Menominee, Michigan, saw a small group of Swedish believers in Jesus Christ first come together in 1884 led by a shoemaker, M. Polson. He moved from the area in 1885 but a missionary from Grantsburg, Wisconsin, N.J. Nylander, continued the work. The people rejoiced as John Anderson was baptized on July 12, 1885. A year later Reverend Nylander conducted the service where William Franck, August Hedberg and John Peterson confessed their faith in Jesus Christ and were baptized. On June 21, 1887, Mr. and Mrs. John Strostad were baptized by Pastor Theodore Grondin. This group all united with the Swedish Baptist Church across the river in Marinette, Wisconsin, which had been organized in 1884.

 After some deliberation and consultation with the church at Marinette, and being duly led by God, it was decided to organize a church at Menominee according to New Testament order. Organization took place Wednesday, August 10, 1887, when sixteen persons met in the William Franck home on Pearson Avenue (25th Avenue). Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. August Rongren, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bergfeldt, Mrs. William (Christine) Franck, Andrew Johnson, Miss Christina Anderson, John Peterson, August Hedberg, Erick Locklund, Mrs. Mathilda Lindstrom, John Anderson, Alfred Farnlof, John Strostad, and Mr. and Mrs. John Tjarnlund.

Moderator Reverend A. A. Hammer of Ishpeming opened the service with the reading of God’s Word and prayer. Church letters were presented from the fellowship in Marinette. It was with a unanimous desire that this band of believers unite as a church to propagate the Gospel in Menominee. Rev. Hammer gave a message stressing the importance of being a child of God, belonging to the church of God and responsibilities which become inherent therewith.

After the message the group formed a circle and hand in hand, they thanked God for blessings received and prayed for guidance, protection, help and grace for the coming days. Reverend Hammer pronounced the benediction upon the little church.

Officers were elected following the organizational meeting. August Rongren was elected Vice Chairman; John Tjarnlund, Deacon; Erick Locklund, Treasurer; and August Hedberg, Secretary. The group also voted to apply for admission into the Swedish Baptist Conference of Michigan and this was granted at their Annual Meeting in Cadillac, September 22, 1887

The name "First Swedish Baptist Church of Menominee" was chosen and the small group took their call to serve the Lord seriously. Rev. Theodore Grondin served the church as pastor for several months as well as the church in Marinette.

On January 1, 1888, Rev. Ludwig Djupstrom accepted the call as pastor of both the Menominee and Daggett churches. Special meetings were held with the assistance of a woman missionary, Amanda Yman, and were so blessed with the salvation of souls that in the month of May, 1888, the church had its first baptismal service when four converts were baptized. At the close of the year the congregation had increased by nineteen through baptism and eight more Baptists had moved into the area. Membership had increased to forty members.

Services were usually held in private homes, often the William Franck home or the Ackerman home. At times they used the American Baptist Church building, especially for baptismal services. However, with the work progressing it became expedient to secure a larger place in which to hold services. The Maple Park Sunday School Chapel in north Menominee was rented.

A Building Committee was appointed in August, 1888, with Rev. Djupstrom as Chairman. In the fall of 1888 the S. M. Stephenson presented the congregation with a lot on the street now known as 13th Street (across from the Menominee Middle School). The foundation for the church was laid in the month of December, 1888. During the winter months money was raised for the edifice and in the spring building commenced. By June services were conducted in the new church building with the dedication being held on August 11, 1889, just two years after the organization.  See Photo of church building on 13th Street just prior to moving to the building on 47th Avenue.

A "mother-daughter" relationship existed between the two Swedish churches of Marinette and Menominee and they asked Rev. Djupstrom to devote his full time to these fields. He resigned from the ministry at Daggett and cared for the churches in this area until the first of January, 1892.

For a year and a half after Reverend Djupstrom left, the church carried on with their own talents. G. Wallendorf served as leader and a student at Morgan Park Seminary, G. R. Anderson, labored here during the summer of 1892. The work prospered and one was baptized and two united with the church on confession of faith.

Reverend John A. Roos of Chicago was called in April of 1893 and was ordained June 22, 1893. During Pastor Roos’ tenure, ten members were added to the church. In March of 1894 a house near the church was purchased for a parsonage for the sum of $1,250.00, with fifty dollars as the down payment. This was a bold undertaking for a congregation of thirty members at a time when wages were low.

In October of 1894 Reverend Roos moved to Iron Mountain and Reverend S. Bergstedt was called as pastor. He served for eleven months. During 1895 the church experienced various difficulties including the possibility of disbandment - but the problems were overcome.

Reverend Uno Braur of Rockford, Illinois, served as interim pastor for a short time until Reverend Magnus Johnson could come from St. Paul, Minnesota, in April of 1896. During his two year ministry the church saw growth and God’s blessing. Reverend Sven A. Nelson of Crystal Falls, Minnesota, was the next pastor, also for two years. During his tenure twelve were baptized.

The congregation was deeply committed to the church and during the periods of pastoral vacancy various members filled the pulpit. When G. Wallendorf moved to Chicago in 1899 the church surprised his with a sum of money for his care of the church between ministers. Also during this period $300.00 was raised to reduce the debt on the parsonage.

Reverend C. H. Ekblad of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, arrived in December of 1900, and a number of people accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during his four year stay. The church facilities were improved with the construction of a basement.

The church income for 1904 was $2,703.00 with the average Sunday School offering per Sunday of ninety cents. The average Sunday School attendance was 64.

Reverend Gustave A. Johnson became the next pastor in October, 1904, coming from McIntosh, Minnesota, and in 1907 during the annual meeting of the Upper Michigan Conference the church celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Much was done to improve the church property and the indebtedness was greatly reduced. But storm clouds loomed on the horizon as differences of beliefs became an issue.

During the closing months of Pastor Johnson’s ministry and the arrival of Reverend Gunnar Wingred of Kansas City, Missouri, the Pentecostal movement gained much influence in the Twin Cities area and within the Swedish Baptist Church. People chose sides and disharmony resulted. Reverend Wingred resigned as pastor in January of 1910 and a number of members asked to have their membership withdrawn.

In October of 1910 Reverend William Ritzen of Alberta, Canada, put his hand to the plow during a very discouraging time. A total of thirty-one members left the church during the episode and without question the church suffered severely. But the Lord continued to carry on His salvation program through the church and thirteen were baptized and added to the church plus several received by experience and letter.

The parsonage was remodeled in 1913 at a cost of $1000.00, and the indebtedness was reduced to $300.00. Reverend Ritzen concluded his ministry with the church in June of 1914.

Reverend John Olander of Port Arthur, Canada, arrived in Menominee to take up the work of the church in August, 1914, staying until June, 1917. While Pastor Olander shepherded the flock it received many blessings from the Lord. The church numbered seventy members, the highest it had been in the history of the church. The congregation also became debt free and made considerable improvements to both the interior and exterior of the church building.

The thirtieth anniversary of the church was celebrated during the pastorate of Reverend Axel Edwards. During the thirty year period of Reverend Axel Edwards three hundred persons had been members of the church, of which one hundred forty-two were baptized in her care.

The Sunday School started in 1890 by August Rongren and has continued ever since. David Franck served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. At one point there was a branch Sunday School at Birch Creek.

Also during 1890 the Young People’s Society was organized for the purpose of assisting the church and other mission work according to their ability. Up to the 30th anniversary the group had raised over $2000.00.

The Ladies Aid was organized in 1894 and contributed over #3500.00 for the work of home and foreign missions during its existence to the 30th anniversary.

Reverend David Logergren was the next pastor, serving from 1920 to 1924. He was followed by Reverend A. E. Appelquist for one and one-half years.

The church name was changed to Broadway Baptist Church, reflecting the street location, during the second tenure of Reverend Carl Ekblad, who returned to the church for nearly six years. The church once again hosted the Upper Michigan Baptist Conference at this time.

For three years, 1932 to 1935, a pastor was shared with the church in Marinette. Reverend Anton Anderson was the pastor. According to the church records, this was a fruitful time with many being baptized and added to the fellowship of the church.

Roger Goodman, a son of the church, preached and led prayer meetings during the summer of 1935 before he went to St. Paul to enter school.

On November 17, 1935, Reverend V. E. Anderson took up the pastoral ministry of the church. During his stay thirty-four people were welcomed into the membership of the church. David Franck continued as Sunday School Superintendent with the enrollment being above eighty members.

The 50th Anniversary of the church was celebrated October 16-18, 1937, in conjunction with the semi-annual conference of the Baptist Conference of Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin.

The celebration program included Mrs. Christina Anderson Strom, the last living charter member, who read the Scripture. Long-term members also participated including Mrs. James Janson, member for 47 year; Mr. Nels Swanson, member for 44 years; and Mrs. Isaac Ahlskog, member for 42 years.

Former pastor, Reverend Axel Edwards, was in attendance as was Roger Goodman, then a student at Bethel Seminary.

"Honorable mention was made of deceased members and a procession of cars made its way to Riverside Cemetery where a flower was placed on each grave in loving memory and tribute to those who held high the banner of Christ and paved the way for us to follow." (From the minutes of Mrs. Florine Larson, Church Clerk at the time)

During Reverend V. E. Anderson’s pastorate the Baptist work in Daggett was reactivated with services held from 9 a.m. to 10:00. Services were also held in Cedar River with LeRoy Nelson in charge. Radio work begun with programs over WMAM.

1941 saw several happenings. Glenn Anderson, son of the pastor, received a license to preach. Mrs. Christina Anderson Strom, the last charter member, died and The Brotherhood began. David Franck, George Johnson, Raymond Dix and LeRoy Nelson served on the organizing committee.

The church did extensive remodeling with a new entrance and two washrooms added. The membership increased to 94 members by January of 1942.

Reverend Anderson closed his ministry in March of 1942 and during the summer Willard Anderson, a student at Bethel Seminary, served the church.

On January 17, 1943, Reverend Gerald Smith began his ministry and during his time the church went off Conference aid. The group also shared in the radio broadcast "Joy Of Salvation" with some broadcasts made directly from the church. Reverend Smith closed his ministry in 1944 to continue his college education. The church income for 1943 was $2500.00.

The Lucas Cook family occupied the parsonage for just over a year with Mrs. Cook serving as Sunday School Superintendent and Betty Jean Cook the Young People’s Choir Director. Pastor Cook needed a drier climate and they moved in September of 1945.

With the coming of Reverend Fred Nelson in 1946 a number of facility improvements were made including the installation of new lights designed by Arnold Long. A radio program was broadcast each Sunday evening at 9:30 with a cost of $19.00. Church income had increased to $3,225.00.

Changes were occurring in other churches too, and the Baptist group purchased an electric reed organ from the Episcopal Church for $25.00. The Lutheran Church next door purchased a strip of land four feet by eighty feet to accommodate a fire escape for their new addition.

The Thirteenth Street Baptist Church came into being when the City of Menominee changed named streets to numbers in 1950 - and Broadway was no more.

On November 20, 1950, the tragic accidental death of Pastor Nelson’s wife and six year old daughter, Evelyn, brought sadness and grief to the church family and the community. A son, David, was also injured critically in the same car accident. Pastor Nelson’s testimony of the sufficiency of God’s grace in this severe trial was a blessing to everyone.

Another blow to the church was the death of three Deacons within three years - Edward Kralman in November, 1949; George Johnson in May, 1950; and Joel Lingensjo in July, 1951.

In the closing portion of Pastor Nelson’s ministry in Menominee a parking lot was provided and a church constitution was adopted in 1952.

The parsonage was remodeled in time to welcome Reverend T. W. Frohm in November of 1952. Soon afterward he was ordained in his home church of Bethel Baptist, Chicago. 1953 saw the beginnings of Junior church for children and the Betty Stam Missionary Circle for women. The ladies Prayer Fellowship also began under the guidance of Pastor Frohm and his wife, Phyllis.

Former Pastor V. E. Anderson returned as interim pastor for a period of four months in 1954, then Reverend Reuben L. Anderson served as interim pastor and was called to be the full time pastor in September of 1954. He taught the congregation the joy of giving, evidenced by the following report he gave of the "Annual Harvest Festival".

"A very inspiring and impressive service was held on September 22, 1956, when the Thirteenth Street Baptist Church of Menominee, Michigan held its annual Harvest Festival. During the course of the evening an offering was received for the Building Fund. The pastor, the Reverend Reuben L. Anderson, had suggested to the members that they set aside the equivalent of two days wages as a special harvest love offering unto the Lord, and if sufficient funds were received, the old church mortgage would be burned. All through the evening one could feel the air of excitement and anticipation, wondering whether or not the mortgage would be burned. While a film was being shown the offering was counted. As the treasurer stood to his feet he held up a match which had been secured to a note which read, 'Use this match to burn the mortgage'. Someone had believing faith! By this time everyone knew that we had at least reached our minimum requirement for the burning of the mortgage, which was about $325.00. But when the total was given, the congregation just gasped, and found it difficult to believe that from their little group could come such a record offering of $627.00. At the report of the offering received, Pastor Reuben L. Anderson called to the platform the chairman of the board, Bjarne Hansen, and the three trustees, Arthur Burns, Arnold Long, and Arthur Danielson. There in the presence of the congregation, the ‘match of faith’ was used to ignite a copy of the old mortgage. As the paper was reduced to ashes the spirits of the people seemed to soar heavenward. The air was virtually charged with optimism and enthusiasm, and everyone was praising God for the wonderful way in which He had blessed."

In October of 1956, a nursery was built into the side room of the church. Mrs. Margaret (Marge) Johnson continued her service as Cradle Roll Superintendent, endearing herself to every baby and mother, to the glory of God.

Reverend Rudolph Johnson served as interim pastor from January of 1957 until Reverend Roald C. Haugen arrived in July. He was ordained on May 6th of 1958 and during that year the church membership increased to 99.

Missions continued to be a major focus of the church and a highlight in the life of the fellowship occurred February 12, 1961, when Florence Gregersen was commissioned to serve as a missionary to India under The Evangelical Alliance Mission. The church underwrote a major portion of her financial support and were faithful in supporting her in prayer as well.

Perhaps one of the most important decisions the church has ever made was to build a new church and move from our location on 13th Street. Before this decision could be made three choices needed consideration: 1. Should we merge with Bethel Baptist Church of Marinette; 2. Remodel our present building on 13th Street; or 3. Build a new church.

Excitement was running high as we set April 28, 1962, as Ground Breaking date on the lots given for it by Vernor Carlson, a friend of our church. He was the main contractor, donating his time and labor, along with the help of other men of the church.

The Lord’s hand was definitely felt in the sale of our old church property and parsonage to the Bethel Lutheran Church for $12,000.00. We would have use of the parsonage rent free for five years and it was our hope that the Lord would lead us into the acquisition of a new parsonage in that time.

The outstanding accomplishment in our church history was our new church building which was completed and used for our first service on March 15, 1964. This was less than a year from the time we broke ground. Only God could accomplish so much. The cost of construction was $55,000.00.

A new name - North Shore Baptist Church - was chosen. Pastor Haugen did a wonderful job taking us through the complete building program. This excellent leadership and continued encouragement would be hard to duplicate. The Lord knew who could do it best. All praise to God!

The two lots adjoining the church on 47th Avenue were given to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Danielson in 1963. It was on these lots that our parsonage was constructed in the fall and winter of 1965 and 1966 by Vernor Carlson and volunteer help at a cost of $14,000.00. Then later on between 1967 and 1972 six lots on 46th Avenue were purchased by the church at a total cost of $4,050.00.

After Roald Haugen’s resignation N. Philip Johnson came to us in November of 1965. This gifted and talented pastor presented chalk drawings, musical programs and much chorus singing and memorizing Scripture was stressed. Reverend Johnson resigned in June, 1968.

Reverend William Turnwall served us with pulpit supply while we were without a pastor. The Lord worked among us - souls were saved and baptized during this time we were without a regular pastor.

In November of 1968 Reverend Delmar Dahl became our minister. This energetic pastor will be remembered for his remarkable memory, interesting impromptu interviews and thought provoking short sermons as well as the installation of church mail boxes, revising the Constitution and forming a Manual of Operations for the church. Reverend Dahl’s ministry terminated in 1971.

Curtis Holzworth took up the ministry in January 1972. He and his wife Fay made a tremendous musical team. Fay played the piano for all their singing. There were many new converts who were placed in Bible study groups to instruct them in basic Christian living and discipling.

The congregation began exploring the possibility of constructing an addition to the church to meet the needs of more classrooms and a gym for our Sunday School and club work in 1971. Two and one half years later construction began with the 60’ X 60’ addition being completed in April of 1975. Vernor Carlson and volunteer help again gave many hours of labor. The cost of the addition was $105,700.00.

Another step of faith was taken in 1975 when North Shore voted to begin a work in Peshtigo since there was no evangelical witness in that community. Seven or eight families from our church became a nucleus of that work and Pastor Curtis Holzworth served both churches until they called their own pastor. With God’s blessing Faith Baptist Church is a growing church in Peshtigo today.

Pastor Holzworth also initiated a radio program heard mornings daily over WAGN entitled The North Shore Line. "The fastest five of the day". This outreach continues still as another means of spreading God’s Word to our communities.

Ronald Anderson came to us in July of 1977 after finishing his studies at Bethel Seminary. A part of his ministry involved the family in their joyful songs and presentations. Sunny’s object lessons held the interest of not only the children but everyone. The youth of our church were particularly blessed by the zeal and enthusiasm of the Anderson’s and they were much loved.

The 90th Anniversary celebration of our church was held August 21, 1977, and was called "A Day to Remember". Folks dressed up in typical clothes of the 90’s and a picnic and an afternoon of activities was enjoyed by all.

A bus was purchased in 1978 and used extensively by all church groups for transportation to camp, rallies, etc.

The church was active in the planning and execution of the Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Conference held in Green Bay in 1980.

Pastor Anderson entered the United States Navy as a Chaplain and in January of 1982 Reverend Lee R. Giddings and his wife Shirley became our present pastor. How thankful we are for this dependable pastor and for Shirley for her ministry in music. There have been many conversions and baptisms under his ministry. In September of 1984 a weekend of celebration was held when our mortgage was burned leaving the church debt free.

In October, 1987, Rev. Lee Giddings and his wife, Shirley, concluded their ministry with us and moved to Minnesota. Paul Larson served as interim pastor, for several months in 1988, along with his wife, Ruth.

Rev. David Briscoe became our pastor in June, 1988 and under his ministry average Sunday morning attendance increased from 107 in 1988 to 127 in 1992. The Briscoe's remained with us until June, 1993.

In 1989 a trust fund was given to the church by the family of Lillian England, who passed away and had been a faithful member during the early history of our church. Through the use of this fund many purchases have been possible and this trust fund will continue to be of benefit to our church in the years to come. We appreciate this generous gift which was given in memory of Lillian England.

In the summer of 1993 some modifications were made in the parsonage, making the kitchen and family room into one large room with a breakfast bar between. Other improvements have also been made such as replacing the carpeting and the kitchen floor tile. In 1996 the parsonage was resided.

On September 6, 1993, Rev. Sheldon Carlson began his ministry with us. During his ministry an addition was built to our facility including a new entry, enlarged foyer, library, offices, additional rest rooms, an elevator for the handicapped and a multi-purpose room and storage rooms in the basement. After having books in two areas of the church, it was a great improvement to consolidate in the new library and also to have videos available for home viewing. Margaret Towle, who passed away in 1996, was our librarian at the time and who spent many hours organizing the new library. The final cost of the addition was $266,371 and was dedicated on April 30, 1995.

In the beginning of 1996 four small groups of men began meeting weekly and FMO (For Men Only) began meeting one Saturday morning a month. This ministry for men was organized for the purpose of spiritual fellowship and physically helping those with special needs around their homes. Several have benefited and appreciated this ministry of our men.

September 4, 1996, the church changed to the AWANA program on Wednesday evenings for our children and has had a successful first year. This outreach program has brought in many from the outside of our immediate church families.

Rev. Sheldon Carlson concluded his ministry on April 14, 1997 and Rev. Harvey Hammond and his wife, Beverly, began their interim ministry with us on July 5, 1997.   The weekly men's groups continued to meet and two women's Bible studies began to meet weekly as well.

Our members and friends gathered together September 24, 1998 in celebration of the burning of our mortgage.  This occasion was made possible because of gifts from the estates of Roy and Esther Carlson and Ture and Margaret Johnson along with gifts from our people.  This mortgage had been acquired for the purpose of building a new entry addition to our facility.  In conjunction with this evening's gathering, we said "Farewell" to Rev. Harvey Hammond and his wife, Beverly who concluded their interim ministry with us on September 30, 1998.

On November 1, 1998 Rev. Warren Worden agreed to serve as Interim Pastor, giving the church an open-ended commitment to continue in this capacity until a permanent pastor is found.

Earl H. Lassen began his duties as Pastor in March of 1999.   On April 18, 1999, at 10:40 a.m., the church welcomed Pastor Lassen and his wife Joan in a service of installation.  The Rev. John Cowan, executive minister of the Great Lakes Baptist Conference, led the service.  Rev. Cowan gave the message "As One Who serves", prior to the installation ceremonies.   The ceremony included:
     Charge to the Pastor
     Charge to the Congregation
      Click here for text of installation service
     Covenant of Dedication, and
     Prayer of Installation
After the installation service, a pot luck luncheon was held.

Pastor John Gibson began his duties as Director of Youth Ministry and Christian Education on July 16, 2000.  Pastor Gibson will spend about 50% of his time working with youth in Middle School through High School, about 40% of his time acting as a resource person for the Christian Education ministries of the church and the remaining 10% in various tasks assigned by the Pastor.  An Installation Service will be conducted on August 20, 2000

Pastor Earl Lassen and his wife Joan, ended their ministry at North Shore Baptist Church on Sunday, May 26, 2002 to enter into a teaching/seminar ministry in another area.

Earl H. Lassen, March, 1999 - May 26, 2002

Gary Dunseath, November 17, 2002 - August 20, 2006

Jason Acres, Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries,
November 29, 2004 - August 26, 2006

John Palutke, (Interim) September 1, 2006 - April 21, 2007

Tim Gunderson, April 29, 2007 -