History of Northland (Wisconsin) Lutheran Church

The October 7, 2004, issue of the Iola Herald has an article written by Bob Strand that reports in great detail the early history of the church building and names of early members. The first service was held in the partially completed building on Feb. 16, 1908. Wooden planks on wood block were used as seats. The alter and pulpit were carved by the well-known local carver and builder, John Barikmo. One of the more interesting little incidents reported in the article concerns the installation of gas lights. Rather than have the carpenters climb to drill the hole in the thick beam, Lorin Wrolstad (A2B-5) brought his 30-30 rifle, laid down on his back and shot the hole through the beam for hooking up the light.

The Wrolstad family held it’s reunions at the Northland Church from the 1950’s up to 1975.