Árdís - 01.01.1951, Page 35

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
33
The Bishop of lceland in Chicago
On the morning of January 7th, 1951, the famed church leader,
Dr. Preston Bradley, announced to his congregation at The People’s
Church, 941 Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, that he had the
honour to introduce the most Reverend Sigurgeir Sigurdsson, the
Bishop of Iceland. Everyone present was in death-like silence. All
were extremely interested to hear the Bishop of a small island of
which few knew much about.
The Reverend Sigurgeir Sigurdsson is a meek but healthy
looking man in his latter life. He has a kind expression on his face
which seems to make everyone present have a kind feeling toward
him. He walked with dignity to the pulpit, a gold cross swaying
to and fro against his black robe.
First, he thanked Dr. Bradley for the very kind invitation to
preach the morning sermon. He then said, “I know I am among
friends.” Then he started his sermon in English.
He told of his native Iceland: its customs and government; over
one thousand years old. “Iceland,” he said, “has gone through dark
and dismal periods in history.” These periods were similar to the
United States depression of 1929. He continued, “never did the
Icelandic people give up hope for our trust was in God.” Yes, these
people of a small island in the north Atlantic had faith. The Bishop
said that their faith and devotion to God is expressed in the opening
lines of the Icelandic national anthem, “O, Gud vors lands! O, lands
vors Gud, vér lofum þitt heilaga, heilaga nafn.” What a beautiful
thought for us all in these uncertain days!
One day while the Bishop was yet a minister he casually noticed
a funeral procession by the seaside in his native Iceland. The wife
of the deceased man was filled with grief. She asked the Reverend
Sigurgeirsson for advice. He said that she should have no fear for
God would guide and help her. He said, “many times we forget
God but in times of trouble we turn to Him.”
The Bishop concluded his sermon saying, “We are in God’s
hands.”
After the sermon, a hymn written by Dr. Bradley was sung by
the congregation. The Bishop then sung the words of benediction in
Icelandic. After that Dr. Bradley asked if there were any Icelandic
people in the congregation and if there were would they please