Vestkusten, Number 13, 6 October 1986 — Page 28

OAKLAND ABOUT 1980

THE SWEDISH SOCIETY OF OAKLAND

Robert J. Thiele Secretary

The Swedish Society of Oakland got its start in 1901 as Branch No. 1 of the Swedish Society of San Francisco. Due to the hard work and enthusiasm of its early officers and members the Society grew and prospered. At one time it had 350 members. The Society played a big part in organizing the Swedish Ladies Society, which has been, and still is, a very successful organization. The big events of the year were a joint outdoor picnic with the San Francisco Society, a Christmas party with the Ladies Society and a bazaar. The Swedish Society, through their financial and moral support, acquired for its members and other Swedish organizations a much needed meeting place, namely Jenny Lind Hall. At one time the Society had about 65% of the stock in the building. In June 1950, the Swedish Society of San Francisco and Branch No. 1 of Oakland mutually agreed to operate

independently and under their own constitutions and by-laws. It was also agreed that friendly relations between the two Societies would be maintained and that members from each Society would be maintained and that members from each Society would be free to visit the other. San Francisco has a corned beef and cabbage dinner that the Oakland Society attend, and they have a salmon dinner that San Francisco attend. Each January the two societies install their officers in a joint ceremony. In the early 1960's the Society sold its interest in Jenny Lind Hall. Now it meet at Bjomson Hall in Oakland, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Anyone interested in membership can contact any member of the Society, or call (415) 846-5137. To be eligible, a man must be of Swedish descent or married to a member of a Swedish organization.

SWEDISH LADIES SOCIETY JENNY LIND OF OAKLAND

The Swedish Ladies' Society Jenny Lind of Oakland was organized in January 1916 with a few women and met in one of thieir homes. We have met in a htal l ever since they incorporated in 1918. Our membership consists of women with a Scandinavian background or, if not Scandinavian, their husband could be. Our members are mothers, housewives, working women, grandmothers and retired women. We feel we are a congenial group and enjoy being together. Instead of having our usual Spring and Fall luncheons and card parties each year, we are now just having a luncheon and card party in the Fall and a one-day bus trip in the Spring. The ladies enjoy this change. We also have a Past Pesidents Club which meets four tines a year and which all the Pist Presidents make every effort to attend. This last May, several cars with our Past Presidents drove to another Past President in Auburn for lunch and enjoyed the day very much. We have a Social Committee of twelve who enjoy being on it and most of them have been on it for many years. We have a standing ad in Vestkusten and any lady interested can contact the President or Secretary, whose phone numbers are listed. Bertha Bechtel Secretary

ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OAKLAND ALMOST 100 YEARS OLD

Alma Morten Reporter

100 years - a beginning! As St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Oakland celebrates its 100th Anniversary and Vestkusten celebrates its 100th, we reflect on our heritage while looking forward to a new beginning. On Sunday evening, January 23, 1887, St. Paul's Swedish Lutheran Church was organized under the leadership of Pastor A. M. LeVeau. Charter members numbered 33. Thirty of the

charter members were young immigrants from Sweden. The first church building was at 9th and Clay Streets in Oakland. In 1898, Pastor A. J. Rodell came to the congregation. The little church became too small. A new church was built at 10th and Grove Streets, and was dedicated in 1901. After Pastor Rodell came, N. P. Anseen who remained as pastor for 12 years. He was succeeded by Rev. C. Arthur Johnson in April 1920. At this time a "language question" became a problem. The Swedish bom wished to retain their native mother tongue, while the native born here expressed loyal preference for the English language. Overcoming this controversy, Rev. Johnson, with excellent command of both languages, brought St. Paul through this transition period, alternating with English and Swedish every other Sunday. Pastor E. J. Colberg came in 1928 and remained until 1936, when Pastor G. T. Monson preached his first sermon. The church was now 50 years old and it became urgent to consider relocation. Property at Excelsior and Woodruff Streets was purchased. Pastor Monson left in 1941.

The seventh pastor, L. L. Burke, arrived in April, 1942, and remained until 1955. The relocation and building of the new church was completed in 1949. Expansions included Sunday School at Woodstock Housing Project, Alameda, and

Harbor Homes housing projects in West Oakland. A radio program began and completed ten years of uninterrupted broadcasting on Sunday afternoons. Pastor Burke in later years became Bishop of our Synod. In May 1955, Pastor C. E. Olson arrived to assume duties at St. Pauls's. Then in 1959 Pastor F. L. Lawson became pastor, serving until 1981. During this time the community around the church stabilized and adjustment in planning and programming became necessary. Special emphasis on community outreach began and continues today. Pastor Lawson was the first young man in the history of our congregation to become ordained. Since then, four others within our membership were ordained. Our present pastor, Ross D. Merkel, assumed responsibilities on August 15, 1982. Since 1975 Ethiopians, Vietnamese, and Cambodian refugees were sponsored - we continue support for new refugees under Pastor Merkel's guidance. Wednesday Supper and Education began in 1978 and continues. A Statement of Mission and Ministry was adopted in 1983. Senior citizen, youth and church women ministries continue. Since 1982 the church became a covenant congregation with Lutheran Human Relations Association of America, joined Lutherans Concerned, witness to the Gay/Lesbian communities, helped with community surveys on Asian ministry and contributes to local and world hunger, San Francisco/East Bay Urban Coalition, Salem Lutheran Home, Lutheran Social Services, synodical benevolence, supports refugee resettlement and the sanctuary churches through advocacy and the supply of physical needs. As we at St. Paul's honor our Swedish heritage, we look forward to a beginning - another 100 years.

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1886 - Vestkusten Centennial -1986

Den 6 Oktober 1986

CONGRATULATIONS and All Good Wishes to VESTKUSTEN on its 100th Anniversary May You Have Many More Fruitful Years Swedish Society of Oakland

Swedish Ladies Society Jenny Lind CONGRATULATES VESTKUSTEN on its 100 Years of Publication