Árdís - 01.01.1955, Blaðsíða 41

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
39
and only buildings considered essential were granted a permit.
In the second place if material would be available; and as I look
back I wonder if any man except Sveinn Palmason would have had
the perseverance, patience and forethought of securing the neces-
sary material from so many different sources in different places.
And the last if was if we could get the necessary funds. We knew
we could not count on any wealthy persons handing over large
sums of money. But we knew if these dreams of ours were pleasing
to God ways would open.
Splendid women in different communities started the ball
rolling quietly after I had suggested at a meeting that different
communities might be able to donate a building. The first such
offer came from Langruth, who so often since have blazed the trail.
They offered to build and furnish a hospital hut. The Arborg-
Riverton parish offered to pay for a large dormitory and furnish
the same. Gimli parish offered to pay for and furnish another
dormitory of the same size. Winnipeg undertook to pay for the
dining room, kitchen and well house (which constitutes one build-
ing). Selkirk undertook to pay for the drilling of the well plumbing,
sinks and tanks in kitchen, also to furnish the staff house. Husavick
offered to pay for the wiring and light fixtures of all the buildings.
I recall a visit of Sveinn Palmason shortly after the first
meeting of the building committee. Would I, he asked, draw a
sketch of what I had in mind as to size etc., of the various buildings.
He would study it and suggest changes at the next meeting. I have
here before me the plans of the different buildings. In making these
I had in mind the hall and dormitories at Canadian Sunday School
Mission Camp, adding to that of the hall the chapel and library
(extension at the back.) I remember very well also two weeks later
the remark he made, as he always was a man of few words. “This
looks good to me. But you still keep your optimism in thinking I
can secure all these windows.” At that time windows and doors
were almost unobtainable. But secure them he did, with the help
of the other men on the committee and by the end of June ,five
buildings were completed and furnished. Sveinn Palmason being
the chief carpenter and overseer of all the work.
We had an excellent buying committee. Mrs. Fjola Gray and
Mrs. Gerda Olafson secured beds, sheets, tables, tanks, sinks, stove