PLEASE NOTE THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION STILL
HISTORICAL OUTLINE:
Introduction
Part A: The Historical Foundations
- Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1891-1968
- The Federated Parish 1957 to 1968
Part B: The Erickson Lutheran Church 1968 to 2018
- The Erickson Lutheran Parish 1968 to 1989 (Erickson and Immanuel Congregations)
- Erickson Lutheran Parish 1990 – 1995 ( Erickson, Immanuel and Onanole United Church)
- Erickson Lutheran Parish 1995 – 2014
- Erickson Lutheran Church and Onanole United Church
- Erickson-Waldersee Parish (Erickson and Waldersee Lutheran Congregations)
Part C: Erickson Lutheran Church 2018 to now – under construction
INTRODUCTION
Erickson Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of service not only to its members but to the surrounding community. As Pastor Lanny Knutson wrote in his 1998 Annual Report: “The church is more than a collection of individuals. The church is a body—a family—a community—of God’s people. The faith we have together is actually greater than what each of us has individually. “
Communities are not born in a vacuum – each community has its own story. Erickson Lutheran Church roots begin in 1891. We are not just celebrating 50 years of the entity known as Erickson Lutheran Church but the Lutheran Church’s 127 year relationship within this region. We, as individuals, want to know who and where we came from. This booklet attempts to answer these same questions for Erickson Lutheran Church on its 50th Anniversary. We look at the past to see the roots of the Erickson Lutheran Church and how Erickson Lutheran Church of today is shaped by the past.
As well, this booklet celebrates the Erickson Lutheran Church of today, its continuing service to its members and the surrounding region and beyond. This is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Erickson Lutheran Church . There is a wealth of information about the roots of the Lutheran congregations in the region and of the 50 year history of Erickson Lutheran Church. Not all that information can be incorporated into this history. The writer has tried to show how the Bethania, Bethlehem, Bethel and the Immanuel congregations have played a role in the development of the Erickson Lutheran Church and what contributions they have made to Erickson Lutheran Church. It is impossible to acknowledge all the events and people of all these congregations in this booklet.
- For those who wish to read more, most of the historical information has been gleaned from:
- Forest To Field: A History of Rural Municipality of Clanwilliam and Village Erickson
- Histories prepared by Bethlehem (Scandinavia & Erickson), Bethel and Immanuel
- Church Records for Bethlehem (Scandinavia & Erickson), Bethel, Immanuel, and Onanole
- Annual Reports, Minutes, Newsletters and Bulletins of Erickson Lutheran Church
Throughout you will find the interweaving of histories between not only Bethlehem (Scandinavia & Erickson), Bethel, Bethania and Immanuel but the stories of the Onanole United Church and the Waldersee Lutheran Church.
On researching and reading of the materials brought together for this booklet, it has been made abundantly clear to me that each century or decade has brought challenges to these congregations and that their faith has made it possible for the Lutheran witness to be brought to this region for over 127 years . There is a continued commitment to the cultural landscape of not only the Lutheran community with Erickson Lutheran Church and the Bethel Lutheran Society Inc., but to the regional rural community as well. This is a history of loss of congregations and the birth of others; but the ringing of the bell on Easter Sunday Sunrise Service held each year at the Bethel Church continues to be echoed in the ringing bell of the Erickson Lutheran Church calling its membership to worship today.
PART A: THE FOUNDATIONS OF ERICKSON LUTHERAN CHURCH
A church is its people and people are shaped by their environment. For Erickson Lutheran Church, this environment encompassed the Villages of Erickson and Clanwilliam, the proposed Village of Scandinavia and the school districts of Danvers and Hilltop with Otter Lake in the middle of these locations.
The story begins on the slopes of the Riding Mountain in Townships 17 and 18, Ranges 17 and 18, west of the first Meridian, which was originally called the Rural Municipality of Clanwilliam. This area is a series of wooded hills and lake regions with hills and valleys, flat lands and lowlands interspersed with numerous lakes and ponds (sloughs). The most predominate lakes in the region were Otter, Pacey and Ditch Lakes which lakes served as popular family resort and picnic areas.
In June 1885, the settlement of the region by the Scandinavian settlers (both Swedish and Norwegian) began and was centred around Otter Lake. A new Settlement called “Scandinavia” (aka as “New Sweden” or the “Scandianvian Colony” or the “Colony”) found its roots on the shores of the Otter Lake. Detailed plans were made for a new settlement in anticipation that the railway would come to this community. While the railway did not come through the community as anticipated, the Scandinavian Colony remained a community hub of the region for many years.
The following are excerpts from Canon E.A. Wharton Gill’s A Norse Wedding in Manitoba found in Forest to Field: A History of Rural Municipality of Clanwilliam and Village of Erickson (1984).
A church is its people and the history of a congregation is really the history of how people lived, worked and gave witness to their faith. The early congregational history is a pioneer history. Most of the early church families in this area were from the Scandinavian countries where solid spiritual fibre was woven into early life through Lutheran confirmation. It was this durable faith that brought the early pioneers through years of hardship and loneliness. Their first concern in the new land was for worship and even before many of the families had time to build permanent homes, they planned for a church building. (75th Anniversary Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1966 Booklet)
The foundations of Erickson Lutheran Church came from these early pioneers which are found in the histories of the Bethlehem (Scandinavia), Bethlehem (Erickson), Bethania, Bethel and Immanuel congregations.
These were all strongly supported congregations but, as Valerie Wickdahl noted in the 100th Anniversary Pamphlet for Bethel Lutheran Church, ”…the reality became that the economics of the day decided the destiny..[of these congregations]…as many of the country churches closed their doors due to rising upkeep costs, maintaining and keeping a minister that was willing to serve within a parish, dwindling country population and centralization to the bigger centers.” For members of these congregations, each closure told a different painful story of loss for each congregation. A poem that the writer found was written by an anonymous parishioner of the Onanole United Church especially the last stanza:
Please don’t feel badly for me, for I was built to be
of service to God, you see
like all the people who worshiped in me.
Everything grows old and must leave behind,
fond and wonderful memories to be brought to mind
A parishioner.
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (SCANDINAVIA) SVENSKA EVANGELIKA LUTHERSKA BETHLEHEM FORSAMLINGEN AND BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (ERICKSON)
The original Bethlehem Lutheran Church located in Scandinavia, Manitoba, Bethlehem Lutheran Church eventually made its home in Erickson. For purposes of clarification, the two congregations shall be referred to as Bethlehem Lutheran Church (“Scandinavia”) and Bethlehem Lutheran Church (“Erickson”).
The original Scandinavia congregation were of Swedish descent and the congregation was organized under the leadership of a “mission developer” known as by Pastor L. G. Ulmen on May 23, 1891 as the “Bethlehem” Lutheran Church. The Bethlehem congregation was associated with the Augustana Lutheran Church Synod until 1968. The last class confirmed in the Swedish language was in 1920.
The first church was built in 1893 under the direction of Pete Johnson on donated land which land is now the location of the Scandinavia Cemetery. The church and cemetery were dedicated on July 26, 1886 by Dr. E. Noralius. The congregation was serviced by Pastor Uddin and a student pastor G. Landstrom. By 1897 it was clear that there was a need for a full time resident minister and to raise the salary, each male member of the congregation was to pay $4.00 per year. As well the new pastor was to receive his firewood and hay for one house and one cow.
In February of 1884 a Sunday School was started with Adolf Lundgren as the first superintendent and Carl Olson, F.A. Hillstrand, Hilma Dorothea Johnson and Anna Anderson as teachers. This program was open to everyone in the community, whether they were a member or not.
Before the arrival of the first resident Pastor, B.O. Berg in 1898, a new parsonage had to be completed. Planning began in 1894; however the actual building of the parsonage took place during the winter of 1897 to 1898 under the direction of Erik Nystrom which parsonage was completely free of nails with all corners being dovetailed together. The uniqueness of this construction saw the parsonage eventually moved to the Erickson Centennial Park with the intention that it be used as a museum in 1967.
Sunday services were usually held during the summer months and until Christmas, when the “Juotta” service was held Christmas Morning at 6:00 a.m. A children’s program was always held on December 27th at 4:00 p.m. so that everyone could enjoy the candles and Christmas Tree. Candies and apples were distributed to children and adults and a social hour followed with lunch served by the ladies in the church basement.
Pastor Berg served the Bethlehem Scandinavia congregation until 1903 and provided the congregation with much spiritual support during the diphtheria epidemic in 1902 that saw thirteen funerals. The “Syforening” (sewing society) had purchased the church bell and the confirmation class of 1901 paid for the communion and baptismal vessels.
In 1903 Pastor K. Rosenthal was called to serve both the Bethlehem (Scandinavia) and Bethania (Danvers) congregations. The members’ fee was $4.00 for married couples, $2.00 for single men and $1.50 for single women. In 1904 the membership fee increased to $6.00 for married couples. The pastor’s salary in 1906 was $300.00 of which $100.00 came from the Bethel congregation. Many times these early congregations found themselves sharing the services of each other’s pastor.
Subscriptions began in 1906 for a new church in Scandinavia, which was built in 1911 for the Bethlehem Scandinavia congregation and the church was dedicated in 1913. The church bell was donated by a Lutheran church in Moores Prairie, Minnesota and Frank Hillstrand hauled the 1,790 pound bell by horses and sleigh from Minnesota to the Scandinavia location.
By 1909, given the travelling involved and the increase of roads being built, discussion began about having a parsonage built in Erickson, MB. The building committee of 1911 was Charles Hill, Erik Nystrom, Pete Johnson, Carl J. Johnson and Frank Hillstrand.
In 1915, when it was clear that Erickson was becoming the hub of the regional community, the Bethlehem Scandinavia congregation at its Annual Meeting decided that it was time to build a church in Erickson to service their members located in Erickson. During the 25th Anniversary of the Bethlehem (Scandinavia) Church in 1916, the cornerstone for the sister Bethlehem Erickson congregation was laid in Erickson.
Albin Gustafson moved the 1,790 pound bell from Scandinavia location to Erickson. In 1916 Beda Sjoberg held Sunday School classes in various homes in the Hilltop and Lakelet districts for the children of the members of the Erickson congregation.
In 1917 the building was completed just in time for the Canadian Conference of the Lutheran Church Augustana Synod to be held in Erickson, from March 30-April 9 which saw 9 pastors and 18 delegates attending. The church was finally dedicated in 1921 by Dr. G.A. Brandell.
During this time the Dorcas Ladies’ Aid Group existed in the Scandinavia congregation and the Martha Ladies’ Aid Group was established in the Erickson congregation. Together these groups worked hard to help financially as well as provide a social life for the community. They aided in wiping out the “deficit” for whatever projects were being undertaken at the time or met the immediate needs of their congregations whether it was to paint the church, basement or the parsonage and provide coffee and cake on moment’s notice. They also contributed financially to the work of the Home for the Aged at Wetaskiwin Alberta, the Canadian Lutheran World Relief and answered the call of the Red Cross during times of war.
Pastor R. Odelberg was called in 1922 and in 1923 became the Pastor for Bethlehem Lutheran Church. His faithful service provided a ministry to people who experienced the hardship of the depression in the 1930s. New families came into the Bethlehem congregation: the Holmlunds, Sjovalds, Skogstads, Knights, Chambers and Mutters (1933). Pastor R. Odelberg served until 1940 and confirmed nearly 100 children. In 1938, he oversaw the moving of the Bethlehem Erickson Church from its location near the highway to a site near its present location. The “Luther League” and the “Rosebuds” paid the moving expenses.
The Rosebuds had been the first girls group organized within the Church. They were followed by the Helpful Workers Society which was active prior to 1940 and the Junior and Teenager Mission Band, which joined to form the Starlights in January of 1960. The main emphasis of these organizations was to support mission work aboard and do charitable deeds at home. They also supported the March of Dimes and the Mother’s Day Teas.
The Luther League was also one of the oldest organized groups of the church. When it first began it was for young married couples and young singles. It later included young teenagers. This was a faith inspired group that did valuable work to aid the church and community. Over time 1943 the Luther League built the Alter and changed the Altar Ring; supplied a new church sign; put up two road signs for Erickson Lutheran; provided a new rug for the Chancel; painted the church signs and Sacristy; and helped purchase of the electric organ. They held a Luther League program on the last Sunday evening of each month and assisted with the bulletins. The contributed to the March of Dimes, decorating the Christmas Tree and carolling around town.
1941 Golden Jubilee of Bethlehem Lutheran Scandinavia Church was a three-day celebration being held at both the Scandianvia and Erickson locations from September 12-14 of 1941. In 1943 the Women’s Missionary Service was formed which was the forerunner of the Evangelical Lutheran Women.
In 1945 the Church purchased from John Wickdahl a lot with a house and garage to serve as the parsonage. In 1956 the parsonage was sold as it was decided, by the Federated Parish (composed of the Bethel, Bethlehem and Immanuel congregations), to use the Bethel parsonage and chapel in Erickson as one pastor was now serving the Federated Parish. Work continued on the church at its new location with the pulpit, lowering of the archway, extensive renovations in the basement and sidewalk in front of the Church and a parsonage in 1950. The church installed an oil furnace and an electric stove in 1959.
Two members during this time, were ordained: On May 31, 1953 Vernon Sundmark was ordained at Kenora, Ontario and continued service until he retired in 1985 to Kelowna. He died in 2013. On April 11, 1954 Donald Sjoberg was ordained in his historic home church, Bethlehem Lutheran. He later became a Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
By 1954 the Sunday School was closed in Scandinavia and the monies were used to purchase small chairs for the Erickson Sunday School as well as move the piano to Erickson. Overtime, the membership at the Scandinavia location decreased as the Town of Erickson became the regional hub and the movement from rural locations to more urban settings took hold in Canada. Services were discontinued in the late 50s at the Scandinavia location with two services (11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.) being held at the Erickson location. By 1959 it was decided to close the Bethlehem Scandinavia location and the existing church was demolished.
In 1957, it became necessary, for financial reasons, to create the Federated Parish with the Bethel and Immanuel Lutheran Free Church Parish so that a pastor could be financially supported to serve these congregations of differing synodical affiliation. This Federated Parish lasted until 1968.
During the period of the Federated Parish, the Bethlehem and Bethel congregations approved the combined Vacation Bible School. In 1967 their respective Sunday Schools were also combined with extra classes meeting at the Bethel Chapel. Bethlehem’s Sunday Schools were well served by their volunteer staff over the years such as Mrs. Beda Munson, Mrs. Naslund, Mrs. C.A. Johnson, Mrs. Edna Sjoberg and Mrs. LaVerne Uhl serving as superintendents at the Scandinavia Church, Mrs. Gust Wickdahl and Mrs. Enoch Ehlin as Superintendents for Otter Lake Sunday School and in Erickson, serving as superintendents: Mrs. Anna Gusdal, Miss Pearl Landstrom, Pastor Carl Larson, Mrs. Enoch Ehlin, Mr. Dorland Burkett, Mrs. LaVerne Uhl, Mrs. Lana Bachewich and Mrs. Sharon Wickdahl.
With the creation of the Federated Parish and the closing of the Bethlehem Scandinavia location, the Dorcas Ladies Aid (Scandinavia) joined the Martha Ladies Aid (Erickson) in 1959 and became the Augustana Lutheran Church Women with 40 charter members. In 1960 the final reports from the Martha and Dorcas ladies’ Aids were received and the Council accept the “Augustana Lutheran Church Women” as an organization within the church. Viola Miller, was President, Ingeborg Sundmark, VP, Edna Sjoberg, Secretary and Millie Stitt, Treasurer. This change saw the transition to more emphasis on Bible study and members were divided into smaller groups in order to study the Bible more effectively.
In 1969 they were amalgamated with Bethel’s Women Mission Society and became Evangelical Lutheran Church Woman (ELCW). This group continues to this day.
During the stewardship of Pastor Ole Bruun, on July 30, 31 and August 1, 1966, the 75th Anniversary of the Bethlehem congregation was held. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. P.K. Peterson of Foxwarren who were the first couple married in the new Bethlehem Erickson Church in 1917. As well, there was a dedication of a memorial stone at the original site of the first Scandinavia Church followed by a picnic on the church grounds beside the old log parsonage. As well, in 1966, the Junior Choir was formed.
Canada’s Centennial Year (1967) was proclaimed with a morning prayer service followed by a fellowship breakfast of the first Sunday and last Sunday of that year. As well discussions continued as to the future of Bethlehem in terms of whether there needed to be an amalgamation of the existing Lutheran churches and whether to join the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. (ELCC), which was the only autonomous Lutheran Church organization in Canada. The Bethlehem congregation eventually voted to become a member of the ELCIC.
On October 6, 1968 saw the final service of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and on October 13, 1968 a new congregation, Erickson Lutheran Church came into being and held its first service. This move saw some of the Bethel congregation become part of the 155 charter members of the Erickson Lutheran Church. On January 1, 1969 the Erickson Lutheran Church became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada.
FEDERATED PARISH
The Bethel Lutheran and Immanuel LFC Parish and the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Erickson were unable to adequately support a pastor and the work of their church, a Federated Parish began to organize in 1957 with the help of Pastor Oscar Johnson. On May 30, 1958 the Enabling Procedures and Federated Parish Agreement were adopted by the Church Councils of Bethel, Immanuel and Bethlehem. This was a unique solution as it brought about a coalition of different Lutheran denominations into one community to witness their faith and…” allow them opportunities for growth in grace and sanctification afforded by participation in congregational life …”. This Parish Agreement needed the agreement of both the Augustana Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Free Church as they had not yet amalgamated in to the American Lutheran Church.
The Federated Parish members consisted of the Councils of Bethel and Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Board of Administration of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Pastor. As Pastor Oscar Johnson was from the ministerium of the Lutheran Free Church, the Parish Agreement called for the next pastoral vacancy to be selected from the ministerium of the Augustana Lutheran Church. So long as this agreement existed, any pastoral vacancy would alternate between these two ministeriums. Pastor J. Fredriksson followed Pastor Johnson, who is turn was followed by Pastor O. Bruun. This Federated Parish lasted until 1968.
This period of time is not well documented. The members of the Federated Council in 1960 were Bethel: Ted Lee, Russell Tiller, Richard Paulsen, J.M. Lee, Mrs. M. Neilson, Albin Paulsen, Mr. Gillishammer, Wm. Anderson, Philip Gusdal and Ben Johnson; Bethlehem – Harold Stitt, Roy Nystrom, Dorland Burkett, Glen Shellborn, C.V. Carlson, Albin Gustafson, Angus Madill, Lynus Miller, Bert Gustafson, Gordon Freko, Cecil Sundmark, Dr. Morley Sirett; and Immanuel – Carl Johnson, Harvey Hanson, ken Oman, Herman Strom, Russell Cook and Norman Johnson.
In a report to the Federated Parish in 1960, Pastor Oscar Johnson called for the three churches to think of themselves as one unit and what happens in one church also happens, to some degree, in the other churches. He was also inspired by the faithful attendance of every member of Immanuel at every service. Another theme was the vying for time and attention between Church and community events and obligations.
During this time Immanuel maintained their own Sunday School, Choir, Cemetery, and Ladies group – American Lutheran Church Women (ALCW). Bethel maintained its Bethel Sunday School, Choir, Cemetery, Cheerful Workers, Women Mission Society, Luther League, and the Sunbeams. Bethlehem continued their Sunday School, Evangelical Lutheran Church Woman’s Group (ELCW), Choir, Church Library, Scandinavia Cemetery, and the Cubs and Starlight organizations. Bethel and Bethlehem Sunday Schools programs were merged into one in 1967.
During this period of the Federated Parish the Bethlehem congregation celebrated their 75th anniversary July 30th, July 31st and August 1st , 1966 with a Banquet and Vespers on Saturday, communion Service, dedication of memorial site at Scandinavia Cemetery, picnic and evening service on Sunday and matins and Lunch on the Monday. August 7, 1966 there was a commissioning service for Dolores Hall at Bethel and the Bethel Young People’s Society observed their 60th Anniversary and Bethlehem’s Luther League went to Bethel.
1967 was Canada’s Centennial Year in which the year started and ending on a Sunday, each of which was observed by “Prayer Breakfasts” before the service at Bethlehem. As well Bethel and Immanuel churches were painted in preparation for their 60th Anniversaries, celebrated July 7, 8 and 9th. A church library was established with librarian Mrs. O. Brookman in charge.
By 1968 there were four women organizations with 72 active members, two Boy Scout Clubs with 41 active members, along with an adult choir and a children’s choir. As well there were 94 children in Sunday School (51 where non-members) and 78 attending the Vacation Bible School. In April of 1968 the women organizations of the Federated Parish sponsored a supper to raise funds for the Lutheran Association of Missionary Pilots (LAMP)in the Erickson Elementary School.
With the advent of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCC) in 1966, there was a desire among Bethlehem and Immanuel to belong to the ELCC. Discussions regarding the merger of the three churches were also taking place By 1968 it was clear that Immanuel did not wish to merge but did join the ELCC. The Bethel congregation ultimately made the decision to dissolve its congregation, although its dissolution did not take place until 1970. Some of the members of the Bethel congregation joined with the Bethlehem congregation to create the Erickson Lutheran Church. Bethel’s decision to dissolve was a difficult decision and there was a strong desire to ensure that the memory of Bethel’s legacy remains and the Bethel Lutheran Society Inc. was created. The Bethlehem congregation voted to become the Erickson Lutheran Church and become a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada.
PART B: THE ERICKSON LUTHERAN CHURCH 1968
October 6, 1968 was the final service of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and on October 13, 1968 the Charter Membership Service was held for the Erickson Lutheran Church with 155 members (See Appendix A). As well on January 1, 1969, Erickson Lutheran Church officially became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. The confirmed membership of each congregation as of January 5, 1969 was Immanuel 38, Bethel 40 and Bethlehem 175. By December 31st Immanuel was 40, Bethel 33 and Bethlehem 185.
The first council members of Erickson Lutheran Church were: H.R. Stitt (President), R.A. Nystrom, J.A. Nylen, B. Johnson. O.A. Hall, Mrs. M.I. Johnston, R.I. Paulsen, C.A. Sundmark, E.R. Shellborn, R. Uhl, A. Kihn, G. C. Lee. Mrs. M.I. Johnston also served as the 1st President of the Erickson Lutheran Church Women (ELCW). The first Sunday School Superintendent was Dorland Burkett and the school had 11 teachers. James Brookman was the 1st child baptized; Portia Hall was the 1st bride married; the 1st death was Harry Sundmark; and the 1st confirmands were: Richard Mutter, Margaret Nylen, Marie Nylen, Allan Shellborn, Norma Suski, Elaine Madill, Clarence Peterson, Lana Shellborn, Allan Wruth and Sheila Wruth.
While the Immanuel congregation did not merge with Erickson Lutheran Church, it still sought to maintain some form of sharing the ministry costs. A new Federated Parish was approved in July of 1968 for the years 1968 and 1969. The Erickson Lutheran Parish was a partnership of Erickson (70%), Bethel (15%) and Immanuel (15%) towards the cost of the shared ministry. With the dissolution of the Bethel congregation, the Erickson Lutheran Parish consisted of only the Erickson and Immanuel congregations with an allocation for contribution of 83% and 18%, respectively, with each congregation maintaining their own councils and Evangelical Lutheran Church Women’s Groups.
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Pastor Ole Bruun in his 1969 annual report wrote “..it is with mixed emotions that we realize that ..[the Bethel]… congregation is no more, that a house of God is being vacated. Yet we have all reason to rejoice in Bethel’s past service to the Lord of the Church….Scattered all over our North American prairies are empty church buildings or markers of former sites. They are not sad memories of failure, but rather reminders of a mission completed; silent witnesses to the life of an era now gone. As uprooting as it may be, we cannot continue to live in the past. The church must be built of living stones, so that the will of God may be accomplished in the lives of the living.”
1969 saw the Immanuel’s LWC group active with the Love Offering, Spring and Fall Bazaar, and other fund raising events which went to support the maintenance and upkeep of Immanuel’s Church. Erickson’s ELCW had 70 members with 4 circles for their bibles studies as well as for the serving for luncheons and dinners for weddings, funerals and the like. Besides the Love Offering, they supported the World Day of Prayer and continued their work with the Lutheran World Relief through quilts, layettes, Klenli-kits and used clothes. Erickson Lutheran Church’s Sunday school had 15 classes and 24 teachers with Dorland Burkett still its superintendent. Erickson also supported a Cub Pack with 24 members. The existing Scout Troop 26 members undertook a 3 day winter camping trip and participated in Remembrance Day celebrations.
The proposed budget for the Erickson Lutheran Parish for 1970 was $9,700.00. The Erickson congregation got their new organ in September of 1970. That year saw 14 baptisms , 8 confirmands, 7 weddings and 10 funerals. The confirmation classes had 21 members, Sunday School had 105 students, Vacation Bible School experienced 80 attendees and a Stewardship Information meeting was held with 13 in attendance. There were 32 confirmed members in Immanuel and Bethlehem had 177 confirmed members. Erickson’s ELCW began the annual clean-up event at the Scandinavia Cemetery.
In 1968 the former Bethlehem congregation had set up a “building fund” and by 1970 the Erickson congregation saw a need to have a space where classes, boardroom, library, choir room, church office, pastors study and open basement could be housed all “under one roof” In 1971 a plan was accepted by the congregation for a new home for the Erickson Lutheran Church. Some saw this as a tangible expression of the unification that took place in 1968 and 1969. The plan basically called for the existing sanctuary to be moved west on the existing property with a new basement and a new front added to the sanctuary. Pastor Bruun gave a report on the progress of the construction in his 1971 annual report: “ …The tower was dismantled on August 16th, Mr. Kihn started excavation August 17th, the basement was poured on September 8th. – then a trying wait. – moving the sanctuary starts Nov 2. Basement floor poured Dec 3. Heat connected for the downstairs on Dec 20th…”. The building costs were $392.00 for the Architect, moving costs $650.00, heating $738.24, wiring & fixtures $2,219.55, plumbing & heating $6,732.42 and construction materials were $18,697.50 – totalling $29,429.71. The Trustees recommended that the building loan not exceed $10,000.00 and be paid off at $1,800.00 per year against principal and interest.
On October 1, 1972 the dedication service was held for the new Erickson Lutheran Church. The speaker at the dedication service was Dr. S.T. Jacobson, president of the ELCC. AT the Service of Prayer the speaker was R.S. Long, Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon.
In 1972 Immanuel saw its Sunday School close with their LCW sponsoring the “Sunday School at Home” program for their four children. As well Immanuel’s LCW participated in the World Day of Prayer Service along with Erickson Lutheran Church, and held their annual fellowship supper in April and picnic in August. They made donations to the Campus Ministry, Children’s Aid Society, Lutheran World Relief and Sunday School at Home. Edna Hanson was the President and Ken Oman the Treasurer. The Immanuel Choir held a Christmas Program.
April 8, 1973 was the last service of Pastor Ole Bruun and after he left, Elgin Hall and Garth Lee carried on services until the arrival of Pastor, A. Tysseland and his family to take over the ministry of Erickson Lutheran Parish. In his annual report of 1973, Pastor Tysseland reported singing with the Senior Choir and the Male Chorus of Erickson, the Choir at Immanuel and with the teenage singing group the “Joyful Sounds”. His daughter Angie Tysseland went on to obtain her Masters Degree in music and Erickson Lutheran Church choir performed her “Angels on the Rooftop” which was dedicated to the firefighters of 911.
1974 saw a Youth Retreat held in Erickson Lutheran Church. The confirmed membership was 178 in Erickson and 35 in Immanuel. Immanuel saw 49 services with average attendance of 24 while Erickson’s average attendance was 113. Three services were held in Clear Lake. The ELCW purchased and installed the rug floor covering in the downstairs church auditorium, the narthex, the aisle carpet upstairs and the stairway. They also made a sizable donation towards the cost of the installation of the new cupboards in the kitchen area, and gave hours of work to paint the kitchen, stairwell and hallway downstairs and the auditorium.
The first “Teen Camp” was set up in 1975 and an enlarged and improved Youth Retreat took place, both at Clear Lake. Initially Pastor Tysseland’s concentration had been on the youth with bible studies, retreats, camps, rallies, films, and prayer services but he was looking to work more with adults. The Erickson congregation bought a lot east of the church from Tom Chambers for $1,100.00 with the hope that a new parsonage could be built. The ELCW increased to 7 circles with the addition of the Golden Age Circle and their magazine Scope had a subscription list was over 100.
The Erickson Lutheran Parish still continued in 1976 with Erickson having 181 confirmed members and Immanuel at 32 confirmed members. A joint Sunday morning service was held at Clear Lake with 124 attending. The proposed Parish budget for 1977 was $17,075.00. With work beginning on the new parsonage, the building committee of Erickson was expanded to: Mavis Johnston, Wilda Carlson, Roy Nystrom, Dorland Burkett, Cecil Sundmark, Leonard Gusdal and Ellis Sillen.
By the 10th anniversary of the Erickson Lutheran Church, the existing parsonage and chapel (transferred to Erickson from Bethel) were sold. The congregation had begun a building fund and when one-half of the funds were raised, work began on the new parsonage which was a custom-made house purchased from Brandon Co-Op in 1977. On April 11, 1977 Albert Johnson began the excavation and the house was moved onto the foundation on June 23, 1977.
The parsonage was dedicated on a cloudy Thanksgiving Sunday, October 9, 1977. Following the service in the sanctuary, there was a processional to the site of the parsonage. Cecil Sundmark gave a brief sketch of the actual construction and Marlenne Beatty sang Bless this House with the sun momentarily coming out during its singing. Dedication prayers were read by Dorland Burkett, Mavis Johnston, Elgin Hall and Leonard Gusdal. Pastor Tysseland conducted the right of dedication to his new home and 70 people came to the open house at the parsonage.
In Spring of 1977 an Evangelism Mission was held. Regretfully by this time the “Starlights” had been discontinued for lack of participation. The Luther League, Male and Junior Choirs, ELCW and Sunday chool continued. 1978 saw an attempt to launch Project Philip (a filmstrip ministry) but this project did not materialize which lead Pastor Tysseland to note in his annual report that ‘…the projects that remain are the same— the laborers are few, the opportunities are unlimited‘. Despite working with the youth, the Luther League was unable to re-group.
Pastor Tysseland held his last service on July 1, 1979 for the Erickson Lutheran Parish and Rev. Carlyle Johnson accepted the call and was installed on August 31, 1979. Sunday School had 53 Students and 17 teachers.
1980 saw many new members enter the congregation. Pastor Johnson noted the work Viola Burkett‘s as director for the Cherub and Male Choir and to Millie Stitt for the Junior Choir. Kudos were also given to Natalie Mekelburg, Marlenne Beatty and Val Wickdhal, the pianists. He also made note that the “…active LCW circles at both Erickson and Immanuel are a joy and a tremendous support for our total ministry here and throughout the ELCIC.” The Parsonage became debt free. A Youth Group with the help of Diana and Jim Cruise was started and the Church Library was going strong.
In 1981 saw Sharron Price become the musical director of the Ladies Choir. Erickson Lutheran Church enjoyed the strong musical talents its congregation. Music has always and will always play an important part in the Erickson congregation and this seems to be the appropriate point to reflect on this gift of music that has always been a part of our worship.
Celebrating the Gift of Music by Viola Burkett
Music has been ongoing in our congregation for as long as we can remember. We give thanks to God for the many, many people who have contributed their gift of music in various ways. We remember quartets duets, trios, sextets, soloists, Cherub Choir, Joyful Sounds, Youth Choir, Celebration, Ladies Chorus, Male Chorus, and Mixed Choir.
In scripture many instruments are mentioned, and we also have had the delight to worship with many different instruments; organ, piano, trombone, cello, violin, saxophone, trumpet, flute, harp, banjo, harmonica, guitar, xylophone and hand chimes, “sounds of joy in praise to God”.
There have been many events our choirs taken part in; Mother’s Day programs, Amateur nights, CKLQ Christmas programs, Remembrance Day services, Carol Festival, Anniversaries, Weddings, Funerals, Birthday parties, Care Homes, Farewell programs, Cantatas, Sing ‘n Sert, and singing with other churches. One significant event remembered was recording “The Best of 15 Years” Erickson Lutheran Male Chorus record and cassette in 1984. Ten men singing gospel songs that has been played in many places in the world. “Sing ‘n Sert” for 25 years, has also been a wonderful event enjoyed in our community.
Perhaps the verse, “Take my voice and let me sing, ever, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee.” describes the gift of music in our congregation. Everyone is welcome to come and sing with us….Tuesdays has been forever choir rehearsal night.
To those who have ministered in music we say “thank you” remembering folks who have been with us, moved to new places, and treasured memories of many who have passed on to sing and play in heavenly places. Singing praises to God is a great privilege.
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvellous things. “Psalm 98:1
June 27th, 1982 were the 75th anniversaries of Immanuel and the Bethel Church also had a family reunion on Saturday the 26th. Pastor Paul Nostbakken was the guest speaker. The Youth Camp was well attended. Dolores Hall was now in Papua, New Guinea doing missionary work. The confirmed membership of Erickson was 190 and Immanuel was 38. Thanksgiving Sunday, October 9, 1983 was the 15th anniversary of the Erickson congregation. The need for increasing accessibility to our church for the handicapped and the elderly began to be addressed. There were 5 circles in the ELCW and 1 circle at Immanuel. It was a busy year for the ELCW serving for Albert Skoglund‘s 80th birthday, the Ladies Chorus Retreat, 50th Anniversary of the Park, Martina Skovmose‘s auction sale, Susan Tiller‘s wedding and the 15th anniversary dinner which was “confirmation day” as well. They hosted the World Day of Prayer and at Christmas distributed about 50 boxes of cookies to people in the town and surrounding area. Because of the fundraising effort of Immanuel’s LCW the Immanuel congregation was able to repair the basement and give it a new coat of paint.
1984 marked the centennial celebration of Clanwilliam Municipality and Erickson congregation’s participated in their Centennial Parade on July 7th. On Sunday the 8th the Male Chorus led a congregation of 180 people in worship at Erickson. The ELCW hosted visitors and members of the community for a noon meal. The celebration week concluded with a large service of approximately 800 people with a theme of Thanksgiving with all the churches participating. The Lutheran Church Women held both their Manitoba Spring Convention and their Westman Workshop at Erickson. The proposed Erickson Lutheran Parish Budget for 1985 was $30,832.00.
February 21, 1985 saw the first joint Lenten Service with St. Jude‘s Parish and Onanole United Church. As well Pastor Carlyle Johnson left as a married person (Laureen) and as a parent (Sarah). Pastor Greg Kjos accepted our call and arrived with his wife (Kris) and child (Philip) soon followed by another son (Paul in January of 1986). The first Directory was created for the Erickson Lutheran Parish in 1986. As well because of the change of name of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, there was a need to draft a new constitution and bylaws. The renovations to the north end of the church were completed with the installation of the ramp, the building of the upstairs washroom and finally the renovation to the music and alter guild room. The ELCW hosted the WestMan Conference ELW convention
1987 saw the council drop from 12 members to 9. The annual report saw reports from the Music, Worship, Altar Guild, Spiritual Renewal, Education, PRAISE (a newly formed Junior High Luther League with Colin Lougheed – President, Bridget Lee – Vice President, Angela Lee – Secretary and Lanny McInnes as Treasurer) and the ELW. The proposed budget Parish Budget for 1988 was $30,209.00.
In 1988 Pastor Greg Kjos left and Pastor Bergman answered the call along with Sylvia and Kristy. He was installed on November 13, 1988. This year also saw the first supper catered by the men of the congregation as well as a Breakfast meeting. 1989 saw the birth of Pastor Bergman’s daughter Katie Lynne. The ELCW again hosted the Westman Evangelical Lutheran Women’s Convention in April. They also conducted a Yard Sale and had a table of Ethnic Baking at the Fun Fair in order to raise money towards the construction of the Erickson District Health Centre.
In his 1990 report, Pastor Bergman indicated that the ‘..the 1990‘s are a decade fraught with challenges for North American Lutheranism in general and for Erickson Lutheran Parish in particular. The church is growing older and smaller. This is particularly so in rural areas…Immanuel is worshipping with Clanwilliam United on a six month trial basis. Erickson has been approached by Onanole United for pastoral supply…. These new working relationships with different denominations are more and more frequent in rural areas.” A dessert Planning Party was held in November to determine how God was leading the congregation in the 90s in the areas of Worship, Education and Fellowship/service. The ELCW, with the help of Russell Johnson, gained a new kitchen island with 2 sinks and workspace in the kitchen. Over 100 quilts were made and the Mitten Tree was laden with mittens, toques and scarves and cookies for the elderly, lonely and shut-ins were distributed. The Mixed Choir came into being.
As of January 1, 1991, a new working relationship began between Erickson (67%), Immanuel (8%) and United Onanole Church (25%) – as an ecumenical ministry. While not a formal federated parish, the Erickson Lutheran Parish supplied pastoral services to all three congregations. The Immanuel congregation also began working with the Clanwilliam United Church in alternating churches for worship. As Pastor Bergman remarked in his 1991 annual report (about the upcoming 25th anniversary of Erickson in 1993): “Have we Swedes and Norwegians been together that long, already? And now we’re no longer an ethnic Scandinavian congregation, but a community church with a real ministry to all people! “ 1991 was also the year of celebrations. July 21, 1991 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Scandinavia. The theme was “Faith of our Fathers” and saw an old-fashioned sing-a-long on Friday, a trip to the “Old Log Manse” (formerly the parsonage for Bethlehem Congregation), and a Sunday service followed by a picnic at the Scandinavia Cemetery. The youth group Praise had 14 members, the ELW had another busy year and the Male Chorus continued to sing at services, community events and the Spring Concert. The church saw new entrance doors. Immanuel ‘s ELW continued strong and though small in numbers “…we feel that we are richly blessed in being able to carry on and the fellowship one with the other” (Margaret Oman, President ELW).
As well 1991 was the year of the “statistical adjustment” which saw Erickson’s membership of 232 confirmed in 1990 drop to 134 confirmed while Immanuel’s 1990 membership of 37 confirmed dropped to 36 confirmed. 53 members of Erickson congregation were “lost” (moved away, lost touch with or could not be located) and 150 were college students, young unsettled adults and in activities. A suggestion was made for the mailboxes as a way for better communication. The first newsletter “Together” made its appearance beginning the tradition of a monthly newsletter. Up to 1991, the Annual Reports contained information as to the number of confirmed membership. However, due to reporting changes in the Parochial Reports figures were reported as number Baptized and the number Confirmed. So in 1992 there were 131 baptised and 107 confirmed. These figures do not give accurate membership numbers as most, if not all of the confirmed would have been baptized.
In 1992, the new Allen organ came to the Erickson congregation along with a Xerox copier, the piano, an Advent Candleholder, Christ Candle, a kitchen phone and numerous repairs on the church and parsonage. The Scandinavia Perpetual Care Fund was set up and this was the year Immanuel and Bethel celebrated their 85th anniversaries. As well the Council and Committee Handbook was introduced formally setting out the functions and duties of the council and committee members. Our relationship with Kiddie College began in 1992 with their using our facilities for the running of their pre-school.
Pastor Bergman accepted another call with his last service held May 30, 1993. Pastor Lanny Knutson and his wife LeAnn answered our call and he was installed on October 3, 1993. Erickson Lutheran Church celebrated its 25th anniversary on October 10, 1993. The Erickson Lutheran Parish continued its working relationship between Erickson, Onanole and Immanuel congregations.
In 1994 Sunday School changed its time from 11:00 to 10:00 a.m. Attendance became more consistent and the children and staff now had the opportunity to attend service. The negative impact was that some parents collected their children from Sunday school but did not attend the service. The musical tradition was still strong with the Children’s Choir, Mixed Choir and the Male Chorus with all three choirs performing together at the Community Carol Night. The issue of communion was reviewed in regards to the children as the official policy of the ELCIC (formerly the ELCC) was that Holy Communion is open to all who are baptized. Council agreed to leave it at the discretion of the Pastor. 1994 was also the year that the Immanuel congregation and its board, Bernice McArthur, Leona Kucher, Isabella Proven and Bea Fink, made the painful decision to call a close to a long history of their congregation which dissolution was to take place in 1995. As well, in 1994 the Scandinavia property was sold and the money put into the Scandinavia Perpetual Care Fund and a policy set for the allocation of burial plots. This was the year that Sarah, Claudia and Lois circles of the ELW began to give annual report at the annual meetings.
Regretfully, in 1995 Immanuel closed its church in Clanwilliam and their members transferred to the Erickson Lutheran Church. This church had been beloved for more than 87 years. A closing ceremony was held on July 2, 1995 at Immanuel followed by a dinner at the Clanwilliam Community Hall. On Sunday July 9, 1995 a welcoming service at Erickson was held for the Immanuel members who joined our church: Barry, Sara, Stephanie & Douglas Cook, Kenneth, Bradley, Nicole, & Brenda Cook, Ronald , Ryan & Tyler Cook, Russell & Ann Cook, Donald & Irene Cook, Donald & Irene Dagg, Herbert Hanson, Lennard & Janice Holm, Carl Johnson, Florence Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Daniel Johnson, and Harry & Margaret Oman. At the end of 1995, our membership was 180 baptized and 141 confirmed. 1995 saw the passing of Dorland Burkett and Pastor Lanny Knutson coined the term “being Dorland” in tribute to his quiet thoughtful ways. 1995 saw the change to the 10:00 a.m. service time in the summer.
As well, the Onanole United Church voted to close their building on September 3, 1995. On September 10, 1995 the relationship with the Erickson Lutheran Church and the United Onanole Church was solidified as a full working and worshipping ecumenical community of faith. A Shared Ministry Agreement was entered into for two congregations of two different denominational traditions to live, learn, work, worship together with one location. The 4th Sunday of each month was designated the United Church Sunday planned by the members of the Onanole congregation with United Church Holy Communion to be held approximately 4 times a year. It was agreed that the two congregations would also participate together in Erickson’s existing Sunday school, choir, women’s groups and other activities.
The Erickson congregation started 1996 with a membership list of 138. There had been some changes made to the services to make everyone more comfortable and Morning Prayer was replaced with the Service of Word and Prayer. The Onanole congregation was able to meet their financial obligations to the Parish and the Erickson congregation was only $3,000.00 short of breaking even.
In 1986, the Erickson congregation had a balance of $4,971.54, in 1976 the balance was $17,385.47 and in 1968 the balance was $278.51. The 1969 proposed budget for Erickson congregation was $13,034.00, for 1979 it was $27,265.00; 1989 increased to $51,790.00; and for 1997 it was $59,350.00. The majority of 1997 proposed budget was for the Parish Allocation costs for salary, travel, car allowance, pulpit supply, health plans and housing allowances. The elevator lift was installed in 1997 and the Onanole United church building is destroyed by fire. We began a missionary relationship with Pastor Katharine Bergbasch in Peru. A new photo church directory was being worked on.
Concerns were being addressed by Pastor Knutson in his 1998 Annual Report in that “doing church” (76 worship services, 10 weddings, 8 funerals, 118 choir rehearsals, 44 Sunday school sessions, 3 days of Vacation Bible School (VBS), 36 ELW gathering, 9 council and 32 committee meeting, 35 confirmation classes, 4 confirmations and 3 baptisms) was the easy part. The harder part is “being the Church” …which means to have faith, love, care, concern; to be supportive of one another in sickness and sorrow and in other needs. It means growing in grace, faith and love of God and sharing that grace, faith and love with one another… our common faith engenders, encourages, enlightens, strengthens and energizes the personal faith of each other…How can we share the faith we have in Christ and do so in constructive and meaningful ways that encourage the same in others?” He further pointed out that in the past, Sunday mornings were reserved for worship but the reality is now organizers of hockey practise and games, curling bonspiels, snowmobile rallies and the like simply assume that Sunday morning is available to them. Sunday Shopping now sees many working and shopping on that day. He and four other members of the Erickson congregation attended two events in Winnipeg, namely: Great Expectations and Living Witness and brought back ideas and suggestions as how to take up the challenge of being the church in our time and place.
Another pictorial directory came out in 1998 on the 30th anniversary of the Erickson congregation. Kyle Lougheed, Chris Dimmery, Chrystal Shellborn and Meigan Oakley from PRAISE, the youth group, attended On the Rock Youth, a youth gathering in Halifax, NS. This trip was supported by fundraising throughout the church by a car wash, the annual Sing’N Sup, a pancake breakfast, a chocolate bar sale and many other events. The PRAISE youth group helped out every month with a church service by selecting hymns, ushering, reading the lessons and other duties. The ELCW was now 4 circles, Claudia Naomi, Lois & Sarah and that year (despite all their other activities), they sent to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief 140 quilts, 40 kits, 102 layettes and to the Lampwick Stores in Thompson, they sent 135 pairs of mitt and 54 boxes of new and used clothes.
It was noted in the Annual Report that in 1999 that the Congregations picnic was rain free and there was potluck and games enough for all. The ELCW funded the new flooring in the basement and the Naomi circle painted and enhanced the bathrooms. Sunday school attendance increased to 24 and the ELCW’s Nursery Roll had 11 children on it. Roy Nystrom passed away and showed his commitment to the Erickson congregation by leaving a substantial bequest from his Estate. The final amount was received in 1999 along with the bequest under the John Williams Estate who originally belonged to the Immanuel Lutheran church
The Onanole congregation began discussions over whether to stay a church or join the Erickson congregation. Fundraising was required to pay off the $2,020.00 costs incurred to clean up the United church site as a result of the blaze that destroyed their church. This fundraising was greatly assisted by the $1,400.00 raised in memory of Flo Scott. The year 2000 saw another deficit for the Erickson congregation. The congregation experienced a new worship experience on October 18, St. Luke’s Day, when a Service of Word and Healing was held. Pastor Knutson pointed out in his Annual Report that the average age of the congregation was increasing while the attendance was decreasing. In 20 years this core group will be in their 70s and 80s and there will be few people in the rural community to take their place. A Deacons’ Visitation Committee was set up to finds ways to help and support members of the congregation and the community as they face the demands of life. He also pointed out that as most of the budget goes towards the support of a pastor that there would be a need to increase the skills of lay members so that can lead worship, preach, teach and visit.
There were only 15 children in Sunday School and Erickson congregation participated in the Erickson Homecoming by providing a Breakfast and a Kids and Youth Supper, both in the Rec Centre. The Bethlehem Church’s log manse was moved onto the Centennial grounds for the Heritage Committee to restore it. However, the restoration costs were prohibitive and eventually the project did not go ahead and the log manse was torn down.
In 2001 the United Church congregation transferred the circle lot of their property to the RM of Park for $1.00 on condition that same be maintained as the Ralph Frith Memorial Park. They also agreed to sell the remaining two lots. The distribution of communion to the homebound began. The musical tradition continues with the Ladies Choir, Mixed Choir and Male Chorus along with the Trio and Quartet. Viola Burkett continued as the music director with herself, Valerie Wickdahl and Marlenne Beatty playing the organ and piano. The Baptismal Font was updated to accommodate the new Baptismal Bowl and it was becoming clear that mould was becoming an issue for the parsonage and investigations into the problem began. The Praise youth group were looking forward to raising funds to the Youth Gathering of 2002. Another estate bequest came from the Estate of Einer Willard Oman to the Erickson congregation.
By 2002 the demands on the Parish’s minister were increasing with the addition of visits and services in hospitals and nursing and assisted living homes in Sandy Lake, Erickson, Minnedosa and Brandon. The idea of having an intern at the church was brought up. There were 11 children on the Cradle Roll but attendance at Sunday school continues to be sporadic and the Vacation Bible School was only attended by 14 children. Another bequest was received from the Estate of Lloyd Holmberg in 2002 with the final monies being paid to the Erickson congregation in 2004. There are now three special funds set up namely: Music Fund, Memorial Fund and the Scandinavia Cemetery Fund.
Remedial work on the parsonage began in 2003 and Pastor Knutson and his family moved to a cottage at Ditch Lake. The plans for an intern fell through just before the program was to start. A painting called “The Wedding” was donated by Vera Johnson which was given “In memory of those who were the salt of the earth for their through the Grace of Grace”. A memory wall was created for the picture. The Sunday school attendance was extremely poor and it was decided that it should run just every second Sunday. However the attendance was sporadic and it was decided to try 3–all day Saturday Bible Schools – Easter, Thanksgiving and Advent. These were generally well attended so it was decided to try 4 Bible Schools by adding a Summer bible School.
2003 saw another pictorial directory put out. “Caring Friends” was set up to reach out to the inactive members of the congregation. The men of the congregation served the ladies a meal at their annual ELCW meeting. The ELCW also hosted the Westman ELW Spring Conference. The United Church congregation again had discussions of disbanding. They also determined that any monies from the remaining two lots on which their church had stood could be placed into a trust account, but the congregation would only have use of the earned interest.
In 2004 Pastor Knutson provided his long promised paper on Holy Communion entitled How often is “as often”. In his paper he noted that the traditional Lutheran Holy Communion has people kneel at the altar and receive bread & wine and are dismissed as a group while the United Holy Communion has the bread & wined passed through the pews and the congregation eats and drinks at the same time. He also reviewed all the arguments for having communion once a month versus 2 or more times a month.
Regretfully Pastor Knutson gave his last service on April 30th and moved onto a new call. He left the congregation with 168 baptized members and 121 confirmed members.
The United Church congregation hosted the Assiniboine Presbyterian Conference on April 21, 2004 at Erickson Lutheran Church with 63 delegates attending. Howard Burnie was the interim pastor until our call was answered by Mark Tiefenbach in July of 2004.
In 2005 the congregation began thinking about putting a sign on the North side of Erickson. Faithlife approaches the congregation to start a Chapter with them in addition to offer a Preauthorized Offering Program (POP) as an alternative method of giving to the church. One of the incentives was the matching grants being offered. After researching into the costs of setting up the same program with the RBC and other institutions, it was eventually decided to go with FaithLife. A new Shared Ministry Agreement was entered into between the Erickson and Onanole congregations. This agreement is substantially the same except the Sunday offerings would now go directly to the Erickson congregations budget unless monies were designate for special missions or services of the United Church. The United Church lots were sold and the monies put into trust.
A map of the Scandinavia Cemetery was created and can be found in the Municipal Office. The church moved from an analog copier to a digital copier. Yoga Ball and fitness classes were happening in the basement and there was a Loonie Sunday to help support the youth ministry. However Pastor Tiefenbach pointed out that while the majority of the congregation was 60 plus, a third of the baptized membership was under 20 years of age. The PRAISE youth report gave no annual report. The ELCW continued their good works but are now down to 3 Circles – Claudia, Lois/Sarah and Naomi.
The ELCW hosted the 2006 spring Westman ELW conference. They also took advantage of the partnership with FaithLife to raise $1,370.00 for the Chamanculo Project, a suburb of Moputo, Africa. They also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) by hosting a Meal in a Refugee Camp with donations going to the CLWR. Another celebration held by the ELCW was their 20th anniversary in ELCIC and after the Praise Offering Service there was a congregational luncheon and birthday cake.
In 2007 the Erickson congregation received monies from the Elsie Hall Estate to be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the church. An Elsie Hall Fund was created for that purpose. Some of these monies were used to replace windows in the Office, Narthex, Board Room and the upstairs washroom. The replaced stained class windows were recycled and cover two basement windows. It was noted in the annual report that the Interfaith Committee has created ties with the community through the annual Carol Festival, Blue Christmas and the Services during the Week of Prayer. The congregation’s response to the burning of the Minnedosa Church was that the profits from the Annual Sing’n’sert program were given to them along with the matching grant money from FaithLife to help rebuild their music program. As well there was $1,153.33 contribution to their building fund. The running debate over how to deal with the upgrading of the heating system continued. Ken Schmidt from the MNO Synod gave a presentation. Again, it was pointed out by the President of Council, Earl Wickdahl, in his annual report that the congregation will have to make some serious decisions as to whether it can afford to remain as a “stand-alone” congregation.
2008 was a year of change. The ELCW began holding Friday Morning Coffee meetings to raise money for a computer with matching grants from FaithLife. This gathering is now known as the Red and White Cafe. Electric furnaces were installed in the church in the hopes that they would address the heating issues. We joined the internet world and had our own email address.
A meeting was held with Bishop Elaine Sauer on May 13, 2009 to discuss the future of the church. At a meeting of the congregation in June of 2009 it was pointed out that the 1999 income was $61,918.00 but in 2007 it was $72,730.00. The average attendance in 1999 was 74 while it was 55 in 2007. This means that the approximate income-per-member in 1999 was $837.00 and the approximate income-per-member in 2007 was $1,322.00 Expenses on the other hand were $67,979.00 in 1999 and $86,725.00 in 2007. This means that the approximate expenses-per-member was $919.0 while they were approximately $1,577.00. While income per member is increasing, the expenses per member is increasing at a faster rate than income. The decision was made to form a Parish with another church.
The congregation entered a Parish Agreement with Christ Lutheran Church of Waldersee on August 10, 2008 which agreement would be effective January 1, 2009. The Erickson/Waldersee Lutheran Parish Agreement called for each congregation receiving pastoral support every Sunday service and costs would be shared 50/50. There would be three members from each church on the Parish Committee. Waldersee would provide grant money for the improvement of the sound equipment. The Onanole United congregation was in agreement. The outcome of this Agreement was that no longer would the Erickson Church be paying the salary of the Pastor — the Parish Council would be. The MNO Synod advised that this meant that Pastor Tiefenbach’s call had to be terminated by the congregation and he had to enter the call roster. The Parish Council did not call Pastor Tiefenbach. As well there was a conversation of about having an associate membership category for the United membership wherein so long as they were active in the Erickson church they would have a vote at the meetings.
2009 saw the Onanole United membership down to 22. The Clanwilliam Immanuel Church property was given to Erickson in 1995 and there was now a need to deal with the land as costs were being incurred from the Municipality for the upkeep of the vacant land. The updating of the constitution began. A letter was sent out to some Bethel and Immanuel members whose membership had not been transferred welcoming them to join the congregation. In the absence of a Pastor, services were provide by Bishop Donald Sjoberg, Dr. Delmar Gusdal, Pastor Elgin Hall, Father Larry Winslow and Lay Leader Dolores Hall.
In 2010, Deacon Hilde Vickers accepted the Parish’s call as a 2/3 deacon. Her husband, Jim Vickers, becomes an intern at Erickson. Sunday School was going again but only had an average of 6 children. There were 33 children at the summer Vacation Bible School. Our church’s website was created. A part-time office administrator was hired and a motion was passed that “…all people who worship, commune and contribute to Erickson Lutheran Church be allowed full participation at congregational meetings of the church.”
For the ELCW, the national body of the ELW dissolves due to lack of new membership and finances. The ELWC now becomes known as the Erickson Lutheran Women (ELW) and will continue to meet for bible studies, fellowship and service oriented activities. The Lois/Sarah and Claudia Circles became the Rebecca Circle and there is now only the Rebecca and Naomi Circles. The ELW hosted the fall Westman women for an all day event.
2011 saw the creation of a Mutual Ministry Committee. A big screen TV, laptop and video camera find a home with the congregation. Pastor Larry Ulrich held a Visioning Workshop to help the congregation deal with the declining membership and how to turn that trend around. Office renovations were done and Pastor Jim Vickers answers our call in June of 2011. The annual Clear Lake Service was held at the bandstand.
The church receives new carpets in 2012 and the confirmation class has 3 students. The Men’s Breakfast on Thursdays at the Southquill becomes established. There are only 52 members in good standing. The Erickson/Onanole Ecumenical Shared Ministry indicated that it was planning outreach in the Onanole area. Part of this would be looking at having evening services. The Onanole United membership wondered if a community service could be held in Onanole in September as a joint outreach mission in the area.
On June 24, 2012 the Erickson Lutheran Church (ELC) passed the following:
ELC agrees that sexual orientation (regardless of relationship status) is not in itself a factor that disqualifies a candidate for rostered ministry or our call process; and
ELC adopts a policy that rostered ministers of this congregations may, according to the dictates of their conscience, preside or bless legal marriages according to the laws of Manitoba.
The major change in 2013 is that on November 10th the Onanole United membership met to discuss the future of their congregation and voted on November 10, 2013 to dissolve their congregation. The last service was scheduled for January 26, 2014. As Pastor Jim acknowledged in his annual report “We have joined together in many common ministry endeavours over the years. [since 1995]. We hope that the members of the Onanole United church will continue to worship with us and be part of all the ministry we do in the community…Our doors are still open to all who are in love with Jesus and seek to follow his way, no matter what their denominational background.”
2014 saw the last confirmands of the congregation confirmed on October 24, 2014, namely: Trinity Nylen, Katlyn Merrick and Krya Merrick. Our relationship with the Chamber Music Festival began this year. The congregation hosted the Westman Conference of the ELCIC on October 25, 2014. We received a $3,000.00 grant from the MNO Synod to create a livestreaming system with our sister churches in the Westman area. The issue of Immanuel’s vacant lot in Clanwilliam arose again when it was discovered that the land had not been transferred to Erickson Lutheran Church. There is no longer any formal Sunday school but it is available should children attend the service. Our relationship continues with FaithLife who again have provided grants totaling $1,500.00 to the ELW’s Red & White Cafe, Pancake Supper and Yard sale fundraisers.
In 2015 the Bell Tower was redone and there was new concrete and landscaping done to the front of the church. Thanks to the guidance of Venton Beatty and the many bequests, large and small, that have been made to our congregation over the last few years, the Erickson congregation investments are doing well.
The proposed budget for 2016 is $80,000.00 with half being allocated to the Parish for ministerial costs. The ELW had another busy but fun year hosting the fall gathering of the Westman conference, their Christmas dinner attended by 66 women, (again hosted by the men of the congregation), their fundraisers, Red and White Cafe, Pancake Supper, and bakes sale in June and December. Relief to CLWR was in the form of 232 quilts, 55 blankets, 223 Layettes, 125 dresses, 40 Pneumonia vest, 2 lap robes along with $1,500.00 for safe water in Ethiopia and $1,200.00 for Syrian Refugees. They forwarded $1850.00 to the Set Free Movement, $2,000.00 to LAMP, Kiddie Kollege $250.00, Service to Seniors $250.00, Erickson Personal Care Home $500.00, Charlie Rock Thunder family after their fire $150.00, Lutheran Seminary $200.00 and to the congregation itself, $2,000.00. There is no doubting the incredible ability of the women of this congregation.
2016 still finds Cliff Nichols dealing with the issue of the Clanwilliam property. The Waldersee congregation has indicated that they may, because of financing constrictions, need to reduce services to 3 per month. On October 2, 2016 the Erickson congregation agrees to help support the South Mountain Refugee Sponsorship Committee and, along with the Minnedosa United Church, to work with The Mennonite Refugee Committee to sponsor a refugee family. The congregation has agreed to allow the use of the Parsonage to the family for 6 months. Sunday school is still “on a need basis” while the Vacation Bible School in the summer continues to be a success. Deacon Hilde begins the training of lay members to take communion to shut-ins. It is noted that donations are down and the Mutual Ministry attributes it to members leaving the community, dying and/or decreasing the amount of their giving due to retirement from employment.
In 2017 the realities of the financial concerns of Waldersee came true and notice was given in 2017 that they would no longer participate in the Parish as of June 30, 2018. With the aging population and no new families staying or coming into their area, the number of people attending was declining. Because of the economic situation in the rural areas and of the much larger farms and no other visible means of making a living, young people leave after high school.
2017 was also the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his Theses. The motto for this celebration was Liberated by God’s Grace: Creation Not for Sale, People not for Sale, Salvation Not for Sale” characterized the celebration of the Reformation. The Erickson congregation continued to participate in the path of reformation by their participation in the Southquill health Area Food Bank, the South Mountain Refugee Sponsorship Committee, the ELW continue their support of the CLWR, our monthly contributions to the MNO Synod Benevolence Fund which are used to continue this work, and our congregation’s participation and support to many other community organizations and events throughout the year.
2017 was also Canada’s 150th birthday and we participated in the Canada 150 parade. As well we provided a worship service in the Park in August and were involved in the Live Christmas in downtown Erickson in November. There were various events and services that were participated in such as Prayer for Christian Unity, World Day of Prayer, and the Waldersee Midwinter Musical evening. The church also increased in accessibility by removing a front pew. Finding no resolution to the vacant Immanuel Church land in Clanwilliam, the property was sold via tax sale in September of 2017. A 50th Anniversary Working Committee was set up for the 2018 celebration and the work began.
Erickson Lutheran Church 