The Swedish Baptist church of Arthur was organized on the 25th day of October, 1885, with sixteen members. I am not able to give the names of all of the charter members and so will refrain from mentioning any. They had all been members of the mother church at Kiron, retaining their membership after moving to Arthur until they thought they had a large enough number to open up a church in their new home. They then applied for the privilege of organizing the new church and their request was granted and the articles of faith adopted, which were the same as those of the Kiron church.

During the year 1887 a church building was erected, H. Hallander donating two acres of land for the site. During the year 1905 the building was improved by being raised four feet and a new basement finished under the entire building, which included furnace equipment. There is also a nice parsonage at the present time and all of the property is clear of debt.

The following pastors have served the church since its organization: H. Hollander, from 1885 to 1889; C. Almquist, C. J. Granquist, N. A. Lindblom, C. J. Almquist, second term; Andrew Swartz, A. Berglund, O. Lindblom, D. E. Peterson, A. Bergman, who died at his home in Arthur, and A. E. Carlson, who is pastor at the present time, the dates of each minister's pastorate not being available.

The membership of this church at the present time is one hundred and nineteen. Regular services have been conducted continuously since its organization and a Sunday school has been successfully carried on, H. Hallander being the first superintendent. Later Mr. Hans Levin acted as leader for many years and his labors ceased only at the call of death a few months ago.

Much more might be added concerning this church if the writer but possessed the facts and so many things probably of interest are left untold. The Ladies Aid society, however, has worked faithfully and regularly, paying in some money to missions and for other improvements, while many of the older members have moved away to other fields to labor for the Lord. May God's blessing rest upon this church as well as upon all who serve God.

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