"...Rev. Halvor Jennson, who was a pioneer pastor all his life. Norwegian born and a graduate of Hamar Seminary in Norway, he took his theological examination at Augsburg Seminary, in Minneapolis and was ordained into the holy ministry. For a time he was professor at the Bible School in Belgrade, Minn., and later in Grand Forks, N.D. He decided to homestead in Northern Minnesota. The familly brought along all household supplies and four cows, one of which drowned in a creek. They were delayed a year in Bemidji by the serious illness of Mrs. Jennson. It was that year that one of the boys was born. The family stayed on the homestead north and east walking thru the woods, bringing the blessings of gospel preaching to about the time he was lost in the woods. He had lost all sense of direction and was totally bewildered. Instead of becoming panic stricken, which would have been natural, as a true man of God he knelt and prayed that God guide him. As he arose from his knees and started walking he found a shack. His shoes were frozen on his feet and he suffered from exposure but his life was saved. For several years he worked in western South Dakota, with headquarters in Rapid City. His territory included Philip and Hilland, where my husband's father was homesteading at the time. Sometimes he came by train and was met by his parishioners, but often he drove his faithful pony.
Rev. Jennson died in March 1933, at the age of 75, at Rainy River, Ontario, Canada where he helped organize churches, schools, roads, mail route and post office. His widow lives there now with her sons, thirteen miles from town, mail, telephone." Koochiching Chronicle. Koochiching County Historical Society Newsletter August 1993: Volume 19, No. 6 From Our Archives.