A CHURCH HISTORY OF
EVANGELICAL COVENANT, SILVERHILL
1902 - 1914



1902

         On the 20th of November, 1902 a group of ten people met at the Land Company Office (the present Library Building) for the purpose of organizing a Mission Church. This building had been used for a Church, Sunday School, Public School and other public meetings, thanks to Mr. Oscar Johnson, Founder of Silverhill and President of the Svea Land Company from Chicago. At this meeting the following officers were elected: President, Brother J. N. Jacobson; Secretary, Peter Thorsen; Deacon, N. G. Monson; Trustees, J. A. Isaakson (1 year term), Otto Anderson (2 year term), P. A. Swenson (3 year term); Mr. Isaakson was appointed Treasurer; Brother Jacobson was called to be Pastor. Other people present were Mrs. Monson and daughter Signee, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Jacobson, Mrs. Swenson and Peter Larson. It was decided to take up a collection on the day of Communion to defray expenses. (Communion was Nattvarden). Since these were Swedish people everthing was conducted in the Swedish language.

         On December 1, 1902 it was voted that this be a permanent organization and to be called "Svenska Evangeliska Missions Forsamling" (Swedish Evagelistic Mission Congregation) of Silverhill, Alabama organized November 20, 1902. It's purpose was to work for God and God's people, and win more souls for His Kingdom. All members must be true believers in Christ and to show this by their daily living. It was to be self-supporting and to unite with any denomination as decided by its membership. The Pastor or Reader (Lasare) was to preach the true word of God from both the Old and New Testament, to give cheer to the sorrowing, to give advice, and to admonish the backsliders to return to the House of God.

         At the next meeting the ladies organized a "Syforening" - (Sewing Society) to hold auction sales to help support the Church.


1903


         In January of 1903 two lots were given to the Congregation by the Silverhill Land Company for the building of a Church (Missions Hus). New members Mr. and Mrs. Charley Overberg, Mrs. Hannah Anderson, daughter Helga Amelia and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Anderson. Brothers Stefanson and Monson were to meet with the trustees to draw up plans for the building. The lots were cleared and a building 50 feet by 30 feet was begun. (This became the auditorium floor space of the original church). On April 6, 1903 it was decided to start a Sunday School among the children of the Colony. Mr. N. G. Monson was elected Sunday School Superintendent. There was a discussion about building a steeple (torn) or a veranda over the front door but it was tabled since there was no money in the treasury. Monson's plans called for $75.00 for veranda, $125.00 for steeple. Mr. Isaakson was made kyrkovaktare (janitor) for $1.00 per month. Much joy came to the hearts of the Congregation with "Julotta" (early Christmas Morning Services "Matin Services") and a Sunday School Christmas Fest (program) in their own Church. A collection was taken the preceding Sunday for the Fest.

         After this first year there was much gratitude and praise to God for His many blessings, protection, and guidance. A Choir was started to "sing praises to God, and to bring cheer to hearts of all the souls present." Brother Jacobson was overly happy in the response of everyone at the meetings. There was a growth in membership with more people coming south into the colony. The year 1903 had been a wonderful year.


1904


         New members in 1904 were Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Forsman, Mr. Charley Gustafson, Mr. and Mrs. John Oslund, Miss Hilma Lindblad (later Mrs. Charley Gustafson), Mr. Edmund Anderson. Brother Jacobson was now called "Pastor" Jacobson. He was the leader of the flock. He was to receive the collection once a month, since he has a farm for his support, but it is meager, and he has a wife and several children.

         Secretary Edward Anderson agreed to build the steeple, in all it would cost $182.00. Painting of the entire church $18.32. Finances are low, but the Sewing Society helped with a money contribution. Peter Larson and Mr. O. P. Forsman are the new trustees. Mr. Thorsen left the colony (which is now a little town).

         The first Sunday School picnic was to be held in June (Swedish Midsummer) 1904, on "Silverhill Kullen" (The Hill - now Oscar Johnson Memorial Park) or at "Fisk Strom" (Fish River). The whole town was invited. Lemonade and five gallons of "Home Made Ice Cream" were served, cranked on the spot, Mr. Monson was in charge. A collection was taken for the church.

         Five dozen cups, plates and glasses were later bought, also a clock for the church. Kerosene lamps had been bought, and put up. Now a meeting was to be held at night, once a month, to be of special interest to the young people. Communion was held for the first time in September, 1904.

         (Since this was a time of walking to church or driving the horse and wagon, or maybe a buggy; and using hitching posts, wood stoves for heat and oil lamps for light). It was decided to board up around the foundation of the church to keep out wild animals and cats and dogs.

         Children were given candy at Sunday School Christmas Fest bought at Peoples Supply Company which was built in 1902. Two big hanging lamps were bought, also reflector lamps for the walls. Two rooms were to be built below the steeple, one on either side of the entrance, one was to be a kitchen and the other for janitor's equipment.

         Mr. and Mrs. Charley Gustafson became very active in the church. She became the first organist (nice tramp organ). A present was given for her faithfulness. There was much praise to God for His blessings in both the spiritual and physical growth. There were now fifty children in Sunday School, many of these were Lutherans but had no church as yet of their own. The Baptists now were an active church. The church was painted and this was paid for by the Sewing Society.


1905


         No new members in 1905. O. P. Forsman new trustee, Charles Gustafson new vice-president.

         A fence was built around the Church to keep out horses, cows, mules, dogs, etc. The Church was painted on the inside.

         Pastor Jacobson was to receive $10.00 a month salary. Collections to be taken every Sunday. It was decided to have a Sunday School picnic on July 4th. It was decided to have a meeting with the Baptists "Uti I det fria" (outdoor meeting on The Hill).

         A Communion Table was built for the front of the church. The Sunday School gave $36.00 to the church, $10.00 of which was sent to Foreign Missions through the Swedish Christian Alliance. Church painted; walls light blue, ceiling white, woodwork below varnished. Bought two 4 or 5 gallon ice cream freezers. The Ladies Sewing Society had Auction Sale and afterwards sold ice cream to bring in money to the Church, Mrs. Andrew Anderson was President and Mr. Monson Auctioneer. (Note: The old Swedish pioneers were so consecrated and so gifted in testimony and writing and expression - their minutes are just like beautiful sermonettes; their writting so clear and beautiful. Usually in the minutes it was written God's Peace, "Gud's Frid" and much thanks to God, "Mycken tacksamhet till Gud" and those were hard years).


1906


         New members Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lof, Peter Forsman, Edmund Johnson, Mrs. Anna Norden (Hotel Norden), Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Anderson, Mrs. Charles Sundberg, Mr. and Mrs. Ullman. Communion was held every other month. Pastor Jacobson's salary was increased to $15.00 a month. Prayer meeting was held with the Baptists on Wednesday nights, interchangingly.

         The Sewing Society had auction in April and it brought in good money. Mrs. (Dr.) Hale of Fairhope, a strong Temperance Worker, asked to give an evening of Declamations and Temerance Readings by different young people. This proved very interesting and informative.

         The storm of September 27, 1906 was severe, and damaged the church and community causing much loss of property and many sad, unhappy people. The Church had to be straightened and repaired. It needed painting on the outside for protection from the weather. At annual meeting: "Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, give thanks to God for His blessings and steadfastness. There have been trials but no loss of life, and we sit here in peace and quiet." Being frightened by the storm some people went back North. Pastor Jacobson was faithful, Mrs. Gustafson continued faithfully as organist and Monson as Sunday School Superintendent.


1907


         New officers: President Charley Gustafson, Vice-president N. J. Monson, Secretary Edward Anderson, Trustee Aaron Anderson, Deacon Monson. Evening meetings were held on the fourth Sunday of month with laymen as leaders. Fifty hymn books were purchased (Sionsharpen). Discussion as to prayer meeting during hot summer months. Repair of stove pipe and clay chimney pipe to make waterproof. (The stove was in the middle of the room with the pipe straight up). A Sunday School Christmas Fest was held as was the traditional "Julotta" Service.


1908


         Since several members had been frightened away by the 1906 storm, the congregation and Sunday School had grown smaller, but the minutes read, "Let us thank God for his help in time of trouble, and ask Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".

         The Monson family had moved to Texas. Thorsen had returned. He was asked to serve as Sunday School Superintendent Pastor Jacobson was ever faithful. There was now $15.85 in the treasury. Fifty more "Sionsharpen" were ordered, the Sunday School to pay for them. Discussion on continuing prayer meeting with the Baptists. We would if they so wished.


1909


         New members, Brother Wilberg and Mr. and Mrs. Nels Benson. Mr. Wilberg was elected Secretary, but since he was not expecting to stay in Silverhill very long, Mr. O. P. Forsman became secretary. It was decided to start Sunday School at 9:45. An Attendance Contest was started with Awards to be given as follows: 1st. Perfect Attendance, 2nd. Absent five Sundays, 3rd. Absent ten Sundays in a year. The Sunday School picnic was held on The Hill (Oscar Johnson Memorial Park) on the Swedish Mid-Summer Day, June 24.


1910


         The new officers elected for the year were: President, Mr. Charley Gustafson; Vice-President, Mr. O. P. Forsman; Secretary, Thorsen; Deacon, Chas. Overberg; Organist, Mrs. Charley Gustafson; Song Directory and Sunday School Superintendent Thorsen. Confirmation Class of 1910.

Front Row: Esther Norden, Pastor Jacobson, Robert Swenson, Elma Forsman, Back Row: Hildur Swenson, Walter Forsman, Louis [Lundberg] Johnson.


1911


         The new members were Mr. and Mrs. John Olson (returned after being frightened away by the storm in 1906), Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wallendorf. The new Deacon was John Olson. It was decided to pay the Organist $10.00 a year. The Pastor's salary was raised to $18.00 a month. Prayer meetings were now held in the homes. There was a withdrawal from combined prayer meetings with the Baptist. Attendance Contest continued in the Sunday School.


1912


         New members received to the Church: Louise Ester Johnson (Mrs. George Lundberg). New officers: President Charley Gustafson, Vice-President O. P. Forsman, Secretary John Olson, Deacon Sam Wilberg, Trustees Peter Forsman, O. P. Forsman, Charles Overberg. Auditors were Benson and Olson. Organist Mrs. Gustafson. Prayer meetings were held at the Church now on Thursday nights. Pastor Jacobson's salary was raised to $20.00 per month.

         The walls of the Church were plastered again and asked Sunday School for money to help on expenses. Pastor Jacobson handed in his resignation after serving the Church for ten years. He said he "felt tired, due to farming, rearing a big family, and age was slipping up, and strength slipping down". He would serve though until a new Pastor was located. A call to Pastor Boganholm. A special service was held with Missionary Andree as guest speaker, it was followed by an Ice Cream Fest.


1913


         (We note here the beginning of a change in the atmosphere of the business session. More stress is on the business and financial status of the Church. The minutes are very lacking in the consecrated dependance on God, and the gratitude for His many blessings as it was in the early hardship years of Pioneer Life. Now the regular opening was a hymn, Scripture and prayer).

         New members: Mrs. C. Ostlund. The organist was now to receive $10.00 a year plus the collection at the Christmas Fest. The Julotta collection was to be a gift to the Pastor and family.

         Prayer week was held with the Baptists. It was decided to paint the interior of the Church and varnish the benches. A new fence was put up around the Church to keep out the cows, horses, mules, dogs and possible wild animals. It would be a 4 foot woven fence. Sunday School Treasury was called on for expenses. Mrs. O. P. Forsman new president of Sewing Society.

         Pator Boganbloom [earlier typed as Boganholm] was not available. A call was sent to Pastor Hugstrom (Chicago) for $15.00 a month with traveling expenses paid, room and board provided. A Christmas gift was presented Pastor Jacobson. He had served the Church very well, with preaching services, prayer services, and worked in co-operation with the Baptist Church. Pastor Jacobson had held three Confirmation Classes. (Some of the members were Elvera and Agnes Johnson [Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Utter] Edith Johnson, Mildred and Esther Johnson, Arthur and David Forsman, Hulda Forsman, Walter and Elma Forsman, Hildur Swenson, Robert Swenson, Blenda Overberg, William and Ted Eckman, Laura and Mabel Wallen, Esther Norden, and Louise Johnson, and possibly many others that memory cannot bring back).


1914


         Rev. Hagstrom accepted call. Letter of Appreciation from Pastor Jacobson was read. Officers for the year were President Gustafson, Vice-President Nels Benson, Secretary John Olson, new Trustees O. P. Forsman, Charles Overberg, Peter Forsman, Deacon, Charles Wallendorf. Sunday School Superintendent Nels Benson ordered twenty-five new songbooks (Swedish) "Jubelklangen" for the Sunday School. Sewing Society held an auction with Mr. Charles Gustafson as Auctioneer.

         It was decided to unite with the National Swedish Mission Conference (Svenska Missions Förbundet) Pastor Hagstrom to announce application at the annual Conference in Chicago.

         Pastor Hagstrom stayed just over the winter months, now it was necessary to call a permanent pastor, if possible, at $30.00 per month. If there was none available, Pastor Hagstrom will return the next winter. An oil stove was purchased for the kitchen of the Church for serving of refreshments.


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Translated and Written by Louise J. Lundberg to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the church.