St Olaf's Episcopal Church, (Amherst, Wisconsin)

History

The Episcopal Mission Station at Amherst was established in 1868 by the Rev. M. Sorenson, rector of St Mark’s Episcopal Church, (Waupaca, Wisconsin). Amherst was a small farming community, mostly potatoes and with no. With services first held in rented hall, in 1905 church building was built by a hard working people devoted to God and His Church. Lots had been paid for by the St. Olaf's guild. Only an indebtedness remained on the whole property of $400.00. In 1913 this was paid and the church was consecrated by Bishop Reginald Heber Weller and many furnishings put in. Over time walled steps have been replaced by an iron rail, the bell has been repaired, work has been done on the square-topped belfry and inside the building beams have been added. The furnace has gone from coal and wood burning to gas. Three organs have seen their home at St. Olaf’s. The first was rented for twenty dollars and used in the rented school house in the late 1800s. The second was purchased on a purchase plan from Syon & Healy Co. in 1917 for $125.55 and was a pump organ. The third was a gift from a member.

By the 1930s with a fall off in attendance, the possibility of discontinuing services was strong but no action was taken. A meeting was held on January 30, 1935, for the purpose of deciding whether to sell the adjoining lots. The congregation voted against sale. A wise choice for those who might want to build in the future.

Women's guild meetings were held in a rented hall and then members’ homes until 1964 when the organization was dissolved.

The size of the congregation has fluctuated. In 1896 there were 25 families for a total of 85 people. By the late 1960s and early 1970s there were only two members attending on a regular basis: Mabel Allen and Welton Johnson. During this time Fr. Edmund Webster faithfully made the weekly jaunt from Waupaca to Amherst to serve the congregation and minister to the people. Dedication like this helped St. Olaf’s to continue.

St. Olaf's Today

The church facilities had never had running water, washroom facilities or a fellowship room so members started a building fund and engaged in fund raising activities. Starting in 1992, energetic people were working at rummage and bake sales, participating at a youth fair and making and selling Christmas wreaths. The dream of an addition was achieved in 2003, and St. Olaf’s even hosted a diocesan pre-convention deanery meeting.

A new sign was purchased and erected, extensive electrical rewiring, installation of ceiling fans, light fixtures and sanctuary lamps, as well as electrical outlets were also installed. A new chalice, crystal cruets and a new paten were purchased. Old shrubbery has been removed and new flowers planted. Painting on both the inside and outside was also done. St. Olaf’s has even participated in its first Pictorial Directory. Occasionally potluck suppers are held after the Saturday evening worship service at member’s homes. During the Christmas season a potluck is held at St. Olaf’s after the decorations are put in place. Good food and good fellowship can always be found.

Clergy Serving

For most of its history St. Olaf's was under the care of the rector of St Mark’s Episcopal Church, (Waupaca, Wisconsin) except for a short period when it was under the rector of Church of the Intercession (Episcopal), (Stevens Point, Wisconsin) who celebrated mass once or twice a month with other services led by lay readers. Starting in the late 1990s the congregation severed these connections and began to use regular supply clergy.