Norway Township was platted on April 3, 1870 and Mr. J. G. McCathron was appointed the first Postmaster with the post office in his dugout home, a mile north of the present site of Norway Village. He was also first Justice of the Peace, and later named the Norway Village and Norway Township in honor of the ten Norwegian families who were its first settlers. Mr. McCathron kept the mail and Postal supplies in the bottom dresser drawer.
The second Postmaster was Ole Tiller whose homestead was a mile and a quarter southwest of Norway. Being a cabinet maker he built a cabinet for his mail and postal supplies. He received his commission in 1876. One of his daughter's, Inge Carlgren's, most cherished keepsakes is her fathers' postmaster's commission.
T. A. Nelson was the next Postmaster and he was first in the village of Norway which was platted in 1879. Gust Nelson had donated the land for the village and had given T. A. Nelson lot number one and helped him erect a store building where Loren's Hardware and Electric Store now stands. Thus the Post Office came to Norway Village to stay. Jim Beamis had eighty acres of land a quarter of a mile east of Norway. He traded this to T. A. Nelson for his store and Post Office and became the fourth Postmaster. Frank Dickerhoof moved to Norway from his homestead in the fall of 1883. He was appointed Postmaster and served from May 9, 1887 until July 31, 1898. In 1890 he purchased the Nelson-McGowen store building and moved the post Office into his store on Lot number one on the west side of the street.
The office being in his store, it was quite easy to get one's mail, since the place was open long hours every day. He had a $200.00 stamp credit and always kept that amount on hand. Also, he had fifty-seven call mail boxes for which he received ten cts. per box every three months. During the summer months when work days were many hours long, he was often called out of bed at midnight or later to get some one's mail, who was perhaps just getting home from a threshing job of other work, and they often stopped for a chat too, or perhaps for some groceries.
Next came Wm Beatty with the Post Office in his general merchandise store on the east side of the street from 1890 to 1903.
From 1903 until 1913 Owen Brewer was Postmaster with the Post Office in his general merchandise store also on the east side of the street.
Owen Brewer erected a small building on the west side for Ben Bartlett for a store and Post Office. Mr. Bartlett became Postmaster in 1913 and served in that capacity until his death in January of 1922. Mrs. Hattie Bartlett, his widow, was appointed in July of 1922. She had been her husband's clerk and served until Jan. 31, 1940, when she was retired because of age and length of service. She was the first Norway Postmaster to be retired under the new civil service law and receive an annuity. She was seventy-nine years old and had served a total of 27 years in the Norway Post Office.
Madge B. Dickerhoof was appointed on February 1, 1940 an was retired on Jan. 31, 1955 because of age and length of service.
Belva brewer was appointed on February 1, 1955 and is presently serving.
From 1870 until 1880 the mail was brought to the Norway Post Office from Junction City to Ft. Sibley and by way of buckboard over the Fort Riley-Fort Kearney trail. That trail runs through the pasture on the farm of the late J. A. Brewer south of Norway. After the railroad was in operation mail was brought by train until the mail-car was discontinued. Then by private carrier for a while. Later the Rural carrier from Scandia picked up and delivered mail every morning except Sundays and holidays. Emmit Consilman is the rural carrier. This service still continues. Since 1940 the Star carrier from Belleville picks up and delivers mail every afternoon, six days a week and on Sundays and holiday mornings. Ora Bell is the Star Carrier. In 1884 seventy-eight percent of Norway Township families received their mail at the Norway Post Office.
When the Civil War veterans first began receiving their pension checks they came in registered mail and had to be delivered to them regardless of distance.
Monday, December 20, 2010
HISTORY OF OUR SAVIOR'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION
This Congregation, like most in our church, had a humble beginning consisting of just a few Scandinavians who gathered together for Services in individual homes and neighboring school houses.
This was kept up for a year or two, but then, after a Service conducted by Pastor N. C. Brun, at the C. J. Stromgren home, on Aug, 4, 1872, at the request of Pastor N. E. Anderson, it was decided that the Scandinavians around here, Norway, should organize into a Congregation.
A short temporary constitution was drawn up and accepted. According to that constitution, the first name given to this Congregation was: Our Savior's Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
The signers of that constitution were: Rasmus Lehn, Ole Hugos, Oly Ingebregston, Lars Tiller, Gust Nelson, Severt Lehn, Amund Larsen, Andri Larson, O. Peterson, Martin Hammerstad, Soren Sorenson, A. E. Ostberg, P. Hammer, N. Garberg, C. J. Stromgren, R. Rimol, John Hugos and P. Peterson.
At the annual meeting in 1873 the following officers were elected: R. Lehn, Pres,; R. Rimol, Sec.; G. Nelson, Trustee; and Deacons were Soren Sorenson and John Hugos. During these days a real pioneering, Pastor Jens Highland served this little flock.
In 1881 Pastor H. C. Roernes was called to succeed Pastor Highland. A parsonage was built for him by the congregation, in the fall of 1881, on a piece of land donated by Gust Nelson. In 1888 this parsonage was sold to Pastor Roernes for $425.00 and it is now a part of the Joseph Melhus home.
At the Annual Meeting Jan. 7, 1888, the congregation decided to build a church, on a log, again donated by Gust Nelson. This was built that spring, by popular subscription among its members and friends. Assistance was given by the Ladies Aid.
The size of the church was 24 by 40 and height of spire 60 feet. The Building committee consisted of: C. O. Hugos, Ole Tiller and H. Nelson. That church was dedicated Sunday, Feb. 26, 1893. And this was followed by a Mission Meeting that lasted two days.
The congregation worshiped in that church forty-four years. The ten shepherds who faithfully served that Congregation during these years were: Jens Highland, H.C. Roernes, T.O. Tosseland, H. H. Holm, T. M. Bakke, C. L. Rachie, O. R. Svore, R. H. Wareberg, C. H. Hjortholm and T. O. Torgeson.
This church had no basement but during Pastor Bakke's pastorate a kitchen annex was built to the church. Here the Ladies' Aid held their bazaars and church suppers. In 1893 a church bell costing $85.00 was hoisted in the steeple. Mrs. Amund Larson, the Aid Pres., was instrumental in soliciting the funds.
Charlie Hugos was the first choir director and was very faithful for many years.
The last services in the first church were conducted on Easter Sunday in 1934.
On Jan. 6c 1934, under the leadership of Pastor T. O. Torgeson, the Congregation decided to build a new church. That building committee: Pastor Torgeson, P. P. Hammer, E. A. Eastvedt, E. A. Carlgren, J. K. Melhus, and A. N. Hedstrom, was formed. The architect engaged was H. E. Linebaugh of St. Joseph, Mo., and J. A. Peterson of Brantford, Kansas was the contractor. The church was erected at a cost of $8,500.00. Much of the labor was contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
On Nov. 11, 1934, at 10 o'clock A. M. the corner Stone was laid and immediately following, the Consecration Service was held. Dr. N. A. Larson, the District Pres., preached the Dedicatory Sermon.
The congregation has now worshiped in this present church 18 years under the guidance of these four Pastors: T. O. Torgeson, V. O. Aaker, O. L. N. Wigdahl, and H. Severin Bly.
Sunday, July 12, 1942 was a Red Letter Day, for on that day, Norman L. Hammer, the first and only son of the Congregation to enter the Ministry, was ordained. He is now, Aug. 3, 1952, serving a Congregation in North Hollywood, Calif. 1961 in Hawaii.
On June 7, 1944, Evelyn, a daughter of the congregation married Pastor A. B. Heltne and is thus serving the joys and problems of a minister's home and parish.
In 1946 a gas burner was installed in our church furnace now automatic heat is enjoyed.
In 1949 the church yard was landscaped and during the past three years many improvements have been made, both in the parsonage and in the church basement. The kitchen has been remodeled, with new equipment. New floors have been laid in the basement and ceiling and walls have been redecorated. Considerable repairs have been made upstairs in the church proper.
The Sunday school was organized Nov. 22, 1891. Mr. Osul Thompson was elected Supt., Mr. O. Tiller, Sec., Mr. C. O. Hugos, Treas. First teachers were Mr. Osul Thompson, Mr. P. G. Peterson and Mr. Joe Hugos.
Presently, Aug. 4, 1952, officers are Mr. Chas. Carlgren, Supt., Mrs. Harold Smith, Asst. Supt., Mr. Glenn Stensaas, Sec.-Treas., and Miss Jan Dutton, Pianist. Teachers: Harry Buer, Ivan Carlgren, Milton Stensaas, Eddie Buer, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Porter Hammer, Mrs. Iver Hammer, Jan Dutton and Mrs. Joe Carlgren.
Lutheran Ladies' Aid---organized in 1873 by Pastor Jens Highland. The charter members were: Mrs. Peder Hammer, Mrs. Martin Hammerstad, Mrs. Ole Hugos, Mrs. Amund Larson, Mrs. Rasmus Lehn, Mrs. Severt Lehn, Mrs. Rasmus Rimol, Mrs. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mrs. Ole Tiller.
Mrs. Amund
Lutheran Brotherhood.-----was organized Feb. 8, 1955, with 14 members. The first officers were, president-Walter Darlington, vice-president-Joseph Melhus, secretary-Cecil Dickerhoof, treasurer-Loren Hedstrom. They meet once a month.
1961--All men in the congregation are members of the Brotherhood. Officers are: Pres.-Loren Carlgren: Vice-Pres., Porter Hammer; Sec., Cecil Dickerhoof; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Ladies' Aid in 1961 has 48 members. 1952 to 1961. Officers are: President, Mary Stensaas; Vice-President, Vivian Hammer; Secretary, Mabel Hammer; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Luther League.----Was organized early, then disbanded and reorganized about 1953. Officers in 1951: Robert Carlgren-Pres.; Elaine Carlgren-Sec.; Gary Hammer-Treas. The League has eleven members. Sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Dickerhoof.
The Ladies' Aid is now the A. L. C. W. (1961). The letters stand for "American Lutheran Church Women" and has the same duties as the former Ladies' Aid.
Rev. Knutson is pastor.
This was kept up for a year or two, but then, after a Service conducted by Pastor N. C. Brun, at the C. J. Stromgren home, on Aug, 4, 1872, at the request of Pastor N. E. Anderson, it was decided that the Scandinavians around here, Norway, should organize into a Congregation.
A short temporary constitution was drawn up and accepted. According to that constitution, the first name given to this Congregation was: Our Savior's Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
The signers of that constitution were: Rasmus Lehn, Ole Hugos, Oly Ingebregston, Lars Tiller, Gust Nelson, Severt Lehn, Amund Larsen, Andri Larson, O. Peterson, Martin Hammerstad, Soren Sorenson, A. E. Ostberg, P. Hammer, N. Garberg, C. J. Stromgren, R. Rimol, John Hugos and P. Peterson.
At the annual meeting in 1873 the following officers were elected: R. Lehn, Pres,; R. Rimol, Sec.; G. Nelson, Trustee; and Deacons were Soren Sorenson and John Hugos. During these days a real pioneering, Pastor Jens Highland served this little flock.
In 1881 Pastor H. C. Roernes was called to succeed Pastor Highland. A parsonage was built for him by the congregation, in the fall of 1881, on a piece of land donated by Gust Nelson. In 1888 this parsonage was sold to Pastor Roernes for $425.00 and it is now a part of the Joseph Melhus home.
At the Annual Meeting Jan. 7, 1888, the congregation decided to build a church, on a log, again donated by Gust Nelson. This was built that spring, by popular subscription among its members and friends. Assistance was given by the Ladies Aid.
The size of the church was 24 by 40 and height of spire 60 feet. The Building committee consisted of: C. O. Hugos, Ole Tiller and H. Nelson. That church was dedicated Sunday, Feb. 26, 1893. And this was followed by a Mission Meeting that lasted two days.
The congregation worshiped in that church forty-four years. The ten shepherds who faithfully served that Congregation during these years were: Jens Highland, H.C. Roernes, T.O. Tosseland, H. H. Holm, T. M. Bakke, C. L. Rachie, O. R. Svore, R. H. Wareberg, C. H. Hjortholm and T. O. Torgeson.
This church had no basement but during Pastor Bakke's pastorate a kitchen annex was built to the church. Here the Ladies' Aid held their bazaars and church suppers. In 1893 a church bell costing $85.00 was hoisted in the steeple. Mrs. Amund Larson, the Aid Pres., was instrumental in soliciting the funds.
Charlie Hugos was the first choir director and was very faithful for many years.
The last services in the first church were conducted on Easter Sunday in 1934.
On Jan. 6c 1934, under the leadership of Pastor T. O. Torgeson, the Congregation decided to build a new church. That building committee: Pastor Torgeson, P. P. Hammer, E. A. Eastvedt, E. A. Carlgren, J. K. Melhus, and A. N. Hedstrom, was formed. The architect engaged was H. E. Linebaugh of St. Joseph, Mo., and J. A. Peterson of Brantford, Kansas was the contractor. The church was erected at a cost of $8,500.00. Much of the labor was contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
On Nov. 11, 1934, at 10 o'clock A. M. the corner Stone was laid and immediately following, the Consecration Service was held. Dr. N. A. Larson, the District Pres., preached the Dedicatory Sermon.
The congregation has now worshiped in this present church 18 years under the guidance of these four Pastors: T. O. Torgeson, V. O. Aaker, O. L. N. Wigdahl, and H. Severin Bly.
Sunday, July 12, 1942 was a Red Letter Day, for on that day, Norman L. Hammer, the first and only son of the Congregation to enter the Ministry, was ordained. He is now, Aug. 3, 1952, serving a Congregation in North Hollywood, Calif. 1961 in Hawaii.
On June 7, 1944, Evelyn, a daughter of the congregation married Pastor A. B. Heltne and is thus serving the joys and problems of a minister's home and parish.
In 1946 a gas burner was installed in our church furnace now automatic heat is enjoyed.
In 1949 the church yard was landscaped and during the past three years many improvements have been made, both in the parsonage and in the church basement. The kitchen has been remodeled, with new equipment. New floors have been laid in the basement and ceiling and walls have been redecorated. Considerable repairs have been made upstairs in the church proper.
The Sunday school was organized Nov. 22, 1891. Mr. Osul Thompson was elected Supt., Mr. O. Tiller, Sec., Mr. C. O. Hugos, Treas. First teachers were Mr. Osul Thompson, Mr. P. G. Peterson and Mr. Joe Hugos.
Presently, Aug. 4, 1952, officers are Mr. Chas. Carlgren, Supt., Mrs. Harold Smith, Asst. Supt., Mr. Glenn Stensaas, Sec.-Treas., and Miss Jan Dutton, Pianist. Teachers: Harry Buer, Ivan Carlgren, Milton Stensaas, Eddie Buer, Mrs. John Graham, Mrs. Porter Hammer, Mrs. Iver Hammer, Jan Dutton and Mrs. Joe Carlgren.
Lutheran Ladies' Aid---organized in 1873 by Pastor Jens Highland. The charter members were: Mrs. Peder Hammer, Mrs. Martin Hammerstad, Mrs. Ole Hugos, Mrs. Amund Larson, Mrs. Rasmus Lehn, Mrs. Severt Lehn, Mrs. Rasmus Rimol, Mrs. Brynjulf Stensaas, and Mrs. Ole Tiller.
Mrs. Amund
Lutheran Brotherhood.-----was organized Feb. 8, 1955, with 14 members. The first officers were, president-Walter Darlington, vice-president-Joseph Melhus, secretary-Cecil Dickerhoof, treasurer-Loren Hedstrom. They meet once a month.
1961--All men in the congregation are members of the Brotherhood. Officers are: Pres.-Loren Carlgren: Vice-Pres., Porter Hammer; Sec., Cecil Dickerhoof; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Ladies' Aid in 1961 has 48 members. 1952 to 1961. Officers are: President, Mary Stensaas; Vice-President, Vivian Hammer; Secretary, Mabel Hammer; Treasurer, Ivan Carlgren.
The Luther League.----Was organized early, then disbanded and reorganized about 1953. Officers in 1951: Robert Carlgren-Pres.; Elaine Carlgren-Sec.; Gary Hammer-Treas. The League has eleven members. Sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Dickerhoof.
The Ladies' Aid is now the A. L. C. W. (1961). The letters stand for "American Lutheran Church Women" and has the same duties as the former Ladies' Aid.
Rev. Knutson is pastor.
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
The Highland Baptist church was started by a group of pioneers who came from New Croydon, in Jay County Indiana in June 1871. Their first meeting was held in the William Kelly home in the section west in Norway Township, across the highway from where the church now stands. Meetings were held in homes until Highland School was built. Later they met in "48" schoolhouse until the church was built and dedicated in 1904 on a lot of ground donated by George Cowle. On November 26th in 1961 this church celebrated its 90th anniversary. An all-day meeting with a fellowship dinner, a program of music, talks and a history of the church marked this outstanding occasion.
EARLY RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT FAIRVIEW
Rev. Nelse Nelson came to Sibley in 1868. He rode horseback and ministered to all the early settlers. He came every Sunday to the dugouts and sodhouses.
During the eighties and early nineties services and Sunday school were held in Fairview schoolhouse diagonally across from Valley Cemetery. Rev. Edd Bruner came from Concordia every Sunday. Mrs. Ella Peck Rockhold taught Fairview for several years and with the help of a few others organized a Sunday school. Mrs. Rockhold, Mrs. Henry Norris, Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof were teachers and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof was choir leader. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof later were charter members of the Community E. U. B. Church in Norway.
During the eighties and early nineties services and Sunday school were held in Fairview schoolhouse diagonally across from Valley Cemetery. Rev. Edd Bruner came from Concordia every Sunday. Mrs. Ella Peck Rockhold taught Fairview for several years and with the help of a few others organized a Sunday school. Mrs. Rockhold, Mrs. Henry Norris, Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof were teachers and Mrs. Owen Dickerhoof was choir leader. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Norris and Mrs. Frank Dickerhoof later were charter members of the Community E. U. B. Church in Norway.
HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY EUB CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
Rev. E. E. Gale of Scandia, Kan., organized a class at Norway, Kans, on Oct. 26, 1913, with 23 charter members. They were adopted into the Scandia Work and by the action of the quarterly Conferences, which met at Scandia, Kan., Oct. 27, 1913, became a part of the Scandia Charge.
Rev. B. F. Henry came on the work in 1916. He took up the matter of church building and carried the plans out there until a beautiful brick building was erected in 1917 at a cost of $10,000.
In the year 1919 the conference was held in Topeka, Kans. A young man, R. L. Cortner was sent to the Scandia work. In the month of December a revival was held by Evangelist Chas. Roach, of Ohio. This was very successful. There were conversions and a number became members of the church.
The last quarterly meeting of the year 1920, with Rev. M. Roby Supt. presiding. (he died in 1938.) Mr. G. W. Wright was elected delegate to the Annual Conference with P. T. Gile as the alternate. The Conference of 1920, which met at Salina sent Rev. R. C. Conn to this pastorate. A salary and parsonage was voted to him for the year. The work of this past year was very satisfactory and the return of the pastor was requested. There were additions to the churches. There were two revivals--the pastor and his wife conducting the Scandia meeting and the pastor doing his own evangelistic work at Norway with help of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Vineroff singing evangelists. The meeting closed with a Community gathering at the church on Sunday with Mrs. Vineroff preaching in the morning. A basket dinner and Mr. Vineroff's life story in the afternoon to a packed church. Rev. and Mrs. Conn with the delegate R. J. Mahaffey and Conference Superintendent Rev. M. Roby left the next morning for the Conference. The Conference Station read the report and Rev. Conn returned for another year. This had been a successful year and the church debt had been reduced.
At the 1922 Conference W. S. Baker came to this charge which he filled for one year. Then there was no pastor until 1928 when Rev. Herrick came to Norway. Through his efforts eleven members came into the church.
At the 1929 Conference Rev. V. G. McGill came to take up the work. He brought several of the young people into the church. He came back after the 1930 Conference and then the next year took a charge at Edmond, Kan.
For the next several years Norway was without a Pastor. It was decided to keep up the Sunday School and decrease the church debt as much as possible. With help of the Ladies' Aid the church debt was steadily decreased.
Supt. Jones decided to send Rev. Conn back to the field. Rev. and Mrs. Conn arrived in Scandia Oct. 8, 1935 and remained through 1935 and '36. The parsonage was repaired and cleaned and gas was installed. In May 1936 Mrs. Conn passed away.
On Sept. 26, 1937 the church debt was paid in full and a small amount of money was left in the treasury. Rev. and Mrs. Walker were assigned to Norway in 1940 with the pastor agreeing that the pastor should reside in Norway.
In Sept. the Rundus Brothers conducted a revival. In 1941 a junior Sunday School was organized. In 1943 Rev. and Mrs. Walker went to New Mexico and he became Supt. of an orphanage and School.
From official Church Record, copied by Rev. Ronald Williams, Pastor. Rec'd. -- July 18, 1961. (No later history available.)
This Brief History of the Norway Community Church in 1908 was taken from the "Norway News", a paper printed in Norway from 1910 until 1920 by a Mr. Lewis.
"In the summer of 1908, a number of families of the Norway community felt they needed a place where they could study the Bible and also desired to have their children in Sunday School. Among these families were the families of A. D. Norris, Bert Ainsworth, Figgins, Halls, Crossons, Blossers. The effected a small organization which held its sessions in the school house. The enrollment of the Sunday School then organized was about twenty-five or thirty. Bert Ainsworth was elected superintendent and Mrs. Blosser assistant. They held their sessions for some time in the school house, then moved over the hardware store owned by G. W. Wright. Following Ainsworth, Mr. Norris was elected superintendent. After serving for a time he was followed by Mr. Gile who is superintendent at the present time (1908).
In the spring of 1916, the Sunday School and Church services were moved to the township hall. This Sunday school has grown till at present it has twelve officers and teachers and over a hundred scholars enrolled. In October 1913, this church organization had a membership of about thirty members. It has grown until the membership is eighty-nine. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1914. It has been growing and has done much to make the present building possible. It was they that saved the first money with which to erect a place of worship. Mrs. Blosser has been president from the beginning.
The Christian Endeavor Society took form in 1914 and reached its largest membership in the fall of 1915. In the fall of 1916 an Otterbein Guild was organized and a study of the missions of the church was taken up by the girls and young women of the church. Miss Vivian Blosser was made president."
Official Record copied from Community Church Record as corrected September 3, 1922, by R. C. Conn, Pastor, Norway, Kansas.
Received from Rev. Ronald Williams, July 18, 1961.
Rev. B. F. Henry came on the work in 1916. He took up the matter of church building and carried the plans out there until a beautiful brick building was erected in 1917 at a cost of $10,000.
In the year 1919 the conference was held in Topeka, Kans. A young man, R. L. Cortner was sent to the Scandia work. In the month of December a revival was held by Evangelist Chas. Roach, of Ohio. This was very successful. There were conversions and a number became members of the church.
The last quarterly meeting of the year 1920, with Rev. M. Roby Supt. presiding. (he died in 1938.) Mr. G. W. Wright was elected delegate to the Annual Conference with P. T. Gile as the alternate. The Conference of 1920, which met at Salina sent Rev. R. C. Conn to this pastorate. A salary and parsonage was voted to him for the year. The work of this past year was very satisfactory and the return of the pastor was requested. There were additions to the churches. There were two revivals--the pastor and his wife conducting the Scandia meeting and the pastor doing his own evangelistic work at Norway with help of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Vineroff singing evangelists. The meeting closed with a Community gathering at the church on Sunday with Mrs. Vineroff preaching in the morning. A basket dinner and Mr. Vineroff's life story in the afternoon to a packed church. Rev. and Mrs. Conn with the delegate R. J. Mahaffey and Conference Superintendent Rev. M. Roby left the next morning for the Conference. The Conference Station read the report and Rev. Conn returned for another year. This had been a successful year and the church debt had been reduced.
At the 1922 Conference W. S. Baker came to this charge which he filled for one year. Then there was no pastor until 1928 when Rev. Herrick came to Norway. Through his efforts eleven members came into the church.
At the 1929 Conference Rev. V. G. McGill came to take up the work. He brought several of the young people into the church. He came back after the 1930 Conference and then the next year took a charge at Edmond, Kan.
For the next several years Norway was without a Pastor. It was decided to keep up the Sunday School and decrease the church debt as much as possible. With help of the Ladies' Aid the church debt was steadily decreased.
Supt. Jones decided to send Rev. Conn back to the field. Rev. and Mrs. Conn arrived in Scandia Oct. 8, 1935 and remained through 1935 and '36. The parsonage was repaired and cleaned and gas was installed. In May 1936 Mrs. Conn passed away.
On Sept. 26, 1937 the church debt was paid in full and a small amount of money was left in the treasury. Rev. and Mrs. Walker were assigned to Norway in 1940 with the pastor agreeing that the pastor should reside in Norway.
In Sept. the Rundus Brothers conducted a revival. In 1941 a junior Sunday School was organized. In 1943 Rev. and Mrs. Walker went to New Mexico and he became Supt. of an orphanage and School.
From official Church Record, copied by Rev. Ronald Williams, Pastor. Rec'd. -- July 18, 1961. (No later history available.)
This Brief History of the Norway Community Church in 1908 was taken from the "Norway News", a paper printed in Norway from 1910 until 1920 by a Mr. Lewis.
"In the summer of 1908, a number of families of the Norway community felt they needed a place where they could study the Bible and also desired to have their children in Sunday School. Among these families were the families of A. D. Norris, Bert Ainsworth, Figgins, Halls, Crossons, Blossers. The effected a small organization which held its sessions in the school house. The enrollment of the Sunday School then organized was about twenty-five or thirty. Bert Ainsworth was elected superintendent and Mrs. Blosser assistant. They held their sessions for some time in the school house, then moved over the hardware store owned by G. W. Wright. Following Ainsworth, Mr. Norris was elected superintendent. After serving for a time he was followed by Mr. Gile who is superintendent at the present time (1908).
In the spring of 1916, the Sunday School and Church services were moved to the township hall. This Sunday school has grown till at present it has twelve officers and teachers and over a hundred scholars enrolled. In October 1913, this church organization had a membership of about thirty members. It has grown until the membership is eighty-nine. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1914. It has been growing and has done much to make the present building possible. It was they that saved the first money with which to erect a place of worship. Mrs. Blosser has been president from the beginning.
The Christian Endeavor Society took form in 1914 and reached its largest membership in the fall of 1915. In the fall of 1916 an Otterbein Guild was organized and a study of the missions of the church was taken up by the girls and young women of the church. Miss Vivian Blosser was made president."
Sent by Nadine Blosser Whitebread
DEDICATION OF THE NEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
From the "Norway News"
Beckman of Scandia. Bishop Kephart of Kansas City then read a portion of the Scriptures from Paul's Second Letter in the Corinthians, 11th chapter beginning at the 16th verse. This was followed by prayer by Rev. Roby, District Superintendent. after the announcements by Rev. Henry, the choir sang "I am Glad." There followed the sermon by Bishop Kephart from Paul 1:8 which was certainly an inspiration to higher and better things to all who were fortunate enough to hear him. He lingered more on the 16th verse which reads "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." He ended by reading the 84th Psalm which was very suitable for dedication.
He gave the figures of the cost of the church which was $9,673.51 which included the cost of the lots $600 which were given by Q. Blosser. Of this sum, $5,380.11 is left to be paid.
After dinner in the church basement, the afternoon service was well attended by people from the surrounding community and from other towns. Music and short talks by ministers were a part of the program. Bishop Kephart gave a talk on community work. The program closed with the singing of "America" and benediction.
Sent by Nadine Blosser Whitebread
THE CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE
COMMUNITY E. U. B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
COMMUNITY E. U. B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
1. Ainsworth, Bert 23. Medlin, Mrs. F. E.
2. Ainsworth, Eva 24. LaHew, Eiha
3. Ainsworth, Dale 25. Hawse, Minni
4. Ainsworth, Lela 26. Hawse, M. H.
5. Gile, Perry T. 27. Figgins, Lulu
6. Gile, Gertrude 28. Figgins, Marie
7. Norris, A. D. 29. Figgins, Francis
8. Norris, Mrs. A. D. 30. Figgins, Mrs. Carrie
9. Norris, Ruby 31. Figgins, Peter
10. Norris, Graydon 32. Zerbe, Florence
11. Blosser, Quincy 33. Decker, W. A.
12. Blosser, Mrs. Betty 34. Decker, Mrs. L. E.
13. Blosser, Vivian 35. Decker, C. M.
14. Blosser, Nadine 36. Decker, Sadie
15. Blosser, Martin 37. Decker, Marina
16. Lewis, W. A. 38. Addams, J. A.
17. Lewis, Mrs. W. A. 39. Addams, Lillie M.
18. Wright, George W. 40. Wilson, William
19. Wright, Mrs. George W. 41. Wilson, Mrs. William
20. Dickerhoof, Mrs. J. F. 42. Bartlett, Ben
21. Hanson, Theodore 43. Bartlett, Mrs. Ben
22. Medlin, B. B.
Official Record copied from Community Church Record as corrected September 3, 1922, by R. C. Conn, Pastor, Norway, Kansas.
Received from Rev. Ronald Williams, July 18, 1961.
PASTORS SERVING COMMUNITY E.U.B. CHURCH, NORWAY, KANSAS
1913-1916 - E. E. Gale 1936-1937 - R. C. Con
1916-1919 - B. F. Henry 1937-1940 - Miss Fogleburg
and Miss Keyes
1919-1920 - R. C. Cortner 1940-1943 - H. L. Walker
1920-1922 - R. C. Conn 1943-1947 -
1922-1923 - W. S. Baker 1947-1951 - D. W. Smith
1923-1928 - No Pastor 1951-1952 - Lowell Herrick
1928-1929 - D. V. Herrick 1952-1956 - Glenn Claycamp
1929-1931 - V. Glenn McGill 1956-1960 - F. E. Wendland
1931-1936 - 1960- - R. J. Williams
From Official Record
Monday, December 13, 2010
PIONEER DOCTORS
The Pioneer Doctor in Norway Township was Dr. W. S. Scott. He was born in Westfield, Indiana, 1836. When a young man he enlisted in the Union Army and received medical training during his first tour of duty. He was wounded in battle and invalided home. When recovered he again enlisted, this time in a different division where he received more medical training during his second tour of duty. After the war he came west to Blue Rapids in Kansas to establish a home some place in this new country. The following tribute was written by his grandson, Warren Scott, Probate Judge in Belleville:
"The tall, gaunt bearded man, in his early thirties eased himself into the clear waters of the Republican River. His rifle and boots were strapped to his pack, which he balanced on his shoulder as he grasped his wading stick in his downstream hand. The time was September 20, 1870, and the location was one mile west of the townsite of Norway, Kansas.
The man was Winfield Scott, M. D. of Westfield, Indiana, coming west on foot from Blue Rapids, Kansas to stake his claim. He had walked seventy-five miles in the past two days and the cold water felt good on his bare feet.
Across the river he saw the Rogers family digging a dugout on the hill. He purchased some bacon and cornmeal from them and inquired if the Northwest quarter of Section 20-4-4 was claimed. They said not, so he proceeded to stake the claim and started to Junction City on foot, to file, since that was the nearest land office.
He had traveled a scarce half mile when he jumped and elk from a thicket in a ravine, but the old 50 calibre Sharps Rifle was not up to what was needed for accuracy and the fresh meat did not find its way to the Rogers' supper table, for he had hoped to repay their friendliness.
Winfield Scott returned in March 1871 with covered wagon and located on his claim. He was the only physician and surgeon for miles and had to travel horseback to his patients.
When the river was high, he carried a pistol and if someone had borrowed his boat and crossed in it, leaving him stranded, he would fire the pistol twice which was a signal to the family in the dugout on the hill one-half mile away and one of his sons ran post haste to the river and met him with the boat.
He had a large black stallion that he rode, making calls on the sick as far as Lovewell, Kansas, dozing in the saddle on all night rides as "Old Bill" always knew the way home."
Dr. Scott knew all the hardships of a pioneer doctor, riding along trails to visit the sick, crossing rivers and creeks, -only part of the time having a boat, -in floods, winds, zero weather adn hot weather the only physician in many, many miles, he earned the gratitude, love and respect only the early settlers give to one to whom they owe so much.
Dr. Scott was married to Christena Smith in Indiana and his two daughters, Alfarata Moore deceased in 1958 aged 91 years, and Lennie Dunlap now 93 years old were born in Indiana. His sons were born in Norway Township, Alex and Logan, now deceased and George who died when a small child and LaRoy of Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Scott died in 1916 and Mrs. Scott in 1904. Dr. Scott in his 46 years in Kansas saw many changes. From the horse and wagon and buggy to the automobile, from the hand sickle to the raper and thresher and from the dugout to the comfortable modern home; and section lines and bridges instead of fords and railroads, besides many changes in medicine. Dr. Alex Scot, Jr., a grandson, is a doctor practicing in Junction City, Kansas.
Dr. Anna Rimol, and Osteopath Physician, now retired at the age of 85, practiced in Norway for 41 years. She is the daughter of the late Rasmus Rimol, Norway Township's first permanent settler, and his wife Kjerati Lehn. She was born in her father's homestead a little over a mile southeast of Norway, and attended Fairview school two miles south of her home. Her first teacher was Mr. Osman. She graduated from the eighth grade there, then attended Emporia Normal School for one year, then Bethany College at Lindsborg for 5 years, graduating there in 1905 with an A. B. Degree. Following that she taught school in Republic County for 3 years. After working three years in Owen Brewer's general merchandise store and Post Office in Norway she enrolled in the Kirksville, Mo. Osteopathic School, graduating there in 1915 with a D. O. degree.
Dr. Rimol practiced in Macon, Mo. for one year, then came to Norway and has practiced here since that time. She began with a horse and buggy for a while, then purchased a used Ford run-about. Her first baby delivered was Rev. Warberg's tiny, less than five pounds, daughter. She knows all about the stormy nights the mud and the snow and the ice and the cold and the all-night vigils beside a dying patient and of the fervent wish that she might do something more. Dr. Rimol has been a member of the National Osteopathic Association for 45 years, attending National Associations in the United States and Canada. She is now an Honorary Life member of that Organization. She has a huge store of memories of a pioneer childhood and of a busy and useful professional life. She retired in 1960. She owns part of her father's homestead 1869, where her parents spent all of their married life. Her mother died at the age of 63 and her father at the age of 69.
Dr. J. C. Sherrard of Norway, was a country doctor. He spent 54 years with us, coming here when he finished Medical School in 1905. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1958, at the age of 81 years and a few days. He was born in Republic, Nov. 19, 1878. After finishing grade and high school, he attended Emporia Normal School and was a rural school teacher in Union Valley School in Republic County. Soon after that he began the study of medicine and received his medical degree from the Kansas University, medical school. He was married to Katheryn Fay Cuthbertson in 1902 and two children were born to them, a son, James, who passed on in early infancy and a daughter, Irene, now Mrs. Harry Ferguson of Belleville. Like all early doctors, he had his share of the hardships of that time, beginning with a horse, or horse and buggy.
Dr. Sherrard saw many changes during his life, and many advancements in the field of medicine. His tastes and demands were small but he used his life in the service of the community. One of the highlights of Dr. Sherrard's life came in 1955 when he was honored for his 50 years of service to the community. He received his 50 year pin from the Scandia Masonic Lodge and from the Elk Lodge in Concordia. More than 500 came to honor him that day. The Anniversary observance included a basket dinner at noon and a program in the afternoon, held in the United Brethren Church. Roy Scott, of Manhattan, was the Chairman. The Doctor's first and last babies, his one pair of twins and many other babies delivered by him, came to honor him that day. Mrs. Alfa Moore, nearly 90 years old, the daughter of our Norway pioneer doctor of 1870 presented him with a cash gift from the Community. Dr. John Sherrard graduated in 1905. Dr. Milton Sherrard and Dr. Grover Sherrard in 1906 and Dr. John Sherrard's grandson, Harry Ferguson, Jr., in 1961--all four from the Kansas University Medical School in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. John has two great grandsons, Dr. Harry's children. Dr. Harry is now practicing in the Kansas City General Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ferguson, Sr. live in Belleville.
"The tall, gaunt bearded man, in his early thirties eased himself into the clear waters of the Republican River. His rifle and boots were strapped to his pack, which he balanced on his shoulder as he grasped his wading stick in his downstream hand. The time was September 20, 1870, and the location was one mile west of the townsite of Norway, Kansas.
The man was Winfield Scott, M. D. of Westfield, Indiana, coming west on foot from Blue Rapids, Kansas to stake his claim. He had walked seventy-five miles in the past two days and the cold water felt good on his bare feet.
Across the river he saw the Rogers family digging a dugout on the hill. He purchased some bacon and cornmeal from them and inquired if the Northwest quarter of Section 20-4-4 was claimed. They said not, so he proceeded to stake the claim and started to Junction City on foot, to file, since that was the nearest land office.
He had traveled a scarce half mile when he jumped and elk from a thicket in a ravine, but the old 50 calibre Sharps Rifle was not up to what was needed for accuracy and the fresh meat did not find its way to the Rogers' supper table, for he had hoped to repay their friendliness.
Winfield Scott returned in March 1871 with covered wagon and located on his claim. He was the only physician and surgeon for miles and had to travel horseback to his patients.
When the river was high, he carried a pistol and if someone had borrowed his boat and crossed in it, leaving him stranded, he would fire the pistol twice which was a signal to the family in the dugout on the hill one-half mile away and one of his sons ran post haste to the river and met him with the boat.
He had a large black stallion that he rode, making calls on the sick as far as Lovewell, Kansas, dozing in the saddle on all night rides as "Old Bill" always knew the way home."
Dr. Scott knew all the hardships of a pioneer doctor, riding along trails to visit the sick, crossing rivers and creeks, -only part of the time having a boat, -in floods, winds, zero weather adn hot weather the only physician in many, many miles, he earned the gratitude, love and respect only the early settlers give to one to whom they owe so much.
Dr. Scott was married to Christena Smith in Indiana and his two daughters, Alfarata Moore deceased in 1958 aged 91 years, and Lennie Dunlap now 93 years old were born in Indiana. His sons were born in Norway Township, Alex and Logan, now deceased and George who died when a small child and LaRoy of Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Scott died in 1916 and Mrs. Scott in 1904. Dr. Scott in his 46 years in Kansas saw many changes. From the horse and wagon and buggy to the automobile, from the hand sickle to the raper and thresher and from the dugout to the comfortable modern home; and section lines and bridges instead of fords and railroads, besides many changes in medicine. Dr. Alex Scot, Jr., a grandson, is a doctor practicing in Junction City, Kansas.
Dr. Anna Rimol, and Osteopath Physician, now retired at the age of 85, practiced in Norway for 41 years. She is the daughter of the late Rasmus Rimol, Norway Township's first permanent settler, and his wife Kjerati Lehn. She was born in her father's homestead a little over a mile southeast of Norway, and attended Fairview school two miles south of her home. Her first teacher was Mr. Osman. She graduated from the eighth grade there, then attended Emporia Normal School for one year, then Bethany College at Lindsborg for 5 years, graduating there in 1905 with an A. B. Degree. Following that she taught school in Republic County for 3 years. After working three years in Owen Brewer's general merchandise store and Post Office in Norway she enrolled in the Kirksville, Mo. Osteopathic School, graduating there in 1915 with a D. O. degree.
Dr. Rimol practiced in Macon, Mo. for one year, then came to Norway and has practiced here since that time. She began with a horse and buggy for a while, then purchased a used Ford run-about. Her first baby delivered was Rev. Warberg's tiny, less than five pounds, daughter. She knows all about the stormy nights the mud and the snow and the ice and the cold and the all-night vigils beside a dying patient and of the fervent wish that she might do something more. Dr. Rimol has been a member of the National Osteopathic Association for 45 years, attending National Associations in the United States and Canada. She is now an Honorary Life member of that Organization. She has a huge store of memories of a pioneer childhood and of a busy and useful professional life. She retired in 1960. She owns part of her father's homestead 1869, where her parents spent all of their married life. Her mother died at the age of 63 and her father at the age of 69.
Dr. J. C. Sherrard of Norway, was a country doctor. He spent 54 years with us, coming here when he finished Medical School in 1905. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1958, at the age of 81 years and a few days. He was born in Republic, Nov. 19, 1878. After finishing grade and high school, he attended Emporia Normal School and was a rural school teacher in Union Valley School in Republic County. Soon after that he began the study of medicine and received his medical degree from the Kansas University, medical school. He was married to Katheryn Fay Cuthbertson in 1902 and two children were born to them, a son, James, who passed on in early infancy and a daughter, Irene, now Mrs. Harry Ferguson of Belleville. Like all early doctors, he had his share of the hardships of that time, beginning with a horse, or horse and buggy.
Dr. Sherrard saw many changes during his life, and many advancements in the field of medicine. His tastes and demands were small but he used his life in the service of the community. One of the highlights of Dr. Sherrard's life came in 1955 when he was honored for his 50 years of service to the community. He received his 50 year pin from the Scandia Masonic Lodge and from the Elk Lodge in Concordia. More than 500 came to honor him that day. The Anniversary observance included a basket dinner at noon and a program in the afternoon, held in the United Brethren Church. Roy Scott, of Manhattan, was the Chairman. The Doctor's first and last babies, his one pair of twins and many other babies delivered by him, came to honor him that day. Mrs. Alfa Moore, nearly 90 years old, the daughter of our Norway pioneer doctor of 1870 presented him with a cash gift from the Community. Dr. John Sherrard graduated in 1905. Dr. Milton Sherrard and Dr. Grover Sherrard in 1906 and Dr. John Sherrard's grandson, Harry Ferguson, Jr., in 1961--all four from the Kansas University Medical School in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. John has two great grandsons, Dr. Harry's children. Dr. Harry is now practicing in the Kansas City General Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ferguson, Sr. live in Belleville.
Will Carleton's "The Country Doctor" (A tribute to the Country Doctor)
There's a Gathering in the village, that has never been outdone
Since the soldiers took their muskets, to the War of '61,
And a lot of lumber wagons near the church upon the hill,
And a crowd of country people, Sunday dressed and very still,,,,,,,,
Maybe half the congregation, now of great or little worth
Found this Watcher waiting for them, when they came upon the earth;
This undecorated soldier, of a hard, unequal strife,
Fought in many stubborn battles with the foes that sought their life,
In the night time or the day time, he would rally brave and well,
Though the summer lark was singing, or the frozen cycles fell
'Twas the brave old virtuous doctor,
'Twas the good old family doctor,
'Twas the faithful country doctor--
Fighting battles all the same,
'Twas the faithful country doctor who would praise his Maker's name.
God has called him---his busy life is done,
He has seen old views and friends disappearing one by one;
He has learned that God is Master both of science and of art,
The strong old country doctor,
The kind old country doctor,
He has given lie his all, with a loyal and steadfast heart!
Dr. Reitzel was a pharmacist and had a drug store upstairs in a building on Lot 10 on the east side of the street which is the lot between the Dickerhoof's and the late Dr. Sherrard's residence.
Monday, December 6, 2010
NORWAY BANDS
Norway's first band was composed of nine of its earliest settlers--Joseph Melhus, Adolph Larson, Charles Hugos, Frank Dickerhoof (1852-1942), Peter Hammer, E. Vollen, John Hugos, Iver Tiller, and Gust Nelson. (Frank Dickerhoof was the snare drummer. When he was a boy of eleven and twelve, he played the drum and sometimes the fife for the militia drilling in the village street during Civil War Days in Illinois.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)