As far as is known the first Lutheran services in Grace City were held with Pastor Thorin Wipred officiating in 1899. He came from Fessenden and services were held in the homes and schoolhouses. Most of the Lutherans lived south of the James River and as a child I remember the folks saying the Norwegians (Lutherans) lived south of the James River and most spoke Norwegian at home, and the German (Lutherans) lived north of Grace City. Pastor Wipred officiated until 1900 when H.H. Proct became pastor. He held services until July 1903 in the area. J.H. Oien from McHenry was the next pastor. Services were held in the Norwegian language.
For a time the Lutherans held services in the Methodist church then they joined with the "Northern James River Evangelical Lutheran Church, which stands on a hill south of Grace City on Highway No. 200. This church was built in 1919.
The first organized Lutheran congregation in Grace City was August 14, 1956 when Grace Lutheran was organized as an E.L.C. (now A.L.C.). Services were held in the school gymnasium, also Sunday School classes. Rev. Don Thorson from New Rockford first served.
St. John's church from northeast of Bordulac was purchased and moved to a site on the east side of town. It was dedicated May 26, 1957. Dr. Tallackson, president of the North Dakota District, Evangelican Lutheran churches and Rev. F. Olderr of Maddock were the speakers.
A temporary organization was set up on August 14, 1956 with the following officers.
Trustees: John Munson, Ernest Gjerdevig and Woodrow Topp
Deacons: Kennard Scanson, Lawrence Dungan and Lawrence Larson
Treasurer, Ray McDaniel
Secretary, William Meier
Mrs. John Munson, superintendent of the Sunday School. Serving on the building committee were Paul Black, Odin Topp, David Meier, Mrs. Elmer Hovland and Mrs. Vernon Topp.
Permanent officers were elected on November 11, 1956: president, Odin Topp
Vice president, Paul Black
Secretary, William Meier
Treasurer, Ray McDaniel
Financial secretary, Vernon Topp
Superintendent of the Sunday School, Mrs. John (Jennie) Munson
Deacons: Lawrence Larson, Wendell Whipperling, Dave D. Meier
Trustees: Woodrow Topp, John Monson, Ernest Gjerdvig
Board of education: Leo Gauderman, Mrs. William Meier and Mrs. Lawrence Dungan.
Present superintendent of Sunday school, Mrs. Loyd (Joanne) Leichtman
Trustees: Glenn Lindstrom, Billie Scanson, and Elroy Ellingson
Deacons: Topp, Joan Anderson, and Marilyn Bucholz.
Grace Lutheran joined with Glenfield-James River parish in 1957 with pastor living in parsonage in Glenfield.
Rev. F. Older served as Interim until Rev. Harry Tuff became pastor in 1957.
Rev. Harry Tuff -1957-1960
Dr. J.E. Farup -1960-66
Rev. John P. Gorklo -1966-70
Rev. David Monge -1971-1973
Rev. Dale Hauck -1973-77
Rev. Vernon Holte -1977-1981
Rev. Don L. Neuman - present pastor
First wedding: Irene Dungan to Joe Troske, January 12, 1958
First baptism: Joe Meier, September 1958
First funeral: Mrs. Ed (Minnie Scanson) Randklev First Golden Wedding celebration: October 19, 1958 - Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Black
Grace Lutheran celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 11, 1981.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 320