Until 1868 the rapidly growing Norway Lake settlement had no regular place of worship. In the fall of that year, a log church was hastily constructed and served as the Norway Lake church until 1875, with Rev. L.J. Markhus as pastor. It is considered the Mother Church of six present-day Lutheran congregations in the area: East Norway Lake, First, Hope, Monson Lake, South Lake Johanna, and West Lake.