In 1884 the people of Nordmore township got together and organized a church by the name of Kvernes Lutheran Evangelical Church. The name Kvernes comes from Norway and means a quiet point of land where a church and cemetery were maintained for many years. The Nordmore church was patterned after this church in Norway.
At first the meetings were held in Nordmore No. 1 school. Some of the first members were T.A. Halaas, Sivert Roaldson, Olaus Gustad, and Arne Olson. In 1900 it was decided that it was necessary to build a church. It is located a mile and 1/2 north of Nordmore No. 2 school. The building was blown down in a severe storm in 1915. A new building was erected and dedicated in 1916. The first pastor was Rev. Thormodsgaard, who took office in 1886 and served for seven years. He often traveled between his congregations by ski.
Because the Sheyenne parish consisted of five churches scattered so far apart, it was decided to form a new parish. In December 1954 Kvernes and Stavanger of rural Cathay formed the new parish with the parsonage in New Rockford.
On March 12, 1961 on a Sunday afternoon the church burned to the ground. Everything was lost. The next evening the congregation met to make future plans. A decision was made to rebuild the church which was ready for use on July 23, 1961 and dedicated on November 19, 1961.
Ministers
O.A. Solem 1884
P.J. Reinerton 1885
H. Thorsmodgaard 1886 -1893
E. T. Quan 1894 -1908
0. J. Hungness 1909 -1937
M.T. Bratrud 1937 -1945
G.W. Mathre 1945-1949
H. V. Thorsen 1949 -1952
Fredricks Kramins 1952 -1953
K.S. Mickelson 1953 -1955
Donald Thoson 1955 -1959
Richard Erickson 1959 -1963
Arthur Ree 1964 -1965
Tom Gabrielson 1966 -1972
Gary Stangeland 1972 -1975
Walter Wolff 1975
The first person baptized in this organized congregation was Gilbert Roaldson, baptized by T.A. Haiaas.
The first marriage was E.T. Halaas and Eline Rusten in 1887.
The first funeral was Ole Silseth September 14, 1886 by Phyllis Gussiaas
Through the years, Kvernes has been a much-loved spiritual home and the heart of a fine community
The Rev. Halaas was ordained in the Kvernes Church.
In 1919 a group of 19 farm boys under the direction of John Kinder, another farmer, got together and formed a band. They met every Monday night at the various farm homes to practice for their performances at dances and special celebrations. During the winter some of the neighbors would come to listen to them practice. The band became an official organization after two years of existence with these officers: Harvey Kinsler, president
Torris Halaas, vice-president and manager
Clarence Anderson, secretary/treasurer and Perry Anderson, Band leader.
Money that was taken in was used to buy music and to hire an instructor, W.H. Dingle of New Rockford to give them some instructions in the art of music. The community was very proud of their band.
Members were: Perry Anderson, Dewey Anderson, Gene Anderson, Mike Anderson, Clarence Anderson, and "Plut" Anderson of Brantford
Carl Kinsler, Floyd Kinsler of Brantford
Lars Halaas, Harold Halaas, LaVerne Halaas, and Torris Halaas, of Carrington
Martin Hjelseth, Olaf Edwardson and B.F. Roush of Carrington.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 368