Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-09-03
With SONGS And PRAISE
THE UNITEDLUTHERANS HAVE
POSSESSION HERE
La Crosse Circuit League Holds Big
and Enjoyable Two-Day
Convention

One of the largest and finest gather
ings Viroqua has experienced for some
time was that of the Young Peoples
League of the Lacrosse circuit for the
United Norwegian Lutherans, which
held its first annual convention in this
city on Saturday and Sunday last And
there came from the surrounding cities,
villsges and country districts young and
old, making il more than a representa-
tive gathering. Delegates and visitors
were entertained by citizens and all en-
Joyed the hospitality extended. Sun
days dinner taxed the capacity of the
church dining basement and the ability
of ladies of the congregation to pro-
vide for the vast assemblage that was
fed and cared for.
AT all sessions held in the United
church there was not room to accom-
modate the people, the Methodist tab
ernacle being resorted to. Convention
delegates numbered fifty and the Choir
al Union had eighty singers, which pro-
duced inspiring music in both Norwe-
gian and English.
This first convention was a success
from opening to close, giving inspira-
ton apd assuring future stimulous for
the league. 1t was certainly a pleas
ure to Viroqus people to entertain ard
have with them gathering so repre-
sentative of the religious denomination
and the numerous powerful choirs. To
the interchangeable efforts of Pastor Hof-
stead is due, in great measure, the
success of inaugurating this society,
and entertainment Of the crowds.
One who was present during all the
session, furnishes the CENSOR with the
following facts: The business session
was opened at four o'clock on Saturday.
The constitution of the league was
adopted and following officers elected
President, Rev. E. o. Hofstesd; vice.,
president, VIM. Larson; secretary, Rev.
o. 0. Sovde; treasurer, Rev. Alfred
Forness.
Saturday evening session opened with
sermon of Rev. Alfred Forness of
Winona. Three primary facts of The
Christ Followers were emphasized, viz:
God, work and prayer. The Viroqua
choir sang: 4 Will Lift Up Mine Eyes.
Rev. E. o. HOfstead gave an address
of welcome, to which Rev. o. o. Sovde
responded After the program q re-
ception was given the delegates and
visitors.
On Sunday morning Rev. S. o. Rou-
destvedt of Westby, conducted service
in Norwegian language. His sermon
centered about the fact that life is a
troubled sea; there is but one who can
guide safely through this trouble and
that is Christ. An offering of $50 Sc
was.taken up TO help defray the league
expenses
At 2:30 the convention met in the
tabernacle, where Rev. o. G. u. Siljan
of Msdjson delivered tire convention ad-
dress ibis theme being 1.-The practical
Bearing of Chrigtipni.y.ii Both the
La Crosse ana UTICA cnolrs favored the
assembly with selections. Rev, r. An
derson addressed the audience on cheer
fitness in christianity. In the evening
a sacred concert was rendered. The
Choral Union, consisting of choirs from
congregations of the circuit was under
the able leadership of Mr.. VIM Larson.
The music was well rendered through
out. All were highly pleased, and ex-
pressed satisfaction even being inspir-
ed by the power and harmony of the
singing. Addresses were given by
Revs. NJ Finstad, o. o. Sovde and
closing remarks by Rev. E. o. Hofstead.
Miss Bessie Holland sang in pleasing
manner "Hold TLod My Hand