Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1922-08-21
DANISH CHURCH
CELEBRATION
Fiftieth Anniversary of St.
Stephens Lutheran OBJ
served Here Yesterday
AN ALL-DAY JUBILEE
Former Pastors Here for Me-
mortal Service special
Music Big Feature

In honor of the fiftieth anniver-
sary OF the founding of the institu-
ton the members of the congrega-
ton of st. stephens Danish Luth-
eran church held an all-day memo
rial service and jubilee yesterday.
Included in the program were
special services in the morning and
at night, with sermons and address,
es by former pastors and Rev. Svend
kjaer, the present pastor: special
music by the church choir; lunch
and dinner served in the assembly
room, and series of automobile
trips during the afternoon.
Several hundred members of the
church and congregation participant
ed in the services and celebration
and the observance was entirely
successful from every standpoint. 1t
was a day of thanksgiving for the
past and bright prospects for the
future.
The morning program opened
with services in the church. started
by an organ prelude, Praise Ye
Jehovah" Rev. Ole Jacobsen, now
of st. Stephens, preached the SER
mon. Communion services followed
the sermon. with Rev. Mr.. Tarp-
gard, of New York, conducting the
ceremony. The choir sang an an
them.
At l o'clock dinner was served
In the basement of the church AID
in the afternoon the entire gathering
took a series of automobile trirs.
Those who did not have cars we're
transported by those who own ma
chimes. Rev. Svend Kjear delive:s d
an address after the dinner.
Supper was served at 6 and Rev.
Mr.. Jacobsen made an address of
congratulation to the members. The
assembled congregation sang fCsti-
va, songs.
Rev. Marius Anderson, of Brook
lyn, also a former pastor of st.
Stephens, preached the sermon at
the second memorial service, held
at 1880 o'clock. The choir rendered
the anthem, Love From Cod" A
social gathering was in order after
the service. Other former pastors
and prominent members of the
church made addresses of congratu-
lation. Professor Rolf Gunst sang
a vocal solo and the festival was
brought to a close with the singing
of the old Danish pilgrimage song,
"Dejliger Jordan" by the entire as
sembly.
st. Stephens came into existence
August 20, 1872. Rev. Soholm was
the first pastor. At that time the
struggling parish was unable TO
build a church and meetings were
held at the homes of various men,
bers.
From a mere handful the congre-
CATION grew rapidly and soon was
in shape to acquire a small building.
This grew inadequate for the needs
of the parish and the next step was
the construction of another build
ing at State and Broad streets.
Some years later that building
was sold and is now being used as a
school. The present structure at
101 Broad street was built in 1896,
together with the parsonage. From
the few families who once met in
their own homes to hold services.
St. Stephens church has reached a
membership in excess of 400 people.
A few of the founders are still alive
and active in church affairs.
following Rev. Mr.. Soholm at st.
Stephens were Rev. Rasmus Ander-
son, Rev. Mr.. Steenstrup. Rev. Ole
Jacobsen, Rev. Johannes Christia--
sen, Rev. Hans Hansen. Rev A.
Dorf and the present pastor, Rev.
Svend Kjaer. The pastorates rang
ed from two to ten years in length.
Rev. Mr.. Kjaer has been at St.
Stephens three years.
The members of the congregation
are jubilant over the successful
close of the first half century of the
institutions career and are optimis-
tic over its future. The church is IN
hourishing condition and the con-
gregation intends to continue its
progress.