River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-07-06
Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Rush River Luth eran
Synod Church.

The and of July, 1905, will long
be memorable day in the history
of Rush River congregation of the
Lutheran Synod church for that day
marked its 5oth anniversary. The
condition of the weather on that day
had been looked forward to with
some misgiving because of the APP
parent ease with which rain seems
to fall this summer, but the morning
broke bright and clear and continued
so throughout the day. AT 1890
o'clock a. n the spacious church, re-
Gently frescoed and beautified for the
occasion, was filled to OVERLOOKING
with those who wished to partici-
pate in this rare event. Among the
visitors present were Synod minis
tiers from neighboring calls, but
most conspicuous among visitors
were the venerable Reys. N. Brandt
and II. A. Stub, Sr., the former hav-
ing organized the Rush River con-
gregation on July II, 1855, while
the latter had visited the same in
1856.
The service opened with Rev. N.
Brandt at the altar, where, despite
his So years, he rendered the litur-
gical part Of the service with vigor
and command that would have done
credit to man much his junior.
Rev. Halfdan Nilsson of Mime
apolis delivered the principal sermon
of the day, in which he made pow
erful and eloquent appeal to all to
continue to build upon the word of
God alone, the cornerstone upon
which the Rush River congrega-
ton had rested so securely these past
so years.
Immediately after the sermon all
repaired to the beautiful parsonage
lawn where the ladies Of the con-
gregation had prepared bounteous
spread, sufficient for all demands.
The MONDAY hour, already delight
full, was further enlivened by several
overtures by the Martell band.
Following luncheon the vast audi
ence betook themselves again to the
church where the congregations
present pastor, M. Thorsen, who
has stood faithfully at his post for 81
years, gave historical sketch of the
most important events of the congre-
cation.
Rev. Thorsen was followed by
Revs. Brandt and Stub, the form
er taking the text upon which he
based the first dedicatory sermon to
this congregation 43 year ago.
Many of his then hearers were now
present and were powerfully remind
ed of the olden days by the living
presence of this pioneer in their re-
ligious work. Rev. Stub, 81 years
old, spoke with almost youthful fire
and enthusiasm of the time when
there was dearth of ministers of
the gospel among our Norwegian
Lutheran people, and how young
clergymen braved the hardships of
pioneer life to answer the call.
After this service the audience
again sought the shady lawn about
the parsonage and were treated to
eloquent informal speeches by the
Rev. Edward Thorsen of Manito-
woo and Rev. Rosenquist of Bald
win. One particularly beautiful
feature of the lawn gathering was
where the venerable Rev. M. Thor
sen gathered about him large
throng of his confrmants, some no
longer young, and led them in an
old hymn that he has been instru-
mental in impressing upon them all.
Interspersed with speech and song
were selections by the Martell Band.
This event was not only day of
grateful commemoration of the goth
anniversary of the Rush River con-
gregation, but joyous reunion of
many old friends from far and near
who had stood shoulder to shoulder
from the first in upbuilding the con-
gregation. When the slanting rays
of the setting sun warned the gather
ing that the day was nearly done, it
was with feeling of regret that
time had sped so quickly and that
all must go to their several homes.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
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