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Memory, Treasure and Blessing

Annika Plummer, Staff Assistant,
North Dakota Horizons
9/23/2009

In the weeks leading up to September 20, there was a flurry of activity once again at the Skandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sims, reminiscent of about this time last year when First Lady Laura Bush made a special visit to the small country church.

This time, however, the church family was gearing up to celebrate 125 years of worship in Sims. The Sims church was established in 1884 by Skandinavian immigrants who realized the importance of having their own church in the new land.

Sig Peterson, who lived in a small house directly across from the church, wrote this for the church's 100th celebration, "We have been taught to face the future confidently with the idea that we can be of some good use. I think our strength lies in staying close to the essentials of life. We produce food, we teach, we heal.

The town of Sims may have been plowed under, but the people of the Sims Church are meeting today to celebrate the continuing importance of God's teaching for all of us!" That sentiment is certainly echoed today!

The celebration lasted much of the day, and included a church service, meal and program. Both the church service and program featured lots of music! There were performances by the "Sims Creek Fiddlers" (Rodney and Lafe Nelson), "Sims Trio" (Teri Nelson, Sherilyn Johnson and Tracy Larson), Paul and Lowell Larsen, Colleen Siroshton, Nancy Lillis, sisters Lorna Bender and Leona Schaaf, Annika Plummer, Mary Brandt (wife of former pastor) and more. Music has always been a tradition in Sims, and the talent is undeniable.

The meal was catered by church member Tracy Larson and her friend Nancy Doll of Almont. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, salads and more were served to more than 200 attendees. Kudos go out to Tracy and Nancy and their crew for putting on Larsen Brothers a delicious meal for the masses!

The program was relaxed and informal and allowed attendees to share their favorite memories of Sims. Andrew Johnson, son of Grant and Sheri Johnson, read excerpts from the minutes of the Sims Church that were translated from Mary Brandt Norwegian to English by Valborg Fisher. The minutes were very interesting!

The best tidbits from the minutes included: "April 4, 1893, Congregational Meeting: Resolved that the congregation's secretary shall write to the congregation in Taylor and Mandan to find out if they would unite with Sims congregation to call a preacher since Pastor Norby says he is leaving and will move away. Since the clock said 5 o'clock, no one had more to say. Meeting adjourned." and "Equal rights for women was voted on at the Sims annual meeting on Dec. 8, 1920.

Thora Peterson, Sig's mother, was the first woman to hold an office. She was elected congregational treasurer." Any post about the Sims church celebration would be remiss if it didn't include a thank you to the dedicated church members who made the day possible. There are too many to count - but in particular, Joel and Donna Johnson should be applauded for their tireless efforts to making the day a success and for their special efforts and dedication to the renovation of the Sims parsonage.

The Sims church celebrated 125 years of memory, treasure and blessing on Sunday. If you have a favorite memory of a North Dakota church, please post a comment! There are many charming country churches that have also celebrated years of faith and community; we would love to hear of your experiences.