marked the 135th anniversary of the Tanum Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church. On January 30, 1872, the Tanum Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized in the township of Clay Banks by immigrants mainly from Valders, Norway, and it became the first Lutheran church in Door County. In 1883 about half the members left to start their own congregation to the south and west in the township of Forestville. The Forest Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on April 14, 1883. Both congregations worked together to call a pastor and pay his salary as well as build and maintain a parsonage. The Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay was organized in the 1880s, and also shared a pastor with Tanum and Forest for several years. Both Tanum and Forest congregations needed to build a church, and both buildings were dedicated in September 1892. In 1901 the Tanum Church also constructed a building for Sunday School, Parochial School, and for Ladies' Aid meetings. In 1909 the Forest Church dug a basement to be used for Sunday School, and a dining room plus a kitchen for social activities. In 1930 the Tanum Church was moved from the east/west direction to facing south. The basement was dug and an entrance was added. Both churches built additions and did remodeling during the 1950s. On February 2, 1970, the Forest Church was completely destroyed by fire. On March 18, 1973, the two separate congregations merged into the Tanum Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church. A chapel was built at the site of the Forest Church. It contains the statue of Christ and the pews rescued from the burning church. In 1977 the Tanum Forest Church underwent major upgrades. The church was insulated, steel siding added, as well as a new roof. In 1996 the interior of the church was painted and a new sound system was installed. In May of 2001 ground was broken for a 2500 square foot addition that included an elevator, handicapped-accessible entrance and restrooms, and more space. Much of the labor for the project was provided by members of the congregation. The kitchen and dining room received upgrades at that time. In 2007, we recognized and celebrate the 135th anniversary of our congregation.
Events and activities to mark the anniversary included:
Birthday cake served in January 2007.
A commemorative plate featuring a color photo of the church plus a brief history on
the back of the plate.
A collection of recipes from members to publish a cookbook.
In May, a recognition of the Norwegian pioneers who started the congregation in 1872.
June 24, 2007 a worship service with Jim Justman, Bishop of the East Central Synod of the
ELCA, delivering the sermon. A dinner, and afternoon program with activities follow.
A return to worship service liturgies used in the past.
A calendar for 2008 featuring a photo of the church and the birthdays and wedding
anniversaries of members.
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