Rev. J. H. L. Bohnhoff, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Valley City, held services in the homes of the members of the Lutheran faith in Sanborn from 1895 through 1897, and in a school house south of Sanborn during the summer months of 1898, returning to they Sanborn homes during the winter of 1898, and later.
In 1905 services were held in the St. Peter's Lutheran Church and continued in this manner through 1940, when the St. Paul's Congregation purchased the St. Peter's church building. New pews and a redecorating took place, and on December 14, 1941 the dedication services were held by Rev. Bohnhoff, assisted by Dr. William F. Schmitt of Concordia College. At the time of dedication, twenty-six families comprised the congregation.
The Rev. Bohnhoff served this congregation for forty-eight years, preaching his last sermon on July 12, 1943. He passed away September 4, 1943.
On May 15, St. Paul's and St. Peter's merged, forming Our Savior's United Lutheran Church, affiliated with the American Lutheran Synod. A special service in recognition of the merger was held July 9, 1950.
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1903, the first service being held at the Sanborn Hotel. In November, the "Little White Church" was purchased and in December, a charter was issued to the newly organized body. Services were held in this church until 1940, when the Sanborn Bank building was purchased and remodeled to utilize the upstairs and the basement. The old church was sold to the St. Paul's congregation. In 1950 a merger was affected with St. Paul's and plans for a new church formulated. Dedication of the new church took place August 24, 1952. The notes of indebtedness were burned December 4, 1966.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 300