THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

September 5, 1902

 

THE DANISH LUTHERANS

Rev. Jersild Preaches his Farewell Sermon.

Other Notes of Interest About the

Danish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation

Called the Holy Ghost Church, on Mill Street

 

            Sunday morning, Aug.31, a large audience gathered to listen to the farewell sermon of Rev. Thos. N. Jersild, who tendered his resignation as pastor of this church some six weeks ago, to accept a call from Elkhorn, Iowa. The church was filled to its utmost capacity with people, most of whom for a little more than four years, have enjoyed his able sermons.  For an hour Mr. Jersild spoke earnestly about his work here and the help he had received from the good Christian men and women of the church.  He said that from the time he came here to the present he had felt himself more and more attached to the congregation, but he must recognize the call from God to take up the work assigned him at the Elkhorn church and college.

            To give the sermon in full would be impossible for your scribe to attempt, but will say that while Rev. Jersild is not very well known among the American population, having preached in the English language on very few occasions, he is one of the most learned pastors that has ever occupied a Waupaca pulpit.  Has a kind and loving disposition, possessing great ability as an organizer.  While here his congregation has been steadily growing, over one hundred souls having been added to the roll of membership, and through his efforts the church has paid up a mortgage of one thousand dollars, which was incurred by purchase of lots and erecting parsonage.

            Rev. Jersild received his education mainly from the noted Danish professor in theology, Rev. P. Vig, now professors at the United Danish Lutheran seminary and college, Blair, Nebraska.

            The Holy Ghost church congregation regret very much that they have to part with their able and faithful servant of God.

            Rev. Jersild is the fourth pastor since the organization of the church in Waupaca, September, 1871.  Rev. R. Anderson was the first.  After him came Rev. A L. J. Soholm, who served nineteen years, with the following annexes:  Saxeville, Poy Sippi, Union, Big Flatts and Necedah.  Few men ever worked as hard as did Mr. Soholm.  With one horse he would drive those long weary miles in hot or cold weather to preach the gospel and bring hope and good cheer to the few settlers, twenty, forty and sixty miles away without complaining of his hard lot, and with but one single exception kept all appointments.  All this without neglecting the home work among his flock who remember him with respect and love, and when it came about that he must go, every one felt that the ties of affection were bound closer than ever before realized.

            The next pastor was Rev. N. Lang, who rendered service but one year when he received summons from God Almighty to the heavenly home, whence all his soul aimed.

            The Holy Ghost Church has issued a call to the Rev. N. P. Simonsen of Kimballton, Iowa, who has accepted and is expected here about October 1. Mr. Simonsen is very highly recommended both as to ability and as a servant of our Heavenly Father.

 

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