The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1924-10-10
Lutheran Pastor
Installed Sunday
Also Dedicate Luthei an PasScll~se.
Large Attendance

Last Sunday, October 5th was a
big day for the Lutherans OF this
community 1t witnessed the install
alton of Rev. A. ]. Gravdal, the local
Lutheran pastor, as pastor for the
congregations of First Lutheran
Church of Circle; Emmanuel Church
of Cow Creek and Bethlehem Church
of Sullivan, the three mission con-
gregatfons served by Rev. Gravdal
A joint service was conducted here,
members from all three congrega-
tions attending.
Although the weather was cool
and disagreeable in the morning, a
large number of members was pre-
sent, some coming in the neighbor-
hood of thirty miles, most of them
at least twenty miles.
Although Rev. Gravdal had served
this community for seven years
prior to his leaving here, two years
ago, no installation service had ever
been held which is the custom of
the church. Therefore now upon the
Reverend's return to again take up
the work on this mission field, Pre-
sident Skindlov, of the Rocky Noun
tain District promised to come and
conduct installation service at this
time. The President is man of
ability and delivered a masterful
sermon, which was greatly appre-
ciated by the large audience pre-
sent. The President made some
very appropriate personal remarks
dealing with Rev. Gravdaps work in
this field, and wished him . Gods
blessings to continue the good
work he and his faithful wife have
done in the past. He also asked and
urged all members to exert their
fullest cooperation and help of all
members in the work
The President also called attention
to the financial status of the church,
and urged more liberal support in
the future. The situation is such
that the local mission field is for
tunate to be able to have pastor
assigned here at all.
Following installation srvice a big
dinner was served at the church
basement, and this truly was some
feed.
Following the dinner dedication of
the fine new Lutheran parsonage
took place in the parsonage This
service also was in charge of Presi-
dent Skindlov who in a few well
chosen words dedicated the building
and lauded the members for the won
derful work done by members of the
lcal congregation in being able to
erect such fine home for their
pastor. AS is well known this was
accomplished through the wonderful
work of the Lutheran Ladies Aid,
who furnished the most of the
money. Local townspeople also help
ed give nice lift, and outside of
small loan the building is paid for,
costing approximately $27OOOO with
heating plant.
The services of the day were great
ly enjoyed by those present. At 3
P. M. the President accompanied by
Rev. Gravdal, left for Deer creek to
conduct installation service for Rev.
Davidson.
There was a deep feeling of re-
gret over the fact that Mrs GRAY
dal was unable to be present ow-
ing to the illness of their little baby.
President Skindlov is at present
on tour of the state of Montana in
the interest of the church, visiting
all mission congregations 1t is no
small task to be President of such
large district as the Rocky Noun
tain and he puts in many strenuous
days. AS for instance last Sunday
President Skindlov and Rev. Grav-
dal arose at 400 A. NJ eating
lunch and leaving Glendive at for
Circle, SO miles, arriving here before
nine. Conducting the two services
here they drove to Deer Creek, 80
miles, conducting installation SER
vices there, and then drove another
35 miles back to Glendive that night.
We merely mention this for the
benefit of folks back east who pos
sibly do not realize what hardships
pastors and servants in the mission
fields of Montana have to contend
with.