Kenneth Theodore Charles Hillstead was born on February 25, 1934 at McLean, Saskatchewan. Kenneth passed away on Friday, September 10, 1993 after a long courageous battle with cancer at the age of 59 years. He was predeceased by his father, Ted Hillstead, and he leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Marlene Hillstead, and three sons, Don (Tammy) Hillstead, Jim (Debbie) Hillstead, Ted (Rhonda) Hillstead, and two daughters, Lorna (Dave) Jacob, Karen Hillstead, his mother, Bessie Hillstead, three brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Hillestad, Roy (Esther) Hillstead, Morris (Fern) Hillstead, three sisters, Glenna (Arlo) Johnson, Marion (George) Windrum, Eunice (Bern) Polasek. He leaves 12 grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, and Kyle Hillstead; Robbie, Jaimee, and Kristen Hillstead; Sterling and Landon Jacob; Tedd, Gary, Bradley, and Jessica Hillstead; numerous nieces and nephews; as well a several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kenneth was an active member of the executive of the Weyburn Golf Club. He was responsible for starting the first little league baseball club for very young children. He was very active in several teams. He was a member of the Legion and a past member of the Elks Club.
Kenneth funeral service was held at the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Weyburn with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.
Monday, January 26, 2009
In Loving Memory of Roy Selmer Hillstead
Roy S. Hillstead was born in Oungre, Saskatchewan on March 31, 1929 and passed away on July 20, 2007 at 78 years of age. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Ken, brother-in-law, Bern Polasek, mother-in-law, Anna Schmale, and by his wife, Esther. He is left to mourn his passing, his beloved Juliann Parsons, son, Bruce and his children Chris and Alana (Terroll) and her children, Mathew, Kaitlyn Madison, daughter, Lindy (Ron) Wilkinson and their children, Jeff and Tyler (Jennie); brothers and sisters, Harold (Dorothy) Hillestad, Glenna (Arlo) Johnson, Marion (George) Windrum, Eunice Polasek, and Morris (Fern) Hillstead, and sister-in-law, Marlene Hillstead, special aunt, Mabel Evert, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Roy spent the first years of his life in Beaubier, Saskatchewan & when his father became a CPR workman, the family lived in the towns of McLean, Grenfell, Corrine, and Qu'Appelle. In 1943 the family moved back to Beaubier to farm, Roy completed his education at Norge School. Later, Roy was employed with a Seismograph company. It was while working in the Kerrobert area that he boarded at Anna Schmale's home, where he met and married Esther Schmale on November 5, 1950.
Roy and Esther worked in the oil fields of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and on April 4, 1953 their son Bruce was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and on September 27, 1954 their daughter Lindy was born in Olds, Alberta.
Over the years, Roy was involved in various business ventures: In the late 1950's it was a service station business in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In 1960 the family moved to Midale, Saskatchewan and bought a Tanker Truck to haul oil and do field service work for Harold Schrader Trucking. A year later, Roy bought two trucks and started working for Central Del Rio which later became Pan Canadian Petroleum. In 1964, Roy and his brother Ken formed Hillstead Brothers Trucking, which later became Hillstead Transport Limited. In 1967 they bought Henry Reiter Transport. Then they had highway trucks hauling cable and prefabricated house packages, as well as trucks to service the oilfields. In 1977 Roy sold his share to Ken, and Roy bought the Bow Manor Hotel in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Upon selling the Bow Manor two years later, he purchased the Big J Motel in Weyburn. Several years later he sold the motel and purchased Slezak's Sheet Metal and Don's Plumbing amalgamating the two companies into one company known as Don's Plumbing and Heating. Roy's final venture into business involved the purchase of the 385 Motel in 1992. After remodeling it, and operating it for many years, he sold it in 2003 to retire.
In the restlessness of his retirement, Roy started helping his friends Rick and Trevor with their farming operation. This gave him an opportunity to, once again, drive truck and feel useful.
Roy was all heart. He was the first to offer his assistance in a time of need. He made us feel special and loved. He was also great company by injecting his sense of humour at every opportunity. He will live on in the memories of his family and friends.
Roy's funeral service was held in the Weyburn Free Methodis Church on Thursday, July 26, 2007, with interment in the Weyburn Hillcrest Cemetery.
Roy spent the first years of his life in Beaubier, Saskatchewan & when his father became a CPR workman, the family lived in the towns of McLean, Grenfell, Corrine, and Qu'Appelle. In 1943 the family moved back to Beaubier to farm, Roy completed his education at Norge School. Later, Roy was employed with a Seismograph company. It was while working in the Kerrobert area that he boarded at Anna Schmale's home, where he met and married Esther Schmale on November 5, 1950.
Roy and Esther worked in the oil fields of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and on April 4, 1953 their son Bruce was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and on September 27, 1954 their daughter Lindy was born in Olds, Alberta.
Over the years, Roy was involved in various business ventures: In the late 1950's it was a service station business in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In 1960 the family moved to Midale, Saskatchewan and bought a Tanker Truck to haul oil and do field service work for Harold Schrader Trucking. A year later, Roy bought two trucks and started working for Central Del Rio which later became Pan Canadian Petroleum. In 1964, Roy and his brother Ken formed Hillstead Brothers Trucking, which later became Hillstead Transport Limited. In 1967 they bought Henry Reiter Transport. Then they had highway trucks hauling cable and prefabricated house packages, as well as trucks to service the oilfields. In 1977 Roy sold his share to Ken, and Roy bought the Bow Manor Hotel in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Upon selling the Bow Manor two years later, he purchased the Big J Motel in Weyburn. Several years later he sold the motel and purchased Slezak's Sheet Metal and Don's Plumbing amalgamating the two companies into one company known as Don's Plumbing and Heating. Roy's final venture into business involved the purchase of the 385 Motel in 1992. After remodeling it, and operating it for many years, he sold it in 2003 to retire.
In the restlessness of his retirement, Roy started helping his friends Rick and Trevor with their farming operation. This gave him an opportunity to, once again, drive truck and feel useful.
Roy was all heart. He was the first to offer his assistance in a time of need. He made us feel special and loved. He was also great company by injecting his sense of humour at every opportunity. He will live on in the memories of his family and friends.
Roy's funeral service was held in the Weyburn Free Methodis Church on Thursday, July 26, 2007, with interment in the Weyburn Hillcrest Cemetery.
In Loving Memory of Cecile Carolyn Johnson
Cecile C. Johnson was born January 26, 1903 at McComb, Illinois. She passed away on Sunday, April 28, 1991 in Regina at 88 years of age. Her funeral services was conducted by Pastor Merv Switzer at the Regina Apostolic Church, 808 Assiniboine Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her parents, leaving to mourn her passing are her husband, Harry, her children, Reatha (Arnold) Pritchard, Eldon (Luella) Johnson, Arlo (Glenna) Johnson, grandchildren, Marilyn (Terry) Poppelwell, Marsha (Larry) Borowko, Carol (Clark) Lungren, Wesley (Karen) Johnson, Grady Johnson, Marlo (Patricia) Johnson, Randy (Cheryl) Johnson, and Sheldon (Shawn) Johnson, her brother Kenneth (Maxine) Lincoln, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Mom Johnson put forth great effort in seeking to develop and maintain close relationships among the family members of the Lincoln and Johnson clans. She co-ordinated many family gatherings and anniversary celebrations in order to develop and maintain family relationships. These events, not only drew her descendants together, but also drew the members Dad and Mom's sibblings and their family members together.
Mom Johnson put forth great effort in seeking to develop and maintain close relationships among the family members of the Lincoln and Johnson clans. She co-ordinated many family gatherings and anniversary celebrations in order to develop and maintain family relationships. These events, not only drew her descendants together, but also drew the members Dad and Mom's sibblings and their family members together.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Celebrating the Life of Bessie Charlotte Hillstead
1. Arlo Johnson: We have come together today (September 12,1998) to celebrate the long and fruitful life of Bessie Charlotte Hillstead who passed away on Monday, September 7th, 1998 in her 93rd year of life. Today, reflect with us, as we, her family share this CELEBRATION OF THANKS for the life that Mom Hillstead lived and shared with us.
There are three components that will make up our service today ...
1. Memories of Mom will be shared
2. Meditations of Mom's favorite Bible Passage will be shared
3. Mom's Meeting with her Maker contemplated
During this time we will laugh and cry, and that is alright! But just remember, if you cry, you are not crying for Mom, you will be crying for yourself, and the impact of loss because of the passing of a very special lady!
2. Prayer and Opening Hymn ... "In the Garden."
3. Memories ... we remember many things about Mom, allow me to mention just a few. I am sure that every family member remembers eating her freshly baked buns! We all remember being in her clean, clean house, mobile home, or apartment! Then there was the ring of laughter in her place of residence. She, like many prairie pioneers knew poverty, but she was one who was able to make the most of the little she had. Without doubt she was a loving, and fun person.
Glenna and I received many letters from her over the years of our lives, but among those letters there were two that were specially addressed to me ... One was written by her in 1951 shortly after Glenna and I were engaged to be married, welcoming me into the Hillstead family. A second letter was written to me in 1989, and in it she asked me if I would take this service today. After listing a number of things that she wanted included in the service, she said, "But this might not happen for another ten years." Mom was quite accurate in her calculations, and today we are seeking to carry out her requests for this occasion.
4. Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Amazing Grace."
5. Eulogy written and read by Harold Hillestad: Many thoughts went through my mind as I sat down to prepare this eulogy of my Mother for the service today. So many in fact that I realized it would be impossible to relate them all. The thoughts and memories which I share with you today are only a few that linger, and the history of events in mother's life which I will attempt to relate are not a complete recollection or record, but just some of the memorable and important ones.
Mother began her journey through life over 92 years ago. It was a journey that was filled with many experiences, both joyful and difficult ones. And regardless of the emotion of each experience, she relied on her strong, unwavering, Christian faith to sustain and guide her and accepted all of life's challenges with a positive, loving attitude. Mother maintained this attitude to the end and died peacefully Monday afternoon.
To go back to the beginning, Mother was born on April 30th, 1906 in Orrock, Minnesota, the second child of Harold and Rena Torkelson. About 1908 she moved with her parents, brother Morris who passed away in 1933 at the age of twenty eight, and sister Hazel to a homestead near Alkabo, North Dakota. Alkabo is situated in the extreme northwest corner of North Dakota some seven or eight miles from Westby, Montana.
Little is remembered of the time spent here except her sister Agnes was born in Alkabo. It is believed that about 1911, when Mother was five years old, the family moved to their farm north east of what is now Beaubier where they were to live for many years and where Mother spent her formative years. It was here that her sisters Ruth, Marie and Mabel were born.
Beaubier actually did not come into existence until 1926, after the railroad was built. Tribune was then the place where settlers got their mail, bought their supplies and sold their produce. It served a large rural area with the amenities and services for the ever growing community. Mother spoke fondly of the times that she would accompany the family to Tribune for special occasions--it was an important and memorable occasion to venture off the farm and travel by horse and wagon to Tribune. Memories of this period acually became more vivid and fondly recalled as she grew older.
In Mother's formative years her life evolved mainly around home and particularly Velhaven School which was opened for classes in 1915. Mother was nine years old then and could only converse in Norwegian, the language spoken at home, as it was in many of the settlers of Norwegian ancestry. When she started to school then it was necessary to learn a new language in addition to her other studies. Mother often recalled many of the experiences and events which took place at Velhaven. She also had many fond memories of teachers and fellow students which she related to us. Perhaps the ones she found most amusing were memories associated with learning English, and her early habit of mixing Norwegian words with English in her first year or two at school. She enjoyed relating and sharing these memories with us especially in her last years.
Although not having spoken Norwegian for many years, she was able to recite the alphabet and say grace in Norwegian less than two years ago and would translate English words into Norwegian when asked--an exercise she always enjoyed doing. One could sense the pride she felt in being able to demonstrate her ability in speaking Norwegian. Mother finished her formal education at Canora, Saskatchewan where she completed her grade eight. This was a considerable feat. It was very difficult to attain an education in those days keeping in mind that it was necessary to move away from home and be separated from her family and move temporarily to a place she was not acquainted with. It was an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was inspired and encouraged by Bessie Turnbull, one of the teachers who taught her at Velhaven, to continue her education at Canora.
Marriage to Dad was the most important event in her life. This occurred on November 18th, 1925 and lasted almost 42 years ending in January, 1967 when Dad passed away. I was first born in the family of seven, followed by Roy, Glenna, Ken who passed away in 1993, Marion, Eunice and Morris.
In 1927, at the age of twenty one, she suffered an injury which would affect her and challenge her stamina the rest of her life. This occurred during a horse and buggy runaway shortly after I was born. With the team of horses out of control, Mother jumped from the buggy and in the process fractured her ankle. The ankle did not heal properly and left Mother with a permanent limp often causing much discomfort.
I often think how difficult it must have been for Mother and Dad to have begun life together in the late twenties and to have endured the tough and trying times of the dirty thirties and supporting a family which Dad did by working as a section hand for the CPR in several communities.
In later years they settled in Midale where Mother worked in the local hospital as a cook, an experience which she enjoyed until her retirement at age 65. She maintained contact with several of her fellow workers and other Midale friends for many years following her move to Regina where she resided since 1971.
Mother was one of the first residents at The Horizon, a high rise senior citizen's home, moving there in 1976 and residing there until ill health necessitated her move to Parkside Extendicare Home on December 28th, 1993. Mother enjoyed the time she lived at the Horizon. She made many friends there and enjoyed the fellowship of the residents and participated in many of the social acitivies that were held there. It was to be her home for seventeen years.
Like most people, Mother went through difficult periods. She felt great sadness at the passing of loved ones which left a void in her life that was never replaced. Her strong faith and positive attitude sustained her when dealing with personal loss and helped her continue life's journey.
Family was always first and foremost in Mother's life, beginning with the family into which she was born. She remained close to her sisters and was always concerned about each of them and their families. Getting together with them and other relatives was always special. She was particularly proud of her own family. While she was a very modest person, she took delight in telling others about her rather large family. She took particular delight in the fact that she was the grandmother of twenty four and ultimately had forty nine great grandchildren. With memory fading, she enjoyed hearing about the arrival of her five great great grandchildren. Unknown to her, she was blessed with a sixth great great grandchild two days before she passed away. Mother felt she was especially blessed to have so many descendents and never lost an opportunity to express her joy and love for each. She also felt a real love and kinship for each one that joined our families through marriage over the years. Her extended family were special to her and she enjoyed the many relationships she had with each.
As we look back, we recognize and appreciate the legacy she has left us by the way she lived her life. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring will always be an inspiration for us. She spoke well of everyone and extended her hand of friendship to all she met. She considered each acquaintance a friend. She particularly displayed her friendly and caring nature during her tenure at Parkside. She made a point to reach out to residents and staff alike in a friendly manner with a kind word, a touch or a smile. Mother enjoyed her life at Parkside and the association with her fellow residents and particularly the many friendships with the people that cared for her. She was always anxious to get back to the environment at Parkside when she was away. When one of us would take her to our homes or to Weyburn and Yellow Grass to see her sisters, we were always reminded when it was time to go home to Parkside. This usually started by Mother looking at her watch which she would do often just in case we didn't notice. If we didn't pay attention to the signal she was sending, she would find it necessary to tell us bluntly that she wanted to go home.
Friends and relatives enhanced Mother's life immensely by their visits to see her. She enjoyed the times she was to share with all those who came to see and spend time with her. These were special to her. Unable to attend Southside Assembly as she was used to these last years, she was particularly grateful for the visits from Murray and Alita Lincoln and other friends from the congregation. It permitted her to still feel part of her church family with whom she wanted to be involved.
Mother had several mini-strokes the past five years and was able to bounce back from each one until late March of last year when she lost most of her ability to communiate. She lost her ability to write and much of her speech. Initially, not being able to speak in the manner she could before the stroke, she found frustrating. With the passing of time, she learned to accept the situation and usually when trying to tell us something and we didn't understand, she was able to laugh about it. As Mother grew weary, we all tried to be with her as much as possible. Many, many relatives made a special effort to visit her these past two months and she enjoyed the time spent with each. She knew the end was not far off. Mother did not fear death and I believe she even looked forward to it as her health failed. In the end it ended quietly and peacefully.
She did not leave us with a final message but then in many ways over the months and years in her own inimitable way, I believe her thoughts would have mirrored those of the unknown poet who penned the poem entitled "I'm Free". I will close by reading it:
I"M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone, must stay that way I found peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy! A love shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lenghen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE.
6. Sheldon, Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Thank You."
7. Meditation on Psalm 23 ... this is a Psalm that is so widely known and loved! I wish to answer the question as to why it is so widely loved and appreciated. There are two reasons that I would like to suggest in the answering of this question: 1. This Psalm more than any other portrays the character qualities of God. a) In the New Testament the character qualities of God are demonstrated lin the life of our Lord Jesus Christ as He lived it out upon the earth. b) While in the Old Testament the character qualities of God were revealed by names that were given to God. From a careful study of the Old Testament, one will discover that among many names ascribed to God, there are seven compound names of God. These seven above all others reveal the nature of God.
The seven compound names of God are as follows:
1. Jehovah-Ra ah translated in Psalm 23 as Shepherd
2. Jehovah-Shalom (Peace) The pastoral scene given in verse 2 is a picture of peace.
3. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Righteousness) Verse 3 states that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness.
4. Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is present) Verse 4 assures us of the presence of the Lord in time of difficulty.
5. Jehovah-Jireh (Provision) Verse 5 assures us of the Lord's provision at all times.
6. Jehovah-Rapha (The Healer) Verse 5 alludes to oil as a symbol of healing.
7. Jehovah-Nissi (A Banner, or Victory) Verse 6 surely portrays victory in this life, and in the life which is to come following death.
The Lord Jesus of the New Testament was all of that which was revealed in the Old Testament through the seven compound names of the LORD, or Jehovah. And all that these names indicated of the character qualities of God are included in the 23rd Psalm. Little wonder that it is a specially loved Psalm.
2. This Psalm can be briefly summated as follows: In verses 1-5 this Psalm portrays Faith for the present, and in verse 6 it speaks of Hope for the future. What more do we need if we have faith for the present, and hope for the future?
However, it should be noted that if you are to have faith for the present and hope for the future, while enjoying the character qualities of God, you must know the Lord as your shepherd. The story is told of a celebration for an outstanding orator. During the evening someone asked the honored guest if he would quote the 23re Psalm. This he did, and as he did, people cheered, and clapped in response. Then the honored guest asked a special friend present if he would quote the 23rd Psalm, this he did. As his godly friend quoted the Psalm, people cried. At the conclusion, the honored guest posed a question: "How is it that when I quoted the 23rd Psalm, you cheered, and clapped, but when my godly friend quoted it, you cried?" Then he proceeded to answer his own question as follows: "I KNOW THE 23rd PSALM, BUT HE KNOWS THE SHEPHERD!" Mom Hillstead not only knew the 23rd Psalm, she knew the Shepherd! She knew the Lord as a Good Shepherd (John 10:11), as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
8. Sheldon Johnson sings: "Welcome Home."
9. Mom Hillstead meets her Maker ... today is a day of separation for us! We feel very deeply the loss of her today upon earth. However in heaven, today is a day of re-union. Mom and Dad Hillstead have been separated by death for thirty-one years, but today they are together with the Lord. This is not a fanciful myth, it is a fact based on the Word of God. Listen to these words, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). In view of this let us hear the instruction of the Word of God to us from Ecclesiastes 12 ... "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Remember Him, before the silver cord is broken, and the dust return to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God, and Keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
10. Congregational Hymn: "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
11. Prayer of Benediction
There are three components that will make up our service today ...
1. Memories of Mom will be shared
2. Meditations of Mom's favorite Bible Passage will be shared
3. Mom's Meeting with her Maker contemplated
During this time we will laugh and cry, and that is alright! But just remember, if you cry, you are not crying for Mom, you will be crying for yourself, and the impact of loss because of the passing of a very special lady!
2. Prayer and Opening Hymn ... "In the Garden."
3. Memories ... we remember many things about Mom, allow me to mention just a few. I am sure that every family member remembers eating her freshly baked buns! We all remember being in her clean, clean house, mobile home, or apartment! Then there was the ring of laughter in her place of residence. She, like many prairie pioneers knew poverty, but she was one who was able to make the most of the little she had. Without doubt she was a loving, and fun person.
Glenna and I received many letters from her over the years of our lives, but among those letters there were two that were specially addressed to me ... One was written by her in 1951 shortly after Glenna and I were engaged to be married, welcoming me into the Hillstead family. A second letter was written to me in 1989, and in it she asked me if I would take this service today. After listing a number of things that she wanted included in the service, she said, "But this might not happen for another ten years." Mom was quite accurate in her calculations, and today we are seeking to carry out her requests for this occasion.
4. Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Amazing Grace."
5. Eulogy written and read by Harold Hillestad: Many thoughts went through my mind as I sat down to prepare this eulogy of my Mother for the service today. So many in fact that I realized it would be impossible to relate them all. The thoughts and memories which I share with you today are only a few that linger, and the history of events in mother's life which I will attempt to relate are not a complete recollection or record, but just some of the memorable and important ones.
Mother began her journey through life over 92 years ago. It was a journey that was filled with many experiences, both joyful and difficult ones. And regardless of the emotion of each experience, she relied on her strong, unwavering, Christian faith to sustain and guide her and accepted all of life's challenges with a positive, loving attitude. Mother maintained this attitude to the end and died peacefully Monday afternoon.
To go back to the beginning, Mother was born on April 30th, 1906 in Orrock, Minnesota, the second child of Harold and Rena Torkelson. About 1908 she moved with her parents, brother Morris who passed away in 1933 at the age of twenty eight, and sister Hazel to a homestead near Alkabo, North Dakota. Alkabo is situated in the extreme northwest corner of North Dakota some seven or eight miles from Westby, Montana.
Little is remembered of the time spent here except her sister Agnes was born in Alkabo. It is believed that about 1911, when Mother was five years old, the family moved to their farm north east of what is now Beaubier where they were to live for many years and where Mother spent her formative years. It was here that her sisters Ruth, Marie and Mabel were born.
Beaubier actually did not come into existence until 1926, after the railroad was built. Tribune was then the place where settlers got their mail, bought their supplies and sold their produce. It served a large rural area with the amenities and services for the ever growing community. Mother spoke fondly of the times that she would accompany the family to Tribune for special occasions--it was an important and memorable occasion to venture off the farm and travel by horse and wagon to Tribune. Memories of this period acually became more vivid and fondly recalled as she grew older.
In Mother's formative years her life evolved mainly around home and particularly Velhaven School which was opened for classes in 1915. Mother was nine years old then and could only converse in Norwegian, the language spoken at home, as it was in many of the settlers of Norwegian ancestry. When she started to school then it was necessary to learn a new language in addition to her other studies. Mother often recalled many of the experiences and events which took place at Velhaven. She also had many fond memories of teachers and fellow students which she related to us. Perhaps the ones she found most amusing were memories associated with learning English, and her early habit of mixing Norwegian words with English in her first year or two at school. She enjoyed relating and sharing these memories with us especially in her last years.
Although not having spoken Norwegian for many years, she was able to recite the alphabet and say grace in Norwegian less than two years ago and would translate English words into Norwegian when asked--an exercise she always enjoyed doing. One could sense the pride she felt in being able to demonstrate her ability in speaking Norwegian. Mother finished her formal education at Canora, Saskatchewan where she completed her grade eight. This was a considerable feat. It was very difficult to attain an education in those days keeping in mind that it was necessary to move away from home and be separated from her family and move temporarily to a place she was not acquainted with. It was an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was inspired and encouraged by Bessie Turnbull, one of the teachers who taught her at Velhaven, to continue her education at Canora.
Marriage to Dad was the most important event in her life. This occurred on November 18th, 1925 and lasted almost 42 years ending in January, 1967 when Dad passed away. I was first born in the family of seven, followed by Roy, Glenna, Ken who passed away in 1993, Marion, Eunice and Morris.
In 1927, at the age of twenty one, she suffered an injury which would affect her and challenge her stamina the rest of her life. This occurred during a horse and buggy runaway shortly after I was born. With the team of horses out of control, Mother jumped from the buggy and in the process fractured her ankle. The ankle did not heal properly and left Mother with a permanent limp often causing much discomfort.
I often think how difficult it must have been for Mother and Dad to have begun life together in the late twenties and to have endured the tough and trying times of the dirty thirties and supporting a family which Dad did by working as a section hand for the CPR in several communities.
In later years they settled in Midale where Mother worked in the local hospital as a cook, an experience which she enjoyed until her retirement at age 65. She maintained contact with several of her fellow workers and other Midale friends for many years following her move to Regina where she resided since 1971.
Mother was one of the first residents at The Horizon, a high rise senior citizen's home, moving there in 1976 and residing there until ill health necessitated her move to Parkside Extendicare Home on December 28th, 1993. Mother enjoyed the time she lived at the Horizon. She made many friends there and enjoyed the fellowship of the residents and participated in many of the social acitivies that were held there. It was to be her home for seventeen years.
Like most people, Mother went through difficult periods. She felt great sadness at the passing of loved ones which left a void in her life that was never replaced. Her strong faith and positive attitude sustained her when dealing with personal loss and helped her continue life's journey.
Family was always first and foremost in Mother's life, beginning with the family into which she was born. She remained close to her sisters and was always concerned about each of them and their families. Getting together with them and other relatives was always special. She was particularly proud of her own family. While she was a very modest person, she took delight in telling others about her rather large family. She took particular delight in the fact that she was the grandmother of twenty four and ultimately had forty nine great grandchildren. With memory fading, she enjoyed hearing about the arrival of her five great great grandchildren. Unknown to her, she was blessed with a sixth great great grandchild two days before she passed away. Mother felt she was especially blessed to have so many descendents and never lost an opportunity to express her joy and love for each. She also felt a real love and kinship for each one that joined our families through marriage over the years. Her extended family were special to her and she enjoyed the many relationships she had with each.
As we look back, we recognize and appreciate the legacy she has left us by the way she lived her life. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring will always be an inspiration for us. She spoke well of everyone and extended her hand of friendship to all she met. She considered each acquaintance a friend. She particularly displayed her friendly and caring nature during her tenure at Parkside. She made a point to reach out to residents and staff alike in a friendly manner with a kind word, a touch or a smile. Mother enjoyed her life at Parkside and the association with her fellow residents and particularly the many friendships with the people that cared for her. She was always anxious to get back to the environment at Parkside when she was away. When one of us would take her to our homes or to Weyburn and Yellow Grass to see her sisters, we were always reminded when it was time to go home to Parkside. This usually started by Mother looking at her watch which she would do often just in case we didn't notice. If we didn't pay attention to the signal she was sending, she would find it necessary to tell us bluntly that she wanted to go home.
Friends and relatives enhanced Mother's life immensely by their visits to see her. She enjoyed the times she was to share with all those who came to see and spend time with her. These were special to her. Unable to attend Southside Assembly as she was used to these last years, she was particularly grateful for the visits from Murray and Alita Lincoln and other friends from the congregation. It permitted her to still feel part of her church family with whom she wanted to be involved.
Mother had several mini-strokes the past five years and was able to bounce back from each one until late March of last year when she lost most of her ability to communiate. She lost her ability to write and much of her speech. Initially, not being able to speak in the manner she could before the stroke, she found frustrating. With the passing of time, she learned to accept the situation and usually when trying to tell us something and we didn't understand, she was able to laugh about it. As Mother grew weary, we all tried to be with her as much as possible. Many, many relatives made a special effort to visit her these past two months and she enjoyed the time spent with each. She knew the end was not far off. Mother did not fear death and I believe she even looked forward to it as her health failed. In the end it ended quietly and peacefully.
She did not leave us with a final message but then in many ways over the months and years in her own inimitable way, I believe her thoughts would have mirrored those of the unknown poet who penned the poem entitled "I'm Free". I will close by reading it:
I"M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone, must stay that way I found peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy! A love shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lenghen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE.
6. Sheldon, Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Thank You."
7. Meditation on Psalm 23 ... this is a Psalm that is so widely known and loved! I wish to answer the question as to why it is so widely loved and appreciated. There are two reasons that I would like to suggest in the answering of this question: 1. This Psalm more than any other portrays the character qualities of God. a) In the New Testament the character qualities of God are demonstrated lin the life of our Lord Jesus Christ as He lived it out upon the earth. b) While in the Old Testament the character qualities of God were revealed by names that were given to God. From a careful study of the Old Testament, one will discover that among many names ascribed to God, there are seven compound names of God. These seven above all others reveal the nature of God.
The seven compound names of God are as follows:
1. Jehovah-Ra ah translated in Psalm 23 as Shepherd
2. Jehovah-Shalom (Peace) The pastoral scene given in verse 2 is a picture of peace.
3. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Righteousness) Verse 3 states that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness.
4. Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is present) Verse 4 assures us of the presence of the Lord in time of difficulty.
5. Jehovah-Jireh (Provision) Verse 5 assures us of the Lord's provision at all times.
6. Jehovah-Rapha (The Healer) Verse 5 alludes to oil as a symbol of healing.
7. Jehovah-Nissi (A Banner, or Victory) Verse 6 surely portrays victory in this life, and in the life which is to come following death.
The Lord Jesus of the New Testament was all of that which was revealed in the Old Testament through the seven compound names of the LORD, or Jehovah. And all that these names indicated of the character qualities of God are included in the 23rd Psalm. Little wonder that it is a specially loved Psalm.
2. This Psalm can be briefly summated as follows: In verses 1-5 this Psalm portrays Faith for the present, and in verse 6 it speaks of Hope for the future. What more do we need if we have faith for the present, and hope for the future?
However, it should be noted that if you are to have faith for the present and hope for the future, while enjoying the character qualities of God, you must know the Lord as your shepherd. The story is told of a celebration for an outstanding orator. During the evening someone asked the honored guest if he would quote the 23re Psalm. This he did, and as he did, people cheered, and clapped in response. Then the honored guest asked a special friend present if he would quote the 23rd Psalm, this he did. As his godly friend quoted the Psalm, people cried. At the conclusion, the honored guest posed a question: "How is it that when I quoted the 23rd Psalm, you cheered, and clapped, but when my godly friend quoted it, you cried?" Then he proceeded to answer his own question as follows: "I KNOW THE 23rd PSALM, BUT HE KNOWS THE SHEPHERD!" Mom Hillstead not only knew the 23rd Psalm, she knew the Shepherd! She knew the Lord as a Good Shepherd (John 10:11), as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
8. Sheldon Johnson sings: "Welcome Home."
9. Mom Hillstead meets her Maker ... today is a day of separation for us! We feel very deeply the loss of her today upon earth. However in heaven, today is a day of re-union. Mom and Dad Hillstead have been separated by death for thirty-one years, but today they are together with the Lord. This is not a fanciful myth, it is a fact based on the Word of God. Listen to these words, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). In view of this let us hear the instruction of the Word of God to us from Ecclesiastes 12 ... "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Remember Him, before the silver cord is broken, and the dust return to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God, and Keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
10. Congregational Hymn: "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
11. Prayer of Benediction
Memorial Service for Lois Alford - January 31, 2003
On behalf of the immediate family members, Lois' Mother, Mildred Scherrer, her daughter Carla, and husband Ranie, and their children Bryce and Dakota.
Together we celebrate the Life of Lois Alfred. I am Arlo Johnson, a cousin of Lois, and one of the ten grandchildren of our Grandpa and Grandma Christ Johnson. I was asked by Lois prior to her death, and by her immediate family following her passing, to co-ordinate this memorial.
Let me say that in a service of this nature we will be reminded of our human-ness! One aspect of our human-ness is that none of us is perfect .. we are flawed! And whether we are thinking of the living or the deceased, for our own wellbeing, it is necessary for each of us to forgive individ- uals for their weaknesses, and appreciate them for their strengths! As we do this, we will experience different emotions .. at times we will feel like crying, and at other times we will feel likelaughing. Let me assure you that the expression of either or both emotions is a necessary part of our grieving process! So if you feel like crying, don't supress your tears! And if you feel like laughing, do so, and most of us will probably join in with you in either or both of these emotions!
The story of Lois' life really had its beginning long before she was ever born. Her story begins with the coming together of two families .. the Scherrer and Johnson families. These two families came from different geographical locations to live in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. As a result of that, Art Scherrer and Mildred Johnson were married in Moose Jaw on January 11, 1927. As a result of that marriage, Lois was born on December 6, 1928 in Pangman, Saskatchewan. Lois was married to Archie Alfred on September 23, 1952 in the Wascana United Church, then located on 13th Avenue in the city of Regina. In 1966 Lois and Archie birthed a daughter, Carla Lynn.
The Milestone Mail of November, 1974 was purchased for just 10 cents! It was in this news paper that bore these headlines: Centenarian Honored .. "District pioneer farmer, Christian Johnson was honored at an informal come-and-go tea on October 20 in Parry United Church on the occasion of his 100th Birthday anniversary. Great granddaughter, Carla Alfred of Moose Jaw attended the register signed by 161 well wishers."
It was into this family connection that Lois was born, and spent her childhood, growing up on her father's farm just a short distance east of Parry. Art was the farmer, and his wife, Mildred was an exceptional housekeeper according to my childhood memories. Lois was a fun loving cousin! I was four years her junior, but there were occasions when Aunt Mildred had me spend some vacation time with them in their home. It was always a very special time! Aunt Mildred had something that none of my family or extended family had .. she had a canary! As for Lois, she entertained me well!
Eulogy by Paul Larsen
Lois Mabel Alford nee Scherrer was born December 6, 1928 and passed away Sunday, January 26th, 2003 at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her grandparents, her Dad, Art, in October, 1976, and her husband Al in July, 2000. Lois is survived by her mother, Mildred, daughter, Carla, son-in-law Ranie, grandson, Bryce and granddaughter, Dakota, also extended family members, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.
Lois lived up and across the road from my home. Their home was like a second home for me. We were such close neighbors so we saw alot of one another. Her Mom and Dad were a part of my growing up years, hence they are a large part of my memories. Lois and I went to school in Parry. In the summer we rode with her Dad in that Model T or we walked to school across country from our place to town and school. When the creek was running, then it was a longer route. In winter we wnt with our team of horses and sleigh. One summer she received a new bike, one of the first in the area, so she was the envy of all the girls at school. I learned to ride on that bike. We got a long fine until this boy-girl thing kicked in and I didn't want to be seen riding or walking with a girl.
That model T was an important vehicle for the Scherrers as it was used to take Lois and I to school on a number of occasions. In order to make such a trip worthwhile there was a barrel in the back of the truck to be filled with water at the town well on the way home. This was fine until one day the rear wheel came off and passed us. This created a large let down and it seemed as if the whole barrel of water came over us. Lois thought this was hilarious, even if I didn't quite agree. We were left with no choice but to walk home!
Then there was the jersey cow that did not like children! Lois and I would become the "butt" of her "cow jokes," if were not watching.
The Scherrer house had an attic that was rather unique at the time as it had a floor and a stairway leading up to it. This is where Lois spent much of her time playing with her dolls and other girl things.
After Lois finished grade school at Parry, she went to Amulet for high school. Then to Regina to take a hairdressing course and this led to her lifetime business of hairdressing. Eventually, she owned her own hair dressing shop in Moose Jaw.
Lois was a very friendly, caring person and she loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren were a great joy to her. She would tell about their latest escapades and what they had talked about on the phone. Lois and Mildred, not only had a mother and daughter relationship, they were the best of friends!
Memories by Arlo Johnson
In the fall of 1945, my parents moved to Regina where my father would haul coal, and my mother, with the assistance of Rachel Rasmussen (Sheppard) ran a boarding house at 2230 Smith Street. The second World War was just over, and War Veterans were returning home in great numbers. To make a long story short, we had between 8 and 10 men, and Lois as boarders. There are two things that I remember about Lois: 1. For the 8-10 men and Lois, we had just one BATHROOM! It seemed to my 13 year old mind that Lois spent much time in the bathroom, as all the men put together! 2. One night, the reason for which I have no recollection, but Lois put my hair in pin curls. Upon taking them out the next morning, my hair made me 4-6 inches taller .. upon going to school that day, the Grade Eight Teacher at Victoria School asked me, "Arlo, what happened to your hair?" I told him and the class that I splept on it wrong! Later that day, the teacher came to me, and asked me privately, "Arlo, did you really sleep on your hair wrong to make it look this way?" Need I say more, but if that helped one of my favorite cousins to be thrust into a successful career in hairstyling, I'd do it all over again, just for Lois!
Memories by Luella (Johnson) Pritchard
Lois was raised in a very loving home. All of us cousins loved to go to Aunt Mildred and Uncle Art's home. Everything was so pretty, and Aunt Mildred kept her home so immaculate. There were always special goodies to eat. Uncle Art was a tease, but we thrived on it.
Lois left home at quite an early age to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. She took her training in Regina and stayed at Uncle Harry and Aunt Cecile's home. Reatha recalls her paarents commenting that Lois wa such a strong person, displaying much stamina in walking to her place of training each day.
Reatha also remembers how as a young girl, Aunt Mildred always had Lois dressed so beautifully-like a doll. A practice, Lois maintained all her life as she always looked attractive!
Lois was visiting Reatha and Arnold in their home in Moreland. Reatha remembers when Arnold was pretending to chase Lois and Reatha with something. So Lois and Reatha scrambled under the kitchen table just at the precise moment a traveling salesman came to their door. He peered through the window in the door and took in the happening! That would have been one of those embarrassing moments difficult to explain!
Darleen remembers, as a teenager, admiring Lois' beautiful clothes on more than one occasion. She was glad to be a recipient of some of her hand-me-downs, which were still very lovely.
Verla recalled a trip when she and Lois, along with other family members, travelled to Florida, and how Lois' fun-loving personality made the trip so enjoyable!
After the marriage of Lois and Al, they made their home in Moose Jaw. Al worked at the Canadian Forces Base, and Lois continued her career of hairdressing. A career she continued all of her life. Lois was an excellent hairdresser. She was always friendly and enjoyed visiting with people. She was very willing to serve and please her customers, often working past her scheduled time. Her character and work qualities resulted in a thriving clientele. Lois owned her own business.
Although Lois was happy in her profession, her greatest joy was at the birth of their daughter, Carla Lynn. Lois placed priority on Carla Lynn over her business. As Carla grew older, she married Ranie Moldenhouer, and Bryce and Dakota were born to complete the family. Lois' grandchildren brought great joy to Lois. She spoke lovingly of her family and they meant so much to her. Her only wish was that they lived closer so they could all be together more often!
Uncle Art and Aunt Mildred moved to Moose Jaw in 1968, just a short distance from Lois and her famlly. After Uncle Art's passing, Aunt Mildred and Lois enjoyed many trips abroad in such places as Thailand, Japan, and Spain. After Al passed away, Aunt Mildred moved from her apartment to live with Lois in her home.
Lois fought a noble battle against cancer. Even those times when she was recovering from surgery or treatment for cancer, Lois still maintained her positve outlook. She didn't dwell on her sickness, but we knew she was suffering. During the course of one such visit, Lois said, "I am ready to die, but I really want to live." Then she asked that we remember her in prayer.
A couple of weeks ago I sent Lois a card with a little note. I remember saying to her, "Lois, you are an inspiration to all of us. During this time of suffering, you have been so positive, so patient and so strong." I chose a card with the poem, "Footprints."
Reading of Footprints (written by: Margaret Fishback Powers) by Darlene (Johnson) Wilson:
One night a man had a dream ...
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome
Times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most that you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints,
IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU!"
Songs by Audrey Thomas: A Mansion over the Hilltop and Farther Along.
Together we celebrate the Life of Lois Alfred. I am Arlo Johnson, a cousin of Lois, and one of the ten grandchildren of our Grandpa and Grandma Christ Johnson. I was asked by Lois prior to her death, and by her immediate family following her passing, to co-ordinate this memorial.
Let me say that in a service of this nature we will be reminded of our human-ness! One aspect of our human-ness is that none of us is perfect .. we are flawed! And whether we are thinking of the living or the deceased, for our own wellbeing, it is necessary for each of us to forgive individ- uals for their weaknesses, and appreciate them for their strengths! As we do this, we will experience different emotions .. at times we will feel like crying, and at other times we will feel likelaughing. Let me assure you that the expression of either or both emotions is a necessary part of our grieving process! So if you feel like crying, don't supress your tears! And if you feel like laughing, do so, and most of us will probably join in with you in either or both of these emotions!
The story of Lois' life really had its beginning long before she was ever born. Her story begins with the coming together of two families .. the Scherrer and Johnson families. These two families came from different geographical locations to live in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. As a result of that, Art Scherrer and Mildred Johnson were married in Moose Jaw on January 11, 1927. As a result of that marriage, Lois was born on December 6, 1928 in Pangman, Saskatchewan. Lois was married to Archie Alfred on September 23, 1952 in the Wascana United Church, then located on 13th Avenue in the city of Regina. In 1966 Lois and Archie birthed a daughter, Carla Lynn.
The Milestone Mail of November, 1974 was purchased for just 10 cents! It was in this news paper that bore these headlines: Centenarian Honored .. "District pioneer farmer, Christian Johnson was honored at an informal come-and-go tea on October 20 in Parry United Church on the occasion of his 100th Birthday anniversary. Great granddaughter, Carla Alfred of Moose Jaw attended the register signed by 161 well wishers."
It was into this family connection that Lois was born, and spent her childhood, growing up on her father's farm just a short distance east of Parry. Art was the farmer, and his wife, Mildred was an exceptional housekeeper according to my childhood memories. Lois was a fun loving cousin! I was four years her junior, but there were occasions when Aunt Mildred had me spend some vacation time with them in their home. It was always a very special time! Aunt Mildred had something that none of my family or extended family had .. she had a canary! As for Lois, she entertained me well!
Eulogy by Paul Larsen
Lois Mabel Alford nee Scherrer was born December 6, 1928 and passed away Sunday, January 26th, 2003 at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her grandparents, her Dad, Art, in October, 1976, and her husband Al in July, 2000. Lois is survived by her mother, Mildred, daughter, Carla, son-in-law Ranie, grandson, Bryce and granddaughter, Dakota, also extended family members, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.
Lois lived up and across the road from my home. Their home was like a second home for me. We were such close neighbors so we saw alot of one another. Her Mom and Dad were a part of my growing up years, hence they are a large part of my memories. Lois and I went to school in Parry. In the summer we rode with her Dad in that Model T or we walked to school across country from our place to town and school. When the creek was running, then it was a longer route. In winter we wnt with our team of horses and sleigh. One summer she received a new bike, one of the first in the area, so she was the envy of all the girls at school. I learned to ride on that bike. We got a long fine until this boy-girl thing kicked in and I didn't want to be seen riding or walking with a girl.
That model T was an important vehicle for the Scherrers as it was used to take Lois and I to school on a number of occasions. In order to make such a trip worthwhile there was a barrel in the back of the truck to be filled with water at the town well on the way home. This was fine until one day the rear wheel came off and passed us. This created a large let down and it seemed as if the whole barrel of water came over us. Lois thought this was hilarious, even if I didn't quite agree. We were left with no choice but to walk home!
Then there was the jersey cow that did not like children! Lois and I would become the "butt" of her "cow jokes," if were not watching.
The Scherrer house had an attic that was rather unique at the time as it had a floor and a stairway leading up to it. This is where Lois spent much of her time playing with her dolls and other girl things.
After Lois finished grade school at Parry, she went to Amulet for high school. Then to Regina to take a hairdressing course and this led to her lifetime business of hairdressing. Eventually, she owned her own hair dressing shop in Moose Jaw.
Lois was a very friendly, caring person and she loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren were a great joy to her. She would tell about their latest escapades and what they had talked about on the phone. Lois and Mildred, not only had a mother and daughter relationship, they were the best of friends!
Memories by Arlo Johnson
In the fall of 1945, my parents moved to Regina where my father would haul coal, and my mother, with the assistance of Rachel Rasmussen (Sheppard) ran a boarding house at 2230 Smith Street. The second World War was just over, and War Veterans were returning home in great numbers. To make a long story short, we had between 8 and 10 men, and Lois as boarders. There are two things that I remember about Lois: 1. For the 8-10 men and Lois, we had just one BATHROOM! It seemed to my 13 year old mind that Lois spent much time in the bathroom, as all the men put together! 2. One night, the reason for which I have no recollection, but Lois put my hair in pin curls. Upon taking them out the next morning, my hair made me 4-6 inches taller .. upon going to school that day, the Grade Eight Teacher at Victoria School asked me, "Arlo, what happened to your hair?" I told him and the class that I splept on it wrong! Later that day, the teacher came to me, and asked me privately, "Arlo, did you really sleep on your hair wrong to make it look this way?" Need I say more, but if that helped one of my favorite cousins to be thrust into a successful career in hairstyling, I'd do it all over again, just for Lois!
Memories by Luella (Johnson) Pritchard
Lois was raised in a very loving home. All of us cousins loved to go to Aunt Mildred and Uncle Art's home. Everything was so pretty, and Aunt Mildred kept her home so immaculate. There were always special goodies to eat. Uncle Art was a tease, but we thrived on it.
Lois left home at quite an early age to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. She took her training in Regina and stayed at Uncle Harry and Aunt Cecile's home. Reatha recalls her paarents commenting that Lois wa such a strong person, displaying much stamina in walking to her place of training each day.
Reatha also remembers how as a young girl, Aunt Mildred always had Lois dressed so beautifully-like a doll. A practice, Lois maintained all her life as she always looked attractive!
Lois was visiting Reatha and Arnold in their home in Moreland. Reatha remembers when Arnold was pretending to chase Lois and Reatha with something. So Lois and Reatha scrambled under the kitchen table just at the precise moment a traveling salesman came to their door. He peered through the window in the door and took in the happening! That would have been one of those embarrassing moments difficult to explain!
Darleen remembers, as a teenager, admiring Lois' beautiful clothes on more than one occasion. She was glad to be a recipient of some of her hand-me-downs, which were still very lovely.
Verla recalled a trip when she and Lois, along with other family members, travelled to Florida, and how Lois' fun-loving personality made the trip so enjoyable!
After the marriage of Lois and Al, they made their home in Moose Jaw. Al worked at the Canadian Forces Base, and Lois continued her career of hairdressing. A career she continued all of her life. Lois was an excellent hairdresser. She was always friendly and enjoyed visiting with people. She was very willing to serve and please her customers, often working past her scheduled time. Her character and work qualities resulted in a thriving clientele. Lois owned her own business.
Although Lois was happy in her profession, her greatest joy was at the birth of their daughter, Carla Lynn. Lois placed priority on Carla Lynn over her business. As Carla grew older, she married Ranie Moldenhouer, and Bryce and Dakota were born to complete the family. Lois' grandchildren brought great joy to Lois. She spoke lovingly of her family and they meant so much to her. Her only wish was that they lived closer so they could all be together more often!
Uncle Art and Aunt Mildred moved to Moose Jaw in 1968, just a short distance from Lois and her famlly. After Uncle Art's passing, Aunt Mildred and Lois enjoyed many trips abroad in such places as Thailand, Japan, and Spain. After Al passed away, Aunt Mildred moved from her apartment to live with Lois in her home.
Lois fought a noble battle against cancer. Even those times when she was recovering from surgery or treatment for cancer, Lois still maintained her positve outlook. She didn't dwell on her sickness, but we knew she was suffering. During the course of one such visit, Lois said, "I am ready to die, but I really want to live." Then she asked that we remember her in prayer.
A couple of weeks ago I sent Lois a card with a little note. I remember saying to her, "Lois, you are an inspiration to all of us. During this time of suffering, you have been so positive, so patient and so strong." I chose a card with the poem, "Footprints."
Reading of Footprints (written by: Margaret Fishback Powers) by Darlene (Johnson) Wilson:
One night a man had a dream ...
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome
Times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most that you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints,
IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU!"
Songs by Audrey Thomas: A Mansion over the Hilltop and Farther Along.
Celebrating the life of Arnold E. Pritchard
I. Scripture Reading and Prayer: Pastor Gillis Killam
II. Hymn: My Savior First of All
III. Eulogy: Pastor Ernie Metz
IV. Tribute: Kerilei Oldoerp (Granddaughter)
V. Solo: Shasta Mund (Granddaughter) "Consider the Lillies"
VI. Tributes: Norman West and Gillis Killam
VII. Singing of Choruses
VIII. Tribute: Pastor Lorne Pritchard (Brother)
IX. Solo: Clara White "I Shall See Him Face to Face"
X. Message by Arlo A. Johnson (Brother-in-law)
Our Celebration of the Life of Arnold Pritchard!
You have heard Arnold’s story, and had Arnold been here today, I think I know how he would have responded: He would have been a bit embarrassed, and with a mischievious smile, he would have said, “Oh that was nothing!” You see Arnold was a humble man that did everything in his power to stay out of the limelight! Arnold’s story is really HIS-STORY, The Apostle Paul put it this way: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me.”
[You have heard many wonderful expressions of love and appreciation for the life and service of Arnold Pritchard. I want to affirm to you that Arnold’s life has been a blessing to Glenna and I and our family].
In these few concluding minutes, on the backdrop of the story of Arnold’s life, I would like to share several verses of scripture to help you to do one of two things: 1. To come to a place of initial personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, or 2. To come to a place of greater commitment to serve your Savior as Lord of your life!
1. Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 New Living Translation: (Eccl.7:2-5 niv).
“It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.”
Why is this so? a) At a funeral we are reminded of our mortality! In life we think far more about living, than the possibility of dying! But at a funeral we are reminded both by the visual and verbal fact, that “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment.”
b) The NIV puts it this way: “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to a house of feasting: for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.” Again by being here today, each of us is reminded that “death is the destiny of every person, including you and me!
c) 7:3 “Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.” Sorrow for sin, and the consequences it brings will bring a person to the place of trust in God as Savior!
d) 7:4 “A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now.”
EVERY EVENT IN LIFE REQUIRES PREPARATION! Since death is one of the events of life that none of us are going to avoid, we need to prepare for death! How can one be prepared for death? As we think about being prepared for death, listen to these words, and the truth they contain: Rom.3:23; 6:23; John 5:24; 1:10-12; (Rom.10:9-10); Revelation 3:20.
XI Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross
Arnold Ellis Pritchard of Wilcox, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at the age of 89 years.
He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Viola Pritchard; sister Elma; brother Lester; sister-in-law Anne and brother-in-law Ronnie Burnside.
Arnold's memory will be cherished by his wife Reatha;
daughter Marilyn (Terry) Poppelwell and their children: Kerilei (Greg) Oldoerp, and her son Jair (Anndrea) Poppelwell, and their children Franchesca and Elliot; Teresa (Danile) Riggio and son Massimo; Blake Popelwell and Brett (Amanda) Poppelwell and daughter Tristyn;
daughter Marsha (Larry) Borowko and their children Shasta (Clayton) Mund and their children Ava and Justus; and Ryan Borowko.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Elsie Burnside; brother Lorne; sister-in-law Thelma Pritchard; sister Luella (Eldon) Johnson; brother Eric (Luella); brother/sister-in-law Arlo and Glenna Johnson; as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
Arnold was born on the family farm near Khedive, Saskatchewan on June 24, 1919. In 1941, he married Reatha Johnson and they had two daughters, Marilyn and Marsha. They farmed and resided in the Moreland disstrict and in 1950 built a home in Pangman, Saskatchewan. In those first years, he farmed with his father, raised livestock and enjoyed breaking and riding horses.
Arnold was also very much involved with the church, Pangman Bethel Mission Assembly, and served on the board and as a Sunday School teacher. He loved to help others and often assisted the elderly. He spent many years supporting Trossachs Gospel Camp by working with others in the building, maintenance and management of the campgrounds. Arnold and Reatha spent the winter months from 1969-1980 in Eston, Saskatchewan. In Eston, he enjoyed working with the students and staff at the Full Gospel Bible Institute.
In 1962, Arnold and Reatha purchased a farm in the Wilcox area. It was during these years that he enjoyed curling and pursuing his love of horses by showing his Arabian horse, Zahlim. This horse won many awards including first prize in the "Costume Class" of 22 horses in the Regina Horse Show.
Many happy memories were made with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many others who came to spend time on the farm with Arnold and Reatha. The desire of Arnold's heart was to honor and serve the Lord by loving his family and caring for others.
II. Hymn: My Savior First of All
III. Eulogy: Pastor Ernie Metz
IV. Tribute: Kerilei Oldoerp (Granddaughter)
V. Solo: Shasta Mund (Granddaughter) "Consider the Lillies"
VI. Tributes: Norman West and Gillis Killam
VII. Singing of Choruses
VIII. Tribute: Pastor Lorne Pritchard (Brother)
IX. Solo: Clara White "I Shall See Him Face to Face"
X. Message by Arlo A. Johnson (Brother-in-law)
Our Celebration of the Life of Arnold Pritchard!
You have heard Arnold’s story, and had Arnold been here today, I think I know how he would have responded: He would have been a bit embarrassed, and with a mischievious smile, he would have said, “Oh that was nothing!” You see Arnold was a humble man that did everything in his power to stay out of the limelight! Arnold’s story is really HIS-STORY, The Apostle Paul put it this way: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me.”
[You have heard many wonderful expressions of love and appreciation for the life and service of Arnold Pritchard. I want to affirm to you that Arnold’s life has been a blessing to Glenna and I and our family].
In these few concluding minutes, on the backdrop of the story of Arnold’s life, I would like to share several verses of scripture to help you to do one of two things: 1. To come to a place of initial personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, or 2. To come to a place of greater commitment to serve your Savior as Lord of your life!
1. Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 New Living Translation: (Eccl.7:2-5 niv).
“It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.”
Why is this so? a) At a funeral we are reminded of our mortality! In life we think far more about living, than the possibility of dying! But at a funeral we are reminded both by the visual and verbal fact, that “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment.”
b) The NIV puts it this way: “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to a house of feasting: for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.” Again by being here today, each of us is reminded that “death is the destiny of every person, including you and me!
c) 7:3 “Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.” Sorrow for sin, and the consequences it brings will bring a person to the place of trust in God as Savior!
d) 7:4 “A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now.”
EVERY EVENT IN LIFE REQUIRES PREPARATION! Since death is one of the events of life that none of us are going to avoid, we need to prepare for death! How can one be prepared for death? As we think about being prepared for death, listen to these words, and the truth they contain: Rom.3:23; 6:23; John 5:24; 1:10-12; (Rom.10:9-10); Revelation 3:20.
XI Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross
Arnold Ellis Pritchard of Wilcox, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at the age of 89 years.
He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Viola Pritchard; sister Elma; brother Lester; sister-in-law Anne and brother-in-law Ronnie Burnside.
Arnold's memory will be cherished by his wife Reatha;
daughter Marilyn (Terry) Poppelwell and their children: Kerilei (Greg) Oldoerp, and her son Jair (Anndrea) Poppelwell, and their children Franchesca and Elliot; Teresa (Danile) Riggio and son Massimo; Blake Popelwell and Brett (Amanda) Poppelwell and daughter Tristyn;
daughter Marsha (Larry) Borowko and their children Shasta (Clayton) Mund and their children Ava and Justus; and Ryan Borowko.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Elsie Burnside; brother Lorne; sister-in-law Thelma Pritchard; sister Luella (Eldon) Johnson; brother Eric (Luella); brother/sister-in-law Arlo and Glenna Johnson; as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
Arnold was born on the family farm near Khedive, Saskatchewan on June 24, 1919. In 1941, he married Reatha Johnson and they had two daughters, Marilyn and Marsha. They farmed and resided in the Moreland disstrict and in 1950 built a home in Pangman, Saskatchewan. In those first years, he farmed with his father, raised livestock and enjoyed breaking and riding horses.
Arnold was also very much involved with the church, Pangman Bethel Mission Assembly, and served on the board and as a Sunday School teacher. He loved to help others and often assisted the elderly. He spent many years supporting Trossachs Gospel Camp by working with others in the building, maintenance and management of the campgrounds. Arnold and Reatha spent the winter months from 1969-1980 in Eston, Saskatchewan. In Eston, he enjoyed working with the students and staff at the Full Gospel Bible Institute.
In 1962, Arnold and Reatha purchased a farm in the Wilcox area. It was during these years that he enjoyed curling and pursuing his love of horses by showing his Arabian horse, Zahlim. This horse won many awards including first prize in the "Costume Class" of 22 horses in the Regina Horse Show.
Many happy memories were made with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many others who came to spend time on the farm with Arnold and Reatha. The desire of Arnold's heart was to honor and serve the Lord by loving his family and caring for others.
The Celebration of the life of Harry W. Johnson
The Service of Celebration for the Life of Harry W. Johnson (January 6, 2003).
I. Introduction and Welcome by Pastor Arlo A. Johnson
On behalf our family, the descendants of Harry and Cecile Johnson, I want to welcome you to share in this Service to Celebrate of the Life Journey of Harry Johnson.
There are two significant components to the Life Journey of our father …first there is Dad’s physical life journey, and secondly there is Dad’s spiritual life journey.
II. First let us consider his physical life journey…
105 years ago today, Christian and Carrie Johnson welcomed the birth of their first baby, a boy, Harry Wesley Johnson! Yes, you did hear me right! 105 years ago on this very day, Harry Johnson was born in Dayton, Iowa, in the United States of America.
In 1905 Saskatchewan became a province in the Dominion of Canada, and it was in that year that the Chris Johnson family moved from Iowa to take up a homestead in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. In the same general time period the Oscar Lincoln family moved from Illinois to take up farming just over a mile west of the Johnson homestead.
My Mother wrote the following information about my father for the Dummer and Area History & Heritage Book published in 1982 .. “There were lots of children to play with in the “Johnson Corner.” Harry was the oldest and had to help his mother baby sit. He often “sat” Mildred while the other kids played. Harry, at a young age, became “flunky” for the cook car that followed the threshing outfits in those days. Since there were few threshing machines, threshing sometimes continued until snow-fall. Harry was promoted to “straw-boss,” then to “fireman,” and eventually he became the “engineer” (for the steam-engine powered threshing machine).
During the winter months, he took on the job of starting fires at the school for $10. a month. This meant that for most of the winter months, he attended school .. (then my Mother states .. “which was nice for me, as Harry would take care of my horse)!”
Mother continues .. “Harry and I started going out together in 1919. His car, a 1916 Model T was needing a paint job. He painted it grey, and it was called the “Grey Louse.” Harry moved to his own place seven miles north of Parry. His uncle Jim Johnson lived with him in his granary, as Jim had contracted to dig fence post holes for a community pasture. In March,1920 we became engaged. John Krantz built a house for us. We were married on November 10, 1920 at Milestone in the United Church Manse. Both our parents gave us a cow. His folks also gave us a dozen chicken hens. The car was put aside … no money for gas! The day following the wedding, the happy couple loaded their few belongings into a horse drawn wagon and they traveled several miles north to their newly constructed house on the homestead.” I might add, “This was certainly a far cry from today’s Hawaiian Honey Moon enjoyed by so many newly weds!”
Mom continues .. “That first winter Harry picked rock as there was very little snow.” (Again if I might add a personal note … Dad didn’t get all the rock picked off that homestead, because Eldon & I were still picking rock off that land in the very early 1940’s).
In 1926 Harry and Cecile moved to a farm a few miles south, just 3 ½ miles east of Dummer, where they would farm for the next 25 years of their lives. It was there that they raised a daughter and two sons.
Mother continues .. “In 1929 depression affected all of Canada. It struck the following winter as prices for farm products fell. Unemployment was high and money was tight. Wheat prices struck the bottom, the lowest in 300 years, a bushel of wheat sold for about 30 cents a bushel less 12 cents a bushel for freight to Fort William. Yearling steers were selling at Moose Jaw for $2.75 per cwt.
With the drought and no crops, the winds had a good sweep across the country, resulting in black blizzards so bad that it was unsafe for the children to go to school. The remaining greenery was taken care of by the millions of army worms that swept through the area.
At one point, Harry and Glen fixed up a vehicle and went around the country, buying up old chicken hens for about 25 cents each, and Karen and I plucked them (about 100 per day), and the men took them to Regina and sold them for 50 cents each. With the sale proceeds they would bring home groceries or other necessities. They also purchased badger, weasel, rabbit and skunk furs from local trappers, and sold them in Regina.” By 1939 the drought was coming to an end.
In 1951 Dad & Mom purchased a farm in the Pense area, where they would farm for the remaining period of their work years. In 1969 they retired from the farm and took up year-around residence in Regina, apart from the winters they spent at Seal Beach, in California.
Family was an extra-ordinary priority to Mom and Dad Johnson. Their marriage anniversary celebrations were always an opportunity to focus upon family relationships, rather than exclusively upon themselves and their marriage! They had many such Anniversary Celebrations ..Their 40th Anniversary Celebration was in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1960 at Arlo & Glenna Johnson’s home. Their 50th Anniversary Celebration was in Regina’s Carmichael United Church at 15th & St. John Street. Their 60th & 65th Anniversary Celebrations were at the Regina Apostolic Church. Finally, their 70th Anniversary Celebration was at Southside Pentecostal Church in November of 1990. Dad was predeceased by his wife Cecile just six months after their 70th Wedding Anniversary, in April of 1991. Dad was also predeceased by his parents, by his brothers Merrill and Glen, sisters-in-law Karen Johnson and Maxine Lincoln, brothers-in-law Art Sherrer and Kenneth Lincoln and grandson Wesley Johnson.
Dad will be lovingly remembered by his brother Arnold and wife Pearl, sister Mildred, sister-in-law Doris, daughter Reatha Pritchard and husband Arnold, son Eldon and wife Luella, and son Arlo and wife Glenna. Dad’s living grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren number 42, plus several nieces and nephews.
III. Scripture Reading & Prayer: Pastor Rick Parkyn, Regina Apostolic Church
The Spiritual Journey of Harry Johnson began in 1928 when Art and Viola Pritchard came from their nearby farm home at Moreland, Saskatchewan to conduct Gospel Church Services in the Parry School house. It was in one of those services that Dad and Mom came to understand that Christ had died for their sins, and that by praying to invite Christ into their lives, each of them could receive the gift of eternal life. It was there in that little prairie school house that Dad, followed by Mom, went forward to receive and confess Christ as personal Lord and Savior. As a result of that commitment they received the assurance of eternal life.
IV. Hymn: Blessed Assurance .. Page 4 in Hymnal
V. The decision that my parents made that evening over 70 years ago was to change their lives, and the lives of those born into their family forever! It was more than an emotional or religious experience! They, by believing in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, entered into a relationship with the Lord that would become a life long sacrifice of their lives in love and service to Him! Hebrews 11:4 describes the life of Abel as follows, “By faith Abel was commended as a righteous man when God spoke well of his sacrifice. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” I speak with confidence when I say that my father’s faith made him a righteous man in the sight of God and man. And though he died on Wednesday, January 1st, of him we can assuredly say, “he being dead, yet speaketh.” And he will do so as long as anyone remembers his life!
Could I take but one more moment to honor several individuals that though they are dead, continue to speak into the spiritual wellbeing of our family … among that company there are Art and Viola Pritchard, their son, Les Pritchard, and Glenna’s Mom and Dad Hillstead. It is with thankful hearts that we honor such today.
VI Hymn: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms .. Page 18 in Hymnal
I have so many childhood memories of church services that were conducted in our very own home, as well as in school houses and town halls. As significant as such events were, my most valued memories of growing up in Mom and Dad’s home actually centres around two character qualities demonstrated consistently in their lives. Those two character qualities were love and service! Their love for people meant that there was an absence of criticism in our family home. As many of you would know, my parents were not public speakers. Of course if Dad had to speak in public he spent most of his speaking time trying to clear his throat. And as for Mom, she was a very capable speaker but she did all her speaking at home! But they did have time to help people!
Our home seemed to be a centre where different people were always going and coming! From my memory I think of a number of different people that stayed in our home for different periods of time .. there was Clifford, Clara, and Annie Lincoln, Olaf and Oscar Orvik, Gordon Nelson, Stan, Ted and Dorothy Joyce. In addition, School Teachers, Mabel Tidlund, Miss Metcalfe, and Dawsey Smith had room & board at our home for different periods of time. As a result of their love and service to people, I grew up thinking that such love and service was normal, not exceptional! And I also grew up seeing many individuals receive Christ as their Savior because of the direct and indirect influence of my godly parents!
Allow me to share some of the words of a beautiful song by songwriter and singer Ray Boltz as he describes godly people and their eternal reward in heaven after death .. “I dreamed I went to heaven, And Dad you were there with me, We walked upon the streets of gold, Beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing, Then someone called your name, He said remember the time A missionary came to your church His pictures made you cry You didn’t have much money But you gave it anyway Jesus took the gift you gave And that’s why I’m in heaven today One by one they came Far as your eyes could see Each life somehow touched by your generosity Little things that you had done, Sacrifices you made They were unnoticed on this earth In heaven now proclaimed. Thank you for giving to the Lord I am a life that was changed
VII. A Tribute from the Grandchildren’s Point of View
VIII Solo: “It is Well with my Soul” Grady Johnson, a grandson
IX. Message from the Word of God .. by Arlo A. Johnson
I Timothy 4:8 NIV “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life, and the life to come.”
We have thought upon the physical and spiritual journey of our father and grandfather, now I want to leave a few thoughts from the Word of God upon which to meditate.
Our text compares the physical and spiritual qualities of life.
a) The physical aspects of life are described as being of “some value.” The word, “some” is a very limiting word. One dictionary describes “some” as “to a certain extent,” and “at least a small amount of.” We might apply it to our text as follows, “the physical has value, to a certain extent,” or “the physical has, at least a small amount of value.” I say all of this to point out that if we are putting all our invested interest and energies into the physical, we are not making a wise decision, in view of the limited value of the physical life.
b) The spiritual aspects of life are described as having “value for all things.” Then it proceeds to describe what is included in the “all things.”
i. “for the present life” .. the godliness exhibited in our family home was expressed by love and service to both God and man. Many years ago I read three statements summarizing the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 as follows .. V.1-3 Love Makes Life’s Gifts Profitable. V.4-7 Love Makes Life’s Relationships Beautiful (and I might add, “workable”). V.8-13 Love Makes Life’s Contributions Eternal.
Godliness in the present life expressed by love, makes life’s gifts profitable, and life’s relationships beautiful and workable, and life’s contributions eternal! Our world needs this kind of practical godliness expressed by love!
Ii. “and for the life to come.” Whether in word, or by a manner of life, many do not seem to believe in a life to come! Of course, if you believe that which is written in the Bible, you will believe in “the life to come.” As time continues there is more and more mounting evidence as to the truth of the Bible, as the Word of God. Geological research teams continue to discover evidences of the accuracy of the Scriptures. Most recent is the finding of the crypt of James the brother of Jesus. Did you know that about 600 years before Christ, the prophet Ezekiel spoke prophetically against the great sea-warring people of the City of Tyre. That which Ezekiel spoke is recorded in Ezekiel 26 and this is what he said about that city and its’ warring people .. Many nations would come against them .. they would break through their defense system .. they would scrape the rubble of the city into the sea .. it would become a place for the spreading of the nets of fishermen .. and it would never be rebuilt. Modern geologists have affirmed that everything spoken by Ezekiel 2600 years ago has, indeed come to pass! Now if such an insignificant matter has come to pass as predicted, don’t you think it would be wise to believe that which is written concerning life after death?
c) There are really two issues .. 1. Do you really believe in life after death? Surely in view of evidence presented, you must believe that the Bible is an accurate record of Divine Truth! Therefore that which the Bible states about life after death is also true! Jesus believed in life after death!
d) As one of the thieves was dying on the cross beside Jesus, he turned his remarks toward Jesus, and said, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” During the life ministry of Jesus he told a true story of A Rich Man, and a beggar named Lazarus. It is recorded in Luke 16:19-31. Contrary to what some state, this is not a parable, it is a record of actual people known to Jesus. In that story as told by Jesus, he takes back the curtains of time and allows us to take a look into eternity and life after death. Lazarus, upon dying was carried by the angels into a place of comfort. There are several things revealed in this story about life after death. Allow me to highlight some of the significant revelations given to us in this record. In life after death, we have conscious awareness .. Lazarus was at Abraham’s side! Lazarus could see, he could carry on a conversation, and he could enjoy the comforts in paradise that he had not known in his life upon earth! Paul, the Apostle spoke much of life after death .. Of believers he said, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” D.L.Moody, a well known North American Evangelist and founder of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago spoke these words about death .. “One day you will hear or read that D.L. Moody has died, but don’t you believe it, for I will be more alive than ever before!” Today my Dad is more alive than ever before!
e) If you do believe in life after death, then you need to know how to prepare for that life after death? The importance of this question requires dependence upon an absolutely accurate authority .. and I know of no authority that measures up to this requirement, other than the Bible, the Word of God. What then does the Bible teach about preparation for life after death?
Exposit Romans 10:9-10
Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross .. page 28 in Hymnal
The Commital Service with Pastor Merv Switzer
I. Introduction and Welcome by Pastor Arlo A. Johnson
On behalf our family, the descendants of Harry and Cecile Johnson, I want to welcome you to share in this Service to Celebrate of the Life Journey of Harry Johnson.
There are two significant components to the Life Journey of our father …first there is Dad’s physical life journey, and secondly there is Dad’s spiritual life journey.
II. First let us consider his physical life journey…
105 years ago today, Christian and Carrie Johnson welcomed the birth of their first baby, a boy, Harry Wesley Johnson! Yes, you did hear me right! 105 years ago on this very day, Harry Johnson was born in Dayton, Iowa, in the United States of America.
In 1905 Saskatchewan became a province in the Dominion of Canada, and it was in that year that the Chris Johnson family moved from Iowa to take up a homestead in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. In the same general time period the Oscar Lincoln family moved from Illinois to take up farming just over a mile west of the Johnson homestead.
My Mother wrote the following information about my father for the Dummer and Area History & Heritage Book published in 1982 .. “There were lots of children to play with in the “Johnson Corner.” Harry was the oldest and had to help his mother baby sit. He often “sat” Mildred while the other kids played. Harry, at a young age, became “flunky” for the cook car that followed the threshing outfits in those days. Since there were few threshing machines, threshing sometimes continued until snow-fall. Harry was promoted to “straw-boss,” then to “fireman,” and eventually he became the “engineer” (for the steam-engine powered threshing machine).
During the winter months, he took on the job of starting fires at the school for $10. a month. This meant that for most of the winter months, he attended school .. (then my Mother states .. “which was nice for me, as Harry would take care of my horse)!”
Mother continues .. “Harry and I started going out together in 1919. His car, a 1916 Model T was needing a paint job. He painted it grey, and it was called the “Grey Louse.” Harry moved to his own place seven miles north of Parry. His uncle Jim Johnson lived with him in his granary, as Jim had contracted to dig fence post holes for a community pasture. In March,1920 we became engaged. John Krantz built a house for us. We were married on November 10, 1920 at Milestone in the United Church Manse. Both our parents gave us a cow. His folks also gave us a dozen chicken hens. The car was put aside … no money for gas! The day following the wedding, the happy couple loaded their few belongings into a horse drawn wagon and they traveled several miles north to their newly constructed house on the homestead.” I might add, “This was certainly a far cry from today’s Hawaiian Honey Moon enjoyed by so many newly weds!”
Mom continues .. “That first winter Harry picked rock as there was very little snow.” (Again if I might add a personal note … Dad didn’t get all the rock picked off that homestead, because Eldon & I were still picking rock off that land in the very early 1940’s).
In 1926 Harry and Cecile moved to a farm a few miles south, just 3 ½ miles east of Dummer, where they would farm for the next 25 years of their lives. It was there that they raised a daughter and two sons.
Mother continues .. “In 1929 depression affected all of Canada. It struck the following winter as prices for farm products fell. Unemployment was high and money was tight. Wheat prices struck the bottom, the lowest in 300 years, a bushel of wheat sold for about 30 cents a bushel less 12 cents a bushel for freight to Fort William. Yearling steers were selling at Moose Jaw for $2.75 per cwt.
With the drought and no crops, the winds had a good sweep across the country, resulting in black blizzards so bad that it was unsafe for the children to go to school. The remaining greenery was taken care of by the millions of army worms that swept through the area.
At one point, Harry and Glen fixed up a vehicle and went around the country, buying up old chicken hens for about 25 cents each, and Karen and I plucked them (about 100 per day), and the men took them to Regina and sold them for 50 cents each. With the sale proceeds they would bring home groceries or other necessities. They also purchased badger, weasel, rabbit and skunk furs from local trappers, and sold them in Regina.” By 1939 the drought was coming to an end.
In 1951 Dad & Mom purchased a farm in the Pense area, where they would farm for the remaining period of their work years. In 1969 they retired from the farm and took up year-around residence in Regina, apart from the winters they spent at Seal Beach, in California.
Family was an extra-ordinary priority to Mom and Dad Johnson. Their marriage anniversary celebrations were always an opportunity to focus upon family relationships, rather than exclusively upon themselves and their marriage! They had many such Anniversary Celebrations ..Their 40th Anniversary Celebration was in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1960 at Arlo & Glenna Johnson’s home. Their 50th Anniversary Celebration was in Regina’s Carmichael United Church at 15th & St. John Street. Their 60th & 65th Anniversary Celebrations were at the Regina Apostolic Church. Finally, their 70th Anniversary Celebration was at Southside Pentecostal Church in November of 1990. Dad was predeceased by his wife Cecile just six months after their 70th Wedding Anniversary, in April of 1991. Dad was also predeceased by his parents, by his brothers Merrill and Glen, sisters-in-law Karen Johnson and Maxine Lincoln, brothers-in-law Art Sherrer and Kenneth Lincoln and grandson Wesley Johnson.
Dad will be lovingly remembered by his brother Arnold and wife Pearl, sister Mildred, sister-in-law Doris, daughter Reatha Pritchard and husband Arnold, son Eldon and wife Luella, and son Arlo and wife Glenna. Dad’s living grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren number 42, plus several nieces and nephews.
III. Scripture Reading & Prayer: Pastor Rick Parkyn, Regina Apostolic Church
The Spiritual Journey of Harry Johnson began in 1928 when Art and Viola Pritchard came from their nearby farm home at Moreland, Saskatchewan to conduct Gospel Church Services in the Parry School house. It was in one of those services that Dad and Mom came to understand that Christ had died for their sins, and that by praying to invite Christ into their lives, each of them could receive the gift of eternal life. It was there in that little prairie school house that Dad, followed by Mom, went forward to receive and confess Christ as personal Lord and Savior. As a result of that commitment they received the assurance of eternal life.
IV. Hymn: Blessed Assurance .. Page 4 in Hymnal
V. The decision that my parents made that evening over 70 years ago was to change their lives, and the lives of those born into their family forever! It was more than an emotional or religious experience! They, by believing in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, entered into a relationship with the Lord that would become a life long sacrifice of their lives in love and service to Him! Hebrews 11:4 describes the life of Abel as follows, “By faith Abel was commended as a righteous man when God spoke well of his sacrifice. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” I speak with confidence when I say that my father’s faith made him a righteous man in the sight of God and man. And though he died on Wednesday, January 1st, of him we can assuredly say, “he being dead, yet speaketh.” And he will do so as long as anyone remembers his life!
Could I take but one more moment to honor several individuals that though they are dead, continue to speak into the spiritual wellbeing of our family … among that company there are Art and Viola Pritchard, their son, Les Pritchard, and Glenna’s Mom and Dad Hillstead. It is with thankful hearts that we honor such today.
VI Hymn: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms .. Page 18 in Hymnal
I have so many childhood memories of church services that were conducted in our very own home, as well as in school houses and town halls. As significant as such events were, my most valued memories of growing up in Mom and Dad’s home actually centres around two character qualities demonstrated consistently in their lives. Those two character qualities were love and service! Their love for people meant that there was an absence of criticism in our family home. As many of you would know, my parents were not public speakers. Of course if Dad had to speak in public he spent most of his speaking time trying to clear his throat. And as for Mom, she was a very capable speaker but she did all her speaking at home! But they did have time to help people!
Our home seemed to be a centre where different people were always going and coming! From my memory I think of a number of different people that stayed in our home for different periods of time .. there was Clifford, Clara, and Annie Lincoln, Olaf and Oscar Orvik, Gordon Nelson, Stan, Ted and Dorothy Joyce. In addition, School Teachers, Mabel Tidlund, Miss Metcalfe, and Dawsey Smith had room & board at our home for different periods of time. As a result of their love and service to people, I grew up thinking that such love and service was normal, not exceptional! And I also grew up seeing many individuals receive Christ as their Savior because of the direct and indirect influence of my godly parents!
Allow me to share some of the words of a beautiful song by songwriter and singer Ray Boltz as he describes godly people and their eternal reward in heaven after death .. “I dreamed I went to heaven, And Dad you were there with me, We walked upon the streets of gold, Beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing, Then someone called your name, He said remember the time A missionary came to your church His pictures made you cry You didn’t have much money But you gave it anyway Jesus took the gift you gave And that’s why I’m in heaven today One by one they came Far as your eyes could see Each life somehow touched by your generosity Little things that you had done, Sacrifices you made They were unnoticed on this earth In heaven now proclaimed. Thank you for giving to the Lord I am a life that was changed
VII. A Tribute from the Grandchildren’s Point of View
VIII Solo: “It is Well with my Soul” Grady Johnson, a grandson
IX. Message from the Word of God .. by Arlo A. Johnson
I Timothy 4:8 NIV “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life, and the life to come.”
We have thought upon the physical and spiritual journey of our father and grandfather, now I want to leave a few thoughts from the Word of God upon which to meditate.
Our text compares the physical and spiritual qualities of life.
a) The physical aspects of life are described as being of “some value.” The word, “some” is a very limiting word. One dictionary describes “some” as “to a certain extent,” and “at least a small amount of.” We might apply it to our text as follows, “the physical has value, to a certain extent,” or “the physical has, at least a small amount of value.” I say all of this to point out that if we are putting all our invested interest and energies into the physical, we are not making a wise decision, in view of the limited value of the physical life.
b) The spiritual aspects of life are described as having “value for all things.” Then it proceeds to describe what is included in the “all things.”
i. “for the present life” .. the godliness exhibited in our family home was expressed by love and service to both God and man. Many years ago I read three statements summarizing the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 as follows .. V.1-3 Love Makes Life’s Gifts Profitable. V.4-7 Love Makes Life’s Relationships Beautiful (and I might add, “workable”). V.8-13 Love Makes Life’s Contributions Eternal.
Godliness in the present life expressed by love, makes life’s gifts profitable, and life’s relationships beautiful and workable, and life’s contributions eternal! Our world needs this kind of practical godliness expressed by love!
Ii. “and for the life to come.” Whether in word, or by a manner of life, many do not seem to believe in a life to come! Of course, if you believe that which is written in the Bible, you will believe in “the life to come.” As time continues there is more and more mounting evidence as to the truth of the Bible, as the Word of God. Geological research teams continue to discover evidences of the accuracy of the Scriptures. Most recent is the finding of the crypt of James the brother of Jesus. Did you know that about 600 years before Christ, the prophet Ezekiel spoke prophetically against the great sea-warring people of the City of Tyre. That which Ezekiel spoke is recorded in Ezekiel 26 and this is what he said about that city and its’ warring people .. Many nations would come against them .. they would break through their defense system .. they would scrape the rubble of the city into the sea .. it would become a place for the spreading of the nets of fishermen .. and it would never be rebuilt. Modern geologists have affirmed that everything spoken by Ezekiel 2600 years ago has, indeed come to pass! Now if such an insignificant matter has come to pass as predicted, don’t you think it would be wise to believe that which is written concerning life after death?
c) There are really two issues .. 1. Do you really believe in life after death? Surely in view of evidence presented, you must believe that the Bible is an accurate record of Divine Truth! Therefore that which the Bible states about life after death is also true! Jesus believed in life after death!
d) As one of the thieves was dying on the cross beside Jesus, he turned his remarks toward Jesus, and said, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” During the life ministry of Jesus he told a true story of A Rich Man, and a beggar named Lazarus. It is recorded in Luke 16:19-31. Contrary to what some state, this is not a parable, it is a record of actual people known to Jesus. In that story as told by Jesus, he takes back the curtains of time and allows us to take a look into eternity and life after death. Lazarus, upon dying was carried by the angels into a place of comfort. There are several things revealed in this story about life after death. Allow me to highlight some of the significant revelations given to us in this record. In life after death, we have conscious awareness .. Lazarus was at Abraham’s side! Lazarus could see, he could carry on a conversation, and he could enjoy the comforts in paradise that he had not known in his life upon earth! Paul, the Apostle spoke much of life after death .. Of believers he said, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” D.L.Moody, a well known North American Evangelist and founder of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago spoke these words about death .. “One day you will hear or read that D.L. Moody has died, but don’t you believe it, for I will be more alive than ever before!” Today my Dad is more alive than ever before!
e) If you do believe in life after death, then you need to know how to prepare for that life after death? The importance of this question requires dependence upon an absolutely accurate authority .. and I know of no authority that measures up to this requirement, other than the Bible, the Word of God. What then does the Bible teach about preparation for life after death?
Exposit Romans 10:9-10
Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross .. page 28 in Hymnal
The Commital Service with Pastor Merv Switzer
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Arlo/Glenna Johnson Story - A Writing in Process
HERE IS THE READER FRIENDLY TABLE OF CONTENTS ...
Read the whole story, or scroll down to a particular section of the story numbered below ...
1. The Birth of Arlo A. Johnson and his extended family
2. The Migration of the Johnson/Lincoln families to Canada
3. The Miracle Story of Marcel Sternberger
4. The Significance of the Lincoln Name
5. The Third Cousin of President Abraham Lincoln
6. Christian and Carrie Johnson from Iowa to Parry, Saskatchewan
7. Oscar and Alta Lincoln from Illinois to Parry, Saskatchewan
8. The Meeting and Marriage of Harry Johnson and Cecile Lincoln
9. The Great Depression followed by Farm Modernization
10. Childhood Memories
11. The Marriage of Reatha Johnson and Arnold Pritchard
12. Spiritual Memories of Trossachs Camp and following
13. A Biblical Overview still in use today
14. Connecting to Regina's Bethel Temple
15. The Marriage of Eldon Johnson and Luella Pritchard
16. The First of many Significant evenings with Glenna Hillstead
17. A Summer of Ministry
18. The Marriage of Arlo Johnson and Glenna Hillstead
19. God's Miraculous Supply was more than enough
20. The Birth of Grady Arlin in Nakusp, BC September 14, 1953
21. The Birth of Marlo Gene in Nakusp, BC December 27, 1954
22. Leaving Fauquier/Burton to supply pastor in Saskatchewan
23. The Birth of Randy Lee in Pangman, Saskatchewan December 28, 1955
24. Planting a New Congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba 1956-1965
25. The Birth of Sheldon Boyd in Winnipeg, Manitoba October 8, 1959
26. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Omaha, Nebraska 1965-1970
27. Years of pastoral ministry in Regina, Saskatchewan 1970-1975
28. Years of pastoral ministry in Peterborough, Ontario 1976-1978
29. Years of pastoral ministry in Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle 1978-1984
30. Pastoral ministry in Westside Family Fellowship, Prince George, BC 1984-2002
31. Preparations for a Ministry to meet the Social and Physical Needs in Prince George
32. The Beginning of Missions Ministry Overseas
33. July, 1984 was the Beginning of Leading Tours to Israel
34. The Challenge of Ministering to Local Church Leaders
35. The Preparation of the Life of Glenna Mae Hillstead
36. Touring of Hillstead/Johnson Homes in Southern Saskatchewan
Let me introduce myself to you, I (Arlo Ansol Johnson) was born to Harry and Cecile Johnson on October 25, 1932 in the home of Mrs. Wells in Pangman, Saskatchewan, who served as a mid-wife during my birth. Following my stay in the home of Mrs. Wells, mother and I, along with my father travelled home to join my older sibblings, Reatha and Eldon on the family farm 3 1/2 miles east ofDummer , Saskatchewan
Read the whole story, or scroll down to a particular section of the story numbered below ...
1. The Birth of Arlo A. Johnson and his extended family
2. The Migration of the Johnson/Lincoln families to Canada
3. The Miracle Story of Marcel Sternberger
4. The Significance of the Lincoln Name
5. The Third Cousin of President Abraham Lincoln
6. Christian and Carrie Johnson from Iowa to Parry, Saskatchewan
7. Oscar and Alta Lincoln from Illinois to Parry, Saskatchewan
8. The Meeting and Marriage of Harry Johnson and Cecile Lincoln
9. The Great Depression followed by Farm Modernization
10. Childhood Memories
11. The Marriage of Reatha Johnson and Arnold Pritchard
12. Spiritual Memories of Trossachs Camp and following
13. A Biblical Overview still in use today
14. Connecting to Regina's Bethel Temple
15. The Marriage of Eldon Johnson and Luella Pritchard
16. The First of many Significant evenings with Glenna Hillstead
17. A Summer of Ministry
18. The Marriage of Arlo Johnson and Glenna Hillstead
19. God's Miraculous Supply was more than enough
20. The Birth of Grady Arlin in Nakusp, BC September 14, 1953
21. The Birth of Marlo Gene in Nakusp, BC December 27, 1954
22. Leaving Fauquier/Burton to supply pastor in Saskatchewan
23. The Birth of Randy Lee in Pangman, Saskatchewan December 28, 1955
24. Planting a New Congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba 1956-1965
25. The Birth of Sheldon Boyd in Winnipeg, Manitoba October 8, 1959
26. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Omaha, Nebraska 1965-1970
27. Years of pastoral ministry in Regina, Saskatchewan 1970-1975
28. Years of pastoral ministry in Peterborough, Ontario 1976-1978
29. Years of pastoral ministry in Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle 1978-1984
30. Pastoral ministry in Westside Family Fellowship, Prince George, BC 1984-2002
31. Preparations for a Ministry to meet the Social and Physical Needs in Prince George
32. The Beginning of Missions Ministry Overseas
33. July, 1984 was the Beginning of Leading Tours to Israel
34. The Challenge of Ministering to Local Church Leaders
35. The Preparation of the Life of Glenna Mae Hillstead
36. Touring of Hillstead/Johnson Homes in Southern Saskatchewan
Torkelson/Hillstead Family History
The Johnson Corner
The Lincoln Family History
37. Three Significant Words
HERE IS THE STORY
1. The Birth of Arlo A. Johnson and his extended family.
Let me introduce myself to you, I (Arlo Ansol Johnson) was born to Harry and Cecile Johnson on October 25, 1932 in the home of Mrs. Wells in Pangman, Saskatchewan, who served as a mid-wife during my birth. Following my stay in the home of Mrs. Wells, mother and I, along with my father travelled home to join my older sibblings, Reatha and Eldon on the family farm 3 1/2 miles east of
2. The Migration of the Johnson/Lincoln Families to Canada
Grandpa and Grandma Christian Johnson immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada, from Iowa, USA, while Grandpa and Grandma Oscar Lincoln immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada from Illinois, USA. It amazes me, that two families who lived about 500 miles apart in two different states of the United States of America, and each family decided to move between 1000 and 1500 miles to the country of Canada. As a result of the choices made by these two sets of parents, they and their children moved within three miles of each other in the district of Parry, Saskatchewan, Canada. As a result of the re-location of these families, the oldest son of the Chris Johnson family (Harry), and the oldest and only daughter of the Oscar Lincoln family (Cecile) began a friendship while attending the same country school. That friendship eventually led to their marriage on November 10, 1920. This amazing miracle of divine providence in the lives of my grandparents reminds me of another amazing, but true story recorded by Paul Deutschman in the book, "Great Stories Remembered."
3. The Miracle Story of Marcel Sternberger
"Marcel Sternberger was a methodical man of nearly 50, with bushy white hair, guileless brown eyes, and the bouncing enthusiasm of a Hungarian dancer of his native land. He always took the 9:09 Long Island Railroad train from his suburban home to Woodside, N.Y., where he caught a subway into the city.
On the morning of January 10, 1948, Sternberger boarded the 9:09 as usual. En route, he suddenly decided to visit Laszlo Victor, a Hungarian friend who lived in Brooklyn and was ill.
Accordingly, at Ozone Park, Sternberger changed to the subway for Brooklyn, went to his friend's house, and stayed until mid-afternoon. He then boarded a Manhattan-bound subway for his Fifth Avenue office. Here is Marcel's incredible story: "The car was crowded, and there seemed to be no chance of a seat. But just as I entered, a man sitting by the door suddenly jumped up to leave, and I slipped into the empty seat.
I've been living in New York long enough not to start conversations with strangers. But, being a photographer, I have the peculiar habit of analyzing people's faces, and I was struck by the features of the passenger on my left. He was probably in his late 30's, and when he glanced up, his eyes seemed to have a hurt expression in them. He was reading a Hungarian-language news paper, and something prompted me to say in Hungarian, "I hope you don't mind if I glance at your paper." The man seemed surprised to be addressed in his native language. But he answered politely, "You may read it now, I'll have time later on."
During the half-hour ride to town, we had quite a conversation. He said his name was Bela Paskin. A law student when World War II started, he had been put into a German labor battalion and sent to the Ukraine. Later he was captured by the Russians and put to work burying the German dead. After the war, he covered hundreds of miles on foot until he reached his home in Debrecen, a large city in eastern Hungary.
I myself knew Debrecen quite well, and we talked about it for a while. then he told me the rest of his story. When he went to the apartment once occupied by his father, mother, brothers and sisters, he found strangers living there. Then he went upstairs to the apartment that he and his wife once had. It also was occupied by strangers. None of them had ever heard of his family.
As he was leaving, full of sadness, a boy ran after him, calling, "Paskin bacsi! Paskin bacsi!" That means, "Uncle Paskin." The child was the son of some old neighbors of his. He went to the boy's home and talked to his parents. "Your whole family is dead," they told him. "The Nazi's took them and your wife to Auschwitz."
Auschwitz was one of the worst Nazi concentration camps. Paskin gave up all hope. A few days later, too heartsick to remain any longer in Hungary, he set out again on foot, stealing across border after border until he reached Paris. He managed to immigrate to the United States in October, 1947, just three months before I met him.
All the time he had been talking, I kept thinking that somehow his story seemed familiar. A young woman whom I had met recently at the home of friends had also been from Debrecen; she had been sent to Auschwitz; from there she had been transferred to work in a German munitions factory. Her relatives had been killed in the gas chambers. Later, she was liberated by the Americans and was brought here in the first boatload of displaced persons in 1946.
Marcel Sternberger said, "Her story had moved me so much that I had written down her address and phone number, intending to invite her to meet my family and thus help relieve the terrible emptiness in her life."
It seemed impossible that there could be any connection between these two people, but as I neared my station, I fumbled anxiously in my address book. I asked in what I hoped was a casual voice, "Was your wife's name Marya?" He turned pale, "Yes!" he answered. "How did you know?" He looked as if he were about to faint. I said, "Let's get off the train." I took him by the arm at the next station and led him to a phone booth. He stood there like a man in a trance while I dialed her phone number.
It seemed hours before Marya Paskin answered. (Later, I learned that her room was alongside the telephone, but she was in the habit of not answering it because she had so few friends and the calls were always for someone else. This time, however, there was no one else at home and, after letting it ring for a while, she responded).
When I heard her voice at last, I told her who I was and asked her to describe her husband. She seemed surprised at the question, but gave me a description. Then I asked her where she had lived in Debrecen, and she told me the address. Asking her to hold the line, I turned to Paskin and said, "Did you and your wife live on such-and-such a street?" "Yes!" Bela exclaimed. He was white as a sheet and trembling. "Try to be calm," I urged him. "Something miraculous is about to happen to you. Here, take this telephone and talk to your wife!"
He nodded his head in mute bewilderment, his eyes bright with tears. He took the receiver, listened a moment to his wife's voice, then suddenly cried, "This is Bela! This is Bela!" Then he began to mumble hysterically. Seeing that the poor fellow was so excited he couldn't talk coherently, I took the receiver from his shaking hands.
"Stay where you are," I told Marya, who also sounded hysterical. "I am sending your husband to you. We will be there in a few minutes." Bela was crying like a baby and saying over and over again, "It is my wife. I go to my wife!"
At first I thought I had better accompany Paskin, lest the man should faint from excitement, but I decided that this was a moment in which no strangers should intrude. Putting Paskin into a taxicab, I directed the driver to take him to Marya's address, paid the fare, and said goodbye.
Bela Paskin's reunion with his wife was a moment so poignant, so electric with suddenly released emotion, that afterward neither he nor Marya could recall much about it. "I remember only that when I left the phone, I walked to the mirror like in a dream to see if maybe I had turned gray." she said later. "The next thing I know, a taxi stops in front of the house, and it is my husband who comes toward me. Details I cannot remember; only this I know, that I was happy for the first time in many years---even now it is difficult to believe that it happened. We have both suffered so much; I have almost lost the capability to not be afraid. Each time my husband goes from the house, I say to myself, 'Will anything happen to take him from me again?'"
Her husband is confident that no horrible misfortune will ever again befall them. "Providence has brought us together," he says simply. "It was meant to be."
Simply amazing! Whether it is the story of the Johnson's and the Lincoln's immigrating from separate American States to live in Canada, or the story of Bela and Marya Paskin's reunion in New York City, after being separated for years in Europe during the Second World War, it is simply amazing!
Skeptical persons would no doubt attribute the events of these memorable stories to mere chance! Concerning the story of Bela and Marya Paskin, was it chance that made Marcel Sternberger suddenly decide to visit his sick friend and hence take a subway line that he had never ridden before? Was it chance that caused the man sitting by the door of the car to rush out just as Sternberger came in? Was it chance that caused Bela Paskin to be sitting beside Sternberger, reading a Hungarian newspaper? Was it chance---or did God ride the Brooklyn subway that afternoon?
And was it chance when the Lincolns from Illinois, and the Johnsons from Iowa decided to immigrate to one common area of Saskatchewan, Canada? Was it chance that each chose a homestead located in a remote area of southern Saskatchewan? Was it chance that the homesteads that these families selected were within three miles of each other in Saskatchewan, Canada? Or did God, in His wise providence guide each of these families in the decisions they were about to make?
I choose to believe that it was God that brought the Johnson and Lincoln families together as they took up their respective homesteads in a remote area of southern Saskatchewan, even though they were coming from the more populated areas of Iowa and Illinois! God did so, in order to bring about the acquaintance of Harry Wesley Johnson and Cecile Carolyn Lincoln in preparation for their marriage that would result in the births of three children: Reatha Mildred, Eldon Cecil, and Arlo Ansol. For it was in that specific area of southern Saskatchewan where these little children would grow up, that a very impacting spiritual awakening would occur! As a result of that spiritual awakening, Harry and Cecile Johnson would commit their lives to Jesus Christ, and the faith of these parents would be imparted to each of their children. There is much more to that story, but those details must wait for a later time!
4. The Significance of the Lincoln Name
Now just who were these Lincoln's that immigrated from Illinois? I have been studying the book, "Our Lincoln Heritage" written by my mother, Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson, and as I have read the information in that book, this is what I discovered. There was a Lincoln family that lived in Lincoln, England. The origin of the name Lincoln was traced back to the year 86 A.D., by President Raymond Dooley of Lincoln College. The origination of the name began with the establishment of the Roman Colony on the British Isles in 86 A.D. The original colony was called Lindum, which in turn was the name of a much older town on the Island of Rhodes; so called because it bore the name of a Roman hero named Lindus. As the centuries passed the town on this site in England was known successively as Lindum Colony, changing to Lindcolm, and then finally to Lincoln. The English town bears the name Lincoln to this day. In the middle ages, Anglo-Saxon and Norman families frequently took surnames as the place name of their homes; thus inevitably there arose in England, a family of "Lincolns."
The Lincoln name was brought to America by Samuel Lincoln (1619-1690), an 18 year old weaver's apprentice who came to Salem, Massachusetts in 1637 and to Hingham, Massachusetts in 1640. The Lincolns became substantial citizens in several states, by migrating beyond the borders of the Colonial states. One such Lincoln was the first Abraham Lincoln (1686-1745) who settled in Kentucky. "Mordecai Lincoln (1686-1736) the son of Samuel Lincoln, had nine children, including two boys named John and Thomas. John (1716-1788), who was the great grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln, and his brother, Thomas (1732-1775), ultimately became the Great, Great, Great Grandfather of my Grandpa (Oscar John) Lincoln (1881-1967).
John Lincoln (1716-1788) the son of Mordecai Lincoln, had nine children, including Abraham Lincoln (1744-1786), who was the grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln. This first Abraham Lincoln settled in Kentucky, and was killed there by Indians.
Abraham Lincoln (1744-1786) the son of John Lincoln, had five children, including Thomas (1778-1851), who was the father of President Abraham Lincoln.
The first home of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy (Hanks) Lincoln was a wretched hovel in one of the alleys of Elizabeth-town, Kentucky. It was there that their first child was born. A little later, they occupied a miserable cabin on Nolin Creek where he barely met the necessities of the little family. It was there that Abraham Lincoln was born to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln on February 12, 1809. They continued to live there until Abraham was four years old, then they migrated to another farm six miles from Hoghensville on Knob Creek. Abraham's father, Thomas was not very ambitious, in that he only farmed six of the 238 acres of which the farm was composed.
Four years later, a new migration began, this time the family moved near to Troy, Indiana. He made a flatboat and took his tools and started down the Ohio River alone, but was shipwrecked. He recovered part of his tools and walked back the sixteen miles to get his family and the remaining household items. He borrowed a horse to take his family to their new home. Here he built a new cabin, three sides closed, and one side open, the house was fourteen foot square, with no floor, window, or door. There was no furniture except the roughest three legged stools for chairs, a log with legs on it for a table, a bedstead made of poles with one end fastened to the wall, and resting on forked sticks driven into the earthen floor at the other end. Boards were laid on these, and leaves and old clothing were used for the bed. They ate from pewter plates, without knife or fork. A dutch-over and skillet were the only utensils in the cabin. His mother died of milk fever in 1818. There was no doctor within thirty miles, and no money tyo pay one, if there had been. Without the availability of a doctor, or the money to acquire one, or anyone to relieve the mother of the great president, she passed away on October 5, 1818, and was buried without a funeral service in an unmarked grave.
After thirteen months of widowhood, Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln married a second wife, Mrs. Sarah (Bush) Johnson on December 2, 1819. This second wife was a lady with great energy and good sense. She was very neat and tidy in her person and manner, and one who knew how to manage children. She brought with her from her Kentucky home a supply of luxuries and comforts that the Indiana cabin had never known. She demanded the floorless, windowless cabin be made habitable. She won young Abe's heart at once. She was the mother whom he described as his Saintly Mother, his Angel Mother that made him feel like a human being.
5. The Third Cousin of President Abraham Lincoln
So what was the connection between this Abraham Lincoln, (that one day would become one of the greatest presidents of the United States of America), and my mother, Cecile Carolyn (Lincoln) Johnson who immigrated to the remote Parry district of southern Saskatchewan from Illinois, USA?
I have always been aware of the fact that I am not a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln, but I am a descendant of Thomas Lincoln whose brother John was the great grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, and I think that is very significant!
Furthermore, I am very appreciative to my mother and her first cousin, Annie (Lincoln) Gompf for the work that they have done in the gathering of the many details of my connection to the Lincoln family line! Hopefully I can make this information reader friendly. I wish to simplify this Lincoln genealogical connection for my succeeding generations.
So here is the genealogy of this family connection. By my birth connection to my mother, Cecile Carolyn (Lincoln) Johnson, I am a direct descendant of Thomas Lincoln (1732-1775), a brother of John Lincoln (1755-1835) who the great grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln.
Here is the John Lincoln line, he birth a son, Abraham (1744-1786), who was a grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln. Abraham (1744-1786), birthed a son Thomas (1778-1851). Thomas Lincoln, (1778-1851) and his wife Nancy (Hanks) birthed Abraham (1809-1865) who would become the most outstanding president of the USA.
Here is the family line of Thomas Lincoln (1732-1775) who birthed Hananiah (1756-1816), who birthed Thomas (1776-1844) who birthed Jefferson (1816-1852), who birthed Charles Lincoln (1844-1920), who birthed my grandfather, Oscar Lincoln (1881-1967), who birthed my mother, Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson, of whom I was born. The foregoing information brings to us two significant conclusionsd: 1. My Grandpa Oscar Lincoln is a first cousin of Abraham Lincoln Twice Removed. 2. I (Arlo A. Johnson) am a third cousin of Abraham Lincoln, Four Times Removed!
Now if you would like to check the validity of such an expression, simply go to Wikipedia and type in cousin, and this is what you will read: "For example, a person with whom you share a grandparent (but not a parent) is a first cousin; someone with whom you share a great-grandparent (but not a grandparent) is a second cousin; and someone with whom you share a great-great-grandparent (but not a great-grandparent) is a third cousin; and so on. The child of your first cousin is your first cousin once removed because the one generation separating you and the child (the cousin) represents one remove. You and the child are still considered first cousins, as your own grandparent (this child's great-grandparent), as the most recent common ancestor, represents one degree.
6. Christian and Carrie Johnson from Iowa to Parry, Saskatchewan
And who were the Johnson's that immigrated from Iowa, and eventually connected to the Oscar Lincoln's that came from Illinois?
1. Chris (Christian) Johnson, who would become the father of Harry Wesley Johnson, was born in Denmark on October 22, 1874. He came to Iowa at the age of 15 years and worked for his Uncle James Hanson for several years. Chris Johnson was the son of Ane Kristine Hanson (born January 2, 1849 in Borre, Denmark and died January 27, 1937 and was buried in Borre, Denmark) who was married on October 10, 1873 to Hans Peter Jorgensen (born January 29, 1846 and died January 13, 1935 in Denmark). Chris is the oldest of four siblings: James, Harold, Anna, and Kristine.
2. Carrie Sophie (Peterson/Jacobsen/Hanson) Johnson was born in Denmark on February 17, 1879, and came to Iowa in 1880 with her mother at under 2 years of age. Carrie Sophie was the daughter of Bertha Marie Peterson who became the second wife of James Hanson (married in Dayton, Iowa on January 17, 1881). The marriages of James Hanson: i) James Hanson and his first wife Bertha Marie Williamson (married March 10, 1874). To this first marriage four children were born, but only one lived to adulthood, Mrs. Harvey (Anna Christine) Ashton (1877-1967). Bertha Marie died October 3, 1880 and was buried in Linn Cemetery north of Pilot Mound with her three infant children. ii) James Hanson adopted Carrie Sophie, the daughter of his second wife, Bertha Marie. (A cousin of his first wife). They birthed three children: Mrs. G. Gilbert (Caroline) Huglin (1881-1972), William B. (1883-1956), and Mrs. Eric C. (Bertha Marie) Tidlund (1884-1956). James Hanson's second wife died January 7, 1885 at the age of 26 years, only 17 days after her last child was born. iii) James Hanson married for the third time to Ane Sophie Peterson (March 3, 1888), a sister of his second wife, born to them was Walter (1889-1971), Gilbert (1893-1973), and LeRoy (1905-). Ane Sophie died October 24, 1912, and James died August 15, 1917 and was buried in Dayton Cemetery beside his second and third wives.
Excerpts from the Obituary of James Hanson: "James Hanson was born in Borre, Denmark, September 4, 1843, and departed to his heavenly home August 15, 1917, aged 73 years, 11 months, and 11 days. He came to America in 1865 and settled in Princeton, Illinois, coming to Iowa three years later, and lived there until his death.
James Hanson was converted to Christ soon after he came to Iowa, and united with the Swedish Methodist Church, of which he has always been a faithful member. He has been, for many years, and was at the time of his death, a trustee of the church. He was a devoted husband, and a loving father. Mr. Hanson had been in poor health for some time, but his good Christian life and thoughts of his children and his unwavering faith in God, enabled him to approach death unfalteringly, and when the summons came, he was ready. The funeral service was held Saturday afternoon at the Swedish Methodist Church."
In 1897, Chris and Carrie were married and farmed in Iowa. Their first two children were born in Iowa: Harry (1898), and Merrill (1903). The grandparents of the children of Chris and Carrie Johnson were as follows: i) By the adoption of Carrie by James Hanson upon his marriage to his second wife, Bertha Marie, the children would speak of them as Grandpa & Grandma Hanson. ii) By Chris' birth to Hans Peter and his wife Ane Kristine (Hanson) Jorgensen, the children would speak of them as Grandpa & Grandma Jorgensen.
Since land was so expensive in Iowa, Chris and Carrie Johnson and their two boys immigrated to Canada in 1905. The Chris Johnson's, along with Mr. & Mrs. H.P. Hanson, and their two children, Lizzie and George located on a farm two miles west of Milestone, Saskatchewan. Glen Johnson was born at Milestone. In 1905, the Chris Johnson familly took up a homestead (NW 20-10-20) in the Hawthorne School District. They were about 3 miles east of Lincoln farm. The Johnson's had a two-room car-roofed house. The following year they added an upstairs, and a lean-to-kitchen and eating space. Carrie Johnson served as a midwife for over 50 births in the district. In 1908, a baby girl, Mildred was born, and in 1912 Arnold was born. Later, Carrie Johnson's sisters, Anna and Bertha immigrated from Iowa. Anna married Harvey Ashton, and Bertha married Eric Tidlund.
7. Oscar and Alta Lincoln from Illinois to Parry, Saskatchewan
C.W.Williams, from north of Wilcox, often hired harvesters, and in 1904, George and Jim Lincoln came to harvest for C.W. Williams. George Lincoln filed for a homestead on NE 22-10-21 and Jim Lincoln on SE 22-10-21. George Lincoln went home to the United States where he worked as a brakeman on the railroad, and in December, 1905 he was killed in a work related accident. He had done one years duty on his homestead, by breaking 10 acres of land and building a shack in which to live. No one in the family wished to take over the duties required by the homestead agreement, so Oscar Lincoln took it over.
It seems to me that the accidental death of George Lincoln opened a door of providencial opportunity for Oscar John Lincoln to come to Canada. Had that providential door not opened, Oscar and Alta Lincoln might never have immigrated to Canada, and their daughter Cecile Carolyn might never have met Harry Wesley Johnson.
Oscar John Lincoln was the seventh of ten children born to Charles (1844-1920) and Anna (1850-1898) Lincoln in Rushville, Illinois. After Anna's passing in 1898, Charles married Margret Green on November 11, 1899. They purchased a home in Littleton, Illinois, and Charles and his first and second wife are all buried in the graveyard at Littleton, Illinois. Oscar Lincoln was married to Alta Craig on January 22, 1901. Alta (Craig) Lincoln was born in Ipava, Illinois on July 22, 1883, and she died on February 3, 1950.
My mother, Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson was born January 26, 1903 at McComb, Illinois. In September, 1906 her father came to Canada by railcar with all of the family's belongings; four horses, some machinery and household goods, and about two months later in mid-November, my Grandma Lincoln, and her daughter, Cecile came by train from McComb, Illinois to Milestone, Saskatchewan.
In July, 2010 Glenna and Arlo Johnson, accompanied by Marlo and Trish Johnson, visited the Railroad Station in McComb. Trish discovered that the original Railroad Station was destroyed by fire in the late 1800's. Then in 1900, a new Railroad Station was constructed, and it is the station that we visited in 2010. I sat in various seats in that "still-active-station," and I thought that it is very probable that my mother and grandmother sat in some of the very same seats!
Grandpa went to Milestone for their arrival at the train station, and early the next morning they began their journey home by a horse pulled bobsled with two and half ton of coal, several gallons of coal oil for lamps, as well as groceries.
Several days previous, the area was struck by a blizzard that left three to four feet of snow on the ground. By sunset, they were only half way home. They found an empty homesteader's cabin in which there was a cookstove and a few necessary accessories. There was also a barn in which they were able to house and feed their horses. The following day, they continued their journey. By the time they were within a mile and a half of their homestead, the horses refused to go any farther. So unhitching the horses, Grandma rode one, and Grandpa and Cecile rode the other to their journey's end. The Lincoln's took up residence in their twelve by fourteen foot shack (built by Uncle George Lincoln) in the Parry district about twenty miles southwest of Milestone, Saskatchewan.
A son, Kenneth Craig was born to my Grandpa and Grandma Lincoln on April 12, 1914 at Parry, Saskatchewan. He was married to Elaine Weatherall on November 6, 1933 and they had two daughters, Marlene Shirley, born May 9,1938, and Brenda Joyce, born November 15, 1940.
Kenneth's second marriage was to Maxine Jean Jolly, and they lived initially in Whittier, California, and later moved to Bellingham, Washington. They had five children, Mark Wayne, born January 14, 1952; Corey Francis, born July 5, 1958; Brian Joseph, born January 19, 1961; Maureen Jean, born December 3, 1963; Renee Anne, born July 20, 1968.
8. The Meeting and Marriage of Harry Johnson and Cecile Lincoln
On the Chris Johnson farm, their eldest son, Harry had a number of different jobs at a relatively young age. First he was a "flunky" for the cook car that followed the threshing crew. Then Harry was promoted to "straw boss," then to "fireman," and eventually he became the "engineer." During the winter months, Harry took on the job of lighting the fire in the wood/coal heater at the Hawthorne School for $10. a month. Since he was at school it was convenient for him to study during the winter months. Harry, also took care of the horse that Cecile Lincoln drove to school. In 1919, Harry and Cecile began a serious relationship. Harry's car was a 1916 Model T that he painted grey, and it was called the "Grey Louse." Harry moved to his own place seven miles north of Parry. Uncle Jim and Harry lived in a granary. Jim Johnson had been contracted to dig fence post holes for the community pasture. In March, 1920, Harry and Cecile were engaged. John Krantz built a house on that homestead for them. They were married on November 10, 1920 in the Milestone United Church Manse. The Johnson's gave them a cow, and the Lincoln's gave them a cow and 12 chicken hens. Since there was no snow that winter, Harry picked rocks off his land. Since they had no money for gasoline, their car was parked!
Money was a scarce comodity for these early pioneers! However, beef was only six cents per pound, navy beans and flour were also priced very reasonably. Eventually they were able to raise their own poultry and livestock, as well as plant their own gardens for their food needs. In view of their limited financial resources, the activities of family and friends were very important!
9. The Great Depression followed by Farm Modernization
My earliest memories date back to the last days of the 1930’s Depression. Of those days in the late 1930’s, I have three distinct memories: First, I remember the dust that blew off the fields burying the fence lines at the field’s edge. Second, I remember the tumbling of the Russian thistle that grew in abundance during that terrible drought. Thirdly, I remember a day when I rode a horse to collect some cows from a pasture. The sky grew darker and darker, much like the gathering clouds of a forthcoming rainstorm. However, the clouds that filled the horizon that day did not contain rain, they were dust clouds!
The years passed, and God brought another pioneer and a settler together to accomplish His divine purposes in one particular Canadian Christian Church. It was 1978, and God called Glenna and Arlo Johnson to become the senior pastor of Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle in Prince George, British Columbia. It was at this time that their son, Marlo Johnson, along with his wife Tricia were anticipating an opportunity to begin their pastoral ministry after having graduated from the Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Arlo Johnson: "As I was being interviewed by the Church Board concerning the possibility of becoming the pastor of their church in Prince George, I spoke with them of the call of God that was upon the lives of Marlo and Tricia. It their suggestion that they be invited to become my associate pastor. So Glenna and I began our ministry in Prince George in mid-November of 1978, and Marlo and Tricia joined us in May, 1979. We pastored together in Pentecostal Tabernacle until mid-1984, then during the late months of that year, we prepared to give pastoral leadership to the newly planted congregation that was eventually named, Westside Family Fellowship."
"Marlo and I continued to pastor Westside Family Fellowship and Westside Academy. Our roles often changed during those years, however, we did whatever we felt was necessary to bring about the growth of the church and Christian day school. By that I mean, there was a time at the beginning when Marlo was the lead pastor, then there came a time when I became the lead pastor. But really, very little changed, we just did what needed to be done. There was a time in 1999 when Glenna and I spent four months in Sri Lanka pastoring an English congregation in a multi-language church in Kandy, Sri Lanka, so Marlo gave overall leadership to the church during that time. Then there came a time in mid-2002 when I stepped down as senior pastor.
It was in February, 2002 when Emmaus Place Society established Emmaus House as a supportive housing unit for senior citizens. Of course it was established as a registered society of British Columbia with a board of directors, of which I was the chairman. There was a time when Marlo said to me, "I have considered the board of directors, and it is my judgment that if you were not here to oversee the operation of Emmaus House, there is not a man on that board that could do what you are doing. So there is one of two things that needs to be done, either acquire men to serve on the board that could contribute such leadership skills, or take steps to dispose of the housing unit." Then Marlo said, "I have picked up many things through the years that you have started, but I am not going to pick the responsibility of overseeing the operation of Emmaus House."
That statement was the means of making me aware of this fact, I am a pioneer, and Marlo is a settler! It is true that through the years I have started many things, but during our 30 years in Prince George, Marlo has been the settler to give continued oversight to the things that I started. By means of that conversation, I discovered the reason that during my 50 plus years of pastoring, my greatest success has been in Prince George, not in the five previous pastorates in which I participated. The reason for this is that both pioneers and settlers are necessary for the establishment of anything from a farm to a church ministry. My father was a successful farmer because Mom was a pioneer, and Dad was a settler! Every church needs both pioneers and settlers!
I will never forget when my father traded a large number of his horses for a tractor and purchased various other pieces of farm machinery. It was a time of mixed emotions as we disposed of our horses and our horse-drawn farm machines in exchange for more modern pieces of farming equipment.
10. Childhood Memories
One of the vivid memories that I have of that vehicle centered around my black and white terrior dog named Fido. Fido had an insatiable desire to ride in that vehicle. Every time that vehicle moved he found a spot somewhere on or in that vehicle where he might locate himself, so that he might enjoy a model T ride!
I also remember being with my father as we loaded hay into a hayrack to be transported from the field to a haystack in our barnyard. Dad would use a pitch fork to throw the hay up on the hayrack, and I would tramp around in the hay to pack it down so that we could get a maximum amount of hay on the rack. There were times when I would be in the wrong place as my father threw the hay up on the rack, and I would get covered by the hay. That was a very unpleasant experience as bits of hay would get down the neck of my shirt. It would make me feel very itchy! But finally, our hayrack would be loaded and we would make our way from the field to the barnyard. I remember a conversation that we had on one of those occasions. My father said, “Arlo now that you have become a Christian by asking the Lord Jesus into your life, do you know what to tell someone else so that they might become a Christian? I do not remember whether I knew the answer to my father’s question or not. But the memory of that question has always been in my mind since that time. For me, that question had particular significance because it contained a reference to an event of which I have no memory. The event referred to by my father was that he knew of a time previous to our conversation, when I had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was that event that became the very foundation upon which I would build my life and future service to people in the Church and in society in general.
I remember starting my schooling in the fall of 1938 at the Hawthorne School, located just over two miles east of our farm. Miss Metcalfe was my very first teacher. She boarded at our home, and I know that Miss Metcalfe and I shared a very special relationship. One of the unpleasant memories that I have of those first months at school had to do with the spilling of ink on to my desk from an ink well. Now, to this generation, the words, ink and ink well are as strange to them, as the words computer and internet would have been to us, could we have heard those words back then. Now a Grade 1 student didn't usually write with a straight pen and ink, they would begin to learn to write by using a pencil. However, I was given the privilege of using pen and ink earlier because of the favor that I enjoyed with Miss Metcalfe!
My memories of Dawsy Smith (Prentice) were not as pleasant for her or myself, as those enjoyed by Miss Metcalfe and me. Dawsy Smith also had room and board at our house. We had an old fashioned Quebec Heater in our front room. One day when there was no fire in it, I took a piece of white chalk and wrote these words on the black stove, "Dawsy loves Selmer." Selmer Orvik was a young man who was one of our closest neighbors. I have no idea of the source of my information, but when it comes to teasing, the source or the possible truth of statements made, is of little importance!
One day at school, I was slouching in the seat of my school desk. Miss Smith said to me, "Arlo sit up in your seat!" But instead of sitting up, I slouched even more. Then Miss Smith, brought me to her desk and made me sit on her knee, and that was done in front of all the students. My attitude went from bad to worse! The class, except me, were all dismissed. My final memory of that series of events is this, Miss Smith took the sliding lid off a pencil box, and used it to spank my hands! Interestingly enough, many years later in 1955-56, I became pastor at Pangman's Bethel Mission where Dawsy Prentice (Smith) and her two daughters attended church. Time has a way of bringing maturity to each of our lives!
One day, during the years that Miss Scott taught at the school, she left the room to answer a knock at the school door. Her absence momentarily from the room resulted in a lot of pandemonium in the class. A boy in the desk in front of me, stood up and bent over, and I took my ruler and hit him over the back side, just as Miss Scott returned to the room! That misdeed resulted in my receiving a strapping on both of my hands by Miss Scott.
11. The Marriage of Reatha Johnson and Arnold Pritchard
It was about this time, on September 27, 1941, that Reatha and Arnold were married in the town hall at Pangman, Saskatchewan! It was necessary for Reatha to have a permission paper signed by her father before she could be married. But my Dad said that before he would sign the paper, Arnold had to get on his knees to ask permission to marry Reatha, and promise that she would not have to milk cows etc. Time was passing, and that paper needed to be signed! So Reatha and Arnold agreed on the following plan: Annie Lincoln (Gompf) was doing house work for my parents. Dad and Mom were away, and Annie was ironing clothes. So Arnold told Annie that their wedding would have to be delayed because Reatha's father had not signed the paper permitting Reatha to be married.
So when Reatha's parents came home, Annie told them that Arnold was white in his face, and really serious when he said, "Annie, we can't get married on the September 27th because it is too late to get that permission paper signed." In reply, Reatha's Mom said, "Now Harry, you have carried your joke too far." Reatha's Dad said, "Where is that paper," and he signed it! That day, Reatha and Arnold had the last laugh!" Since I was only eight years old at the time of their marriage, my memory of the event is quite faint. But I do have memories of visiting Reatha and Arnold at their home near Moreland, Saskatchewan. Needless to say, I have many memories of fun times with Arnold and Reatha Pritchard!
I remember going to see Reatha and Arnold at the Art Pritchard farm, in the late days of December, 1943, while they were awaiting the birth of their first daughter, Marilyn. Finally, Marilyn arrived on January 2, 1944 at Ceylon, Saskatchewan. Though I was just eleven years old, now I was Uncle Arlo, and that was a very significant event for me!
During the time that I attended Victoria School, my cousin Lois lived at our house at 2230 Smith Street, while she attended a hairdressing school for her training as a hairdresser. One evening she did my hair up in pincurls. Well, you should have seen my hair the next morning after she took out the bobby-pins! My hair was not only exceedingly wavy, but it was standing three to four inches high on top of my head. Of course, I had to go to school with that very wavy hair. Mr. Voels said, "Arlo what happened to your hair?" I told him that I had slept on it wrong! This reply was to avoid being teased by members of the class for having had pincurled my hair. Later that morning as Mr. Voels came by my desk, he asked me quietly, "Arlo did you really sleep on your hair wrong?" At that point, I whispered the truth to him!
One other significant memory that I have of that time period was the invention of the ball point pen! No more stick pens, or fountain pens that had to be filled with ink regularly, in order to be able to write with them! Now, ball point pens are used almost exclusively! Just think, that was over a half century ago!
My return to the Dummer School for the remainder of Grade eight, was very special to me. It was special because of the relationship that I had enjoyed over the years that Frank Wingert was my teacher. He was a very good teacher, and he expressed appreciation for my spiritual faith and diligent application to my studies. He was very respected by the members of his various classes. He maintained excellent discipline over the students. In fact it was so good, that we thought that he had some kind of rear view mirror built into his glasses! At least it seemed that he always knew what going on behind his back, so no one could get away with anything!
12. Spiritual Memories of Trossachs Camp and following
Another set of special childhood memories centered around my experiences at Trossachs Camp. Attendance at that Christian bible camp during the early part of July was always a highlight for the members of our family. However, the camp of 1945 was exceptionally significant in the growth of my spiritual life. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, as well as in water at that particular camp. As a result of the impact of the Holy Spirit upon my life, I possessed a new and deepening hunger for the Word of God.
Upon returning from camp, I began reading the Book of Revelation. Did I understand it? No, but this I did understand, that in spite of the difficulties that would come to the earth, the Lord would be the ultimate triumphant Victor! So, if I was to be a winner, I needed to be on the Lord’s side!
Ern Baxter was one of the regular speakers at Trossach's camp. I probably still have a picture of over thirty young people that were powerfully impacted by his ministry at that particular camp. I still remember the night he preached on Shamgar from Judges 5:6 and 3:31. Obviously, I don't remember the details of the message, but I do remember the impact that the Holy Spirit made upon my life by that word!
By the fall of 1945, World War II was over and great numbers of soldiers were returning to civilian life, some to continue their education, and others to work. My mother turned
Among their books, I discovered a Bible Story Book that put the entire Old and New Testaments into story form. For the first time in my life I began to understand the connection between the various books of the Old Testament, and the preparation that the Old Testament made for the coming events of the New Testament. The overview that I received of the bible by the reading of that book has served to benefit me over these many years of Christian ministry. In fact, to this day, I often share this overview of the bible with newer Christian believers.
13. A Biblical Overview still in use today
Here is the overview of the Old Testament that has developed out of the discovery that I made as a teenager so many years ago. Genesis 1-11 contains about 2000 years of recorded human history beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve and continuing through until the birth of the sons of Terah who were Abram, Nahor, and Haran. It is important that we note the words, "recorded human history." There were probably extended periods of history of which there was no biblical record. One case in point pertains to the period of time that Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden prior to the fall. I have always thought that Adam and Eve probably lived in a state of innocency for an extended period of time, but there is no record of how long that time might have been.
Genesis 12 records God's call to Abram (Abraham - Genesis 17:5) to become the father of the nation of Israel. From Genesis 12 to the beginning of the events of the New Testament, namely the births of John the Baptist, and Jesus is another 2000 years of recorded history. Genesis 12-50 is the record of Abraham's family as it transitions into a nation. The book of Exodus speaks of the descendants of Abraham as a nation of people. First they are slaves in Egypt (Exodus 1-12), then as a nation, they left Egypt, to begin their journey through the deserts of the Sinai pennisula en route to the promise land (Exodus 13-19). Then the Lord appeared to Moses to give the Ten Commandments, as well as many other laws relative to their community living (Exodus 20-24). After which the Lord instructed Moses concerning the making of the Tabernacle and its' furnishings. Upon the completion of that project, the Tabernacle and the furnishings were put in place, and the Tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord (Exodus 25-40).
God began to communicate His plan for Israel through the ministry of Aaron and his fellow priests. The instructions contained in the entire book of Leviticus were received from the Lord by Moses and the Aaronic priesthood (Leviticus 1:1). It should be noted that the Tabernacle and its' furnishings were put in place on the first day of the first month (Exodus 40:1), while Numbers 1:1 is dated as the first day of the second month of the second year after coming out of Egypt.
The information contained in Leviticus was given to Moses during the period of one month. The book of Numbers contains the history of the nation of Israel, beginning in the second year and continuing through to the 40th year after the exodus from Egypt. Numbers ends with this specific discription, "These are the commandments and the judgments which the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho."
Then Deuteronomy 1:1 opens with these words, "These are the words which Moses spoke unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red Sea between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab." The book of Deuteronomy contains three addresses given by Moses to the children of Israel. Following Moses final address, the nation of Israel faces a leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. In Deuteronomy 31:1-23 (34:9), Moses speaks of the immminent transition of the leadership of Israel to Joshua, which actually occurred in Joshua 1.
Joshua, as the newly appointed leader guides the nation across the River Jordan to begin the conquest of the promise land that concludes with the partitioning of the land among the tribes. Joshua presents his final challenge to the nation in Joshua (24:14-23), and records their positive response (Joshua 24:24-28). Joshua 24:29 records Joshua's death at one hundred and ten years. Joshua 24:31 states that Israel served the Lord all the days of the elders that out lived Joshua.
After the death of the elders that outlived Joshua, Israel underwent a period of disorganization, tribal discord and conflict of which we read in the book of Judges. There are four distinct conditions that occurred repeatedly through Israel's history during the time that the Judges ruled: 1. Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord (6:1). 2. The Lord delivered Israel into the hand of the Midian (6:1b-5). 3. The children of Israel cried unto the Lord (6:6). 4. Then the Lord sent them a deliverer, and Israel entered into a time of peace until the cycle was repeated.
The book of Judges concludes with this summation of the time in which the Judges ruled: "In those days, there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." The book of Ruth is the story of one family that was negatively impacted by the fact that there was no king in Israel, and that every man did that which was right in his own eyes. In view of these conditions, Elimelech, a resident of Bethlehem, Judah went to sojourn with his family in the land of Moab. From sojourning in Moab, the family took up permanent residence! His sons, Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth, women of Moab. While this family was in Moab, Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion all died. This was the fruit of every man doing that which was right in his own eyes!
Nevertheless, out of this heartbreaking situation, God called Ruth to accompany Naomi on her return to Bethlehem, Judah. Eventually, by Ruth's marriage to Boaz, they became members of the family geneology of Jesus Christ. Even though the sinful conditions of the time of the Judges brought a negative impact upon this one family, nevertheless because of the intervention of the Lord, that one family has now brought a powerful positive impact upon the entire world because of the ultimate birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The books of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles are a historical record that began with the transition from the rulership of Judges to the rulership of Kings in the nation of Israel. Saul, David and Solomon were the only kings that ruled over the entire nation of Israel. After the reign of Solomon, Rehoboam became the next king of Israel. However, during the early part of Rehoboam's reign, Jeroboam led a rebellion against him that resulted in the division of the nation into two separate kingdoms.
The Southern Kingdom was known as Judah, including the tribe of Benjamin, with its' capital in Jerusalem. The Northern Kingdom was known as Israel, with its' capital in the city of Samaria. Rehoboam was the King of the Southern Kingdom, while Jeroboam was the King of the Northern Kingdom. This division of the nation continued unresolved, and the Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:1-23), about 175 years before the Southern Kingdom was carried away captive into Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:1-21).
Into this historical record from 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles we can fit all of the Poetry books of the Old Testament: It is commonly accepted by recent scholars that the composition of the psalms was from the time of David to the beginning of the Exile. The Psalms were used as a hymn book for the nation of Israel. The Song of Songs is about Solomon. King Solomon is regarded as the author of the Song. Since the contents of the book are in harmony with the great gifts of wisdom which we know Solomon possessed (1 Kings 4:32-33), there is not sufficient ground to deviate from this historic position. (Wycliffe Bible Commentary).
Moderns have varied in their dating of Proverbs from the time of Solomon to 250 B.C., with dates between 600-400 B.C. as most popular. The book of Job is thought to have been written between 400-250 B.C. The book of Ecclesiastes: "Although the writer says that he was king over Israel (1:12), and speaks as though he were Solomon, he nowhere says that he is Solomon." "We cannot tell at what date the book received its present form, since there are no clear historical allusions in it. About 200 BC is commonly suggested." (New Bible Dictionary).
Into this same historical record from 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles we can fit the following Prophetic books of the Old Testament: Jonah ministered in the eighth century B.C. Micah ministered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (8-7 century B.C.). The book of Amos and his ministry was in the midst of the eighth century B.C. (760 B.C.). Isaiah, and his book is dated between 740 B.C. and 698 B.C. with a ministry to Judah. The book of Hosea, and his ministry to the Northern Kingdom between 750-725 B.C. Jeremiah and his book is dated between 626 B.C. and the Exile, Lamentations was written during the time of the ruin of Jerusalem and the Temple about 586 B.C. "The data in book of Ezekiel place the prophet's ministry in the early years of the Babylonian exile, between 593/592 - 571/570 B.C." (Wycliffe Bible Commentary).
Daniel was written in the Babylonian and Persian periods of the sixth century B.C. There are two primary dates suggested for the dating of the book of Joel: 1. An early date, during the reign of Joash in Judah, about 830 B.C. 2. A post-Exilic date, about 400 B.C. - in the Persian period. Obadiah ministered in the time of the sacking of Jerusalem (587 - 586 B.C.). Nahum's book is dated between 663-612 B.C., probably closer to the 612 B.C. date. The book of Habakkuk: "The best conclusion seems to be that the prophecy was written toward the end of the reign of Josiah (640-609 B.C.), preferably after the destruction of Nineveh by the combined forces of the Babylonians, Medians, and Scythians in 612 B.C." Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah (637-607 B.C. between the fall of Nineveh and the Babylonian attack upon Judea. Haggai's prophecy is clearly dated in 520 B.C. in the second year of Darius the king. He is spoken of by Ezra (Ezra 5:1; 6:14). Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai, beginning his prophetic ministry in 520 B.C., and the latest date indicated (Ezra 7:1) is 518 B.C. Malachi's writings were probably during the period of 450-475 B.C.
As the historical record of 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles ends, the historical record of Ezra and Nehemiah and Esther begin. Earlier, during the Exile, Jeremiah spoke prophetically of the end of the impending exile of seventy years, and that prophecy is recorded in Jeremiah 25:12-14; 29:10-14. The fulfillment of that prophecy is recorded in the historical record in 2 Chronicles 36:20-21. The ending of one historical period in 2 Chronicles 36, and the beginning of another historical period in Ezra 1 is verified, in that 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Ezra 1:1-3 are identical records that speak of Cyrus king of Persia as the incumbent ruler. Now in the new historical era, we have record of God's command to Cyrus to rebuild the Temple of God at Jerusalem. In response to the invitation of Cyrus, Ezra 2:64-65 records that about 50,000 Jews return to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The Jews who remained in Babylon were in a position to help those who returned to Jerusalem.
The following historical overview of the books of Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah are based on information taken from the writings of Alan Redpath (Moody Memorial Church, Chicago) in his book, "Victorious Christian Service." In Ezra 1-2, there is a record of the numbers of people who voluntarily responded to the request of Cyrus, to rebuild the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel; in Ezra 3, there is a record of the building of the altar of the God of Israel (vs.1-6); followed by the laying of the foundation of the temple of the Lord (vs.7-13); in Ezra 4, there is a record of the words and actions of their adversaries that were eventually successful in bringing the work of the rebuilding of the temple to a halt (vs.1-24); in Ezra 5-6 there is a record of the coming of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, who by their words brought encouragement, and the work of building the temple was resumed (5:2), and completed (6:15). The last four chapters of Ezra describe the restoration of worship under the leadership of Ezra (7:6, 10).
Alan Redpath states, "Sixty years elapsed between Ezra's first six chapters and the last four chapters. In those sixty years the events recorded in the book of Esther occurred." By means of God's intervention through Queen Esther, the whole Jewish race was preserved! "The first six chapters of the Book of Nehemiah have to do with the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem and the last seven chapters have to do with the re-instruction of the people of God." "Of the seventeen historical books in the Old Testament, the most recent in date are Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah." Both Haggai and Zechariah were writing prophets during the time that Zerrubbabel built the temple (Ezra 5:1; 6:14). Malachi probably prophesied at a later time, for sacrifices were being offered in the Temple (1:7-10; 3:8-10). Some scholars suggest that the book of Malachi was probably written during Nehemiah's visit to Babylon in the 32nd year of the reign of King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 13:6).
It is evident from the foregoing information that the books of the Old Testament are not in a chronological order, however it is truth that the writings of the Old Testament do conclude with the book of Malachi. The final promise in Malachi 4:5-6 pertains to the turning of the heart of the fathers to their children, and consequently, the turning of the heart of the children to the fathers. Immediately following that promise, we have 400 years in which there was no prophetic voice heard in the land. It is for this reason that those years are called the 400 Silent Years.
The silence is an evidence of the breakdown of relationship between the people of the Southern Kingdom and their God. In the absence of such a relationship, leaders turned increasingly to religious regulations. These years of silence gave birth to the Jewish sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees gave unbending adherence to Mosaic laws, while the Sadducees were religious intellectuals that did not believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits (Matthew 22:23; Acts 23:8). At the conclusion of these 400 Silent Years, God once again spoke through John the Baptist and Jesus Christ! It is amazing to me that the overview which I have just written, began to come to me as a boy of thirteen years of age after the reading of a book in which the Old Testament was written in story form.
It was in the fall of 1946 that I started Grade nine by correspondence at
14. Connecting to Regina's Bethel Temple
In the first winter in
It was in the late spring of 1948 that Reatha and Arnold were expecting the arrival of their second daughter, Marsha. I was fifteen years of age at the time, and there was a period of time that Reatha stayed at our home just prior to Marsha's birth. Arnold had made a recent purchase of a brand new 1948 Dodge Sedan, was it ever a beautiful car! Finally, Reatha went to the hospital as the birth of Marsha neared. I remember riding with Arnold in that new car as he was waiting for the arrival of Marsha. Finally, Marsha arrived on May 24, 1948.
15. The Marriage of Eldon Johnson and Luella Pritchard
It was in the spring of 1949 that Eldon (Johnson) and Luella (Pritchard) were married in Bethel Mission at Pangman, Saskatchewan. Flo Wilson and I were the attendants that stood up with Eldon and Luella at their wedding. Eldon and Luella went to Montreal, Quebec to do French language study (1949-50) in preparation for future missionary work in French West Africa. It was in July, 1950 that they went to Africa with senior missionaries, Martin and Alice Davies. It was on February 3, 1952 that Eldon and Luella's daughter, Carol was born while they were living in Africa. It was on February 18, 1954 that their son, Wesley was born while they were on furlough in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Grandma (Alta Craig) Lincoln was born at Ipava, Illinois on July 22, 1883. She was a diebetic, and it was in the fall of 1949 that she was hospitalized with the effects of her ailment. She was in the General Hospital for many months, and my family spent many hours visiting with her there. It was on February 3, 1950 that Grandma went to be with the Lord. Her funeral service was held in Bethel Temple with Pastor Barber and Lorne Pritchard officiating. It was some time during the two year period following her death that Grandpa Lincoln sold his home at 2200 Rae Street, and purchased a home at 2038 Cameron Street.
Grandpa (Oscar John) Lincoln was born at Rushville, Illinois on October 19, 1881, and married Alta Craig on December 22, 1901, and died on December 15, 1967 of pneumonia (at 86 years of age). Grandpa Lincoln at 80 years of age lived in Regina at 2217 Garnet Street.
At 80 years of age, Grandpa Lincoln discovered old letters in a Chicago museum that were written by his Grandpa (Jefferson) Lincoln in February 25, 1852 in California, and sent to his wife in Illinois. Part of the letter read as follows: "Dear Wife and Children, friends and relations. Once more I take the opportunity of informing you all, I and party am well at present and hoping these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing...." The second letter, written four months later, brought the news that Jefferson Lincoln had found enough gold to satisfy himself and was planning to return home. It was the eighth letter he had written to his wife and family. "I have been doing very well this last winter and think I can still do well. I anticipated returning home this fall, but on refection deemed it prudent not to come until next spring owing to it being very unhealthy to return to California in the fall ...." "No man can appreciate the enjoyment of a family except those that have lived the life of a Californian. Them and them alone have labored and toiled from day to day in search of hidden treasures of California ...." "The health of California is very good at present and people are crowding here by thousands and it is said that the imigration by way of the plains will exceed that of the year fifty and what is to become of all of them after they get here God only knows. There are hundreds of persons here at this time that cannot make their board. Stock and provisions of every description is on the rise. Money is a plenty here, but there is a great deal of it that is well hid. ..." Jefferson Lincoln was killed either by highwaymen or Indians on his way home.
It was a little later that Glenna Hillstead and her friend, Riedun Tandberg came from Beaubier to work in
That summer of ministry under Pastor Ernie’s supervision was a very profitable learning experience. I had many opportunities to preach in the two churches, participated in a
John Siggelkow was traveling from the Peace River district of Alberta to southern
16. The First of Many Significant evenings with Glenna Hillstead
After the service, John and Reidun Froese invited Glenna and I over to their apartment for coffee. John Froese and Reidun were mutual friends of both Glenna and I. This would be the first of many times that Glenna and I would spent time together. These times provided opportunity for each of us to discover as to whether there was any basis for the possibility of a future life long relationship together.
While waiting for Glenna, I met up with Mary Crozier from our Regina church. Mary was a mutual friend of Glenna and I. When Glenna arrived, and we embraced each other, Mary was very, very surprised! I guess our developing relationship was still a secret around the church, but not for long after that mutual show of affection! With Mary's knowledge of our friendship, everyone would soon know all about it! The time that Glenna and I spent together on that Thanksgiving week-end served to deepen our commitment to one another, and move us closer to engagement and marriage.
The next opportunity to spend time together would be at the Christmas/New Year holiday time of 1951. It was during that time that Glenna and I became engaged to be married. During that entire school year, Glenna and I corresponded, each of us wrote and received three letters each week!
17. A Summer of Evangelistic Ministry
After the completion of my second year, an Evangelistic Team composed of Bill Masterson, Bill George, and myself was formed. We decided upon a course of ministry for the summer of 1951. While in Eston, we purchased a 1935 Chevrolet coupe for $300. After driving it from Eston to
We proceeded to acquire permission to pitch the Gospel Tent on an empty lot owned by a brother and sister who were sympathetic with our intention to preach the Gospel in Nakusp. Pitching the tent proved to be a very challenging task for the three of us, but the task was finally accomplished. We were now ready to begin, what eventually resulted in a two or three week Gospel Tent Crusade.
We were to discover that there were two Full Gospel Churches located below Nakusp in the villages of
18. The Marriage of Arlo Johnson and Glenna Hillstead followed by continued ministry
One year prior to the events just described, I had commenced a serious relationship with Glenna Mae Hillstead. As a result of that relationship we were engaged to be married on September 27, 1952. However, in view of the developments concerning Bill George and the decision that he would stay in
The Evangelistic Trio was scheduled to conduct a
My attendants and I were on time, and I insisted that I, and my male attendants locate ourselves at the designated place in the church sanctuary by 6 pm. As a result of the mix-up, the men in the wedding party stood at the front of the sanctuary for about fifteen minutes waiting for the Bride and her attendants. Pastor Barber would perform our Wedding Ceremony and Rev. G.S. McLean, Principal of the Full Gospel Bible Institute at
I will never forget Pastor Barber’s prayer of dedication. He prayed that as we gave ourselves to the ministry to which we were called, that we would have the favor and support of the people to whom we were called to minister. God has answered that prayer in an overwhelming manner during the many years of our pastoral ministry!
Later, Glenna told me that she was offended by the request of that particular song, for after all, what did Mr. Pritchard mean, "the fight is on," weren't we in love? I will say no more, if you are not married, I'll leave the rest to your imagination, and if you are married, I'll leave it to your personal experience! But to be perfectly honest with you, there were many conflicts in our marriage as we adjusted to one another! In a farewell service in one of our pastorates, Glenna talked about the adjustments that were necessary between a know-it-all Dane and a stubborn Norwegian!
In the early years of our marriage, as we were working out some of those conflicting differences that existed in each of our lives, I had the following insight into our relationship. In the midst of the development that God was working in our lives through our marriage, I realized that each of us were attracted to one another because of the strengths that we saw in each other. I was attracted to Glenna as I saw how she THOUGHT things THROUGH, while Glenna was attracted to me for my ability to make DECISIONS. But after marriage we had conflict over each others weaknesses. Glenna's strength of thinking things through had a parallel weakness, in that she was not able to make decisions! While I could make decisions quickly, my weakness lay in the fact that I was very impulsive! My impulsiveness got me into all kinds of difficulties! Of course, in my immaturity, I thought if Glenna would just be like me, everything would be alright! At the same time, I am sure that Glenna thought that if I would just be like her, everything would be alright! But the fact is, that God didn't bring us together, so that she would be like me, or that I would be like her! God brought us together to bring about change in each of us! God wanted to speed up Glenna's slow process of "thinking things through," by the addition of my "decisive component." Then God wanted to slow down my "decisive component," by the addition of Glenna's component of "thinking things through!" Presently, in our sixth decade of marriage, we can testify that, that is exactly what God has worked out in our lives through the process of marriage! Glenna and I are both better in character and personality because of the complementary strengths that we have brought to each other.
Several years ago, Gary Thomas of Bellingham, Washington wrote a book, "Sacred Marriage." Recently, Zonervan Publishing has done up a six-part DVD by the same name. The major concept contained in the writing of Gary Thomas is that marriage is not about changing your spouse. It is about allowing the conflicts and challenges with your spouse to change you! In the process of applying this concept he uses the life and work of Abraham Lincoln, and his wife Mary Todd as an illustration of this principle.
Abraham and Mary Todd were very different from each other, and furthermore each of them had come from a very different family background. One example of this was the fact that Abraham came from a background of extreme poverty, while the family of Mary Todd were very wealthy.
In addition to this, their personalities were very different. Simply stated, it took a lot of perseverence for Abraham to continue to live with Mary Todd. But Abraham was determined to persevere in the maintenance of his marriage. From a record far more detailed than I have included in this writing, Gary Thomas believes that the perseverence developed in the life of Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in his winning of the Civil War.
Another thing that attracted me to Glenna was her ability to discern. Frequently, she was able to discern the character of people, or the best approach to take in a challenging situation. In contrast, Glenna was attracted to me because of the care that I exhibited for people in difficult situations. But after we were married, we entered into conflict over the paralleling weaknesses that accompanied these strengths: Glenna could discern, but she could also be very critical! While I was caring, I could be very gulible. As Glenna complemented my caring with her discernment, there was a reduction in my gulibility! As I brought care to complement Glenna's discernment, there was a reduction of her criticism! Consequently, both of us are better as God blended our lives together through the process of marriage!
Following the reception, we began our short honeymoon trip to
Our short honeymoon was undoubtedly a terrible mistake, it should have been much longer! But here is an interesting note from the book, Settlers of the Hills and Beyond. "Ted and Bessie Hillstead (Glenna's parents) were married on November 18, 1925, at the home of Bessie's parents, Harold and Rena Torkelson. They postponed their honeymoon until February, 1926 when they took off for Westby, Montana (a distance of 10-12 miles) with horses and sleigh. When it came time for them to return home, however, an early thaw had almost eliminated the snow they needed to travel on. At first they were able to pick their way through patches of snow, but finally they had to abandon their sleigh and borrow a wagon from some acquaintances to make it the rest of the way home." So I guess this thing of having a short or delayed honeymoon is a thing of heredity! To succeeding generations that may read this, please don't follow our example when it comes to having a proper honeymoon with your new spouse!
In view of the necessity of putting up the Gospel Tent for the opening day of the children's ministry, it required that I leave Glenna with the Gompf's whom she had never met before! When we finally went to the room prepared for us, we discovered that it was supposed to be a Bridal Chamber! Max's brother Charlie Gompf put a bridle (usually worn by a horse) in the room, along with a chamber pot (you know the kind that is put under the bed, in case one has to get up in the middle of the night)! But I assure you that a bridle-chamber fell far short of being a Bridal Chamber! It was meant to be a joke, but by this time of the night, it didn't seem funny to these newly weds, of three days!
The events of the entire
19. God's Miraculous Supply was more than enough
I must tell you about our return trip from Regina to Fauquier after our months of absence. We had gone to Regina with our 1941 Ford Laundry Van, but while there, my father purchased a 1948 Ford Sedan for us. As we laid our plans to return, we decided to travel back on the America side of the border. I have no idea as to how we determined the amount of money that would be needed for the trip.
Strange as it may seem to you in this present time, we didn't have one credit card! We traveled on a pay-as-you-go plan! Since we had not owned this vehicle very long, there seemed to be some minor things that needed to be fixed while on this first long trip. As we began our journey, it became evident that we needed a new set of spark plugs, so we had them installed. By the time we got to Missoula, Montana, we were getting low on cash. It was Saturday night, and we were looking for a cheap Motel for the night. Guess what? We found a Motel in a rural area outside of Mussoula, Montana for $3. for the night!
The next morning was Sunday, so we prepared to go to church by putting on our dress up clothes. I put on a suit that had just come from the Dry Cleaners before leaving Regina. When I put my hand into the coat pocket, I discovered a $20. bill! Now you know Dry Cleaners don't put $20. bills in suit pockets that they have just dry cleaned! I wouldn't know how it got there, but I know that it was a timely gift for us! After church we drove on.
Our next car problem occurred just outside of Trail, BC. As we traveled up and down the hills of that area, it was evident that there was a problem with the car's fuel pump. As we sat stauled at the side of the road, a pastor friend, Lloyd Schuetz came along. He was able to connect us with a service station attendant who was able to repair our car, then make the arrangements for us to pay for it after arriving home in Fauquier. We continued to make our way from Trail to Nakusp. Now we were only 40 miles from our destination. Before stopping overnight in Nakusp with our friends, the Hantke's, we made a calculation of the finances that it would require for the rest of our journey.
The needle on the gas gauge was resting on "E," that of course stood for EMPTY! What was our cash balance? That indication was just above EMPTY, we had $1. left. That would buy us two gallons of gasoline, and that would take us within about ten miles of home. But we were going to visit with the Hantke's and they had always been very generous in giving us financial assistance in the past. Was our faith in them, or in the Lord? Well, when we left there the next morning, we still had $1. So we went to the Gas Station and bought $1.00's worth of gasoline!
We were on our way, and we would see what the Lord would do to get us to Fauquier! About twenty miles down the road, an automobile was in the ditch. We stopped to see if we could be of assistance to the stranded motorist. He had a chain, and we had a vehicle, so we pulled the vehicle out of the ditch. The motorist asked, "What do I owe you?" I said, "Under normal circumstances, you would not owe me anything, but today I don't have enough gasoline in my vehicle to get me home to Fauquier, and $2. would be a great help to us!" He gave us the $2. and at Burton we put $2. worth of gasoline in the tank, so Fauquier, here we come!
20. The Birth of Grady Arlin in Nakusp, BC September 14, 1953
Upon returning home to Fauquier, we continued our ministry in the churches and waited eagerly for the birth of our first child. Mr. and Mrs. Holford invited us to care for their house in
What joy filled our hearts as we held our little new born baby boy! I will never forget driving home from Nakusp to Fauquier following Grady’s birth. While it was a very joyful occasion, it was also a very serious moment as I felt the responsibility of participating with Glenna in caring for this new little life that God had given us! That night as I drove home, I thought, “What if there was another world war, how would I protect such a little young precious person as this child that God had given us?”
When Grady was three months old, it was evident that he had the croup. Glenna was sure that he must have been unduly exposed to the increasingly cold air. However, the fact was that he was just about to debut his first tooth. We went home to
I underwent surgery for the removal of my broken knee cap in the Trail Hospital. Glenna and Grady came down to Trail about one week before my release from Hospital. All of our travel was now by bus. On one of the week-ends after arriving home, Ernie and Clara Siggelkow and their children came to visit us. Ernie preached at the services in Fauquier and Burton. Contrary to the prognosis of the Doctor, I had a wonderful recovery from knee surgery, and I have had very few limitations inspite of the absence of a knee cap. For all of this, I have been very thankful to God and the surgeon.
21. The Birth of Marlo Gene in Nakusp, BC December 27, 1954
The accident also meant that Glenna would require some quiet bed rest to avoid a miscarriage. God did spare the life of our unborn child. Glenna did not have a miscarriage, and therefore on December 27, 1954 we welcomed our second son, Marlo Gene weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces at the
My parents were with us at Fauquier in advance of the forthcoming birth. One rainy evening, Dad and I traveled to Burton for a mid-week service. As we were returning home, in this "half-repaired" vehicle, an animal crossed the road in advance of us. Since we were not able to clearly identify the animal, I decided to turn around on the road in order to get another view of the possible preditor. Dad discouraged me from doing so, but I said, "I'd like to see it, it could be a cougar! Dad, wouldn't you like to see a cougar? At that point in this vehicle, my Dad was not anxious to see a cougar, or any other such creature! Inspite of the hesitancy of my father, I did turn around, and there in the rainy drizzle stood, what my Dad called, "An Old Wet Dog!"
Life is made up of memories! When my father was over ninety years of age, he was still telling the story of the "Old Wet Dog!" That adventure that night between Fauquier and Burton had made an indelible imprint upon his memory. How I thank God for the wonderful memories that I have of my family!
Furthermore, I only had four tires for this "half-repaired" vehicle, and no spare! We lived 40 miles from the
22. Leaving Fauquier/Burton to supply pastor in Saskatchewan 1955-1956
We concluded our ministry at Fauquier and
23. The Birth of Randy Lee in Pangman, Saskatchewan December 28, 1955
On December 28, 1955 Randy Lee was born in
It is special for me to realize that Randy and I have many things in common concerning our birth into the Johnson families. Randy and I were both born in Pangman, and in both instances, our births took place in houses, not hospitals. I was born in a house that was the residence of Mrs. Well who was the mid-wife who assisted with my birth. Randy was born in a very large house that had been made into a very small hospital. Randy's birth was the third birth in our family, and I was the third birth into my parents family. Randy's birth occurred twenty-three years, two months and three days after my birth.
It might be hard for people living today to realize that both Randy and I came home from our place of birth to live in houses that did not have indoor plumbing facilities. Each of the houses that Randy and I lived in had the old fashioned "out house," for our toilet facility. I know that so many would wonder how such outdoor facilities could be used in the sub-zero temperatures of a Saskatchewan winter! However, we did endure the hard, cold winter use of the facility, and I might add that we also endured the hard, cold toilet paper of the Eaton's Catologue!
Welcome into this real world Randy, it can only get better! And it did in so many ways! Randy, your Mom was in that hospital for your birth at the same time that Charlotte (Earl) Rasmussen gave birth to their second son, Terry. When I was growing up on my father's farm at Dummer, Earl Rasmussen was one of my closest friends, and later he was a member of our wedding party.
It was in the late spring of 1956 that I was ordained to the Christian Ministry at the joint conference of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost and the Evangelical Church of Pentecost in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Others ordained at that conference were Neil Barr, Grande Centre Alberta; Clifton Mitchell, Regina; Ellwood Barbour, Rocky Mountain House Alberta; Leonard Wilson, Kipling; George Driediger, Aldergrove, B.C.; Clayton Gillett, Meadow Lake; Norman Worth, Belfast, Ireland; Lawrence Baron, Mistatim. This was a very deep and moving experience for me.
24. Planting a New Congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba 1956-1965
We packed up all our earthly belongings into one long U-haul trailer and attached it to our newly purchased 1955
Our first Sunday morning service was held on Thankgiving Sunday, 1956 with about a dozen adults present. By February, 1957 we commenced Sunday evening services. In view of the rather rapid growth of this Sunday School and Church in the Weston area, my activities at Charleswood were very minimal. By 1959
25. The Birth of Sheldon Boyd in Winnipeg, Manitoba October 8, 1959
It was in 1959 that Glenna and I were expecting the arrival of our fourth child. It was on October 8, 1959 that Sheldon Boyd was born in the
In 1958 we purchased a residence at
I have many memories of playing with Sheldon when he was just a very young baby. I remember one night that Glenna was at the church, the other three boys were in bed, and I spent the evening playing with Sheldon as he responded I took a number of pictures of him. Glenna tells me that I would come home late in the evening from a church function, and I would wake Sheldon up and play with him!
I appreciate the words in Psalm 127 and 128 that speaks of the blessing of children. "Lo, children are an heritae of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is his reward." And again, "Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table." Glenna and I birthed four sons, and each one of them holds a special place in our hearts from the time of their birth to this very day!
One of our young teens was late arriving at one of the morning services during those early days, and Averal Dean reported to Glenna that some distance from the church she could hear Mrs. Prudent pounding the piano, pausing to pick up the missed notes, and Pastor Arlo singing at the top of his voice! While the report of that event was very funny, nevertheless it was very frustrating for both the pianist and the song leader!
We were introduced to Donna Stark, and though we were aware of the fact that she was not a Christian, she was an excellent pianist, so she began playing for our Sunday services. Most of her family began attending our worship services as well. One Sunday after the service Donna came over to our house, and as a result of our conversation together, she prayed to receive Christ as her Savior.
I have referred to the Pruden family, let me speak of Fred and Maude Pruden. When we first came to Winnipeg, Fred's employment took him from home for great periods of time, but his wife Maude was active in the church. They had four children, Iris, Pat, Brenda and Don; We had only been in Winnipeg a few weeks when their daughter Iris passed away very suddenly, and I took the funeral.
Their daughter Brenda was married to Jerry Larson, and they lived and worked in Red Lake, Ontario. On one occasion when they came to Winnipeg to visit family, Glenna and I had opportunity to spend some time with them in regard to the dedication of their daughter, Cathy.
After the dedication, I remember Jerry coming to me after the service, and he spoke quietly with me, and from what he said, I realized that the Holy Spirit was speaking to him. Later as we visited together, we were able to lead them to submit their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It was the beginning of a new life for Jerry and Brenda Larson that continues through to this present time. In that Jerry was a miner, he re-located from Ontario to Merrit, British Columbia. Jerry and Brenda have lived for many years in Merrit, where they have faithfully attended the Merrit Pentecostal Church.
As a single adult, she went to work in the
Bill Stark, at the age of 14, attended Red Rock Youth Camp, where I was the Camp Speaker. After one of the services, Bill, along with Gary Smith, prayed to invite Christ into his heart. However, it was at a joint Youth Rally at Weston when Pastor Albert Lindoff was the speaker that Bill received a very powerful touch by the Lord that brought such joy into his life!
As he thought about the fact that the angels in heaven rejoiced over him and his relationship to God, he was filled with great joy! He had come to church on his bicycle, and as he rode home after the service, he shouted all the way home! It was much later, in 1965 that Bill married Barb from a
Weston Gospel Church would eventually go through many years of decline in its membership and its attendance. There was a time in the early 1990's when the attendance was so low that they considered closing down the church. However, at that very low point God brought Alan Duncalfe to pastor the church in 1994, and from a very small beginning God has used Alan and Gloria Duncalfe to restore that church to a very strong and impacting body of believers today!
In 1995, we participated with Pastor Duncalfe and the congregation in the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the church. It was a very powerful time, and we were able to speak words of encouragement to the Duncalfe's during that event. One day, during that time, Alan Duncalfe drove me to the corner of Logan and Keewatin Streets to the location of the former Safeway Store. As we came to this location, Alan said, "This will one day be the new location of the Weston Gospel Church." If my memory serves me right, the property had been listed for $750,000. Eventually it was reduced to $650,000.
One day, I received a phone call from Alan to report to me that Weston Gospel Church had made an offer to purchase the property for $150,000. plus a tax deductible receipt of $500,000. Well the good news was that the offer was accepted. Late in the 1990's Glenna and I were invited to share in the dedication of this newly purchased/renovated church facility. The Weston Gospel Church has now been renamed, Cross Church. You can read about the church and its' ministry on the web by typing "Weston Gospel Church" into Google.
The Safeway building and lot has a great deal of significance for me. During many summers in the 1960's Weston Gospel Church conducted Sunday evening services from a platform located on that lot. The gospel was presented in special music and in the ministry of the Word of God. There is one particular message that I remember preaching on that location. It had been a very busy Sunday, and when it came time to preach, I did not have a prepared message. What was I to do? As I stood to speak there were two Grocery Signs that came into my view, one was the Safeway sign, and the other was the sign on a grocery store across the street, "Solo Grocery Store."
As I viewed those signs, I said, "Everyone needs a SAFEWAY from this life to heaven. Then I continued by saying that the Good News of the Gospel is that there is a SAFEWAY from earth to heaven, Jesus is that safeway, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and you can come to God, the Father through Jesus Christ." I continued by sharing this good news, and as I neared the conclusion of my message, I said, "But there is a problem for many people, in that they are not willing to pay the price of repentance and faith in order come to that SAFEWAY from earth to heaven. Referring to the Solo sign, I said, that which people are willing to contribute in submitting to Christ is SOLO, that it is insufficient to locate the SAFEWAY to God!"
To me it is a marvelous thing that Weston Gospel Church should purchase this location for their growing congregation after its' involvement in preaching the gospel from that Safeway Parking Lot for so many years.
One of the interesting things about Alan Duncalfe and his connection to the Weston Gospel Church is that Alan began that connection many years ago. In 1959 we demolished the old building once occupied by Calvin Presbyterian Church, and built a new facility on that same location.
During the construction of the new building, I was meeting with a plumber as we discussed the cost and possibility of having him contract to do this job. The plumber had his young boy with him that day. That plumber was Delbert Duncalfe, and that young boy was none other than, Alan Duncalfe. I remember that occasion just as if it was yesterday!
26. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Omaha, Nebraska 1965-1970
The adjustments in leaving our family at
27. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Regina, Saskatchewan 1970-1975
We concluded our ministry there in
During our pastorate at
Grady's children: Trina Mae was born on November 24, 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Amy Louise was born on February 5, 1978 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Erika Beth was born on September 10, 1979 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Arlenna Mae was born on August 10, 1990 in New York City, NY. Ilana Felicia was born in New York City, NY.
Amy's children: Ansol Arlin was born on November 17, 1993 in Prince George, BC. Christian was born on March 16, 1995 in Prince George, BC. Novalee Amy Rose was born March 20, 1997 in Prince George, BC. Zoey Ava Elizabeth was born on April 5, 1998 in Prince George, BC. Michael Walter was born on October 27, 1999 in Prince George, BC.
Erika Beth married Greg Petrovic on June 23, 2997 in Prince George, BC. Gregory Taylor Lee was born on April 24, 2003 in Prince George, BC. Aidan Michael was born June 8, 2008 in Prince George, BC.
28. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Peterborough, Ontario 1976-1978
We had been extended an invitation to pastor
Mark and Cathy were married on July 18, 2003 in Calgary, Alberta. Elisa Mathilde was born on December 11, 2004 in Prince George, BC. Aliina Claudine was born on September 7, 2008 in Prince George, BC.
Jordan and Daniela were married on July 25, 2005 in Prince George, BC. Mila Danijela was born on December 7, 2007 in Prince George, BC. Sofija Jordan was born on June 25, 2009 in Prince George, BC.
It was in
After resigning as pastor of Calvary Pentecostal Church in Peterborough, we spent two more months in
29. Years of Pastoral Ministry at Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle 1978-1984
By mutual agreement, we accepted and were accepted as the newly appointed pastor of Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle, and we commenced ministry in Prince George, British Columbia on November 18, 1978. That first winter was very cold with about 12-15 feet of snow.
Kinsley and Robert Henetiuk were married on September 3, 2005 in Prince George, BC. Joel was born on April 16, 2008 in Cold Lake, Alberta.
Kristin married Nishanthe Kandangama on January 20, 2007 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
30. Years of Pastoral Ministry in Westside Family Fellowship, Prince George, BC 1984-2002
In the summer of 1984 the Westside church separated from Pentecostal Tabernacle and became a sovereign local church with its’ own governing leadership. Bruce Stratton gave pastoral leadership to Westside church for almost two years, following which Marlo Johnson became its’ pastoral leader. Then in October, 1984, I resigned as pastor of Pentecostal Tabernacle. After a few months of absence from
Later, Marlo became the principal of the academy, and I focused primarily on pastoring the church. This arrangement continued until 2002 when I concluded my ministry as senior pastor, and that responsibility was assigned to Marlo Johnson.
31. Preparations for a Ministry to meet Social and Physical Needs in Prince George
This unfolding story started in the late 1980's in my (Arlo A. Johnson) heart and mind when I was senior pastor of Westside Family Fellowship. It started with a desire to create a non-profit society in Prince George to meet some very specific social and physical needs in the lives of the churched, or non-churched population.
As a result of this growing vision, eight or nine individuals were approached with the challenge of giving $4,000. each, as a sinking fund for the establishment of Emmaus Place Society.
A Board of Directors was set in place. On November 18, 1991 our registration as a non-profit society was in place, and finally the society received a charitable status from our Federal Government.
Initially, we purchased 160 acres of land at the end of Haldi Road in Prince George. The asking price for the property was $120,000. With our limited funds we approached the local business man and owner of this property. As a result of our negotiations with him, we entered into an agreement, and that property was purchased for a cash payment of $50,000. plus, the issuance of a charitable receipt for $70,000. We made attempts to establish a portable sawmill on the land as a means of training young men from single parent families. But when we made our presentation to the Municipal Council for a permit to operate the mill on the property, we were denied a permit.
Now what were we to do? We waited for further direction! It was decided that we would not actively seek to sell the property. However, in the course of time, a would-be-buyer made an offer that we could not refuse. The sale resulted in a 290% increase of our capital funds. We purchased another 89 acres of land for approximately $40,000. and invested the balance of the funds. While we continued to wait, various plans were considered for the development of the newly purchased land, all to no avail.
It was late in 2001 when Patricia Bowler approached Emmaus Place Society with a proposal that we lease her residential property and establish a senior supportive housing unit. Through our negotiations with Patricia Bowler and her family members, we came to a mutual lease agreement and a future purchase agreementd concerning the property.
The Senior Supportive Housing Unit was opened February 1, 2002 and named Emmaus House. Noella Miller was hired as the manager of Emmaus House. The next two and one-half years had a very steep learning curve, but we did survive those challenges. As we overcame such challenges, we entered into a final agreement with the Bowler Family on the purchase price of the property.
In the process of final negotiations we realized that we were faced with a dilemma. We had sufficient funds for a down payment, and a mortgage was available to us, however we didn't have enough funds for the desired upgrading of the interior of the property.
One day it was necessary for me to confirm with BC Housing Safer Program that a certain senior had taken up residence at Emmaus House. After making phone connections, I listened as a recording operator went through the usual, "push 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4. As I waited for the appropriate number to be identified, I heard the words, "Push 2 if you wish to partner with BC Housing for the Care of Seniors."
After I completed the purpose of my call, I redialed BC Housing, and pushed the appropriate number that resulted in an initial conversation that eventually netted Emmaus Place Society a BC Housing Grant of $35,000. to assist with the interior renovations of the soon-to-be purchased property. Now we were in a position to purchase the property from the Bowler Family, and still have funds for the desired improvements. On December 1, 2004 the property was purchased and from that time major renovations have been made on the Supportive Housing Unity at 6373 Hillcrest Place in the city of Prince George.
However, if we were to complete the exterior renovations of the house, as well as the re-shaping of the land contours of the lot, we would need to acquire further funds by the sale of the 80 acres of land that the society woned on Family Place Road, fifteen miles west of Prince George. Efforts had been made to sell the property, all to no avail.
Then in nid-2006, a new neighbor who had just purchased a residential property on Family Place Road, inquired aboaut the possibility of purchasing our 80 acres at the end of Family Place Road. On November 1, 2006, a member of our Society Board negotiated a very satisfactory sale price for the property of $56,000. In view of the fact that the sale could not be closed until May 1, 2007 an additional $2,000. was to be paid by the purchaser as an interest payment.
In view of the assured sale, a contract was let out to Sunnyside Enterprises for the application of Hardie Board to the exterior of the entire house. Hardie board is a high quality product with a 50 year warranty. In addition to the supply and application of the hardie board, there was other exterior work included in the work contract for an agreed price, not exceeding $25-27,000. However, the owner of Sunnyside Enterprises said thata if he could do if for less, we would receive the benefit of the lower price. His final invoice was $23,085. less a charitable donation of $1,000. What a magnificent transformation took place at Emmaus House.
Emmaus House has maintained a family atmosphere among the staff, the volunteers, and the ten senior residences. Each resident has their own private room, with an opton of spending time in anyone of the three common areas for times of friendship together. The most popular area is the window encased balcony with a great view of the city and the mountains beyond!
Watch for the continuing development of Emmaus House as God intervenes in providing funds for the park-like beautification of lthe land surrounding Emmaus House.
32. The Beginning of our Ministry Overseas
We had an early exposure of Missions Ministry in several countries, however the ultimate and long term Missions Ministry has been centered on Sri Lanka. In the beginning we had ministered for short periods of time in
In Romans 8:20-21 (niv) we read: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” I came to understand that the frustration described in this passage is the consequence that comes because of sin. There is a pleasure in sin, if it were not for the consequences that follow. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of the pleasure of sin as being for a season. But God built consequences into sin, and I believe He did so that as man experienced those painful consequences he would turn back to re-connect with God. Man’s only hope of being delivered from sin and its consequences is by turning back to God. As man turned again to God he would delivered from the destructive nature of sin, and come into the freedom from sin as a child of God. Hence hope is the very foundation of that which draws man back to God. Then Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Finally, faith in God brings the release of the Holy Spirit in our hearts from which love comes to dwell within us as believers (Romans 5:5).
I thought, if he can write those words for all the world to read, I can share the words that I heard with my friends. The essence of the words written by E. Stanley Jones was that God was going to give him the best ten years of his life and ministry as he entered his eighth decade of life. It was words similar to these that I heard in my spirit in April, 2002 at
The Youth Team that worked in
As a result of that desire, in April, 2006 we conducted three trans-denominational Leadership Conferences with about 300 in attendance, in April, 2007 we conducted four similar conferences with about 400 in attendance, and in March, 2008 we conducted nine one day leadership conferences with 770 pastors and leaders in attendance from 70 different church organizations and denominations. Then in March, 2009 we conducted fifteen one day leadership conferences with 1,000 pastors and leaders in attendance. The response of church leaders from the rural and remote areas of
As I have reviewed, the beginning of this ministry to Sri Lanka with the picking up of a great variety of pop and beer cans and bottles by the children and youth of Westside, my thoughts have been drawn to the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20: ".. if you have faith as small as a mustard seed .. nothing will be impossible for you." Profit-wise, what can be smaller in value than a pop or beer can? However, we picked up thousands upon thousands of such cans and bottles, and by that means during our first two third world projects we raised upwards to $20,000. But that was just the thin edge of the wedge! That was just the beginning! Since then, from 1998 to 2009, we have sponsored 35 leadership conferences with 3,000 leaders participating. In addition to this primary focus, we have assisted in supporting church planting pastors, in providing finances for the construction of church buildings, and pastors residences, and the granting of re-payable micro-loans.
There are two significant things concerning a mustard seed, which are applicable to ones faith! First, both begin small: Matthew 13:32 ".. it is the smallest of all seeds." Both a mustard seed and faith begin small! It has often been said, "I wish that I had a larger faith." Consistently, God asks us to begin with that which we have already! He said to Moses, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). And again to Gideon, "Go in the strength you have .. "
The second similarity between a mustard seed and faith is stated in Matthew 13:32 ".. the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree." Faith grows! The rod that Moses had in his hand brought a revelation of God's power right into the court of the Pharoah of Egypt! Gideon had, but little strength, but with faith in God, he was able to overcome all the Midianites, Amalekites, and the other eastern peoples. In a similar way, with a mustard seed faith, Westside Family Fellowship has been able to achieve amazing things in our Mission Ministry to the rural and remote regions of Sri Lanka! For which we give all the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ!
But there is so much more that God is doing in the calling of His servants forth into the harvest field of the nation of Sri Lanka. For the two successive years of 2002-2003, I led teams of youth to join with Kids Reach in ministering to Street, and Under-privileged Children of Sri Lanka. In 2002, one of our granddaughters, Kristin Johnson was included in that youth team. Near the end of her time there, she thought to herself: "This has been a good experience, but I will never return to Sri Lanka again." But when we formed an even larger team of youth to return in 2003, Kristin, along with her younger sister Kinsley, was among the members of that team.
Near the end of her time in Sri Lanka in 2003, she thought to herself, and expressed to her team leader: "I would really like to continue on in ministry here in Sri Lanka." This was not possible, in that she had made commitments in Canada that would not permit her to stay. However, in August, 2004, Kristin returned on her own to work with Kids Reach for an extended period of time.
Over the Christmas holidays, Kristin spent time in Colombo at Lotus Buds Children's Home. On December 26, 2004 she was returning to Kanday from Colombo at the very time that the tsunami was hiting the shorelines of Sri Lanka. Upon arriving in Kandy, she contacted the directors of the Lotus Buds Children's Home, and offered to return to work with them in the clean up of the aftermath of the tsunami. But by March, 2005, it was time for Kristin to return home to Canada
It was during Kristin's time in Sri Lanka in 2004-2005 that she developed a deepening relationship with Nishanthe Kandangama. He had spent a number of years working with Youth With A Mission, both in India and Sri Lanka. Kristin had become acquainted with Nishanthe in view of his involvement with Kids Reach in 2002 and 2003. Kristin's return to Canada in March, 2005 gave both Kristin and Nishantha time apart to test their commitment to one another. True to the adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," both Kristin and Nishanthe were to discover with their time apart only strengthen their resolve to commit to a future life together!
In March, 2006, Kristin and her mother, Shawn Johnson spent time in Sri Lanka that overlapped with the 2006 Leadership Conferences sponsored by Westside Family Fellowship, at which Marlo and I ministered on the theme of "Love and Forgiveness." Attempts were made to have Nishanthe visit Canada, but the Canadian Immigration Department had certain stringent regulation that would not allow such to take place. So in November, 2006, Kristin returned to Sri Lanka, and began to work together with Nishanthe and his family for a January wedding. So on January 20, 2007 a very beautiful wedding took place in the Kandy Lighthouse Church in which Kristin Johnson and Nishanthe Kandangama were united in marriage!
During the years of 2007-2008 Kristin and Nishanthe were involved in a number of activities; they took some classes at Lanka Bible College; ministered to children through Kids Reach; developed a Youth Club in a village church pastored by Nishanthe's brother, Dishanthe. In 2008 Nishanthe applied to come to Canada as a landed immigrant. In February, 2009 the request was granted by the Canadian Immigration Department. On April 1, 2009 Kristin and Nishanthe began their journey to Canada. On a very cool April 1st, they landed in Edmonton, Alberta, and from there they made their way to Pierceland, Saskatchewan to take up residence at their parents home.
Sheldon and Shawn, Nishanthe and Kristin made their way to Prince George, British Columbia on Good Friday, April 10, 2009. What a wonderful family time was experienced by all present. Our home was the centre of the family activity! On Saturday, Marlo and Trisha, and Trisha's brother George joined the six of us for brunch. Then on Saturday evening, Greg and Erika, along with Gregory and Aiden, joined the six of us for dinner. Then on Monday evening there were 17 present for dinner: Sheldon, Shawn, Kristin, Nishanthe, Marlo, Trisha, George, Mark, Jordan, Daniela, Mila, Greg, Erika, Gregory, and Aiden. It was a very special time together!
On Sunday morning, I interviewed Nishanthe and Kristin Kandangama concerning their journey over the past several years. Kristin and Nishanthe did an excellent job of communicating about their life and ministry in Sri Lanka.
33. July, 1984 was the Beginning of Leading Tours to Israel
How could I ever sum up in a few pages the thrilling stories contained in that which Glenna and I experienced during twelve Tours of the Modern State of Israel along with other Middle Eastern countries? Approximately 238 people have participated with us in these 12 tours over these 24 years!
Our first tour to
As we leave Israel to begin our journey home to Canada, I am deeply moved emotionally as I reflect upon these days of travel in Israel. I hardly know how to express myself, but express myself, I MUST! Yes, and eventually I will, when I am able to keep my eyes dry enough to see to write! I must speak of my visit to the Holy Land---without doubt, it has been beyond anything I could ever have imagined! It is the HOLY LAND! It was set apart by God as a place of Divine Revelation---this surely makes it holy!
I must speak of Hillel, our Israeli Guide. It is absolutely impossible for me to communicate to you the warm spirit of Hillel. The first vivid manifestation of this warmth was evident following our brief worship and devotional time at Caesarea Philippi as he came to me, and embraced me warmly. Following that he expressed his depth of appreciation for charismatic groups such as ours. I will always remember the simple words of a chorus that he taught us: "Allelujah, Praise the Lord, Allelujah, Oh Praise the Lord, Allelujah, Oh Praise the Lord, Oh Praise the Lord, Allelujah!" And then as he led that chorus in the Upper Room in Jerusalem---his eyes were closed, and he was moving his head in time with the music!
Consider the land of Israel---it is so small, and yet evidently so very important! I believe its importance is proved by the state of war that marks its past and its present! If it wasn't important, then there would not be such conflict for the control of it. As I view the conflict over Israel, I believe the real contestants for this land have not been the Philistines, or the Assyrians, or the Egyptians, or the Babylonians, or the Israeli's---the real contestants are the forces of evil and good led by Satan and Jesus Christ!
As I've viewed the land of Israel and the marks of war that are evident upon it---I've been made to think of the Church. For you see, the history of the Church is not without its record of war either! The conflicts are varied, and for different reasons, but the real reason is common and basic---it's also the conflict of evil and good as headed up by Satan and Jesus Christ!
Hillel, in speaking of the survival of Israel said, "Unless Jews from around the world respond and return to the land of Israel---we'll never make it, "for this land," said Hillel, "cannot survive with a population of four million." I said, "Hillel, Israel will make it!" He responded quietly, "I hope that you are right!"
Like Hillel, I've looked at the Church, and I've said,"The Church will never make it!" There seems to be too much against the Church for it to survive---people who are selfish and carnal! But we must lift our eyes to the Word of God, indeed to the God of the Word who said, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
We are admonished to pray for the peace of Jerusalem---in a similar manner, we would do well to pray for the peace of the Church also. But let us never forget that peace is often, perhaps most often arrived at by means of war! So as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and of the Church, we should remember, that if such prayers are to be answered, we will have to be willing to be involved in the war, not against people, but against the forces of darkness that are contesting for the elimination of Israel and the Church. However, in the midst of this fight, we must never forget that as we believe Christ's promise (Matthew 16:18) concerning the success of the Church, we will enter into the rest of faith (Hebrews 4:9-11).
Christ is the hope of Israel, and of the Church, so let us press in faith! As a boy of 12, I read the book of Revelation, and so reading the last chapter, I have known through these many years that God is the winner! Therefore, we win as we align our lives with God, and His eternal plan!
Our Second Tour was set for February 15-24, 1988. I would be returning to
We landed in Tel Aviv at 4:10 pm, and after picking up our luggage, we met our Driver Guide, Naphtali, and boarded our Ten Passenger Van. As we were loading, Hillel came and embraced me warmly. He was to be the Guide for Pastor Barber's group. As we left the Airport, Naphtali began communicating exciting and informative things with us. I sat in the front seat with Naphtali, and we shared the microphone as each of us shared with the group.
As we traveled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, we passed through the Valley of Ajalon (Joshua 10:12), the place of Joshua's long day (Joshua 10:7-14). At the point of entry into Jerusalem, Naphtali had us get out of the Van, and we walked up into Jerusalem (one short block) singing, "Great is the Lord ... Psalm 48:2 ... Beautiful for situation is Mount Zion, the City of our God." On to our rooms in the Jerusalem Hilton! What a beautiful hotel, and what delicious food!
A highlight of this tour was a visit that Lisa enabled us to share in a Bedouin tent. We spoke extensively with a young Bedouin mother and her grandmother-in-law. What a humble dwelling! The mother and her husband were only 16 years of age. She had attended a Roman Catholic school located on the Mount of Olives. She sang a beautiful song about Jesus dying for us to provide salvation. There was a real sense of the presence of the Lord as she sang that song. What a precious Bedouin person!
My Tour Group proceeded home to Canada in advance of me. I would spend a day and a night with Jim and Shirley Sawatzky who were posted in Haifa with Operation Mobilization. After which, I would take my flight to London, England, where Peter Hughes would meet me, and we would do our "exploratory thing" in Wales, as a preparation for Peter and Elaine Hughes to move to Wales to plant a church in Connah's Quay. In all, both in Israel and in Wales, there were exciting things awaiting our discovery!
This 1988 Tour was during the time of the first intafada, and we were not able to travel to such places as
Our Third Tour of Israel was set for February 15-24, 1990, with ten participants, including Sunni Pope, Shawn Taylor, Marj (Byfield) Smith, Sylvia Eaton, Phyllis Tower, Rene Jones, Holly Desmarais, her mother, Glenna and Arlo Johnson, and our Guide Philip was excellent! There were tensions in Israel, but we were guided away from each of those unfortunate conflicts. There was a strike that affected shopping in the old city of Jerusalem, but upon the invitation of several merchants, we were able to go into their shops!
Our Fourth Tour of Israel was set for February 17-29, 1992, with fourteen participants, including Heidi McDonald, Trisha Johnson, Ginette Story, Sylvia Eaton, Sunni Pope, Phyllis Tower, Guyle Nunweiler, Helen Christie, Frieda and Rudy Braun, Doreen McFarlane, Sadie Lively, Glenna and Arlo Johnson. We joined with another small group, and we traveled into the Sinai Peninsula, and that was without doubt a very special highlight of the Tour.
My Fifth Tour of Israel was a Familiarization Tour for Church Leaders in 1993. Such tours as this had a greatly reduced cost with the view of encouraging Church Leaders to lead their own tours to Israel. The Tour Group included Bert Tiggelaar, Barrhead, AB., E. Paul Acton, Brussels, ON., Sam Thomas, St. Thomas, ON., John Lindsay, Brantford, ON., Eva Stefan, Burford, ON., Ron & Florence Stratton, Brampton, ON., Harold Parker, Grimsby, ON., Gordon Kinkley, St. Catherines, ON., Jerry Ross, Fort Langley, BC., Steve Holomis, Sylvan Lake, AB., Bruce Stratton, Sylvan Lake, AB., J. Allan Paisley, Kincardine, ON., Walter & Carolyn Mills, London, ON., Ken & Anne Patterson, Hamilton, ON., Phil & Karen Uptgrove, St. Thomas, ON., Charlie Wiewske, Chatham, ON., Joe Uyenaka, Hamilton, ON., Isaiah & Grace Stout, Sylvan Lake, AB., Alan Orser, Mount Uniacke, NS., Bruce Sweetland, Burford, ON., Jim and Adrienne Reese, Kitchener, ON.
As we viewed the ruins of Beit She'an in a process of restoration, I will never forget these words of our Israeli guide as he pointed to some of the ruins of this Roman pleasure city, he said, "This is what the Romans have given us, but the Israeli's have given us a Book." What an inspiring thought, "A Book," or should we say, "The Book?" What the Romans gave has come to ruin, but that which the Israel's have given continues to result in the salvation of many lives from ruin by restoration!
Our Sixth Tour of Israel was set for September 13-25, 1994 with the following participants and Guide, Arli: Bruce Stratton, a pastor & his wife, Rockie, Trevor Ellerby, Nicole Rosenbaum, Trina Johnson, Peter & Rose Rempel, Glenna and Arlo Johnson. It was a wonderful tour that included a trip to Eilat on the Red Sea. After the tour was completed, Trevor Ellerby, Peter & Rose Rempel, Nicole Rosenbaum, Trina Johnson, Glenna and Arlo all traveled for two days in southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria ... what a time that proved to be! The first night we were able to locate a reasonable priced Bed and Breakfast near Freiburg, Germany. Freiburg is located in the beautiful Black Forest of southern Germany.
As we traveled on the next day, we drove through parts of Switzerland, and Austria. Upon returning to Germany, we came to Munich to visit Neuschwanstein, one of the Great Castles of the World!
We stopped in the early evening for dinner in one of the villages as we began to make our way back to the Airport at Frankfurt, Germany. Following dinner we began to look for a place to stay for the night, all to no avail. It was a long night, and about 2 or 3 am we needed gasoline. The only thing that we found open was a Bar, so I went in to make an inquiry as to where we might locate a fuel station. A man in the Bar offered to ride with us in order to locate a fuel station. Upon locating such and fueling up our vehicle, we offered to take him back to the Bar, but he insisted that he could walk back.
Trevor Ellerby was our driver, and Rose Rempel was our map reader. I do not know the name of the city or town that we were in, but I do know this, for some unknown reason, we had difficulty in locating a street in the area that would lead us out to the main Frankfurt highway. Tired as we were, laughter overtook us, and filled our van as we endeavoured to find our way back on to the main highway. Nicole Rosenbaum and Trina Johnson were among the passengers in the van, and in that time of confusion, Nicole lost one of her shoes, so everyone just laughed some more! Needless to say, morning did come and we found our way back to Frankfurt, and eventually we boarded our flight home to Canada.
Our Seventh Tour of Israel was set for September 24 to October 8, 1996 with the following participants with Yuval as our Guide: Melisa (Krahn) Chance, Les Ashbee, Erika Johnson, Peter Robertson & daughter Kimberly, Barb Bargy, Marlene Beck, Dona Finke, Edna Bell, Clay Stillwell, Jarod Burroughs, Laurie (Johnson), Ben Johnson, Margaret Wiebe, Glenna & Arlo Johnson.
The highlight of this Tour to me was the fact that on the day that we were to visit the Garden Tomb, God woke me up very early and he gave me a positive, confirmative word for each person in that Tour Group. Then during our worship and communion time, those words were shared openly in the group.
Our Eighth Tour of Israel was set for October 17-28, 1998 with the following participants: Tom & Gerri Creyke, Iris Goodlet, Gerri's sister's friend, Dara Harris, Norman & Jeanna Denniston, and Arlo Johnson.
My memory of this Tour centers around a "once-only" Tour experience! As the luggage of the Group was being unloaded, one suitcase got caught in the unloading belt. I went over to assist that person with their luggage. In the process, the luggage was all taken out to our Tour Van, and we began our early evening journey to our Hotel. Upon arriving at the Hotel, it was then, and only then that I discovered thaty my luggage had been left at the Airport.
In view of the fact that I had a mid-evening appointment with Eddie and Jackie Santoro from Tel Aviv, I did not return at the time to pick up my luggage. After touring most of the next day, I left the group in the care of the Israeli Guide and made a very long journey by bus to the Airport. After acquiring my luggage, I finally arrived at our Hotel in Tiberias about mid-night!
Our Ninth Tour of Israel was set for Octoer 6-17, 2006, including a side trip to Greece. Our group was only 15 members including Tom and Gerry Creyke, Bernie and Marg Legault, Tex and Cheryl Ouellette, Marlene Beck, Arleen Haiste, Bob and Karen Alspaugh, Dona Finke, her sister, Roberta Bell, and their mom, Edna Bell, Glenna and Arlo Johnson.
Hillel was our guide for this group, and as usual, he did a superb job! This Tour was ranked as the best and most intimate time that any of our groups had with Hillel. We made a special connection with Abraham, the owner of St. George's Bazaar at 37 Nablus Road, near the Olive Tree Hotel in East Jerusalem. His prices were exceptionally low, and he was very high on friendship! One evening when most of us converged on his little shop, he asked Marlene, "Are you all from one family?" Marlene responded by saying, "I guess you could say that we are one family!" Then he said, "Do you know how I can tell that you are from one family?" Then he said, "It is evident because you are watching out for each other." It was certainly true of everyone in the group including our guide, Hillel.
Our Tenth Tour of Israel was set for November 7-18, 2006 (Israel, Greece, & Jordan). I thought that our side trip to Greece was particularly significant! Our visit to ruins at Corinth was particularly so! We were at the ruins labeled, "The Bema." This was the place of a secular court described in Acts 18:12-17. The Apostle Paul was forcefully taken to this judgment seat by a group of people who opposed his presentation of the Gospel at Corinth. The word, "bema" appears in verses 12, 17, and 18, and was translated "judgment seat." Paul's familiarity with that secular term, "bema," or "judgment seat" enabled him to use the same term in his teaching about the future judgment of the works of believers according to 2 Corinthians 5:10. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
While I do not remember the details of my spontaneous ten minute teaching on that location, I do know that the Spirit of God touched our hearts and inspired our faith to expect great and good things from the Lord!
Our Eleventh Tour of Israel was set for October, 2007 (Israel, Jordan, & Egypt). A highlight of this tour was undoubtedly our one day tour of Petra in Jordan. Glenna accompanied the oldest member of our Tour Group by riding in a two-wheel horse drawn cart over the cobble stones en route to the inner area of Petra. That was quite a ride over the uneven cobble stones! Whether by a horse drawn cart, or on foot, we enjoyed a marvelous experience as we made our way through the narrow passage and penetrated into the inner parts of that rock city. What an unbelievable work of art!
Then our second amazing experience on that Tour was our trip to Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is a city of 19 million people. Apparently the roadway by our ancient and luxurious Hotel had five lanes of traffic in both directions. However, most of the time there were seven cars abreast in the heavy traffic times, and that heavy traffic seemed to continue into the late night hours. Then on our second day we went to view the Pyramids. Without doubt the pyramids are one of the great wonders of the world. A couple of our younger members thought it would be exciting to climb a Pyramid! Well it was until they were accosted by the Egyptian Police.
Our Twelfth Tour of Israel was set for October 26-November 7, 2008 (Israel, Jordan, & Italy). This Tour twelfth Tour of Israel included two days in Jordan and two days in Rome, Italy. We entered Jordon over the Alenby Bridge to the city of Aman where we stayed overnight. We began our sight seeing on Mount Nebo as we looked over the Jordan River and the valley toward Jericho. Then continuing south we came to the city of Madaba. As we traveled south we viewed Petra for a second time.
Following our concluding time in Israel, we began our journey home by stopping over for two nights in the city of Rome. We had a good half-day guided tour of Rome. In addition to that we divided up in small groups according to our interests, and we had a very fulfilling time in this ancient city.
In the early 1990’s the Westside membership voted, almost unanimously to become an independent church in order to relate more fully to certain biblical standards, and to the overall Body of Christ. It was in April, 1991 that my Mom, Cecile Johnson went to be with Christ after a relatively short illness. Then on September 7th, 1998 Glenna’s Mom, Bessie Hillstead went to be with Christ following several minor strokes that finally limited her ability to speak. In July, 2002, I concluded my ministry as Senior Pastor of Westside Family Fellowship. In September, 2002 Marlo Johnson was installed as the Senior Pastor of the church, and
It had been reported to me that there was a division in the church over charismatic/non-charismatic issues. When all of the discussion ended in the Saturday night meeting, it was suggested that their biggest problem centered in the fact that they had been without a pastor for upwards to two years. As a result of my conversation with the elders later on Sunday, I made contact with Don & Pat McMillan and within a few weeks they came to pastor the church. It was a time of healing for the church, and in the life of one particular young man, named Marty Outhouse.
After a year and one-half, Marty & Cindy Outhouse were installed as pastoral leaders in the church. In May, 2007 I participated in the ordination of Marty Outhouse to the Christian ministry. At the time of this writing, they continue to give positive leadership to Likely Chapel.
Late in 2009, Rob Nock submitted his resignation as the pastor of Grandview Chapel. He expressed his desire to continue to serve in the local church, however he felt that the church needed to call another pastor to give leadership to the congregation. I immediately felt the guidance of the Holy Spirit to speak to Tony Vigar as a possible pastoral candidate for the church. Late in January, 2010 I met with the Boaaard of Grandview Chapel to submit the name of Tony Vigar as a possible pastoral candidate for the church. In mid-June, Tony, Glenna and I were together in Dawson Creek, and Tony received a unanimous call to become their pastor. Tony and Beverly Vigar and their three children took up residence in Dawson Creek on August 1, 2010.
35. The Preparation of the Life of Glenna Mae Hillstead
Glenna Mae was born in
The Torkelsons: Her Uncle Morris lived at home, while engaged to be married, but he passed away very suddenly. Aunt Hazel and Uncle Paul Hultgren (Delmar, Irene, Gene, Margaret, Gordon, Arnold, Vermae, and June) lived at
The Hillsteads: Her Uncle Carl Hillstead lived the region of
Ted and Bessie Hillstead birthed seven children: Harold (Dorothy and children Reona, Terri, Rick, and Judi); Roy (Esther and children Bruce and Lindy); Glenna (Arlo and children Grady, Marlo, Randy and Sheldon); Ken (Marlene and children Don, Jim, Lorna, Tedd, and Karen);
Marion (George and children Doug, Cindy, and Del); Eunice (Bern and children Darren and Darcy); Morris (Fern and children Kelly, Barb and Charlotte).
VANS LOADING:
Stop #1:
Arlo: Introducing the purpose and plan for our day of Touring in
Glenna:
The Ted & Bessie Hillstead family lived in the Corinne Soo Line Railroad Station at different times. Hear the story of “My Life” in Corinne including the birth of my youngest baby sister, and an elevator shaft escapade that I had with my friend Alice Larson.
Torkelson/Hillstead family History:
Ted Hillstead was born to Kristen and Sina Hillstead on
Bessie Torkelson, born in
Ted & Bessie were married on
In 1928 Ted started work on the section at Beaubier, this was followed by transfers to McLean, back to Beaubier, then to Corinne, Grenfell and
In 1943 Ted terminated employment with the CPR and returned to Beaubier area where he rented the Jermunson farm, about six miles south of Beaubier. In 1950 Ted & Bessie left the farm and moved to Outram’s
In 1954 Ted started working for Prairie Nurseries and covered a large territory as a salesman. He designed many landscapes and then he supervised the plantings. Since his work was over a wide area of southern
Stop #2:
Leaving Corrine, we will travel directly south of Wilcox on the
In their growing up years, Harry Johnson and Cecile Lincoln both attended the
Mother continued: “In March, 1920 we were engaged to be married. Harry’s Dad had John Krantze build a house for us, and we were married on
Our “Grey Louse” was laid aside as there wasn’t much crop that year, and so there was no money for gasoline. Instead of driving the car, we pulled it with a team of horses. There was very little snow that winter so Harry picked rocks off the land all that winter. {Interestingly enough, twenty years later, in the 1940’s, Harry’s sons were still picking rocks off that very same piece of land}.
1921 was a better year, and with four horses pulling the harrows, I tried to help do my part to assist Harry on our homestead. While we lived on our homestead north of Parry, two children were born into our family. Reatha was born on
Stop #3: The former farms of Uncle Glen & Aunt Carrie Johnson, and Mom and Dad. Observe the Grandpa & Grandma “Oscar Lincoln farm” one mile south.
Stop #4: The farms of Uncles Merrill, Arnold, and Great Grandpa & Grandma Johnson.
Stop #5: The
… where “Harry & Cecile” started their early relationship. Reatha, Eldon and Arlo also attended this school.
Stop #6: Visit the town of
Stop #7: Drive to Parry,
Stop #8: Pangman: Where we see
The Johnson family History: Harry Johnson’s father, Chris Johnson born on
The Johnson corner: There were lots of children to play with … but Harry, being the oldest, often had to look after Mildred. At a young age, Harry became the “flunky” for the cook car that accompanied the threshing outfits. Harry was promoted to “straw boss,” then to “fireman,” and eventually he became the “engineer” of the Steam Engine Threshing Crew. During the winter, Harry took on the job of starting fires in the school stoves. He received $10. per month for this work.
The
When Cecile arrived in November with her mother, their house consisted of two rooms with a peaked roof, and a lean-to for a bedroom. Since the lean-to wasn’t sealed inside, the shingle nails stuck through. These nails would frost up at night and melt during the day, thus dripping water on the quilts causing them to be frozen stiff at night while they slept.
Cecile started attending
It was at
Harry & Cecile’s original homestead house was moved to Merrill Johnson’s property and built on to and became their place of residence until they left the farm. Altogether, Harry farmed two sections of land in the Dummer district, which was sold in the early 1950’s. At that same time he purchased a section of land at
In 1945, they purchased
Stop #9: Picnic Lunch
Stop #10:
Stop #11: Driving on past Beaubier to the Jermunson farm (and the
Stop #12: Touring Beaubier where we view the former residence of Harold Thomas Torkelson, and Ted and Bessie Hillstead; the Pentecostal Church; the location of the former store of Olaf Ryan (where Glenna had her first job), and other significant family locations.
Stop #13: The Beaubier Grave Yard.
Stop #14: Time permitting we will drive through Estevan and view the Estevan Nurseries where Ted Hillstead was employed. On to Midale, where Ted & Bessie lived many years, and our children accrued family memories.
Stop #15: Stopping in Weyburn to visit the graves of Mom & Dad Hillstead, and their son’s Ken and Roy (Esther). Then to the Bonanza restaurant for our evening meal, where we will be joined by Aunt Mabel Evert (the last surviving sister of the Torkelson girls), and Juliann Parsons,
Returning to
Should you have time to remember our deceased loved ones interred in the Regina Cemeteries as follows:
Grandpa & Grandma Chris Johnson; Grandpa & Grandma Harry Johnson in the
Grandpa & Grandma Oscar Lincoln; Uncle Jim & Aunt Lenore Lincoln in the
Uncle Jim Johnson in the
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THESE FAMILY EVENTS!
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