| The new beginning...
On the 20th of November, 1902 a group of
ten people met at the Land Company Office (the present Library Building) for the
purpose of organizing a Mission Church. This building had been used for a
Church, Sunday School, Public School and other public meetings, thanks to Mr.
Oscar Johnson, Founder of Silverhill and President of the Svea Land Company from
Chicago. At this meeting the following officers were elected: President, Brother
J. N. Jacobson; Secretary, Peter Thorsen; Deacon, N. G. Monson; Trustees, J. A.
Isaakson (1 year term), Otto Anderson (2 year term), P. A. Swenson (3 year
term); Mr. Isaakson was appointed Treasurer; Brother Jacobson was called to be
Pastor. Other people present were Mrs. Monson and daughter Signee, Mrs.
Anderson, Mrs. Jacobson, Mrs. Swenson and Peter Larson. It was decided to take
up a collection on the day of Communion to defray expenses. (Communion was
Nattvarden). Since these were Swedish people everthing was conducted in the
Swedish language.
On December 1, 1902 it was voted that this be a permanent organization and to be
called "Svenska Evangeliska Missions Forsamling" (Swedish Evagelistic
Mission Congregation) of Silverhill, Alabama organized November 20, 1902. It's
purpose was to work for God and God's people, and win more souls for His
Kingdom. All members must be true believers in Christ and to show this by their
daily living. It was to be self-supporting and to unite with any denomination as
decided by its membership. The Pastor or Reader (Lasare) was to preach the true
word of God from both the Old and New Testament, to give cheer to the sorrowing,
to give advice, and to admonish the backsliders to return to the House of God.
At the next meeting the ladies organized a "Syforening" - (Sewing
Society) to hold auction sales to help support the Church.
In January of 1903 two lots were given to the Congregation by the Silverhill
Land Company for the building of a Church (Missions Hus). New members Mr. and
Mrs. Charley Overberg, Mrs. Hannah Anderson, daughter Helga Amelia and Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Anderson. Brothers Stefanson and Monson were to meet with the
trustees to draw up plans for the building. The lots were cleared and a building
50 feet by 30 feet was begun. (This became the auditorium floor space of the
original church). On April 6, 1903 it was decided to start a Sunday School among
the children of the Colony. Mr. N. G. Monson was elected Sunday School
Superintendent. There was a discussion about building a steeple (torn) or a
veranda over the front door but it was tabled since there was no money in the
treasury. Monson's plans called for $75.00 for veranda, $125.00 for steeple. Mr.
Isaakson was made kyrkovaktare (janitor) for $1.00 per month. Much joy came to
the hearts of the Congregation with "Julotta" (early Christmas Morning
Services "Matin Services") and a Sunday School Christmas Fest
(program) in their own Church. A collection was taken the preceding Sunday for
the Fest.
After this first year there was much gratitude and praise to God for His many
blessings, protection, and guidance. A Choir was started to "sing praises
to God, and to bring cheer to hearts of all the souls present." Brother
Jacobson was overly happy in the response of everyone at the meetings. There was
a growth in membership with more people coming south into the colony.....
For more history, click [HERE]
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