Lester A. Pierson was the pastor for the Bethesda Lutheran Church from 1923-1933 and worked closely with the Iowa State College (University) community. He was active in the effort to build the Lutheran church at the corner of 7th and Kellogg Streets in Ames, which housed the Bethesda congregation until 1965 and is now the home of Ascension Lutheran. Pierson also served as president of the Students’ Pastors Association of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America (N.L.C.A) and was active with the Lutheran student population at Iowa State College (University).

This collection consists of correspondence, directories, a handbook, and a program. There are materials from Iowa State College (University) and the Bethesda Lutheran Church. Correspondence includes letters from Pierson to incoming Lutheran students at Iowa State College (University). Collection also contains materials relating to Mrs. Pierson, especially her involvement in the Ames Woman’s Club.