May 19, 1976 - On a hill about 17 miles east-of Carrington sits an old white church that is a familiar sight to travelers of North Dakota Highway 200.
When Glenfield Luther Leaguers joined together on May 8, buckets and brushes in hand, under the supervision of Rev. Dale Houck, James River Lutheran Church got a paint job.
Leaguers who helped paint were Chuck Bucholz, Darwin Solberg, Michael Munson, Mitchell EIIingson, Larry Scanson, Leanne Lindstrom, Cindy Munson, Jean Hoffman, Lori Bucholz, Doris Scanson, Byron Lindstrom and Lyman Martinson.
They were assisted by Dale Houck, pastor of Glenfield Lutheran Church and by Rick Hilber, a member of the church and English teacher at Grace City.
Carolyn Houck and son, Joshua, Sandy and Duane Jacobson and daughter, Tena, Leona Topp, Wanda Topp and son, Rodney, took lunch and cold drinks to the painters in the afternoon.
Others on the scene to watch the painters for a while during the afternoon were Marleen Wright, Melody Meehan, Jackie Topp and David Gauffin.
Paint was purchased with donations given by anyone wishing to contribute to the project.
Brief History
Incorporated July 31, 1918, under the name James River Norsk Lutheran Church of Haven, the document of incorporation was signed by Secretary of State, Thomas Hall and deputy, Maurice W. Duffy, at Bismarck.
Pastor Eidsaa of the Lutheran Free Church organized the James River congregation in July of 1918, when Sigvart Holland was elected chairman, Carl A. Berg was elected secretary and Martin Boe, treasurer. Trustees were Johan Munson, Arne Ravndal and Alfred Skaar.
According to numerals inscribed in the concrete, the foundation was laid in 1919.
When a call first went out for a pastor, it was answered by Thomas A. Haugen. Other ministers who served through the years, according to Mrs. Emma Stangeland, were as follows: Pastor H. N. Wangen, Pastor Haugland, Pastor Hungness, Pastor Tollefsen (all short terms), Pastor G. L. Holmrast, Pastor E. E. Eldbo, Pastor E. L. Bentson (short term), Pastor John Meling, Pastor Raymond Overgaard, Pastor A.0. Borlaug, Pastor Harry Tuff, Pastor J. E. Farup and, finally Pastor John Gorklo.
When the church closed its doors the last time, September 1, 1968, the congregation consisted of about 40 children and adults.
Functioning organizations within the church then were the Ladies Aid, Sunday School, Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation, L. D.R., and Luther League.
Source: Glenfield History 1886 – 1987 Page 138