This week's writing prompt was "Groups." I thought I would write about the connection of the Anderson and Henrickson families to the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Allegan, Michigan.
According to a pamphlet written to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Allegan, Michigan, in 1953, the Swedish settlers of what was then known as Abronia, Michigan met on August 4, 1878 to organize a "Swedish Lutheran Church." Charles and Hulda Anderson were among the Swedish settlers present. In 1879 Charles and Hulda donated land to the church to be used as a cemetery. The deed was given on April 15, 1879. On July 2, 1879 Charles and Hulda's daughter Malvina Olivia was the first person buried in the cemetery. In October of 1879 Hulda would give birth to another daughter who was also christened Malvina Christina. She would go on to marry George Henrickson.
Charles Anderson was one of the first trustees of the church. He served four terms as a church trustee. He served two terms as a Deacon, and 2 years as Sunday School Superintendent. In 1895 the church bought a Moline Organ for $75. I remember hearing a family story about how the organ was bought in Detroit and Charles and Hulda drove to Detroit in a horse and buggy wagon and brought the organ back to the church. Malvina was the first organist for the church. She played from 1895 to 1900. 1900 is the year she married George Henrickson.
Charles passed away in 1915. That is the year that George and Malvina returned to Allegan, taking over the farm purchased by Charles and Hulda many years before. George and Malvina quickly became involved in the church. One of the first duties George took on was as church organist. He served as organist for many years. He was paid $52 a year. He also served as a Sunday School Superintendent. He was often selected to attend church conferences in Detroit, Chicago and other places. George also served on a committee to raise funds for missionary work and aid overseas. He was a vital member of the leadership of the church. In later years when George got older and couldn't keep up as much, eldest daughter Selma took over and became quite active in the church. Following in the footsteps of both her parents she served as church organist for 15 years, from 1945-1959. She also worked with the Ladies Aid and the Missionary Society.
The church played quite a large part in the lives of Charles and Hulda Anderson and George and Malvina Henrickson. And daughter Selma too.
This is from the church secretary's book. If you look at lines 8, 13, 14, you'll see George Henrickson's name mentioned. Serving as Deacon, School Superintendent, organist and attendee to a conference.
The church played a major role in the lives of my great, great grandparents and my great grandparents.
Leave any questions, comments, or your own personal stories relating to the Andersons or Henricksons below in the comments. Thanks for reading!
One of our school friends lived near Abronia. I wonder if that area is still called that. Vern or Alan would know.
ReplyDeleteAccording to "A Glance at Watson Township's Past" Abronia disappeared in 1976, 1977.
DeleteSelma was my Sunday school teacher for many years when I was little and going to Sunday school Selma came to the farm every Sunday and visited with her mother my grandma
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Selma seems to have been involved the most with the church, out of all the kids. Maybe because she was the oldest? She's also another example of a teacher in the family.
DeleteThis is interesting information! Charles is my great-great-grandfather. I find it curious that his wife's name here is listed as "Hulda" when I have always seen it as Ulrike. It is also Ulrike on the grave stone. I have more information on Charles' and Ulrike's parentage should you desire to see it. wsmalish@gmail.com
ReplyDelete