Pastor Dummann is the new pastor for Faith Lutheran Church in New Ulm. He was officially installed as the Pastor, Sunday, March 30.

NEW ULM – On Sunday, March 30 Pastor George Dummann was officially installed at Faith Lutheran Church’s new pastor.

Dummann had served the church on an interim basis since last May, but will now serve as the church pastor.

Dummann grew up in Summit, South Dakota, a small town north of Watertown. His family were dairy farmers and both were involved with the church. Both taught Sunday school on and off and his mother use to play the organ. Dummann also had an uncle who served as a pastor.

From a young age, Dumann was encouraged to enter the church’s service. His pastor and his grandfather convinced him to attend school to become a pastor.

“I thought I would try it out,” he said. He attended college and seminary school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. During his time in school, his interest in the church grew.

“You get really interested in all the material,” he said. “Also the church was in need of pastors.”

He graduated from the seminary in 1998. Soon after he was called to a congregation in Valentine, Nebraska. After a few years, he served at multiple churches in north central South Dakota for 10 years. In 2014, Dummann was called to serve the church in Eagle Lake, Minnesota and has remained here ever since.

Dummann met his wife Rosemary in 2016. He actually met her at a wedding reception for which he served as the officiant. The two married in 2018 and have two children; 4-year-old Josie and 2-year-old Paul.

Last May, Faith Lutheran in New Ulm was in need of a pastor and Dummann agreed to fill in as an interim pastor in addition to his duties at Eagle Lake. However, the New Ulm church board decided they needed a more permanent replacement and voted to have him serve as the pastor for Faith Lutheran as well.

Dummann explained that on Sundays, he drives back and forth between the churches, delivering a 9 a.m. service in New Ulm and 11 a.m. service in Eagle Lake. In the last year, he has logged many hours driving between the communities, but said he was blessed by a mild winter.

“Thankfully we have not had a lot of bad snow this last winter,” Dumman said.

Dummann took over as a shared pastor between the two churches a few weeks before Easter, during the heart of Lent season. He said it was an excited time to take over. His installation service on March 30 was a big event attended by pastors from around the region.

Dummann said he is excited to be part of the New Ulm and Eagle Lake communities.

“I enjoy getting to know people on a personal level and help them with what they are dealing with life,” he said. “It is a blessing to get to know them. There are a lot of ways to help people and that’s always enjoyable.”