| Summary: | Variant Title: Action in Aneta West Union Church The West Union congregation was organized in August 1883 by Rev. C.J.M. Gronlid. It was named The West Union Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Among those very active in beginning the church were John Peterson, the first treasurer, Peter Skurdal, the first secretary, Jacob and Paul Bilden, Sivert Draxton, Peder Aftret, Thomas Engen, John RunnMg, Ellef Bakke, Ole Eidem, Haldor Fuglem, Ole Amundson, Peter F. Peterson, John Tornbom, and Paul Woken. From 1883 to 1886 Rev. Gronlid served at first occasionally, then eight services a year. Rev. Olaf Lee was pastor from 1887 to 1890. They held the services in different homes wMch were sod houses. Later at Paul Eidem's home tMough the winter. Rev. Th. J. Skjei gave his first sermon on March 31st, 1891. He served until 1909 at a salary of $150.00 per year. In July 1893 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peder Aftret the first Ladies Aid was organized by Rev. Skjei, with Mrs. John Peterson, president and Mrs. Peter Skurdal, treasurer. Their first project was to raise money for the building of the church. They contributed $579. In 1896 when West Union Church was built, Miss Clara Skurdal was the first organist. The organ was purchased in 1904. Bethania, Beaver Creek and West Union formed a parish in 1909 and called Rev. T. Tjornhom. He served until 1913. The present parsonage was purchased in 1914. Rev. S.H. Njas came in 1913 to serve the parish and his ministry continued until 1949. The transition from the Norwegian to English language took place during tMs time. Rev. Victor Overbo served from 1949 to 1953. Rev. Alvin Sherve mmistered from 195* to 1958. Rev. Raymond Poppe served the parish from 1958 to 1963. Rev. Orville Sunde was installed in June 1964 and is still serving the Parish. Pastor Njaa is now 100 years 8 months and greets all Ms friends with loving concern. • K ■ ^L~ * ]. »^^^p^^-r- * ■ ^^ ^H Hi i WTW%w * V^H kJ # *?*• HH mv "«'.' '< u. :' --■' The Ellef Bakke sod house, about 1885. 106 Scanned with a Zeutschel Zeta book scanner at 300 dpi. Edited with Multi-Page TIFF Editor.
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