Árdís - 01.01.1955, Page 36

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ÁRDÍ S
Synod Celebrates 70th Anniversary
By REV. ERIC SIGMAR
Unanimously and enthusiastically the delegates to the conven-
tion of the Icelandic Synod voted a $175,000 financial drive to re-
build “Betel” in Gimli. The need for a “new” Betel had been
graphically presented by leading members of its standing commit-
tee, the Rev. Sigurdur Olafsson of Selkirk, and Dr. George Johnson
of Gimli. The new plans call for a complete renovation of the old
building, with one section set aside as a nursing home and infirmary.
A new building will also be erected with small apartments for
elderly married couples.
This action was the outstanding one taken at the 70th anni-
versary convention of Synod, which began Saturday evening, June
25th, with a banquet in the beautiful lower auditorium of the new
Gimli church. Following the banquet Synod president, Dr. Valdi-
mar Eylands officially opened the convention, and then presented
his annual presidential report, which was comprehensive and chal-
lenging. The secretary, Rev. H. S. Sigmar, and treasurer, N. O.
Bardal, also presented their annual reports.
On Sunday morning the service of Holy Communion was held
at 11 a.m., in the Gimli church, following an early service held at
Betel. The Rev. S. Olafsson preached the sermon. That afternoon
the Anniversary Program was presented with the Rev. K. Olafson
as main speaker. He, who had served as Synod president from 1923
to 1943, sketched some of the 70-year history of Synod with insight
and wit. The bishop of Iceland, Dr. Asmundur Gudmundsson, sent
greetings delivered by his personal representative, the Rev. Olafur
Skulason, who arrived in America with his young bride just in time
to be present at the convention. Dr. H. Sigmar of Blaine, Wash.,
responded to these greetings and expressed his pleasure in repre-
senting the United Lutheran Church, and the Icelandic Synod at
the consecration of Bishop Gudmundsson in Reykjavik in 1954.
Dr. George F. Harkins brought the greetings of the United Lutheran