About Pleasant Valley

A church family where Jesus is the most important person in the room.

Since 1895, Pleasant Valley Church has been leading people to encounter Jesus Christ in Winona, Minnesota. From Scandinavian immigrants worshipping in Norwegian to the multi-generational community we are today.

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A full lobby on a Sunday morning beneath the large JESUS letters on the wall.

Since 1895

Our story

In 1890, a small group of Norwegian and Swedish immigrant families began meeting in homes for prayer and Bible study. Five years later, on January 6, 1895, 28 of them officially organized as the Scandinavian Christian Congregation, the beginning of Pleasant Valley Church.

Our first church building was the Congregational Sunday School Chapel at Grand and Sarnia streets. Services were conducted in Norwegian until 1924. Initially, the congregation was unable to support a full-time pastor without the outside aid of The Congregational Home Missionary Society, which provided aid for many years until the church was able to be self-supporting.

Over the years, Pleasant Valley has had many different names, looks, and locations, but the Christ-centered mission has never changed. Today Pleasant Valley is a multi-generational, EFCA-affiliated church family where people from every background discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus.

Our history

Over 130 years of faith in Winona.

From an immigrant prayer meeting to a multi-generational church family. Many names, looks and locations; the same Christ-centered mission.

1890
Prayer meetings in living rooms
About 26 Norwegian and Swedish immigrant families begin meeting in homes across Winona for prayer and Bible study. Homes listed in the early records include those of O.C. Loken, J.A. Loken, O.P. Monson, Axel M. Bard, R. Nelson, John Nelson, and Oscar Tillman.
1895
Scandinavian Christian Congregation
On January 6, 28 members officially organize as the Scandinavian Christian Congregation. Their first home is the Lakeside Mission chapel at Grand and Sarnia streets, a building erected in 1883 by the First Congregational Church. All services are conducted in Norwegian.
Early congregation gathered on the steps of Lakeside Church
1924
English transition
After nearly 30 years of Norwegian-language services, the congregation begins worshipping in English, reflecting the community’s growing roots in American life.
Early youth group of the church
1935
First building expansion
Through the generous gifts of the F.S. Bells, the church building is enlarged with a recreation room, lower auditorium with kitchen, and an attached garage.
1957
Lakeside Evangelical Free Church
In 1956, the relationship with the Congregational denomination is severed. Under the influence of pastor Rev. Benjamin Lundstrom, a past district superintendent in the Free Church, an affiliation with the Evangelical Free Church of America is initiated. The church is officially re-named Lakeside Evangelical Free Church in 1957.
Lakeside Church building at Grand and Sarnia streets in winter
1971
Pleasant Valley is born
In 1968, 3½ acres are purchased in Pleasant Valley. The Lakeside building and parsonage are sold, and the congregation worships at Lincoln Elementary School while the new facility is built. Ground is broken in April 1970, and on March 5, 1971, the first worship service is held. The building is dedicated on August 8, 1971, and the name officially changes to Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church.
1983
A season of renewal
Kevin Kompelien begins serving as senior pastor, leading the church through a season of reconciliation and growth. Under his leadership, the church grows to two morning services by 1986 and three services by 1995. He later becomes the sixth president of the EFCA.
2016
Building expansion
A $3 million renovation adds 7,000 square feet to the church, including a new lobby, cafe, indoor playground, and updated worship technology.
Today
Every generation
Under the leadership of Pastor Chad Ellenburg, Pleasant Valley continues its 130-year mission: every generation made alive in Jesus Christ.