Árdís - 01.01.1953, Blaðsíða 70

68
ARDÍ S
the land was more easily worked, such as the Argyle and Pembina
districts and North Dakota.
Many of the settlers were reluctant to align themselves with
the Norse Lutheran Synod which he represented. They preferred
to be independent and to establish their own synod or “kirkju-
felag” which they did with the help of Rev. Jon Bjarnason in the
fall of 1878. The constitution of the Icelandic Lutheran Synod of
today is based to some extent on that of this first union of
four Icelandic Churches: Steinkirkjusofnudur (south of Gimli),
Braedrasofnudur (Gimli), Breiduvikursofnudur (Hnausa), and
Braedrasofnudur (Lundi).
The officials elected at the first meeting of Braedrasofnudur,
May 30th, 1878 were Halldor Briem, Thorgrimur Jonsson from
Akri, Sigfus Gislason from Reynivollum, Jon Bergvinsson from
Miklagardi, Sigtryggur Jonasson from Modruvollum, and Thorsteinn
Antoniusson from Osi. The ministers serving there have been:
Jon Bjarnason, 1877-80; Halldor Briem, 1880-81; Rev. Magnus J.
Skaptason, 1887-91; Rev. Oddur Gislason, 1894-1901; Rev. Runolfur
Marteinson, Rev. Johann Bjarnason, Rev. Sigurdur Olafsson, Rev.
Bjarni Bjarnason, and the present minister, Rev. Harald Sigmar.
Braedrasofnudur has always been blest with many faithful
workers in congregation, choir, ladies organizations, and Sunday
School. It is fitting to pay tribute to the memory of workers such
as Mrs. Gudrun Briem, who supervised the Sunday School for over
thirty years and assisted the ministers in preparing the young
people for confirmation. Many a former pupil looks back with
gratitude to her gentle guidance, unfailing patience and good-humor.
Her successors have kept up the good work, among them Mrs.
Kristbjorg Sigurdson, who directed the school for over fifteen years.
Next to the minister’s work, that of the Sunday School is of first
importance.
Since 1886 the growth and development of the northern part
of New Iceland has been steady. A new influx of settlers quickly
took the place of those who left. Geysir, Arborg, and Vidir had
fine lands to offer, and the Isafold settlement had its beginning.
In 1898 the colony was opened to people of other nationalities,
who came in greater numbers after the building of the railroad to
Riverton, 1914.
These later pioneers have made fine neighbours. Three or four