Women of Immanuel
It would take a book to share all of the history of Women of Immanuel: their love for others, their labors, giving and caring and reaching out, fun activities, raising dollars to keep the church updated and functioning, and hosting receptions and fundraisers such as our long tradition of the community Strawberry Social. In addition to our continuing support of local organization and families in need, Women of Immanuel has been dedicated in their support of Lutheran World Relief.
Clarice Solvik, 2018. Edited.
Immanuel Ladies Aid was organized in November 1891 at the log cabin home of Mrs. C. Tollum. Mrs. S. S. Howem was elected as its first president.
The first Fourth of July celebration to be held in this community was in the form of an auction sale by the Ladies Aid on the S. S. Howem homestead, with H. C. Hoff as auctioneer. The proceeds were used to buy lumber for the church pews.
The charter members of this society were: Mrs. S. S. Howem, Mrs. J. Johnson, Mrs. O. Knutson, Mrs. H. Skjelsted, Mrs. C. Tollum, Mrs. Iver Iverson, Mrs. O. Helgesen, Mrs. A. Fjelstad, Mrs. H. C. Hoff, and Mrs. K. Bakkerud.
The Ladies Aid has been a vital factor in the maintaining of a well-rounded church program of mission, benevolent and local support. It has been instrumental in maintaining and equipping the parish hall, parsonage, and church.
At the time of the celebration of the Golden Anniversary (1941), the membership was 28 active members. During the 1947 and 1948 building of our new church, our members gave able assistance to the men working.
[By 1951], membership increased to 74. We have had many speakers from other congregations, and missionaries from Alaska and China to inform us of the difference phases of church work.
New interest in missionary work and specifically the program of our synod’s Women’s Missionary Federation has been created within our Ladies Aid by the adoption of the WMF Constitution and program. Several members have received letters from missionaries in foreign fields, in reply to greetings sent to them.
Fellowship dinners have been sponsored by our Ladies Aid. A lending library has been started. Gifts of clothing have been assembled for over-seas relief. Canning in the fall and Christmas remembrances have been a part of our regular program.
The regular gathering of the women of our church, about the Word of God and in study and activity in the great work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been a constant inspiration. We remember gratefully all our pastors and their wives, without whose help the Ladies Aid could have done very little, and pray that the Lord will be with them, and with us, in the years to come, that we may continue our service of faith.
Written in 1951 for the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the congregation. Edited.