History of Saron Lutheran Church

Swedish immigrants first came to Ashland in 1872, to work on the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Three Swedish families started Sharon Lutheran congregation. The name was changed to Saron several years later. The first service was held on December 14, 1885. The first permanent pastor was Reverend J.D. Nelsenius, who arrived in November of 1886 and stayed until 1902.

Due to the rapidly growing congregation, the decision to build a second, larger church was made four years after the first church was built. The first service was held on June 26, 1892, in the basement of the church. On the morning of Sunday, January 7, 1945 it was destroyed by fire. Due to the quick thinking of the Sunday Church School personnel, the children were all led to safety. The former Congregational Church was used in the interim. The present church building was started in 1950, and completed in 1951. The educational wing was added in1967. The recent remodeling was completed in December of 2003 and includes an elevator to make the church handicap accessible.

The English language began being used in services around 1914. In 1920, services were held every Sunday in both Swedish and English. The last confirmation class to receive Swedish instruction was in 1923.

Saron Lutheran Church had several satellite congregations and Sunday Schools, which included Birch Lake, Benoit, Highland, Highbridge, Ondossagan, Washburn and Bethesda. The congregation also shared a partnership with Trinity Lutheran Hospital until its closure in 1972. An emphasis has always placed on youth programs, some of which included Luther League, Junior Missionary Society, and the Blessings Bunch.

Saron Lutheran Church collaborates with several other churches and Luther Point Bible Camp to hold Bible Day Camp the first week in August every year. During the regular school year, Sunday school meets from 9:30-10:30a.m. and the is nursery is available during both services. Organized choirs include the Hand Bell choir, Saron choir and Glory Singers.