In 1881 Pastor Gjevre of Ortonville was called to serve the Boe Congregation along with his many other congregations in the area. A call as given to K.O. Storli who was installed on October 8, 1882. At this time a parsonage was also acquired for the pastor who also served area churches for several years.
On April 24, 1892, the Wilmot Lutheran Ladies Aid was organized. and their first project was in helping raise funds for building a church. The first church was erected in 1902 during Rev. Rorstad's pastorate. The church bell and later, the organ, were contributed to the church by the "Young Peoples' Society" reorganized by Rev. Rorstad.
Rev. Skaar, a former missionary to Madagascar, followed Rorstad and served two years. He was followed by Rev. O.J. Hylland in 1907. During his pastorate of seven years the old parsonage was sold and the new one built.
In 1915 Rev. G.H. Nerison was installed. During these years. there was a gradual change from teh Norwegian to the English language used in teh church service. Rev Nerison was given a leave of absence to serve as Chaplain in World War I.
In 1922 upon the return of Pastor Nerison, an active Men's Club was organized and a need to build an addition suitable for meetings.
In 1926 a changed from the Norwegian language to the English language brought about the change of the name of the "Boe Evangelical Lutheran" to "Wilmot Lutheran Congregation.".
Pastor Nerison resigned in 1928 and Pastor Nils Holm was called and installed who remained until 1931. Pastor Nerison was recalled and served until October 1934. Ill health caused the resignation of Pastor Nerison in 1940 and Rev. Erpestad became the pastor until 1944. On July, 1944, G. P. Larson was installed as pastor and served until 1947. Rev. Baalson folloed Rev. Larson and he served until 1959.
About 1949, a Wurlitzer Electric Organ was presented to the the church by some of it's organizations. It was felt a new, larger church should be built and in 1950 the plans were presented for one. On May 27, 1951, ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new Wilmot Lutheran Church. On Sunday November 18, 1951 the cornerstone laying was held and on Sunday, October 12, 1952 worship services were held in the new building with a day dedication. The new church had a full basement including a large assembly room, six Sunday School rooms and a kitchen, containing modern equipment, a seating compacity for 350 to 400 and a balcony. The dossel and the chimes and a loud speaker system were also donated for the new church.
The most blessed occasion came in 1957 with the buring of hte mortgage. God has richly blessed the congregation over the years.
In 1960, the congregation became associated with the A.L.C. (American Lutheran Church.)
The congregation has since be served by Pastor Scheck and Pastor Lund. In 1964 Pastor Trelstad began his ministry to the congregation and during his stay a new parsonage was finished and dedicated on march 13, 1966. In the fall of 1970 Rev. Lovaas accepted a call and served until Rev. Ralph Holmlund from 1978 to 1985.
Pastor BruceIverson served the church from 1986-89. In 1988, the American Lutheran Church voted to merge with the Evangelical Lutheran Church and became part of the ELCA (Evangliscal Lutheran Church of America.)
From 1990 to 1992, Pastor John Ragan served followed by Pastor Gene Eidsness from 1993-1995 and Pastor Nancy Kauppie from 1995 to 2001.
An elevator was installed in the church in 1999 to meet the needs of the handicapped.
Pastor Clara Wadsworth then served as the pastor for the congregation until 2005. The congregation currently has a contract agreement with Pastor Steve Moberg of Peever Lutheran Church for part time services.
As far as can be ascertained, the Wilmot Lutheran Church is the oldest congregation in Roberts County.
The above information was taken from "Celebrating 125 Years" the History of Wilmot, South Dakota 1881-2006 for their 125th Anniversary. For more details, please refer to this publication.
