Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1916-07-12
CHURCH FESTIVAL
IS MEMORABLE
lutherans at Norway Lake Gel.
citrate Fiftieth Year Since
First Organization.

Sunday, July 2, was a bright, beau
tiful morning, roads were good and
everything pointed to pleasure; even
nature with the green fields and
grass and flowers along the roadside
seemed to be dressed in holiday at
tire to salute the passersby. The roads
in all directions gave an appearance
Of a regular moving picture with all
kinds Of rigs running on wheels from
the most stylish automobile to the old
style pioneer wagon, all vending their
way towards the south side Of Ole
knutson's grove where were spied in
long distance, three large tents pitch
ed on the very ground where stood
the little old log church erected by the
sturdy pioneers fifty years ago, the
first Norwegian Lutheran church in
Kandiyohi county. The place looking
as familiar as ever; even the birds in
the forest sang the same songs they
did fifty years ago, joining in harmony
with the fifty years jubilee which was
the object and the aim Of the large
gathering by the several Norwegian
Lutheran congregations that morning
At about 10:3 80 a. M, it was estimated
that about fifteen hundred people had
ternOOn, the estimate was over two
Kandiyohi county. The place looked
thousand
At 1880 the meeting was opened
by the selection of a song by the choir
after which Rev. L. P. Torkveem de-
livered a very impressive morning
sermon. After this service, free din
ner was served by the ladies'. At the
noon recess the large gathering en-
jOyed some excellent music by the
Sunburg band and pictures were TAX
en- of the groups by Elkjer of Willmar
and Merryman Of KerkhOven.
Afternoon session was called to or
der by Rev. N. J. Mus. Old Settlers
from 1862 to 1865 were called upon
to take places provided for them on
the platform, those responding were
Ole Knudson, E. 0. Glesne, Erick Paul
son, Hans Peterson, Mrs. Nels Pet
terson, Johannes Halvorson, Ole Hal
vorson and Peter Broberg.
Besides the local ministers present,
the Reverends John and Rudolph Fjel-
stad, L. P. Torkveen, Jas. Halvorson,
T. O.. Tolo, Bjorgo, B. S. J. Sund and
D. C. Jordahl, were also in attend
ance. After selection by the choir,
the meeting proceeded with speeches
by Reverends Jas. Halvorson, .. c.
Jordahl and Hon. l.. O. Thorpe.
An evening session for the Young
Peoples Society was set for eight o..
clock with the Revs. John and Ru-
dolph Fjelstad as speakers. Benedic-
ton was pronounced and meeting ad-
journed until Monday morning.
Monday morning, July 3rd, owing
to a heavy rainfall Sunday night, the
meeting planned for the previous eve
ming had to be postponed until later
date. This meeting was opened by
Rev. Rudolph Fjelstad who led in
prayer after song by the audience.
The meeting organized by the election
| of Rev. D. G. Jordahl as chairman OF
the meeting, G. Stene, corresponding
and S. Hatlestad i'm Norwegian.
Discussion for the day was Matt
2S:1S-21. Introduced by Rev. John
Fjelstad. Those partaking in this dis.
cussion were Revs. D. c. Jordahl, T
O. Tolo, Rudolph Fjelstad and Bjorgo
A letter was read by Rev. Mus from
Prof. H. G. Stub announcing his in
ability to be present at this meeting
on account Of illness whereupon in
struction was given the chairman tc
send an answer of regret and hope
for a speedy recovery.
Rev. B. S. J. Sund made very gooG
speech at this session.
Meeting adjourned until Tuesday
morning.
Tuesday morning, July 4th. Song
by the choir, America. Speech by
Rev. Jas. Halvorson on "DeclaratiO1
Of independence and Loyalty to the
Country" in the English language
Speech was made by Melvin Hauge
on the Immigration of Norwegians
from the little Norway to our coun
try, the land of plenty, their heroic
work and loyalty to their country
both in church as we'll as upbuildine
Of home and country in the Norweg
ian language. Speech was made by
Rev. Bjorgo on Liberty" in the Eng
fish language.
Meeting adjourned until 100 p. m.
Afternoon session opened at 1:3t
p. M, by song of the choir, "Vol
Gud han er saa fast en- Borg" A tall
was made in English by Missionar,
John Fjelstad, his subject being "Tht
Young Peoples Society,"" after which
Rev. Rudolph F'jelstad gave very in
structive and interesting talk to tn
young people.
An offering was taken for the mis-
sion to the amount of $267.47.
The local ministers as we'll as Wis
iting ministers exchanged thanks an
expressing their joy and Happiness
over the harmonious and good meet
ing they had enjoyed.
This concluded the Norway LAX
Jubilee Of fifty years with not a wor
Of misunderstanding in religion o
| creed. Three days work with goo
\ understanding and harmony the prt
j vailing element. Those present wi
never forget the Norway Lake FIT
/ Years Jubilee of the several Norwet
| Ian Lutheran churches, held at No
| way Lake July 2, and 4, 1916.
/ Benediction by Rev. D. G. Jordal
/ closed the meetings.
\ GABRIEL sTENE,
Il Secretary.
P. S.:The remains of about thirt
OF the pioneers are now resting III
der the sod on this very spot. TT
. tearing down and removing of the Il
tie log church, the first Norwegia
Lutheran church in Kandiyohi count
from this place is sadly to be regre