From History of Houston County

by Rev. Edward D. Neill

published by the Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis 1882

page 455-456

Houston Society of the Norwegian Evangelical Church - Not unlike almost all other new settlements, occasional religious services were held at various places, mostly in the primitive private residences about this region.  The first remembered being at the houses of J. M. Matson and Andrew Michaelson about the year 1855.  One of the early preachers was the Rev. B. Koren, from Looking Glass prairie, who is now a Bishop and still residing there.  Not long after this, the above mentioned society was formed in connection with like societies at Highland Prairie and Rushford, and they connectedly employed Rev. N. E. Jenson, who thus became the first pastor.  The society was made up of about sixty families.  The earliest trustees were: Christof Evenson, Steiner Knudson, Seigurd Anderson, and Ol Ornott; T. A. Grover was the Clerk, and C. Evenson the treasurer, the latter serving about eleven years. The first services after Rev. Jenson was installed as pastor, were held in a blacksmith shop in Houston, and afterwards in private houses, but finally the erection of a church was begun in 1865, and completed the succeeding year.  It is situated on the line between Houston and Sheldon on the Houston and Caledonia valley road.  The structure is of stone, except the porch, and is surmounted with a bell tower and spire of wood.  In size it is 60X35 feet, and the cost was $5,500.  The bell cost $500, but in 1880, it was unfortunately broken, and has not yet been repaired or replaced.

The Rev. N. E. Jenson remained at his post until 1870, when he was succeeded by Rev. Kr. Magelssen, who faithfully gave spiritual encouragement to the church for three years, and when left, the society bestowed upon him a valuable testimonial as a token of their appreciation of his services.  The ministrations are now by Rev. E. Jaastad, who resides in Rushford.