Nazareth Lutheran Church celebrates Centennial

Times Contributor

 

It was a weekend filled with memories and thanksgiving as close to 300 people gathered to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Standard June 4-5.

After months of planning, preparation and hard work by many, the event turned out better than anyone had anticipated, said organizing committee chair Don Sundgaard.

Founded May 14, 1911 as Nazareth Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, the focus of the weekend was on the people who made and currently make up the congregation, as evidenced by the scores of restored and enlarged photographs, and memorabilia that lined the walls of the church basement, illustrating events and individuals from the past.

A legacy from the celebration is a commemorative site, dedicated Sunday morning after worship. Located next to the church, it features a large stone with a bronze plaque recounting the church’s founding and mission. Behind this stands an 8-foot high metal cross, reminding all of the focus of the congregation’s faith over the years and for the future.

The weekend began with coffee, visiting and sharing memories Saturday afternoon at the church, with guests coming from as far away as Nova Scotia and Colorado. 

A banquet was hosted at the Standard Community Hall that evening for guests and the community. This free-will event was well attended. 

Following the meal, a program began with a welcome from Council President Clifford Larsen, recounting briefly the congregation’s history and its goal of being unapologetically Lutheran, but at the same time a community church.

Elmer Jensen, the congregation’s oldest member at 96 years, shared some memories and thoughts on the occasion, giving thanks to God for all His blessings and for keeping everyone in the faith.

A choir made up of congregation members and friends of all ages sang several numbers, which were followed by words from pastors in attendance and letters of congratulations from those who couldn’t be there. The evening concluded with a concert from the Rawling Brothers (a two brother Country/Gospel band) from Southern Alberta.

The church was full Sunday morning for worship. Guest preacher was Pr. Garnet Leach who spoke with fondness and gratitude for those who have gone before us and who helped shape the lives of those gathered on Sunday morning. 

Three other pastors returned to help celebrate and worship with the congregation on Sunday morning. Pr. Bent Damkar (from Edmonton) served with his late wife Eleanor from 1957-1963, and Pr. Jim Rasmussen with his wife Joyce (Calgary)  served from 1963-1966. Pr. Phil Jorgensen (Lethbridge), also a son of the congregation, whose father Marius Jorgensen served the Church from 1944 – 1950. Pastor Larry Korkendorfer (Assistant to the Bishop of Alberta and the Territories) brought greetings from the synod on behalf of Bishop Ron Mayan. 

After the worship service the congregation and guest pastors dedicated the commemorative site, then had a photo of the group taken for posterity. At the same time a time capsule buried by the church women 15 years ago was opened. 

The weekend concluded with a Danish themed lunch that included herring, open-faced sandwiches and apple cake, hosted in the church basement.