| Summary: | For many years the pastors who served Trinity nad lived in many different communities Cooperstown, Kloten, McHenry), but in 1963 Trinity purchased a parsonage so their pastor could live in Binford. This first parsonage was the Julius Thorn house (now the Ron Halvorson home) in the west part of Binford. In 1977 construction was started on a new parsonage located just north of the church building. In response to God's command to "bring up your children in discipline and instruction of the Lord" young Trinity congregation began instruction for confirmation and in 1902 a class of five was confirmed: Martinas Lee, Edwin Thomas Rostuen, Peder Martin Rostuen, Anna Gurine Gunderson and Minnie Lier. The Trinity Sunday School was organized in 1904, holding classes in the village school. Henry Peterson, the first superintendent and teacher, served in that capacity for many years. This dedicated layman left the imprint of teaching on dozens of children, as he taught during his years as Sunday School and Summer Bible School instructor. Other dedicated Sunday School superintendents have followed, such as: L. P. Larson, Blanche Sondrall Standal, Mrs. Arthur Smogaard, and others. One of the unforgettable highlights of the Sunday School work has been the annual Christmas program which, especially in earlier years, involved a large part of the community. It is a joy to remember how old Trinity was filled to capacity on these occasions. These Sunday School Christmas programs are still important events in the lives of both our young people and the 'older folks' who attend them. Trinity Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1901 with Mrs. Martin Knapp elected as its first president. The charter members of the Aid were: Mrs. Martin Knapp, Mrs. Ole Krogfoss, Mrs. Oscar Greenland, Mrs. Steve Rorvig, Mrs. Dybvig, Mrs. Albert Alfson, Mrs. Henry Alfson, Mrs. Ole Alfson, Mrs. Norstrum, Mrs. John Vangen, Mrs. Henry Peterson, Mrs. Olaf Quam, and Mrs. Thorvald Dahl. Upon completion of the church building in 1905 the Society was reorganized with Mrs. Ole Alfson as president. The group which at that time met in homes of members had as its stated aim "to help pay expenses of the church and help in general with all affairs of the church". Busy hands served, knitted, quilted, etc. to provide articles for the bazaar held in conjuction with the annual supper. This supper was held in the downtown hall and was a tremendous undertaking. Quoting from an earlier history of the Ladies Aid, "Every member had to haul her table, chairs, dishes, stove, work table, pots and pans, table cloths, yes, and even the wash tubs and boiler to the hall." One can understand why women were the moving force in having the basement constructed in 1921! Funds earned by various projects were used wherever most needed. With the merger, the name of the organization was changed to American Lutheran Church Women, but the need for work continued as before, with many additions. Through the years all phases of church work have felt the supporting hand of the women's organization: religious education, youth work, missions - both at home and abroad - and Bible Camp. As the causes grow, the effort increases and the demands are met, whether the demands of time, or of talents, or possessions. Truly the women have done it in a spirit of Christian love. On November 14, 1976,Trinity Lutheran Church observed its 75th anniversary with a special service of Thanksgiving and a potluck dinner. Although this was not a large formal observance, those in attendance enjoyed the memories brought forth and were truly grateful to the Lord for His guidance and protection through those 75 years. As one of the oldest churches in the community of Binford, the members of Trinity Lutheran Church wish to add their best wishes to our town in this Diamond Jubilee year. We are glad to have had the privilege to serve the spiritual needs of so many of the people here and are looking forward to growing with Binford in the years ahead. Hopefully, by the time of our 75th anniversary observance, Trinity's new bell tower will be erected and once again the tones of Trinity's bell will call the young and the old to worship our Lord. Non-Denominational Group The first church in this area of this worldwide fellowship was started in Mose, ND, when two of our missionaries came there in 1912. Sunday fellowship meetings were held in the Hans Aarestad home in Mose until they moved away. Since then the church has met in various homes in the Binford community. It was held in the Chris Overby home for a number of years and now the group meets at Lars Omdal's. The Wednesday night Bible study meetings are rotated among the members. Statewide conventions are held at three locations in the state every fall when ministers of this fellowship from other states and countries join us for a four day series of meetings. History of Red Willow Bible Camp Red Willow Bible Camp was established by a group of pastors and laymen in 1926. Rev. Rudy Ofstedal, then of Edmore and later of Valley City was instrumental in starting the camp. This early date makes us believe that it is the oldest Bible camp of the American Lutheran Church. It has served well and faithfully through the years, Page 10 Scanned with a Zeutschel Zeta book scanner at 300 dpi. Edited in Multi-page TIFF Editor.
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