In response to the Canadian
Government's offer of homestead land to prospective immigrants, many settlers
began arriving in this area, near the turn of the century. These people
were largely of Norwegian descent and Lutheran background.
Almost as soon as they
had built their homes, they would gather for Divine Worship. Reverand Bersvend
Anderson (see Bardo Lutheran Church) held many of these services in the
Olaus Olson home.
As was so often the case,
the ladies of the district took the initiative. They organized a Ladies'
Aid in 1904, and met the second thursday of each month. The devotions
were usually led by the pastor. The first was Rev. A.E. Hanson. The first
officers elected were Mrs. Halvor Nomeland , Mrs. Olaus Olson, Mrs. Halvor
Bjorge, and Miss Julia Johnson. The women busied themselves by making all
kinds of fancy work, clothing and quilts. These were auctioned off at the
annual picnic and sale. With the proceeds many church related projects
were financed.
Bethlehem Norwegian Evangelical
Lutheran Church was organized in 1905. The first officers were: President
M. P. Fuglem; Vice President Andrew Johnson;Secretary , Olaus Olson; Trustees,
Thore Throndson, Erick Severson, Ole Berge; Deacons, John Slind, Andrew
Johnson, Jacob Danielson.
Meeting places were in
the Throndson and Pretty Hill Schools and Fridhem Church. The charter
members were : M. Fuglem , S. Kringen, O. and E. Severson, Olaus Olson,
N. Dahl, T. Throndson, H. Lomnes, O.B. Olson, J. Danielson , H. Hovelson,
J. Slind and other families.
In 1908 it was decided
to build a church and cemetery, if the Ladies Aid would contribute five
hundred and fifty dollars . A four acre site was chosen on a high level
of land on the northeast corner of the N.E. 1/4 of 23-48-20-W4. In 1910
it was built on a foundation of cracked rock and cement, 28 ft. x46 ft.
with 16 ft. walls . The vestibule was 10 ft. x 10 ft. with a tall steeple.
This was a landmark in the district and could be seen for many miles. It
was known as , " The little White Church on the Hill".
It took several years
to complete and furnish the buiding . The heat was supplied by a
big stove, with long pipes which also helped heat the building. On cold
days we sat as close to the stove as possible. You'd roast on one side
and freeze on the other!
Improvements were made
over the years . Plastering the walls, v- joint ceiling, alter ring and
furnishing. The alter picture showing Jesus knocking at the door , was
painted by Hoyme. Good pews were also added.
The young People's Society
was organized in 1916. Charter members were : Tilda Olson , Adolph , Sigvald,
and Lillie Slind, Martin and
Dick Olson, Milo and Pat Fuglem, John and Josephine Johnson, Clara Hovelson,
Clara, Petra, and Pauline Kringen, Lydia , Conrad, and Harold Scotvald,
Pauline Foer, Haddon Bronnum, and John Nelson. This organization under
changing names carried on as an important mission all the years of Bethlehem's
existance. It was really " family oriented" , serving all the congregation
. The monthly programs were well planned and attended , making use of all
the talent available. There were songs by the choir, quartettes,
duets, readings, recitations, and many presentations. The pastor would
have a short sermon.
The highlight of the year
was theChristmas Program with the Sunday School . There were special musical
presentations such as Easter and Christmas Contatas. At times , singers
from the community would come and we'd present a Contata by a mass
choir.
In his time, Albert Kringen
was the main director . Later, Orpha was piano accompanist and leader.
Financial help was given to several projects over the years.
Christian education for
the children was given great importance. Services were irregular those
years due to drifted roads and other conditions . Heating the church
Sunday by Sunday wasn't practical . Parochial School was held for one month
during summer holidays. This , together with teaching by their parents
, gave the children their religious education . Some of the children took
their confirmation instruction at Scandia.
In 1939, this congregation
joined Scandia and St. Joseph in forming the Armena Lutheran Parish.
In 1947 a major renovating
project was tackled . The rock foundation and dirt was removed and
replaced by a basement under the church, with a side entrance, front entry,
and library. The slanting " Opera" floor was raised and made level, giving
more head room in the basement. The inside was painted and the church was
ready for Christmas services.
In
1948 Bethlehem hosted the Camrose Circuit Convention . At this time there
was a service of dedication for the basement and a new cornerstone was
laid.
Other special projects
along the way have been the finishing of the basement and kitchen fascilities.
The first electric power was supplied by a home built 110 volt generator.
Later on , Calgary Power was available and a coal stoker purchased. The
ladies soon had an electric stove.
The 50th anniversary was
celebrated on August 17,1955.
Bethlehem Church was completely
destroyed by fire of unknown origin in the early morning of Friday , March
13, 1970. Only the chimney was left standing.
The pastors who served
throughout the years were Bersvend Anderson and A.E. Hanson prior to organizing.
Then came:
T.T.
Hanson
1905-1911
C. L. Jothen
1911-1914
A.H. Solheim
1915-1927
N.N. Carlson
1930-1937
H.H. Solheim
1937-1939
S.J. Rude
1939-1945
R.O. Olson
1945-1951
J.H. Rostad
1951-1956
R. N. Nostbakken
1956-1957
H.O. Holte
1957-1963
H. G. Frostad
1964-1967
O. Pedersen
1967-1969
H. Lovrod
1969-1970
A Cemetery Association
was formed to operate and maintain the cemetery . A contractor was hired
to build a chain link fence to enclose the grounds . A suitable sign was
erected in the cemetery and a stone marker on the site of the church. Pastor
Lovrod's service of dedication on September 13, 1970 closed with "This
is the end of an era, not a failure on the part of the congregation , but
rather , 'Mission accomplished'" .
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1905-1998 |
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