Historical Marker

Norse Seventh Day Adventist Church

Historical marker location:
710 CR 4155, Norse, Texas
( Take FM 2136 off Hwy 6 South, go appr 4 miles, then take CR 4155 for 1.6 miles, church is on left)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Norwegian immigrants moved to Bosque County when it was organized by the Texas legislature in 1854. Most came to Norwegian settlement, which was later named Norse. Two Evangelical Lutheran Churches, our Savior’s Lutheran and St. Olaf’s Kirke, served the people’s spiritual needs.

Ole T. Nystel and his family moved to the area in 1866. In 1867, he was captured by Comanche Indians near his home at age 14, and lived with them for three months. After being ransomed and returned, he was confirmed into the Lutheran Church. After A. W. Jensen, a Danish Seventh Day Adventist Evangelist, visited the area in 1880, Nystel was baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He and other converts organized the Norse S. D. A. Church on Feb. 23, 1880. The first meeting was held Jan. 10, 1881. Members built a small frame church on an acre of land out of the Thomas A. Graves survey, which J. O. Olsen deeded on Sep. 13, 1886, to the church’s general conference at Battle Creek, Michigan. On Apr. 23, 1904, A. E. Anderson deeded one-fifth of an acre to the general conference as a burial ground for church members. Among those interred are ole T. Nystel, his wife, Annie (Anderson), their son, Oscar, who died as a missionary in New Mexico in 1918, and their grandson, Walter Thomas Nystel, a marine killed in World War iiII.

The current structure replaced the first sanctuary and was dedicated on Mar. 8, 1913 by Elder Field and Elder Miller. Today it is the oldest standing Seventh Day Adventist Church in Texas. The congregation included a Sabbath School and made yearly offerings to missions as far away as Japan and korea. The last regular services held were Dec. 31, 1927. The congregation has held an annual homecoming since 1983

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas random facts
Bosque County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers began to explore the region in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to arrive in significant numbers.

In 1852, the Texas legislature formally established Bosque County, named after the Bosque River, which flows through the area. The county quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and brought increased connectivity to the area.

During the Civil War, Bosque County, like much of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. The county sent troops to fight under the Confederate banner, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, Bosque County faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas brought renewed prosperity to Bosque County. The oil industry brought investment and job opportunities, leading to a period of economic growth and development. Today, Bosque County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bosque County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Bosque County is created and organized, named after the Bosque River.
  • 1855 - Bosque County's first permanent settlement, Clifton, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - During the Civil War, Bosque County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Meridian, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1882 - The Waco and Northwestern Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1890s - Bosque County experiences an economic boom due to agriculture and the expansion of railroads.
  • 1905 - Meridian becomes the first community in central Texas to have electric lights.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
  • 1938 - The Civilian Conservation Corps builds Lake Whitney, a popular recreational site.
  • 1940s-1950s - Bosque County's population declines due to outmigration and agricultural changes.
  • 1990s - Bosque County experiences population growth and a revitalization of its downtown areas.
  • 2015 - Bosque County celebrates its 160th anniversary.