Aurdal Lutheran Church (Forbes, N.D.)

The first service of Aurdal Lutheran Church was held November 4, 1883, in Ellendale, North Dakota. On December 21 of that year, a meeting was held in the Ellendale schoolhouse for the purpose of organizing a Norwegian Lutheran congregation. Aurdal was chosen as the name because it was the name of a church in Norway. Before the actual church building was constructed, members of the Aurdal congregation met for services in various homes around the countryside. In 1885 the Aurdal congregation of Ellendale split into Immanuel Church, which was to serve Ellendale, and Aurdal Church, which was located three miles outside of Forbes. The first services for the respective churches were held on August 16, 1885. The altar and altar painting for Aurdal Church were purchased by the ladies aid. The entire church was redecorated in 1945, and it was first wired for electricity in 1954. The narthex and heating plant were added between 1955 and 1956. Aurdal Church merged with Christ the King Church in 1963. Aurdal Church is now registered as a cemetery association. This association is a group of elected members of the community responsible for the upkeep of two or more cemeteries. The church itself is being used as a funeral chapel, and memorial services are held there on a yearly basis.