An Estimate of the Scandinavian Jubilee

AN ESTIMATE OF THE SCANDINAVIAN JUBILEE. BY J. M. SJODAHL, PRESIDENT OF THE SCANDINAVIAN MEETINGS OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION. At the Scandinavian conference held in the Assembly Hall, Oct. 8, 1899, the announcement was made by Elder Anthon H. Lund, of the council of Apostles, that the plan for a Scandinavian jubilee in commemoration of the introduction of the Gospel into the three Scandinavian countries, by Elder Erastus Snow, the Apostle, and his companions, fifty years ago, had met the candid approval of the First Presidency of The Church, and of the council of Apostles. The speaker expressed his desire that as many of the Scandinavian Saints as possible should gather in Salt Lake City for that occasion. The thought had been privately discussed previous to the conference, and the people were prepared for it. The announcement was therefore received with general satisfaction and enthusiasm. The members of The Church, of Scandinavian origin, realize fully that the coming of the Gospel messengers to the countries of their fathers was an event, not only in their individual lives, by which so many of them were lifted to a higher plane of both spiritual and temporal existence, but also one of immense national importance. Religious liberty is a necessity, without which political freedom, with all its attendant blessings, is impossible. How much the Scandinavian countries are indebted to "Mormonism" for their development and prominent rank among civilized nations few

748 IMPROVEMENT ERA. are as yet able to see, or willing to admit. But it should need no argument that the Biblical doctrines and the pure morality preached by the "Mormon" Elders; their courage under storms of persecution; their patience in suffering for the sake of righteousness; and their devotion to the Master's cause, as well as their love for their fellowmen, no less than the divine power that accompany their administrations, impressed the nations, to whom they were sent, in no small degree. If primitive Christianity was a power for good, even outside the immediate circle of disciples, the Gospel restored has had no less influence in the world. Every branch of The Church is a little center from which the fragrance of the Gospel, its power for purity, for liberty, for elevation, is spreading in every direction. The nations from among which the Latter-day Saints have sprung, are the foremost in the world. It was in acknowledgment of these facts, that the Scandinavian Jubilee was held. Its purpose was to express gratitude to the Almighty for inspiring his servants to send missionaries to the Scandinavian countries; for providing the instruments needed in that work, and opening the way for them, amidst many difficulties. It was also intended as a testimony to the world, that the Saints in Zion are happy in the knowledge they have received; that they are willing to continue in the service of the Master^ whom many of them have glorified in their lives for almost half a century, and a few even longer. These were the thoughts that inspired the Jubilee. It was held as a result of a natural desire to praise the Lord for his many blessings, and to renew the determination to serve him faithfully. The Scandinavian Saints in Salt Lake City fully realized the magnitude of the undertaking, but they also knew that there is strength in union, and that with the aid of their co-religionists in the various settlements, north and south, and with the Divine approbation of their work, a celebration appropriate and successful could be held. In this spirit, they commenced to lay the plans and to gather the means needed for the expenses. This work was slow. Most of those interested are engaged in daily toil, and could give only a few hours now and then to this extra labor. Consequently, it would often require a week to do what under other circumstances might have been accomplished in a day. But

AN ESTIMATE OF THE SCANDINAVIAN JUBILEE. 749 they applied themselves to the work in hand diligently and faithfully. At the April conference this year, a central committee, consisting of the following brethren, was appointed: Anthon H. Lund, C. D. Fjeldsted, J. M. Sjodahl, Andrew Jenson and C. A. F. Orlob. They were charged with the duty of placing the matter before the people in the different settlements. For the local arrangements, a large committee was appointed, to labor under the direction of the brethren presiding over the Scandinavian meetings in Salt Lake City, J. M. Sjodahl, M. Christophersen and J. S. Jensen. There were about seventy members in this committee, representing the three nations of Scandinavia. This committee was divided into the following sub-committees: On program; on finances; on transportation; on invitation; on advertising; on halls; on decoration; on entertainment; on accommodations; on music; on the ladies' meeting; on dramatic entertainments; on other amusements; on badges, and a committee of ushers. Each of these sub-committees had their work carefully outlined. They met regularly and submitted all their plans and recommendations to the general committee. Everything was discussed and well considered. Regular monthly meetings were held, and extra sessions oftener if necessary, and the committee frequently had the advantage of the suggestions and wise counsels of Elder Anthon H. Lund during these meetings. The result of the preparatory work was seen in the gatherings that were held during the 14th to 17th of June. These dates were selected because on the 14th of June, 1850, Erastus Snow, and fellow missionaries, George P. Dykes, and John P. Forsgren landed in Copenhagen, Denmark, where headquarters for the Scandinavian mission was established, and remains to this day. That occasion was selected, although Elder P. 0. Hansen had arrived in Copenhagen a few days earlier, and was deemed memorable enough to be remembered with gratitude for the innumerable blessings that followed. And that the Scandinavian Saints generally appreciate these blessings, was seen in the large attendance at the various gatherings. Seven religious meetings were held, six in the Assembly Hall, ,and one, on the afternoon of the 17th, in the Tabernacle. The

750 IMPROVEMENT ERA. first two on the 14th were devoted to historical sketches of the introduction of the Gospel into Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, the speakers being Elders C. C. A. Christensen, of Ephraim; N. C. Flygare, of Ogden; 0, H. Berg, of Provo, and John Thorgeirson, of Thistle. The sketches were necessarily brief, but they proved very interesting. At the meeting on Friday, a rather lengthy review was given by Elder Andrew Jenson on the Scandinavians in Utah, and he was followed by a brief discourse by Elder J. M. Sjodahl on the restoration of the Gospel. The meeting on Saturday proved especially interesting. It was the ladies' meeting, presided over by Mrs. Lorenzo Snow, and assisted by Mrs. J. M. Sjodahl and other ladies, the former agreeably surprised the audience by cordially greeting them with a few well selected words in the Danish language. The speakers were, besides Mrs. Snow, Mrs. Anna Beckstrom Snow, Mrs. Anna Widtsoe, Mrs. Mary Oblad, Mrs Cornelia Parker, Mrs. Julia Brixen, Mrs. A. W. Winberg, Elders Anthon H. Lund, and Angus M. Cannon. Mrs. Lorenzo Snow closed this session with the practical suggestion that the Scandinavian sisters organize for the purpose of keeping the young ladies who come here from the old countries, and who do not understand English, interested in the Church and the Gospel. She thought much good could be done in this way, and that many a young soul could be saved from the perils that beset the path of a stranger. The Sunday morning meeting was a missionary reunion, at which the speakers gave many interesting reminiscences of missionary life. The speakers were H. 0. Magleby, of Monroe; C. E. Petersen, of Ogden; John F. F. Dorius, of Ephraim; Canute Petersen, of Ephraim, and 0. N. Liljenquist, of Hyrum. The largest meeting of the Jubilee was that held in the Tabernacle on the afternoon of the seventeenth. The entire lower portion of the vast building was filled, and the proceedings were listened to with deep interest. Prayer was offered in the Swedish language by Elder J. M. Sjodahl. The speakers were Elders C. D. Fjeldsted, Brigham Young, Anthon H. Lund and President George Q. Cannon. Then a Jewish lady, Miss Sadie American, was introduced, and addressed the congregation. She spoke chiefly of

AN ESTIMATE OF THE SCANDINAVIAN JUBILEE. 751 woman's part in the work of ushering in God's kingdom on the earth. The meeting was rendered very interesting by the rendition, between the addresses, in a most excellent manner, of solos by Miss Ida Peterson, of Manti, Prof. A. C. Lund and Mrs. Agnes Olsen Thomas, of Salt Lake City. The closing meeting in the Assembly Hall, on the 17th, was well attended, and the presence of the Spirit of God was felt by all. It was a testimony meeting, and there were numerous brief speeches, interspersed with songs of praise. One feature of this meeting was the unanimous adoption of a resolution expressing the desire of the Scandinavians assembled that an effort be made to raise means for the erection of suitable meeting houses in Copenhagen and Stockholm. On this point the writer asks permission to quote these paragraphs from the Deseret News of the 18th of June: The Scandinavian Jubilee was brought to a close last night, Sunday, June 17th, with the unanimous adoption, on the suggestion of Elder J. M. Sjodahl, of a resolution to endeavor to raise, among the Scandinavians in Utah, means enough for the erection of suitable Latter-day Saints' places of worship in Copenhagen and Stockholm. For some time endeavors have been made to collect money for mission headquarters in the former city, and the subject came up by the reading, by Apostle Anthon H. Lund, of a communication from Elder J. M. Christensen, of this city, in which he contributed $100 towards the funds already gathered for the purpose. The resolution would have included Christiania, but for the fact that the Saints in the capital of Norway have a convenient and centrally located meeting house of their own. It was left to Elder Anthon H. Lund, of the council of Apostles, and Elder C. D. Fjeldsted, of the First council of Seventies, to appoint a central committee, and local committees in the various settlements, to have charge of this work; and it is hoped that with systematic and well directed united efforts this great undertaking will be accomplished before long. It is difficult to conceive of a more fitting close to the Scandinavian celebration, which has been so successful in every respect. We trust the'Scandinavians in Utah will be able to put this crowning work on their Jubilee, and erect, in the capitals of Denmark and Sweden, suitable monuments of the semi-centennial of the introduction of the Gospel into the countries of their fathers. It is much needed in

752 IMPROVEMENT ERA. both places, and would undoubtedly materially further the cause of truth. The Saints very much appreciate the greetings from President Lorenzo Snow, and the personal attendance of many of The Church authorities, including President George Q. Cannon, members of the council of Apostles, and First Council of Seventies; the Presiding Bishopric, the Presidency of Salt Lake Stake, and the Patriarch of The Church, John Smith. Having briefly reviewed the religious exercises, which formed the central part of the Jubilee, attention is called to the musical part of it, which lent much grace and charm to the unique gathering. At all the meetings, selections were given by soloists and musical organizations, and no other feature, perhaps, better showed the advancement of the Scandinavian people in this region during the last fifty years. Those who took part in the musical exercises in the meetings and the Tabernacle were: The Sandy choir, under the direction of Mr. Hartvigsen; the Danish-Norwegian choir, Harmonien, of this city, under the direction of Mr. Olof Nilson; the Swedish choir, Svea, of this city, under the direction of Mr. Hugo Peterson; the Ogden choir, under the direction of Mr. Hagbert Anderson; E. Christopherson, Geo. Christensen, Miss Ida Peterson, Hyrum Olsen, Miss Judith Anderson, Prof. J. A. Anderson, Mrs. Agnes Olsen Thomas, Alfred Nilson, Professors A. C. Lund and Jenson, Prof. Willard Weihe, the Norwegian Ladies quartet. Miss Emma Jorgensen, Prof. Jos. J. Daynes, Miss Emely Larson, Enoch Jorgensen, Miss Mary Larson, and Mr. J. Stroberg. The selections rendered were all received with much appreciation. Some of those who were heard during the Jubilee, as Professors Daynes, Weihe, Lund, Anderson, Miss Ida Peterson, Miss Judith Anderson, Mrs. Agnes Olsen Thomas and Mr. Alfred Nilson, are already well known to the public. Prof. Anderson's recitation on the piano was among the best ever heard in the city, and the rendition at the concert of a German duet, by Professors Lund and Jensen, as well as Professor Lund's solo at the Tabernacle services, gave evidence of great musical talent, and long, patient study and training. This must also be said of the solos rendered by Miss Ida Peterson. Others were less known, some of

AN ESTIMATE OF THE SCANDINAVIAN JUBILEE. 753 them being heard in the city for the first time. Among these were Miss Emely Larson, of Gunnison, who some day is likely to become well known in musical circles. The original compositions of Mr. Olof Nilson, entitled, "Jubilee Hymn," and "The Lamb of God," have been favorably commented on. The Tabernacle during the concert presented a beautiful and impressive scene. The vast building was packed, about eight thousand complimentary tickets having been distributed by the committee. Seats were reserved for the guests of honor, but there was no charge for any place in the building. The decorations of the building were elaborate and appropriate, and reflected much credit on the ladies and gentlemen constituting the committee on decorations. In the center, on the organ, was seen a large portrait of Erastus Snow, on a background representing the entrance to the harbor of Copenhagen. On either side were the Scandinavian colors. The gallery was tastefully draped with bunting and flags. From the center of the ceiling fell streamers which all met in a cluster of flags. The platform was profusely decorated with flowers and plants. It was the general verdict that never was the Tabernacle more tastefully decorated. Similar taste was displayed in the decoration of the Fourteenth ward assembly rooms, which had been rented for the week, to serve as headquarters for the Jubilee visitors, and a bureau of general information. Two excursions, one to the famous Saltair, and one to the beautiful Lagoon, were features of the gathering. It is estimated that over three thousand persons went to the former place, and about five thousand to the latter. One of the features of the program at Saltair was an address by Judge C. M. Nielsen. At the Lagoon, national games, a pantomime and races were indulged in, while the committee had arranged for the free distribution of thousands of sandwiches among the visitors. Many of the visitors had never before seen either of these beautiful pleasure resorts, and they expressed their admiration in terms of appreciation. Among the features of the Jubilee v/as the presentation of badges to all living Scandinavians who had joined The Church in the year 1850, or previous. Among those who were thus honored were Elders Canute Petersen, Peter A. Forsgren, Anna Beckstrom

754 IMPROVEMENT. ERA. Snow, Bishop Christian Larsen, Patriarch C. C. A. Christensen, Christine Bensen Andersen, John F. F. Dorius, Augusta Dorius Stevens and Caroline Marie Nielsen Twede. The other veterans from that time, who were not present, were also remembered. They are Erika Forsgren Davis, of Avon, Cache county ; John B. Forster, of Salt Lake City; Anne Larsen, of Spring City; Mathilde Petersen, of Ephraim, Sarah J. Jensen, of Brighara City; Barbara J. D. Larsen, of Logan and Sister Sorensen, widow of F. C. Sorensen, of Ephraim. Badges of honor have been sent to these veterans. As an appropriate souvenir of the Jubilee, an album was issued. This contains a brief sketch of the introduction of the Gospel into the Scandinavian countries; a complete list of missionaries and notable visitors to that mission, views of interest, and not far from one hundred portraits of Scandinavian men and women. Of this publication the Salt Lake Herald of June :14th, kindly said: "The Scandinavian Jubilee Album" is the title of a work issued by a committee consisting of Anthon H. Lund, Andrew Jenson, J. M. Sjodahl and C. A. F. Orlob, and it is one of the most handsome things that ever came from the press. It is intended to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary now being celebrated, and it certainly will do so. It is a book of 240 pages, and in those pages are found over 400 half-tone engravings of points of interest and leading Scandinavians of Utah, the latter accompanied by biographical sketches. On the outside cover the name of the work in raised letters is surrounded with a border of gold, while in the four corners are displayed flags of America, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. A steel engraving of Joseph Smith adorns the title page and Erastus Snow ranks second. Then comes a complete history of the introduction of the Mormon doctrine into Scandinavia and its progress in the three countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Portraits of the first presidency of the church and the twelve apostles appear, and an idea of the scope of the work can be obtained when it is seen that the name of every missionary who has labored in Scandinavia is given place. Then there are engravings of the mission houses in Copenhagen, Denmark, Christiania, Norway, and Malmo and Gothenburg Sweden, that must have been procured at a great cost. Portraits and biographical sketches following of all the prominent Scandinavians in Utah, now living or deceased, every picture being a