"The Other Swedes"
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
~ Honoring Them and Remembering Them ~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and the Bethany Home Writers
~ Chronicling the "only known written" story on the beginnings of Bethany Home of 1907
- ~The 1989 "The Bethany Home Story"
"Now may God’s blessing rest over this Home now and forever."
… "Because of these two important actions we have the sign: “Bethany Home, Founded in 1907.” …
… "Truly it is a church institution, born and nurtured with Christian love and concern."...
NOTE
This story was made possible by Rev. Eugene K. Nelson who organized the Bethany Home writers.
It is the "only known written" account on the beginnings of the Home.
------------
This story was made possible by Rev. Eugene K. Nelson who organized the Bethany Home writers.
It is the "only known written" account on the beginnings of the Home.
------------
Bethany Home was "born in the bosom of the church" that was known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America, during the Kansas Conference convention of that Synod held at Marquette in 1907. Today, Bethany Home is a thriving community of Christian love and concern thanks to the Swedes of Lindsborg and of the surrounding smaller communities of the Smoky Valley of the early 1900s.
It has grown exponentially since then of course. When I worked there briefly as a nurse's aide in 1977, it was the year after the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, had made a personal stop at the Home. He had visited with the residents who had been born in Sweden. This was part of his grand tour of the early Swedish American settlements during our Bicentennial year that the King joined with Swedish Americans and our President in celebrating.
The late Bill Carlson who was a historian, writer as well as a teacher had served as the Bethany Home Administrator then. Forty years later, in 2016, he would write up the thrilling story of the King's visit to Bethany Home for the Lindsborg News-Record. The draft he graciously shared with me for this website can be accessed here: bill_carlson___swedish_king_1976.pdf Download File . It is titled Special Visitor to Lindsborg, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, April 17, 1976.
Mr. Carlson was also the Bethany Home Administrator in 1986 as the Home was preparing to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The Rev. Eugene K. Nelson of the Messiah Lutheran Church, a Bethany Home Board of Directors member since 1970, was assigned the task of telling the story of Bethany Home, as editor of the project. The members of this writing project were: Bill Carlson, Alvida Larson, Jeanie Holwerda, Rev. Norman Andre, Edie Dahlsten, Ione Toll, Alice Larson, Rev. Don Hawk (the chaplain of the Home) and Leon Burch -- many of whom set out to write their assigned parts and others who would gather stories from residents and staff, for what would be titled: The Bethany Home Story, Lindsborg, Kansas, 1911 – 1986.
Now thirty-three years later (as I write this in 2019), this book may be "the only" substantially compiled chronicle on Bethany Home that brings us to its very beginnings, giving us a glimpse of those Swedish pioneers and "the way they were" in planting the seed of what has become today a most excellent care facility for seniors, which in its very beginning was totally supported by the Swedish Evangelical Augustana Lutheran Synod of North America which continued for many decades.
Much of the information in The Bethany Home Story comes from "the minutes" taken at the Bethany Home Board of Directors' meetings from their inception. I was graciously given a copy of this historical book last year from the Home, and by their permission I will share briefly parts of the Story verbatim to give an idea of how things began in its early days, to establish "a home for the aged," as institutions caring for the elderly were called at that time.
For a general outline, the "Table of Contents" has been reproduced from The Bethany Home Story which can be access here:
It has grown exponentially since then of course. When I worked there briefly as a nurse's aide in 1977, it was the year after the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, had made a personal stop at the Home. He had visited with the residents who had been born in Sweden. This was part of his grand tour of the early Swedish American settlements during our Bicentennial year that the King joined with Swedish Americans and our President in celebrating.
The late Bill Carlson who was a historian, writer as well as a teacher had served as the Bethany Home Administrator then. Forty years later, in 2016, he would write up the thrilling story of the King's visit to Bethany Home for the Lindsborg News-Record. The draft he graciously shared with me for this website can be accessed here: bill_carlson___swedish_king_1976.pdf Download File . It is titled Special Visitor to Lindsborg, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, April 17, 1976.
Mr. Carlson was also the Bethany Home Administrator in 1986 as the Home was preparing to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The Rev. Eugene K. Nelson of the Messiah Lutheran Church, a Bethany Home Board of Directors member since 1970, was assigned the task of telling the story of Bethany Home, as editor of the project. The members of this writing project were: Bill Carlson, Alvida Larson, Jeanie Holwerda, Rev. Norman Andre, Edie Dahlsten, Ione Toll, Alice Larson, Rev. Don Hawk (the chaplain of the Home) and Leon Burch -- many of whom set out to write their assigned parts and others who would gather stories from residents and staff, for what would be titled: The Bethany Home Story, Lindsborg, Kansas, 1911 – 1986.
Now thirty-three years later (as I write this in 2019), this book may be "the only" substantially compiled chronicle on Bethany Home that brings us to its very beginnings, giving us a glimpse of those Swedish pioneers and "the way they were" in planting the seed of what has become today a most excellent care facility for seniors, which in its very beginning was totally supported by the Swedish Evangelical Augustana Lutheran Synod of North America which continued for many decades.
Much of the information in The Bethany Home Story comes from "the minutes" taken at the Bethany Home Board of Directors' meetings from their inception. I was graciously given a copy of this historical book last year from the Home, and by their permission I will share briefly parts of the Story verbatim to give an idea of how things began in its early days, to establish "a home for the aged," as institutions caring for the elderly were called at that time.
For a general outline, the "Table of Contents" has been reproduced from The Bethany Home Story which can be access here:
| the_bethany_home_story_--_table_of_contents.docx |
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter I
" The Origin's "
Chapter I
" The Origin's "
Found on Page 1
Page 1
“ 'In connection with this important meeting, the Home was dedicated for its intended purpose. Now may God’s blessing rest over this Home now and forever.'
"Thus concluded the minutes of the official Board of Bethany Home for November 20, 1911. The Secretary, Rev. E. P. Olson had expressed in his own words what was, and continues to be the aim and purpose of the place we know as 'Bethany Home.'
" 'But what was the 'Intended Purpose?' Earlier minutes had made that clear – it was to provide a home for 'Needy Old People.'
"Strangely enough, the origins of Bethany Home did not come in the first place as a response to a need for caring for old people. The Lindsborg Community was at least thirty–six years old before the idea was ever approached. A new community is not usually started by old people. Those who settled in this area were mostly young--people in their twenties and thirties, just starting out in life. They had babies and young children to care for—not aged parents and grandparents. Most of them had left them in Sweden and many never saw them again in this life.
"If the pioneers were concerned about any type of a home beyond their own and their spiritual home, the church, it was a home for orphans. Sickness and disease took a heavy toll in those early days, and in many cases both parents died and left children. When the Freemount Lutheran Church was founded back in 1869, for example, the Union Pacific Railroad offered the congregation one quarter section of land for a church and another quarter section for an orphan’s home. The quarter for the orphanage was actually sold in 1879 for $2000, and although the records are not completely clear, it seems that this money was given to help the Orphan’s Home that was located at Mariadahl in Kansas for many years.
"Many congregations were established in the Smoky Valley and indeed over the State of Kansas in those early years. Bethany College was begun in 1881 for the purpose of educating youth in a Christian environment. It was not until 1904 that there seemed to emerge a concern for caring for old people, and then it came almost as an afterthought!
"Sometime in the year 1904 or 1905, a man by the name of Oscar Anderson in the New Gottland community indicated to a Mr. Francis Johnson in Lindsborg that he was willing to give $1000 to an Orphan’s Home. Mr. Johnson wrote to a man identified as Rev. Engstrand about this matter. Later Pastor Engstrand responded by writing that it would be more appropriate to use this money as the beginning of a fund for a home for the aged.
“ 'In connection with this important meeting, the Home was dedicated for its intended purpose. Now may God’s blessing rest over this Home now and forever.'
"Thus concluded the minutes of the official Board of Bethany Home for November 20, 1911. The Secretary, Rev. E. P. Olson had expressed in his own words what was, and continues to be the aim and purpose of the place we know as 'Bethany Home.'
" 'But what was the 'Intended Purpose?' Earlier minutes had made that clear – it was to provide a home for 'Needy Old People.'
"Strangely enough, the origins of Bethany Home did not come in the first place as a response to a need for caring for old people. The Lindsborg Community was at least thirty–six years old before the idea was ever approached. A new community is not usually started by old people. Those who settled in this area were mostly young--people in their twenties and thirties, just starting out in life. They had babies and young children to care for—not aged parents and grandparents. Most of them had left them in Sweden and many never saw them again in this life.
"If the pioneers were concerned about any type of a home beyond their own and their spiritual home, the church, it was a home for orphans. Sickness and disease took a heavy toll in those early days, and in many cases both parents died and left children. When the Freemount Lutheran Church was founded back in 1869, for example, the Union Pacific Railroad offered the congregation one quarter section of land for a church and another quarter section for an orphan’s home. The quarter for the orphanage was actually sold in 1879 for $2000, and although the records are not completely clear, it seems that this money was given to help the Orphan’s Home that was located at Mariadahl in Kansas for many years.
"Many congregations were established in the Smoky Valley and indeed over the State of Kansas in those early years. Bethany College was begun in 1881 for the purpose of educating youth in a Christian environment. It was not until 1904 that there seemed to emerge a concern for caring for old people, and then it came almost as an afterthought!
"Sometime in the year 1904 or 1905, a man by the name of Oscar Anderson in the New Gottland community indicated to a Mr. Francis Johnson in Lindsborg that he was willing to give $1000 to an Orphan’s Home. Mr. Johnson wrote to a man identified as Rev. Engstrand about this matter. Later Pastor Engstrand responded by writing that it would be more appropriate to use this money as the beginning of a fund for a home for the aged.
A Few of the First Swedish Residents of Bethany Home
Found on Page 2
Page 1 and 2
"Mr. Johnson spoke to Oscar Anderson about the matter and he approved the suggestion and gave $1000 as a starter for the home. Later he gave another thousand dollars ($1000) for this project. When you considered that the first building finally erected in 1911 cost less than $10,000, we realize that Oscar Anderson must be given credit for having given more than one fifth of the cost.
"The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod endorsed the idea of a home in the convention held at Marquette in 1907. When a vote was taken as to where the home was to be located, Lindsborg received nearly all the votes. A steering committee was selected which would investigate the matter further and would be ready to report at the next annual meeting.
"Already in the summer of 1907 the committee purchased the half quarter section upon part of which the home now stands. The cost was $1000, of which price the owners of the land contributed $100. Because of these two important actions we have the sign: “Bethany Home, Founded in 1907.” However, we are celebrating a Seventy Fifth Anniversary in 1986 because it was not until 1911 that we had a home ready to actually care for “needy old people.
Page 2 Column 2
"During the early years the residents of the home helped to care for livestock and raised a large garden. The area directly across the street north of the home was a part of our property, barns, sheds, and livestock were kept there. This evidently continued for a considerable time. Lorenze Larson, who graduated from Bethany College in 1932, and later was ordained into the Lutheran ministry, told some folks in later years that he milked cows at the Bethany Home “farm” during college days and this helped pay for his college expenses.
"Mr. Johnson spoke to Oscar Anderson about the matter and he approved the suggestion and gave $1000 as a starter for the home. Later he gave another thousand dollars ($1000) for this project. When you considered that the first building finally erected in 1911 cost less than $10,000, we realize that Oscar Anderson must be given credit for having given more than one fifth of the cost.
"The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod endorsed the idea of a home in the convention held at Marquette in 1907. When a vote was taken as to where the home was to be located, Lindsborg received nearly all the votes. A steering committee was selected which would investigate the matter further and would be ready to report at the next annual meeting.
"Already in the summer of 1907 the committee purchased the half quarter section upon part of which the home now stands. The cost was $1000, of which price the owners of the land contributed $100. Because of these two important actions we have the sign: “Bethany Home, Founded in 1907.” However, we are celebrating a Seventy Fifth Anniversary in 1986 because it was not until 1911 that we had a home ready to actually care for “needy old people.
Page 2 Column 2
"During the early years the residents of the home helped to care for livestock and raised a large garden. The area directly across the street north of the home was a part of our property, barns, sheds, and livestock were kept there. This evidently continued for a considerable time. Lorenze Larson, who graduated from Bethany College in 1932, and later was ordained into the Lutheran ministry, told some folks in later years that he milked cows at the Bethany Home “farm” during college days and this helped pay for his college expenses.
"Thus far, we trace the origins of Bethany Home. We will see that it was born in the bosom of the Church. Bethany College was started in 1881 and not adopted by the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church [Synod] until 1884. Bethany Home, as we have observed, was officially endorsed by the Conference in 1907 and did not receive any residents until 1911. For part of her life, Bethany Home has been on the budget of this sponsoring Church. In recent years it is no longer on the regular budget but is in the heart and on the budget of many congregations which make an annual gift to the home. Truly it is a church institution, born and nurtured with Christian love and concern. "
* * *
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter II
The Buildings That Have Been Bethany Home
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter II
The Buildings That Have Been Bethany Home
- The Original Building -
Found on Page 3
Page 3
"For seventeen years "Bethany Home" was the original building, dedicated and entered in 1911. It was home for twenty persons and served very well. However, very early on, the need for more space was felt . . .
- The Old Bethany Church Parsonage Building -
Found on Page 3
Page 3
" . . . Finally, in 1928, a happy solution was discovered. The old Bethany Church Parsonage, located near the band shell of North Park in Lindsborg, was purchased and moved to a spot just north of the original building. This building was then finished with a modern basement, new kitchen and dining room, reroofed, repainted, and remodeled so that ten additional rooms were available. It was then connected to the original building by an enclosed passageway. The minutes of December 3, 1928 read: 'Resolved that the executive committee and matron arrange for open house on January 1, 1929.' This is one of many 'Open House' celebrations that we have had at Bethany Home through the years . . .
"The old Bethany Church Parsonage was already a historical place before it was moved to Bethany Home. Besides being the home of the pastors of Bethany Church for many years, it was in this house on June 6, 1892 that Emmy Evald, Mrs. Carl Aaron [Alma Christina Lind]Swensson, and some other vigorous and far - sighted women of the Augustana Lutheran Church, took the initial action that started the Women's Missionary Society. This organization was a power for good in the Kingdom of God, that is a marvelous success story all of its own-- . . ."
For a briefing on that story, go HERE.
" . . . Finally, in 1928, a happy solution was discovered. The old Bethany Church Parsonage, located near the band shell of North Park in Lindsborg, was purchased and moved to a spot just north of the original building. This building was then finished with a modern basement, new kitchen and dining room, reroofed, repainted, and remodeled so that ten additional rooms were available. It was then connected to the original building by an enclosed passageway. The minutes of December 3, 1928 read: 'Resolved that the executive committee and matron arrange for open house on January 1, 1929.' This is one of many 'Open House' celebrations that we have had at Bethany Home through the years . . .
"The old Bethany Church Parsonage was already a historical place before it was moved to Bethany Home. Besides being the home of the pastors of Bethany Church for many years, it was in this house on June 6, 1892 that Emmy Evald, Mrs. Carl Aaron [Alma Christina Lind]Swensson, and some other vigorous and far - sighted women of the Augustana Lutheran Church, took the initial action that started the Women's Missionary Society. This organization was a power for good in the Kingdom of God, that is a marvelous success story all of its own-- . . ."
For a briefing on that story, go HERE.
- Pioneer Memorial Building -
Found on Page 5
Page 5, Column 2
". . .The new addition was dedicated on April 18, 1948. Rev. Victor Spong of Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Kansas Conference, was present and gave the dedicatory address. It was a day of joy and victory -- a day marking real progress in our Bethany Home.
"On May 7, the first time the Board met after the Dedication, we read that ... A special vote of thanks was given to four persons: Philemon Smith, Ebba Fornberg, Elin Enberg and Will Olson. The other Board members made it clear that these four persons had carried the major share of the responsibility in making Pioneer Memorial a reality. Thirty-three persons had made application to enter the home. On June 6 we read that, 'Previous to the opening of the meeting, a demonstration was given of the public address system recently installed in connection with Bethany Church.' Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Nelson, donors of the P.A. System were also to receive a letter of thanks on behalf of the Home . . . "
". . .The new addition was dedicated on April 18, 1948. Rev. Victor Spong of Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Kansas Conference, was present and gave the dedicatory address. It was a day of joy and victory -- a day marking real progress in our Bethany Home.
"On May 7, the first time the Board met after the Dedication, we read that ... A special vote of thanks was given to four persons: Philemon Smith, Ebba Fornberg, Elin Enberg and Will Olson. The other Board members made it clear that these four persons had carried the major share of the responsibility in making Pioneer Memorial a reality. Thirty-three persons had made application to enter the home. On June 6 we read that, 'Previous to the opening of the meeting, a demonstration was given of the public address system recently installed in connection with Bethany Church.' Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Nelson, donors of the P.A. System were also to receive a letter of thanks on behalf of the Home . . . "
* * *
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter III
The Board and the Sponsoring Church
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter III
The Board and the Sponsoring Church
Page 17 and 18
"The Bethany Home grew up in the bosom of the church officially known as "The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America." In a study made by a careful scholar in the early 1950s it was discovered that in proportion to its membership, the Augustana Synod had sponsored more Hospitals, Orphanages, Homes for Aged, and other institutions of mercy (like Bethphage and Immanuel in Nebraska) than any other Lutheran group in America. So the idea of caring for the needy was not one that needed to be "sold" to our people.
"But noble ideals have to have flesh and blood human beings to implement them. In this respect, we have been blessed in the Smoky Valley. From the available minutes, it is apparent that the first president of the Home Board of Directors was Dr. G. A. Brandel, the president of the Kansas Conference. He was pastor of Augusta Church in Denver--but in those days the Kansas Conference included the State of Colorado. The vice president was a man by the name of M.P. Oden, the secretary was Rev. Alf Bergin, and the treasurer, Mr. Francis Johnson.
"By 1910 we learned that Rev. Alf Bergin was chairman, Swan Bjork was vice chairman, Francis Johnson was treasurer, and Rev. A. Andre became secretary on May 14, 1911, and served into the year 1921. In 1920 Mr. J. O. Stromquist is indicated as treasurer. He was the man connected with the Swedish American Insurance Company. For many years he was also treasurer of the Kansas Conference. Rev. Andre served as pastor of our congregations in Assaria and Marquette, but had to resign as secretary when he accepted a call to Moscow, Idaho.
"But there were two persons who stayed on: Dr. Bergin and J. O. Stromquist. These two men surely have the record for the longest connection with Bethany Home of any persons who were on the Board. For many years the meetings were called to order by the chairman, Dr. Bergin, who nearly always had the opening devotions himself. He was also chaplain of the home. In the minutes of March 3, 1944, Dr. Bergin presided as usual and read Psalm 92. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." But there was a note of sorrow and loss, J.O. Stromquist, our faithful and efficient treasurer had just died. He had obviously been active to the last because in just the previous month he had been paid $12 to reimburse him for some traveling he had done in the interests of the Home. A copy of a letter is found in the minutes that had been written to the family, expressing gratitude for the nearly twenty-two years (22) he had served as treasurer. There is a slight hitch here--he came on the Board in 1920 and unless he was off for a couple of years, he had actually served not twenty-two years, but twenty-four (24).
"The Board meeting of March 13, 1944, was held in the Bergin home because Dr. Bergin was ill. This was the only one when he did not preside, the Vice Chairman, Rev. C.G. Bloomquist was in charged. He died shortly later. There is a fitting tribute in our minutes which was written and delivered at his funeral on March 29th.
"Dr. Bergin was a man of whom it could well be said that "He was a legend in this own lifetime." He was a pastor, writer, scholar, historian, church leader, community leader -- friend to all. He was one of those persons, who, when he came into a room or a meeting of any kind he immediately filled the place with his personality. One place where he surely left his mark was at Bethany Home where he was both Chairman of the Board and Chaplain. From its earliest beginnings, he was alone and the Chairman for thirty-four (34) years. Those of us who were privileged to know Alf Bergin are reminded of that passage in the book of Genesis: 'And there were giants in the earth in those days.'
"But noble ideals have to have flesh and blood human beings to implement them. In this respect, we have been blessed in the Smoky Valley. From the available minutes, it is apparent that the first president of the Home Board of Directors was Dr. G. A. Brandel, the president of the Kansas Conference. He was pastor of Augusta Church in Denver--but in those days the Kansas Conference included the State of Colorado. The vice president was a man by the name of M.P. Oden, the secretary was Rev. Alf Bergin, and the treasurer, Mr. Francis Johnson.
"By 1910 we learned that Rev. Alf Bergin was chairman, Swan Bjork was vice chairman, Francis Johnson was treasurer, and Rev. A. Andre became secretary on May 14, 1911, and served into the year 1921. In 1920 Mr. J. O. Stromquist is indicated as treasurer. He was the man connected with the Swedish American Insurance Company. For many years he was also treasurer of the Kansas Conference. Rev. Andre served as pastor of our congregations in Assaria and Marquette, but had to resign as secretary when he accepted a call to Moscow, Idaho.
"But there were two persons who stayed on: Dr. Bergin and J. O. Stromquist. These two men surely have the record for the longest connection with Bethany Home of any persons who were on the Board. For many years the meetings were called to order by the chairman, Dr. Bergin, who nearly always had the opening devotions himself. He was also chaplain of the home. In the minutes of March 3, 1944, Dr. Bergin presided as usual and read Psalm 92. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." But there was a note of sorrow and loss, J.O. Stromquist, our faithful and efficient treasurer had just died. He had obviously been active to the last because in just the previous month he had been paid $12 to reimburse him for some traveling he had done in the interests of the Home. A copy of a letter is found in the minutes that had been written to the family, expressing gratitude for the nearly twenty-two years (22) he had served as treasurer. There is a slight hitch here--he came on the Board in 1920 and unless he was off for a couple of years, he had actually served not twenty-two years, but twenty-four (24).
"The Board meeting of March 13, 1944, was held in the Bergin home because Dr. Bergin was ill. This was the only one when he did not preside, the Vice Chairman, Rev. C.G. Bloomquist was in charged. He died shortly later. There is a fitting tribute in our minutes which was written and delivered at his funeral on March 29th.
"Dr. Bergin was a man of whom it could well be said that "He was a legend in this own lifetime." He was a pastor, writer, scholar, historian, church leader, community leader -- friend to all. He was one of those persons, who, when he came into a room or a meeting of any kind he immediately filled the place with his personality. One place where he surely left his mark was at Bethany Home where he was both Chairman of the Board and Chaplain. From its earliest beginnings, he was alone and the Chairman for thirty-four (34) years. Those of us who were privileged to know Alf Bergin are reminded of that passage in the book of Genesis: 'And there were giants in the earth in those days.'
Rev. Dr. Alfred Bergin
Chairman of Bethany Home Board
1910 - 1944
Chairman of Bethany Home Board
1910 - 1944
Found on Page 17
"The old guard had passed away. But the Home did not falter. In the minutes of May 5, 1944, we find the names of the new leaders:
President
Rev. Philemon Smith
Vice President
Rev. C. G. Bloomquist
Secretary
Rev. James Claypool
Treasure and Business Manager
Miss Ebba Fornberg
Superintendent of Grounds and Building
Mr. Peter Larson
Rev. Philemon Smith
Vice President
Rev. C. G. Bloomquist
Secretary
Rev. James Claypool
Treasure and Business Manager
Miss Ebba Fornberg
Superintendent of Grounds and Building
Mr. Peter Larson
"We find in the minutes of that same meeting a most interesting notation: 'Resolved that the devotions at the Board Meetings be conducted in English.' Now the minutes had been recorded in English since 1929, but evidently Dr. Bergin had conducted the devotions 'in the language of the fathers' even though he knew English very well.
"These new officers went to work with a vigor. It was under their leadership that Pioneer Memorial became a reality. But they did not forget the past. By January 5, 1945, we read that pictures of Dr. Alf Bergin and Mr. J. O. Stromquist were hanging in the parlor of the home."
"These new officers went to work with a vigor. It was under their leadership that Pioneer Memorial became a reality. But they did not forget the past. By January 5, 1945, we read that pictures of Dr. Alf Bergin and Mr. J. O. Stromquist were hanging in the parlor of the home."
some individual photographs found within
"The Story of Bethany Home"
click on each one
"The Story of Bethany Home"
click on each one
* * *
O BETHANY HOME
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
A Home of grace and beauty.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
We now with joy salute thee!
A Home that’s known to be the best,
A place of life, a place of rest,
Where glad hearts sing and praises ring
To Christ who ever is our King.
A Home on earth along the way
Sweet refuge gives from day to day.
Your helping hands, your caring hearts
Where love you kindle and impart.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
With heritage of splendor,
In love and trust we celebrate
In triumph song remember.
For 75 years, through joy and tears
You’ve kept your banner flying
Supplying Hope, and Faith, and Love--
These blessings flow undying !
In nineteen-eleven, you began
A walk of faith in ministry.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
We now with joy salute thee!
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
A Home of grace and beauty.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
We now with joy salute thee!
A Home that’s known to be the best,
A place of life, a place of rest,
Where glad hearts sing and praises ring
To Christ who ever is our King.
A Home on earth along the way
Sweet refuge gives from day to day.
Your helping hands, your caring hearts
Where love you kindle and impart.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
With heritage of splendor,
In love and trust we celebrate
In triumph song remember.
For 75 years, through joy and tears
You’ve kept your banner flying
Supplying Hope, and Faith, and Love--
These blessings flow undying !
In nineteen-eleven, you began
A walk of faith in ministry.
O Bethany Home, O Bethany Home,
We now with joy salute thee!
To tune: 'O Tannenbaum'
Words written by -
Elsie Adell
Bethany Home Staff Member
September 1986
- found inside back cover -
Words written by -
Elsie Adell
Bethany Home Staff Member
September 1986
- found inside back cover -
* * *
- Bethany Home -
A Place of Christian Love and Concern
Since 1907
* * *
The Bethany Home Story
was created by the
"Bethany Home Writers"
under the leadership of
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and Administrator Bill Carlson
celebrating the 75th Anniversary
---
Published 1986, 65 pages
- Bethany Home -
A Place of Christian Love and Concern
Since 1907
* * *
The Bethany Home Story
was created by the
"Bethany Home Writers"
under the leadership of
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and Administrator Bill Carlson
celebrating the 75th Anniversary
---
Published 1986, 65 pages
Courtesy of Bethany Home
Bethany Home Board of Directors, October 1986
During the 75th Anniversary Founding Year of the Home
when The Bethany Home Story was written
Found on Page 32
Front row left to right: Vance Carlson, Arlo Gruenthal, BIll Carlson, Carl Rundquist, Rev. Albert Lindberg. Back row left to righ: Marlow Winsky, Ralph Carmichael, Les Payne, June Anderson, Rev. Paul Hawkinson, BIll Gusenius, Gaylia Lindholm, Rev. Eugene Nelson, Jane Kelley. (Absent: Asa Hudson & Rev. Constantine Xamis.)
* * *
Their "Bethany Lutheran Home"
supported first by the
Augustana Lutheran Synod,
then the
Lutheran Church of America,
then the
present-day
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
(ELCA)
* * *
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Remember Them"
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Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
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All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
