The original Round Lake Presbyterian Church was built in 1923, but it had been in the hopes and dreams of area pioneers since the early 1900's.

In 1903, about a dozen women known as the "Willing Workers" formed a sewing club which eventually developed into the Ladies Aid of the Round Lake Presbyterian Church. These women each gave voluntary contributions of fifty cents to purchase material and sewing supplies. The articles they made were sold and with the returns, more material was purchased for future sewing. In this way, a savings was slowly acquired. The group also organized basket socials, dances, quilt raffles, plays and other sponsored programs and picnics.

The ladies were concerned for the spiritual needs of themselves and their families and as a result, a Sunday school was organized. Over time, their mission became greater and the idea of a church building began to materialize, so the group went work to make their dream a reality.

Two acres of land had been donated for a cemetery near Round Lake in 1904 and the upkeep had been carried on by members of an association willing to purchase a lot. Eventually inquiries were made by the determined “Willing Workers” asking Pine Tree Mfg. Co. for a donation of land next to the cemetery, as this area seemed a suitable location for a building. The company willingly agreed to donate up to five acres, contingent on the church becoming affiliated with an official church denomination. Plans were soon made to affiliate with the Presbyterian Church.

With savings of $1000.00 and money borrowed in the sum of $700.00, building efforts began in the Spring of 1923. The Church’s first pastor, Reverend Elwyn Channer urged on the efforts, spending many hours in the actual construction of the building. Many volunteers from the church, as well as from neighboring communities and churches donated time, money and materials. Many willing hands and hearts made light work. And the church was dedicated in 1924.

The membership of the church was small enough that throughout the winter months, services were at times held in homes. In order to keep the building in repair, the ladies often went back to work raising funds. They planned bazaars, ice cream socials, rummage sales and other inventive fundraisers. Under the leadership of Reverend Herb Peters in the late 1960s, more funds were raised, and the church took on the task of constructing an addition to the building.

Over the years, the church stood in its peaceful setting among the pines to serve all who would come. Sunday services and Sunday school, funerals, weddings, cemetery clean-up days, Bible School and many social gatherings were held in that cherished location.

Then, on March 6, 1989 this spiritual landmark was destroyed by an arsonist who set fire to the church, burning it to the ground! Tragic though the loss was, the congregation felt they had lost their building, but not their church. The decision was made to rebuild.

Once again members and many friends banded together to reconstruct a place of worship in honor of our Lord. Many friends donated money, materials, and furniture to the cause.

After hours of labor, both contracted and volunteer, the beautiful new church was dedicated May 20, 1990.

The church is not the same as some “old timers” remember, but Round Lake Church was meant to be. There has always been a faithful few to keep it going, and it is quite evident that God wanted this church to be here. He has kept it alive! Lord willing, it will continue to be a friendly and caring place for God’s people to gather and worship.

Round Lake Presbyterian Church History was written by Clyde Nelson including an account by Hazel Sorenson This is a condensed version of that history. If you'd like to read the entire history, which was written for the dedication service on May 20, 1990 for the new church building that was built after the original burned down, you can download that here.