Near Stoughton in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Bovre Congregation

1860-1887

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

1. Bovre Congregation Marker

Inscription. "Now may the Lord bless this step which we have taken not out of a desire for discord and dissuasion but compelled by the voice of our conscience." With this prayer on their lips, six families met at Lars Bovre's farm on June 22, 1860 to organize the Bovre Congregation, Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. They had separated themselves from the West Koshkonong Church because of disagreements on significant issues of doctrine and pastoral matters. This marker commemorates their courage in taking action based on their avowed principles.

They built their church and platted a cemetery in 1864 in Pleasant Springs Township on land purchased from Lars Bovre. Membership increased to about 50, including T.G. Mandt (Mandt Wagon Works, Stoughton) and the parents of John A. Johnson (Gisholt Machine Co., Madison). In 1887, because of declining membership, Bovre Congregation merged with First Lutheran Church in Stoughton.

Erected 1988 by the Dane County Historical Society and the Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society. (Marker Number 25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1932.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

42° 57.769′ N, 89° 10.833′ W. Marker is near Stoughton, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of County Highway B and Spring Road, on the right when traveling east on County Highway B. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stoughton WI 53589, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Robert Marion La Follette, Sr. (approx. 2.1 miles away); West Koshkonong Lutheran Congregation (approx. 2.3 miles away); East Park Historic District (approx. 3½ miles away); Main Street Historic District (approx. 3.7 miles away); Stoughton (approx. 3.9 miles away); Seasons of Fish Camp (approx. 4.4 miles away); Carp for sale (approx. 4.4 miles away); Too many carp (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stoughton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are markers that mention John A. Johnson.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

2. Bovre Congregation Marker

The view looking east on County B.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

3. Bovre Congregation Marker

The Johnson gravestone is on the right.

Johnson Gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

4. Johnson Gravestone

The nearby gravestone, which is apparently for the parents of John A. Johnson mentioned on the marker, reads "Anders Johnson, originally from Gisholt & Skibsnes, Norway, Born 1804 - Died Nov. 27, 1880, and his wife, Aaste, Born 1808 - Died May 19, 1893, Came to America 1844."

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 936 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on October 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.