Immanuel Archives - Program for Summer School - June 30, 1940

UPDATE - FROM A MEMBER WHO WAS IN THE PROGRAM:  Good morning Pastor,I just reread your email on kids answering questions and I need to tell you that isn't the way the confirms answered their questions. That is a program we did in front of church congregation to inform them what we learned in the month long church program we had during month of June. I was going into the sixth grade in 1940. Our confirms answered questions on the day of our confirmation in front of every body in church. We sat on chairs where the Baptism Font is. Pastor asked questions and we answered by raising our hands. If nobody raised their hands he would just call on some one. Of course he knew who would be able to answer. Our picture is in the entry where confirmation pictures are. My picture is dated 1943. It seemed as church went on forever that day. I will look on my bulletin that I have from church that day as I think we started an hour earlier at 10 instead of 11. Dena Campbell and I are the only ones alive from  Hankinson from that day. Some day when you are here and have more time I will show you my bulletin from April 18,1943 Palm Sunday. Rev. Michael was pastor.  

Last week on Wednesday we had our public questioning of our two confirmation students for the year.  Tonight our elders will privately question each of our 7th grade Confirmation students as well to determine how they did this year.  

In our archives we also have several sets of questions that were asked in years past.  I'll post those when I have an opportunity to decipher the handwriting.  However, here is and example of what all was involved.  This is a "Summer School Program" that involves quite a bit of questioning.  Some of the names of the "questioned" people are still our members today.  See if you can recognize any of them.  

I've left a few of the typos in.  Pastor Klausler has dutifully gone through and hand corrected them.  

As a side note, we have several copies of the hymnal the hymns come from - it was the first English LCMS Hymnal, They are well used.  The tune for A Mighty Fortress at the end is the Old Luther tune which we still use, and the same very words we teach our current students.  All these difficult hymns were memorized by all the children.  

PROGRAM FOR SUMMER SCHOOL, JUN 30, 1940

       A.    Recitation of Luther’s Morning Prayer – Dena Bellin

       B.     Song:  Blessed Jesus At Thy Word, n. 3. – All Children

       C.     Catechism recitation:

a.       Group recitation of 10 commandments

b.      3. Comm. – Anetis Hartleben

c.       1. Artic. - Lucille Sch.

d.      2. Art. – Beatrice H.

e.       Song:  Abide O Dearest Jesus – Hym. N. 9. – All Children

f.       5. Petit(ions) – Elis. Korth

g.      Secondly, Baptism – Ev. Korth

h.      Thirdly, Baptism – Wilbur Sch.

i.        Office of Keys – Ellen Wall.

j.        Sac. Of Altar – Lucille Prochnow

       D.    Song:  Onward Christian Soldiers

       E.     Catechism Questions

a.       What is a catechism?

b.      Who has written our small catechism?  When?

c.       Of what does Luther treat in the catechism? 

d.      From where did Luther get these chief parts of doctrine?

e.       What is the Bible?

f.       Through whom did God write the O. T.?

g.      Through whom idd God write the N. T.?

h.      In which languages was Bible first written?

i.        Recite a Bible passage, stating that God told the men what to write in the Bible.

j.        Why was the Bible written for us?

k.      Prove with a B. verse that we can find salvation in the B.

l.        Name the 6 chief parts of doctrine in our catechism.
Baptism

m.    What is offered in a sacrament that is not offered in other sacred acts, as marriage?

n.      Who instituted Baptism?

o.      Prove with a B. verse that God instituted Bap.

p.      Who is to administer Baptism?

q.      Which four meanings may the word “baptize” have?

r.        Who is to be baptized?  Prove with a B. verse.

s.       What difference must we make in baptizing children and grown-ups?

t.        Give several reasons why little children should be baptized.

u.      Give a B. verse telling that Jesus also wants the little children in his kingdom.

v.      Give several reasons why we have sponsers.[sic]

w.    Which three things does Baptism give or profit us?

x.      Prove with a B. verse that we receive forgiveness of sins in Bap.

y.      Which two things make it possible for the water to do such great things?

z.       Give an example from everyday life for qu(estion). y. 

aa.   Why is Baptism called a “water of life” in our catechism?

bb.  What does such baptizing with water signify?

cc.   What is the Old Adam in us?

dd. How can this Old Adam be drowned in us?

ee.   What is the New Man?

ff.    When does the new come forth in us or arise?

       F.      Hymn:  Jesus Loves Me – little children

       G.    Narration of a Bible Story – Phyllis Frederick –(youth of Nain)

       H.    Recitation of the Books of the Bible –

       I.       Paul’s Missionary Journeys with interesting highlights – group of four.

       J.       Recitation: I am Jesus Little Lamb (prayer)

       K.    Questions on Life of Luther

a.       About how many years ago was Luther born?

b.      In which city and country was Luther born?

c.       Give the date of his birth.

d.      Give the names of his parents.

e.       Why was Martin Luther given the name of Martin?

f.       Give several reasons why his school at Mansfeld was different from yours. 

g.      To which University did Lutheran go?

h.      About which doctrine do you know more now already than Luther did when he was at the University. 

i.        Tell of several happenings that frightened Luther into becoming a monk.

j.        To whom id Luther at thattime[sic] pray instead of praying to Jesus?

k.      Why was Luther’s father angry when Martin became a monk?

l.        Tell of some of the punishments that Luther inflickted upon himself in the monastery. 

m.    Why did Luther so punish himself?

n.      To which position was Luther promoted in the Cath. Church?

o.      Tell of what you remember of Luther’s trip to Rome.

p.      In which way did John Tetzel cause trouble for Luther’s congregation at Wittenberg?

q.      What evil influence did the indulgences have upon the common people?

r.        Give the date when and the place where Luther nailed the 95 theses.

s.       How did Luther take care of the paper that the pope sent him, condemining him. 

t.        Which man gave Luther protection form the catholic Ch.?

u.      Before which important man did Luther confess his faith at Worms?

v.      Ho did Luther’s friends rescue him on the way back from Worms?

w.    Which wonderful work for which we shall always be thankful, did Luther do while in the Castle of the Wartburg?

x.      Whom did Luther marry?

y.      How many children were there in Luther’s family?

z.       In which ways would Luther and his family enjoy themselves in their home?

aa.   Why do In which year did Luther die and how old was he?

bb.  Why do you want to be called a Lutheran and believe as Luther did?

cc.   Which is Luther’s best known hymn?  Let us sing this hymn.

       L.     Song:  A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.n.. 273

Pastor is looking for someone who could help him catalog and type up many of these articles form our Immanuel and St. John's Archives.  If we could get them all together electronically, we could publish a "History of our Parish" in some format - making them available to all our members.  If you are interested in helping, or if you have some material we should include - please let me know!  

Palm Sunday - E - 2015 - Humbled To Die

Divine Service Setting 3 | 31:9-16 | Zechariah 9:9-12 | Philippians 2:5-11 | John 12:12-43

If Video doesn't play - it is still uploading.  It should be available by Tuesday morning. 

Hymns - 442 | 438 | 440

Communion - 443 | 444 | 441 | 636

For Shut Ins

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Lent 5 - O - 2015 - The Covenant of Jesus' Blood

Divine Service Setting 3 | 119:9-16 | Jeremiah 31:31-34 | Hebrews 5:1-10 | Mark 10:32-45

If Video doesn't play - it is still uploading.  It should be available by Tuesday morning. 

Hymns - 594 | 430 | 433

For Shut Ins

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St. John's Archives - Voter's Meeting Minutes - 1946 - 1948

We have the book that contains all the voter's meeting minutes from 1939-1967 at St. John's.  Up until October 1946, they were in German as the first two below are.  I don't know German, so I can't make good translations.  However, I included those two as example.  If anyone can, let me know, we'll work on them.
This is the first in a number of Voter's Meeting Minutes from Belford. 

-Pastor Moline 

Extra Versammlung an 23. September 1945

Diese versammlung wurde nach dem Gottesdienst algehalten.  Der pastor legte den Beruf wo der Campbell-Nashua Parochie der Gemeinde vor.  Die Gemeinde beschloss den Pastor zu bieten den Beruf zurückzuschicken

Extra Assembly on 23 September 1945 This meeting was held after the service. The pastor presented the call to the Campbell Nashua congregation parish. The congregation decided to offer the pastor to return the call.

vierteljährige versammlung Oct. 8 1946

Die versammlung wurde vom Pastor eröffnet.  Die Verlesung des Namensliste zeigte dass nun 9 Glieder anwesend sein.  Das Protokoll der April Versammlung wurde verlesen und angenommen.  Als Delegaten zur Kreisversammlung in Claire City wurden Gustav Polfuss, Robert Jamhke, und Otto Klawitter.  Es wurde der längeren uber die einstellung eines Furnaces im Pfarrhaus geredet.  Die Trustees sollen die Sache im Hand nehmen und der Furnaces so einrichten lassen wie der Pastor es wünscht. 

Da keine ander Geschäfte valogen verfolgte man mit Gebet

W.H. Cordts

Quarter-year meeting Oct. 8 1946

The meeting was opened by the pastor. The reading of the list of names showed that now his present 9 members. The minutes of the April Meeting was read and adopted. As a delegate to the District Assembly in Claire City were Gustav Polfuss, Robert Jamhke, and Otto Klawitter. It was the longer about the setting of a Furnaces in the rectory spoken. The Trustees are to take matters in hand and let the Furnaces so set up as the pastor wants it.

Since no other transactions valogen was pursued with prayer

W.H. Cordts

Annual Meeting Jan 7, 1947

The meeting was opened with a hymn and prayer.  Roll was called and showed 10 members present.  The minutes of the October meeting were read and approved.  The treasurer distributed the reports for the year 1946.  After various items had been explained and discussed and after the auditors had sated that they had found all accounts in order and the balances as stated in the report the report itself was accepted.  The annual election was then taken up with the following results: 

Chairman:  Henry Krause

Secretary:  The Pastor

Elders:  G___ Medenwaldt

School board:  R. H. Bellin

Trustee:  Robert Krause

Auditors:  Gerhardt Tiegs, George Prochnow

Mrs. Cordts was again asked to serve as organist, and and[sic] the elders are to see to it that a janitor is procured.  Or to see that this work is taken care of. 

The matter of more English services was discussed for some time but no definite motion made to change the present arrangement. 

It was decided to conduct our meeting in the English language and that the minutes be kept in the same.

The pastor was asked to translate the Constitution into English and present it to the congregation. 

Adjournment with the Lord’s Prayer

W. Cordts

April 21, 1947

The meeting was opened with a hymn and prayer.

The minutes of the annual meetings were read and approved.  Roll call showed 10 members present. 

It was decided to take part in the synod wide Centennial celebrations and thank offering.  Envelopes shall be distributed to all communicants. 

A meeting showing how to start and conduct an adult Bible class will be held in Wahpeton May 16^th.  Robert Bladow and Albert Tiegs were elected to be our delegates at the meeting. 

It was decided to paint the inside of the church and to fix the tower so it will no longer leak. 

Mission Festival shall be observed again this year, and the date June 8^th as proposed by Rev. Cordts declared satisfactory. 

It was decided to buy three more collection plates. 

Adjournment with the Lord’s Prayer.

Quarterly Meeting. Oct. 5 1947

The meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn and with prayer. 

The roll call showed ten members present.

The minutes of the April meeting were read and accepted.

A number of resolutions were passed. 

The trustees were told to continue their efforts to get the church painted outside. 

The pastors salary for the year was set at $2,000.00.  The congregation voted to take part in the district Thanks Offering.  Anyone can give his offering for whatever purpose he sees fit. 

It was suggested that the thanks line be used for contribution toward a car for the pastor. 

The following was appointed delegates to the circuit meeting at Great Bend:  Robert ______, Robert Krause, Aug. Pankow.

Adjournment with the Lord’s Prayer

Annual Meeting Jan 8, 1948.

The Meeting was opened by the pastor in the usual way.  The roll called showed 12 members present.  The minutes of the October meeting were read and approved. 

The annual printed report of the treasurer was discussed.  It was decided to keep the $73.25 that had been given in the Thank Offering without the purposes being given, in the congregation’s holding fund. 

Election was then taken up with the following result. 

Chairman:  Henry Krause

Secretary – the Pastor

Elders :  Robert Tiegs

Schoolboard:  Albert Tiegs

Trustee:  R.C. Bladow

Auditing Board:  Gerhard Tiegs, George Prochnow

Mrs. Cordts is to serve as organist with a salary of 75.00 for 1948.

Robert Tiegs asked to be excused as elder but agreed to serve when Gerhardt agreed to take over his father’s share of the janitor work. 

The pastors salary was set at $2000.00 for 1948.

R.H. Bellin was elected delegate to the District Synod which will meet in Hankinson the last week of May.  Albert Tiegs was elected as substitute.  The question as to whether the congregation shall buy the public school building and join it to our school was discussed.  A committee was elected to investigate the matter and to report to the congregation.  Albert Tiegs, R. H. Bellin, Gerhard Tiegs, and Aug. Pankow are the members. 

The congregation voted on its choice for candidate for visitor.  1. Rubbens. 2. Hannemann, 3. Hasz

Adjournment with prayer. 

Quarterly meeting. April 18, 1948.  

The meeting was opened with hymn and prayer.  The roll call showed 10 members present.

The minutes of the annual meeting were read and discussed. 

The following were elected to represent the congregation at a workshop on the Christian Home to be held at Barney May 9^th:  R.C. Bladow, Robert Krause, John Pankow, Raymond Bladow.  The committee elected to study the matter of buying the public school house, or the feasibility of putting a basement under the church was asked to report at a later meeting.  It was decided to paint the outside of the parsonage as soon as weather permits. 

Adjournment with prayer. 

Lent 4 - Midweek - 5th Commandment

+Grace Emelia Adella (Ziegelmann) Medenwaldt Funeral Service+

Lent 4 - E - 2015 - You Were Dead in Sin, but are Alive in Christ

Divine Service Setting 3 | 107:1-9 | Numbers 21:4-9 | Ephesians 2:1-10 | John 3:14-21

If Video doesn't play - it is still uploading.  It should be available by Tuesday morning. 

Hymns - 571 | 544 | 422

Communion 618 | 439 | 424 | 426

For Shut Ins

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Immanuel Archives - Hankinson News - Thursday June 28, 1934

After the post yesterday about the 1934 convention in Hankinson, I received the following email:  "I just finished reading about the 1934 convention.  Very interesting.  Just a note,  My sister, Margaret, was born March 25, 1923,  Pastor Hinck was pastor at Belford at the time, he baptized her and died shortly after that. I was born July 1924 so I was baptized by Pastor Klauser...  Wonder who won the ball game?"  I thought I could answer that question.  

 There was a follow up newspaper that answered some of the questions, so I thought I'd type that out as well.  See that a Eulogy was given during the convention for Pastor Hinck.  Also see the results of the baseball game - the Preachers win!  

Pastor Klausler, the day after the last convention guests left, performed the wedding of his son Alfred.  Alfred was attending the convention as a vicar from Montana.  (Sadly, during the Seminex Controversy, Alfred was "expelled" from the LC-MS for not renouncing his dual membership in the AELC.  Obit Here)

Finally notice the "efficiency" of the Local Lutheran Ladies (think circles) as well as Hankinson taking the prize as "Convention" city.  

As a side, in the same newspaper can be found an update on talks between Chancellor Hitler and Premier Mussolini - still a few years before WWII.  Puts the timing in perspective.  

 -Pastor Moline

Lutheran Meet Closed Tuesday

Tuesday noon the Lutheran Convention closed its convention, having completed its full calendar of business.  Convention delegates began to leave immediately after the close.  Several remained until Wednesday in order to make train connections.  

The climax of the convention was reached with the festival celebration Sunday.  Estimated attendance was about 2000.  In the morning service the president of the general body, Dr. F. Pfotenhauer, delivered the Silver Anniversary sermon, elaborating on the general theme of "An Open Heaven."  He pointed out that protestant principals, especially the Lutheran , were in absolute harmony with the teaching of the Bible.  In the afternoon, the first vice president of the district, the Rev. A. Jordan, and the Rev. L. Wohfeil delivered the sermons.  At the evening the premiere showing of the pictures of the History of the Lutheran church in North Dakota and Montana were exhibited to a capacity audience.  Pastor Klausler delivered a eulogy in memory of the first president, the Rev. T. Hinck.  

Principle business of the convention was a consideration of mission work and progress in the two states.  According to the reports delivered by the chairman of the Mission Board and by the missionaries themselves, the church has shown excellant [sic] progress during the past year.  

At the closing resolutions were passed thanking the various committees and organizations connected with the housing and feeding of the 140 visitors.  Delegates marveled over the efficiency of the local Lutheran ladies.  General comment of the convention was that Hankinson takes the prize as a convention city and that the hospitality of Hankinson is without rival.  Resolutions were also adopted thanking the various press associations for their coverage of the convention.  Special thanks is given to the Hankinson News for its kindness and liberality in extending the use of its space and coumns to the Lutheran Convention.  

The next convention meets in 1936 at Zap, N.D.  In 1935 the Lutheran church meets at Cleveland for its triennial convention.  The North Dakota and Montana district is one of the branches of the synodical conference of the Lutheran churches all over the United States and Europe.  

Monarchs Get on Wrong Side

Preachers Win

The Lutheran Preachers baseball nine taught the Hankinson Monarchs a new kind of base ball [sic] Saturday afternoon, when they smacked out 12 hits for a 9 to 6 victory.  The preachers started the ball sailing the first inning, scoring three runs, while Hankinson was able to push over two, but gradually went into the lead 5 to 4.  The Preachers then picked up three more runs and before the game ended added two more for their 9 total.  Dorn, hurler for the preachers, is a former Three-Eye league hurler of Springfield, Illinois, and with many of the others players good baseball men, seemed to take the game plenty easy.  Oeder got a bad break because of errors, the preachers getting five runs on three hits in three frames.  Brown started for the Monarchs, but gave way in the 7th for Oeder.  

The score by innings -          R   H

Preachers 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 - 9   12

Hanks       2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 - 6    9

Weddings

On Thursday morning at 8 o'clock Miss Signe Fox and Alfred Klausler were married at the local Lutheran Church.  The father of the groom, the Rev. J.P. Klausler, read the vows.  Attendant to the bride was Miss Alice Fox.  Mark Klausler, rother of the groom, was best man.  Only the immediate families of the contracting couple were present at the ceremony.  The single ring ceremony was used. 

The bride wore an ensemble in dusky pink with white accesories.  Her flowers were a shoulder corsage of lavender sweet peas.  the bridesmaid was dressed in a harmonized ensemble of blue.  

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fox, of Rolette, North Dakota.  She is a graduate of the music department of the University of North Dakota.  At the University she was active in music and choral work.  Since her graduation she has taught in the high schools at Rolla and Rolette.  

The groom is well known to the Hankinson residents.  He is a graduate of Concordia College in St. Paul and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.  At present he is vicar in Glendive, Montana.

After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Peterson.  The couple left for a three weeks wedding trip.  They will be at home in Glendive after July 15th.  

Immanuel Archives - Hankinson News - Thursday June 21, 1934

In researching for our Historical Study on the Seminex Controversy from the 1970's, I found a box labeled "Immanuel Archives" hidden in the attic.  Rather than leave them in obscurity in the box, I thought I'd take one out and copy it for our church blog occasionally.  If you enjoy these, let me know.  This way our archives are not hidden in a shoe box in the attic, and we all can remember a bit of our past.  

 This particular one is amazing!  In 1934, our congregation hosted the North Dakota and Montana District Convention, chaired by Rev. J.P. Klausler.  Attending (and staying at our old parsonage) was Synod President Rev. Dr. Fredrich Pfotenhauer.  He gave the sermon for the opening service from our pulpit, and participated in the convention.  (I will contact the Concordia Historical Institute and see if we can get a copy of the sermon he gave.)  Pastor Klausler had a note contained in the newspaper that "expected" members to attend worship, promising to be dismissed before the Governor spoke at Lake Elsie.  The congregation dutifully listened to their shepherd, and even had the sanctuary redecorated and reshingled.  

In Addition note their was a baseball game scheduled between the Hankinson team and the Pastors - the paper claims several of the pastors played college baseball with future major league stars.   The Hankinson Monarchs were 5-1 at that time.  The front page article "Preacher To Play Monarchs Saturday" warned that you shouldn't "Come expecting to see the monarchs gallop away with an easy victory."  

Also note the words of Pastor  J. Krueger  who stated that the Lutheran Church was doomed not only in Richland County - but even in North Dakota and Montana.  How often do we too despair of such things as our circuit churches struggle.  And yet, Christ has carried us through to this day, nearly 100 years after Pastor Krueger despaired.   

P.S. Don't forget your English Hymnals this Sunday either! 

-Pastor Moline 

  

  

Lutherans in Convention in Hankinson This Week

Delegates from Montana and North Dakota Are in Attendance ---Dr. F. Pfotenhauer, General Lutheran President of Chicago, Here

HISTORY OF EARLY LUTHERANS READ AT SESSIONS BY REV. KLAUSLER

President Pfotenhauer

     Opening services for the convention of the North Dakota and Montana District of the Lutheran church were held yesterday morning (Wednesday.)  The president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states, Dr. F. Pfotenhauer of Chicago, delivered the sermon to the assembled pastors, delegates and visitors that crowded the church to overflowing. 

     Business sessions began in the afternoon.  President J.P. Klausler, the focal pastor, occupied the chair and gave the presidential address and the statistical report of the District.  The Rev. Emil Ziegler, of Helena, Montana is the secretary of the convention, with Pastor O.G. Tiemann of Edgeley, N.D., as his assistant.

     The convention will hold sessions every day until Tuesday, June 26, when adjournment takes place until 1936.  On Sunday at 10 a.m. divine services commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the District will be held, Dr. Pfotenhauer delivering the sermon in German language.  The afternoon service, beginning at 2 p.m., will be conducted in the English language.  Loudspeaker service will be provided to take care of the overflow crowd.  The ladies will serve lunch at noon at 10 cents per plate.  In the evening at 8 o'clock an illustrated lecture will be given on the history of this church body in North Dakota and Montana.  

     Approximately 135 pastors and accredited delegates are registered.  Several students and theological candidates also are present.  These pastors and delegates are representing 24,000 Lutherans of the two states and about 200 congregations.  Indications are that pastors from Minnesota and South Dakota will also visit some of the sessions.  

     Besides devoting its sessions to the mission work of the church, the convention will also listen to the reading of an historical paper on the beginnings of the Lutheran church in these Northwestern states, a timely topic since as mentioned above, this church body is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary as a separate organization.  

Brief Sketch of the Early History

     A little more than 50 years ago, the territories of Dakota and Montana were still prairies and waste places, where vast herds of buffalo roamed, where deer and antelope abounded, making these plains the happy hunting grounds of numerous Indian tribes.  Here and there along the Missouri, in the Turtle Mountains of the North and in the mountains and valleys of Montana, hunters, trappers and fur traders had their camps and posts.  It was not until the '70's and 80's that settlers moved into this territory in large numbers.  Among the earliest were some German Lutherans around Hillsboro, several of whom helped survey the first time on the Great Northern in North Dakota.  Another settlement of Lutheran sprang up along the banks of the Wild Rice in Richland county already in 1872.  These were looked after by Pastor R. Winkler of Elizabeth, Minn., in the fall of 1874.  Two years later the first resident Lutheran pastor in North Dakota, Rev. J. Krueger, was stationed in New Berlin, now Brandenburg (Great Bend.)  Interesting is a report he gives of those early days.  He writes:  "I arrived in November, 1876.  it was winter.  Outside of my little flock there were no Lutherans within 50 miles.  Here and there, scattered over the lonely, treeless prairie, were the little shacks of the settlers.  Now and then Indians, interested in trading, visited us.  Never, thought I, will this country amount to anything.  The Northwest will never be more thickly settled and there are no hopes for the future growth of the Lutheran church.  My members entertained the same thoughts and only waited for an opportunity when they could again move away."  

     But the good pastor and his members were wrong in their predictions.  During the next few years, and especially during the 80's a steady stream of immigration poured out on the virgin prairies gradually creeping farther and farther westward.  When North Dakota was admitted to statehood in 1889 there were already 8 pastors stationed in the state serving nearly 50 years.  

     Montana was first explored in '84 by Lutheran pastors from Minnesota.  Dr. Pfotenhauer, who is attending the sessions these days, as president of the general body, made extensive mission trips to Montana in 1885 and 1886, visiting Miles City, Helena, Butte, Deer Lodge and many other places.  The first resident pastor, Rev. John Meyer, was stationed in Helena in 1886.  

     In less than 40 years the work in these two states so increased that in 1910 the congregation in North Dakota and Montana were able to form an organization of their own.  This took place in Great Bend and Pastor T. Hinck was elected as the first president, serving faithfully and ably for fourteen years.  In 1924 Rev. J. P. Klausler, the local Lutheran pastor, was chosen as his successor.  At the present time the district is composed of some ninety pastors with about 200 congregations and preaching stations.  

CONVENTION ITEMS

Rev. J.P. Klausler states that visitors are welcome to attend all the sessions of the convention.  He also states that there will be special services in the English language held Friday evening at 8.  On Sunday evening a slide lecture will be given on History of Lutherans in North Dakota and Montana.  

Many of the delegates, especially those from the western part of Montana, have come almost a thousand miles.  Traveling either by train or car the journey lasted for them about two days.  Honors for coming the longest distance are divided between Pastors H. Jordan, Kalispell, and John Dundschuch, Pablo, Mont.

Although the depression is still strong in the two states represented, pastors and delegates report that the work of the church has not fallen off and that appreciable gains in membership are being made.  

In anticipation of the Silver Anniversary convention, the Hankinson congregation redecorated and reshingled the church.  The new color scheme in the church is decidedly pleasing.  

Some of the pastors present were at one time prominent athletes in their days at college.  Several had offers from National and American League baseball teams.  They turned them down to enter the ministry.  Max Carey, last year's manager of the Brooklyn Robins, was a classmate of some of the pastors.  Negotiations are underway to have the pastors play the Hankinson baseball team some evening.  

Pastors staying at the Lutheran parsonage include the venerable president of the Lutheran Church, Dr. Fredrich Pfotenhauer; the Rev. Arnold H. Grumm, chairman of the Mission board of Fargo; the Rev. H Schumacher Tyler, Superintendent of Missions for North Dakota, Rev. A Jordan, Kalispell, Mont., first vice president; Rev. E. Ziegler, Helena, Mont., secretary and Rev. H. Trinklein, Beach, Mont.

Visitors will note that the local pastor, J.P. Klausler is occupying the chair.  He was elected to the presidency of the district in 1924.  Since he has been in office he has travelled the states of North Dakota and Montana from one corner to the other, besides his many official journeys to Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis and other cities.  Altogether there are thirty districts, thus making thirty members of the College of Presidents.  

Total membership of the Lutheran church in the United States is 4,315,311.  The membership of the Missouri synod branch to which this convention belongs is 1,378,582.  

Speakers are not restricted to any one language, although there are still many who prefer the German language.  A number of the younger pastors find German rather difficult.  

Visitors have also remarked about the singing at the convention.  The Lutheran church calls itself the "Singing church."  Many of the pastors have sung with college glee clubs and quartets at concerts and over the radio.  

Alfred Klausler is registered as a vicar.  He has charge of Our Savior's Lutheran Lutheran church in Glendive and another in Lindsay, Montana.  He came here by car.  

The organist at the convention is Rev. K. Klopp, of Kongsberg, N.D.  

Mayor Wipperman extended the address of welcome to the delegates in behalf of the city of Hankinson.  

LUTHERAN CHURCH NOTES

Do not forget the special service on Friday evening at 8 o'clock.  Pastor A. H. Tayler of Willow City, N. Dak., and Pastor O. Misch, of Bozeman Montana will preach.  Please bring your English hymnals with you.  

Everyone should make it a point to attend the jubilee services Sunday, when the twenty-fifth anniversary of the District will be celebrated.  The morning services, in the German language, begin at 10 o'clock.  The ladies will serve a plate lunch at noon for the small sum of 10¢ per plate.  The afternoon services, English only, begin at 2 o'clock.  The hours were set this early to permit those who care to also hear the address of Governor Langer at Lake Elsie.  

In the evening an illustrated lecture on the history of our church in the two states will be given.  

A special feature of all services will be the singing by an octette[sic] of pastors.  The Great Bend choirs will also render several selections.  

J.P. Klausler, Pastor.

Lent 3 - G - 2015 - Cleansed by the Temple of Jesus

Divine Service Setting 3 | 19 | Exodus 20:1-17 | 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 | John 2:13-25

If Video doesn't play - it is still uploading.  It should be available by Tuesday morning. 

Hymns - 428 | 824| 427

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Newsletter Rehash

While serving the vacancy in Lidgerwood, the truth is the News and Views from the Pews has taken a temporary back burner - your pastor hasn't had the time to write a new article, or to gather together the information to put together.

So as a preparation for Holy Week, I thought I'd get out an old Newsletter article from 2011 and post it here.

Dear Friends,

We are in the midst of Lent, which means our eyes are set toward Easter, and the blessed death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Easter season is what we live for as Christians, because we know that as Christ dies, our sinful selves die with him.  As Christ rises on the third day, we too rise, holy and blameless for eternal life in heaven.  What a blessed hope and promise God has given to us. 

To celebrate the blessings we receive in Easter, this year we are going to celebrate the historic Triduum (pronounced Tri-doo-um).   The Triduum is an historic service that has been celebrated since the very early years of the church.  It begins with Maundy Thursday with the Institution of the Lord’s Supper and continues on Good Friday with Jesus’ suffering on the cross.  Finally it ends with the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, as we boldly await the resurrection of Jesus sometime early in the morning on Easter Sunday.  Each of these services flows into the next one, even though we may have a break from church inbetween them.  Let’s look at each sub-service individually. 

Maundy Thursday – Maundy (coming from the Latin word for command, symbolizing Christ’s command to partake of the Lord’s Supper) is the celebration of Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper.  As we hear each communion Sunday, “on the night He was betrayed,” Jesus gave us His very own body and blood to eat in, with, and under the bread and the wine.  This service begins with Confession and Absolution after which the Lord’s Supper is celebrated.  Partaking in the Lord’s Supper this holy day is a great gift, as we eat the body that died and rose and drink the living blood that poured from Christ.  After its completion, the altar is stripped, reminding us how Christ will be stripped and humiliated so that our sins might be forgiven.  During the stripping of the altar, Psalm 22 is read which gives us a picture of Christ’s death.

Tre Ore – Tre Ore is Latin for three hours – but don’t worry, the service will not last that long!  The words remind us of the time Christ hung on the cross around noon – while the sun stopped shining.  It is a great way to commemorate Christ’s death on your behalf, by worshiping at the same time that Christ suffered.  It begins right where Maundy Thursday left off.  During the service, we will read the seven last words of Christ from the cross and have a short 2 minute sermon on each one.  The service will hopefully last less than an hour, after which we will show the movie, “The Passion of the Christ”, in its entirety in the Immanuel Parish Hall.

Tenebrae – Tenebrae is Latin for darkness.  This service begins again right where the Tre Ore left off.  It reminds us that as Christ lies dead in the tomb, the “Light of the world” has been taken from us by death for a little while.  It involves reading the passion account from John’s Gospel, while candles are extinguished one by one.  This allows us to hear the entire scriptural account of the death of Jesus for us and our sin. 

Easter Vigil – The Easter Vigil is the most ancient of all of these services, one that was practiced in Jerusalem at the very tomb of Christ for many years.  (If you are interested in more background information on that practice, talk to Pastor).  The vigil service came about as people gathered in churches the night before Easter to celebrate the resurrection.  We don’t know exactly when Christ was raised, so the people gathered the night before so they wouldn’t miss the moment!  We will gather outside the sanctuary in Immanuel’s Parish Hall, and walk in with candles in darkness (the darkness of the Tenebrae service.)  We will then speak for the first time the Easter Greeting – Christ is Risen! As the service continues, lights are gradually turned on to signify the resurrection of Christ, the Light of the World.

During the service, we will hear various Scripture readings recounting the history of sinful men, all culminating with Jesus’ sacrifice for sin so that we might once again be God’s holy children.

The Easter Vigil was the day when most ancient baptisms took place, so during the vigil we will remember our own baptism.  We will also participate in the Lord’s Supper with Easter joy, knowing that while we worship, Christ is raised from the dead, and so too will we be. 

These services may be new to us, but they are ancient and familiar to the church.  They are a great heritage that we celebrate to remember the Passion of our Lord with Word and song.  You are all invited to participate, and we will also invite our brothers and sisters in Christ from our circuit to participate if they wish.  There is much more information about these services than can fit in this section, so I have designed the bulletins to try and teach why we are doing what we are doing.  If you have more questions, let me know: I am always happy to answer them!

Lent 2 - E - 2015 - Jesus Saves Us While We Are Yet Sinners

Divine Service Setting 3 | 22:23-31 | Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 | Romans 5:1-11 | Mark 8:27-38

If Video doesn't play - it is still uploading.  It should be available by Tuesday morning. 

Hymns - 594| 708| 611
Communion - 431 | 439 | 634 | 637

For Shut Ins