In 1880 people began settling in the Sheyenne River valley. They chose the valley because here was water, wood for fuel and timber for log houses. These people organized the Ottawa congregation because they felt a need for God's word to be taught and the Sacraments administered.
The first report found in the secretary's book was a meeting held at the Thore Olson home in February 1885. They chose the name to be Ottawa Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran. (Ottawa is an Indian name and means "The center of Good Things.)
On April 8, 1885 it was decided that the cemetery of 2 acres be in the SE corner of Section 25-148-59 on Hans Koloen's land. By December 24 lots had been measured out.
On May 15, 1885, a congregational meeting was held and Pastor Lundeby was called as minister at $125.00 for 12 services. The first officers:
Hans Koloen, A. P. Rusten and A. H. Berg were elected deacons
John Fosholdt, secretary
John K. Olson, sexton
and John K. Olson, Ole O. Groff and Nils Torgerson were elected trustees. By the end of 1885 28 families had joined the congregation. The constitution was accepted on December 15, 1885.
The first ladies aid meeting of any record was held in May of 1887. Mrs. John Olson was elected president. The aid met once a month at the home of members, full dinners usually being served.
On May 13, 1888, the congregation decided to call Pastor O. K. Quamme. The pastor had four services on weekdays and six services on Sundays. He served from 1888-1904.
In 1889 a committee was elected to gather in money for a building fund. Donations ranged from $3.00 to $7.00, with $55.00 donated in 1898, $56, more by December 1899 and by the end of 1902 there was $185.25 in the church building fund. On March 28, 1903 a committee of three was given the authority to hire and get the church built and enclosed. The church building fund in pledges and cash now totaled $1178.80, and the church was built in 1903.
Pastors who have served Ottawa are:
Pastor V. E. Boe, 1904-06
J. M. Jensen, 1906-11
T. E. Sweger, 1912-18
O. J. Ovrebo, 1919-41. Reverend Ovrebo retired in 1941 and lived in Aneta until his death in 1944. Mrs. Ovrebo passed away in 1957 and they are both interred at the Ottawa cemetery.
Pastors serving since 1941 are:
Reverend E. O. Lee, 194143
Reverend William J. Madsen, 1943-48
Reverend Carl Holm, 1948-52
Ralph Johnshoy served as student pastor in 1950 and was pastor from 1953-56. Reverend Quentin G. Quanbeck served as student pastor in 1955-56 and returned as pastor after the parish was divided and Ottawa, Ringsaker and Trinity in Sharon became the new Sharon Lutheran Parish in 1956. Pastor Quanbeck served the parish until November 1961. Pastor L. R. Vanderpan served from 1961-63. Dr. Harald Dordal served as interim pastor until 1964, when Reverend Arlington Mitskog accepted the call and served until July 1968. Dr. Harald Dordal served as interim pastor again until Reverend Hans Floan arrived and served from July 1969 to March 1972.
Ottawa celebrated its 90th anniversary on June 15, 1975.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 362