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from Ramsey County History: vol 2, p 599; published 1983
(submitted by Pearl Aanstad, Secretary)
We regret there are no early records of this worthy organization, an
arm of the Zoar Free Lutheran Church. In writing the history in
1952 the Ackre sisters (Ida and Annie) remember the day the Aid was
organized. Several ladies came to visit their sick mother, Mrs.
Elling Ackre, one day in July 1902. They had come from church
services at the Carl Olson Home located across the road from the A.S.
Flott Farm. To us in 1982 known as the Arthur (Bud) Johnson farm.
Those present to organize the "Kvindeforening" were Mrs.
Soren Iverson, Sr., Mrs. Hans Thompson, Mrs. Martin Mortenson; Mrs. Iver
Iverson, Sr and Mrs. Carl Olson. Mrs. Iver Iverson was elected
President. They felt she know something about the work because she
had spent some time in the Arvig parsonage in Adrian, Minnesota.
Mrs. Iverson was an efficient worker and a very hospitable person. In
1909, Mrs. Hans Boe supervised a supper. The proceeds were used to
purchase lamps for the church. All members worked hard and took
their turns in serving. We note by old pictures that at times the
entire family met. Many and varied projects have been the aims of the
Aid. They have contributed to the quotas of the Church Schools,
Missions and local church work. Almost every church project
received assistance from the Aid. In 1940 the Church was moved from
the north west part of town to the present location one block south of
main street. At that time Pews were purchased. Aid money has
purchased paneling, carpeting and much remodeling. Though these
material things are very necessary, the spiritual aspects surpass
all. They give above the required quota for the National
headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Foreign and Home Missions; the
Theological Seminary; Bible School and Women's Missionary Federation. The
Ladies Aid has met regularly the first Wednesday of each month, with few
exceptions, for at least 60 years. (The work has not always been easy
but there has been a spirit of harmony and good will.) Almost all of
the women of the congregation have taken their turn in serving in one
office or another.
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