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2001: Icelandic Churches of northeastern North Dakota
The Preservation North Dakota 2001 Preservation Excellence Award is presented to the Icelandic Churches of northeastern North Dakota. The collaboration of several congregations and the sharing of resources within the communities has helped save several of the small rural churches that may otherwise have been closed, demolished, or abandoned. Creative problem solving and a deep sense of appreciation for their heritage have helped make a lasting contribution to preservation efforts in the state.
Economic hardships and harsh weather in the late 1800s was causing famine in Iceland forcing people to
search for opportunities elsewhere. Immigrants came to northeastern Dakota Territory through Canada and as they settled into the area, they formed congregations that met in homes or schools, until church buildings could be built. In all, the Icelandic pioneers in this region built eight churches. Seven of those churches remain and are still in use today. The northeastern Icelandic Churches being honored include:
- Vikur Lutheran Church (Mountain, ND) built in 1884
- Vidalin Lutheran Church (Akra and Hensel, ND communities) built in 1888
- Gardar Pioneer Lutheran Church (just outside Gardar, ND) built in 1888
- Thingvalla Lutheran Church (Eyford, ND) built in 1892
- Fjalla Church (Milton, ND area) built in 1894
- Hallson Lutheran Church (now in the Icelandic State Park) built in 1897
- Gardar Lutheran Church (Gardar, ND) built in 1911
- Svold Lutheran Church (Peters, ND) built in 1949
The churches (with the exceptions of Fjalla and Svold) were united into one congregation, the Pembina Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in the 1980s, and they are currently all served by one pastor. This merger allows the churches to share resources. Services are conducted in the town churches during the school year, and services are held in the rural/prairie churches during the summer months and for special occasions. This creative use of resources has fostered preservation of the small country churches, and has further developed a strong sense of appreciation for the heritage of the area. Preservation is not just about building materials - it is also about culture, creative strategies to overcome problems, and developing appreciation in future generations through continued use of historic resources.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Icelandic Churches will be Sir Magnus Olafson. "Mike" as his friends call him, is a 1942 graduate of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He became Sir Magnus Olafson on November 29,1999 when he received the Knights Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon. The medal was presented to him in an official ceremony in Iceland by President Grimsson. Olafson received the honor for his efforts to preserve the history and culture of Iceland in America. It is very rare for a foreigner to be inducted into the Order of the Falcon.
Olafson, a native of Gardar, ND, now lives in Edinburg, ND. He is of Icelandic blood and is fluent in the Icelandic language. He is well known locally for his knowledge and dedication to Icelandic heritage. Olafson is a charter member of North Eastern North Dakota Heritage Association, and has served on the Board of Directors since its inception in 1986. He is involved in every aspect of the Heritage Association, and is also involved in the Gardar Pioneer Church and Cemetery preservation effort.
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