Community Events

Christmas Parade of Lights light parade that same year, with twelve entries. In subsequent years, the number of entries for our parade has maintained an average of To kick offthe Christmas holiday season in Greenbush, the Town thirty. & Country Club held their first Annual Parade of Lights in 1999. The 2004 Parade ofLights will be the "kick off" to the Greenbush In preparation for this parade, people from area businesses, organi­ Centennial. The Town & Country Club hopes that this event will zations, and families decorated flatbed trailers, tractors, snowmo­ continue to grow and prosper in the years to come. biles, and horse-drawn wagons; similar to floats in the Fourth of Submitted by Pat Haarstick. July parades, except for lights powered by generators or battery packs that become part of the design. Otter Tail Power Company Christmas Spirit of Decorating shuts off the lights on Main Street to enhance the effect. Prizes are awarded to the top three entries, along with a Mayor's Choice Trav­ Greenbush residents and visitors could see the community Christ­ eling Trophy. mas Spirit when our decorated village tree stood in the middle of the street, and lights crisscrossed the town. They could drive around and see many decorated homes. Officials had a hard time deter­ mining the lighting contest prizewinners. In 1965, the village tree in the center of town was decorated in red lights. The water tower was also decorated. In 1967, busi­ nesses began decorating, giving Greenbush even more ofa Christ­ mas feeling. The water tower, which could be seen for a distance, was again decorated. In 1968, the village tree was erected on the old post office lot and was decorated beautifully. Again, the businesses and homes were lovely. Now the village tree is placed next to the shelter building. The businesses and residents still express their Christmas Spirit by deco­ rating, and judges still find it difficult to choose winners of the lighting contest. Originally a project of the Association of Commerce, then spon­ Town & Country Parade of Lights entry. (photo courtesy o/Town & Country) sored by Town and Country, the lighting contest is now done by the In 1999,2000, and 2001, the parade was held in conjunction with Women ofToday. Santa Claus Day, on the first Saturday of December, following the Submitted Mary Ann Johnson. annual Tree-lighting Ceremony. Beginning in 2002, the Tree-light­ ing Ceremony and the Parade of Lights were moved to the Satur­ Circuses and Carnivals That Visited Greenbush day following Thanksgiving. In 'the inaugural year of 1999, the response was enthusiastic, with In 1920, the Rice Brothers World Toured Shows and trained ani­ thirty-eight participants and hundreds of spectators lining the pa­ mal exhibits came to Greenbush. They were under mammoth tents rade route. The entries were quite impressive for a town of our in the afternoon and evening in August. They had the smallest size; for example, Grand Forks, North Dakota, also held their first monkey to the biggest elephant, acrobatic exploits, graceful gym­ nasts, aerial artists, wire walkers, funny clowns, and trapeze per­ formers. Admission was free. The Big Tent Show, with a refined vaudeville and musical pro­ gram, was here in 1921. The Orton B. Circus Shows came to Greenbush in July of 1926 with horses doing leaping, high jumping and trick rides, troupe of trained dogs, and wild animals. A band opened the program before each performance. July 4,1929, found The Big Ole Vaudeville Show performing. In August of 1931, The Seils-Sterling Four Ring Wild Animal Circus and Garry Owens Big Wild West Show with the Glittering Oriental Pag'ent, and The Princess of Siam were in Greenbush. A carnival came to the Greenbush School in October of 1937 to help defray expenses connected with extra-curricular activities. In 1945, '49, '51, '52, and '53, the Art B. Thomas Shows and 2004 Winning Float in the Parade of Lights was Jeff's Super Service. (photo by Del Stordahl) Midway were here with acts featuring "The DeKohl Family," Jug­ 197 gling Jamboree, Allen and Lee, Flying Buddies, Virginia Lynn Dairymen's Holiday was held only two years, 1955 and 1956. Charmful chair balancing act, Alen's dogs, Caprious Canines, pup­ The Jay Gould Million Dollar Circus and carnival performed for pet acts, marionettes, Roy Barrett's Clowning, comedy dancers, two days. This circus and carnival came with high approval. There unicycle, pantomimed magic, horizontal bar, and trained pets. There also was a parade, and children who participated in it received a were lots ofrides for everyone, young and old. free carnival ride ticket. In 1950, three different circuses came to Greenbush. The first In 1955, Mayor M. W. Peterson declared a milking challenge to one, the Moris Brothers Carnival, was in for Sheep Days. Then the neighboring mayors. Then in 1956, there was a challenge for in July the Brandon Circus came with acts by Florens Troup, a high the local school superintendents to participate in the milking con­ wire act with four people executing difficult precision-type feats, test. rapid fire succession ofdances, and high jumping feats. Miss Grace Young ladies could enter a special coronation by helping to pro­ Sykes, aerialist, the Craigs, artists of the rolling globe, Lew mote Dairymen's Holiday and by selling buttons for the circus. The Henderson the greatest juggler, canine comedians, Zetta the trained coronation of the queen took place the last night of the circus. elephant, and many more outstanding features. This was sponsored Darlene (McDonald) Novacek was crowned in 1955 and Loretta by the Sheep Days Committee. TheAssociation ofCommerce spon­ (Dembiczak) Hendrickson in 1956. The buttons were required as sored the Art B. Thomas shows. admission to the circus. Local businesses also sold buttons. In July of 1955 and 1956 the Jay Gould's Congress of Riders A dance with music by Ray Lloyd and his orchestra was held at Carnival and Circus were here during the Dairyman's Holiday the Village Hall to top offthe evening. events. The Association ofCommerce was in charge of this project with In October of 1955, a carnival with a variety program based on local businesses donating their help. phases oflndian lore was played to a standing room only crowd at Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson Source: Tribune the school. A number of songs with an Indian theme was given by the high school girls' chorus with the eighth grade boys performing Easter Carnival a dance. There was a faculty skit with repeated howls of laughter as the love story of Pocahontas and John Rolfe unfolded. There The Greenbush Women of Today first sponsored the Easter Car­ was a homecoming parade with floats, the Greenbush Band, and nival in 1995 at FineTymes Supper Club in Greenbush. After a few Lake Bronson Band which included football players. years, event was moved to the Greenbush/Middle River School In 1959, the Midway ofFun Amusements with rides, shows, and Gym. concessions were uptown and ran for three days. Tickets were avail­ The Easter Egg Hunt, ECFE (Early Childhood & Family Educa­ able for purchase from the business places. tion) Craft Booth, coloring contest, and the Hop-A-Long Fundraiser . The Midway of Fun Carnival was in Greenbush for three days in are some ofthe activities that have been held at the carnival through­ 1963. Rides and shows were held on Main Street with prize draw­ out the years. The Easter Bunny visits each year to take pictures ings held throughout the day. Local merchants donated the prizes. with the kids and hand out Easter eggs, plus there are always plenty Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson Source: Tribune of fun games to enjoy.

Dairymen's Holiday

_ ... Tori Mekash and Maria Lorenson at Women ofToday Easter Carnival. (photo courtesy ofBecky Yeager) A cake walk and bake sale are also held with the funds benefiting different individuals or groups, such as the Greenbush Food Shelf or the Greenbush Area Friends of the Library. Thanks to volunteers from different organizations and church 1956 Dairymen's Holiday Queen Candidates Sponsored by local businesses: groups, ECFE, and monetary donations from the Greenbush Le­ Back: Darlene Novacek, Gina Reese, Barbara Lorbiecki, Joan Melby. Middle: gion and Jaycees, this community continues to grow each lone Wicklund, Ruby Paulson, Beverly SiUerud. Front: Joyce Sawyer, Wanda year. Pulczinskl, Marilyn Prosser (missing from photo Gilthvedt). The winner was Darlene Novacek. She was crowned by Loretta Hendrickson. (photo courtesy of Submitted by Angela Peterson and Mary Ann Johnson. Milt Sather) 198 Fourth of July Celebrations ers Exhibit; and the big Bowery dance was held in the evening. The 1929 celebration began with a concert performed by the On the Fourth ofJuly, in 1910, a large crowd gathered to hear the Greenbush Community Band. Following that, Paul Anderson de­ Honorable G. H. Mattson give a speech on patriotism. The crowd livered a speech. Next, there were contests, including foot races, a also enjoyed listening to many numbers that were played by the tug-of-war between the north and the south, a nail-driving compe­ Soler Comet Band. This band had been organized about a year tition for the ladies, and water fights. Then, the Greenbush band earlier by their director, P. B. Scott. Other entertainment included led everyone in a march to the big Ole Vaudeville show. The base­ bed races, a tug-of-war, sack races, greased pole climbing, and a ball game, in which Einar Johnson pitched and George Johnson baseball game between Greenbush and the Dewey Township boys. was catcher for Greenbush, was lost to Middle River. Other enter­ Although people had been anticipating the ascension of a hot-air tainment for the celebration that year included daylight fireworks, balloon, which had been advertised, it did not occur; instead, there movies, and the big Bowery dance. were a couple of clowns in an oxen-drawn buggy that made an For several years, there were no big celebrations in Greenbush, appearance! due mainly to World War II and so many people being preoccupied In 1919, the Karlstad Band led a morning parade in Greenbush. with that. Family gatherings, picnics, and perhaps some fishing, After the parade, three speakers presented a patriotic program: J. A. were common activities for people in the community during these Benards spoke about the events of 1776; Berge Olson spoke about times. the events of 1861-1865; Oscar Holt gave a speech on current events; In January of 1946, A. L. Dolney suggested that Greenbush should and music was played between each of the speeches. In the after­ have a 4th of July celebration once again, since the war had ended, noon, there were contests that included yard dashes, a barrel race, and our troops were coming home. He said, "Let's rejoice with tug-of-war, soldiers dressing race, and a baseball game. Evening them by putting on a great celebration. We'll ask the Community entertainment included greased pole climbing, a nail-driving con­ Club, and the whole community, to join in our efforts." test, and the big Bowery dance. From past celebrations to the present, the Greenbush community In 1920, there again was a parade, followed by a patriotic pro­ has been providing crowds of people with enjoyable activities on gram, band music, various contests, "moving pictures" (movies!), the 4th of July. In 1968, The Grand Ole Opry of Grygla, was part a baseball game, and the big Bowery dance. ofour festivities. Some years, the Fourth was on a Sunday, the churches would hold an ecumenical worship service. The Kiddie Parade, as a prelude to the big, main parade, has be­ come an annual event in recent years. Entries that have appeared in the parade for many years include: American Legion and Legion Auxiliary members, VFW members, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, floats in a wide variety of themes, fire trucks, old and new tractors, old cars, snowmobiles, and horses, to name a few. The following is a list of some activities that have taken place during Fourth ofJuly celebrations in Greenbush over the past years,

Greenbush Community Band playing at The July Fourth Celebration. .. (photo courtesy ofBarb Lorbiecki Horak)

With beautiful weather on the Fourth of July in 1925, the Greenbush Community Band, under the direction ofMr. Schelldorf, performed for thirty minutes. Mr. Chommie, from ThiefRiver Falls, gave a speech that emphasized the National DefenseTest. Follow­ ing the speech, there were contests, a baseball game, and a water fight. Many food stands were available for those who wanted some­ thing to eat. The band marched and led the way to the Shelly Broth­

Sack races during the Fourth of July. (Tribune photo) including some that have remained in current years: car races, demo­ lition derbies, horse racing, car shows, chili contests, dunking booths, pony rides, radio-controlled airplane shows, bingo, motocross rac­ ing, picnics, lunch stands, various contests for children, reunions, baseball games, golftoumaments, egg-catching contests, duck races, dart tournaments, and fireworks. Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson and Andrea Nelson Source: 4th of July Parade in 1925. (photo courtesy ofBarb Lorbiecki Horak) Greenbush Tribune and WOT Newsletters. 199 Halloween Parade. 1953-1956 Donations for the party come from residents, local businesses, and the Greenbush School. Every October, the orange "donation" From 1953 to 1956, the As­ cans are placed on the counters at local businesses so that everyone sociation of Commerce spon­ can help support the evening. sored a fun-filled Halloween On Halloween night, a variety ofgames are on hand for the kids afternoon and evening for the to enjoy. Some of the more popular games throughout the years elementary school students. have been the ring toss for pop, basketball throw, duck pond, ball Children dressed in Halloween throw, and golf. The games are run by businesses and organiza­ costumes, paraded from the tions with every participant receiving candy and prizes, whether school to Main Street and back they win or lose. to school again, where costumes Throughout the years, other fun activities and events such as the were judged and prizes were haunted house, movies in the Home-Ec room, dance, bingo, and a given. For example, in 1953, talent contest have been held. At one time, there was a booth where prizes were given for best­ you could receive a free engraved bracelet. dressed, most comical, and most original costumes. In 1954, prizes went to children in each elementary room who had the best, most comical, and most grotesque costumes. Fol­ lowing the costume judging, there was a party. Special ac­ tivities during the evening included free movies at the theater and roller skating at Smith's Pavilion. The same routine was followed each year of this event's exist­ ence, with only slight variations. For example, in 1954, the theater was showing a Roy Rogers movie, "Pals of the Golden West," on a Sunday afternoon, with roller skating at Smith's that afternoon and evening; another variation was in 1955, when the school band led the costumed children in their parade. The Association of Commerce was in charge of the safety of the children during each event, for the four years that they sponsored the event. Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson Source: Tribune Halloween costume prize winners in the five-year-old division were: Alyssa Dvergsten, fourth place; Megan Reese, third place; Jeffrey Schultz, second place; Halloween Party and Striker Hasson, first place. (photo courtesy ofThe Tribune) Costume judging has always been a big part ofthe evening. For The first Community Halloween party was at the Greenbush many years now, Maxine Penas has served as emcee with the help school in 1972. In the 1970s, there were stories of children who ofLinda Blumer backstage. Every child receives a monetary prize had received tainted fruit and candy items as treats. The idea for a for participating. cOnllnunity party was originated by two local Greenbush women, Refreshments, such as bars and coffee, are also available. For Shirley Pederson and Kay Pederson, who felt that by holding an many years, the cotton candy and fountain pop have been furnished indoor party the children could enjoy wearing costumes and re­ by Larry and Peggy Kruger. Popcorn has also been offered. ceiving treats while in a safe and warm environment. The evening Door prizes, donated by area businesses, are drawn throughout was a great success and continues on to this day. the evening and the Lion's Club is always on hand to give every Marlene Kjos and Kay Brazier coordinated the party in 1973 with child a balloon to take home. the help ofthe founders and many volunteers. Marlene worked on Greenbush was the first town in the area to introduce this type of the Halloween Party for over thirty years and served as coordinator community event. Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and or chairperson for eleven ofthose years. The job was then turned sponsors, it has remained a success throughout the years and has over to Twyla Wojchowski who acted as chairperson for nine years. become part of our culture here in Greenbush. Other coordinators have been the Mrs. Jaycees, Greenbush Women Submitted by Roxanne Kjos andAndrea Nelson. of Today, Darcy Hasson, Kathy Sovde, and Sandy Hall. Cassie . Stein currently serves as coordinator. In 2002, Girl Scout Troop Jaycee Harvest Festival #174 of Greenbush earned their Community Project Badge by as­ sisting with the organization of the party. . The reason the Jaycees started the Harvest Festival was to honor Community volunteerism is what has kept this Halloween cel­ our farmers. Labor Day weekend was chosen, as most farmers ebration alive throughout the years. Most of these people come would be done with their harvesting by then. . from the different organizations in town, such as the Lions, Jay­ In 1985, the first Harvest Festival was held on Main Street with cees, Town & Country, Greenbush Women of Today, 4-H, Fire­ over 400 attending the barbeque pork dinner in the afternoon and a men, and the Greenbush Area Friends of the Library. street dance in the evening. At the second festival in 1986, a few 200 changes were made. They added softball tournaments, a golf tour­ pate. They had the usual good times with contest tournaments, nament, ATV (all terrain vehicle) races, beverage garden, supper prizes, barbeque, and street dance. with barbeque lamb, turkey, and trimmings at the community cen­ In 1998, the fourteenth festival added a Bike-a-Thon, sponsored ter, dance on Main Street, and drawings throughout the day and by Women of Today, lunch, and a lucky buck contest. The 1999 evening. A Honda three-wheeler was given away. festival had Senior Citizens' sponsored bingo and added a Ma & Pa Every year the Jaycees tried to make the festival bigger and bet­ Slalom (lawnmower races with blindfolds and back seat drivers). ter. In 1988, they had an eight-team mixed doubles softball tourna­ The festival in 2000 brought motocross racing, a kiddie carnival, ment and a 24-team couples golftournament. They also served the bingo by the Girl Scout Cadettes and Boy Scouts, and other activi­ barbequed turkey dinner, had a beer garden, street dance, and prize ties. The seventeenth and final festival in 2001 remained about the drawings. The fifth festival brought a Miss Greenbush pageant, same as the others with fun, food, and music for everyone. along with the other activities. Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson and Linda Gieseke Source: Tri­ In 1990, the golftournament was changed to a 4-person scramble, bune dances at the American Legion and Supper Club, the Women of Today served barbeque turkey supper to over 300 people at the Kids'Week Legion, and the Senior Citizens sponsored bingo. There was also a street dance. Kids' Week is an event held annually in August that is promoted The seventh Harvest Festival started out with stock car races at by the Minnesota Women of Today. Chapters throughout Minne­ the Greenbush Race Park, and all the regular dances and prizes. sota are encouraged to sponsor events in their community to cel­ The beverage garden 'was held at the new shelter on Main Street ebrate family togetherness during this designated time. that the Jaycees had finished. A demolition derby was added, with The Greenbush Women ofToday (WOT) have found several ways the barbequeturkey dinner and street dance, also held at the shelter. to celebrate this special week. Some of the events that have been The eighth festival was the same. offered include a Back to School Bingo, Movie Night, Child ID In 1993, pony rides, a pie­ Clinic, Story Time at the Greenbush Public Library, and a "Build baking contest, pig roast, easy Your Own Sundae" dessert bar. A drawing has also been held at the listening music, and a DJ were end of the week for backpacks filled with school supplies. The added to the mix. Starting in WOT have also sponsored the St. Jude's Bike-a-Thon and a Floatie 1995, a kids' tractor pull, Night with door prizes at the Greenbush Pool. For the past few . "Little Mr. and Miss Farmer" years, there has also been a family picnic held at the park, followed . contest sponsored by the by games for the kids. Additionally, the WOT provide families Women ofToday, chalk draw­ with ideas ofhow to spend quality time together on nights when no ~ ing contest, glow in the dark activities are planned. necklaces, dunk tank by the All ofthese events are open to the entire conununity ofGreenbush -" Gator Wrestling Team, and as a way of celebrating family. minnow races were added for Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson and Angie Peterson. .'- lots of entertainment for the kids. There were also food Red Cross Fund Raiser stands, a pig roast, raffies, and street dance. In 1996, a bake The Red Cross provides assistance to people after disasters such sale and a dig for "Harvest as fires, floods, or storms, and others who are in need, as well as to Gold" were added. _. , The thirteenth festival in 1995 Little Mr and Miss Farmer _Nicholas 1997 was a special day for the Wilson and Maria Lorenson Jaycees as State Representa­ Wilson) tives were on hand to partici-

Pictured above is the Red Cross parade held May 1918, on the corner of Hill and Main. The Tribune office is located in the top left corner. At that time the building was the State Bank. The parade was followed by a ball and lunch. It was remarked in the paper as one of the prettiest events ever to take place in Greenbush. The Red Cross was formed in October 1917 with Mrs. G.l. Brandt as chairperson, Mrs. O.K. Grivi, vice-chairperson, H.A. von Rohr, treasurer Kids tractor pull winners: Courtney Evans, Nicholas Wilson, and Travis and Miss Ada Upson, secretary. (Submitted by Jerome Johnson, Strathcona, taken Schires. (photo courtesy ofDawn Wilson) from the Greenbush Tribune) 201 those serving our country in the military. When the National Red mas to give their customers more time to do their shopping. Cross requested help to raise funds during WWI, the local chapter In 1953, Santa and his helpers had a record year as they handed asked men and women to do their fair share in giving a helping out over six hundred forty bags of candy and apples. hand and donating to the cause. The national slogan was "Every In the late 1960s, the movies were shown at the Greenbush Le­ Adult is a Member." gion Hall and Santa would meet the kids at the village tree. Then, On May 20, 1918, the chapter sponsored a parade and a short in the 1970s, everything was moved to the Greenbush Community program presented by Paul Wallin. Music was provided by the Center. Haug Band, with outdoor singing by the community. Lunch was In 1984, Santa hosted a noon lunch for the children of the area. served at the Village Hall to help the local chapter raise funds. Afterwards, the children would sit on his lap to tell him what they In 1937, when the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys needed help dur­ wanted for Christmas and to take a picture with him. Bags ofgoodies ing a flood, the local Red Cross chapter sought donations, and asked were also handed out. donors to leave contributions with Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank) McGrath, The Women of Today added to Santa Days in 1985 by holding a or at the Tribune office. More than one hundred dollars was col­ Santa's Workshop with crafts, a bake sale, and a children's store. lected from Greenbush for the valleys' relief. In 1989, a turkey give away was held for those who registered at In 1940, the local Red Cross chapter sent donations for the Polish local businesses. Five turkeys were given away each week for three Relief Fund. In 1950, the Greenbush chapter was ninety members weeks. strong. And in 1953, the local chapter had a drive in which Mabel Horse and buggy rides have also been offered by Lucy Wiskow. (Mrs. W. 0.) Gordon, Clara (Mrs. L. 1.) Lorbiecki, Lou Vicia (Mrs. Volunteer Santa Clauses throughout the years have been Clifford Herbert) Reese, Nina (Mrs. Charles) Lund, Mary Erickson, Grace Heltne, Lowell Haug, Felix Gonshorowski, Bernard Gonshorowski, (Mrs. Elmer) Doran, Irene (Mrs. Louie E.) Allen, and Eva (Mrs. Larry Kern, Audrey Olson, and Todd Dufault. Ole) Braaten gave a helping hand. The county chairperson was Today, Santa Claus Day activities are still going strong. The craft happy with the hard work ofthese Greenbush women. sale is held throughout the day in the Legion. The children's store Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson Source: Greenbush Tribune and barbeque lunch are held in the Greenbush Community Center. Santa arrives in the afternoon, usually by horse and buggy, to take Santa Days pictures with the children and hear what they want for Christmas. All activities are sponsored by the Greenbush Women of Today Santa Days began back in 1949 as a way to treat the youngsters of with the goodie bags donated by the Greenbush Town and Country. the Greenbush Community. Free movies were shown for the chil­ Submitted byMaryAnn Johnson, AngiePeterson, andArlaineDuray dren at the Greenbush Theater until Santa arrived in the theater Source: Tribune lobby to out bags of candy, peanuts and apples. At one time, Santa Claus Day was on the last day ofschool before Sheep Days Christmas vacation. Children were let out of school to go uptown to meet Santa and receive a bag of candy and peanuts and then Tents were used for activities in 1939 when the Greenbush Farm went to see a movie at the show hall. After the movie, the children Bureau, with William Wilson as President, organized the first one­ were sent back to the school to meet the buses to go home. day Sheep Day. Henry Hess, from Greenbush, and Carl Spong, One memorable year, the children gathered at the depot to meet from Fargo, also assisted in organizing this event. Dr. Frank Bill­ Santa as he rode into town on the train. ings and William Morris from the University of Minnesota were invited to attend. Father Lemen, President ofthe Commercial Club, held a meeting with the businessmen and they voted enthusiasti­ cally to support the Sheep Day event with publicity and prizes. Under the direction of O. J. Pederson, the Greenbush Band pre­ sented two concerts, and the crowd gave high praise for the quality of their music. The State Fair Board showed considerable interest in the shearing contest and considered including this activity at the Minnesota State Fair. A large number of people from outside the area came to Greenbush for the event, and the merchants commented on the large crowd and the amount of trading that they did. It was decided in years to come that they should have a ram ex­ change, more sheep available, and more extensive demonstrations for everyone. Among the local farmers who cooperated in this ef­ fort were the Melby boys who furnished the shearing machine, and Ernest Stauffenecker who furnished extra sheep and lambs. In April 1940, it was stated in the St. Paul paper, The Farmer, that the State Fair would use the shearing competition pioneered in A Santa Day in Greenbush. (photo courtesy ofMilt Sather) Greenbush. This was very successful and became an annual event. As the years went by, Santa would be available by the village In 1943, everyone who registered was eligible to receive cash Christmas tree to listen to the children. Movies were then offered prizes that were drawn following the afternoon program. AnAbbott . in the morning for the children who lived in town and in the after­ & Costello movie was shown for women and children in the Hans noon for those who lived in the country. Haug building; this building was also used as headquarters. A big The stores in Greenbush stayed open in the evenings before Christ­ feature was the Beauty & Lamb Contest, in which a girl of high 202 school age or older could parade her lamb. Judging was based on Eighty to ninety cars went to the farms of Hess, Orner Olson, beauty, novelty ofcostume, and the way the lamb was glamorized. and James Lerum to gain knowledge about sheep . The The winner would be Queen ofSheep Day. Tommy Pederson wrote ladies ofthe American Legion Auxiliary served a delicious banquet and composed a song* about Greenbush that a quartet sang while to 40 members on Friday evening. Clarence Wollin called the meet­ Tommy accompanied them on the piano. To close the afternoon, ing to order and the policy of the organization was explained. On the Boy Scouts lowered the flag. Saturday, there were 4-H and FFAjudging contests. The band, un­ The theme for Sheep Day in 1945 was :Sheep, Clothe, & Feed der the direction ofTom Jones, entertained the audience after lunch. Our Fighting Men." There were various contests for young and old, numerous prizes given, and entertainment followed the con­ tests. The Chicago Flexible Shaft Company, as well as the editor and publisher of the Stock & Dairy Farmer, showed interest in the event. Several county agents and agriculture instructors collaborated in providing a booklet for this event in 1949. A state 4-H shearing contest was added, after which the champion would be sent to the national4-H shearing contest. 4-H members between the ages of 14 and 21 who wished to enter the contest received applications from the county agent. The newly organized Greenbush High School Band, under the direction of Thomas Jones, made an appearance; and the ninth district American Legion Band entertained the crowd, as well. It was a rainy day, but the event was well attended. Queen Lyla Larson and her attendants were escorted in a convertible that was furnished by Curtis Haugen and Axel Lieberg. Charles Snare entertained the crowd with his stunt flying. Two tents housed the exhibits of sheep and provided a covered spot for the meeting, as well as for the band concert. There was a dance in the evening. 1951 Sheep Days crowd. (photo courtesy ofDawn Wilson) Shearing was extended to two days in 1950. A special educa­ tional program with a sheep clinic was held. W. E. Morris from the In 1953, teams and individuals came from near and far to com­ University Farm in St. Paul conducted the clinic as well as the shear­ pete. There were junior shearing contests, fitting and showman­ contests. Professor Soine of Crookston, spoke on "Better Pas­ ship contests, judging contests by 4-Hand FFA members, and pre­ tures for Northern Minnesota." Carl Spong of Fargo, gave details sentations on sheep management and parasitology. There was a about bringing breeding ewes to Greenbush for Sheep Days. There baseball game, a talent show, and a street dance with music by Stan were sheep producers from South Dakota also in attendance. The Rose and his band. Morris Brothers Carnival entertained with rides and shows. When In 1954, a free shearing school, shearing contests, free movies, Mr. Colough presented an attractive walking cane to Henry Hess, and fencing demonstrations took place. A film on wool and a style in recognition ofhis time and effort contributed toward Sheep Days, show, presented by the Eager Beavers 4-H Club, were offered for the "Cane Award" became an annually awarded tradition. An hon­ the ladies in the Village Hall. The men elected as directors were ored person kept the cane until the next Sheep Day, when it was put Hess, Gordon Clow, VeriI Harder, Carl Spong, Norman on display and then passed along to another recipient. Anderson, Oscar Nelson, Mervin Milsten, Barney Anderson, and In 1951, the 13th annual Sheep Days was also a two-day event. R. F. Radway. Henry Hess was elected president.

Old Sheep Palace (photo courtesy ofOrin Green) A 40' x 120' wooden building, constructed under the supervision of Charles G. Johnson and his crew of nine men, was begun on November 9, 1954, and was completed on December 3rd. The sheep grounds had a permanent home after the "Sheep Palace" was built! Henry Hess, president of the Minnesota Sheep Palace Association, and Clarence Wollin, the local Sheep Day chairman, put a lot of time, energy, and effort into this project. Hundreds of Minnesota sheep producers were present for the 17th annual Greenbush Sheep Days in 1955 and used the newly constructed "Sheep Palace" for Oscar Green, Clarence Melby, niJ William Paulson. the first time. The men dedicated their new building and made (photo courtesy ofRoseau County Museum) good use ofit during two days ofinclement weather. They appreci­ 203 ated the fact that poor weather did not make it difficult for the shear­ where" to compete for cash as well as the first place title. There ing school, contests, or even for those who gathered to watch. were sidewalk, craft, and bake sales. Two new attractions were In 1956, a large crowd attended the activities. First place winner Little Bo Peep" contest and BAAA Bingo;-both were spon­ in the junior shearing contest was Darrol Melby, and Orin Green sored by Women of Today. Carl Spong, Grandfather of Min­ won second place. Savings bonds were given as prizes. nesota Sheep Days," a familiar figure for the past 49 years, was In 1968, the ladies of Blessed Sacrament Church served a deli­ honored. Carl presented a plaque to six-time shearing champion, cious lamb banquet. Colette Gonshorowski was top girl judge and Gary Reinhardt, of Fargo. . high individual winner. After being used for twenty years, strong winds blew the Sheep Palace down in July of 1975. By May of 1976, the Minnesota Sheep Producers Association and the City ofGreenbush had the frame for a new Sheep Palace under construction at the north end of town, and the building was ready in time for Sheep Days in June. Peggy Magnusson, Roseau, shared her experience of being at Nationals with a presentation entitled, It With Wool." A free noon meal was served downtown by the Civic & Commerce organiza­ tion, which co-sponsored Sheep Days. Activities included 4-H and FFA judging contests, adult judging, market lambs and breeding flock exhibits.

Little Boy Blue and Little Bo Peep - Ethan Langaas (with mother, Karen) and New Sheep Palace (photo by Linda Gieseke) Chantal Wilson (photo courtesy ofDawn Wilson)

In 1980, there were 4-H, FFA, and adult judging contests, and a In 1989, a noon meal was served on Main Street, sponsored by free meal served on Main Street. The sheep producers' program the Town & Country Club. The Board ofDirectors included Bernie and annual meeting was held in the American Legion Hall. Dr. Nelson, president; Roger Dvergsten, vice president; Harold Jordan, University of Minnesota, discussed, "Housing & Confine­ Stanislawski, secretary; Howard Person, treasurer; Doug Kilen, ment ofthe Ewe Flock." Bill Sliney ofBemidji gave a program for Marshall Kukowski, Dean Carlson, Clayton Skoien, and Kevin homemakers entitled, "Spinning Wool." Dr. Sauer, new director of Brandt. Professional shearers who competed for prizes were: Gary the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Minne­ Reinhardt, Clayton Skoien, Tom Corcoran, Doug Rathke, Doug sota, Crookston, was guest speaker for the evening "Award Ban­ Kilen, Fritz Craig, Mike Harden, and Dale Carter. There were 4-H, quet" at the Greenlin Supper Club. FFA, and individual judging; junior shearing contests; and team ~~~iiii~~-ji'-' competitions. The champion team was Troy Stauffenecker, Tim Stanislawski, and Mike Pesek. The South Branch Supper Club served a delicious supperto about 150people. A plaque was awarded to the top boy and girl in theFFA and 4-Hjudging contests. Roger Green accepted a plaque on behalf of Green Farms, for displaying the Champion Breeders Flock. Roger Dvergsten won the Award." This top-quality, western hat replaced the previously men­ tioned Award," and it was presented to an outstanding mem­ ber during the annual Award Banquet. An exception was that after this award was presented to the honored person it was kept, rather than being passed along, as the cane had been. There were many familiar names among the Hat Award recipients such as Don Wicklund, Bernie Nelson, and Marshall Kukowski. The board of directors decided who would receive this award each year, and the name of that honored person was kept a secret until it was pre­ sented at the Award Banquet. In 1994, there were junior and senior shearing competitions; 4-H, Judging at Sheep Days 1980. (photq courtesy ofMyrna Sovde) FFA, and adult judging contests; a knowledge contest; showman­ The 49th annual Sheep Days in 1987, drew shearers from "every­ ship; and exhibitions of breeders, lambs, and ewes. The annual 204 meeting and evening banquet followed. whole complex was set up so the apes could climb and amuse them­ The tradition of developing youth and 4-H judging and show­ selves, as well as we who were observing them. Several hammocks manship skills continued into 2002. Vanessa Dvergsten was awarded were slung for them to rest in. What amazed me the most was that the Greenbush Sheep Days "Sponsors' Youth Award." Three ewe an ape was smoking a cigarette. It was lying in a hammock and lambs were presented to each youth, giving each the opportunity to smoking! I couldn't believe it. Some of the apes had young ones begin a flock and to care for and manage it. Dean Skoien, Jeremy clinging to them, and I was amazed at how agile they were. Skoien, and Marshall Kukowski gave showing, fitting, judging, and Right in front of what now is the insurance agency, the one-man­ shearing clinics, aimed at developing youth 4-H skills in livestock band had set up his operation. It was an astounding conglomeration production. Van Swanson, a 4-H educator from Pennington County, of musical instruments all hooked together in some fashion. When presented a three-hour training class for the newly required 4-H he would play, everything moved like some sort of perpetual mo­ Ethics and Quality Assurance Certificate. Contestants judged four tion machine. He had a frame on his chest to hold a harmonica, but classes of sheep: mature ewes, ewe lambs, ram lambs, and market I seem to recall that he played a trombone or trumpet most of the lambs. Junior judging, for those under 14, was held; third place time and could operate a drums and cymbals set with his feet. This went to Jazemen Kukowski. In senior judging, for those over 14, marvel was separated from the spectators by some sort of see­ third place was won by Darrin Dvergsten. through barrier with some holes here and there so that people could No Sheep Days events were held in 2004. The future of Sheep request songs. I heard one man say, "Stardust," and the fellow cut Days is uncertain at the present time. loose and played the song for him. Then someone requested a dif­ Submitted by Mary Ann Johnson and Andrea Nelson Source: ferent song and, again, he went at it. The man simply couldn't be Greenbush Tribune stumped; he knew how to play anything. Actually, the music sounded all the same to me, but what did I know? I was only a kid. *Sheep Day is Here One year, Art Braun had an empty space behind his garage right Song by Tommy Pederson across the alley from the old Hartz store. A tent was set up in that Won't you please sit tight, space and my dad took me there one evening. This was the most Soon they'll come marching along; magnificent thing I had ever seen. Inside was a track set up some­ What a wonderful sight, thing like a miniature roller coaster. It was inside a large cage-like One hundred thousand strong. thing, which separated it from the audience. In the act, a monkey rode a small motorcycle. He wore a miniature crash helmet and, We've been on the hop, man, could he drive. In the center ofthe complex, the track make a To get number one lambs; complete loop. The monkey on his motorcycle tore around the track Now we're right on the top, gaining speed all the time until finally he made a loop-the-Ioop We've all.got purebred rams. before coming to a complete stop. When he did stop, he casually sat on his motorcycle and looked around at the people. He seemed Chorus: very calm and acted as though he hadn't done anything special at Sheep Day is here again, all. I admired him and thought he was a tremendous dare-devil. Let's all compete. Heck, I had never even been on a motorcycle. Now that I look back We've got a crop that's better than wheat; on it, I suppose the monkey wasn't actually driving, but, even so, it Take a look, at all those sheep. took guts to sit on that thing and make a 360 degree vertical loop. No wonder Greenbush is up on its feet, That little primate is still a hero in my book. Just watch those lamps tip, tip, yes, tip the scale; Submitted by Felix Korczak. Hundred pounders go to market and we'll clip, clip, and ship by rail, Carloads of wool for market. Sheep Day is here again, Yes, Siree Lambs for Victory Sheep Day is your day, Rain or shine, make your own gold mine, By our Sheep Day.

Apes. Monkeys. and a One Man Band

As a kid back in the 1950s, I remember the excitement of the carnival coming to town every summer. Usually, the merry-go-round . was set up in front of my dad's grocery store (directly across the street from the present day Squid's Market.) One particular year, however, an ape house was erected on that location. My dad took me through it one evening and, man, did it stink. I soon forgot about the smell because my fascination with the apes took over. I don't know what kind ofapes they but they were gray in color and . kind of lumpy looking things. There was a walk-way around the 4th of July parade about 1980: Sue Ann and Florence Hemp of Hemp Farms. sides ofthe huge cage so the apes could be observed in the center. A (photo by Myrna Sovde) 205 State Representative Art Braun's parade entry.

The parade is tooo long!

Statue of Liberty Float in the July 4th parade. (Tribune photo)

This was a Husky Dog Giveaway at Nubson Motors because they sold Husky fuel. When people bought gas they could register. The rural mailman at the time won the contest and the dog. (photo submitted by Henry C. Nubson)

, ~ Ice skating was a popular pastime on the school rink.

Miss Greenbush Pageant 2004. Miss Greenbush Amber Becker; Little Miss Cordell and Lucy Wiskow with 4-H kids in ox cart at 1976 parade. Greenbush Anisa Robinson; and Junior Miss Greenbush Alayna Olson. Spon­ (Roseau County Museum photo) sored by Women of Today. (photo submitted by Olson) 206 Religion Before the of the White People --an excerpt Folk Lore published in Up Home and written by Dr. T.E.

All Indians believed in the existence of"The Great Spirit" as the master oflife. They cherished immortality ofthe soul and believed in a heaven according to their ability to understand it. Driven to an extremity or in a situation he does not understand, the Indian with arms outstretched and face uplifted pours out his problems to the Great Spirit in a childlike prayer to the Great Manitow or Gitchi Manito, and who is to say whether or not the prayer of the child of nature is not heard and answered equally as those of sophisticated patrons in elaborate churches and cathedrals! The Scripture says, "Whosoever shall not accept the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter therein." (St. Mark 10:15) Submitted by E. Korczak

Introduction to Area Churches Sadly, like the country schools, most of the country churches are gone. They have merged with larger churches located in town. After erecting a cabin and getting a start on raising food, the Only a few operating country churches and a few preserved coun­ homesteaders' next considerations were church and school. Most try churches remain to remind us of the abiding faith of our pio­ of the settlers had a deep and abiding faith, and people of every neers. faith began congregations well before building churches. Itiner­ Submitted by Eunice Korczak. ant preachers or mission priests served these congregations that met in homes. Rural Bethania Free Lutheran Church- Barto Township But soon the business of building churches would begin. Since the pioneers had little money to donate, the common practice was Bethania Free Lutheran Church ofGreenbush was first organized to hire a carpenter to oversee the building process, and to ask each at the E.K. Sandvig home. First membership records were recorded member to provide a certain amount of materials and a number of in November of 1895. Charter families were Ole Benson, Anders days of labor. They also were expected to haul purchased lumber Hanson, Mike Johnson, T. Lannegraff, John Rein, Karl O. Rein, from the lumberyards with their wagons and teams. Evind Suby, and G.A. Thoen. About 1897, Pastor J.L. Bestul was called to serve the congregation, which was meeting in the homes of parishioners.

The first Bethania in early 1900 in Section 13, Barto Township. (photo courtesy ofMilt Sather) Pioneers hauling lumber for the Oiland Lutheran Church, about 1905, from the St. Hilaire Lumber Company in Greenbush. (circa 1905) (photo courtesy of Three baptisms were recorded in January of 1896: Olga Kristine Milt Sather) Evjen, Carl Albert Kjos, Klara Gurine Melveth (probably a In this way, the construction costs were held to a minimum. In mispelling of Metvedt.) account after account of the erecting of churches in this area, the Ole Sather offered one acre of land in Section 13, Barto Town­ cited costs of building are very low. Some of the churches were ship, on which to build a church. Estimating the amount of lum­ .very modest, of course, while others were large, more ornate, and ber required to build the church, each member was asked to donate more expensive. his share, and construction was completed by 190 I. "In 1898, the people got together and decided to build the first In 1902, the first recorded marriages took place: Ole Sather and (Catholic) church in which to worship God. It was a structure of Hansine Anderson; John E. Thornton and Mary B. Care; Gunder 30 by 40 and cost $853.00. Dedicated to their beloved patron, they Slind and Tina Thompson. No other marriages were recorded named it St. Aloysius." (Stephen Stanislawski) until 1907. . Modest or ornate, the pioneers who had been worshipping in Pastors included: B.L. Sundal; A.K.M. Neppleberg; R.I. Huglen; homes soon built many "proper" places of worship for the faithful. and John Pederson. Pastor John Pederson resigned in 1930 and 207 Pastor John Quanbeck answered the call. Shortly thereafter, the Anderson, and John K. & Gustine Johnson. congregation purchased the former Methodist church building on Other possible members were Albert B. & Nettie Olson, Carl B. Hill and 4th St. in the village of Greenbush. & Margaret Olson, Malene, Karoline, Peder, and Knut Dock, John After Pastor Quanbeck's resignation in 1933, serving pastors in­ & Marie Gavick, Karoline & Mikkel Mikkelson. According to the cluded: Reinhart Pederson; Einar Olson; Joseph Nystuen; George number of souls not all of the above were members. Although Melby; and Reinhart Pederson (serving a second term). children were baptized into a congregation, the parents often were not members. Andersons and Bergers also had children baptized into other congregations from 1901 to 1905. Moland minutes of January 8, 1901, stated: "Moland would not be able to help (Bethania) build a church because of their poor economic condition." On February 20, 1901, Moland decided to build a church with one ofthe Zions. By 1907, Klevgaards, Bratlies, and Olsons went to Moland. Knut Dockjoined St. Olaf. After several years, Larsons, Bergers, Ander­ son, Rues, and Gavicks joined Bethlehem. Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: Moland, Bethlehem, St. Olaf, and Poplar Grove Church Records and *Norwegian Lutheran Con­ egations in America 1843-1916.

Bethel History The Bethania Free Lutheran in Greenbush formerly the Methodist Church. (photo courtesy ofJoan Fugleberg) Bethania Lutheran Church merged with the Pauli Church and the Zion Church of Greenbush in November of 1973 to become The United Free Church of Greenbush. The original rural Bethania church building was sold to Charlie Thompson in 1944 for $287.50. Louis Kjos bought the old stove for $15 .00. The Bethania Lutheran church building in the village ofGreenbush was sold to Pederson Electric in 1974 and eventually bumeddown. Submitted by Eunice Korczak.

Another Bethania Bethel Church after 1940 addition on the north side. (photo by Doris Wicklund) A second congregation named Bethania or Betania existed from 1900 to 1906. Norwegian Lutheran Congregations in American BethelLutheran Church has its roots in two ofthe early churches 1843-1916 published by Augsburg in 1918, gave the location only of Greenbush. Moland congregation of the Hauge Synod was or­ as Roseau County. However, page 8 ofthe Moland (Bethel) Parish ganized in 1897, before Greenbush was even a town. St. Olafofthe Records shed some light on this previously unknown Bethania. Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was the second church of The familiar names of congregants were from south ofGreenbush Bethel's roots. in Hereim and Deer Townships. The better-known Bethania was The Hauge Synod dissolved in 1917. In 1924, after several years north of Greenbush. without an organized synod, Moland congregation merged with A page of baptisms from 1901 to 1905 was inserted between St. Olafto form Bethel Lutheran Church. The St. OlafChurch build­ 1909 baptisms in Moland. Earlier the baptisms appeared to be­ ing, begun in 1905, completed and dedicated in 1912, became the long to Moland, but closer examination revealed the nineteen bap­ new home ofthe combined church. The forerunner ofBethel's La­ tisms belonged to a different congregation, a Bethania. Had a dies Aid was the 81. OlafLadies Aid organized at the home ofMrs. pastor serving several congregations recorded in the wrong book? Knute Williamson. Bethel's first pastor was Rev. Bernhard Or did he consider this a way to preserve Bethania baptism records? Guldseth. Pastors of this Bethania, J.F. Adrianson, 1900-1903, and J.H. Bethel Lutheran continued to grow after the merger, and changes Johanson, 1903-1906, also served Moland and Bethlehem. Al­ were made to accommodate its growth. In 1930, a basement was though no church building existed, Bethania was an organized added to the church. Prior to that, special dinners and meetings congregation belonging to the Hauge Synod. The other Bethania had to be held at the village hall. In 1940 an addition was added . was Free Lutheran. to the north side of the church. Other changes happened as well. In 190 I, membership was 17 souls*, which included children. In 1941, women ofthe Bethel congregation were given the right to Soren & Gunhild Klevgaard, Johan & Julia Johnson, Hans & vote in church functions . In 1957, the education building was Gunhild Bratlie, Sander & Christine Rue, George & Ragna Olson constructed. were possibly members since they had two or more children bap­ More changes were ahead. In 1960, members of the Bethel con­ . tized. These couples had one child baptized into Bethania: John & gregation voted to become members ofa new synod, the American Emma Berger, Theodore & Hannah Larson, Nils & Ella Hagen, Lutheran Church. Bethel completed a new parsonage in 1970. Nils & Ingeborg Nilson, John & Karl Nordell, Andrew & Thone Groundbreaking for a new church was in 1973. Blessed Sacra­ 208 ment Church volunteered the use of their church during the con­ began their mission work in Nepal in 1982, focusing on agricul­ struction. In September of 1973, the cornerstone was laid for the tural improvements for the country. Laurie Anderson Hart (daugh­ new Bethel Lutheran Church. ter of Kennis and Lila Anderson) has served as a missionary in several countries including Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, and Tanzania. Chris Swanstrom (son ofClaire and Clarice Swanstrom) and wife Genie have been missionaries with the Fron­ tiers Mission Agency. Dr. Lloyd and Helen Klefstad served in Madagascar in 1967. Klefstad, a iongtime medical doctor in Greenbush, served as a medical missionary, performing surgery at Manambaro Hospital. Darwin Huartson, son of Loraine and Howard Huartson, was or­ dained in October 1984 at Bethel. Huartson is a Greenbush gradu­ ate and grew up in Bethel Lutheran Church. He attended Luther Seminary in S1. Paul and is currently serving as a chaplin at a hos­ pital in San Antonio, Texas. Bethel Education Building on left. Bethel Church built in 1973 on the right. Heather Stenberg, daughter ofEunice and Larry Stenberg, worked (photo courtesy ofLinda Gieseke) two years as a missionary in Namibia with ELCA's Division for The new church was dedicated in time to celebrate the 50th Anni­ Global Mission. From 1998-2000, she taught English at Oshigambo versary ofthe merging ofSt. Olafand Moland. Bethel held its first High School. In September of2001, she went to San Francisco and service in the new church building on February 24, 1974, and dedi­ entered Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley. Having completed cation on July 14th. Bethel became a member ofthe newly merged her internship in Avon, Connecticut, Heather will graduate in May synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church ofAmerica, in 1988. 2005. Bethel continues to be an active church, supporting the Christian Bethel celebrated its centennial in 1997 using the theme, "Serv­ faith through many activities. The Sunday School program is taught ing to the Glory of God." One of the centennial projects Bethel throughout the school year with parents and congregation mem­ pursued was the installation of stained glass windows in the sanc­ bers serving as teachers and music leaders. The children and youth tuary. These windows were designed by David Hetland of Fargo, take part in Bethel's worship in many ways, as singers, readers, North Dakota. Hetland is noted for his design of the Concordia ushers, and as worship leaders on special occasions. The youth College Christmas Concert murals. These windows were installed traditionally perform the Easter Sunrise service. Many youth take in 1999 and followed the theme, "I am the vine, you are the in the summer camps offered at Lake ofthe Woods Bible Camp. branches." Through the coming years, Bethel will continue to branch The youth group, serving the junior high and high school students, out in Christian service to meet needs both locally and around the has been a fulfilling activity for Bethel's youth. In addition to an­ world. nual gatherings for both the junior and senior high, many ofBethel's List ofPastors: 1924-1927 Rev. Bernhard Guldseth; 1927-1936 Rev. senior high youth attend the national gatherings held every three Morris Peterson; 1936-I940 Rev. Merland Johnson; 1941-1944 Rev. years. These gatherings host thousands ofChristian youth in major E.E. Tollefson; 1944-1945 Rev. Walter Mastad; 1946-1953 Rev. cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, Atlanta, and New Orleans. H.B. Mathison; 1954-1957 Rev. B.E. Nyjordet; 1957-1962 Rev. The Bethel Men organized in 1983 to raise funds for church pro­ John Helgeson; 1963-1967 Rev. J. Richard Query; 1968-1976 Rev. grams and to provide fellowship. Their fund-raising efforts have Erling Borg-Breen; 1976-1980 Rev. James Kasperson; 1980-1987 helped a variety oflocal needs, from the organ fund and office equip­ Rev. Glen Stadler; 1987 Rev. James Alger, Interim; 1987-1995 Rev. ment to national and international interests, such as assisting refu­ James Gerth; 1995-1996 Rev. Cheryl Berg, Interim; 1996-2000 Rev. gee families and missionaries. Bethel Men have met for weekly Ernest Christiensen, Jr.; 2001-2002 Rev. Ken Kramer, Interim; 2002 prayer breakfasts since 1986. They also serve an annual public Rev. Bryce Fellbaum. dinner and assist with other church functions, including the women's Submitted by Sue Lieberg. Source: Bethel Centennial Booklet. Dumpling Day and the annual Christmas party. Bethel Lutheran Church Women (BLCW) continue the traditions Bethel Lutheran Church Dumpling Day of the early Ladies Aids, serving the church in various ways. Their activities raise ·money for local, synod, and mission work in the 2005 marks the 30th year the Bethel Women have held the annual church. Over the years, thousands ofquilts have been made by the Dumpling Day. Clara Mortrude and Mabel Aamodt are the two women of Bethel to use ministering to needy people everywhere. women largely credited with starting this event on October 2, 1975. The most successful fund-raiser year after year is the annual With the help of many Bethel women, they started a tradition at Dumpling Day, which began in 1975. Traditionally held around Bethel that is anticipated every year and remembered fondly by the first weekend ofOctober, Dumpling Day draws people from all many. In 1975, 250 pounds of potatoes were peeled for making .over to taste the dumplings and purchase items at the craft and food dumplings. Currently, over 800 pounds are peeled to make the bazaar. Beautiful hand-pieced quilts are also sold. This day of traditional Scandinavian treat. The day's work starts as early as fund-raising provides the bulk of the money the BLCW uses to 3:30 in the morning as workers prepare for the busy day. Dump­ fund scholarships, church improvements, mission work, and a host lings are served along with sliced ham, fresh garden produce, baked of other worthwhile projects beans, bread, and an array of desserts. Bethel has been a proud sponsor of several missionaries over the Dumpling Day takes a lot of work and preparation, but is well years. Many ofthese missionaries are from Bethel and Greenbush. worth the time and energy. Nearly every room in the church is full Wynn Flaten (son of Henry and Clara Flaten) and his wife Tara of workers cooking dumplings, slicing ham, making coffee, pre­ 209 paring beans, arranging and ThoralfThrane; 1905- Hans J. & Thea Hagen, Cornelius Fjeld, relish trays, or serving Herman & Johanna Margrethe Hanson, and families; 1906- O.K. desserts. Church mem­ & Mathilda Paulson, Ole & Lena Langaas, Alfred & Betsy Hagen, bers enjoy the camarade­ Isak N. Thrane with families; 1908- Carl & Matilde Gustafson and rie, and many worthwhile family; 1912- Iver & Maria Anderson, Severin (Sam) & Christine projects are funded by the Thompson, Andrew & Thone Anderson, Theodore & Hanna Larson, $7000 collected dur­ Sander & Christine Rue, and families; 1913- Rasmus & Gurine ing the day. Bennes, Nels & Anne Svegdahl and families; 1914- Harold J. & Thirty years ago those Sina Johnson, Mikkel & Anna Bertilrud, Syver & Gina Haugtvedt, ~ = ladies who first thought John & Emma Berger, with families, and Gunhild Marie Svensrud; up the idea of starting 1915- & Annie Foss and family, Mrs. Mary (John) Gavick and Dumpling Day could family, Mrs. Kari (Amund) Pederson, Mrs. Maline Nygaard. hardly have guessed the Annual minutes in 1903-1905 indicated services were held at the success it has become. Carrie Sogn (Karen Dallager) home (a log cabin according to oral When the leaves change history) for those years and possibly in 1906. color and the air becomes The first confirmation class in 1905 included: Hjalmer Thrane, crisp with the arrival of Hjalmer Wold, Rachel Jenson, Gurina Anderson, and Gusta Marie fall, Bethel begins prepa­ Hanson. On October 28, 1905, John Langaas, Henry Paulson and ration for what has be­ Leonard Brekke were confirmed. come a much-loved tradi­ The 1907 annual meeting was held at the Alfred Hagen home. Carol Miller and Sue Halstensgard cook dump- tion. The first recorded funeral was for Emma Anderson January 25, 1907, lings in the kitchen at Bethel Lutheran Church. S b . db S L ' b (photo courtesy ofSue Lieberg) U mltte ue Ie erg. with burial at Pelan. Hans Johan Hagen's burial, February 19, 1907, was the first recorded in Bethlehem cemetery. Bethlehem Lutheran Church

The earliest recorded information of the Bethlehem Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation was Anna Hermanson's bap­ tism December 16, 1900. Four more baptisms occurred in 1901: Ingeborg Elenora, daughter of Ole & Lina Langaas; Einar, son of Kolbjom Martha Johnson; Nels, son Iver & Ingeborg Olson; and James, son of Herman & Johanna Hanson. Gilbert and Marie Anderson deeded the far northeast 2.48 acres of Section 10 Lind Township to the Bethlehem congregation on June 6,1901.* The earliest recorded minutes were from the January 3, 1902, annual meeting. Reference was made to a December 14, 1901, meeting which is considered Bethlehem's founding date. In 1980, translating church minutes from Norwegian, Henry Langaas felt In 1910 the main part ofthe Church was moved from Pelan. quite'certain December 14, 1901, was the date oforganization. But­ (photo by Myrna Sovde) considering the deed and the baptisms-- was it earlier? first annual meeting, 1902, was held in the Gilbert Ander­ In 1909, G. Loffhad the Swedish Mission Church in Pelan for son home. Rev. Adrianson was re-elected president; C.L. Hagen sale at $750. In February 1910, they offered $600. Christ Sogn secretary; Harold Dallager treasurer; trustees: Lars Dallager, Gil­ would move it for $200. In August Andrew Sogn asked to be re­ bert Anderson, Jacob Hermanson; deacons: Syver P. Broten, Ole leased from that contract. Kinchella, a house mover, was contacted. Rolandson. They voted to observe three church holidays with of­ The church was on the west side ofthe river so was moved around ferings and to clear the cemetery. Grave lots were to begin in the the bend and southeast without crossing the river. Oral history says southwest comer, but this did not happen. it was to be moved to Deer Township, Section 17, to the Haugtvedt Church founders were: Gilbert B. & Marie Anderson, Lars & Cemetery (now East Bethlehem). However, upon reaching Section Martha Dallager, Nels Dallager, Harold Dallager, Christ Dallager, 10 ofLind, they became stuck. With extra horses they managed to c.L. Hagen, Jacob & Bemdine Hermanson, Julius & Kjerstie move as far as the Bethlehem Cemetery. Langaas, and Gilbert & Thuri Olson. The church had been moved by the February 10, 1911, annual Determining other founding members was difficult. Probable meeting since trustees were to arrange for a foundation. Carl . founding members were: Albert & Annie Anderson, C.H. Knudson, Gustafson, a mason, built the foundation with rocks for $100. George Langaas, and Iver & Ingeborg Olson. Others once thought In 1912, membership dues were $5. Pastor Skogerboe's $95 sal­ to be founding members joined later. ary was upped to $150 with Home Mission's help in 1914. The New members were listed in annual meeting minutes: 1902- Ole congregation donated $14 to Home Mission that year. In 1915, & Gurina Rolandson, Syver & Randine Broten with families; Mrs. Stenmo, the first organist, received $1 perservice. Skogerboe 1904- John Axning, Jorgine RolandsonlAxning, Andrew Sogn, Hans resigned in September. H. Sogn, Carrie H. Sogn, C.H. Sogn, Christ & Ida Knudson, Hjalmer The joint parish offered a new pastor $700, plus three special & Selma Knudson, Nels & Louise Thrane, Ludvig, Isak, Hjalmer offerings, and gifts by individuals for ministerial services. Amounts

210 from each church were: Opdahl $100, Nannestad $70, Bethlehem Thompson $650, and $50 for gravel. In 1943, 1946, and 1949, $200, Moland $150, Gustaf(v) Adolf $120, and Midland $60. solutions were sought for waterproofing the basement. Bethlehem's share came to $7 per (29) voting member. (Women The tradition of men sitting on one side ofthe church and women were not voting members.) In 1917, young people were instructed on the other existed until the early forties when the new young wives, to contribute to the pastor's salary. "Boys" over 21 were to pay $2 in the words of one, "Put a stop to that!" a year, 18-21 a dollar, and "girls" over 18, fifty cents. In 1957 and 1958 various mergers were considered. Pauli and In 1921 , Henry Langaas was elected secretary. an office he held Bethlehem councils agreed to merge, but women of both churches until 1961. Inga Haagenson (Langaas) was organist. In 1923, the balked when a single Ladies Aid was proposed. organist received one offering. The Young People's Society pur­ Two momentous decisions occurred in April 1960: to withdraw chased the altar for $150 from a Greenbush congregation (likely from the ELC, and to allow women who were baptized, confirmed, Moland). In 1927, they bought an upholstered altar ring for com­ and over 21, voting privileges. Making women voting members munion kneeling. Both items remain today. was voted on again in 1962. Later Bethlehem joined the AFLC. " The minutes of December 6, 1927, was the first offour written in In 1969, confirmed adults were to pay at least $25 a year. After English. In 1928, six services in English were suggested. The vote not paying for two years, and after consideration, the individual was 11 to 0 for no English services. The reason given: everyone forfeited all rights as a member. History repeated (see 1932). understood Norwegian and the major church supporters didn't un­ Bethlehem celebrated its 80th Anniversary in 1981. derstand English. Minutes were again in Norwegian until June 1932. Closing the church was first mentioned in 1986, but they voted In 1931, Pastor Peterson guided the writing of a Constitution. to stay open one more year. In 1990, with Pastor Grothe leaving, Points of interest follow : "Voting members constitute: all male closing was again addressed. members over 21 (not under discipline). Ifno male in household, In 1997, Carol Hemp was elected secretary-treasurer, the second the senior member not under 20 and not under discipline shall be female church officer. Bennie Sys was president; Merlin Alme vice entitled to vote." (Under discipline may mean church discipline.) president; trustees: Norman Svegdahl, Bennie Sys, David Gustafson; It is duty of every confirmed member to contribute according to deacons: LeifHagen, Norman Svegdahl; organist Natalie Gustafson; ability.. .Ifanyone for the period ofa year does not contribute and is building committee: Kenneth Langaas and Bennie Sys. not exempted on account of poverty should be reprimanded in a The vote on closing was tie in May 1999. A motion to open brotherly way. Anyone who has not contributed for two years may for six months passed. On September 17th, with ten members lose his voting power." present, the ballot vote was six to two to close. The last service, led by Pastor Schmitke, was held October 10, 1999. Thus ended nearly 100 years of the Bethlehem congrega­ tion. Some funerals are held and the cemetery is maintained. Bethlehem Ladies Aid - Throughout the years, the Ladies Aid's financial support, obtained through church suppers and fancywork sales, was an important source of revenue for the church. In 1940, with an estimate of $1 050 for the basement and other remodeling, the Ladies Aid paid $1183.59. Luther League - Records from 1921-1963 exist for the Young People's Society, later called Luther League. In 1921-1940, mem­ bers were often 20 to 30 years old; some were married; others, if unmarried, were even over 40. Early groups raised money for fold­ ing chairs, altar, altar ring, and building projects. Throughout the years, this group put on programs for everyone to enjoy. Serving Pastors - 1901-1903 Johan Adrianson; 1903-1908 Jens Bethlehem Girls Choir in 1931. Back Row: Judith Anderson, pianist; Mrs. A.K. Anderson, director; Frances Thrane, Lillian Bertilrud, Alpha Svegdahl, Mabel H. Johanson; 1908-1915 Annanias Skogerboe; 1916-1923 Berge Bertilrud, Palma Anderson, Nora Gjovik. Middle Row: Helen Bertilrud, Hazel Olson; 1924-1927 Bernhard Guldseth; 1927-1936 Morris Peterson; Dallager, unknown, Evelyn Froemke, Nephie Svegdahl, Florence Anderson, 1936-1940 Merland T. Johnson; 1941-1944 Edberg Tollefson; 1944­ Valborg Anderson. Front: Ruth Froemke, Luella Anderson, Ruby Froemke. 1945 Walter Mastad; 1945 Evangelist Sidney Swenson; 1946-1953 (photo courtesy ofHelen Kilen) Henry B. Mathison; 1954-1957 Berner E. Nyjordet; 1957-1959 In 1933, Mrs. A.K. Anderson, education committee member, was Reinhart G. Pederson; 1960-1964 Richard Snipstead; 1964-1966 the first woman other than the organist in a church position. They Sidney Swenson; 1966-1968 Orville Olson; 1969-1972 Walter E. voted to rebuild the barn to make room for eight teams. (They Beaman; 1972-1975 Lay Pastor Kenneth Eggen; 1976-1979 Lay voted to dispose ofthe barn in 1939.) In 1934, a pledge committee Pastor Andrew Lindgren; 1979-1980 Lay Pastor Jerry Olson; 1980­ was formed and organist pay was $15 a year. One parishioner 1983 Raynard Huglen; 1983-1985 William Goodman; 1985-1989 brought wood and was credited $2.50 on his yearly pledge. Charles Knapp; 1989-1990 David Grothe; 1990-1992Allan Gjerde; In 1940, a standing vote by the Ladies Aid to build a separate 1993-1996 Lay Pastor Todd Peterson; 1997-1999 Irvin Schmitke. kitchen or a basement was unanimous for a basement. Voting by Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: church records,former mem­ ballot, members (men) voted 19 to 0 to add a basement, porch, and bers. Roseau County. Registrar.* steps for an entry on the north side of the steeple. Estimated at $1050, costs were: cement 424 sacks @ 73 cents, contractor Torkel

211 Blessed Sacrament Church being built, Masses continued to be conducted at the village hall. In 1917, Blessed Sacrament parish became attached to St. Mary's parish of Badger, which was then being served by Father Charles Keyser. Father Keyser would serve Blessed Sacrament for the next 17 years. He traveled to Greenbush, originally on horseback, every Sunday until 1936. Through the efforts of Miss Mary Connel1y, St. Anne's Sodality was organized at Blessed Sacrament during Father Keyser's time. St. Anne is the patron saint of grandmothers and is the help of the sick. Throughout the years, the Sodality has been responsible for care of the altar area and linens. This organization is still active today and its members meet after Mass the first Saturday/Sunday of every month to pray for the parish. In March of 1936, Father Ralph Noesen was assigned to Greenbush along with the missions in Strandquist and Benwood. Blessed Sacrament Church 2004. (photo by Myrna Sovde) Father Noesen's stay was extremely briefand he was succeeded by It is difficult to pin down the first Catholic activity in Greenbush Father Emmett Shanahan in April. . since the city was incorporated, but there were undoubtedly active Father Shanahan's arrival marked the beginning of Blessed worshippers in the vil1age before Bishop Corbett approved the con­ Sacrament's life as an independent parish. He was the parish's first struction of the first mission church here in 1914. According to resident priest, and since there was no rectory, he rented a house on early city records, Masses were conducted in both the school house the west edge of Greenbush. and the Greenbush Vil1age Hall. At this time the parish was a "sta­ In September of 1936, Father Wil1iam Lemen, a recently ordained tion" attached to the parish at Baudette. Father Ernest Bossus made priest, was named pastor of Blessed Sacrament. This was Father the journey by horseback from Baudette to Greenbush once a month Lemen's first parish and it presented a considerable challenge. to say mass and hear confessions. In June of 1914, Father Bossus Besides having to build a rectory, the congregation ofBlessed Sac­ was relieved of the Greenbush station and was replaced by Father rament had grown so rapidly in the past few years, it soon became Hippolit Skopowski ofthe Leo parish. By this time, the Greenbush apparent a larger church was needed. Father Lemen's instructions parish had been incorporated under the name ofBlessed Sacrament. from Bishop Corbett were very clear. He was told on Thursday to Under Father Skopowski, a parcel ofland was purchased just south go to Greenbush on Saturday, to say Mass on Sunday, and to start the rectory and present business office building. Bids for building on Monday. On the Monday after Father Lemen's first the project were received from April through August of 1914 with Mass in Greenbush, Albert St. Antoine began excavating the base­ plans and specification for the church available at George Burkel's ment for the rectory with a team of horses and slip scraper. After harness shop in Greenbush. a day or so, Herbert Reese Sr. sent over a bulldozer and then sev­ After the parish was formed, P.M. Brost and George Burkel, Sr. eral parishioners pitched in with shovels "hand digging" the cor­ were appointed trustees. A board of consulters consisting of Paul ners. The building of the rectory was largely a volunteer project Hogan, Sr., John Foldesi, J. McCut, Alex Goslein, F. Johnson, and that united all members of the parish. The first Blessed Sacra­ J.1. Walsh was established. Members of the first parish advisory ment fundraiser was held in the village hall. The event raised group were George Burkel and Andrew Lubinski, secretaries and $500 and became an annual event. Mike Sersen and August Pelowski, treasurers. Other men active in Even while the rectory was being built, Father Lemen had to con­ founding the church were Philip Slominski, John Schires, James tend with the fact that a bigger church would soon have to follow. McGrath, Fred Montry, C. Sullivan, Nick Reese, and Nick Witzman. A parish-wide vote revealed the majority of the parishioners were in favor of a new structure and plans began in 1939. Even though the parishioners were dealing with the Great De­ pression and money was scarce, enthusiasm was high. Through a combination of volunteer labor, donated building materials, and creative fundraising techniques, plus another $1,500 from a Dioc­ esan-wide collection, the future church became a reality. The build­ ing committee members consisted of L.J. Lorbiecki, Herb Reese, Frank Bialke, Frank Brazier, Joe Rinowski, and Frank McGrath. The site chosen for the new church was formerly the site ofMoland Lutheran Church. The women of St. Ann's Sodality played a major role in garner­ ing funds. Once a month after Mass, the women prepared meals to sell to the public. Other profit making endeavors included sewing circles, card parties, picnics, hamburger stands, turkey raffies, keno, Earliest Blessed Sacrament located just south of present business office. and fish ponds. (photo courtesy Crookston Diocese Archives) The first Mass held in the new building was the 1939 Christmas Construction of the church began in September of 1914 and was Mass, although the flooring was yet to be installed and people sat on completed that month. Two carpenters were hired for $535.00 and planks set up on nail kegs and on pews carried in from the old church. the labor was provided by the parishioners. While the church was Bishop Peschges arrived in the summer of 1940 to bless the new

212 Prior to the installation of the new furnace, the basement was not heated during the winter, often resulting in freezing and bursting water pipes. On one disastrous night, the entire contents of the Greenbush water tower drained into the basement of the church, prompting an emergency meeting ofthe church council who in tum employed Jerry Blazek to install a shut-off valve in the basement pipes. Father Montgomery was reassigned in 1971 and in July of 1971, Father Eugene Wesely rolled into Greenbush riding a Honda Mo­ torcycle. The early seventies were a time ofchange in the Catholic Church and Father Wesely presided over the sometimes difficult innovations. In addition to focusing on the parishioners, he also helped the parish ease into the new decrees ofthe Vatican Council, such as the elimination of Latin Masses, changes in Methods of Confession, removal ofthe Communion rail, a greater role for mu­ Blessed Sacrament built in 1939. (photo courtesy Crookston Diocese Archives) sic in the Mass celebration, and clearing the church of dozens of church and to administer Confirmation. The congregation was still statues. making do with makeshift pews, and, in one embarrassing episode, Father Wesely also presided over the renovation of the rectory, one plank gave way during the Bishop's sermon causing a loud remodeling of the church sanctuary, the kitchen in the basement, commotion. The Bishop said he had never before heard the Holy and the establishment of the Apostolic Center. Spirit come forth with such fervor. The Apostolic Center was created in 1970 serving Greenbush With the new church in place, Father Lemen set about the daily and surrounding Catholic Communities. The Center was originally work ofministering to the growing parish. His many activities set located in Middle River under the care of Sister Claire Arel, CSJ the tune for the Catholics of Blessed Sacrament and he proved not and Sister Judith Selander, OSB. In 1972, a mobile home was pur­ only to be a popular pastor among his congregation but also devel­ chased, which was first located in Strandquist and was later moved oped a cooperative relationship with the Lutherans of Greenbush. to Greenbush where it remained until the Center closed. Other Sis­ He also became active in the town of Greenbush, serving as presi­ ters serving the Apostolic Center throughout the years were Sister dent of Greenbush's Commercial Club and helped to organize Anne La Tendresse, Sister Theresa LaChance, Sister Rita Greenbush's first Sheep Days. He also earned his pilot's license Bonneprise, and Sister Joanne Johnson. he to good use, flying to his mission parishes at Benwood In 1980, Father Wesely was replaced by Father Mike Patnode and Strandquist when ground travel became difficult. Father Lemen who served Blessed Sacrament for two years. In 1982, Father left Blessed Sacrament in 1947. Raymond Palcisco was assigned to take over the duties of Blessed On July 31, 1947, Father Thomas Montgomery arrived to begin Sacrament Church and St. Aloysius-Leo. Known for his gentle his nearly 24 years ofservice to Blessed Sacrament. He was known manner and his dedication and devotion to his vocation, he was for his conservative and traditional pastorate, his love for Latin also an avid golfer. Masses, and his thunderous, sometimes lengthy sermons. Under Father Palcisco's supervision, the church's entry was en­ Starting in 1950, Father Montgomery supervised extensive re­ larged, the choir loft removed, and a crying room added. The sanc­ modeling and improvements with energy and personal pride so that tuary was also remodeled and new flooring installed. In 1987, Fa­ Blessed Sacrament could set a standard in the diocese. He often ther Palcisco was replaced by Father Robert Bester. The remodel­ supplied his own money and labor for these projects. The church ing of the church, initiated by Father Palcisco, was finished under was without adequate pews, so solid oak pews were purchased the direction ofFather Bester. He also reorganized the parish coun­ for $3542, plus $350 more for cushioned kneelers. He also saw to cil and brought back the catechism to the Blessed Sacrament Reli­ the addition of twin bell towers, a choir loft, a kitchen in the base­ gious Education program. ment, and a new furnace. In 1990, Father Eugene Wesely returned to Blessed Sacrament when he was replaced by Father Don Braukmann, who served as pastor until November, 2004. Father Jeyapaul, from In­ dia, now serves as temporary priest. Blessed Sacrament employs a youth minister, Mitch Walski, who started the successful Life Teen program and who also oversees youth and vocational needs in the parish. There is also an active RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation) led by Lee Walski. For several years, the Religious Education Department was led by Gerry Nubson. Besides the monthly religious education classes, kids from kindergarten through twelfth grade also enjoy various activities such as the elementary lock-in, dances, family fun nights, and pageants. Vacation Bible School is also held in the summer and children and youth masses are held throughout the year. These events are currently coordinated by the new head of the Religious Education Department, Rebecca Nubson. Blessed Sacrament Church 1954. (photo courtesy ofMary Kalinowski) The music ministry for the parish is organized by Jeanne Novacek.

213 The church also employs Philip Pelowski and Jerome and Elinor ing Home residents, and they also serve lunch for residents at spe­ Koshenina as custodians and Marlene Pulczinski as bookkeeper. cial times. School kits, sewing kits, and layettes are made up and Angie Kilen Peterson was parish secretary from 1995-2004. The sent to LWR. They sent money and school kits with Curt Hauger present parish secretary is Michelle Kern. the first time he went to Kosovo. Now and then the group holds a Blessed Sacrament Church stays active in the community by host­ fancy work sale, but the lutefisk supper is an annual event. ing different social activities throughout the year, such as the Fan­ Faith is famous throughout the county for the lutefisk meal served cywork Auction and the Parish Dinner. Educational and spiritual the third Saturday each October. They serve about 700 people. At opportunities such as daily Mass, weekly Bible Study, Koinania, this event, everyone in the congregation pitches in. Men, women, and Emmaus are also a vital part of Blessed Sacrament Church. and children are all needed to make the lutefisk supper a huge suc­ Submitted byAngiePeterson. Sources: BlessedSacrament records. cess. Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: Roseau County Heritage and Faith Lutheran Church Eva Gregerson.

Faith Lutheran Church is located in Barnett Township in the south­ Grace Evangelical Church east comer ofSection 25 about ten miles south ofBadger and about ten miles southeast of Greenbush (as the crow flies). Faith, incor­ porated September 5, 1958, was begun as a merger of Nannestad and Klondike congregations. The land for the new church was do­ nated by Jonas Didrikson. Sunday School began in the new build­ ing before the inside was completed. Twenty years later, fire gutted the church, but regular church ac­ tivities were continued by meeting in the basement of the Marvin Didrikson home. A new church was constructed on the same site and dedicated on June 12, 1978.

Grace Evangelical Church (photo courtesy ofKaren Lorenson)

The Grace Evangelical Church ofStrathcona actually got its start as a ladies group that started meeting in March of 1916. They first met at the home of Severt Gjovik to organize the Ladies Aid. The ladies were Mrs. Dan Hamness, Mrs. Ralph Hamness, Mrs. Severt Gjovik, and Mrs. John Selstad. Shortly afterward, Mrs. OlafGjovik joined them. Each month one of the ladies would take her turn at opening her home for their meeting, borrowing dishes and chairs, and preparing delicious food for the group. Throughout the next few years, several evangelists and pastors found a warm welcome Faith Lutheran Church built in 1978. (photo courtesy ofMyrna Sovde) at the Ralph Harnness' home and spoke at meetings in homes, and Our Redeemer's make up the Badger Lutheran Parish Engstrom's store, and tents. These included Ole Mven, Mr. and which is a member ofthe Evangelical Lutheran Church ofAmerica Mrs. Ole Ida Sande, P.P. Rierson, Rev. Hartrnark, and Rev. (ELCA). Pastors since 1957 have been: Edwin Silrum, Einar 1.0. Jacobson. Torgerson, Arthur Larson, James Goldsmith, Jerry Hanson, Don Nearly 20 years later, in August of 1934, a building committee Fulton, Dan Knock. Daniel Ostercamp is now serving. was organized and a congregation was formed, officially the The present church board consists of: President Darrel Warne; Evangelical Free Church. Some property in Strathcona had al­ Vice President Jerry M. Svir; Secretary Eva Gregerson; Treasurer ready been purchased from the Northern Townsite Company of Shirley Burian; Deacons Gerald Didrickson, Joel Erickson, Bruce Crookston. A delegation was sent to investigate a church building Olson and Jon Heggedal; Trustees Wesley Pesek, Arlen Vacura, that was for sale in the Hickson, North Dakota, area. The congre­ Shayne Isane, and Marie Eklund, Board of Education Sheila Forst gation purchased the building for $200. Six members spent eight and Nancy Kaml. days disassembling the building to get it ready to transport. It was The youth group is now combined with Our Redeemer's young hauled to Strathcona in two loads by Stordahl. The Ladies Aid paid . people. In 2004 they went on a houseboat trip. They served lunches the costs of $18 per load. The building was reassembled and in at Lenten Services to raise the money. useable condition by Christmas, with an addition added to the rear. WMF officers are: Co-presidents Marlene Isaneand Sophie The charter members of the congregation consisted of Mrs. A. Warne; Secretary Ruthann Svir; Treasurer Marie Eklund; Historian Hamness, Tom Hamness, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Harnness, Andrew Shirley Burian; Stewardship. Carol Lee Forst and Marvel Pesek. Harnness, Nanna Hamness, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hamness, Nels The Ladies Aid makes quilts which are given locally to those in Harnness, Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Hanson, Hilda Hanson, Alvin Hanson, need, to the Children's Home in Roseau, and Lutheran World Re­ Evan Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer lief (LWR). They make lap robes and quilts for Greenbush Nurs­ Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. John Selstad, Harold Selstad, Mable Selstad,

214 Alma Selstad, Otto Selstad, Jacob Selstad, Nonnan Selstad, Mrs. scrapwood was used in the wood stove. This wood lasted quite a OlafGjovik, Roy Gjovik, Nora Gjovik, Ivan Gjovik, Mr. and Mrs. while. The congregation borrowed $200.00 to fix the inside ofthe CT. Stahlberg, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Staie, and Rev.AD. Hartmark. church so they could use it. The first insurance for the church was Other groups that have organized within the church, besides the taken out in 1914. Ladies Aid, were the Girls' Circle, the Young People's Society, the The Ladies Aid painted the church in 1923. The same year this Women's Missionary Society, and the Sunday School. A number parish left the Greenbush parish. In 1928 the pastor received per­ of musical groups have been fonned within the church family, in­ mission to use vestments. The old stove and organ were gifts from cluding The King's Messengers who sang in many area churches the Luther League. Mrs. Mons Grondahland Mrs. Ole Holmstead, as well as on local television channels. Several additions have been who raised money through a quilt project, paid for the pulpit. made to the building throughout the years. In January of 1961, the In 1931 the Luther League finished the church inside. The cost church was renamed Grace Evangelical Church. of this was $215.00. This was done before the 25th anniversary Pastors who have served the congregation are AD. Hartmark, which was May 17, 1931. Casper Benson, Arnold Richardson, Carl Strand, Mark Houseman, The altar, altar ring, and chair were purchased by the Ladies Aid Arthur Ramsland, Ed Folden, Charles Crabtree, Robert Dierking, in 1936. The parish-dining hall was built in 1938 and labor and Clifford Anderson, Glen Jenson, Ben Baughman, and present pas­ material was paid for by the Ladies Aid. The envelope system was tor Robert Ludwig. There are 54 members at the present time, along adopted in 1943. By this time many of the original members were with many others who attend regularly for Sunday morning wor­ no longer in the congregation, having either passed away or moved ship, Sunday School, Sunday evening Praise and Worship, mid­ elsewhere. The younger generation was becoming the leaders in week Bible Study, Ladies Aid, and Youth Night. the church. Submitted by Karen Lorenson. A new arrangement in the parish was made consisting of First Lutheran ofMiddle River, Poplar Grove, Trinity and GustavAdolph. History of Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church Trinity was later dissolved and some ofthose membersjoined Gustav Strathcona. Minnesota Adolph. There had been no report on the Sunday School since 1920 but it was re-organized again in 1943 by Mrs. Torben Johnson and has continued since. In 1953 Reverend CO. Hanson gave a larger organ in memory of his little daughter. In 1956 the Luther League paid for the paint and painted the out­ side of the church and gave a hymn board in memory of Oscar Bratland. The following pastors served this congregation: Rev. A.N. Skogerboe 1908-1916; Rev. Berge Olson 1916-1923; Rev. Albert Sortroen 1924-1931 ; Rev. Trelstad 1931-1939; Rev. G.T.Q. Bergee 1940-1943; Rev. lA Korshavn 1945-1949; Rev. CO. Hanson 1953­ 1957; Rev. James Hanson 1957-1963; Rev. Duane Nelson 1963­ 1967; Rev. Phillip Peterson 1967-1971 ; Rev. Donald Fredine 1971­ 1984; Rev. Mark Gehrke 1985-1989; Rev. Paul Johnson 1990-1993; Rev. John & Mary Jorgenson 1995-2001 ; 2001 to 2003 interim pas­ tors; 2003 to the present time Rev. Curtis & Darlene Matz. Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church (photo courtesy ofVernon Lorenson) In 1956 the Gustav Adolph Church celebrated its 50th Anniver­ December 31, 1905, a group of men gathered at the Jevne sary. By this time an oil furnace had replaced the old wood stove. store to talk over the possibility oforganizing a congregation. Pas­ In 1957 the Calvary Lutheran Church (Swedish) of Strathcona tor Johanson who was pastor at Greenbush at this time opened the merged with Gustav Adolph because oftoo few members to carry meeting with scripture reading and prayer. Hans Lerum was ap­ on. Calvary was formerly called Gustav Vasa Church before a fire pointed secretary ofthis meeting. The following men voted in fa­ on March 21,1945, destroyed the building. There was ofmerg­ vor of helping organize an independent Lutheran congregation: ing with Gustav Adolph then, but the final decision was that they Knute Jevne, Ole Holmstead, Ed Johnson, Severt Gjovik, O. Olson, bought a used building, remodeled it into a church, and named it A. Angman, Mons Grondahl, C. Gunheim, Gullek Beito, John Calvary Lutheran Church. After merging with Gustav Adolph in Lundquist, Hans Lerum and Loren Lorenson. The first officers of 1957, that building was moved between the Gustav Adolph church the church were Secretary Hans Lerum, Treasurer O. Olson, Trust­ building and the parish hall. It was joined together allowing more ees Severt Gjovik, Ole Holmstead and Mons Grondahl. room for church activities. On January 28, 1906, the constitution for this church was adopted. In 1960, by vote, the Gustav Adolph Church became members of . The first Sunday school was started in 1906 by Mons Grondahl the American Lutheran Church. It is now called the Gustav Adolph and the first parochial school in 1907. The first service was held A.L.C. in 1909 in the small schoolhouse in Strathcona. AN. Skogerboe In 1962, the men of the congregation replaced the tin walls and was pastor at this time. ceiling with sheetrock. It was finished, all but the painting, when a In 1913 plans for the church were made. Reverend Skogerboe fire of undetermined origin burned it down on March 30, 1962. bought three lots for $15.00. · Parishioners cleared the trees from Nothing was saved except a couple ofhymn books, a few dishtowels, these lots and sawed the ones they could use into lumber. Some of and a couple of dishes, which happened to be in some members' the lumber was used to build the church and some was sold. The homes. Many memorials were also destroyed.

215 At this time the Strathcona School was consolidated with restored in 1998 by Andrew Greenbush School, so the two-room school house came up for sale. Gieseke as an Eagle Scout The Gustav Adolph congregation bid on it and got it. Insurance project, it is a reminder ofthe money covered the cost of purchase. Remodeling had to be done abiding faith ofour pioneers, and the chancel furnishings such as rugs, altar, pews, and piano who established congrega­ needed to be purchased. It became a lovely little church and the tions and held worship ser­ basement had a convenient kitchen and area. vices even when they could The Sunday School has continued through the years and instead not afford to build churches. of Luther League we have family fellowship nine months of the Submitted by Centennial year. Book Committee. Source: In 1993 Gustav Adolph, First Lutheran of Middle River, and Roseau County Heritage Bethlehem ofNewfolden formed a joint parish. In 2003, this joint Book and Hvidso Cemetery. parish was dissolved. Gustav Adolph, First Lutheran, Salem of Stephen, and Bethesda ofStrandquist formed the Four Crosses Par­ ish. This headstone was placed by a great-granddaughter, one hundred The Four Crosses Parish is now affiliated with the Evangelical years later. (photo by Myrna Sovde) Lutheran Church ofAmerica. Submitted by Lavonne Coltom. Klondike Church History Hvidso Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Klondike Lutheran Church began as two separate Ladies Aid The Hvidso Congregation was organized November 15,1895, by groups. a group of early settlers living along the sand ridge road near Old The Norwegian Lutheran Ladies Aid first met at the Henry Bjerk Greenbush (east of present day Greenbush). The first pastor to home in Section 14 ofHuss Township on May 2,1905. Pastor Nels serve Hvidso was Nils Askeland (1895-1896) followed by J.L. Njus was the pastor. Charter members were Mrs. Fred Wiskow, Bestul (1896-1899), and J.O. Skonnard (1900). The last pastor to president; Mrs. Theo Gilbertson, treasurer; Mrs. Amund Amundson, serve was B.L. Sundahl (1901-1904). The church dissolved in 1904 secretary; Mrs. Halvor Smebak, Mrs. Henry Bjerk, Mrs. OlafGor­ don, Mrs. Severt Anderson, Mrs. Lorens Lorenson, Mrs. Hans Gjovik, and Mrs. Harnness. The Benwood Ladies Aid began in 1906 and was organized by Rev. Palm, with the following families: several Thompsons, Benson, Bjerkhold, Tangen, Modahl, Bale and possibly others. Klondike congregation was formally organized on December 5, 1907, by Pastor Njus, from the member families ofthe Ladies Aids. Two acres ofland was obtained from Ragnild Holen in Section 7 of Poplar Grove Township. The first baptism on April 21, 1907, was of Elvin Benson, the son of Emil and Gunda Benson. On May 21 Hvidso Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Haven, east of Greenbush on Gertil Thompson, the son of Ole and Inga Thompson, was bap­ Highway n. (photo by Myrna Sovde) tized. Before the end of 1907, another five babies were baptized. and most ofthe 50 members joined the Bethania Free Church three Prior to this several children had been baptized at Zion Lutheran to the north; others joined the Badger Creek Free Lutheran Church, as that congregation had been organized several years ear­ Church. The pastors often drove for miles by horse and buggy to lier. The first confirmation was held on July 26, 1908, at the Mastri preach to these small congregations at a salary of $50.00 per year. home. The class consisted of Marshall Wiskow, Carl Smebak, and Embedsman (ombudsman) ofHvidso in 1904 was John Rein, who Johan Amundson. The first marriage on January 7, 1908, was be­ was a pioneer ofmany talents. He helped organize and build many tween Carl Bjerk and Caroline Amundson, at the Amundson home. Lutheran Churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and other The first funeral was for Astri (Astrid) Boyeson on March 23 , 1909. states, serving as head carpenter, but never had the opportunity to She was 24 years of age. use his skills to build a Hvidso house ofworship. Though a Hvidso In the early days, Pastor Njus traved from community to commu­ church building was never erected, the congregation held worship nity helping to organize churches and Ladies Aids. He homesteaded services and Ladies Aid meetings in the homes of parish members in Barnett Township and helped organize Zion, St. Olafin Greenbush or Sanders Hall in Old Greenbush. (now Bethel), Klondike, and many others, even traveling as far as Although the Hvidso congregation was dissolved more than 100 the Pencer area. At one time he served as many as 12-15 congre­ . years ago, a small cemetery with four headstones and a group of gations, traveling by horse and staying in the homes. unmarked graves survive. The three original surviving stones mark All services were held at the various homes or in schoolhouses as the graves of Clarence Theodore Evenson, OlIver Alander Sather, the church was not built until about 1925. Wooden chairs were and Ole E. and Kari O. Evjen, who share a headstone. A fourth used until pews were purchased; then the chairs were sold for $1.50 stone was set in 1996, by Carol Rein Shwayder to mark the grave .each. A basement was added in 1945. Electricity was installed in . of Malena Olsdatr Rein, the first pioneer to be buried there. The 1947 and an entry was built in 1951. A steeple was desired but was Hvidso Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Haven, is located two never built. Extra folding chairs were purchased in 1952 and a gas miles east of Greenbush along State Highway 11. Most recently floor furnace was put in the same year. Prior to this, wood had been

216 used for heat and the church was often smoky. (One pastor called it Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Clare E. Saunders was appointed a "smoky to Greenbush and Badger in 1914. In 1915, the Methodist Church Society purchased two corner lots and built a 32'x32' building with a full basement, with most of the work done by the members of the congregation. The First Methodist Evangelical Church was dedicated on Sun­ day, August 13, 1916, by Bishop Mitchell. The following state­ ment is an excerpt from the superintendent's report for the Fergus Falls District. "On Saturday night, August 12, Bishop Charles Bayard Mitchell, lectured in Greenbush, and on Sunday, August 13, besides dedicating the new church, raising $525, the full amount of the debt, and preaching twice in Greenbush, the Bishop autoed fifty-three miles and preached at 8 p.m. in Thief River Falls. This visit did constructive work for the kingdom of God in this wide territory. People came many miles and did enjoy these great mes­ sages." It was also noted that, "This fine little Church, costing $1,600, all provided for, is a tribute to the faithfulness and dili­ Klondike Church (photo by Myrna Sovde) gence of Brother C.E. Saunders, the pastor." Other pastors who served the Methodist church were Rev. Jo­ Klondike was a part ofthe Greenbush parish together with Bethel seph P. Adair, Rev. J.H. Allison, Oscar Holte, Rev. Elmer Laroe, ofGreenbush, Bethlehem, Zion, and Nannestad for many years until and Rev. Frederick W. Hedtke. in the parishes were rearranged to make serving the churches According to the record archives of the Methodist Church, on more convenient. Klondike and Nannestad would become part of April 16, 1932, at a meeting of the Greenbush congregation, a mo­ the Badger parish together with Our Redeemers and Roselund. This tion carried to sell the church property to the Lutheran Free Church arrangement continued for many years . of Roseau. The trustees of the Greenbush church who signed the In the mid-50s the church began encouraging the rural churches Deed of Sale of the property were Mr. C.E. Swanstrom, Mr. E.R. to move to the towns or merge with other rural churches. In 1955, Umpleby and Mr. C.B. Goodrich. The money from the sale ofthe a discussion began on whether Klondike and Nannestad should join Greenbush church was given by the conference to the Badger and with Zion and form a new congregation. Two acres of land were Roseau churches. donated Jonas Didrikson to be used for a new church ifthe merger A deed recording the transfer of the church from the Methodists were to take place. Several meetings and votes were held over the to Bethania Free Church was recorded on February 10, 1934. next few years, until 1958, it was finally agreed that those who Submitted byAngiePeterson. Sources: Methodist Church Archives; wished to move should resign from the congregation. The cem­ Roseau County Heritage. etery would be used by both groups. The same thing happened at Nannestad and those members joined with some from Klondike Midland Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church and formed Faith Lutheran Church. Klondike was served by vari­ ous local pastors and lay speakers for several years. Over the years A group of early settlers in the Haug community met in 1901 to most of the remaining members started attending other churches organize the Midland Norwegian Evangelical Church, or the Hauge although the congregation has never officially disbanded. The La­ Church as it was often called. The location was in Section 34 of dies Aid remained active into the early 1970s. The church building Soler Township. Membership in 1901 was 37 and by 1915 mem­ still stands and is kept up by the remaining members and friends of bership was up to 39. Pastors who served were Joban F. Adrianson, the congregation. The cemetery is still maintained and in use, with 1900-1903; Jens H. Johanson, 1903-1907; Annanias Skogerboe, 90 graves at this time. 1907-1915. Embedsman (secretary) in 1913 was J. Kohlberg. On Pastors were Njus, Endreson, Salveson, Bolstad, Nesset, Bernards, November 1, 1915, at a joint parish meeting with Opdahl, Nannestad, Hagen, Guldseth, Peterson, Abrahamson, Runestad, Kalmoe, Bethlehem, Moland, and Gustaf Adolph, the new pastor was of­ Mostrom, and Silrum. Richard Glommen acted as interim lay fered $700. Midland's share was $60. Call was sent to and ac­ pastor for a few months between pastors. cepted by Berger Olson who was installed on May 28, 1916. It is As in all the early churches, the Ladies Aid was a very necessary believed the church was closed in the early 1920s. The building part of the congregation, raising funds at various time to supple­ was sold and moved away. ment the offerings and donations, conducting Vacation Bible The first burial marker is that of Hendrik Halvorson who was Schools, Sunday Schools, helping the youth groups, missions, etc. born July 22, 1896, and died September 19, 1897. Others buried Without the help of the ladies, many of these churches would have there are: Regina S. Anderson Reno 1887-1913 and baby daughter .faded away in short order. 1913-1913; Joban P. Frislie 1866-1930; Karine Frislie 1870-1941; Submitted by Melroy and Avis Wiskow. Source: Church records. Joseph Wold 1901-1957; Anton Wold 1864-1948; Johanna Wold 1871-1921; Esther J. Wold 1910-191O;AnnaWold 1906-1930; Ruth First Methodist Evangelical Church Elizabeth Petterson 1889-1897; Arthur Carlos Lien 1898-1902; Ingram Oliver Lien 1893-1913; Martin Olai Lien 1890-1916; Julia There is no exact date when the Greenbush Methodist Episcopal Johnson 1883-1904; Auguste Johnson 1864-1904; Hilda Sofia .Church was first organized. It first appeared on a map ofchurches Johnson 1903-1904; Olavis Holter 1854-1938; Jens Holter 1829­ in the 1904 Journal ofthe Northern Minnesota Annual Conference, 1926; Carl Holter 1871-1925; Oliver Brandvold 1896-1951; Bennie

217 Brandvold 1891-1949; Olava Brandvold 1868-1923. Midland Cem­ etery is also known as Haug Cemetery. Submitted by Karen Janousek.

Moland or Church

On December 31, 1896, a meeting was ,held at the home of Ed Eliason to organize a Lutheran church. Rev. Kringle acted as fore­ man and Hartvig Peterson as secretary. The following business was transacted: "That the Hauges' Norwegian Evangelistic Lutheran Congregation be formed and that this church was to be named Moland Congregation. Officers elected were Foreman, T.T. Lanegraff; Secretary, Hartvig Pederson; Elder, Elias Eliason; Trust­ ees, TT Lanegraff, Sove Lovland, and Hartvig Pederson. Ole J. Moland, the church on the move, after becoming the Carl & Kari Heltne home Anderson was elected treasurer." justsouth ofGreenbush. courtesy ofMilt In 1897, the constitution was accepted, and Pastor K.L. Kleveland was asked to serve as often as possible. During the life of the day. Other church members were asked to work for one day or pay Moland Congregation, the Norwegian language was used during $1.50. the services and all minutes of meetings were recorded in Norwe­ Big changes were in store for the village ofGreenbush and Moland gian. Church. For several years, the Great Northern Railway had been During 1898, several church services were held at the home of slowly moving northward. By late 1904, tracks had been laid to Ole Metvedt, one ofthe early members ofMoland who homesteaded the site of present Greenbush. Almost at once "old" Greenbush in Section 33 of Barto Township. At other times they were held at merchants moved buildings and businesses to the new site known the schoolhouse near the Metvedt home. At the January 10, 1898, as West Greenbush. congregational meeting, Pastor Kleveland was instructed to re­ Early the following year the trustees of Moland were instructed quest that the Moland Congregation be accepted by the Hauge to learn the cost of moving the partially finished church into the Synod. The congregation also decided that a parochial school would new village if proper lots could be obtained. Later in the year, be held for an entire month. 1905, the church was moved and enough money was borrowed to Pastor Kleveland left the congregation sometime in mid-l 898. cover the balance owed and to build a bell tower. Six thousand feet At a meeting held November 26, 1898, in the schoolhouse of flooring was purchased for the floor and ceiling; paper was to near the Metvedts, it was decided that a letter should be sent to the be placed between the floors and iron rods were to be placed across church board asking them to locate a minister who would live here the church as braces. Pastor Johanson and H. Sneve were chosen and serve the congregation. to build a pulpit and an altar cross for the church. In November of 1899, a letter of call sent out to Rev. Johan Pastor Johanson left the church in 1907. In April of 1907, a letter Fredrik Adrianson serving a parish in Bottineau County, North ofcall went out to PastorAnnanias Nilson Skogerboe. While many Dakota. According to an early assessor's report from Skagen Town­ of the early pastors in the area lived on their homestead lands and ship, Rev. Adrianson's home was close to a school and only about made the rounds to their congregations by horse and buggy, Rev. a mile from "old" Greenbush, making it easy for him to serve the Skogerboe was the first ofthe Moland pastors to live in Greenbush. fledgling congregation. Also, since Rev. Skogerboe would serve five congregations, these The 1900 annual meeting of the congregation was held at the congregations were urged to contact the Missions for monetary help, Andrew Hanson home. A later meeting decided that church ser­ were unable to pay the pastor's salary. vices should be held alternately in each of the two schoolhouses. Unfortunately, Moland Church was moved to the second block At the congregational meeting in 1901; Pastor Adrianson was north ofthe Greenbush Nursing Home, an area that was frequently chosen to contact a Mr. Thorsen regarding the purchase of cem­ wet and muddy. Parishioners found it almost impossible to get to etery and churchyard areas. (This cemetery was known as Moland church. In May of 1909, the congregation voted (6 to 5) to move Cemetery, later as Bethania Cemetery, and today as United Free the church for the second time. Lots 11 and 12 were purchased in Cemetery. It is located on old Highway 11, just west of Burkel's Block 20 ofWest Greenbush (lots now occupied by Blessed Sacra­ Grain Service). ment Catholic Church). Once the church was on a new foundation, As the church grew in members, a resolution was passed on Janu­ A. Erickson was chosen to build a foundation and floor for the bell ary 7, 1902, to start planning for a church building. PastorAdrianson, tower and to build an addition to the back ofthe church. By 1914, Hans Tadum, and Hartvig Pederson were chosen to collect the money the bell tower was completed and the bell installed; later, old siding toward the building project. Rev. Adrianson left the congregation was removed and replaced. , in 1903, and a letter ofcall went out to Rev. Jens H. Johanson, a lay At the annual meeting of 1910, the pastor's salary was raised to preacher and carpenter. $100.00 per year, and Elias Larson was hired as janitor for $15.00 a In 1904, it was decided to build the church beside the cemetery. year. The following year, Ole Suby was designated to care for the Osmund Suby, Ivar Anderson, and Tobias Lanegraff were chosen cemetery. One dollar would be charged to members for one grave to serve on the church building committee. After some discussion, lot and $5.00 per lot for non-members. A fence was to be placed . they resolved to build the church 26' x 36' x 12'. Mr. Suby was around the cemetery the next year. hired to work on the new building at $1.50 per day (later to be Moland Church was no different from most congregations at the increased to $2.00) and Andrew Larson was to be paid $1.50 per turn of the century-- women did not have the right to vote-- but

218 were expected to raise money through Ladies Aids. When money Askeland held occasional services as the congregation was not or­ was needed to help pay for the windows of the new church build­ ganized. In 1897, the first regular pastor, Reverend J.L. Bestul held ing, they were asked to contribute. services whenever possible as he had other churches as well. Rev­ The first record of the Moland Busy Bees was in 1914 when Mrs. erend Bestul's first salary was not an established amount; the indi­ A.N . Skogerboe, the pastor's wife, served coffee at the bi-monthly vidual congregation gave what it could. After Reverend Bestul re­ meeting in which $1.15 was collected. A few of the family names signed, the congregation voted to call another pastor, but the salary belonging to the Ladies Aid were Forsness, Pederson, Sovde, could not exceed $75 per year. Erickson, Anderson, Suby, Mehus, and Mathison. Since the church B.O. Christianson, OlufGraff, Eberhart Nelson, and Peder Nelson had no basement, meetings were held in the new city hall at a cost were appointed by the congregation to find a suitable cemetery of $1.00 per meeting. Throughout the years, funds were raised and churchyard. It was then E.O. Howg donated three acres of his through auctions ofhome-made articles such as aprons and doilies. land in Section 24 of Soler Township to the congregation. Pastor Skogerboe left the congregation in early 1916, and a call The Oiland congregation charter members recorded in 1900 were went out to Rev. Berge Olson, a farmer, parochial teacher, and lay Iver Sodnak, O.E. Howg, Peter Haug, Theo. Howg, Ole Rolles, minister serving Gully, Minnesota. The call was accepted, and Pastor Sam Hanson, Oluf Graff, B.O. Christianson, T.O. Melby, Peter Olson served as the last minister ofMoland until 1924, when Moland Meyer, Bertha Meyer, B.M. Sillerud, Hans Larson, Easten Sanden, merged with St. Olaf. Peder Olson, Peder Nelson, and Eberhart Nelson. The discussions at Moland Church about merging with St. Olaf In 1903 each member was asked to bring 20 posts to enclose the actually began in 1916 when 13 members voted to join and 6 voted churchyard. The church was built in 1906 at a cost of $1200 with against. Throughout the years, more votes were taken, until finally B. Vestness as head carpenter. The pioneers hauled lumber with in 1925, they voted to unite with St. Olaf and form Bethel Evan­ wagons pulled by horses or oxen even though there were very few gelical Lutheran congregation ofGreenbush. The final annual meet­ roads at the time. When the church building was completed, a ing of the Moland congregation was held on January 6th, 1925. weather vane inscribed with the year 1906 was placed atop the Pastor Guldseth, who had accepted a call to serve the newly formed steeple. Peter Meyer (brother of Julius Graff) built the pulpit and church, was in attendance. A proposal was made and accepted that baptismal font. Chairs were used in the sanctuary instead of pews St. Olaf Church would be used. and for many years it was customary for women and children to sit In the early 1930s, the church was sold to Carl and Kari Heltne on the left side and men on the right side during worship services. and moved to their farm in the NW 1/4 ofSection 15 Hereim Town­ In the early years, the church was heated by two wood stoves and ship. The building was demolished in the early 1990s. occasionally there would be a smoky atmosphere caused by the Submitted by Angie Peterson. Sources: Bethel Anniversary Book­ wind blowing in the wrong direction. Lighting was furnished by lets. kerosene wall lamps with glass reflectors. The Christmas tree was lit with colored wax candles. The congregation walked around the altar at Christmas and on other special occasions to leave offerings for the pastor and gifts for the organist on the organ. It was special for the youngsters when the processional included singing "Her Kommer Dine Arme Sma" (Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, Are We). In 1935, the congre­ gation voted to use collection plates. The treasurer kept offerings at home and would sometimes need to use his own resources until offerings could cover incurred bills. Then he would be repaid. Hector Graff, a member ofthe 1919 Confirmation class, had many memories of the early church. One memory was of the pastor ar­ riving late because ofpoor roads. While waiting, the students raced their horses or rang the bell, but when the pastor was sighted, all activity ceased. Another memory was of a barn for the pastor's horses that was located on the northeast corner of the churchyard. Once a year the lawn was mowed, raked and stacked for his horses. Present day Oiland, home of an active congregation. One summer, the stack was struck by lightning and burned, so con­ (photo courtesy ofFurrell undAnne Erickson) sequently the parishioners had to supply the hay. The Scandinavian heritage ofOiland Lutheran Church congrega­ The Ladies Aid was an important part of the congregation as the tion is evident in its name, an anglicization of"oy," the Norwegian whole family would gather for fellowship in the homes. This or­ word for island. When the Oiland Church was built, the site was an ganization bought the church steeple bell and made many other island ofcleared ground surrounded by wetlands. contributions throughout the years. The only serving facility was When immigrants came to northern Minnesota, they felt and saw in the northwest corner at the rear of the church. A homemade the great need for building and establishing a congregation in their counter held the dishes. Coffee was cooked and food was kept community. Because of fmancial problems, it took a while before warm on a two burner kerosene stove. All the water was brought to a church could be built so the members met in homes and also used the church in cans from home. District 22 School as a place for holding services and other church Each summer the Norwegian Parochial School was held with Peter related gatherings. The Ladies Aid or "Kvinde Farening" also met Haug as one of the first teachers. Luther League was a family fel­ "in homes. lowship that met at different homes in the summer. Programs con­ According to Oiland's records in the late I890s, a Reverend sisted of devotions, readings, singing of gospel songs and lunch.

219 Often a volleyball or softball game would be organized. former Oiland member) on Birch Street South in Badger at a cost In the fall of 1940, a chancel was built in the church by Anton of $3000 and pursue plans to build a parsonage that included a Bjornstad. Furnishings were purchased from a congregation in pastor's office. In March 1988, house floor plans were presented Racine, Wisconsin for $162.71. These included a pulpit, an altar by Jan Geroy, voted on, and accepted at an estimated cost of which portrayed a beautiful painting of Christ's Resurrection, an $49,000, altar railing, a hymn board, and other furnishings which greatly On May 1, 1988, "Super Sunday," a parish effort to raise as improved the beauty of the chancel . The congregation de­ much funding as possible in a one-day event was held at the Bad­ cided a separate dining hall would be a big improvement and would ger School gymnasium under the direction of Seminarian Tom serve many purposes. A 26' x 40' structure was built in 1952 by Olson. The celebration turned out to be a great blessing as finan­ Haaken Wold with volunteer labor. cial gifts and pledges were beyond expectations. The parsonage On Tuesday, June 21, lots were dedicated that day, along with the official ground break­ 1966, lightning struck and ing ceremony. Mark Geroy was hired as head contractor. Many fire destroyed the church volunteer hours helped complete the parsonage so it was ready for ;c' , which had recently been occupancy when Pastor Martin Christiansen of Frontier, remodeled with a new fur­ Saskatchewan, arrived in the fall of 1988. A 26' x 28' garage was nace installed. The dining built on the parish lots in 1990. hall and a few furnishings Next, the 40 year old dining hall was in dire need ofrepair. It was including a large Bible, decided to replace the existing building with a new 36' x 40' dining . pew, offering plates, and area attached to the north side ofthe sanctuary that would include a altar chairs were saved. kitchen, indoor bathrooms, and electric heat. The old dining hall Through prayer, the con­ was sold on bids, a well was drilled, and a septic system was in­ gregation felt the need to stalled. Also, the church interior was painted and the carpeting was provide a place to worship replaced. Vernon Schires of Greenbush was hired as head carpen­ Oiland before remodeling and after dining hall and plans were made to go ter to work with volunteer labor. Prior to construction, letters of was built (1956). (photo courtesy ofFarrell and ahead. After a great deal intent were sent to members, former members, and friends of the Anne Erickson) .. of diSCUSSIOn, a vacated congregation stating the plans and the financial needs to be met. church was purchased on August 14, 1966, for $350.00 from the Once again, generous monetary gifts were received enabling the Oslo Lutheran congregation located west ofHalma, Minnesota. The $41,000 construction and improvements to be finished without fi­ cost to move the church was $1700. The dining hall was used for nancial debt. worship a meeting place until the remodeling on the church The church yard is enhanced by a stately brick pillar and chain was done. link fence. The original 1906 bell is on display on a brick and The church became too small for Oiland's growing membership, metal lighted church sign. In the cemetery, a lone birch replanted so in 1977 an additional sanctuary space and Sunday School room by charter member, Peter Meyer, still grows in remembrance ofthe was added to the north side of the building. A 14' x 40' gable roof founders ofthe congregation. Throughout the worship and dining addition was completed for $5,000 with Kenneth Peterson as head areas are various articles that have been given in memory ofloved carpenter, and volunteer labor again playing an important role. Ten ones. Special recognition is extended to members who over the pews were purchased at an auction in Grygla, Minnesota, and vinyl years have diligently served as janitors, organists, pianists, offic­ siding was applied in 1987. ers, council members, committee members, advisors, and teachers. Oiland became part of a seven point parish in the middle of the The weekend of July 10-11, 1999, Oiland celebrated their cen­ century. A congregational meeting held in 1972 discussed merging tennial. the 'congregations and building a new church and parsonage in The Oiland congregation has been blessed with two men entering Greenbush. Oiland voted against merging and decided to form a the ministry. Reverend Todd Erickson was ordained on June 6, parish with Badger Creek. A special meeting was held in Badger 2001. He is presently serving at Valley Free Lutheran Church in with the approval of the congregation and it was decided to call a Lakeville, Minnesota. Reverend Alvin Sather was ordained on Au­ pastor. In 1973, Lay Pastor Gustav Nordvall from Ross, Minne­ gust 25, 2002, and is presently serving a congregation in Pukwana, sota, was called to serve their parish. He willingly accepted and South Dakota. began work in the the newly formed parish at a salary of$4200 per Oiland holds services every Sunday, with Sunday School every year. Since Pastor Nordvall wished to reside at his home on Min­ week during the school year and Bible School for one week in the nesota Hill, the former parsonage in Greenbush, owned jointly by summer. In addition, there is a Ladies Aid, young adults group, Badger Creek, Bethania, and Oiland was sold. While serving their youth group and weekly Bible studies. Four times a year, members parish, "Gust," a well loved pastor, passed away unexpectedly at hold a "Season of Praise," an event that replaces Luther League. his home on January 5, 1987. Fellowship dinners are held the fourth Sunday ofevery month. The AFLC Seminarian, Tom Olson, served the parish during the sum­ men put on a spring soup and salad meal and the congregation puts mer and continued during his 1987-88 school year two weekends on a fall dinner. a month, commuting from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other church Present board members are: President Farrell Erickson, Vice Presi­ work and services continued through members, lay people, and dent Dallas Erickson, Secretary Bryan Balstad, and Treasurer Scott area pastors. Hostvedt. Deacons: Loyd Melby, Scott Hostvedt, and Farrell Parish plans began forming in August of 1987 for building a Erickson, Trustees: Gerald Graff, Orelle Vatnsdal, Evan Foster, and parsonage and calling a pastor. At their annual meeting, it was Jon Foss, Sexton Robert Graff, Janitor Scott Erickson, and Sunday decided to purchase lots from Andy Erickson and his wife Oline (a School Superintendent Lynn Balstad.

220 The W.M.F. Officers are Ruby Brekke (President), Holly Foss lumber and work on the building. Building progressed slowly as (Vice President), RaeAnn Wahl (Secretary), Carol Hostvedt (Trea­ funds were available. The Ladies Aid and the Young People's So­ surer) and Tammy Wahl (Cradle Roll). ciety helped, buying a bell, altar, church benches, and other items Submitted by Oiland members and Angie Peterson. Source: ai/and such as carpet and a communion set. Centennial Book. Pastor Simonson served until 1911. Other pastors were T.A. Hagen, O.P. Stavnaas, and M.S. Gjerde. The church was finally Pauli Lutheran Chur.ch completed in 1916. In 1917, the United Lutheran Church Synod merged with the When the settlers came to Hauge Synod and the Norwegian American Evangelical Synod to the Pauli area in the late form the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America. (In 1946, this 1800s, they quickly began name was changed to the Evangelical Lutheran Church--ELC.) At to feel the need for a place this time, Pauli was a member ofthe Halma "call" or parish. Pastor , ofworship. Like many area T.A. Hagen became pastor of the Halma parish in 1921 and served pioneers, they held worship until 1929. He was followed by Pastor Skuness and then E.B. services in homes. Itiner­ Kluver, who served until 1938. ant pastors Kleveland, In 1938, because of rearranging parishes to equalize the work, ,.1".",'-- ', . Bestul (who helped start Pauli became part of the Greenbush parish with Bethel, Zion, and .'"'1'l Bethania), Birkelo (who Bethlehem. Later Pastors were M. Johnson, E.E. Tollefson, W. . , ., ' helped start Zion), Masted, S. Swenson, H. Mathison, and B. Nyjordet. Pauli remained Askeland, and Andreason a member of this parish until 1957, when they asked the pastor . filled the need for pastors from Bethania Lutheran Church to serve. This parish originally at times. consisted ofBethania, Badger Creek, and Oiland. Zion, Bethlehem, Pauli Ladies Aid was first and Poplar Grove also became a part of the LFC parish, so now organized as the Dewey Pauli was a member of a seven-point parish. Ladies Aid on August 3, The practice of women and children sitting on one side of the 1898. There was no church church and men on the other, persisted as late as 1954, according to The Pauli Church in early years. Note the de- organized as yet and Dewey a couple married that year. One earlier exception was when a young sign on the steeple. (photo courtesy Milt Sather) th fth t h' was e name 0 e owns Ip. mother transferred the care of rambunctious sons to their father. In 1898, Pastor Halfdan Simonson met with the settlers to orga­ In 1972, Pauli merged with Bethania and Zion to become United nize a congregation. ' There is no written record of the organiza­ Free Lutheran. They built a new church in Greenbush, the United tional meeting nor ofany other meeting until 1902. But at the meet­ Free Lutheran Church. ing in 1902, a secretary's report was read, indicating at least one The Pauli Lutheran Church building was sold about 1975 and record of precious meetings was lost. The secretary's report in­ moved across Highway 11 to the Pelan Pioneer Park in 1976. Many cluded a list of members apparently predating 1902, perhaps from events were held at this little church in the park, but unfortunately 1899: Sven Dufwa, John Thompson, Syvert Hetland, Edward Holen, the Pauli Church, whose name had been changed to Pelan Pioneer Tron Hermanson, L. Lysne, A. Berg, Ellert Hanson, G. A1me, Asle Chapel, eventually fell into disrepair rendering it unusable for spe­ Asleson, T. Stave, Andreas Smestad, Nels Pladsen, Reier Myra, cial events. Engbret Myran, A. Snare, and Syvert Skogstad. They appointed Pastor Halfdan Simonson chair ofthe meeting and elected two trust­ ees and two deacons. The church was to be a part of the United Lutheran Church Synod. After the Pauli congregation was established, the Dewey Ladies Aid changed their name to Pauli Ladies Aid. The charter members of the Ladies Aid were: Mrs. Lasse Lysne, Miss Amalia Lysne, Mrs. Kari Tanberg, Miss Randi Tanberg, Miss Augusta Kelso, Mrs. Alme, Mrs. Ellert Hanson, Mrs.Anne Erickson, Mrs. Asle Asleson, Mrs. Chris Hagen. Mrs. Lysne was president, Mrs. Hanson vice president, Miss Tanberg secretary, and Miss Kelso treasurer. Now an organized congregation, the settlers still had no church and continued to meet in the homes of members. They wanted a The Pauli Cemetery located on Highway 11 west of Greenbush in 2004. (photo by Myrna Sovde.) church building, but money was scarce. Many settlers had moved from Hatton, North Dakota, and felt free to ask their former neigh­ An active and aggressive Pelan Park Board was elected in 2003, 'bors and fellow church members for financial help. Money was and they began extensive repairs and renovations which continued soon in hand, not enough to build a church, but enough to begin. into 2004. The church was restored to a usable state by mid-Au­ Work on the foundation of the church began 'in 1904 in Section gust, 2004, in time for a festival celebrating the centennial year of 29 of Dewey Township. Construction of the church began the the Pauli Church building. The festival included ecumenical wor­ following year. As was usual in the building of new churches in ship services in English and Norwegian, special music, and a hymn the Greenbush area, much ofthe construction was done by donated sing, along with other park activities. labor. Every man in the congregation donated five days to haul the Submitted by Avis Wiskow and The Centennial Book Committee.

221 Poplar Grove Lutheran Church more settlers came to take up home­ steads in 1896 and 1897, they real­ The Poplar Grove Lutheran Church and cemetery is located in ized a need for religious rites. Deer township, Section 13, in the northwest quarter, about three From 1897 to 1903, different miles northeast of Strathcona, Minnesota. priests from various places came to The Poplar Grove Lutheran Church was organized by Norwegian offer the Mass. The first Mass was settlers on April 30, 1900. The eight members who were present said in 1897 in the home of Anton were Syver E. Haugtvedt, Amund Peterson, Otto Kjeldson Foss, Kukowski. As more settlers came to Ole Hanson, John Gavick, Ole Gilbertson, Guri Gilbertson, and the Leo community a church was Gilbert Gilbertson. John Gavick was elected secretary. Rev. Matias necessary. In 1898, a church was Flekke of Holt assisted with the organization. On November 2, built on ten acres ofland donated by 1901, Rev. Peder C. Birkelo conducted a meeting when 12 new one of the first settlers, John members joined. The first church officers were Otto Kjeldson Foss, Kaszubowski. It was built for $853 Ole Hanson, and Syver Haugtvedt, trustee, and Ole Gilbertson, and named after their patron, St. church business president. Aloysius. At the time, St. Aloysius was the only organized Catholic Church in . "" Roseau County and was served by St. Aloysius Church 1898-1952. Bell priests from Florian, Stephen, and tower and addition in 1905. (photo even Warsaw, North Dakota. In courtesy ofMilt Sather) 1900, the parish ofSt. Aloysius was incorporated into the Diocese of Duluth. The first parish house, built in 1902, cost $736. In 1903, Father Anton Drewnicki became the first resident priest. That first year, he had 21 baptisms, four weddings, and two funerals. Father Drewnicki served the parish on two different occasions with the second time of service running from 1918 to his death in 1939. He is buried in the parish cemetery. , Poplar Grove Lutheran Church - Deer Township. As the population in­ creased, an addition to The Ladies Aid was organized at the O.K. Christianson home the church was built. In Apri14, 1902. Mrs. H.H. Graff was elected president, Mrs. O.K. 1941, a new parish house Christianson, treasurer, and Mrs. Halvor Brunsvold, secretary. The was built and the old one first pastor's salary was $32 for one year. The land on which the was torn down. When church is located was presented to the church by the Selmer A. the last resident priest Majer family on November 25, 1903. The oldest grave in the church left St. Aloysius in 1969, cemetery appears to be that of Christian Christianson who died in the parish house stood 1905. vacant for a short time Nils Njus served as p'astor from 1904 unti11908. During this and was then sold and time plans were drawn up for a church building which was begun moved. The lovely brick about 1910 when collections were being taken for the church build­ front steps are all that ing. The church building was built in 1911. remain where the parish The first services were held in Norwegian and later in English. In house once stood. 1900 the church belonged to the Norwegian Synod. In 1917, the In 1948, St. Aloysius church joined the NLCA (ELC). In 1924, Poplar Grove joined the celebrated its Golden Middle River Parish-- this was dissolved in 1958. In 1959, Poplar Jubilee. Grove was independent, but in 1963 they joined the AFLC (Asso­ On November 16, ciation ofFree Lutheran Congregations). - 1952, misfortune met the Main Altar of St. Aloysius Church. (photo taken . h' f S In 1950, the year ofthe 50th anniversary, the church was redeco­ Golden Jubilee book) pans lOners 0 t. rated, and the chancel area, sacristy, and a small kitchen were built. Aloysius when their In 1975 more decorating was done, including paneling walls and church was destroyed by fire. Services were held in the parish hall lowering the ceiling. until the present church was constructed and dedicated in 1953, The church closed in 1994. under the supervision ofFather 1. Adamiec, O.M.!. (Oblates ofMary Submitted by Marilyn Zimdars. Immaculate). In the early 1960s, Rev. N. Payant, O.M.!. guided the parish St. Aloysius Catholic Church- Leo through the liturgical changes in the church and organized the first Catholic Youth Organization in the parish. It is hard to visualize all the struggles and sacrifices that were Rev. Wm. Leising, O.M.I. was named pastor in 1966 and was the made for the establishment of St. Aloysius Church. The first pio­ last O.M.!. priest to serve the parish and the last resident pastor. He neers lived a hard life, living in tents and without conveniences. As was known as the "flying missionary" as he had ministered to those 222 living in northern grounds. Canada. He also The men of S1. Aloysius dealt with maintenance matters and also authored a book detail­ hosted the annual "Mother's Day Breakfast" for the women of the ing his experiences en­ parish. titled, "Arctic Wings". The Holy Rosary Society was established in 1898 by the women From 1969, the parish of the parish to administer to various needs in the parish such as .was served by Diocesan caring for the church's interior. They also hosted the annual parish priests including: Rev. dinner for many years. Jerry Noesen, Rev. Eu­ From this parish, four women have chosen to join the Order ofSt. gene Wesely, Rev. Benedict. They are Sister Hyacinthe Sobtzak, Sister M.Ann Terese Michael Patnode, Rev. Efta, Sister Kostka Pulczinski, and Sister Josephine Kukowski. Robert Bester, Rev. Ray S1. Aloysius Church celebrated its 100th anniversary on the feast Palcisko, and Rev. Don day of S1. Aloysius, Sunday, June 21, 1998. Past and present pa­ Braukmann. rishioners and priests were all invited to attend. The celebra­ For many years the tion started with a Polka Mass celebrated by Bishop Victor Balke. parish did not have any A dinner was held after the Mass with a dance held in the parish place for social gather­ hall that afternoon. St. Aloysius Church Rural Greenbush celebrates ings, except the church On June 30, 1998, St. Aloysius Mass for the last time 100 years. (photo courtesy ofCaro/ Larson) for services. The first as a parish. The church was closed by the Diocese because of the parish hall was built in priest shortage. Many of the families that belonged to the parish 1948, but was destroyed by fire in February of 1957. The present when it was closed were direct descendants ofthe original families hall was built the same year and has housed parish dinners, (includ­ that settled here over a hundred years ago. The church is still used ing the famous Goose and Duck Supper), bazaars, wedding recep­ for funerals, weddings, and special Masses a few times a year. tions, funeral luncheons, and vacation school classes. Submitted by Angie Peterson. Sources: St. Aloysius records. The parishioners of S1. Aloysius have unselfishly donated their time, talent, and treasure for the good of the parish throughout the 81. Joseph of Benwood years. For many years, the parish was home to the annual vacation S1. Joseph Catholic Church of Benwood, small in size but large school program which ran for a week each summer. Children from of heart, is nestled near a woods of birch and balsam in Section 21 Aloysius and Blessed Sacrament Church of Greenbush enjoyed ofPoplar Grove Township. As early as 1906, visiting priests came the wide open spaces and opportunities for adventure on the church occasionally to baptize infants and to celebrate Holy Mass. About 1917 or 1918 a few people began to work toward the establishment ofa church. The first church building was originally intended to be a store. When those plans fell through because the man who was to oper­ ate the store disappeared, the owners, Joe Kasprick and Georgy Fabula, sought another use for the building. Kasprick and Fabula decided to sell the building to be used as a church. The price was one and no/100 dollars. The bill of sale dated October 11, 1918, stated the size as a one and a half story building, twenty by thirty feet with fourteen foot posts. It stipulated the building be moved to one acre of land donated by Joseph and wife Mary Kasprick. However, moving to the donated site was a problem. First a path­ way had to be cut through the woods. Then twelve teams couldn't move it because they wouldn't all pull together. William Taus sug­ gested using a stump puller, and small logs used as rollers were put Golden Jubilee Confirmation - June 21, 1948. Back Row: Father McMahan, under the skids. It took most of March 1919 to move it the half Father Buchwald, Father Shanahan, Bishop Schenk, Father Montgomery, Fa­ mile. ther McAleer, Father Cardin, Father John Merth, Father Seitz, and Eugene The Catholic parish of Tabor, Minnesota, donated $300, church Dolney. Second Row: Walter Pulczinski, David Novacek, Daniel Novacek, Ronald windows, and good advice for setting up a church, to the new par­ Kukowski, Ernest Kukowski, Dominic Kukowski, Edwin Kukowski, David Kukowski, Philip Pelowski, Stephen Pulczinski, Adolph Kukowski, Donald Efta, ish which was linked to them by family or Bohemian background. Jerome Novacek, Joe Mooney Jr. and Georgine Stanislawski McMartin. Third The first Mass celebrated in the newly remodeled church was .Row: Henryka Kukowski Evans, Alice Stanislawski Blawat, Loretta Kukowski held in June 1919 by Father Charles Keyser (1919-1936). At first, Venable, Delores BlawatAnderson, Sylvia Pulczinski Jenson, DoraAnn Pelowski, Holy Mass was celebrated on holy days and sometimes on week Theresa Pietruszewski Borowicz, Sally Kukowski Stengrim, Joan Novacek Bertilrud, Carol Chrzanowski Kukowski, Leona Novacek Nelson, Marie days. Marriages and baptisms were also scheduled then. Later Kalinowski Dallager, Frances Novacek Reese and Antionette PUlczinski Kjos. Holy Mass was every two weeks, but still on week days. Front Row: Louise Stanislawski Brekke, Bernadette Kalinowski Gross, Delores Parish members at the time of dedication were: Joe Kasprick, Mrozek Sharp, Alice Mlodzik Blawat, Shirley Gonshorowski Pederson, Georgy Fabula, John Bernat, William Taus, Joe Satnik, John .Bernadette Pulczinski Reese, Lorraine Mlodzik Blawat, Laverne Kukowski Kaml, Frances Kukowski Hanson and Loretta Pelowski. (photo taken Mistcek, Joe Gust, Anton Hodik, John Kovar, Anton Homolka, Joe from Go/den Jubilee book) Napper, Stanley Molawski, John Raichl, Lambert Kruta, William 223 Pesek, and John Boldyzar. The Florian Gust and Dorothy Woyach marriage was the first in

The bell was all that survived the fire. (photo by Myrna Sovde)

during the cold months and at Kruta Hall during the summer. The first Mass in the new church was held Christmas Eve 1993. After that, Mass was held every weekend, but each time all items had to New St. Joseph built in 1993 at Benwood. (photo by Myrna Sovde) be put back in a comer and covered, so the carpenters, Woodland St. Joseph. The first baptism was that of Michael Kraviz. Yearly Industries of Greenbush, could complete their work. dues were assessed at $12 per parishioner; some called it pew rent. Present council members are Wilfred Taus, Doug Bentow, Tim In 1930, new benches, with backs this time, built by William Gust, and Elroy Aune. Trustees are Larry and Tony Gust. Present Taus. These remained until about 1969. officers of the Ladies Guild are Priscilla Gust, president; Joy Gust, When Father Shanahan was pastor for a few months in 1936, hav­ vice president; Kathy Schafer, treasurer; and Diane Dahl, secre­ ing services on Sunday was a welcome change. tary. Father Bob LaPlante is the pastor. Father Francis Lemen (1936-1948) was remembered for his great Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: Priscilla Gust and "A His­ love of hunting and light-hearted spirit. "It seems his quest for tory olSt. JosephChurch. wild game led him to promulgate the lIth commandment-- Don't Caught!" St. Olaf Lutheran Church When Father Thomas Montgomery (1947-1957) took charge, services were every Sunday instead of every other. Fathers Louis The Norwegian Synod's churchwork at Greenbush began with McMahon and Timothy Noah assisted. Pastor P.c. Birkelo, who from the summer 1901-1903 preached a In 1970, twenty feet was added to the east end of the church to few times in farmhouses and in a school house. The work was accommodate the larger congregation. In 1983 a social hall was continued with Pastor N.J. Njus who preached several times in Old added. Funds were raised by many dumpling, sauerkraut, and home­ Greenbush, the first time in Sanders Hall. made sausage dinners served at the Grass Lake School and chicken On December 28, 1903, at Ole O. Hereim's home, members agreed dinners served at Joe Gust's turkey shed. to hold a meeting on January 14th, 1904, to organize a congrega­ Saturday morning, February 20, 1993, is a day St. Joseph parish­ tion. The outlook was not very bright since only about halfofthose ioners will never forget. Itwas the day ofTHE FIRE. Anna Schafer, who had promised to attend this meeting arrived. After discussing then in fourth grade, wrote "Day of Sorrow." The first and last the necessity of a congregation, and remembering that God had paragraphs are quoted: promised that where two or three are gathered in His name, He "By the evening of February 20, 1993, Albina Kasprick had al­ would be there also; these few people decided to organize a Nor­ ready died, the church was gone, and the people of Benwood and I wegian Evangelical Lutheran congregation and that its name should had faced the greatest tragedy of our lives. That morning when it be St. Olaf. A short constitution was adopted and was signed by was almost 10:00 Albina Kasprick went to check the church. It Knute Skall (Willamson), Ole O. Hereim Sr., Ole O. Hereim Jr., was filled with smoke. Thinking she could save the church she Carl O. Hereim, Andrew Benson, Gunder Carl Heltne, and Cora grabbed the fire extinguisher; smoke got her first and she was Heltne. Trustees were Knute Skall (Williamson), Gunder Carl consumed by flames. Heltne, and Carl Hereim. The congregation was composed of 6 That evening at 4:00 we gathered at Joe and Joy Gust's home for voting members and 38 souls. Pastor N.J. Njus was called as pas­ church, all shaken by the event. When church ended many went tor and held his first service on January 24, 1904. to look again at the church. All there was, was a few metal things, On November 1, 1904, a ladies' organization was formed at the . ashes, and smoke drifting up from the remains. And so, a sad story home of Mrs. Knute Williamson. Their special purposes were to has been bumed into our hearts. And that is how our day ofsorrow organize religious education for the children during the summer started and ended." and to help raise money for the church. First Albina Kasprick's parents had been caretakers ofthe church, The Northern Townsite Company promised a free location for and then she and her brother. For the past few years, it was Albina, the church on the townsite they had just bought, where Greenbush . age 74, who opened the church, adjusted the heat, and prepared the is now located. A congregational meeting was held at Carl Heltne's sanctuary for Mass. home in 1905. The decision was made to build a church. The After the fire, church was held at Tony and Marcella Gust's home building committee consisted of Carl Heltne, Ole O. Hereim Jr.,

224 and Torjus Lundevall. The church was built on Block 16 on the instructions from the congregation to vote for the union of three comer of Fifth Street and McKenzie Avenue, where it remained church associations: The Norwegian Synod, Hauge's Synod, and until tom down to make way for the new Bethel Church in 1973. the United Church. At the animal meeting of 1918, Olaf Hildahl was chosen chair­ man. Minutes from the meeting follow: "Since this was the first meeting of the congregation with Pastor James Bernards, follow­ ing his acceptance to serve Olaf, it was thought proper that the congregation's constitution should be read; however, it was dis­ covered that the original copy had not been kept, and that the only copy had been placed in the cornerstone of the church." After Pastor Bernard's departure in 1921, St. Olafwas served by interim Pastor T.A. Hagen, who also served Pauli Lutheran Church. Rev. Bernhard Guldseth arrived in 1924. In April of 1925, the two congregations met to adopt a resolution authorizing the consolidation of Moland and St. Olaf congrega­ tions and the reorganization of the two congregations into a single congregation to be known as Bethel Evangelical Lutheran congre­ gation of Greenbush, Minnesota. Submitted by Angie Peterson. Source: Bethel Anniversary Book­ lets and * Bethel minutes. Olaf built in 1905 on site of present day Bethel. (photo courtesy ofBethelArchives) United Free

A Young People's Group was organized August 6, 1905, for the In 1972 we began the history of a new church. The merger of purpose of raising money for an organ for the church. Pauli, Zion, and Bethania became official on June 29, 1972. A A new Constitution for the Congregation was adopted August 13, contest was held to pick a name and Clarice (Waage) Burkel's en­ 1905, and at a later meeting the cornerstone was laid. The cer­ try was chosen-- United Free Lutheran Church. Services were held emony was conducted by Pastor Johan E. Ingebrigtson assisted by in all three churches until August; it was then decided to close Pauli Pastors Carl Sauer, OlafGrefthen, and St. Olaf's Pastor, N.J. Njus. and Zion and all go to Bethania. A new constitution was drawn up In 1906 St. Olaf joined the Synod of the Norwegian American and accepted and plans were made to build a parsonage and church. Evangelical Church. Many members now called their church the Woodland Construction of Greenbush was hired to build the par­ "Synode Church" instead of St. Olaf. sonage in 1972, and Curtis Construction built the new church in After serving S1. Olaffor six years, Pastor Njus left. Pastor Magne 1973. United Free and the parsonage are located on Old Ridge Endreson accepted a call to serve the Greenbush Parish which now Road. included Zion, Poplar Grove, West Poplar Grove, and Klondike congregations. During the three years of Rev. Endreson's pastor­ ate, the church bell tower was repaired, a new altar and carpet were installed, and St. Olaf Church was dedicated. A great change to the Greenbush parish came in 1913 just before Rev. Endreson left. A special meeting of delegates from Pastor and Rev. Tallackson's congregations was called to re­ arrange the two groups. The delegates suggested that the Badger and Juneberry congregations join in the Greenbush group and that Wannaska and River congregations should be served from Roseau. Ofthe seven churches in the Greenbush parish, each church was to The United Free Lutheran Church, built in 1973, is located on Old Ridge Road. (photo by Myrna Sovde) provide a part ofthe pastor's yearly salary. Greenbush was to con­ tribute $200.00, Badger $100.00, Klondike Ridge $50.00, Juneberry Furniture and fixtures from the old churches were used to furnish $75.00, Poplar Grove $75.00, West Poplar Grove $50.00, and Zion the church. The extra items and the old churches were sold. Pauli $40.00. Hay and 50 sacks of oats were also promised to the pas­ was moved across Highway II to Pelan Pioneer Park where it still tor.* stands and is used occasionally. Zion was sold to Leslie Alme, The new pastor, Emil Salveson, arrived during the autumn ofl913. moved, and used as a carpentry shop. Bethania (after the new build­ At the annual meeting of 1913, members decided that afternoon ing was finished) was sold to Earl Pederson for his electrical shop. . services should be in English and morning services in Norwegian. The Zion Parish Hall was sold to Lyle Sovde, remodeled, and used Pastor Salveson left in 1915; in the interim, Pastor Alfred O. as a house. The cemeteries are all maintained and used by mem­ Nessett ofMiddle River occasionally served until Rev. O.L. Bolstad bers ofUnited. arrived to continue the work at St. Olaf. During his last year in The first service was held at United on December 16, 1973. Dedi­ Greenbush, both he and Rev. Nessett served until a new pastor could cation was held April 21, 1974. Pastors have been Gene Sundby, be called. Karl Stendal, Burton Rygh, Phillip Rokke, Dennis Gray, and Ken In the spring of 1916, the congregation unanimously agreed to Hart. Interim pastors have been Grimstad, Holmaas, Flaten, DuBoer, send two delegates to the Synod's meeting in Minneapolis with Swenson, and Sather. Tuura and Pearson have served as interns. 225 United has been involved in many aspects of the Lord's work; was down to 54 souls. The congregation dissolved in 1911. Rev. among them Sunday School; VBS; Youth Group; Galilee Bible Njus served from 1907-1909 and (Magnes) Endreson from 1910­ Camp at Lake Bronson; Missions in Brazil, Mexico and India; the 1911. Secretary was Syvert (Syver) Haugtvedt. The location was Seminary; and Bible School ofthe AFLC. We make quilts for mis­ given as three miles west of Strathcona, which was near the Herb sions, fire victims, and nursing home residents; host a blood drive School. twice a year; and help with the Food Shelf. The WMF (Ladies Aid) The few evidences that were found of church activity for area has been very active in all the work of congregation as the la­ families from 1905 to 1913, are: the baptism of Olga Bertilrud at dies have always been involved in all the previous churches. It is Moland in 1910; and Rue children's baptisms recorded at Bethlehem. not an exaggeration to say that the work could not have been done One invaluable paper has surfaced: a baptism record for Olga without the prayers and financial and physical help offaithful Chris­ Haugtvedt baptized into the Vestre Pople Grove Meninghed in 1908, tian women. by Rev. Njus. Her sponsors were Emil and Clara Haugtvedt, Emma Submitted by Avis Wiskow. Berger, and Harold J. Johnson. Gravemarkers at the former West Poplar Grove Cemetery veri­ Vestre Pople Grove Meninghed fied the connection of Amund and Kari Pederson, Haugtvedt, (West Poplar Grove Congregation) Gavick, and Foss families. Other headstones provided more infor­ mation. Julia Gustafson, 1854-1905, was the earliest burial indi­ Learning the history ofWest Poplar Grove congregation has been cated by markers. Charles Gustafson, 1888-1912, Julia's son, shares like solving a cold case detective file. In the first place, no one in her headstone. Annie Bess Johnson Peterson, 1880-1913, and Pe­ the neighborhood recalled that the congregation existed. The term ter Johnson, 1840-1915, probably father and daughter share another "West Poplar Grove" in reference to a congregation first surfaced stone. (Peter Johnson was Herb's postmaster.) in St. Olaf's history. The only other mention was when a local With family knowledge, Poplar Grove and Bethlehem books, some historian referred to the Haugtvedt Cemetery (now East Bethlehem) members can be deduced. These people who joined Bethlehem in Section 17 ofDeer Township as West Poplar Grove Cemetery. from 1912-1915 were most probably West Poplar Grove members: Andrew Anderson, Sander Rue, Rasmus Bennes, Harold 1. Johnson, Mikkel Bertilrud, Syver Haugtvedt, John Berger, Otto Foss, and Mary Gavick all with families, and Gunhild Marie Svensrud, Kari (Amund) Pederson, and Mrs. Maline Nygaard. Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: church records. personal information, Victor Westlund, and Norwegian Lutheran Congre­ gations in America 1843-1916 by OM. Norlie.

Sion Norsk Evangelisk Lutherske (Zion Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran)

Sion is Norwegian for Zion, Two Sion or Zion congregations West Poplar Grove or Haugtvedt Cemetery now called East Bethlehem Cemetery. (photo by Myrna Sovde) were established in the Greenbush area. One located six miles south­ east ofGreenbush and affiliated with the Norsk Synod, existed un­ Bethlehem records showed the first baptisms from the Haugtvedt, til 1972 when they joined United Free Lutheran ofGreenbush. The Johnson, Bertilrud, Berger, and Foss families in 1913 and 1914. cemetery is still maintained. Where had the other children been baptized? Another Sion or Zion, unknown to current generations, was lo­ Records revealed Otto Kjeldson Foss, Syver Haugtvedt, Amund cated eight miles west of Greenbush and was affiliated with the Peterson, and John Gavick were founders and officers of Poplar United Norwegian Church. It existed from 1900-1907. The church Grove Church four miles east of the Haugtvedt Cemetery. Those body consisted of 25 souls in 1900 and 71 souls in 1906. (Souls records showed baptisms for a few of the older children. included men, women, and children.) The pastor for the life ofthe Where was, and who belonged, to West Poplar Grove? church was H. Simensen (Simonson). Ole Metvedt was church John Gavick resigned as secretary of Poplar Grove in March secretary in 1900 and Lars Nilson was secretary in 1906.* 1903. (Annual meetings were in November.) In April 1905, after The only real clues to organization and membership ofthis church several meetings with reference to cemeteries, Syver Haugtvedt was Ole Metvedt's connection. Ole O. Metvedt was an early mem­ resigned as trustee and Otto Foss resigned as treasurer. (Minutes ber ofMoland (Bethel)joining on January 10, 1898. He left Moland were in Norwegian.) April 1905 minutes referred to "Vestre Pople a year and a half later. Grove Meninghed." After 1905, no families from this neighbor­ Moland Church minutes follow: special meeting of the con­ hood were listed for communion, baptism, or confirmation at Pop­ gregation was held in the school house near Metvedts, June 6th, . lar Grove. 1899. The following families left the congregation: Sove Lovland, The Bethania that dissolved in 1905 included some families from Ole (0.) Metvedt, Christian Hagen, Peder Thomsen, B. Solie, and this neighborhood. Many those names appeared in Bethlehem, Egel Tofsen (Thovson)." but not until several years later. Since Moland was Hauge Synod, and the newly-formed Sion had This seemed a dead end since no church books were available for United Norwegian affiliation, some disagreement as to church the­ . West Poplar Grove. Then, fortunately, a few pages from Norwe­ ology, policies, or teachings may be assumed as the reason for leav­ Lutheran in America 1843-1916 surfaced. ing Moland. However, Sove Lovland was a founder and officer Vestre Pople Grove was organized in 1907 with 67 souls; in 1910 it when it was stated that Moland would be a Hauge congregation. 226 In 1901, Moland decided to join with Zion to build a church. Was it this Zion from west oftown? This seems likely since Moland records show from 1906: Ole O. Metvedt's children confirmed, Egel and Marie Thovson's child baptized in 1908, and Berego Soli's three children confirmed in 1910. These records the three fami­ lies returned to the Moland fold. Do records exist for this Zion? Did this Zion have a church build­ ing? Perhaps, someday, an answer will be found in old family pa­ pers or old church books. Submitted by Myrna Sovde. Sources: Moland records, Moland minutes translated to English by Astrid Berger in 1987, *Norsk Lutherske Menigheter iAmerica 1843-1916 by Pastor O.M. Norlie.

Zion Zion Norwegian Evangelical Church was organized on July 28, United Free Lutheran Zion Cemetery. (photo by Myrna Sovde) 1901, at the home of Elof Olson, Pastor P.C. Birkelb lived in Sec­ tion 29 SW 1/4 of Barnett Township and he donated two acres of meetings and voted on whether to merge and build a new church in his homestead for a church and cemetery. The first church building Greenbush. Zion, Pauli, and Bethania voted to merge, Badger Creek was a 20'x26' log structure. Nels Njus became pastor in July 1903. and Oiland decided to form their own parish, while Poplar Grove He had homesteaded a few miles away (Section 35 NW 1/4) from and Bethlehem decided to remain independent. the church site and became well known as a pioneer pastor, helping After merging with Bethania and Pauli as United Free Lutheran, to start many congregations in Roseau County. both the Zion Church and Zion Parish Hall were moved west of Zion became a part of the Greenbush parish, together with St. Greenbush. The Zion Church was moved five miles west on High­ Olaf, Klondike, Poplar Grove, and West Poplar Grove. Later Bad­ way 11 to Section 24 in Dewey Township. Leslie Alme uses the ger and Juneberry churches were added to the parish. In 1924, St. building for storing lumber. The parish hall, sold to Lyle and Loreen Olaf and Moland (the Hauge church) merged to form Bethel in Sovde, was placed on a block basement and remodeled into a home Greenbush and Nannestad and Bethlehem were added. in Section 17 Hereim Township. It is now the home of Richard A new building was started for Zion in 1924 and was finished in (Rick) and Kathy Sovde. 1935. Pastors were M. Endreson, E. Salveson, O. Bolstad, J. Ber­ Families associated with Zion throughout the years were Otto & nards, Hagen, B. Guldseth, and M. Johnson. Evelyn Waage, Enok & Agnes Waage, Olaf& Louise Waage, Selmer In 1938, the parishes reorga­ & Victoria Waage, Evan & Emma Berge, Bill & Mattie Wiskow, , nized for more convenient ser­ Dewey & Edna Wiskow, Elmer & Tillie Dvergsten, Melvin & Bella .. , vice. The Greenbush parish Dvergsten, Einar & Mable Aamodt, Alfred & Lena Aamodt, Gust now consisted ofBethel, Zion, & George Miller, Melvin & Art Nelson, Tom & Mary Nelson, Sam Pauli, and Bethlehem. This & Geolena Olson family, Lloyd & Lola McFarlane, Tommy & Hulda grouping continued for many Hendrickson, Louie & Alvina Shimpa, Albert & Julia Shimpa, Joe years. The Zion Parish hall & Jordis Penas, Ben & Mabel Koehnlein, John & Clara Bergsnev, was built in 1946. Later elec­ Tom & Rachel Hendrickson, Marvin Lindstrom, Thomas Legard, tricity was put into the build­ Otto Anderson, Andrew & Thelma Kvale, Elene & Ole J. Olson, ings and gas furnaces were in­ Halgrimsons, Halvor & Aasine Brunsvold, Ole Lillegard, Thorstads, stalled. Tollefson, Mastad, Frank & Margaret Miller, Engel & Treve Pederson, and Gust & Swensen, Mathison, and Thea Waage. Nyjordet served as pastors. cemetery is maintained and burials still occur. In 1957, the ELC encour­ Submitted by Avis Wiskow and Myrna Sovde. aged the rural churches to close Zion Church built from 1924 to 1935. their churches and go into Postscript to Churches (photo courtesy of United Free Greenbush for services. When Church) the ELC and LFC merged in When you see the same names as founders for different churches, 1961, Bethania was one ofthe parishes that helped form the Asso­ it is not an error. When you see family names in early congrega­ ciation of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC) in 1962. Zion tions that have been in other congregations nearly forever, it is not members were not ready to leave their church so they were served an error either. It seems many families were seeking a church by laymen on a Sunday by Sunday basis. After some time ofthis, with all their particular beliefs, but eventually had to compromise asked Bethania iftheir pastor could serve them. Pauli, Poplar since very small congregations were not viable even then. Notice Grove, and Bethlehem were in the same situation and were being south Bethania with 17 souls and west Sion/Zion with 25 souls served by LFC Pastor Reinhart Pederson. The parish of including children. seven congregations, too many for one pastor, so lay tor, Burton The shortage of pastors has been ever present. Many early con­ Rygh, was hired to help. This continued for several years. At times gregations shared one pastor. Money problems seemed a common a merger was discussed, but rejected. During this time the pastors thread. Most churches were built piece meal. They built what they were Snipstad, S. Swenson, O. Olson, and W. Beaman. In 1972, could afford and added belfries, basements, and parish halls later. after much discussion and prayer, each of the congregations held One thing all churches had in common was the financial support 227 ofwomen's groups. Had it not been for funds raised by the women, Polish Catechism more churches would have closed long ago. Accuracy has sometimes seemed impossible because ofmissing My religious instruction days were another part of my life which records or misinformation from early days. The only way I learned is worth remembering. We were expected to attend catechism class of Zion west of Greenbush was from O.M.Norlie's book. After for as long as it took to memorize all the answers to the questions in stumbling upon baptism records ofthe Bethania south ofGreenbush the Polish catechism book. I was good at memorizing. I learned the in Moland's records, Norlie's book gave ,added information and answers in the order in which they appeared in the book. I did a proof of this Bethania's existence. super job with the answers in Polish. Oh, but once in a while the The spellings of names of churches and people changed over the priest would throw a curve. He would ask a question out of se­ years. Sion became Zion, Johan and Johanson became John and quence. What a dirty trick for a priest to play! Johnson, Hermundson became Hermanson, and Gustav became Albin Zabrocki, excerptfrom his book Story ofmy Life. Gust, etc. Deciphering the Norwegian language coupled with pas­ tors' handwriting and misspellings was nightmarish at times. The Families Metvedt name was a classic! It was spelled Melvedt, Metvet, Medvedt, and later Metvedt. Other people even changed their last The Greenbush area responded to the request of Lutheran Social names. Do you know who the Skalls are? Services in Minnesota for housing, food and clothing for refugee Many entries were incorrect, incomplete, or sometimes mislead­ families. Three families have been the recipients of the hospitality ing. Berger was spelled Berge; a child's name was omitted at bap­ of the Greenbush community. tism; a wrong name was on a burial entry; wrong parents were on a Mr. and Mrs. Somdy Khotsyphom and children Sysemphone, confirmation entry; and twenty-five confirmands were listed for a Kesone, and Khemkhom arrived in Greenbush in the fall of 1980 church when twenty were from other congregations. These were from Laos. They left their homeland to escape the communist op­ just a few recognized inaccuracies. But, even with errors, these pression. Mr. Khotsyphom described their life in Laos with these church books hold a wealth of historical information. words, food, no work no money". He was thankful for the free­ The Centennial Book Committee wishes to thank the churches dom he enjoyed in America, especially the freedom to speak with­ for access to their records for this project. We also owe a debt of out fear of retaliation. The Khotsyphom family currently lives in gratitude to those who translated church minutes from Norwegian St. Louis, Missouri. to English. Andrej and Wiestawa Rymsza and son Rafal arrived in Greenbush Though this was difficult to research, it has been interesting and Thanksgiving weekend 1983 from Poland. had helped to satisfying. organize a union among his co-workers. Solidarity is a union which Submitted by Myrna Sovde. sought improvements in working conditions for the Polish people. After martial law was established in December 1982 the Solidarity was crushed and and others were interned in a camp with armed guards. The men were released after the Pope and other reli­ gious leaders asserted pressure to free the workers. expressed his gratitude to be in America where "you have the right to live like a normal person." and Wiestawa Rymsza accepted the hos­ pitality of the community and chose to make Greenbush their per­ manent home. Leszek and Renata Musiol and their son Dominik arrived in Greenbush in March, 1986 from Poland. When asked why they came to the United States, Leszak said, "Poland is not a country with freedom. We have always to go to the United States because it is a free country." Leszak is a surveyor and Renata a beautician. The Musiols now reside in Elmwood Park, Illinois. From Bethel Archives

1929 Confirmation class at St. Aloysius Church, Leo, MN. Back Row; John Stanislawski, Susan Kulas, Theresa Pulczinski, John Pulczinski, Andrew Efta, Bernice Kukowski, Henry Blazek, Joe Braun. In the Middle; Delphine Kulas, Balbina Efta, Stella Dziekonski. Next Row: Adlaide Dolney, Ann Novacek, Mary Novacek, Lillian Miksatko, Ann Kukowski, Susan Kukowski, Angeline Blazek. Sitting; John Novacek, Felix Gonshorowski, John Pietruszewski Jr., Victor Kalinoski, Wilfred Braun, Stanley Kukowski, Roman Braun, Joey Novak. (photo submined by Marie Chrzanowski)

Early Bethlehem Sunday School picnic. (Svegdahlphoto courtesy ofNoreen Lorenson) 228