Árdís - 01.01.1949, Qupperneq 41

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
39
tributed an original and unique float depicting the story of their
migration from Iceland and showing the various contributions
made to this city as Canadian citizens.
From the stark, lava-covered Mount Iiecla to the foot of a
rainbow, various phases of our industrial and cultural life were
symbolized. Foremost on this float, looking into the future, was a
young girl, representing our present generation of Icelandic origin.
When reviewing the story of our early pioneers, recognition
must be made of the spiritual contribution made in the religious
field, helping to foster the cultural attributes of our people. In
all our records of early pioneer struggle for existence in this new
land, we read of constant communal endeavor to organize for
worship. We find in these records of Icelanders in Winnipeg and in
other settlements, that those struggling to maintain the faith
brought from their beloved homeland, are the ones most prominent
in all cultural endeavors. Many of these people occupied positions
of responsibility and honor in Winnipeg in a surprisingly short
time.
These people, concerned about the spiritual welfare of our
people, divided into two distinct groups, each working earnestly
and sincerely in their respective field. Churches were built; at
first small, humble; today they are larger, more pretentious.
The First Icelandic Lutheran congregation in Winnipeg was
founded in 1878, four years after Winnipeg’s incorporation and this
church group has, through the years, carried on the work to which
it was dedicated. We acclaim with reverent admiration the
sustained devotion that these pioneer men and women of Lutheran
faith gave to their church, paving the way for us and our des-
cendants to follow as God-fearing, law-abiding and useful citizens
of this fair city.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
B H.