Seward Seaport Record

Lutheran Church Doubles Membership

The Seward Lutheran Church achieved a record, according to Rev. A. O. Odegaard, pastor, by exactly doubling its membership at the first anniversary service held last Sunday, March 27, in the church building which was recently acquired from Mrs. Ray James of this city.

At the Holy Communion service conducted by Rev. Odegaard, a record congregation of 105 witnessed the baptism of 20 children and one adult, the confirmation of four adults, and received into their membership 42 new members.

This Lutheran congregation was organized on April 27, 1948, at which time they had no church building. The Ladies Aid had been organized among Lutheran ladies living in Seward and had worked throughout the previous year toward their goal of an established congregation by meeting at their various homes. Their ambition was accomplished in 1948 when Rev. A. O. Odegaard of Anchorage came to their assistance by holding meetings at stated intervals. In one year this energetic and determined group organized themselves, acquired the church building previously owned by the Methodist Church before the building of the Seward Memorial Church.

Rev. Odegaard says that the growth of this congregation is phenomenal, and that no other church in the Territory can report the absolute doubling of a membership in one service.

In addition to the activities of the morning service, the Lutherans enjoyed a social evening in celebration of their anniversary, beginning with a dinner served by the Ladies Aid.