Zion Lutheran Church (Glendive, Mont.)

The first Lutheran missionary work in Eastern Montana was done by Rev. L. A. K. Carlson around 1899. Since he laid the basic groundwork, creating an interest in a congregation, Scandinavians took up the challenge of organizing a Lutheran church in the Glendive area. Around 1902, a large group of Scandinavians voted to affiliate with the UNLCA, but no pastor was ever sent from that synod. In 1905 it changed its affiliation to the Norwegian Synod. C. S. Thorpe, the first regular pastor, arrived in 1906. On November 15, 1908 the church on Sargent and Power was dedicated.

Rev. Tufte arrived in 1915 and divided his time among four congregations-Miles City, Deer Creek, Glendive, and Savage. In 1920, Miles City withdrew to form a separate call.

A parsonage was built between 1924-1931. By 1952 Zion had a new parish house and plans for construction of a new church. The present facility was dedicated May 6, 1956.

From the guide to the Zion Lutheran Church, Glendive, Montana, Records, 1902-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)