Árdís - 01.01.1964, Page 39

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
37
knew that the same thing existed in our own districts. So we dis-
cussed the possibilities of starting a leadership training course. We
sought the co-operation of the Synod in building a camp. This was
discussed at two synodical conventions. Some interest was shown
but the great drawback was the lack of funds. So no progress was
made.
We finally decided to rent a camp for ten days for a leadership
training course. This was begun in 1939 and carried on for four
years. All the ministers of the Synod assisted. There was a good
attendance and excellent co-operation. For the first three years the
course was held at the Canadian Sunday School Mission Camp
near Gimli, with Rev. and Mrs. S. Olafsson in charge. The fourth
year the course was held at Rock Lake, with Rev. and Mrs. E.
Fafnis and Mrs. S. Sigurgeirson in charge. At this stage interest
and enthusiasm for camping had been aroused but no rented quar-
ters were available. The Synod gave us its blessing and promised
co-operation if we saw a way to build a camp of our own. The
League accepted the challenge, bought land and built the Sunrise
Lutheran Camp at Husavick which has now been operated for
nineteen years, where thousands of campers have attended and
we believe each one has been brought nearer to Christ by the
stay there.
How could the Lutheran Women’s League accomplish this
having no funds to start with? It was a venture of faith and heart-
felt prayers. All the Ladies Aids stood wholeheartedly behind it
as did many individuals. Some splendid men became members of
the building committee and later of the Camp Board and have to
this day given freely of their time and strength as so many women
have done. Cabins, fully furnished, were donated by different
communities, by groups of women or by individuals. Also donated
was the drilling of the well and all the plumbing. The staff house,
washrooms, director’s office were paid for by donations. The Me-
morial Hall was built in honor of our men who made the supreme
sacrifice in the two world wars.
In the year 1952 the League was incorporated as THE LU-
THERAN WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF MANITOBA (ICELANDIC).
At that time all organizations and individuals belonging to the
League were from the province of Manitoba.