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Sunne EvangeLical Lutheran Church.

Sunne Evang Church.

DATE DUE

e l i c a l Lutheran

NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY

BISMARCK 58501

AUG 1 4 1974

NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY

NORTH DAKOTA BOOK OR AUTHOR

3 3105 00066 5032

"How lovely is Thy dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!" PSALM 84:1

Chancel of Sunne Lutheran Church

North Dakota State Literary Bismarck. ND 58501

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY — 1893-1968

Sunne Lutheran Church, Varmland, Sweden

Sunne Lutheran Church (The old church, built 1893)

SUNNE LUTHERAN CHURCH

George A. Olson 1955-1962

Alfred Lewensten 1962-1965

Carl Johnson 1966-


The Resident Pastors Who Have Served Sunne

Sunne Has Been Served by the Following Pastors:

1893-1894 Pastor Magnus Spangberg 1897-1900 Pastor Anders G. Olson 1901-1907 Pastor L. W. Gulstrom 1908-1914 Pastor J. O. Cavallin 1916-1919 Pastor Carl H. Olson 1924-1926 Pastor J. A. Johanson 1926-1927 Pastor A. J. Malmquist 1928-1936 Pastor John H. Nelson 1937-1940 Pastor E. Oscar Johnson 1940-1944 Pastor E. O. Valbcrg 1944-1955 Pastor G. Adolph Johns 1955-1962 Pastor George A. Olson 1962-1965 Pastor Alfred Lewensten 1965-1966 Pastor Cedric Lofdahl 1966- Pastor Carl F. Johnson

The Following Students and Lay-Workers:

1896 1914 1920 1921 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931

Mr. Shipp Albin Larson Paul J. A. Gustafson A. G. Enjtlund Arthur Chell Robert Johanson George Wahlin Oscar Lund Gustaf Lund

1932 Ernest Olson 1939 Donald Wilson 1941 Ordell Peterson 1946 Wilfred Lindquist 1947-1948 Elmer Wiley 1951 M. J. Strandberg

1953-1954 Robert Chase 1962 Chester Faudskar

Interns: 1950 Warren J. Johnson

1950-1951 Raymond Torgerson 1952 John Palmquist

1952-1953 Jay Zimmerman 1954-1955 Clifford Hadlev


Charter Members of Sunne Lutheran Church

Mr. and Mrs. Erick Ghyiin Mr. and Mrs. Fred Erickson Mr. and Mrs. Anders Olson Mrs. Christina Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Wiliam Asplund Rev. and Mrs. Magnus Spangherg Mr. and Mrs. John Backman Mr. and Mrs. Gust Asklund A. F. Anderson Erick Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Ole Anderson Amond Thor Mathilda Falkenstein Mr. and Mrs. Erick Backman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Anderson Axel H. Olson

and Family Andrew Thor Emil Engstrom Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Thor

GREETINGS

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

231 Madison Avenue New York, N. Y.

Sunne Lutheran Church Wilton, N. Dak. Dear Christian Brethren:

Today you are celebratng the seventy-fifth anniversary 01 the founding of Sunne Lutheran Church, Wilton, and I am delighted that I am able to blend my voice with yours in a chorus of thanksgiving to God. Yours is the type of parish which displays for all to see the breadth and the height of the love of God. I am confident that He looks down with approval on you as you not only proclaim but embody His Spirit.

A man or a congregation would be truly ungrateful if he did not look back with appreciation in his heart. The rock whence you were hewn is the Rock of Ages! Step by step you have been able to say with the faithful of old. "Hitherto hath the Lord led us." You can stride ahead into the future without fear or wavering, knowing that His promise is sufficient; that He will provide grace for every need.

All your sister congregations in the Lutheran Church in America rejoice with you and in you.

Cordially yours, FRANKLIN CLARK FRY


Pastorsambetet i Sunne Telefon 0565/10241

Sunne

Pastor Carl F.Johnson,Box 217,Wilton,N.D.58579

Dear Pastor!

We are very glad to have had a letter from you.We are also glad to hear,that Sunne has a daughtercongragation in Wilton.

You will soon celebrate the 75 th Anniversary of your congregations existens.On behalf of Sunne congragtion in Viirmland we will express our best and most heartly greetings to you and the Sunne congregation in Wilton.

But we also wish you,will give you the blessings of God on your Anniversary and for coming days.

We send you a book,Sunne kyrka and some picters. Some of the Charter "embers you has named probably have

relatives living hear in Sunne. I thank you very mutch for your kind letter..

Sunne den 15 juni 1968

afte \ omar he congregation


RED RIVER VALLEY SYNOD LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

614 Center Avenue Box 748 Moorhead, Minnesota

Dear Friends at Sunne:

The thirteenth verse of the third chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians appears to be more appropriate for the 75th anniversary of Sunne Lutheran Church, Wilton, "forgetting what lies behind," than the verse you have chosen for your theme, "We Press On."

It is so much easier to review and recollect experiences from the past than to contemplate the fears and frustrations of tomorrow. To hallow the memory of saints departed is easier to sense than to predict what the prophets of tomorrow may say, do or think.

To save our faith from sentimentality and our world from suicidal folly with greater dedication, devotion and zeal we "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Sincerely, WALTER E. President

CARLSON,

Lars Erick Johnson, who built the pulpit and did interior carpenter work in the first church. His sons, Louis and Arvid, are still members of the congregation.


Charter Members of Sunne, Mr. and Mrs. Erick Backman

Mrs. Henry Speten, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erick Backman; charter members. Thirty-one of her descendants are members of Sunne.

William Asplund, only one of the three signers of the articles of incorporation of the church whose descendants still attend Sunne. Other signers were Amond Thor and Erick Johnson.


HISTORY OF THE SUNNE CHURCH

The free lands of North Dakota drew many settlers who had immigrated to America from Norway and Sweden and a small group of these families, mostly Swedes, settled in Burleigh County in the community called Slaughter. After they had built homes for themselves, they established a schoohouse in 1887 that their children might learn the language of their new country, but their hearts burned within them because there was no church. They worshipped together in their simple homes, or in the schoolhouse, and they prayed over the matter of a church. Itinerant pastors, among them Rev. Nelsenius and Rev. Kjellgren, brought them the Sacraments and encouraged them prior to 1890.

In 1890 the Rev. Magnus Spangberg was sent here by the Minnesota Conference to work among the Lutheran immigrants, and he instructed a class of young people for confirmation. It was a happy day for the community when this class was confirmed in Schoolhouse No. 1 in 1891. The members of this class were Charles Peterson, Oscar Lundberg, Emma and Oscar Anderson, Oscar Backman, Ida Dan-ielson, Albin Hedstrom, Gust Spangberg, Emil and Christine Anstrom, Eugenia Nordstrom and Enoch Asklund.

Then on a beautiful mild day, February 22, 1893, neighbors began to arrive at the Anders Olson farm to hold an important meeting. On hand to help them with their teams was the Olson's young hired man, A.F.Anderson.

Pastor Spangberg opened the meeting with prayer, and John E. Backman was chosen to serve as secretary. Then, as a dream realized, the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was organized. The records show the following people signed their names on the roll that day, thus becoming charter members:

Mr. and Mrs. Erick Ghylin Mr. and Mrs. Erick Backman and Oscar Mr. and Mrs. Anders Olson Mr. and Mrs. John Backman A. F. Anderson Erick Johnson and his mother, Mrs. Christina Johnson Mr. and Mrs, Fred Erickson Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Thor Mr. and Mrs. William Asplund Emil Engstrom Amond Thor Axel H. Olson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Gust Asklund and Enoch Pastor and Mrs. Magnus Spangberg and Gust Mr. and Mrs. Ole Anderson, Morris, Oscar and Emma Andrew Thor

Because many of those present had come from Sunne, Varm-land, Sweden, the name Sunne was chosen for the church.


The first deacons were: Peter Anderson, Erick Ghylin, and Erick Backman. Following the organizational meeting, Mrs. Olson served supper to all present.

At a meeting held the next month, trustees were chosen to handle the business of the church, namely: William Asplund, Erick Johnson and Amond Thor. Their first business was to petition the Conference for admission into the Augustana Synod. That day an important decision was made—to build a church.

However, before the church was erected, the cemetery was already established at the present site. "Here is where our church shall stand," Anders Olson had said, pointing to the hill east of his home, and the cemetery spot was begun there. An epidmic of scarlet fever had swept through the community, and several children had died from this and other causes. Between 1886 and 1890 there were seven small graves in the new burial place. The first tombstone was erected in 1897 for Leonard Anderson. In the absence of a pastor, Erick Ghylin often officiated at funerals.

That winter the first logs for the new church were hauled by sled from Painted Woods. The head carpenter was Gust Engstrom, but every member did his share. Most of the trees were hewn by Erick Backman and A. F. Anderson. Through the summer the work proceeded as time permitted, so that by the fall of '93 the structure was ready for a roof. Early members who assisted in the growth of the church were:

Nils Olson L. E. Johnson Oscar Sundquist John Lind John Forsbeck Charles J . Peterson Charles Strom Oldf Johnson Charles Gustafson August Anderson Ole Olson Charles Swanson J . P. Berglndh John Moline Axel Hedstrom Daniel Johnson Axel Nordstrom

The following summer work was near enough completion so that services were held in the building, even though the worshippers sat on benches of rough planks. A little later the Presbyterian Church of Bismarck purchased new pews, and presented Sunne with their old ones. When the church members made the long trips of hauling wheat to Bismarck, they would bring back a pew or two on their return.

.The pulpit and other interior work was built by L. E. Johnson. In 1896 an organ was purchased, and in this same year the

Ladies Aid was organized in the Spangberg home.

Until 1897 there had been no services during the winter because there was no stove in the building, but that year a stove was bought, and the new minister, Rev. A. G. Olson, was able to preach the year* around. That year a fence was built around the grounds, and hitching racks for teams were erected.

In 1901 further work was done on the church. Tin sheeting was


put on the interior walls, the exterior was painted, and the steeple was completed. This year a committee was appointed to make plans for a parsonage, but it was not built for another 15 years.

In 1902 the congregation tried a new plan to raise funds for the church—they rented a piece of land and with everyone donating labor they planted it to flax. This idea was revived again a few years ago, and has been carried on since, with good results.

In 1905 a bell was purchased from the City of Washburn for $325, less than half its original price. The Young People's Society, which had been active for several years, had made the bell their special project, and had raised the money to buy it. This same bell hangs in the bellfry of the present church.

In 1904 the altar railing was installed, and ten years later, in 1914, Mr. and Mrs. John Forsbeck presented the church with a beautiful altar painting.

The parsonage, a large two-story frame building, was built on land across the road from the church in 1916 for a cost of $1440. Pastor Carl Olson occupied it upon its completion, and when he left in 1919 it was not used as a ministers borne again until Pastor Val-berg came in 1940. When the parsonage was bought in Wilton in 1954, Helmer Asplund bought the orginal one and moved it a mile we9t of the church.

Pastor Carl Olson was the last minister to hold regular services in the Swedish language, as the students who followed him were unable to do so. However, the church minutes were written in that language until 1926.

During the '20s and '30s the congregation often found it hard to keep things going, as they had no resident pastor, and hard times fell upon the country. It is grateful today for the many students and lay-workers whose labors during that period are responsible for the continuing life of the church.

As time passed, the years took their toll of the church building, and it began to be in need of substantial repairs. Also, there had never been an adequate heating system, and there was no room for any social functions or even additional Sunday School classes. Thus there began to be a feeling among the members that perhaps a basement should be put under the building, with a kitchen and meeting rooms in it; and that the building itself should be improved.

During Pastor Valberg's ministry a "basement fund" was begun, but because of shortage of materials during World War II no further plans were made. Then in 1945 a building committee and a finance committee were elected for the purpose of starting work on a basement. However, contractors who examined the old church said that it was in such poor shape that an extensive remodeling would be inadvisable. After many, many meetings and a great deal of dis-


cussion, on July 29, 1948 it was aecidea oy unanimous vote to raze the old church and build a new one.

In October of the same year the dismantling process took place, and all good material was saved and used in the new building. Thus the beloved old church is with us still in a very real sense, as much of it is part and parcel of the present structure. Pastor G. Adoph Johns was vice-pastor during the building program.

The congregation held services in the Still Clubhouse for nearly a year while the building was going on.

Mr. Thomas Grothe, with two other paid carpenters, built the church, with members and friends helping as much as possible. Sometimes there were large "bees," such as when the cement for the foundation was poured; at other times one or two or more worked under the supervision of Mr. Grothe.

The interior painting, sanding, varnishing and other finishing work was all done by volunteers.

The pulpit and altar railing and altar painting now in use are the ones from the old church.

Two weddings were held in the church before it was completed. By dedication day, Sept. 25, 1949, all work was finished except for the installation of a heating plant. Fortunately the weather was warm, so the lack was not noticed. The furnace was put in some weeks later.

Total cost of the building program was $10,750, and all indebtedness was paid off by July 8, 1951, when mortgage burning ceremonies were held .

In 1954 a residence was bought in Wilton to be used as a parsonage, as it was felt that it would be unsatisfactory to renovate the old one.

The church had been without a resident pastor from the time Pastor Valberg left in 1944 until the summer of 1955, when Pastor George Olson, accepted the pall of the congregation. In the interim, the Rev. Johns of First Lutheran Church of Bismarck was an able vice-pastor.

Under the leadership of Pastor Olson the congregation became self-supporting for the first time in 1958. It is grateful for the aid received over the years from the church-at-large, and anticipates that in time to come it can, with God's help, assist other congregations through the benevolence program of the Lutheran Church in America.

On Mother's Day in 1959, those who gathered for worship at Sunne were happily amazed to find a beautiful electric organ waiting to accompany their singing. The long-desired instrument was the


gift of Miss Annetta Erickson on behalf of herself and her family, in memory of her parents and brother. A similar gift was presented by Miss Erickson to the Mission Free Church at the same time. The organ was dedicated Sept. 20, 1959, with a concert by Clarion Larson of Bismarck. The date also marked the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the church building.

After six and one-half years of dedicated and fruitful service, Pastor Olson resigned in February, 1962. The lectern now in use in the church was a farewell" gift from him and his family.

Pastor Cedric Lofdahl of Bismarck acted as vice-pastor until the following summer, when the Rev. Alfred Lewensten was installed at Sunne to begin his first pastorate.

Also in the summer of 1962 Mr. A. F. Anderson, the last of the charter members of the congregation, was carried to his final resting place in the church cemetery. It was to him that the 1958 anniversary booklet was dedicated.

During the early 1960s, the economic changes that resulted in fewer farms and farm families were felt, not only by the small towns and school districts of North Dakota, but also by the rural churches. Many churches were forced to close as their congregations dwindled, while others consolidated with those nearby, sometimes crossing denominational lines in the process. Not the least of the pressures upon the churches was the shortage of ministers, especially of those willing or trained to work in rural areas.

In recognition of the changes taking place, Sunne and Bethlehem Lutheran of Wing entered into discussions concerning the advisability of a joint enterprise. On Dec. 15, 1961, both congregations voted to form one parish, on recommendation of the Red River Valley Synod and the Board of American Missions of the Lutheran Church in America. Each congregation was to carry on its own program and manage its own finances, while one minister would serve both churches. A joint council (the officers of the individual church councils) was to handle matters of concern to the total parish. With minor changes, this arrangement is in effect today.

At the time the church building was erected, a shortage of funds made it impossible to complete work in the basement, so makeshift facilities had been necessary for Sunday School use and for social gatherings. In 1964. it was decided to finish the basement, and at the same time to incorporate other needed improvements. Named to a planning committee were Clayton McCullough, Wallace Falkenstein, John Hagen, Orville Speten, Alfred Diede. and Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Manning. Cash donations for the project totaling nearly $5,000 were received, plus $1,000 in short-term pledges.

Renovations included a new entrance with inside stairs, new basement stairways, resfrooms, better Sunday School facilities, tiling of the basement floor, bringing water into the building, and dig-

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY - • 1893-1968

ging a sewer. Clarence Anderson was hired as head carpenter and overseer, but most of the other labor was contributed by members of the congregation.

Dedication of the new facilities was held June 14, 1964, with the annual Mid-summer Picnic following the dedication.

On Easter Sunday, 1965, beautiful new brass candelabra and al-tar vases were dedicated. The candelabra were in memory o f ' • • • • • I Mrs. Alfred Anderson, and the vases in memory of Mrs. Conrad Kettleson, given by their families.

I t was during Pastor Lewensten's tenure that a shelter-belt planting of young trees was started on the north and west sides of the church grounds, with the hope that in future years it would provide not only a lovely setting for our place of worship, but also a protection from the rude winds that often rake the hilltop.

In the summer of 1965 Pastor Lewensten informed the congregation that he had accepted a call from another church. He left behind him many evidences of his concern for both the material and spiritual life of Sunne.

Pastor Lofdahl again served as vice-pastor until the Rev. Carl Johnson arrived in February, 1966, to assume the leadership of the joint parish.

The residence in Wilton which served as a parsonage was by this time in need of drastic repairs, and many of the congregation thought it inadvisable to spend more money on a building which was not entirely adequate for the needs of a pastor and his family. Consequently, on Good Friday, 1966, the congregation voted to build a new parsonage in Wilton. Though it would serve as the home of the pastor of the joint parish, it would be the project of the Sunne congregation alone.

The old parsonage was sold to Robert Bucholz for $5,000, and the money was used toward construction of the new building. In August, a loan of $10,000 was made from the First State Bank of Wilton. Since then, individual pledges have considerably reduced the indebtedness.

The building is a three-bedroom home, and includes an office for the pastor, as well as a full basement and attached garage.

Building committee for the parsonage was Edgar Anderson, John Hagen, Clayton McCullough, Grant Nelson, Mrs. Arvid Johnson, Mrs. Kenneth Johnson, and Mrs. Barney Strand, Sr., with Pastor and Mrs. Johnson as consultants. Clarence Anderson again served as head carpenter, with much of the labor donated by members of the congregation. Clayton McCullough laid the plans for the building.

An open house was held in the fall of 1966, soon after Pastor Johnson and his family moved in, with dedication services later in the winter.


In the winter of 1968, a long-time dream of the women of the church was realized when the congregation voted to match the funds provided by the LCW for the purpose of building cupboards in the kitchen, and making other improvements. Many men—and several women—spent long days at the project, which was planned by Clayton McCuUough and executed under the direction of Erick Pearson. As the women enjoy their attractive kitchen, they are reminded of early Ladies Aid members who labored in the most inconvenient of locations and surroundings to bring the blessings of "fellowship over food" to the congregation and its friends.

1968 also saw the dedication, on April 28, of the huge "Christ Candle" in its wrought iron holder, complete with Advent wreath to be used in season, given by Mrs. Clifford Richard and Willis Richard in memory of Mr. Richard and the Paul Johnson family. Mrs. Johnson was the former Claudia Richard, and she, her husband, and their small daughter, Heidi, were all killed in an auto accident in 1965.

Among other major recent memorial Rifts are the illuminated cross which makes the Sunne steeple a night beacon for miles acrosr

the prairie, a gift of Mrs. Elmer Klinj; in memory of her husband. and the lighted sign that marks the entrance to the church grounds. a memorial to Barney Strand, Sr., given by his family. Many other memorials have been received through the years, both in the form of furnishings for the church and as money gift-s. and the congregation acknowledges all such gifts with deep appreciation.

It is relatively easy to detail the material progress of a congregation, but far harder to assess its spiritual standing. For thaf reason, we acknowledge that the church stands in our midst as a testimony to the grace of God at work among us, and we pray that Sunne Evangelical Lutheran Church will continue to grow in that grace. As we look to the future, may we learn from the past; as we honor those who laid the foundations on which we build, may our workmanship be worthv of those foundations; as we review the last 75 years, may we determine that Christ may be magnified through us in the years to come.

HISTORY OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN

For many years the Ladies Aid filled a social need in the community while also playing a great part in building and maintaining the church. The Aid was first organized in lS9fi, and immediately it began to raise funds for furnishing and completing the building. Regular meetings were held twice a month, and one of these meetings was always a pot-luck dinner after church services, held in the home of a member. The collections from these dinners, along with the proceeds from auctions, box suppers, and other activities, made an important contribution to church finances. The annual chicken suppers and mid-summer picnics were eagerly anticipated for their


opportunities for good food and fellowship—the latter perhaps even more important in early days than now.

Many times the Ladies Aid came to the rescue of the Board of Administration in such items as conference budgets, ministers' salaries, and general operating expenses. In 1922 we read in the report of the secretary of the congregation that the Ladies Aid "as usual'' was "en god hjalp for forsamligen", or a great help for the congregation. I t has continued in this tradition to the present day. In addition to this material help, the organization was greatly concerned for the spiritual life of the church.

As time passed, a need was felt for a greater emphasis on mission work in the congregation, and in answer to this need, a Women's Missionary Society was organized at the church on October 8, 1925. Mrs. H. C. Asplund was its first president, and it is due in great part to her continuing interest and endeavor that the cause of missions became an integral part of Sunne's program.

For a long time meetings of the Society were held four times a year, usually on Sunday afternoon, and many mission projects were supported through the years. Later the work of the Society became more and more to be coordinated with that of the Ladies Aid, and in 1957 a combined organization was formed, known as the Ladies Aid-Missionary Society for the purpose of furthering the aims of both groups.

When the Augustana Synod became a part of the Lutheran Church in America, the society became a part of the ALCW, or American Lutheran Church Women, but this name was soon shortened to LCW, when the "American" was dropped from the title.

In 1959 the membership divided into three units — one in Wilton, one in the community around the church, and one in the Regan area—and these groups took the names of Peace, Hope, and Faith, respectively. The units meet in joint session several times a vear for study programs and business sessions, and an executive board supervises and coordinates their work.

Even though the organization has been known as "LCW" for several years now, it still remains the "Sunne Ladies Aid" in the minds of many, which is not surprising, for its aim remains the same—to extend the Kingdom of God, both at home and in distant places.

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:3


LUTHER LEAGUE

The "Ungdomsforenengen" or Young People's Society, is first mentioned in church minutes for 1898, when we are told that they held 10 meetings and raised $26.35 which was to go toward the purchase of a church bell. From then on the young people worked energetically to provide spiritual help, social life, and financial aid for the church. They seem to have been successful fund raisers, for among other things they bought an organ, built a garage for the first parsonage, and loaned money to the church to pay on outstanding debt.

In 1934 Pastor John H. Nelson wrote that "the young people have been an inspiration both to themselves and the congregation."

At the present time the Luther League in the Lutheran Church in America is undergoing some organizational changes, and there" are disagreements regarding the direction in which the group should proceed. Some of these developments are reflected in the Sunne League, but their 1968 Easter sunrise service and breakfast (a traditional project of the Leaguers) showed that the inspiration is still there.

"For thou, O Lord, art my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth."

Psalms 71:5

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

Records of the Sunday School are incomplete for the first few years, but we know that classes were held during the summer months very early in the life of the church. Th e first mention of the Sunday School in the secretary's minutes appears in 1898, when we read that a Christmas program was held in the church, and treats of candy and popcorn were distributed to the children. This was the first such occasion, because it was the first year that there was a stove in the building. During this same year the first Sunday School papers were given out: 29 copies of "Barnenstidning."

From then on Sunday School was held fairly regularly, and a superintendent was elected at each annual meeting of the congregation. The list of devoted people who have served as teachers and superintendents is a long one, and not only the church, but the whole community has benefitted from their efforts. Perhaps special mention should be made of Henry Thor, who served as superintendent from 1922 to 1938. He also held vacation Bible School for the children, part of the time doing the teaching himself, and otherwise seeing that teachers were provided. During periods when the church was without a pastor, he often held Sunday evening services, reading from the Word, and leading in devotions.

Vacation Bible School has been held for many years. In 1917,


Pastor Carl Olson conducted a summer school for six weeKs, with 15 pupils attending. This was a Swedish language school, and some pupils not from the Sunne congregation attended in order to learn the language. In later years, the Still Clubhouse, Ecklund School No. 4, and even a large tent on the church grounds have been used for classrooms for vacation school if the church facilities were inadequate.

The present Sunday School enrollment is 80, with a staff of eight teachers and a crade roll secretary. Mrs. Wallace Falkenstein has served as superintendent for 20 years, and should receive much credit for her faithful work for the children of Sunne. There are classes for all ages, including a nursery class, a high school Bible class, and an adult class.

". . . From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

II Timothy 3:15

ITEMS OF INTEREST

The anniversary committee wishes to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Henry Thor, who compiled a history of Sunne Church for the celebration of the 40th anniversary in 1933. The first part of the history found in this booklet is essentially as she wrote it, and the committee is grateful for her research and writing.

The Conference Meeting of the Swedish Lutheran Church was held in the Asklund Grove (now the McGinnis farmstead, east of Wilton) on July 6, 7, and 8, 1906, with Sunne as the host church. The pastor of the church at that time was the Rev. Gulstrom. Services were held in a large tent, and ministers from Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as several from North Dakota, preached. The Sunne Choir, under the direction of Annetta Erickson, sang 13 times during the three-day event.

Pastors from Sunne have performed ministerial acts over a large area, using almost every available means of transportation to reach their destination. Much early work was done in the Sentinel Butte area,, and when Carl Olson was pastor he confirmed a class at Mar-sten Moor, a Swede settlement between Woodworth and Pettibone. He also conducted services there three or four times a year.

Douglas Aim is the proud possessor of a silver cup and a letter from the Sunne Church board testifying to the fact that he was born on the day that the present church was dedicated, Sept. 25, 1949.

Helmer Asplund, whose parents and grandparents were charter members of Sunne, has an impressive record of service to the church. He was a trustee for 27 years, and served as church treasurer for 26 of the 27 years.


Board of Administration—front row, Orville Speten, John Hagen, Pastor Johnson, Clayton McCullough.

Back row, Lee Sundqust, William Asplund, Edgar Anderson, Grant Nelson, Maynard Tosseth.

Anniversary Planning Committee—front row, Mmes. Bernard Falkenstein, Joe Wold and John Vollan. Back row, William Asplund, Edgar Anderson, Pastor Carl Johnson, Grant Nelson, Maynard Tosseth.


Front row, Mmes. Kenneth Johnson, Arvid Johnson and Orville Speten.

Back row, Orville Speten, Kenneth Johnson, John Hagen, Arvid Johnson.

mm *mr Front row, Mmes. Herman Reimann, Willis Aim, Lucille Kling.

Back row, Mrs. Carl Lein, Mrs. Alvin Manning, Mrs. Louis Johnson, Louis Johnson.

orth Dakota Stats UtfiTy / Bismarck, NO 58501


^ » t s | \ , \ *

Sunday School Staff—front row, Mmes. Clayton McCullough, Wallace Falkenstein, Kenneth Johnson, Louis Johnson.

Back row, Mmes. Bernard Falkenstein, Raymond Olson, Anton Krush, Willis Aim. Absent, Mrs. Ulane Franklund, Mrs. Charlott Strand, John Broste.

Sunday School teachers with the longest records of service— Mmes. Joseph Wold, Arvid Johnson, Wallace Falkentein, Louis Johnson.


ITEMS OF INTEREST

On Nov. 11, 1898, Mathilda Falkenstein became the bride of Herman Falkenstein in Sunne Lutheran Church — the first couple to be married in the tiny frame building. Fifty-one years later, on August, 1949, another wedding was performed on the same spot, but in a different building, when Adeline Perkins and Lester Collis were married in the first ceremony to be performed in the church which replaced the original one. Then, on Oct. 3, 1959, fate wrote a strange ending to the story of the two "first" weddings at Sunne. On that Sunday, death came quietly to Mathilda, just a few days short ot her 80th birthday, on the prairies where she had lived so long. On that same afternoon Lester, then Captain Collis of the U. S. Army, fell to his death when the private plane he was piloting crashed over Old Mexico. Two funerals were held within the week from Sunne, and sorrowing relatives and friends wondered at the strange coincidence.

The largest confirmation class to be received into membership at Sunne was the class of 1914, with 23 confirmands. The second largest was in 1964, with 21 members.

Twenty-seven young people of the church have received the God-Home-Country Award, given by the Lutheran Church and the local congregation as a recognition of exceptional work in their congregation and their civic youth group (in this case, the 4H clubs of the community) and of spiritual growth. Claudia Richard and Ina Anderson were the first to receive the award and those who have since received it are: in 1958, Vergene Anderson, Jerry Lein, Mavis Johnson, Janet Wold, Vern Anderson, Elva Manning, Vivan Johnson; in 1960, Marlette Anderson; in 1962, Betty McCullough and Eunice Bauer; in 1963, Clark and Meryl Wold, Shirley Michelsen; in 1964, Linda Johnson, Janice Juhala, Kathleen Manning, Sharon Tosseth; in 1965, Timothy Johnson, Daniel Sundquist; in 1966, Ardys Johnson, Larry Jose, Marie Johnson, Jacqueline Oster; in 1968, Beverly Backman, Karen Speten.

Thieves entered the church in 1955, and carried away, among other things, the brass altar cross and candlesticks, and the huge old-fashioned pulpit Bible. The cross and candlesticks were gifts of the Peterson children in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Peterson, early members of the church. When the Petersons learned of the loss, they replaced the altar pieces with the ones now in use. Later, one of the original candlesticks was found in a ditch along the highway, as was the Bible. Because of the clasp which secured the Bible, it was not greatly harmed. No trace was found of the thieves.


Oscar Anderson Oscar Lundberg Oscar Backman Enoch Askland Albin Hedstrom Willie Peterson

* Hans Moline * George Anderson Charles Swanson * Rueben Johnson * Nels Olson * David Spangberg * Axel Hedberg * Erick Sundquist

CONFIRMATION CLASSES ; Indicates confirmand is deceased.

XASS OF 1892. M. Spangberg, Pastor " Eugenia Nordstrom (Mrs. Morris Anderson) * ' Ida Danielson (Mrs. Ed Richards) * * Christina Anstrom (Mrs. Gust Gordon) * * Emma Anderson (Mrs. Ira Falkenstein) * * Charles Peterson * * Emil Anstrom * * Gust Spangberg

CLASS OF 1898. A. G. Olson, Pastor * Emily Erickson

Beda Anderson (Mrs Beda Walton) * Minnie Ranstrom (Mrs. M. Dickson) * Emma Lindberg (Mrs. John Olson) * Alma Larson (Mrs. Carl Anderson) * Hannah Backman (Mrs. H. Speten) * 0 . W. Backman Albin Spangberg * Algot Swanson

CLASS OF 1900, April 22. A. G. Olson, Pastor * Belinda Spangberg (Mrs. Christ Engen) * Victor Anderson Edith Swenson (Mrs. Edith Peterson) * Emil Backman * Helga Anderson (Mrs. Al Holden)

CLASS OF 1902. L. W. Gulstrom, Pastor Annie Anderson (Mrs. Annie Mogenson) Esther Lundberg (Mrs. Esther Rhodes) Florence Johnson (Mrs. Wm. Larson) Annie Vollan (Mrs. Annie Anderson) Amanda Johnson Teckla Swanson (Mrs. Walter Johnson) Hulda Backman (Mrs. Hulda Ghylin) * Mary Spangberg (Mrs. Joe Wright) Mabel Nordstrom (Mrs. Mabel Olson) * Lena Backman (Mrs. Lena Taylor) * Amanda Erickson (Mrs. J. Berglindh)

CLASS OF 1903, Nov. 29. L. W. Gulstrom, Pastor Hannah Olson (Mrs. Hannah Hedberg) * Ernest Erickson * Emil Berglindh

Class of 1905, Dec. 10. L. W. Gulstrom, Pastor * Annie Betty Olson (Mrs. M. Ringdahl) Helmer Asplund Hulda Strom (Mrs. John Anderson) Hildur Anderson (Mrs. Clint Stillman) Hilma Anstrom (Mrs. J. C. Valckers) Augusta Johnson (Mrs. A. Johnson) Lillie Anderson (Mrs. Carl Johnson)

* George Johnson * John Anderson * Harold Hagen Orlando Johnson Harry Johnson * Jennie Hagen

August Backman * Morris Strom

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY 1893-1968

CLASS OF 1909. J. 0 . Cavallin, Pastor Laura Moline (Mrs. Ed. Peterson) Dagmar Lind (Mrs. Emil Berglindh) Clara Moline (Mrs. Walter Kirkey) Nettie Lind (Mrs. Nettie Bailey) * Minnie Anderson

CLASS OF 1910, Nov. 30. J . O. Cavallin, Pastor

Esther Erickson * John F. Olson * Charles Lind * Alfred Lind

Angeline Collins (Mrs. A. Honetschlager) Esther Cedarstrom (Mrs. C. Petties) Selma Thor Florence Lundquist (Mrs. A. Spangberg) * Alida Nelson (Mrs. R. Feltham)

CLASS OF 1912, August 25. J . O. Cavallin Pastor, Confirmed.

* Gertrude Lind (Mrs. Floyd Curry) * Hannah Anderson Beda Olson (Mrs. Beda Backman) Gerda Thor (Mrs. Ben Mortenson) Mabel Strom (Mrs. Ralph Madland) Signe Johnson (Mrs. A. W. Anderson) Ebba Olson (Mrs. Ebba Maxwell)

Joel Peterson * Gilbert Cedarstrom * Algot Strom * Arthur Nelson * Thomas Collins

instructed. A. F. Aflson,

* Roy Anderson Hjalmer Thor * Henry Thor Henry Strom Nils Tosseth Harry N. Johnson Paul Anderson

CLASS OF 1914, July 26. J. 0 . Cavallin, Pastor. Albin Larson, Student

* Lena Fosberg (Mrs. Conrad Goranson) * Clara Rosenbeck (Mrs. W. Ryberg) * Mildred Nelson Martha Kierland (Mrs. Henry Anderson) Ada Anderson (Mrs. Charles Paulstick) Louise Erickson (Mrs. John Vollan) Gerda Moline (Mrs. Louise Stanley) Clara Nelson (Mrs. Victor Engdahl) Etta Falkenstein (Mrs. Albert Johnson) Agnes Thor (Mrs. Herman Engstrom) Ada Anderson (Mrs. Knute Knudson) Abba Erickson (Mrs. AI Lincoln) * Elsie Lundquist (Mrs. G. Cunningham) * Ellen Rosenbeck (Mrs. P. Anderson)

CLASS OF 1918, Nov. 17. Carl H. Olson, Pastor

* George Cedarstrom Dorothy Johnson Elmer Johnson Henry Anderson * Walter Spangberg Bennie Nelson * Caleb Peterson Arne Tosseth Oscar Moline

Nannie Gordon (Mrs. C. Landerholm) Ruth Madland (Mrs. C. McCormick) Nannie Johnson (Mrs. N. Matheson) Ruth Nelson (Mrs. Clifford Scott) Elvira Erickson (Mrs. A. H. Galliger) Esther Peterson (Mrs. A. Gronberg) Dorothy Anderson (Mrs. A. Holden) * Mattie Rosenbeck (Mrs. H. Dillon)

* Alphie Lundquist Wallace Anderson * Alfonso Ericksor Alfred Anderson


CLASS OF 1920, Sept. 15. E. F. Alfson, Pastor. Paid Gustafson," Intern

Walter Ryberg CLASS OF 1923 * Mrs. Helmer Asplund (nee Goranson)

CLASS OF 1925. J. A. Johanson, Pastor Wilma Johnson (Mrs. Alex Neibaurer) Helen Goranson (Mrs. Alfred Vollan) Edna Johnson (Mrs. Harold McAnaw) Louis Lind

Levi Anderson Louis Johnson Bennie Anderson Alf Johnson

CLASS OF 1927, Sept. 11. John H. Nelson, Pastor. Arthur Chell,

* Thema Anderson Floyd Anderson Clarence Anderson

Student Edna Falkenstein (Mrs. Edna Richard) Elvira Asplund (Mrs. Oliver Noon) Lucille Asplund (Mrs. Oliver Knudson) Margaret Anderson (Mrs. D. Lewis) * Irene Anderson (Mrs. A. Anderson)

ADULT CLASS OF 1928. Robert Johanson, Student Louise Lund (Mrs. Louise Johnson) Herman Engstrom * Mrs. Wallace Anderson (nee Holden) John Vollan Wallace Falkenstein * Enoch Carlson Theodore M. Anderson

CLASS OF 1930. J. M. Nelson, Pastor. Oscar Lund, Student. Irene Speten (Mrs. Floyd Anderson) Elsie Olson (Mrs. M. Christensen) Signe Hedberg (Mrs. Glen Leder) Helen Hedberg (Mrs. Melvin Knott) Edith Backman (Mrs. John Kissinger) * Melvin Backman

Hjalmer Lind Albert Backman Oliver Asplund Frank Hedberg * Edwin Backman Edwin Johnson

CLASS OF 1936, June 28. John M. Nelson, Pastor Beverly Asplund (Mrs. Orville Block) Cleo Johnson (Mrs. Alfred Hartman) Victorine Aspund (Mrs. H. Vandenberg,

Jr. * Frances Backman (Mrs. L. Sundquist) Lorraine Speten (Mrs. Carl Olson) * Ruthella Anderson (Mrs. P. Agneberg)

* Ralph Backman * Leslie Backman LeeRoy Anderson Vernal Anderson

CLASS OF 1938, Sept. 11. E. Oscar Johnson, Natalie Asplund (Mrs. Clemens Pfau) Ida Mae Sorenson (Mrs. E. Wagner) * Cecile Ryberg (Mrs. J. Kenevan) Marilyn Johnson (Mrs. N. Backman) Doris Vollan (Mrs. Roy Berg) Marcelle Asplund (Mrs. Richard Wans) Gertrude Gronhoy (Mrs. C. Collins) Adult: Mrs. Beda Asplund (nee Goran

son)

Pastor Betty Johnson John Vollan Ernest Gronhoy Selmer Gronhoy Junius Ryberg Norman Backman Henry Speten


CLASS OF 1940, June 2. E. Oscar Johnson, Pastor Barbara McCullough (Mrs. J. T. Lyon) Vernon Strom Elizabeth Gronhoy (Mrs. M. Hausvik) Edwin Tosseth Elsie Aune (Mrs. Chas. Timmerman) James Vollan

CLASS OF 1941. E. 0. Valberg, Patsor Darrel Asplund Boyd Hedstrom

ADULT CLASS OF 1941, March 30. E. D. Mrs. Victor Nelson (nee Landerholm) Deloris Engelbretson (Mrs. Lyle Berg) Mrs. Art Fricke (nee Landerholm) Mrs. Erick Engelbretson (nee Lundberg) Lorraine Engelbretson (Mrs. B. Colling) Iven Aim

CLASS OF 1942, Nov. 29. E. O. Valberg, Edna Backman (Mrs. Clarence Morris) Irene Franklund (Mrs. T. Thorson) Irene Gronhoy (Mrs. Joe Botsky Jr.) Constance Ryberg (Mrs. Marion James) Maelon Backman (Mrs. A. Ollenburger) Betty Anderson (Mrs. M. Lenihan) Lucille Fricke (Mrs. A. McCullough) * Mrs. Victor Franklund

Darrell Kling

Valberg, Pastor Willard Backman Orville Speten Wesley Engelbretson Willis Aim * Alden Backman

Emmanuel Landerholm

Pastor Raymond Ryberg Raymond Olson Dale Vollan Orville Engelbretson Ulane Franklund Victor Franklund Paul Asplund

ADULT CLASS OF 1943, April 25. E. 0. Valberg, Pastor

Gladys Olson (nee McCullough) Andrew Olson

CLASS OF 1945. G. Adolph Johns, Pastor

Shirley Hedstrom (Mrs. Paul Jennings) Henrietta Broste (Mrs. Rolf Strandjord) Norma Anderson (Mrs. D. Baranick) Marjorie Anderkbn (Mrs. G. Cleveland) Cloteal Kling (Mrs. Palmer Spencer) Delrene Asplund (Mrs. David Mills) Olive Vollan (Mrs. Howard Fricke) Phyllis Johnson (Mrs. L. Falkenstein)

ADULT CLASS OF 1945. G. Adolph Johns, Pastor

Ruby Anderson Bernard Falkenstein * Victor Franklund Wallace Ryberg

* Mrs. Geneva Johnson (nee Perkins) Mrs. Bessie Johnson (nee Fosberg) Mrs. Edna Johnson (nee Kurle) Mrs. Iva Speten (nee Kurle) Mrs. Myma Johnson (nee Williams) Mrs. Evelyn Magnuson (neo Engdahl) Mrs. Ruth Johnson (nee Wilmot) Mrs. Vera Falkenstein (nee Fricke)

Albert Johnson Carl Johnson Oliver Knudson Lee Sundquist Arvid .Johnson Carl Magnuson ' Clifford Richard


CLASS OF 1949. G. Adolph Johns, Pastor

Sylvia Ryberg (Mrs. Roy Cowan) Maynard Tosseth Grace Franklund (Mrs. M. Baranyk) Theodore Ryberg Wayne Falkenstein Warren Perkins Alfred Ryberg

ADULT CLASS d F 1950, Aug. 20. G. Adolph Johns, Pastor. Warren Johnson, Intern

Mrs. Pearl Anderson (nee Duma) Mrs. Nellie Backman (nee Burke) Mrs. Ruth Backman (nee Ollenburger) Mrs. Arlene Nelson (nee Gifford) Mrs. Emma Manning (nee Coleman) * Arthur M. G. Erickson

ADULT CLASS OF 1951, April 1. G. A. Johns, Pastor Raymond Torgeson, Intern

Alvin Manning Kenneth M. Johnson

Mrs. Rande Aim (nee Kettleson) Greta Aune (Mrs. Alan Coppin) Mrs. Jessie Berg (nee Taplin) Mrs. Cathrine Carlson (nee Shypkoski) Mrs. Ethel Carlson (nee Smith) Mrs. Rose Mary Hedstrom

(nee Rasmussen) Mrs. Margaret Oster (nee Webber) Mrs. Frances Wold (nee Cox) Alice Volan (Mrs. B. Falkenstein)

May 20, 1951

Del oris Ann Broehl (Mrs. Don Miller)

August 26, 1951

Mrs. Anne Diede (nee Triska) Mrs. Loucille Speten (nee Sundquist) Mrs. Alice Hellickson (nee White)

Marvin E. Aim Lyle M. Berg H. Lloyd Perkins

Alfred Diede Rudolph Speten

CLASS OF 1951, Dec. 9. G. A. Johns, Pastor. Raymond Torgeson, Intern

Ina Anderson (Mrs. Werner Veil) Maretta Bailey (Mrs. E. Michelsen) Myrna Manning (Mrs. L. Hochhalter) * Claudia Richard (Mrs. P. Johnson) Fern Carlson (Mrs. John Murray)

ADULT CLASS OF 1952, August 24

Mrs. Gertie Asplund (nee Mattson) Mrs. RaMona Kling (nee Wise) Mrs. Beulah Suverly (nee Buck)

Raymond Hentz Archie Johnson Eldo Johnson Larry Tosseth Arlan Vollan

John Suverly Henry W. Diede


CLASS OF 1953, August 30. G. A. Johns, Pastor. Jay Zimmerman, Intern

Vergene Anderson (Mrs. Don Follows) Joyce Reimann (Mrs. W. Falkenstein) Anna Sundquist (Mrs. R. Peterson) Elsie Sundquist (Mrs. Leonard Clark) Vern Anderson

Paul Franklund Ray Franklund Virgil Johnson Douglas Pearson Zane Suverly

ADULT CLASS OF 1953, August 30. G. A. Johns, Pastor Jay Zimmerman, Intern

Yvonne Anderson (Mrs. Clark Bailey) Mrs. Beda Coleman (nee Skoglund) Mrs. Mildred Coleman (nee Wittenberg) Mrs. Lily Reimann (nee Franzen) Mrs. Thghna Tosseth Cnee Hanson) j .

Lawrence 0 . Coleman Melvin F. Coleman Leonard P. Diede Herman Reimann

ADULT CLASS OF/1955, AprilH. G. A. Johns\Pastor. UltfforcTHad-ley, Intern

Mrs. Rose Mary Strand (nee Roubal) Emerson Gill Mrs. Verna Tosseth (nee Krien) Mrs. LaVyrl Gill (nee Williams)

CLASS OF 1955, Sept. 25. George A. Olson, Pastor. Clifford Hadley, Intern

Mavis Johnson (Mrs. Duane Olson) Jerry Lein Vivian Johnson (Mrs. P. Sprynczynatyk) Laveryl Juhala Janet Wold (Mrs. Donald Kamnikar) Wayne Juhala Elva Manning (Mrs. John Topp) DuWayne Bailey

ADULT CLASS OF 1956, March 30. George A. Olson, Pastor Mrs. Grace Tosseth (nee Moen) George Gray Norman Tosseth

November 11, 1956

Mrs. Mabel Tosseth (nee Sundquist) Mrs. Deloris Aim (nee Nelson) Mrs. Bertha Roubal (nee Krejci) Mrs. Ethel Tosseth (nee Keator)

Arthur Tosseth John Broste

CLASS OF 1957, Sept. 29. George A. Olson, Pastor

Marlette Anderson (Mrs. Ian Bailey) Alta Dunbar (Mrs. Roger Rychlik) Colleen Speten (Mrs. James Anderson) Dalian Buchmann Margie Speten (Mrs. Lyle Aune)

Kalson Buchmann Russell Tosseth

ADULT CLASS OF 1958, May 25. George A. Olson, Pastor

Florence Johnson (nee Solberg) Lloyd Olson George Johnson David Vollan Clayton McCullough


CLASS OF 1959, Sept. 27. George A. Olson, Pastor Eunice Bauer (Mrs. Donald Tucker) Dennis Anderson Betty McCullough (Mrs. L. Falkenstein) Allen Bratzel Patricia Dunbar (Mrs. M. Schroeder) Kenneth Bratzel Laurel Jose (Mrs. Larry Pearson) Russyl Gill Larry Falkenstein

ADULT CLASS OF 1960, April 10. George A. Olson, Pastor Ann Pearl Meyer (nee Gerowski) Anton Krush Carole Tosseth (nee Duma) Jacob Meyer Jerry Bucholz

CLASS OF 1961, March 26. George A. Olson, Pastor Shirley Michelsen (Mrs. V. Engstrom) James Mertz Avis Franklund (Mrs. Jerome Hoff art) Tom Asplund David Sundquist Clark Wold Alden Bucholz Meryl Wold

ADULT CLASS OF 1961, May 2. George A. Olson, Pastor Dorothy Mae Thompson (nee Heil)

CLASS OF 1962, April 15. Cedric Lofdahl, Pastor Kathleen Manning (Mrs. Ralph Mowder) Gerald Asplund Janice Juhala (Mrs. Ollie Marko) Wade Dunbar Linda Johnson (Mrs. Robert Oswald) James Renner Marilyn Engelbretson (Mrs. Jack Sharon Tosseth

C. Reisenauer)

CLASS OF 1963, April 7. Alfred Lewensten, Pastor Kaye Backman (Mrs. James Dalbec) Daniel Sundquist Robert Bucholz Dana Morris Deanne Diede James Speten Samuel Johnson Linda Lewensten Timothy Johnson Roger Buchmann Lee Strand

ADULT CLASSES OF 1963, April 21. Alfred Lewesten, Pastor Dennis Hedstrom

October 6, 1963 Mrs. Martin Hagen (nee Hartinger) Arlene Hausauer (Mrs. Debert Olson)

ADULT CLASS OF 1964, Jan. 12. Alfred Lewensten, Pastor Mrs. Marie Olson (nee Sehlan) Bruce Hedstrom Joy Rise (Mrs. Dale Hurt)

CLASS OF 1964, April 26. Alfred Lewensten, Pastor Ardys Johnson (Mrs. D. Steltzner) Mavis Nelson Inga Botnen (Mrs. John Polichnowsky) Gayle Johnson Jacqueline Oster (Mrs. Thomas Schmidt) Janel Anderson Sharon Bucholz Roger Rasmussen Beverly Backman Douglas'Hausauer

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY - 1893-1968

Sherry Anderson Curtis Hedstrom Judy Speten Alan Hausauer Darlene Morris James McCloskey Marleen Engelbretson Larry Jose Marie Johnson Bert Oster Karen Speten Calvin Renner

ADULT CLASS OF 1965, April 11. Alfred Lewensten, Pastor Gerald Peterson

June 13, 1965 Arlene Mary Johnson

CLASS OF 1965, August 29. Alfred Lewensten, Pastor Leana Jose Michael Meyer Joan Falkenstein Patrick McCloskey Nancy Backman Iver Buchmann Linda Asplund Alan Speten James Hagen Debbie Belden Gloria Tosseth Glenn Hagen Joseph Rise

CLASS OF 1966, Nov. 6. Carl F. Johnson, Pastor Janel Botnen Wayne Backman Daniel Falkenstein Sally Bucholz Alan Falkenstein Beverly Speten Nancy Hedstrom Gary Tosseth

CLASS OF 1968, May 26. Carl F. Johnson, Pastor Beda Backman Irene Shepherd Verdeen Bauer Roger Falkenstein Karla Diede Grace Hagen Maretta Engelbretson Lindonna Shepherd Donna Falkenstein Gary Speten Kevin Falkenstein Mary Sundquist Gerald Rasmussen Sharon Rasmussen

ADULT CLASS OF 1968, May 20. Carl Johnson, Pastor Mrs. Elny Sundquist (nee Anderson)


75th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEES

PLANNING COMMITTEE Mrs. Joseph Wold Mrs. John Vollan Mrs. Bernard Falkenstein Maynard Tosseth Edgar Anderson Grant Nelson L. W. Asplund

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE Rudy Speten Mrs. Willis Aim Mrs. Carl Lein John Broste Mrs. Joseph Wold

INVITATIONS Mrs. John Vollan Mrs. Elmer Kling Mrs. Herman Reimann Mrs. Alvin Manning Miss Esther Erickson

PICNIC L. W. Asplund Grant Nelson Arvid Johnson John Hagen

PROGRAM Pastor Johnson Mrs. Bernard Falkenstein Maynard Tosseth Mrs. L. W. Asplund

REGISTRATION AND HOSPITALIT\ Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Louis Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Orville Speten

DINNERS L. C. W. Units

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The congregation expresses its thanks tc

DR. WALTER E. CARLSON, president of the Red River Valley Synod, our guest speaker June 9.

PASTORS GEORGE OLSON, ALFRED LEWENSTEN and RAYMOND TORGERSON for their messages on June 23 and 24.

All who helped complete our file of confirmation pictures.

The Wilton News, publishers of this anniversary booklet.

Everyone who has helped in any way with our anniversary observance.


Pastor and Mrs. Carl Johnson

Pastor G. Adolph Johns and Family, taken in 1951


Mr. and Mrs. Herman Falkenstein, first couple married in the old church.

Children of Charter Members still attending Sunne: Miss Esther Erickson, Helmer Asplund, Mrs. John Vollan. A fourth is not pic-j tured, Mrs. Hulda Ghylin.


The Second Sundafr af ter T r i n i t y June 25, 1968

Anniversary Worship Service 11:00 A-.M.

THE HtELUDB

THE PREPARATION The Hymn "All CreatureB" No. 173 The Invocation Page 15 The Confession of Sins

Wl WELCOME THE SAVIOUR The Introit The Gloria Patri Page 17 The Kyrie The Gloria in Excelsis* The Collect

IHS SAVTOUB SPEAKS TO US The Epistle Lesson— 1 John 3:13-18 The Alleluia The Gospel Lesson Luke 14:15-24 The Confession of Faith (Nicene Creed) Page 4 The Anthem "Faithful Shepherd is our Lord" Choir The Pulpit Hymn "God's Word" «o. 257 The Sermon Pastor Alfred Lewensten

WE OFFER OURSSTra TO GOD The Offertory— ? Page 27 The Prayer of the Churcy The '.lyran "0~God, Our Help" No. 168 The Benediction and Amens The Doxology No. 602

THE POSTLUDE

Organist: Acolyte: Mrs Larry Falkenstein Roger Shepherd

Altar Guild: Mrs. John Hagen and Mrs Clayton McCullough


HISTORICAL OBSERVANCE June 9, 1968

2 p.m.

Opening Hymn "Our Church"

Projection of pictures depicting the history of the Sunne Congregation and appropriate Christian symbols.

Mrs. Bernard Falkenstein, narrator Bernard Falkenstein, projectionist Mrs. L. W. Asplund, artist

The Message Pastor Warren Johnson First Lutheran Church, Bismarck

Remarks by Ted Ryberg, vice-chairman of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wing, special guests for the day, who expressed appreciation to Dr. Walter Carlson, retiring Synod President.

Response Dr. Carlson

Remarks Pastor Oscar Lund

Hospital Chaplain, Bismarck

Benediction Pastor Carl Johnson

Organist: Sherry Anderson


TRIHITg SUNDAY JUKE 9 , l°/68

ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE JL|*00 A. M.

THE PRELUDE

THE PREPARATION Hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" H0.I3I Invocation • . Page 15 The Confession of Sins

WE WELCOME THE SAVIOUR The I n t r o i t The Gloria Patr i Page 17 The Kyrie •• Gloria in F x c e l s i s The Collect

THE SAVIOUR SPEAKS TO US The Epistle Lesson—-Romans 11:33-36 The Alleluia The Gospel Lesson Matthew 28:18-20 The Confession of Faith (Nicene) Page H The Anthem - — Choir Hymn "Immortal, Invisible" No. 172 The Sermon . Sr .Walter Carlson

WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST The Offertory Page 27 The Prayer of the Church Hymn "My God, How Wonderful" Ho. 181 The Benediction & Amene Hymn "Praise God" No. 602

THE POSTLUDE

ORGANIST: ACOLYTE: Gloria Tosseth Roger Shepherd

THE ALTAR GUILD: , Mrs. John Hagen & Mrs. Clayton McCullough


THE CONFIRMATION REUNION SERVICE 8:00 P.M.

The Prelude****

The Hymn* "My God, How Wonderful" No. 181

The Devotion

The Hymn "Lead On 0 King Eternal" No. 550

The Roll of Classes

The Hymn "Children of The Heavenly Father""No. 572

Tho Message rastor George Olson

The Anthem "Come What May" Choir

The Greetings

The Hymn "Now Thank *fe All Our God" No. 443

The Benediction

The Postlude

Monday June 24th.

Mid-Summer picnic at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Johnson. Picnic lunch at noon. Pastor Raymond Torgerson will be the speaker.


Present Sunne Lutheran Pareonage

First recipients of the Lutheran God-Home-Country Award at Sunne were Ina Anderson and Claudia Richard.

Luther League Officers—Leana Jose, Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Johnson, counselors; Dan Falkenstein.

Back row, Beverly Speten, Nancy Hedstrom, Linda Asplund.

LCW Officers—front row, Mmes. Hermann Reimann, Wallace Falkensten, Norman Tosseth, Bernard Falkenstein.

Back row, Mmes. Clayton McCullough, Boyd Hedstrom, Anton Krush. Absent, Mrs. Ervin Jose, Dorothy Hagen.

BX 8076 W55 S96x

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