Zion Lutheran Church
Nome, Barnes County, North Dakota 58o62
Nome, Barnes County, North Dakota 58o62
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Nome, ND relieved by church fire, but Cobb says he may still try to stay By Robin Huebner March 27, 2017, at 5:42 PM
NOME, N.D.--The last pastor to serve at the former Zion Lutheran Church in Nome said he and
former members are glad white supremacist Craig Cobb won't be living in the building after all.
NOME, N.D.--The last pastor to serve at the former Zion Lutheran Church in Nome said he and
former members are glad white supremacist Craig Cobb won't be living in the building after all.
n 1906 the Zion Lutheran Congregation was organized. Pastor H.C. Nordby, who at that time lived near Kathryn, called a meeting of men who were interested in forming their own church. The new congregation was to be called Zion and a constitution was adopted. According to the minutes of the first meeting, the first officers elected were: Ole Hanson, secretary and Theodore Torbenson, treasurer. The trustees were P. Ahlness, Ole Smestad and Haakon Baarstad.
In 1907, the desire for a church building prompted the congregation to buy several lots from Charles Furgeson. Lars Knutson, Olaf Martinson and John Drager were elected to serve as the building committee. The Nome Zion Lutheran Church was built in the year of 1908 and Rev. H.C. Nordby was called to be the pastor. The cornerstone was laid on September 13, 1908. The Ladies Aid purchased the pews for the new church at a cost of $200.00 and a new organ for $70.00. Gas lights were installed in 1909 and also in that year, Henry Borreson built the altar rail. The Ladies Aid assisted in paying for the cost of the building and in February of 1910 a total of $2,711 .00 had been gathered for building expenses.
In 1911 Rev. Nordby resigned and Rev. R.G. Jacobson was called to serve. Zion Congregation joined the Synod in 1911. In 19l2, the parish consisted of six congregations, namely, Zion, St. Petri, Betania, Immanuel, Fingal and Sheyenne Valley near Kathryn. Rev. E. Struxness accepted the call to serve them. Betania was a congregation organized eight miles south of Nome, but they did not have a church building so members attended services at St. Petri or Zion. They did, however, establish a cemetery and it is still maintained.
During the year 1914, discussion got underway to reduce the size of the parish due to the heavy burden on the pastor. Rev. Struxness continued to serve Fingal, Immanuel and Sheyenne Valley and Rev. N. I. Berg was called to serve Zion, St. Petri and Betania which he did until 1920.
Membership grew and in 1915 the following names were in evidence: Isaac Johnson, Even Gjovig, Lars Knutson, A.L. Suby, James Nelson, Henry Johnson, Nick Stoutland, Peter Helland, Nils Gjovig, Severt Severtson, Ole Helgestad, John Fredland, Carl Wilberg, Peter Swenson, Lars Tvedt, Christ Dokken and John Selvig.
From the record, we find that in 1917 the basement was excavated full depth. The sand for cement work was furnished by S. E. Severtson and was hauled by horse and wagon. A furnace was installed in 1918 and the following year the electric fixtures were added. In March of 1920, the parish was again reorganized, and the Even Hanson home was purchased to fill the need for a parsonage. Before this time, the ministers had to rent their own houses, and the Salzer Lumber Yard house was occupied by several. Marv in and Lorraine Huseby now live there. Pastor Berg resigned in 1920, and Rev. Struxness was called to serve Zion, St. Petri, Immanuel and Fingal. Confirmation classes were conducted in both Norwegian and English languages until 1922 when the Norwegian language was discontinued.
The 1920 's were years of many improvements including papering of the church by Koloen and Stoutland, painting the floor by A. K. Suby and the digging of a cistern in 1921. A lectern and altar were the new furniture pieces added. Then in 1924 the altar painting was purchased. In 1926 a bell was installed and an outside entrance to the basement was built.
Up on the resignation of Pastor Struxness in 1925, Pastor G. Hegg was called and installed that same year and remained for 12 years until his death at his home, May 4, 1937. Pastor Ofstedal of Valley City conducted services in 1937 until July 31, 1938, when Pastor L.A. Jordahl was installed.
The entrance of the church was on the north side, so it was decided in 1939 to move it to the east side to escape the cold north winds. A concrete sidewalk was constructed in front of the church and the parsonage.
On September 20, 1942, the American and Christian flags were presented to Zion by the family of Martin Peterson In his memory.
Pastor Jordahl tendered his resignation in 1948 after accepting a call to Finley, N. Da k. He spent some time in Grand Forks, N. Oak. and is now living at Bethany Rest Home in Fargo, N. Dak.
Pastor Conrad Aamodt came in that same year and remained with us for 3 years until the family left for the mission field of Japan. They have since returned to this country and in 1976, moved to Huron, S. Dak., where Pastor Aamodt serves Our Savior 's Lutheran Church. Several men from Concordia College came here to have services until 1952 when Pastor James Peterson answered a call and stayed with us until 1955 when the family moved to Holt, Minn. For a few months, Pastor Alexander Thompson of Moorhead, Minn., served the parish and then in 1956 Pastor Eugene Floistad became our pastor. He delivered his farewell sermon on July 17, 1960, as he had accepted a call to be an assistant pastor at Jamestown, N. Dak. The Floistads now live in Breckenridge, Minn.
Pastor Raymond Seigle of Glendive, Montana, was called and he gave his first sermon September 4, 1960. The Seigles stayed with us until his re signation in 1963 when he accepted a call to Rugby, N. Dak. He served several years in Lisbon, N. Dak., and is now at Sharon Lutheran in Grand Forks, N. Dak. Pastor Raymond Poppe and family came to Nome from Northwood, Iowa, in September 1963 and stayed three years, leaving in August of 1966 to serve a parish in Lynn Grove, Iowa.
Pastor O.A. Schaible of Fargo conducted services for us during this interim. He and his wife, (1981) live in Fargo and next year they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and also his 50 years in the ministry.
Pastor Wayne Stark of Grafton, N. Dak., came August 6, 1967. Installation services were at Zion and a parish picnic was enjoyed after services. He delivered his last sermon August 30, 1970, and moved to Wisconsin. At present he and his family live in Grand Forks, N. Dak., where he is a pastor at United Church.
James Ulrikson answered the call and was ordained and installed at Messiah Church, March 21, 1971. His last sermon was June 15, 1975, and we had a parish picnic for our last get-together. The Ulriksons now live in Arizona.
Wayne Menking came to our parish in 1976 and was ordained in Fredricksburg, Texas, at his home church where his father was the pastor. Due to illness in the family, the Menkings stay with us was short and he gave his last sermon January 20, 1977. They moved to Marinette, Wisconsin, where he served a two-point parish.
Pastor Charles Johnson and Claudia came to Nome in 1977. He was ordained in Dodson Lutheran Church, Dodson, Montana, and on June 19, was installed at Zion Church. Three members have been added to their family, Jeremy, Jennifer and Justin. Pastor Charles Johnson resigned in March 1983, and is now serving Grace and Our Saviors Lutheran congregations in Oakes, N. Dak.
The present pastor at Zion is Rev. Rex Brandt. Many changes have taken place during these years. In the beginning Sunday services were usually at St. Petri Church. They had built a barn and anyone who had to come with horses could buy a stall so they would have shelter for their animals. Later the school in Nome built a barn so those attending services in Zion could keep their horses there. Progress in the form of better roads and cars have made these problems a thing of the past. Sunday Schools were organized in the 1920's. Before that we had what was called Saturday School. The pastor had school on Saturday from 9:30 to 12:00 for grades up to confirmation and in the afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00, the Confirmands met. Many faithful women acted as Sunday School Superintendents and teachers. Some of the Superintendents were: Mrs. S. Thompson, Mrs. Anna Herwick, Mrs. Hans Reinke, Mrs. Leone Nilsen, Mrs. Albert Lahlum, Ed Herwick, Clarence Nybeck, Mrs. Orvis Peterson and Mrs. Bruce Henrickson. Some of the men who served as treasurers were Lars Haanes, Roy Gillund, Alfred Christopherson, Harold Smith, Clarence Nybeck, Willard Lee, and Howard Sabby. Through the years, these people served as janitors: Isaac Johnson, Carl Wilberg, A.L. Suby, John Reishus, Bill Fossen, Neil Henrickson, Alfred Christopherson, Mrs. Eva Pederson, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Ray Greenstein and Mrs. Orvis Peterson.
We observed our 25th anniversary in September of 1931 when Pastor Hegg was here. On October 26, 1958, we celebrated our 50th anniversary when Pastor Floistad was with us. At that time the following were officers: Eugene Baarstad, Arthur Barstad, and Alfred Christopherson as trustees, John Nilsen as secretary, and Harold Smith as treasurer.
As the members and their church home grow older, change and improvements again take place. The pump organ has been replaced by an electric organ and a piano. The painted floors have been tiled and carpeted; the walls have been paneled. Our kitchen has been remodeled. A
water system was installed in 1964, and a bathroom was also built. The wooden chairs in the basement were replaced by folding chairs, many of which were given in memory of Conrad and Etta Myhre by their children. Folding tables were donated by William Severtson, Harry Sabby and Leone
Nilsen.
The electric cross on our new outside entrance was given by the Sabby family in memory of Mrs. Harry Sabby. Allee Storlee and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Strand gave an electric clock in memory of Edline Storlee. The electric fan and hymn boards were installed in memory of Tillie Wolsky by
Melvin Wolsky. The Bible stand on the altar was donated by Selmer Severtson in memory of Marie Severtson. Many more memoriams have been given through the years and have been greatly appreciated.
The faithful women who filled the demanding position of organist are recorded as: Mrs. Knute Mikkelson. Mrs. Albert Tronson, Linda Witt, Mrs. Barbara Nilsen Roberts, Mrs. Marion Baarstad Drevecky, Mrs. RayAnn Ussatis Mcleod, Mrs. Kenneth Ussatis, Mrs. Susan Miller Olson, and Julie Henrickson in 1984.
A most recent addition to our church is the construction of an east side entry built to enclose the steps into the church and the basement stairway. In 1979, new carpet was installed in the basement dining room and kitchen. The ALCW sponsored a food sale and consignment auction sale to pay for the improvements. A picture record of the youth of Zion can be seen in the Confirmation pictures that have been assembled, framed and placed in the entry.
HISTORY OF THE ZION LUTHERAN LADIES AID
In the year 1905 a group of ladies in Nome met, not with the intention of organizing a Ladies Aid Society, but rather with the intention of meeting in a social way, spending most of the time sewing.
The names of the ladles were as follows:
Mrs. John Fredland, Mrs. Ole Severson, Mrs. Alfred Svenby, Mrs. H.O. Norby (Fingal), Mrs. Martin Miller, Mrs. Peter Hanson, Mrs. Albert Johnson, Mrs. Peter Ahlness, Mrs. Olaus Johnson, Mrs. John O. Lee, Mrs. John P. Drager, Mrs. Ausmand Suby, Mrs. Charles Furgeson
The following were the first officers of this organization: President Mrs. Ahlness, Vice President Mrs. Peter Hanson, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager, Secretary Mrs. A.L. Suby.
Later at the suggestion of Rev. Norby this group formed the nucleus for a new Ladies Aid Society, which eventually became known as the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid.
The following Ladies Aid officers were elected for the year 1906: President Mrs. Theo. Torbenson, Vice President Mrs. Henry Johnson, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager
Officers for the year 1907 were: President Mrs. Theo. Torbenson, Vice President Mrs. Ausmand Suby, Secretary, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager
An Ice Cream Social was held in the fall, and a Pork and Bean Supper and Sale was held December 6th.
Officers for the year 1908 were as follows: President Mrs. E.M. Hanson, Vice President Mrs. John Fredland, Secretary and Treasurer Mrs. Albert Johnson
Rev. D.G. Jacobson assisted in drawing up the following constitution for the Ladies Aid (written in Norwegian language, which was used at all meetings). The translation follows:
This constitution was read and adopted at the meeting at Mrs. Haagenson's home on August 24, 1911. The following names were subscribed to this constitution in 1911: Mrs. J.O. Lee, Mrs. Nels Gjovlg, Mrs. John Tronson, Mrs. Severt Severtson, Mrs. Martin Miller, Mrs. John Fredland, Mrs. Emil Evenson, Mrs. Anna Spear, Mrs. E. Struxness, and Mrs. Charles Furgeson.
Those joining August 7, 1913: Mrs. H.C. Johnson, Mrs. Albert Hoiland, Mrs. William Boxrud, Mrs. James Nelson. August 28, 1913: Mrs. Albert Rodlin, Mrs. S.K. Lillethun, Mrs . Peter Helland, Mrs. Oscar Lee, Mrs. John Kjellerson. August 30, 1913: Mrs. Peter Swenson, Mrs. N.I. Berg, Mrs. A.T. Laugen, Mrs. L. Johnson, Mrs. A.L. Suby, Mrs. E.M. Hanson, Mrs. Melvin Myhre.
In the absence of a basement, suppers and sales were held at the beautiful and spacious Hotel Martin. The Aid turned over a share of its funds towards the building of a church basement. At the regular meetings the time was spent sewing articles for the fall sales.
The latter part of June 1917, in view of the church union an invitation was extended to the Harmony Ladies Aid to join with the Zion Ladies Aid which they did.
June 18, 1917, marked the first meeting of the Ladies Aid in the church basement. October 1917, the Aid purchased Testaments for the soldiers who were serving in the World War.
Mrs. John Tronson and Mrs. Nels Gjovig were the first delegates from the Zion Aid to the Women's Missionary Federation Circuit Convention held at Valley City November 4, 1920. December 9th, Zion joined the Federation. No records seem to be in existence from now on for several years.
According to available records the Zion Aid entertained the Valley City Circuit Women's Missionary Convention for the first time April 30, 1935. These were the depression years and we served a twenty-five cent dinner at noon and a ten-cent lunch in the afternoon.
Besides our regular meetings, a series of silver tea meetings were begun in 1936. The proceeds used to purchase collection plates, Communion Service, and glass candlesticks for the altar.
In 1939 the Ladies Aid purchased material and cut and sewed the white vestments for the Junior Choir.
Our yearly program was made up in booklet form for the first time in 1940. The same year a committee was elected to draw up a new constitution. This constitution was approved September 19, 1940.
World War II started in 1941 and In response to an urgent appeal from the Red Cross it was decided that all members who could, should meet every Tuesday afternoon to sew hospital garments and clothing for that organization. Palmer Swenson, son of Mrs. Peter Swenson, was killed in action in Germany in November 1944, and later proved to be the only one of the boys connected with Zion Congregation to give his life for his country.
In October 1947, life membership certificates were presented for the first time. The five oldest members being thus honored, namely Mrs. Albin Smith, Mrs. John Reishus. Mrs. K.A. Bakke, Mrs. Peter Swenson, and Mrs. Peter Helland. Five members have been given life membership pins every year since 1956.
We started our worship offerings in 1949. We entertained the WMF Circuit Convention for the second time in October 1951, and again in 1957. We have used the WMF Messenger Bible studies since 1952. Our constitution was revised in 1953 in accordance with the WMF handbook rules.
Late in 1960 the Ladies Aid became ALCW membership (American Lutheran Church Women.) In 1964 ALCW members formed three "circles", who meet for Bible study every month, besides having regular ALCW meetings the first Thursday of the month. ALCW officers in 1984 are: President Mrs. Willard Lee, Vice President and Secretary Mrs. John Anderson, Treasurer Mrs. Louie Christensen, Education Sec. Mrs. Rex Brandt, Stewardship Secretary Mrs. Eugene Baarstad
These are just a few short glimpses into the past, compiled from our history book. We thank God for the rich heritage, which is ours, the Women who started our organization, those who have worked so faithfully through the years and may we who are still members of the Zion WMF continue to "Serve Him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind. "I Chronicles 28:9.‘
In 1907, the desire for a church building prompted the congregation to buy several lots from Charles Furgeson. Lars Knutson, Olaf Martinson and John Drager were elected to serve as the building committee. The Nome Zion Lutheran Church was built in the year of 1908 and Rev. H.C. Nordby was called to be the pastor. The cornerstone was laid on September 13, 1908. The Ladies Aid purchased the pews for the new church at a cost of $200.00 and a new organ for $70.00. Gas lights were installed in 1909 and also in that year, Henry Borreson built the altar rail. The Ladies Aid assisted in paying for the cost of the building and in February of 1910 a total of $2,711 .00 had been gathered for building expenses.
In 1911 Rev. Nordby resigned and Rev. R.G. Jacobson was called to serve. Zion Congregation joined the Synod in 1911. In 19l2, the parish consisted of six congregations, namely, Zion, St. Petri, Betania, Immanuel, Fingal and Sheyenne Valley near Kathryn. Rev. E. Struxness accepted the call to serve them. Betania was a congregation organized eight miles south of Nome, but they did not have a church building so members attended services at St. Petri or Zion. They did, however, establish a cemetery and it is still maintained.
During the year 1914, discussion got underway to reduce the size of the parish due to the heavy burden on the pastor. Rev. Struxness continued to serve Fingal, Immanuel and Sheyenne Valley and Rev. N. I. Berg was called to serve Zion, St. Petri and Betania which he did until 1920.
Membership grew and in 1915 the following names were in evidence: Isaac Johnson, Even Gjovig, Lars Knutson, A.L. Suby, James Nelson, Henry Johnson, Nick Stoutland, Peter Helland, Nils Gjovig, Severt Severtson, Ole Helgestad, John Fredland, Carl Wilberg, Peter Swenson, Lars Tvedt, Christ Dokken and John Selvig.
From the record, we find that in 1917 the basement was excavated full depth. The sand for cement work was furnished by S. E. Severtson and was hauled by horse and wagon. A furnace was installed in 1918 and the following year the electric fixtures were added. In March of 1920, the parish was again reorganized, and the Even Hanson home was purchased to fill the need for a parsonage. Before this time, the ministers had to rent their own houses, and the Salzer Lumber Yard house was occupied by several. Marv in and Lorraine Huseby now live there. Pastor Berg resigned in 1920, and Rev. Struxness was called to serve Zion, St. Petri, Immanuel and Fingal. Confirmation classes were conducted in both Norwegian and English languages until 1922 when the Norwegian language was discontinued.
The 1920 's were years of many improvements including papering of the church by Koloen and Stoutland, painting the floor by A. K. Suby and the digging of a cistern in 1921. A lectern and altar were the new furniture pieces added. Then in 1924 the altar painting was purchased. In 1926 a bell was installed and an outside entrance to the basement was built.
Up on the resignation of Pastor Struxness in 1925, Pastor G. Hegg was called and installed that same year and remained for 12 years until his death at his home, May 4, 1937. Pastor Ofstedal of Valley City conducted services in 1937 until July 31, 1938, when Pastor L.A. Jordahl was installed.
The entrance of the church was on the north side, so it was decided in 1939 to move it to the east side to escape the cold north winds. A concrete sidewalk was constructed in front of the church and the parsonage.
On September 20, 1942, the American and Christian flags were presented to Zion by the family of Martin Peterson In his memory.
Pastor Jordahl tendered his resignation in 1948 after accepting a call to Finley, N. Da k. He spent some time in Grand Forks, N. Oak. and is now living at Bethany Rest Home in Fargo, N. Dak.
Pastor Conrad Aamodt came in that same year and remained with us for 3 years until the family left for the mission field of Japan. They have since returned to this country and in 1976, moved to Huron, S. Dak., where Pastor Aamodt serves Our Savior 's Lutheran Church. Several men from Concordia College came here to have services until 1952 when Pastor James Peterson answered a call and stayed with us until 1955 when the family moved to Holt, Minn. For a few months, Pastor Alexander Thompson of Moorhead, Minn., served the parish and then in 1956 Pastor Eugene Floistad became our pastor. He delivered his farewell sermon on July 17, 1960, as he had accepted a call to be an assistant pastor at Jamestown, N. Dak. The Floistads now live in Breckenridge, Minn.
Pastor Raymond Seigle of Glendive, Montana, was called and he gave his first sermon September 4, 1960. The Seigles stayed with us until his re signation in 1963 when he accepted a call to Rugby, N. Dak. He served several years in Lisbon, N. Dak., and is now at Sharon Lutheran in Grand Forks, N. Dak. Pastor Raymond Poppe and family came to Nome from Northwood, Iowa, in September 1963 and stayed three years, leaving in August of 1966 to serve a parish in Lynn Grove, Iowa.
Pastor O.A. Schaible of Fargo conducted services for us during this interim. He and his wife, (1981) live in Fargo and next year they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and also his 50 years in the ministry.
Pastor Wayne Stark of Grafton, N. Dak., came August 6, 1967. Installation services were at Zion and a parish picnic was enjoyed after services. He delivered his last sermon August 30, 1970, and moved to Wisconsin. At present he and his family live in Grand Forks, N. Dak., where he is a pastor at United Church.
James Ulrikson answered the call and was ordained and installed at Messiah Church, March 21, 1971. His last sermon was June 15, 1975, and we had a parish picnic for our last get-together. The Ulriksons now live in Arizona.
Wayne Menking came to our parish in 1976 and was ordained in Fredricksburg, Texas, at his home church where his father was the pastor. Due to illness in the family, the Menkings stay with us was short and he gave his last sermon January 20, 1977. They moved to Marinette, Wisconsin, where he served a two-point parish.
Pastor Charles Johnson and Claudia came to Nome in 1977. He was ordained in Dodson Lutheran Church, Dodson, Montana, and on June 19, was installed at Zion Church. Three members have been added to their family, Jeremy, Jennifer and Justin. Pastor Charles Johnson resigned in March 1983, and is now serving Grace and Our Saviors Lutheran congregations in Oakes, N. Dak.
The present pastor at Zion is Rev. Rex Brandt. Many changes have taken place during these years. In the beginning Sunday services were usually at St. Petri Church. They had built a barn and anyone who had to come with horses could buy a stall so they would have shelter for their animals. Later the school in Nome built a barn so those attending services in Zion could keep their horses there. Progress in the form of better roads and cars have made these problems a thing of the past. Sunday Schools were organized in the 1920's. Before that we had what was called Saturday School. The pastor had school on Saturday from 9:30 to 12:00 for grades up to confirmation and in the afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00, the Confirmands met. Many faithful women acted as Sunday School Superintendents and teachers. Some of the Superintendents were: Mrs. S. Thompson, Mrs. Anna Herwick, Mrs. Hans Reinke, Mrs. Leone Nilsen, Mrs. Albert Lahlum, Ed Herwick, Clarence Nybeck, Mrs. Orvis Peterson and Mrs. Bruce Henrickson. Some of the men who served as treasurers were Lars Haanes, Roy Gillund, Alfred Christopherson, Harold Smith, Clarence Nybeck, Willard Lee, and Howard Sabby. Through the years, these people served as janitors: Isaac Johnson, Carl Wilberg, A.L. Suby, John Reishus, Bill Fossen, Neil Henrickson, Alfred Christopherson, Mrs. Eva Pederson, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Ray Greenstein and Mrs. Orvis Peterson.
We observed our 25th anniversary in September of 1931 when Pastor Hegg was here. On October 26, 1958, we celebrated our 50th anniversary when Pastor Floistad was with us. At that time the following were officers: Eugene Baarstad, Arthur Barstad, and Alfred Christopherson as trustees, John Nilsen as secretary, and Harold Smith as treasurer.
As the members and their church home grow older, change and improvements again take place. The pump organ has been replaced by an electric organ and a piano. The painted floors have been tiled and carpeted; the walls have been paneled. Our kitchen has been remodeled. A
water system was installed in 1964, and a bathroom was also built. The wooden chairs in the basement were replaced by folding chairs, many of which were given in memory of Conrad and Etta Myhre by their children. Folding tables were donated by William Severtson, Harry Sabby and Leone
Nilsen.
The electric cross on our new outside entrance was given by the Sabby family in memory of Mrs. Harry Sabby. Allee Storlee and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Strand gave an electric clock in memory of Edline Storlee. The electric fan and hymn boards were installed in memory of Tillie Wolsky by
Melvin Wolsky. The Bible stand on the altar was donated by Selmer Severtson in memory of Marie Severtson. Many more memoriams have been given through the years and have been greatly appreciated.
The faithful women who filled the demanding position of organist are recorded as: Mrs. Knute Mikkelson. Mrs. Albert Tronson, Linda Witt, Mrs. Barbara Nilsen Roberts, Mrs. Marion Baarstad Drevecky, Mrs. RayAnn Ussatis Mcleod, Mrs. Kenneth Ussatis, Mrs. Susan Miller Olson, and Julie Henrickson in 1984.
A most recent addition to our church is the construction of an east side entry built to enclose the steps into the church and the basement stairway. In 1979, new carpet was installed in the basement dining room and kitchen. The ALCW sponsored a food sale and consignment auction sale to pay for the improvements. A picture record of the youth of Zion can be seen in the Confirmation pictures that have been assembled, framed and placed in the entry.
HISTORY OF THE ZION LUTHERAN LADIES AID
In the year 1905 a group of ladies in Nome met, not with the intention of organizing a Ladies Aid Society, but rather with the intention of meeting in a social way, spending most of the time sewing.
The names of the ladles were as follows:
Mrs. John Fredland, Mrs. Ole Severson, Mrs. Alfred Svenby, Mrs. H.O. Norby (Fingal), Mrs. Martin Miller, Mrs. Peter Hanson, Mrs. Albert Johnson, Mrs. Peter Ahlness, Mrs. Olaus Johnson, Mrs. John O. Lee, Mrs. John P. Drager, Mrs. Ausmand Suby, Mrs. Charles Furgeson
The following were the first officers of this organization: President Mrs. Ahlness, Vice President Mrs. Peter Hanson, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager, Secretary Mrs. A.L. Suby.
Later at the suggestion of Rev. Norby this group formed the nucleus for a new Ladies Aid Society, which eventually became known as the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid.
The following Ladies Aid officers were elected for the year 1906: President Mrs. Theo. Torbenson, Vice President Mrs. Henry Johnson, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager
Officers for the year 1907 were: President Mrs. Theo. Torbenson, Vice President Mrs. Ausmand Suby, Secretary, Treasurer Mrs. J.P. Drager
An Ice Cream Social was held in the fall, and a Pork and Bean Supper and Sale was held December 6th.
Officers for the year 1908 were as follows: President Mrs. E.M. Hanson, Vice President Mrs. John Fredland, Secretary and Treasurer Mrs. Albert Johnson
Rev. D.G. Jacobson assisted in drawing up the following constitution for the Ladies Aid (written in Norwegian language, which was used at all meetings). The translation follows:
- The name of the Ladies Aid shall be Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid in Nome, N.D.
- The society's aim shall be: (a) To work for the spiritual edification of its members. (b) To give financial aid to Zion Congregation and its work; first and foremost, shall it work for the payment of the church debt. (c) According to the Norwegian Synod's Mission's and Charitable Institutions.
- Every woman who agrees to further the cause of the society can become a member by subscribing to this constitution.
- The society 's meetings will be held according to announcement, when possible, every month.
- Serving at the meetings shall consist of not more than coffee, sandwiches, and two kinds of cake.
This constitution was read and adopted at the meeting at Mrs. Haagenson's home on August 24, 1911. The following names were subscribed to this constitution in 1911: Mrs. J.O. Lee, Mrs. Nels Gjovlg, Mrs. John Tronson, Mrs. Severt Severtson, Mrs. Martin Miller, Mrs. John Fredland, Mrs. Emil Evenson, Mrs. Anna Spear, Mrs. E. Struxness, and Mrs. Charles Furgeson.
Those joining August 7, 1913: Mrs. H.C. Johnson, Mrs. Albert Hoiland, Mrs. William Boxrud, Mrs. James Nelson. August 28, 1913: Mrs. Albert Rodlin, Mrs. S.K. Lillethun, Mrs . Peter Helland, Mrs. Oscar Lee, Mrs. John Kjellerson. August 30, 1913: Mrs. Peter Swenson, Mrs. N.I. Berg, Mrs. A.T. Laugen, Mrs. L. Johnson, Mrs. A.L. Suby, Mrs. E.M. Hanson, Mrs. Melvin Myhre.
In the absence of a basement, suppers and sales were held at the beautiful and spacious Hotel Martin. The Aid turned over a share of its funds towards the building of a church basement. At the regular meetings the time was spent sewing articles for the fall sales.
The latter part of June 1917, in view of the church union an invitation was extended to the Harmony Ladies Aid to join with the Zion Ladies Aid which they did.
June 18, 1917, marked the first meeting of the Ladies Aid in the church basement. October 1917, the Aid purchased Testaments for the soldiers who were serving in the World War.
Mrs. John Tronson and Mrs. Nels Gjovig were the first delegates from the Zion Aid to the Women's Missionary Federation Circuit Convention held at Valley City November 4, 1920. December 9th, Zion joined the Federation. No records seem to be in existence from now on for several years.
According to available records the Zion Aid entertained the Valley City Circuit Women's Missionary Convention for the first time April 30, 1935. These were the depression years and we served a twenty-five cent dinner at noon and a ten-cent lunch in the afternoon.
Besides our regular meetings, a series of silver tea meetings were begun in 1936. The proceeds used to purchase collection plates, Communion Service, and glass candlesticks for the altar.
In 1939 the Ladies Aid purchased material and cut and sewed the white vestments for the Junior Choir.
Our yearly program was made up in booklet form for the first time in 1940. The same year a committee was elected to draw up a new constitution. This constitution was approved September 19, 1940.
World War II started in 1941 and In response to an urgent appeal from the Red Cross it was decided that all members who could, should meet every Tuesday afternoon to sew hospital garments and clothing for that organization. Palmer Swenson, son of Mrs. Peter Swenson, was killed in action in Germany in November 1944, and later proved to be the only one of the boys connected with Zion Congregation to give his life for his country.
In October 1947, life membership certificates were presented for the first time. The five oldest members being thus honored, namely Mrs. Albin Smith, Mrs. John Reishus. Mrs. K.A. Bakke, Mrs. Peter Swenson, and Mrs. Peter Helland. Five members have been given life membership pins every year since 1956.
We started our worship offerings in 1949. We entertained the WMF Circuit Convention for the second time in October 1951, and again in 1957. We have used the WMF Messenger Bible studies since 1952. Our constitution was revised in 1953 in accordance with the WMF handbook rules.
Late in 1960 the Ladies Aid became ALCW membership (American Lutheran Church Women.) In 1964 ALCW members formed three "circles", who meet for Bible study every month, besides having regular ALCW meetings the first Thursday of the month. ALCW officers in 1984 are: President Mrs. Willard Lee, Vice President and Secretary Mrs. John Anderson, Treasurer Mrs. Louie Christensen, Education Sec. Mrs. Rex Brandt, Stewardship Secretary Mrs. Eugene Baarstad
These are just a few short glimpses into the past, compiled from our history book. We thank God for the rich heritage, which is ours, the Women who started our organization, those who have worked so faithfully through the years and may we who are still members of the Zion WMF continue to "Serve Him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind. "I Chronicles 28:9.‘