In 1878 an influx of Norwegian settlers began to be, felt in the Sheyenne River Valley and the Lutheran Church sent one Reverend Nils Forde to take care of their religious desires. A true missionary pastor, Rev. Forde was instrumental in beginning a number of Lutheran parishes between Valley City and Lisbon.
There are indications that a Rev. Louis Hill, a Danish Lutheran pastor, spent some time between Lisbon and Valley City.
It is certain that a church was not organized prior to 1880, and there are no records of the actual date of the organization of the original church called, "Stien Evangelical Lutheran Congregation." In 1893 land was donated by Ingebret and Maria Aas for a church, and a church was built in 1897 - finished inside by 1900 - new pews 1901 - an organ in 1919. Substantial improvements have been made over the years but with the decline in farm population and other factors, the church is now closed, used only for special occasions.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 302