Text from http://byways.org/explore/byways/16406/places/37720"
The town of Preston originated as a rural post office established on June 14, 1895 by Charles J. O. Jacobson in his country store. Preston is an Old English name meaning "from the domain of the church."
Preston's name reflects the devout Lutheran belief of its immigrant settlers. Even as they were beginning to build their houses and farms, the settlers gathered together to practice their religion. The Preston congregation was organized in 1881 by the Reverend Johannes D. Bothne, a young Lutheran missionary.
The original church, built in 1898, burned down in 1953. By midsummer that same year, volunteers had reconstructed a shell and basement. Services were held in the basement until the new church building was completed in 1956.