THE HISTORY OF TANUM FOREST CHURCH

The Tanum Forest Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin was founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1872. It was originally known as the Tanum Lutheran Church. This was the first Lutheran congregation in Door County, and met four or five times a year in private homes, until a log building was constructed in 1874. In 1883, as more settlers arrived, the church was divided into three congregations: Tanum Church, Bay View Church of Sawyer, and Forest Church. The Tanum and Forest Churches were served by the same pastor, and the parsonage property was held in common, with expenses divided between the congregations. On February 2, 1970, the Forest Church was destroyed by fire. Tanum facilities were used until 1973 when the two congregations merged. In 1997, as part of its 125th anniversary celebration, Tanum Forest Church was recognized by the Door County Historical Society as an Historical site.

More detailed information about our history, and information about our 135th anniversary celebration, can be found here.



The pastor and congregation of Tanum Forest welcome all visitors to both Saturday evening and Sunday morning services.