Rutland's 90th anniversary: Rutland, North Dakota, 1882-1972

• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: North Dakota State Library 2013
• Subjects: Greene; Moe; The Altar; Maren; Giske; Nordland
• Online Access: http://cdm16921.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/ndsl-books/id/4614

Miss Petra Jacobson. This was from a membership list of April 6, 1893. The earliest record of the Ladies Aid dates back to March 2, 1893. The names of the members at that time were Miss Anna Wildmo, Mrs. Christine Wildmo, Mrs. Adrian Wildmo, Mrs. Maren Gulleson, Mrs. Helen Mathison, Mrs. Elizabeth Jacobson, Mrs. Davene Jacobson, Mrs. Synerie Gulleson, Mrs. Anna G. Johnson, Mrs. Jacobia Iverson, Miss Petra Nelson, Peter Giske Sr., Peter Gulleson, and Jacob Jacobson Hero. The Ladies Aid has done much to support the church. They gave $800.00 toward the building fund when the church was built, paid off a debt of $600.00; paid for the Altar and Fount. During the depression years they helped pay the ministers salary, and whenever money was needed have always helped. In 1907 Reverend H. Moe, who had been serving in Blackfolds, Alberta, Can., was recalled to the Oakes charge. His installation service was held in the Nordland Congregation at Rutland, on Good Friday, April 16, 1908. As the community was enjoying good seasons and prosperity, many Lutheran wished to build a place of worship of their own. While many had wanted a church of their own, Reverend Moe now took hold of the task. Lots for the church were donated by H. R. Greene. Building funds of about $2800 were raised by donations, work of the Ladies Aid, and a loan from Lars Pederson of about $600.00. The building committee consisted of Frank Ohman, Andrew Miller, and Nels Gulleson. The church was built by Mr. Rennx who resided in Rutland at that time. The building was dedicated for Divine Services by Reverend J. J. Ekse, president of the Hauge Synod, on June 27, 1909. Since that time many improvements have been added to the original building. A parish hall and kitchen were added, which is used for Sunday School and many social gatherings. The ladies also have the modern kitchen for serving many delicious suppers and luncheons. A Narthex and balcony have recently been added to the original building. This was done under the planning of Dennis Narum, and has added to the beauty of our church. Reverend H. Moe served the congregation until March 7, 1915. He was a very lively pastor with a personality for getting people to like him, and work with him. He was pastor of Nordland for ten years. Plans were under way for the union of the different Norwegian Synod. The Hauges Synod, the Norwegian Synod, and the United Norwegian Lutheran Church were united; thus forming the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, at St. Paul, June 9, 1917 during the joint National Convention. Reverend Sander Tollefson was called to serve the Nordland Congregation, together with his other congregations; namely Trinity, Cogswell and Brampton. He served from April 11, 1915 to August 27, 1916. After Rev. Tollefson resigned Reverend Victor Peterson was called. It was at this time that the charge was re-arranged. Cogswell and Brampton formed an independent call, and Trinity and Nordland sought to call a pastor together. Reverend K. O. Gjernes was called and accepted. He was ordained in Forman and installed as pastor of both congregations on Sunday, August 12, 1917. He served both congregations faithfully for thirty-seven years. He served during the drought, depression, and during three wars. He lived in Forman, and in winter when the roads were bad, he sometimes came to Rutland on skis. On August, 1954 Pastor John Rotto was ordained and installed. Pastor Rotto introduced many new programs, and renewed an interest among the young people of the church. Since 1885 the language used in the services has gone through a gradual transition from the Norse to the English. In the early days the vacation or Parochial School was held in the Norse language, as were the services in church. The Norse language continued to be used part time when Pastor Gjernes served in Hordland. During the time Pastor Rotto served, the Altar Guild was formed, the duties of this Society is to change Altar cloths, put new candles in the candlelabra and have fresh flowers by the altar. After Pastor Rotto resigned, we called Pastor Berg. He served both Nordland and Trinity in Forman. In 1963 the Nordland congregation voted to separate from Trinity. The Ted Helberg home was purchased for a parsonage. The ALCW (formally called the Ladies Aid) carpeted the entire downstairs, bought new drapes, and put in various other improvements. Pastor Roderick Anderson came to Nordland in July, 1964. He and his family moved into our newly puchased parsonage in Rutland. The congregation of Nordland enjoyed having a pastor living here in Rutland. All to soon he felt he should accept a call to Valley City. Pastor Clark from Trinity in Forman served the Nordland Congregation until Pastor Boe came. In September of 1969 we welcomed Pastor Andy Boe and his wife Joan to Nordland Congregation. They now have two daughters, Paula and Sarah. As they are a young family, the young people in the congregation have a real interest in church activities. Nordland also helps support Red Willow Bible Camp. Here the young people have a chance to worship as a group around camp fires. There are Scanned with a Zeutschel Zeta book scanner at 300 dpi. Edited with Multi-Page TIFF Editor.