Norwegian-Danish Methodist Church

In 1874, two Methodist families, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Ranvik and Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Ovren moved to Stoughton from Cambridge and started a class in Scandinavian Methodism.  This class met at first in the different homes; later, in the Congregational Church.  Pastors from Cambridge often visited and preached here.

On January 2, 1882, the district superintendent, Rev. O. P. Peterson organized the church.  The first persons received into membership by transfer from Cambridge were Mr. & Mrs. Ranvik, Mr. & Mrs. Ovren and John Holmstad.

Rev. J. C. Tollefson was pastor when the church was built, A. E. Ovren the contractor.  Bells for the tower were the gift of Mrs. Ovren; the organ the gift of Mrs. Christ Johnson.  The new church was dedicated November 12, 1882.  In 1906, the building was enlarged.  A pipe organ was given and installed by Mr. Ovren in 1920.

In 1947, at the time of Ferd Homme’s publication of Oak Opening, The Story of Stoughton, one pastor was serving both the English and Norwegian Danish Methodist congregations, with services being held in the English Methodist Church.     

In 1970 Stoughton's Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge 314 purchased what remained of this building from the Calvary Free Church and with major renovations, improvements and additions maintain it as their lodge today.