Old Westbrook Lutheran Church

Member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)

Michael Stangeland - Pastor

Location: 6 miles north, 4 1/2 miles east of Westbrook, MN

Mailing Address: 25280 368^TH Avenue, Westbrook, MN 56183

Phone: (507) 445-3189

Old Westbrook Lutheran Church is the oldest congregation in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was organized in 1870 by the Rev. John C. Jacobson. The first parsonage was built in 1878. The same year the congregation bought an old log school house, enlarged and repaired it, and began to use it for their "meeting house." A new church was built in 1883, and dedicated in 1884.

In 1970 Old Westbrook Lutheran Church celebrated its centennial. The original parsonage was moved to the church grounds and now serves as a museum.

During the 1990's there have been four pastors at Old Westbrook. Pastor Dale Moe and his family moved to Wisconsin in July of 1990. Following a short interim during which the Rev. Robert Daehlin served the congregation, Pastor Scott Chapman was called and served Old Westbrook and Highwater from December, 1990 until November, 1992.

The Rev. Mark Sallmen was installed as pastor in February, 1993 and served until January, 1997. Pastor Lloyd Tobiassen served as interim until May of 1998. At that time our current Pastor, Michael Stangeland arrived with his wife and three sons from Hancock, Minnesota.

The members of Old Westbrook are very proud of their heritage. The church continues to thrive as a rural congregation with much to offer its community. It hosts an annual 4th of July celebration which draws people from around the area. It also has a wonderful musical tradition with an active choir and other musical ensembles and soloists blessing us with their musical offering on a weekly basis. Our music is accompanied by a Pipe Organ built by Pastor Arthur O. Aadland in the late 60's.

If you are ever in the area, please stop in and enjoy our church and grounds, the museum, and the quiet of our beautiful rural setting.

Back to the Highwater and Old Westbrook Page

Photograph by Pastor Robert Daehlin