In 1876 the Jackson Lake Parish of Amboy was added to the Rapidan Parish. In 1921 the Lake Crystal and Butternut Parishes were added making a four-point parish.
As the years took their toll on the frame church on the hill overlooking the Rapidan Dam, interest arose in the possibility of building a new church on a new site. In January 1958 the congregation voted to begin making plans toward construction of a new church. In 1960 2 acres of land were purchased in the village of Rapidan. Ground was broken on April 12, 1964, and the cornerstone laying was on May 31, 1964. The new building was completed in 1964. In the late summer of 1965 with remorse and nostalgia for the historic landmark church of 90 years, the men of the congregation began the task of razing the old church building.
In 1874 the Ladies Aid Society was formed. The women of the early church provided cleaning of the church building, redecorated the sanctuary and basement, did knitting and sewing for the Red Cross and sponsored food sales, bazaars, a May picnic and 4th of July festivities. In the 1950s the church women started an annual Oyster Stew Supper. In the mid 1960s the Rapidan Creamery closed and their steamer could no longer be used to make the stew so the suppers were discontinued. Suppers that followed were a turkey supper and ham supper. The current women’s group, the CLCW, continues to sponsor different suppers, bake sales and activities.
Sunday School was organized in the early 1920s with Summer Bible School held from almost the beginning. Our Luther League formed in 1934. This group was formed as an opportunity for young people to gather and talk about church related topics. Meetings were held on the third Wednesday evening of each month. Luther League is a group that continues to meet to this day.
Acknowledgment: This history contains excerpts from the history written by Mrs. Evelyn Erickson in 1974
