the methodist church and some of its outstanding ... - Kristoffersen

1THE METHODIST CHURCH AND SOME OF ITSOUTSTANDING LEADERS IN NORTHERN EUROPETHE WORK IS WRITTEN BYARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSEN,DR.THEOL./ LECTURER.

2.c.P R E F A C EMy wife asked me why I was so occupied with writing this manuscriptabout:"The Methodist Church and some of itsoutstanding Leaders In Northern Europe"?It all started with the fact that there were so little Methodistliterature in the Nordic languages.I had gained Cambridge Theological Colleges Certificate In PastoralTheology, June 14, 1973. The courses were a result of co-operation in theFederation of the following five Theological Colleges: Cheshunt College,Ridley Hall, Westcott House, Wesley House and Westminster College.I started to write several manuscripts in Pastoral Theology. The titlesof these manuscripts are to be found in the Bibliography.I wrote a manuscript about the Church Beneath The Nordic Lights. Fenno-Scandian Historical Theology, to find the place of the Methodist Church in theNordic Church history.During the Summer 1991 I stayed at Wesley House. Here I met thePrincipal of Wesley House, the rev., Dr. Ivor Jones. In the dialogue we talkedabout England and Northern Europe. He suggested that I could come to Cambridgeand give lectures about Northern Europe at the Theological CollegesFederation. This gave me the idea of a comparative study of English andNorthern Europe Theology. The result was:"Northern Europe Today. An Introduction ToCulture and Religion in the Five NordicCountries.The New Europe."The fall of Soviet Union 1991 and the renewed connections withMethodists in Estonia and Russia gave me the idea of painting a picture of theMethodist Church in Northern Europe as an addition to the works referred toabove, and here it is.Ulricehamn, Sweden may, 1992.Arne-Jacob KristoffersenDr.Theol./Lecturer andOrdained Methodist Minister.

3AN OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT WORK:This work will be divided into two parts:The first part will be concerned with an introduction to Methodism in NorthernEurope that is composed of Scandinavia and Finland. Scandinavia includesDenmark, Norway and Sweden. When Finland is included into the NordicFellowship the name Fenno-Scandia is used.The first part will also include the Methodist Leadership within theCentral Conference. The leadership is identical with the Presiding Elder orthe Bishop and sometimes the Secretaries of the Conferences.The second part will include a short Methodist History in each and oneof the Nordic Countries as well as some of the Methodist Leaders in thoseCountries. The reason that the history of each Country will only include abrief introduction is that the tendencies of history is linked up withindividual persons. The power of History is personal.The History of the Methodist Church is a reflection of the history ofthe Persons that have let the Spirit of Methodism incarnate in them. These twostands and fall together like faith and reason in Religion.A short Introduction to Methodist ChurchHistory in Northern Europe:Let us start with1. A short History of Methodismin Northern Europe.2. Some Methodist Leaders in Northern Europe.THE METHODIST LEADERSHIP IN NORTHERN EUROPE:In 1868 September 17-23 the Methodists in Sweden gathered in Stockholmto a "Missionary Fellowship" under the leadership of Victor Witting asSuperintendent and the rev. M.J.Nilson as the Secretary. This type of interimsConference gathered for five years in a row.June 18-25 1873 the first Methodist Mission Fellowship in Swedengathered in Örebro. The Conference was presided over by an American MethodistBishop, and with the rev. C.A.Stenholm as Secretary. The Bishop wasR.S.Foster. The following two Conferences was presided over by the BishopsW.L.Harris and M.Simpson.

4THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SWEDENThe first real Annual Conference in Sweden was organized at UppsalaAugust 2-7 1876 under the leadership of Bishop E.G.Andrew who conducted twoConferences. The rev.J.M.Erikson was Secretary for the following 25Conferences.Seventeen American Bishops served as Leaders of the Swedish AnnualConferences up to 1940 when the rev. Theodore Arvidson took the leadership atthe Conference in Uppsala July 5-8. That the rev.Th.Arvidson acted asPresiding Elder was due to the fact that World War II had broken out and madeit impossible for American Bishops to come to Sweden. Bishop Th.Arvidson lead13 Conferences from 1940 to 1952. He was consecrated Bishop 1945, and hepresided over seven Conferences as Bishop. He was at that time the secondScandinavian to hold that position in Northern Europe.Some American Bishops presided only over two Annual Conferences. I haveput together the following table:1876-77 Bishop E.G.Andrews 2 Conferences.1884-85 " J.J.Hurst 2 "1893,1900-03 " J.H.Vincent 4 "1896-97 " D.A.Goodsell 2 "1904,08,10,11 " William Hurt 7 "1912,13,15,16,27 " J.Z.Nuelsen 5 "1925-261928-31""Edgar BlakeR.J.Wade24)""1933-39 " R.J.Wade 7)=11 "1868-1872 DS Victor Witting 5 "1917-18 The rev. Fr.Åhgren 2 " Swedish.1920-22,24 Bishop Anton Bast 4 " Danish.1940-52 " Th. Arvidson 13 " Swedish.1953-69 " Odd Hagen 17 " Norwegian.1970 " Fr.Wunderlich 1 " German.1971-871988-01""Ole E. Borgen 17Hans Växby....12.." Norwegian." Swedish.2001It was Bishop R.J.Wade who moved the Bishops Office and residence toStockholm 1928. I remember that Bishop R.J.Wade was well received in theMethodist Church in Northern Europe. The Methodists in my home townHarstad,Norway, where I grew up, the Bishop and his name was highly esteemedboth within the Methodist Church and in the Society outside..i..c.THE METHODIST BISHOP MOVES FROM STOCKHOLM TO HELSINGFORSThe Methodist Bishop who Presided over the North European CentralConference had his base in Stockholm for 60 years until 1988 when Bishop HansVäxby moved the Office to Helsingfors, Finland. He was elected Bishop at theCentral Conference in Gävle, Sweden, were he was consecrated Bishopfor the Methodist Church in Northern Europe. He was a Methodist Minister fromSweden educated at the Union Scandinavian School of Theology in Gothenburg,Sweden. He had not had a Methodist charge in Sweden. All his ministerialService he has had in Finland where he also had been a District Superintendentin the Methodist Church.One of the motives for moving his Office Eastward was that it should benearer the Mission field in the former Soviet Union where the MethodistChurches who now had won their freedom needed more Spiritual guidance andRelief work from the Methodist Churches in Northern Europe. Another motifmight be that the Bishop feel more at home in Finland than in the other NordicCountries. This last argument might be false as the Bishop is travellingextensively within the Central Conference and takes part in Church andEcumenical activities both in Denmark, Norway and Sweden as well as in Finlandand the Baltic Countries.

5THE FIRST METHODIST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NORWAYIn Norway the first Annual Conference gathered in Kristiania which todayis named OSLO. This happened 1876 under the Leadership of Bishop E.G.Andrewsand with the rev. S.A.Stensen as Secretary.The Leadership by Bishops followed the same pattern as in Sweden withthe exception of the years 1941-45 when the rev., Dr. Alf KristoffersenPresided over the Conference and the rev., Dr.E.Anker Nilsen was theSecretary. The reason for this was that Northern Europe is one CentralConference with one Bishop. During World War II Norway was occupied by theGermans and American Methodist Bishops could not visit Norway at that time.The rev., Dr. Alf Kristoffersen and his brother the rev. Erling Kristoffersenboth changed their surname to LIER after the name of the family Estate outsideHamar, Norway..i..c.THE SCANDINAVIAN BISHOPS THEODORE ARVIDSON AND ODD HAGENAfter the war the rev. Th.Arvidson of Sweden was elected and consecratedBishop for Northern Europe. He Presided over the Norwegian Annual Conferencefrom 1946 in Sarpsborg until 1952 when the Conference was held in BergenCentral Methodist Church.He was succeeded by the rev. and Dean Odd Hagen, who was elected Bishopat the Central Conference in Helsingfors, Finland, 1953. He was consecrated inChrist Methodist Church, Helsingfors. Bishop Hagen was at that time Dean atthe Union Scandinavian School of Theology, Gothenburg, Sweden. During mystudies at the School of Theology I worked closely with Bishop Odd Hagen. Ihave related to this activity in some other books that I have written.Bishop Odd Hagen Presided over his first Annual Conference in Norwayheld in Ålesund 1953. He had been Secretary of the Norwegian Conference from1936 to 1939.

6.i..c.ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE CHURCHESToday there is a much more ecumenical spirit in the Churches in NorthernEurope. The dialogue has been in progress with the United Methodist Churchandthe Lutheran Church on the International level as well as on the Regionalplan. This dialogue has been in progress for several years between the UnitedMethodist Church and the Lutheran State Church both in Norway and in Sweden.In both Countries a dialogue between the Methodist Church and the LutheranChurch is still in progress.In 1981 the Lutheran World Federation and the World Methodist CouncilJoint Commission met in Oslo, Norway, for their third session. The twoChurches got a clearer understanding of how their historical origins haveinfluenced the two church traditions. The two final meetings focused on "Meansof Grace - Word and Sacraments (1982), and "Mission of the Church in theWorld". Lutheran chairman at the Oslo meeting, Professor David Tiede ofSt.Paul, Minnesota, USA, said that there was now greater clarity on theimportance of the historic origin of the two traditions. Both Martin Lutherand John Wesley addressed the Gospel in fresh ways to their contemporarysettings; Luther to a hierarchical church of the Middle Ages, Wesley togrowing anti-Christian rationalism, industrial revolution and Christiansliving in new colonies overseas. Dr.Tiede said further that he thought thatthis insight should help Lutherans and Methodists of today to see how they canaddress the Gospel in fresh ways to our time. The chairman for the Methodistcommission was Bishop William R. Cannon, who was one of my teachers at EmoryUniversity when I was reading for my M.A. The chairman admitted that thelonging for Lutheran/Methodist communion was central to many of the members ofthe Commission. In many places communion is being practiced already.Thestudies and the agreements of the two Churches was presented 1983.In 1990 the Annual Conference in Sweden decided to continue theecumenical dialogue with the Swedish Covenant Church and the Swedish BaptistUnion. The United Methodist Church in Sweden is reaching out both to the FreeChurches and to the Lutheran State Church for a broader ecumenical fellowship.********

7.c.Methodist History and Leaders in Northern Europe:NORWAY :a. A short Methodist History in Norway:b. Some Methodist Leaders in Norway:1. O.P.Petersen.2. T.B.Barratt.3. Einar Karlsen.4. Odd Hagen.5. Alf Lier.6. E.Anker Nilsen.DENMARK :a. A short Methodist History in Denmark:b. Some Methodist Leaders in Denmark:1. Chr. P. Willerup.2. Karl Schou.3. J.J.Christensen.4. Anton Bast.SWEDEN :a. A short Methodist History in Sweden:b. Some Methodist Leaders in Sweden:1. George Scott.2. Magnus Fredrik Åhgren.3. Theodor Arvidson.4. Thorvald Källstad.5. Egon Åström.6. Efraim Almgren.7. Carl Thunström.FINLAND / SUOMI :a. A short Methodist History in Finland.b. Some Methodist Leaders in Finland.1. B.A.Carlson.2. Karl Hurtig.3. Mansfield Hurtig.4. Eric Anton Hammarberg.5. Sergei Dubrovin..c.THE METHODIST CHURCH IN NORWAY WAS FOUNDED BY SEAMENAND IMMIGRANTS RETURNING FROM AMERICA..c.NORWAY:a. A short Methodist History in Norway:As I have mentioned in other connections; history is bound up withpersons and groups of persons. It is like that both in Church history and in

8general history. Church history continues through persons and groups ofpersons who are willing to let the great Christian tradition incarnate intheir personality. These persons are willing to let the tradition be revealedthrough their lives and thoughts.The presentation of Methodist Church history at hand will only point outsome of the main events in its history in Norway as the details will appear inconnection with the biography of outstanding Methodist leaders..i..c.NORWEGIAN METHODISM STARTED IN NEW YORKThe Norwegian Methodist Church started in Bethelship Methodist Missionin New York, as all Methodist Churches in Northern Europe. It was immigrantsto America who returned to their home Countries after they had met Christ toSalvation in the new Country.In 1846 Ole Peter Petersen was converted on board the Bethelship. Hewrote home to Norway and told about his conversion. He returned to Norway 1849where he held informal Religious meetings. He went back to America in 1850.Soon requests came to the Mission Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church tosend a Missionary to Norway. In 1853 the Mission Society answered the requestand sent Petersen as the first Methodist Missionary to Norway.In 1856 the rev. Christian Willerup, a Dane, was sent to Norway as aSuperintendent.In September 1856 the first Methodist Society was organized atSarpsborg. Today a bust of O.P.Petersen is erected outside the MethodistChurch. The Congregation in Sarpsborg built the first Methodist Church inNorway 1857..i..c.HUNDRED YEARS OF METHODISM IN NORWAY 1956I served as the Methodist Minister in Elverum Congregation in Norway1956 and took part in the 100th Anniversary Celebrations. I wrote articles inNewspapers and distributed the Jubilee poster for the Church and made theChurch known in different ways.

9The Norwegian Annual Conference was organized 1876. The first Conferencewas held in Kristiania, today Oslo, August 16. The Conference was chaired byBishop Edward G. Andrews who also Presided over the second Annual Conferenceheld in Horten June 29,1877.All citizens in Norway were regarded as members of the State Church fromthe time of the Reformation. The Church was supported by tax money, and stillis. If one person was converted by the Methodists and would leave the StateChurch, he had to join the Methodist Church. This meant that he could notbecome a State Official or a Civil Servant. Teachers in the State Schools hadto belong to the State Church especially if they should teach Religion orChristendom which was identical with the Lutheran Theology. The subject,Religion, was combined with several other subjects taught in the School. Dueto this fact Friends of the Methodist Church hesitated to leave the StateChurch to become members in the Methodist Church. If the teachers transferredtheir membership it could mean that they were unable to support themselves andtheir family. Several Deans of Schools looked through their fingers with therequirements regarding Methodists, but could not proclaim that they hadappointed Methodists of fear that members of other religious groups and sectswould claim the same rights as the Methodists received. Atheists, on the otherhand, who were members of the State Church could teach Christendom. This was aparadox as qualified members of a Christian Free Church could not..i..c.ONE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CHURCH AND SCHOOLThe Church and Educational Department was combined in Norway. In thisway the State could control both Churches and Schools.I served as Minister of the Methodist Church in Elverun, Norway, 1954-1956. I applied to the Department to be licensed as a Lecturer. I hold aB.D.,M.A.,Th.D. from USA together with a Diploma for the five years course atthe Union Methodist School of Theology, Gothenburg. I had a Norwegian StudentDiploma, A.A.=Associate in Arts, and was an Academic Citizen of OsloUniversity. I was not accepted as a teacher in the learned Schools.Bishop Odd Hagen appointed me to the Swedish Annual Conference 1956. InSweden I studied at Swedish Universities and taught Religion,Philosophy andPsychology in Junior Colleges. I graduated from Lunds University with MagisterArtium and Theol.Licentiate.After my graduation I was licensed as a Lecturer in Philosophy,Psychology and Religion by the Royal Swedish Board of Education.With my additional degrees from a Nordic Country I applied anew to theEducational Department in Norway to be licensed as a Lecturer. This time I waslicensed as a Lecturer in Christendom in Norway. I have the license, but Ihave not used it, as I had a Lectureship in Sweden. As a Lecturer I wasappointed Chairman of the Department of Religion, Philosophy and Psychology inTingsholmsgymnasiet, Junior College, Ulricehamn.I write this to show that it is difficult with ecumenical work even inour days, due to old laws that have to be replaced by new ones to serve ourtime. The ecumenical and democratic age that we are living in cannot acceptState privileges in Religion. I should mention that I have Methodist friendsin Norway who teach Religion combined with other subjects in the year of theLord 1992. One of them has Religion and Music in combination. My subjects inaddition to Religion : Philosophy and Psychology, were not Taught in NorwegianJunior Colleges. I therefore got my Lectureship in Norway only in Religion..i..c.METHODISTS AND HOLINESSThe Methodist Church and its people have the same task today as they hadwhen the first Methodist Missionaries were sent to Norway. Their Mission were:" To raise up a Holy People for God !"During World War II five Methodist Churches were destroyed by the NaziOccupants in Norway. The Methodist Old Folks Home in Vadsö was also destroyed.The German occupation Army took the Methodist Churches and used them asmilitary barracks and storehouses.

10In Harstad, my home town, the Germans used the Methodist Church fordifferent purposes during the whole war time. The Methodist Congregation hadtheir Divine Services in Café Alliance as well as in private homes. InNorthern Norway only two Methodist Churches were in use for Divine Servicesduring the War.Several Methodist Preachers and Laymen were sent to Nazi ConcentrationCamps, while others fled to England and Sweden..i..c.THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF NORWAY AND THE METHODISTSThe Germans forbad the Norwegian Methodist Publishing House to publishbooks. They even censured all books in stock.The Nazi occupation powers gave the Editor of "Kristelig Tidende" orderto submit all manuscripts to three different Nazi agencies prior topublication. In 1939 the Norwegian Methodist Publishing House, NorskForlagsselskap, Oslo, published one of E.Stanley Jones' books: "The Choicebefore us". This book was translated into Norwegian by the rev. Einar Karlsenand the Norwegian title was "Foran Valget".From 1942 the Nazi Occupation Powers prohibited further publication ofbooks. One day a Nazi Official and his gang of German Soldiers came toconfiscate the book and should carry away the whole edition. The rev. EilertBernhardt who was the Editor of "Kristelig Tidende" and the Publisher ofMethodist literature managed to put aside a considerable numbers of copies.

11E. Stanley Jones' book, that I have in front of me on the desk, had atable of comparison between Communism, Fascism, Nazism and Christendom. Iremember that this book that circulated illegal, gave the people who read itcourageto continue as good Norwegians and Christians without fraternizing with theoccupation powers. I was 16 years of age when the book was confiscated. It ismy understanding that this book together with "The Revelation" to Johnhelped people to live through the time of War. The Christians in my religiousenvironment at that time, interpreted the wild animal and the number 666 ofthe Revelation as pointing to Adolf Hitler.The Revelation to John together with another of E.Stanley Jones' booksopened the eyes on the readers when it concerned Communism and Stalin. Therev. Einar Karlsen had also translated E.Stanley Jones' book: Christ'sAlternative to Communism under the title "Kristi Alternative Til Kommunismen"and it was published 1947. These two books helped the Christians and otherreaders to keep clear of Communism. Today, 1992, when Communism in Soviet andall the East European Countries is dead and buried and has left economy, foodproduction, people and social structures in ruins; we can be glad that theBible and the Christian literature helped the people to live a Christian lifethrough ideological hard times..c. WOMEN MINISTERS IN THE METHODIST- AND THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.The first woman minister ordained in Northern Europe was a Methodist. Itwas 1939 that Agnes Nilsen was ordained as an Elder or Presbyter in theMethodist Church in Norway.After the ordination she went to India as a Methodist Missionary. InIndia she married an American Missionary, the rev. Howard, who was engaged intranslating the Bible to Indien languages. He was an excellent linguist. Iheard them both preach in Norway when they were visiting Norway on vacation.In 1989 her 50th Anniversary as a Methodist Missionary and Minister wasrecognized in Norway. In the Fall 1989 a book was published called: "In thefootsteps of St.Thomas - 50 years in India". It was two publishers who cooperatedin publishing the book: Norsk Forlagsselskap A/S (Methodist) andAnsgar Forlag (Lutheran). When the book was published Agnes Nilsen Howard saidat a Press Conference:" I wish to honor God, because everythingis done by the Grace of God!"Agnes Nilsen Howard travelled round in Churches in Norway and gavelectures about India, and the work she and her husband had performed in thatvast Country.In 1985 she was given a Medallion for her work by the King of Norway,Olav V. She had a long conversation with the King at the Castle in Oslo.The Norwegian radio has produced a radio and TV program about AgnesNilsen Howard and her work in India. The film was sent over the Norwegian TVDecember 3, 1991.

12Agnes Nilsen Howard was a woman pioneer as minister of the Church. Shewas ordained an Elder in Norway 1939, and was the first woman in NorthernEurope to be ordained as a clergy.The first Danish woman Minister in the Danish Lutheran Church wasordained 8 years later in 1947. She was Johanne Andersen.Twenty one years after the first ordained Methodist woman, Sweden gotthe first three women Ministers in the Lutheran State Church, April 10, 1960.The three were Barbro-Nordholm Ståhl in Härnösand, Margit Sahlin and ElisabethDjurle in Stockholm.In Norway Ingrid Bjerkås was ordained in the Lutheran Church in Vang,Hamar, Norway, by Bishop Kristian Schjelderup . This was 22 years after thefirst Methodist woman was ordained Elder in Norway. That the rev. Bjerkås wasordained in Vang Church, and not in the Cathedral at Hamar, was due to astrong opposition against women Ministers at that time.The Methodists were pioneers in Northern Europe in opening the Ministryof the Church for women. When the American Methodist woman Bishop MajorieJones visited Northern Europe it caused great activities in the Newspapers,and caused a rebirth of the theological discussions concerning the Office inthe Church.The further Methodist History in Norway will be revealed when you readthe biography of the Methodistpersonalities that follows.b. Some Methodist Leaders in Norway:.c.1. O.P. PETERSEN (1822 - 1901 ).O.P.Petersen was born in Fredrikstad, Norway, April 25, 1822. Hisparents were Peter Hansen and his wife Kathrine. According to the customs atthat time, the children used to form their Surname after their fathersChristian name. Ole Peter formed his Surname from his fathers name Peter andtherefore his name was Petersen. This means that he was the son of Peter.When Ole Peter was only four years old his father died at sea. When hewas six years old his mother died, and he came to grow up in the family of asea pilots widow.When he was 14 years old he was Confirmed in East Fredrikstad Church bythe Dean Tandberg. The Dean wrote in the Church register:" Very good knowledge and excellent behavior". OlePeter showed very early interest in reading, and he wanted to study for theministry. He didn't dare to tell his family about his wish in fear of beinglooked upon as pompous. As they had small resources in his family he had topostpone his education.He had now decided to be a seaman as his father. When he sailed withNorwegian boats he met several American ships and sailors, and he would liketo go to America. In 1843 at the age of 21 he went to America. As soon as hearrived he signed on American ships, and sailed for five years in Americanwaters..c.THE SEAMAN FOUND GOD IN AMERICA AND JOINED THE BETHELSHIP CONGREGATION INNEW YORK UNDER THE REV.HEDSTRÖM'S LEADERSHIPIn an article I read about O.P.Petersen that he got awakened at ameeting in an American Episcopal Church, and he came to realize his spiritualneeds. In an other article it is told that he was asked to follow some friendsto a theater, but he ended up in "Bethelship John Wesley", a Church Mission inNew York harbor. This was a Mission started by a Swedish seaman Peter Bergnerwho had come to America 1832 and was converted from a wild life toChristianity. He started a witness mission among Scandinavian immigrants. Thiswork became the work of the Methodist Church among Scandinavian seamen.Peter Bergner got hold of Olof Gustaf Hedström who took over the work atBethelship from 1845. It was Hedström who talked to O.P.Petersen, and askedhim if he had peace with God in his soul. Hedström talked to Petersen aboutGod and his love for men through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.

13.c.O.P.PETERSEN'S EXPERIENCE AT SEA AND HIS LOVE LETTERANNE MARIE AMUNDSEN IN FREDRIKSTAD, NORWAYTOO.P.Petersen went his way, but he started to think about the salvationof his soul. One night at sea, it was March 2, 1846, when he walked on deckthinking about God.He thought he heard a voice saying:" Son, be with good cheer!"Than a deep-felt happiness filled his soul.He gave his first witness about his faith in a Baptist Church and theminister asked him to speak to the Congregation. He had also been to FatherTaylor`s meetings and to Bethelship.He joined the Bethelship Congregation under the rev. O.G.Hedström`sleadership.O.P.Petersen wrote home to his fiance, Anne Marie Amundsen from Onsöyoutside Fredrikstad, Norway, and told her about his religious experiences.This letter was the indirect reason for the Methodist revival in Norway. AnneMarie let her parents read the letter, and soon the letter was read by all themembers of the family and neighbors. All who read the letter felt the need ofspiritual guidance.Anne Marie was requested by all who had read the letter to write toO.P.Petersen asking him to return to Norway and guide them in their religioussearch for the same kind of experience that he had told them about.O.P.Petersen had not had the intention to return to Norway. After prayerand careful thinking; he decided to take a vacation in Norway. May 1, 1849, hesailed for Norway from New York. His stay in Norway became more than avacation as a revival started when he came home to Fredrikstad. He arrived inFredrikstad June 30, 1849. He met his fiance in her uncles home. He was abusinessman named Jacobsen. Anne Marie`s aunt wanted to welcome Petersen witha glass of vine. He told her that he had not come home to Norway to drinkvine, but to tell all friends about what God had done for him. He told all thepersons present what they should do to be Christians. This was the beginningof a honest, peaceful spiritual revival that spread through the vicinity ofFredrikstad and later on throughout the whole of Norway. The Religion of thewarmed heart, the Methodist Church, had been rooted in Norway.O.P.Petersen held meetings both in Fredrikstad and in nearby Sarpsborg.Neighbors to Mr.Jacobsen wanted to have meetings in their homes and so it was.People wanted him to have public revival meetings, but he said that he was nota minister, so he could not fulfill their request.One day Petersen went to the State Church minister to ask if he waspermitted to have public meetings. The minister would not answer him directly,but said that people could go to the State Church. After some conversation theminister said:" It is freedom of religion in Norway, so you are inyour full right to follow the Word of God andyour own conscience".After this conversation O.P.Petersen started to have public religiousmeetings in Norway.November 9, 1849, O.P.Petersen married Anne Marie Amundsen. They weremarried in Glemmen Church by the Dean Arup. Among the guests there were 30persons who had newly been converted to the Christian faith. The newly wed didnot stay much in their own home as people requested them to come and arrangemeetings and preach the Gospel. They went to Sarpsborg where a revivalstarted. The wife to the estate owner at Borregård asked them to have meetingsin the School in Borregård.Christmas 1849 he and his wife stayed with his parents in law. ChristmasEve they sang Christmas Carols in the home, and Christmas Day he went toDivine Service in the State Church and in the evening he preached to a hugeCongregation. Boxing Day he preached in an other place, also to a greatgathering of people. The third Day of Christmas he was called to Sarpsborgwhere he preach for some days, and the New Years Eve he was back inFredrikstad. The revival continued throughout the winter 1849-50. He went evento Halden where he was requested to preach.

When in Halden he visited a man with name John Sörbröden. He belonged tothe revival that had started with the lay-preacher Hans Nilsen Hauge. Thisrevival was within the State Church. The followers of Hauge was calledHAUGIANER. Sörbröden belonged to the Haugian movement.14

15.i..c.O.P.PETERSEN AND THE AMERICAN METHODIST CHURCH WEREBLESSED BY A HAUGIAN CHRISTIAN IN NORWAYO.P.Petersen stayed at Sörbröden's farm from Saturday to Monday morning.When Petersen should leave; Sörbröden took him round the neck, kissed him andsaid:" God bless you ! - I should wishthatyou would stay among us. We need suchmen as you in our Country."After a years stay in Norway Petersen returned to America with his wifeApril 24, 1850. A great crowed followed the couple to the boat, and Petersenthought that he would not return to Norway.As soon as he arrived in America he started to work as a seaman. Therev. Hedström tried to suggest to Petersen that he ought to take up preaching.The same did several of the leading preachers in America. Petersen told themthat he had not the necessary education and knowledge to take up such aserious call.He eventually overcame his doubt and in the Autumn 1851 he got hislicence as a Local preacher, and was sent to work among the Norwegian andDanish immigrants in Iowa.In Iowa he became the co-founder of the Norwegian-Danish MethodistChurch in America. In addition to his preaching he continued his Theologicalstudies and July 31, 1853, he was ordained a Deacon and an Elder by BishopWaugh. Bishop Waugh asked Petersen to go to Norway to continue the pioneerwork for the Kingdom of God and the Methodist Church in Norway. He had now athreefold call: from God, from people in Norway and from the Methodist Church.He could not resist the call to Norway any longer, so he left New York forNorway October 29 and arrived in Fredrikstad December 3, 1853.O.P.Peterson took up the work where he had left it 1850. He was calledto many places to preach round Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg, and the revivalspread.In the new year 1854 Petersen visited Sörbröden who had blessed him1850. Sörbröden was old and sick in bed, and he could hardly see. WhenPetersen came into the room, he was asked if he was Petersen who had visitedhim four years ago. The answer was yes." Then you are welcome", hesaid, and he continued:" I am happy that you came to see me, but my eyes areweak. I have to ask you a question. I haveheard thatpeople have asked you to come toNorway, and that theMethodist Church in Americahas sent you to Norway to preach theWord of God to us. Is this really true ?"Petersen answered that it was true. The old man started to cry, and said:" If it is so, than I pray God to bless theMethodist Church in America !"He cried like a child as he had said these words.

16When O.P.Petersen visited Sarpsborg, and had a series of meetings inthis town, a revival started at an Industry in the town called "Hafslunds sågogmöllebruk"..c..c.THE FIRST METHODIST CHAPEL IN NORWAY WERE BUILT IN SARPSBORGPetersen who had his home in Fredrikstad had to move to Sarpsborg. Inthis town the first Methodist Chapel in Norway for regular meetings wereconsecrated.The rev. O.P.Petersen became the founder of the Methodist Church inNorway, and today his bust is to be found in a park in Fredrikstad as well asoutside the Methodist Church in Sarpsborg.As the Methodist work grew, Petersen asked the Mission Board in Americato send the Danish Minister the rev.Chr. Willerup to leadthe work in Norway. The Methodist Church asked Petersen to be theSuperintendent for the Methodist work in Norway. He refused to accept thisposition and Willerup was sent to Norway. Willerup had served as a MethodistMinister in America for six years. He arrived in Norway in July 1856, and wasappointed Superintendent for Norway, Sweden and Denmark. He held this positionuntil 1869 when each and one of the three Scandinavian Countries got their ownSuperintendent..i..c.O.P.PETERSEN THE FOUNDER OF THE FIRST METHODISTCHURCH IN NORWAY IN SARPSBORG 1856.The revival continued in Norway; and September 11, 1856, the firstMethodist Congregation in Norway was organized in Sarpsborg by the rev.O.P.Petersen. He had not thought that the revival that started with his loveletter to his fiancee Anne Marie Amundsen and his first visit to Norway;should result in the founding of the Methodist Church in Norway. Now it was,however, a fact.After six years work in Norway O.P.Petersen returned to America. Hisintention was to stay here for a short period, but the rev. Hedström atBethelship in New York had taken ill, so Petersen had to fill the vacancy inthis Congregation. After application from Wisconsin Conference O.P.Petersenwas appointed as their Presiding Elder.The Methodist work in Scandinavia grew and the Church found it practicalto separate the work in the three Scandinavian Countries which until now hadbeen under the leadership of the rev. Chr. Willerup.Willerup was transferred to Denmark and became Superintendent for theMethodist work in Denmark while the rev. O.P.Petersen was sent from America tolead the work in Norway. In this position he stayed from 1868-1870 when hereturned to America. In America he held several positions of honor in theChurch until his last visit to Norway in 1896. This was the last AnnualConference in Norway that O.P.Petersen took part in. It was held in Sarpsborg,August 19, 1896, under the leadership of Bishop Goodsell. The first AnnualConference in Norway was held in Kristiania, now Oslo, in 1876 under theleadership of Bishop Andrews.I have read about the last Conference the rev. Petersen visited inSarpsborg, Norway. The following quotation is from a book, "Strömme af Naade"that was printed in Kristiania 1897. I read the following:" Young and old listened with great interest tohis Sermons and his lectures. They admired theold honorable hero with his shining, silverwhitehear, the fine forehead and his lustrouseyes. There werestill fire in his speech inspite of his seventy fouryears of age. Heshowed a perseverance and power thatconcurredall opposition."O.P.Petersen returned once again to America and he was still active whenhe died December 15, 1901. The text for his last Sermon was taken fromLuk.19:8 and the Sermon was concerned with Zacchaeus.The day he died he held morning prayer together with his family at theBreakfast table. Then he went to his Office to write his Sermon for thefollowing Sunday. He had chosen the text from Matt.7:21:

17" Not everyone who calls me `Lord, Lord` willenter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those whodo what myFather in heaven wants them to do".In the afternoon he felt ill, and at 1950 O`clock December 20, 1901, hedied after only four hours illness..i..c.THE REV. EILERT BERNHARDT WRITES ABOUTO.P.PETERSEN'S THEOLOGICAL PRODUCTION.The rev Eilert Bernhardt writes an article about O.P.Petersen in theJubilee Publication: "Metodistkirken i Norge 100 År, 1856-1956 ", Oslo:NorskForlagsselskap,1956.He tells among other things thatO.P.Petersen was a thorough and conscientious theologian. He respected othersviews, but he had also his own point of view that he held after honestresearch. His theological views are to be found in the book: " Betragtningerover Bibelns Hovedlärdomme", "Reflections over the main teachings of theBible".The rev. Petersen was also an active author who wrote lots of articlesin papers, magazines and pamphlets. The rev Bernhardt says that the rev.Petersen has left a valuable heritage in his writings where he among otherthings defended what is right and true.O.P.Petersen was also a hymn writer and translator of hymns that stillare used in the Methodist Church in Norway. In the hymns he expresses devotionand prayer to God as well as a desire to live a holy life to the honor of God.O.P.Petersen`s name is still honored and alive among the people calledMethodists in Norway who thank God for sending his messenger to Norway to riseup a holy people for God in Norway.

18.i..c.2. T.B.Barratt (1862-1940).Thomas Ball Barratt was born in Albaston, England, July 22, 1862. Hecame to Norway together with his parents in 1867, only five years old.His father captain A. Barratt had been working in the mining-business inEngland, America and Australia. In 1866 he was sent to Norway by a BritishMining Company to take over as a Director of sulphur silicon mining in Varalsöin Hardanger, Norway. After a year his family moved over to Norway, and theIsland became a spiritual center. The family belonged to the WesleyanMethodist Church in England.Thomas Ball Barratt grew up in an atmosphere of prayer and spiritualinstruction. He longed for a real spiritual life even if he was young andfilled with youthful activities..i..c.T.B.BARRATT GOT EDUCATION IN ENGLAND AND WORK IN NORWAYHe went over to England for his education at Wesleyan College, Tountor.Here he stayed for several years. During a revival at the College he became aconfessing Christian. He took up evangelical work among his fellow students.When he returned to Norway he started a Sunday School and heldtemperance lectures for the miners. He took part in meetings that his motherarranged among the miners. He had some difficulties with the Norwegianlanguage that he overcame as time past on. He held meetings in the vicinitywhere he read Moody's Sermons and sang and prayed. Between 17 and 18 years ofage he started to preach himself.He experienced that he was filled with Spiritual power from time totime, but in between he felt that his Christian life was not so powerful as itaught to be. He had not chosen his life`s carrier yet. He had artistic talentsboth for music, drawing and painting. He did not know what to choose. He hadalso a certain interest for mining and he got a job under his fathersleadership.He had to travel a lot in business for the Mining Company and here hecame in contact with the Methodists in different places in Norway. Thecontacts with the Methodists together with all the Methodist Preachers thatvisited his home and the colliers made him think more intensely about hisspiritual life and his future. His own preaching got more evangelical warmthand he experienced that souls got converted or saved, as they said.In his spare time he travelled a lot in Hardanger and preached whereverhe came. He was more and more engaged in what John Wesley sat as a goal forhis preachers: "The Salvation of Souls".

19.i..c.T.B.BARRATT STARTED AS A METHODIST PREACHERHe got the authorization from the Methodist Church asa Local Preacher. He saw that the Lord wanted him to leave home and his workand to go out as a Methodist Missionary.After a while he could not stand against the call from the Lord, and he wentinto the service of the Church. His first appointment was Kampen, Kristiania,the present Oslo. In a biographical article I read that in this way hismother`s and father`s prayers were heard as they had consecrated him to theLord as a baby. An English Methodist Minister had also prophesied when Mrs.Barratt cried because she had to leave England for Norway. The MethodistPreacher laid his hands on the baby`s head and said:" Your Son can be a MethodistPreacher in Norway, Sister !"T.B.Barratt was a hard worker and after a short time hehad overworked, became ill and had to take leave of absence from his preachingengagements. The Medical Doctors told him that his work as a preacher wasfinished. The believers said that the Lord had other plans for T.B.Barratt.After a years rest from his work he was back in the Pulpit again. Hethought a lot about the meaning of his illness and the Word of God gave himthe answer:to" This illness is not to Death, butthe Honor of God, so that the Son ofGod shall be esteemed by it".The rev. T.B.Barratt got a new appointment. He was sent to Bergendistrict and he made his home in Voss. Here he founded a small Congregationagainst hard opposition from the people. The members in the newly foundedCongregation built a Methodist Chapel in Voss and several people wereconverted to the faith in Christ Jesus..i..c.T.B.BARRATT MARRIES AND GETS NEW APPOINTMENTSIn 1887, May 10 he married Miss L. Jakobsen. She was a devoted Christianwho became a good helper in the work in the Lords Vineyard.The Methodist Ministers were travelling Preachers. Soon T.B.Barratt wasmoved from Vossevangen to the 3:rd Methodist Church in Kristiania, now Oslo.His appointment lasted three years. Now it was again time for a change inappointment.At the Annual Conference in Drammen he was appointed to Presiding Elderor District Superintendent for Kristiania District. It was Bishop Joyce whogave him this appointment.I have read statements that T.B.Barratt was a powerful DistrictSuperintendent who not only held the Quarterly Conferences and left theCongregations. Instead he stayed for a week and had Revival Meetings everyevening. This was appreciated both by the local Ministers and theirCongregations, and it meant a good PR for the Congregation.

20T.B.Barratt was a very gifted man. It is told that in one and the sameDivine Service or Religious Meeting he could Preach, Sing Solo, play thePiano, the Violin and the Guitar. The next day you would find him writing apaper over a religious subject, and suddenly in the middle of the work withthis dissertation, he could stop writing; take a paper and write a hymn or asong. It was something of the Wesley spirit over him.He was a gifted artist. Like his sister Polly, he could draw wonderfulpictures and produce high class paintings. He was also a good musician, and inBergen, Norway, he attended lessons for the famous Edv.Grieg to learn tocompose. He was very active and hated laziness.In spite his all round intellectual equipment he was a revivalisticpreacher. In the Revival Meetings he felt at home. His passion was to getsinners to repent and come to believe in Jesus as their Savior. This was hisgoal either he was in the pulpit or on knees beside a crying Sinner or he washeard singing Solo. The same was true when he was playing the Piano, theOrgan, the Violin or the Guitar..c.T.B.BARRATT IN CONTACT WITH AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LIFEThe Methodist Church in Norway was expanding its Social Work and wasplanning to build a Social Center in Kristiania as was the name of Oslo atthat time. The name of the Center was to be:" the Town Mission of Kristiania".The Committee for the Project had started to collect money for thismission.The Methodist Church needed economic help from outside Norway to fulfillits plan for the Social Center in Oslo. The rev. T.B.Barratt was appointed totravel to America to seek help for the project among fellow MethodistChristians.Round the new Century there had been Revivals in three different placesround the World.The first one was in a Bible Institute in Topeka, Kansas, where thepreacher Charles Parham was the leader. The new spirituality spread to Texasand other places in the States. The newly converted spoke in tongues.The second prelude to the great revival Movement took place in Australiawhere Torrey and Alexander became leaders for a spiritual Movement 1901-02.Also here they started to speak in Tongues, and they said that it was like thePentecost in the Apostolic times.The third prelude to the spiritual revival came from Wales during theyears 1904-05 where Evan Roberts was the spiritual leader.Even in India they felt the new spiritual awakening where a Brahma womanPandita Ramabaj became the central figure in a spiritual revival. She hadheard about the revival in USA and in Australia and she herself had visitedthe Keswick Meetings in England.When the rev. T.B.Barratt came to America he heard about the Revival inCalifornia, that had got new strength when the negro preacher W.J.Seumourecame to Los Angeles 1906.

21T.B.Barratt came in contact with the Pentecostal Movement inPhiladelphia. The Pentecostal Movement exploded in Los Angeles and to speak intongues was the religious activity and witness of the day. T.B.Barratt wasused to a warm Christian Religion, so this was something for him.In Norway healing by prayer and speaking in tongues had been experiencedby Christians before the Revival in Los Angeles; but this religious streamwithin the Church life in Norway got a new dimension when T.B.Barratt returnedhome to Kristiania from America. During the years 1906-07 the Revival startedin Oslo, and the first meeting was held in "Turnhallen", "The Sporthall" inOslo December 23, 1906. What happened in this meetings was similar to whathappened at the first Pentecost, said the spiritual leaders:"People are baptized in the Holy Ghost!"To explain the phenomenon they quoted the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2vers 4:" And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,and began to speak with other tongues, as theSpirit gave them utterance."Norway was the first Country in Europe that received the spiritual flameafter the full spiritual outbreak in Los Angeles..c.T.B.BARRATT BECAME THE PIONEER FORTHE NEW SPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN EUROPE.The Revival spread throughout Norway and beyond its borders.The Methodist Social Center in Oslo was not built. Instead the"Philadelphia Free Church" was erected. This was the largest meeting House inOslo which came to house the largest Free Church Congregation in NorthernEurope. Philadelphia in Oslo still holds this position.The new Movement did not stop the Social pathos of the Methodist Churchwhich continued with its social work including Orphanages, Old Folks Homes,Homes for Young People and Hospitals under the name of Betanien Hospitals.This is an other story that can be told in an other Chapter.In 1910 the rev. T.B.Barratt started his own Meetings in Möllergatan 38,Oslo.First in 1916 he Organized his Congregation with 200 members. Theythought that their Organization was according to the Biblical patterns. Twofactors was included in this Philosophy: The members of the Congregationshould be adult baptized believers and they should agree to the Pentecostalpreaching.The Congregation grew year by year and in 1936 it had 2.000 members.T.B.Barratt became the promoter of the Pentecostal Movement in the wholeof Europe. People came from Sweden to Oslo to take part in the revivalmeetings, and they returned home with new religious activity.The Baptist Congregations in Sweden were the first to open up for thenew spiritual Movement. The rev. T.B.Barratt visited several Congregations andthis resulted in an unrest and a longing for a more fullness of the Spirit.

22In the seventh Baptist Congregation in Stockholm the Baptist ministerLewi Pethrus was working for an apostolic revival and more religious freedom.He and his Congregation was excluded from the Baptist Union and inspired byT.B.Barratt they founded "Philadelphia Congregation" in Stockholm. This becamethe largest Free Church Congregation in Sweden. Lewi Pethrus with his greattalent for leadership and organizing ability became the leader for thePentecostal Movement in Sweden. This movement is one of the largest FreeChurches in Sweden today.METHODIST THEOLOGY IN THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENTWhen I have studied Lewi Pethrus and other Pentecostal leaders' books Ihave found that in their theology they have adopted the Methodist Theology inT.B.Barratt's version. This is true for the Wesleyan doctrine of The Grace ofGod, Salvation, Holiness and the witness of the Spirit in the Human Soul andthe Christian living. This is also true for the Holy Communion except for theMethodist Church that has an open Communion whilst the Pentecostal Movementhas a closed Communion only for they who are baptized as adults. Concerningthe Sacrament of Baptism the Pentecostals have a Baptist and sometimes ananabaptist view. Their ecclesiology is a form of Congregationalism and not theTheology of the Methodist Church.In Sweden another Methodist Minister the rev. C.G.Hjelm was pastor forthe Pentecostal Congregation in "Söder-Stockholm", in the Southern Stockholm.He called himself for the only Free Church Preacher among the Pentecostals ashe belonged to the Methodist Church while the other preachers belonged to theLutheran State Church.C.G.Hjelm writes in one of his books the following about T.B.Barratt:" He is the Scandinavian Pentecostal Revivalsfirst man and great name, an admired character, with a high education and adeep holiness. Barratt is the talented artist. He is the Johanneanrepresentative within the Pentecostal apostolic circle of revivalists...Barratt`s first appearance with fire on his tongue and tempest in the soulmade crowds on fire.... The Spirits dynamic power and Barratt` s ferventartistic passion broke the frost-bitten persons out from the ice, so that theyall got filled with the Holy Ghost....".c.T.B.BARRATT IS COUNTED AS A SPIRITUAL MISSIONARY IN EUROPET.B.Barratt visited also Denmark and a well known artist at the DagmarTheater in Copenhagen was converted.

23She was Anna Larsen. She performed for the last time 1909 and marriedlater on the Danish Pentecostal leader Björner. Both were baptized 1919 inSweden in the Kölingared's week that gathered Pentecostals to Camp meetings.The same year a Congregation was found in Copenhagen called "The EvangelicalCongregation". In the Autumn 1919 a Scandinavian Pentecostal gathering wereheld in Copenhagen under the leadership of T.B.Barratt, Lewi Pethrus andBjörner. These three leaders held an extended Conference in Amsterdam 1921were Danish Pentecostals participated.T.B.Barratt has also his name written in Finland in connection with thePentecostal Movement in the land of the Thousand Lakes. There developed twoPentecostal Movements in Finland.The first one is called "Helluntaiystävät", Pentecostal Friends, whothinks it is non-biblical to have a Congregational roll and a fixed order ofworship.The second is called "Helluntaiseurakunnat", the PentecostalCongregations who are more in line with the other Free PentecostalCongregations of Congregational type. The largest Congregation is inHelsingfors or Helsinki and has more than 1.000 members. One of the more wellknown leaders in Finland was Eino Manninen.In England one of the most well known Pentecostal Movement is the ElimRevival that was under the leadership of George Jeffrey. The center for thismovement in England is Elim Congregation in London.The second movement in England is called " The Assemblies of God inGreat Britain and Ireland". Two of the leaders who were well known in NorthernEurope were: the rev. Donald Gee and Smith Wiggelsworth.The revival in Oslo Norway moved on even to Germany where it was knownunder the name Gemeindschaftsbewegung under the leadership of the rev. Paul.From 1910 it got great opposition, and under the Hitler regime the Movementwas not allowed in Germany and in Austria.May it be sufficient to mention that the Movement found its way toSwitzerland, Holland France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Italy. It came evento Russia.This presentation is not a European Pentecostal history. The Movementsexpansion is just mentioned to show how the Spiritual Movement that startedwith the Methodist Minister T.B.Barratt in Oslo spread throughout Europe.The Methodist Church which is a minority Church in Norway has been usedto expand the Kingdom of God outside its own Church in the same way as theMethodist Church released Spiritual and Cultural powers in Sweden.It is true what has been said about the Methodist Church in Jönköping,Sweden.The Methodist Church in that town is a small white painted Church besidea large read brick building that is the Lutheran Church. When the MethodistMovement was strong in the town people said:" We have our Religious ritual in the MorningService in the big Church, but we get ourspiritual life from the little Church in theevening."

24The story of the rev. T.B.Barratt is a joint story about the spiritualstrength radiating out from the English Wesleyan Methodist Movement and fromthe American Methodist Episcopal branch to which the Methodist Church inNorthern Europe belongs. The Methodist Church in the Nordic Countries arebranches of The United Methodist Church.********.c.3. THE.REV. EINAR KARLSEN (1882-1950)When I studied at the Union Methodist School of Theology, Gothenburg, Igot a book from Bishop Odd Hagen. He was at that time still Dean of theTheological School. This was April 8, 1953.Odd Hagen should be chosen Bishop later that year, and be consecrated inChrist Church, Helsingfors, where the Central Conference gathered that year.The book was written by the rev. Einar Karlsen. The title of the bookwas "Mot Evigheten" - " Towards Eternity", and it was a collection of RadioSermons. The book was Edited and Printed by Norsk Forlagsselskap, Oslo, 1950.When I was appointed to my first charge in Elverum, Norway, 1954-1956, Ishould come to know more about this Methodist preacher. I had one of hisdaughters in my Congregation. The rev. Einar Karlsen had twin daughters, Eliand Gerd. Gerd was married to Arne Hjort Sörensen in Elverum. Eli was marriedto a Methodist in Oslo, Mr. Rolf Brink. Eli Brink was often in Elverumvisiting her sister and had her child, Öystein, with her. They were often inthe parsonage and in Elim Methodist Church. Öystein played with the otherchildren while the adults talked. I remember that he was very interested inthe Methodist Church. He and I had several talks in spiritual matters. He isnow a Methodist minister in the First Methodist Church, Oslo, Norway.I had met Einar Karlsen`s name in several connections. He was theDirector of the Bethany Hospital, Oslo, where my sister was training as anurse.He was a good linguist, and had translated several of E.Stanley Jones'books into the Norwegian language.Einar Karlsen was born in Stavanger July, 25, 1882. His father was afirst mate, Peter Karlsen, and his mother Elin Severine, born Klinkenberg.Einar grew up during the time of the famous Norwegian author AlexanderKielland who lived in Stavanger. His writings were on everybodies tongue atthat time. Students have to read his books when they attend Secondary Schoolin Norway.Einar knew a lot of stories and anecdotes from this writer and his time.This might be due to the fact that his mother had served in the Kiellandhousehold, and this made him curious so that he read a lot of the authorswritings and about him.When he left School he started to work in a paper and book shop. Duringthis time he became a member in MUF, and later on a member of the MethodistCongregation.He wrote in his student book from 1905, that he had got the call fromGod and the Church to be a minister .

25Here follow some notes concerning his education:1901 he started his Education at theMethodist Theological School,Kristiania, now Oslo.1905 he graduated with his student Diploma,majoring in latin. He took the exam. atthe Cathedral School, Oslo.1905 he started language studies at OsloUniversity..c.EINAR KARLSEN IN THE SERVICE OF THE METHODIST CHURCHHe had to continue his studies extra mural as the Methodist Churchappointed him pastor to Sandefjord 1905. Later on he served two Churches inOslo, first Immanuel and after that Elim. He was appointed to ImmanuelMethodist Church in Porsgrund. His last ministerial work was in the CentralMethodist Church, Bergen, the largest Methodist Congregation in NorthernEurope. While he was Minister here he died June 2, 1950, in the age of 67years.Between his service in Porsgrund and Bergen he served as Dean for theTheological School in Oslo for eight years.Einar Karlsen was Director for the Methodist Bethany Hospital in Osloand Bergen from 1931, and later on, after some years he was only in charge ofthe Hospital in Oslo. All in all he served in this capacity for 18 years.He was secretary in the Norwegian Annual Conference when it was held inKristiania-Oslo 1911. He continued as secretary for ten years until theCentral Conference in Bergen Central Methodist Church 1920.He was President for the Church Board from 1934-35, and served as amember of the Board for several years. He was Editor for the ChurchPublications among them Kristelig Tidende for ten years 1911-20.He represented the Methodist Church in Norway at ScandinavianConferences in Gothenburg 1912 and Copenhagen 1914. He was Norway`s delegateto the Methodist General Conference in Springfield, Mass., 1924, and to theCentral Conference Oslo 1924 and Copenhagen 1939. He took part in EuropeanConferences in Frankfurt am Main 1922 and 1936.He represented the Methodist Church in different Institutions in Norway,such as Norwegian Mission Council, the Ecumenical Society and the ChristianBoard of Teetotallers.He wrote several psalms, and Dr.Alf Lier told in a rune that EinarKarlsen was a pious man with knowledge and fear of God. He had two cardinalpoints, he continued, and it was the Bible and Prayer.The rev. Einar Karlsen was a good preacher. The Congregation listened tohis Theology and Messages that were presented in a language that people couldunderstand. The book I mentioned in the beginning of this short biography is agood example that illustrates my point.

26Einar Karlsen, who died in Bergen, was buried in Oslo in Our SavioursCemetery. He had served the Methodist Church for 44 years. A great crowed ofpeople followed a beloved Methodist Preacher to his last resting-place.********.c.4. BISHOP ODD HAGEN (1905 - 1970)This presentation of Bishop Odd Hagen will be fragmentary as I refer tothe Theological biography that I have written under the title:" The Theology of Bishop Odd Hagen-One of thePresidents of the World Methodist Council,(WMC)".This book has 173 pages and the main facts are presented in thebibliography in this work at hand.The present biographical notes I have also presented in the book: " TheChurch Beneath the Northern Lights",pp.80-81.Bishop Hagen of Northern Europe Central Conference of the MethodistChurch was host of the World Methodist Conference in Oslo, Norway, 1961.The Central Conference of the Methodist Church for Northern Europeembraces Norway, Denmark and Sweden, which compose Scandinavia. His Dioceseincluded Finland as well, and then the area is called Fenno-Scandia. TheBaltic contries belongs also to the Bishops area.When Bishop Hans Växby was consecrated a Methodist Bishop for NorthernEurope in Gävle, Sweden, 1989 a Choir from Estonia took part in the Service.The Iron Curtain round the boarders of the Baltic Countries had just beenlifted, so that the Methodists could come out from the Soviet prison and jointheir fellow Methodists in Northern Europe as they elected a new Bishop..c.ODD HAGEN - THE BOY FROM NIDAROS, NORWAYBishop O.Hagen was born in Trondheim, Norway, December 16,1905, toparents Johan O. Hagen and his wife Ellen Martha Hagen neé Röstad. His parentsbelonged to the Lutheran Low Church circles from where he inherited a strongbelief in the Bible.Until May 18, 1924, when he became a member of the Methodist Church, heheld his membership in the Lutheran Church, where he was also confirmed.Confirmation took place in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the Norwegianshrine.The following year Hagen took his student exam., followed by Diploma inTheology from the Union Scandinavian School of Theology of the MethodistChurch in Gothenburg, Sweden,1927. Then followed Master of Arts (M.A.) fromOslo University 1938, Licentiate in Philosophy (Fil.lic.) from GothenburgUniversity 1942. He was named Doctor of Divinity from DePauw University,Indiana, USA, 1953. The Bishop was also honored with doctors degrees fromseveral American Universities.

27During World War II the Bishop was leader for " TheSwedish Methodist Churches Help to Norway". In 1950 he was awarded St.Olav`smedal from King Haakon VII of Norway for his work.In 1950 Bishop Hagen was invited to lecture at Emory University,Atlanta,Georgia. He was also a representative at the World Council ofChurches' Conference in Evanston, Illinois in 1954.Bishop Hagen was a talented pedagogue and speaker. He had the ability tospeak simply and yet present difficult philosophical problems in such a waythat the philosophy was understood by all who listeened. He could talk both toordinary people and to scholars. He was one of the few scholars in Fenno-Scandia who had place for Metaphysics in his philosophical system.His book "The Place of Thought in the World of Faith", was put on thePhilosophical Societies` list of books in Gothenburg..c.CONSECRATED BISHOP IN CHRIST CHURCH HELSINGFORSThe rev. Odd Hagen was consecrated Bishop in Christ Methodist Church,Helsingfors, Finland, Sunday March 29, 1953. The consecration was conducted byBishop A.Frank Smith, assisted by Bishops Arvidson and Wonderlich, Dr.Sigg andDr.Dodge as well as Elders from each of the Annual Conferences in Fenno-Scandia.In August 1966 Bishop Hagen was inaugurated as President of the WorldMethodist Council in Central Hall, Westminster, London.I took part in the Conference, and I listened to his PresidentialAddress that was received with great enthusiasm by the large Congregation. Hisspeech will be found in the "Proceedings of the Eleventh World MethodistConference, London,England, 1966, The Epworth and Abingdon Press", p.213.It was in line with the Bishop`s personality that he should have chosento talk about:"The Spirit of Methodism".In his Address he encouraged the "People called Methodists" to beservants of the whole Gospel and to stand up for conversion, faith andsanctification.Theologically and Church historically Hagen found himself between Lutherand Wesley with a strong leaning towards Wesley. As a Bishop in the MethodistChurch Hagen was strongly ecumenically minded.The other Free Churches in Fenno-Scandia have no Bishops. Of this reasonthey looked upon Hagen, the Methodist Bishop, as their representative as well.Hagen had to point out the way for the Free Churches in their relation to theState Church on the one hand, and to the cultural life on the other hand. Hissuccessor, the Bishop Ole E. Borgen, did not manage to take up Hagen`s mantleon this point.Bishop Hagen`s motto was:"Quis contra nos si Deus pro nobis - Who isagainst us when God is for us?".c.5. DR. ALF LIER FORMER KRISTOFFERSEN (1898 -1963)Dr. Alf Lier was one of the leading Methodists in Norway. He was wellknown throughout Northern Europe; both within the Methodist Church and outsidehis own Church.He belonged to a family of Methodist preachers. His father was the rev.S. Kristoffersen and his brother the rev. Erling Kristoffersen. Alf and Erlingchanged their surname to Lier after the family estate, Lier, in Tangen Communeoutside Hamar in Norway..c.ACADEMIC EDUCATION AND RESEARCHDr. Alf Lier took his cand.theol.(B.D.) at Oslo University, Norway, andhis theol.lic.(Th.L.) degree at Uppsala University. He had his disputation forhis theol.doctors (TH.D.) degree at the same University in 1938. Hisdissertation was written in the Norwegian language, and had the title:

28" ÅPENBARINGSTANKE OG MISJONSFORKYNNELSE HOS PAULUS". In Englishtranslation the title is:" The Thought of Revelation and Preachingof Mission in St.Paul".I read his dissertation in 1945 when I was still working on my Associatein Arts (A.A.) in Harstad, Northern Norway..c.IN THE METHODIST MINISTRYDr. Lier was ordained a Methodist Minister 1916, the same year as hegraduated from Oslo University with his Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1933he got his Licentiate at Uppsala University where he disputed for his Doctorsdegree in Exegetical Theology five years later.He served as a Methodist Minister in Norway and was DistrictSuperintendent for several years. He represented the Methodist Church inNorway at General Conferences in USA and at WCC's World Conference inEvanston, Illinois 1954.He was a member of several Church Boards as well as at Egede Institutefor Mission Research in Oslo, Norway.During World War II he Presided at the Annual Conferences in Norwayinstead of Bishop Wade who could not participate because of the war withGermany who had occupied Norway. It was at the Conference in First MethodistChurch in Oslo 1941, and at Skien in 1942. In the year 1943 there were noAnnual Conference held in Norway due to the war. In 1944 he Presided at theConference in Central Methodist Church in Oslo, and in 1945 at the AnnualConference in Trondheim..c.AT THE UNION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY-GOTHENBURGDr.Lier was a tutor and Dean of the Methodist Union Theological Seminaryin Gothenburg, Sweden, where he succeeded the rev. Odd Hagen who was Dean atthe Seminary.Hagen was elected Bishop for Northern Europe atChrist Church in Helsingfors,Finland, in 1953. Dr. Lier held the position asDean or President at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Gothenburg untilhis death in 1963.In his program at his death was a preaching tour visiting the MethodistChurches in the North Western part of Norway. Bishop Hagen asked me to do thetour, and at the same time present the Union School for the Congregations andcollect money for the School. I accepted his request and visited theCongregations in Trondheim, Ålesund, Kristiansund N and Molde.Dr.Lier was an excellent preacher and a good lecturer. I listened bothto his Sermons and his lectures, and it was always substance both in hispreaching and in his teaching. He was especially appreciated as a NewTestament Scholar.His successor as Dean of the School of Theology,Dr.Thorvald Källstad, said in a newspaper article in Eskilstuna Kuriren, that Dr.Lier was highly respected as a teacher and Dean. His death was a great lossboth for the students at the Theological School as well as for Methodiststhroughout Scandinavia and Finland.Dr. Alf Lier wrote several books on theological subjects.In time for the 100:th Anniversary in Norway 1956 he edited a MethodistCatechism called: " Vår Tro", "Our Faith", together with Dr. E.Anker Nilsenand Dr. Odd Hagen. The manuscript of the Catechism had been prepared by OddHagen when he was Dean at the School of Theology in Gothenburg together withDr.Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen.Dr. Alf Lier was one of the members of the Committee that edited the newNorwegian Methodist Hymnbook.********.c.6. E. Anker Nilsen (1904-1986):Dr. E.Anker Nilsen was one of the leading Methodist Preachers andPsychologists in Norway. He was well known also outside Norway.He was known in the other Nordic Countries not only through his teaching

29in the Union Methodist Theological Seminary in Gothenburg but also through hisbooks and his lecturing in different Seminars and Pastoral Workshopsthroughout Scandinavia.Einar Anker Nilsen was born in Porsgrunn, Norway, 1904.He got his theological education at the Methodist Union Theological SeminaryÖverås, Gothenburg, Sweden. His further theological education he gained atGarret Theological Seminary, Evanston, and Northwester University.Dr.E.Anker Nilsen served Methodist Congregations as pastor in 27 years.He was Methodist Superintendent six years. He was Tutor in the MethodistTheological Seminary, Överås, Gothenburg, in two periods from 1953-1956 andfrom 1963-1971. Professor Thorvald Källstad wrote in Svenska Sändebudet # 441986 that Dr. Nilsen was an able teacher and much appreciated by students andteachers alike.Since the Methodist Church in Norway moved its theological educationfrom Gothenburg in Sweden to Bergen in Norway Dr.E.A.Nilsen was appointed Deanfor the Methodist Church's Practical-Theological Seminary in Bergen in 1971.Dr.E.Anker Nilsen was known as a Psycho-therapist and a Counselor. HisPsychological education he got at the University in Oslo,Norway and atNorthwester University in Illinois where he graduated with his Ph.D.. He gothis clinical training at Elgin State Hospital.He taught Psycho-therapy at Gothenburg University, Sweden, andPsychology of Religion at Bergen University, Norway. He was known as aspecialist in Psycho-therapy and Pastoral Counseling.He has written several devotional books such as " The Advantage withPrayer", "From agony to Security", "The Crises in the Christian Life", "TheSeriousness of Christianity" and " The Possibilities of Christianity".The following three books are well known in pastoral Counseling inNorthern Europe: "New Ways in Pastoral Counseling", "Personal Problems" and "Pastoral Advice". The last mentioned book was edited by the help ofsubscription and all who subscribed to the book got their name in a TABULAGRATULATORIA in the front of the book. This was as a tribute to the author. Itwas edited in connection with Dr.Nilsen's 70:th birthday.In an interview in Kristelig Tidende in Norway in connection with thenew book he said:" I look upon Pastoral Counseling as the Church`soutreach to people who are outside the Church, so that they throughthe Ministers help as a fellow being cansee that the Church hassomething to give. PastoralCounseling has also something togive to people inside the Church to help them to come nearer God and servetheir fellow men. The intention of Pastoral Counseling is to helpmen to come in a right relation to God, to their fellow creatures and tothemselves. The goal is to lead men to Christ, so that they can experienceconversion and the Grace of Salvation, and that theycan be lead further on the way of God.".c.DR. E.ANKER NILSEN INTRODUCED AMERICAN PSYCHO-THERAPYTO NORTHERN EUROPEDr.E.Anker Nilsen was probably the only one who made the AmericanPsychologist Carl R. Roger's personality psychology known in Northern Europeand especially its methods applicable to Pastoral Counseling. He applied inhis books the new method in Pastoral Counseling and Psycho-therapy which hasbeen called Client Centered Counseling and Psycho-therapy.Professor Thorvald Källstad, the first Methodist Minister who was Deanof the Theological Faculty at Uppsala University, called Dr.E.Anker Nilsen asguest lecturer at the Theological Institution. His previously mentioned book"Pastoral Advice" was used as a handbook. This book was used as a basic bookboth at the Methodist Seminary and at the Lutheran Theological Education inUppsala and in Psychology of Religion in the Pastoral Institute of the SwedishState Church. He got his book "Religion and Personality Integration" edited inthe Psychology of Religion Research series in Uppsala University 1980. Afterhis retirement he lectured and lead courses in many places in Sweden andespecially in Växjö Diocese of the Swedish Church.He was often called to Sweden to give series of preaching. His preaching

30was filled with counseling and was evangelical in its presentation. He oftenincluded his evangelical songs in his Divine Services.Dr.E.Anker Nilsen has given a great contribution to the Methodist Churchin Northern Europe both in preaching, in theological education and in theMethodist tradition of Pastoral Counseling. He has been the Leslie Weatherheadof Norway.********.c.DENMARKa. A short Methodist History in Denmark:Talking about Methodism in Denmark the Bethelship Mission in New York isthe starting point here as it was in Norway and Finland. The same is true forSweden too, when Methodism came to Sweden from USA after 1850. The first timeMethodism entered Sweden was from England in the 1820-ties.We have met Christian Willerup who was converted in New York. He workedas Superintendent for the Methodist Mission in Norway, and was released fromthis work to travel as an evangelist in Scandinavia.As an evangelist he came to his native Country Denmark. He started topreach in Copenhagen and formed a Methodist Society there in January 1859.Willerup discovered that another Dane was working in Denmark for theAmerican Missionary Society. He did not know this before he started his workin Denmark. This Danish missionary had also been converted in New York at theBethelship Mission. His name was Boie Smith. He had returned to Denmark fromAmerica due to bad health. He was now supporting himself by selling books andacting as colporteur for the Mission Society. It was the Missionary Society ofthe Methodist Episcopal Church that had engaged the layman Boie Smith.In my research in Methodist Church history in Denmark I found that VejleMethodist Congregation had a Minister named B. Schmidt. He returned to America1872 from where he had come 1857 after 15 years Methodist work in Denmark. Ithas been some discussion about his name. In "Historisk Aarsskrift 1935", p.26his name is discussed. He has been called Boje, Böje, Burrel and Buriel.According to his baptismal Certificate of March 14, 1935, his name was Boy;Boy Schmidt and not the English spelling Smith.He was the son of Kristian Andreasen Schmidt and his wifeLovrette Boesdatter, born in Emmerlev Parish, Tönder County, June 12,1826.Boy Schmidt founded a Danish Methodist Church in Perth Amboy after hisarrival in America where he worked in the Danish Methodist Conference. Therev. J.J.Christensen visited him in 1893 when he came to America after aninvitation by Bishop John H. Vincent..i..c.THE REV. J.J.CHRISTENSEN AS SUPERINTENDENTThe rev.J.J.Christensen took over the leadership of the Methodist Churchin Vejle after the rev. Boy Schmidt and he became the third MethodistSuperintendent in Denmark.The rev. Chr. P. Willerup and Boie Smith or Boy Schmidt as they willcall him in Denmark, soon found each other and started to preach in rentedhalls as field preaching was prohibited by Danish Law.The capacity of the rented halls were too small, so the two men had tofind halls with greater seating capacity. They did not succeed in their searchfor halls big enough. This resulted in their own solution to the problem. Theybuilt the first Methodist Church in Denmark which was dedicated in 1866. TheChurch was located in Copenhagen. The Church was named St.Paul's MethodistChurch and had a seating capacity of 1.000 persons. St.Paul`s Church,Copenhagen, is now Jerusalem Methodist Church in the same city.There were much hostility against the new Movement and its members. TheMethodists were counted as dissenters from the Lutheran State Church inDenmark. The Lutheran State Church often attacked the Methodists in articlesin its periodicals. Experiences of this kind is reported in Methodist papersas well as in "Historisk Aarsskrift for Metodistkirken i Danmark", "HistoricalYearbook for the Methodist Church in Denmark", see table of Literature in this

31book.The Methodist Church was recognized by the Danish State 1866. The Churchdid not get complete freedom of Religion as its ministers had to be recognizedindividually by the Government for each special place of worship. This limitedthe general evangelistic work of the Methodist Church in Denmark.The recognition of the Methodist Church of 1866 had the followingpositive points:1. The Methodist Ministers couldsolemnize marriages.2. The Methodist Ministers could burytheir deceased members in the StateCemeteries using the ritual of theMethodist Church.3. The Methodist Church was permittedto keep official Church records.The Lutheran Church, however, continued as the State Church with specialprivileges.The Organization of the Methodist Church in Denmark moved on. TheDenmark Mission Conference was organized 1900 and already 1911 it wastransformed into Danmark Methodist Annual Conference.The Methodist Church in Denmark developed a large social Service programwith several homes. The Central Mission in Copenhagen is especially known forit Service among the unfortunate people in the Capital of Denmark.During World War II part of the Central Mission Building in Copenhagenwas destroyed together with two Methodist Churches on the island of Bornholm.Bishop Th.Arvidson wrote about the Methodist Church in Denmark and itsstand against the nazis and the German occupation forces during World War II:" In Denmark the Methodist Church didpublicly protest against the persecution oftheJews and police Officers. There was nota single MethodistMinister who showed anydegree of Nazi sympathy.".c.DENMARK 1990The Annual Conference in Denmark 1990 was held in the Methodist YouthCenter in Holstebro. At the Conference two newly examined Danish students fromthe Methodist Seminary in Gothenburg were welcomed at the Conference asmembers on trial in the Conference. They were ordained Deacons.The two new members in the Conference got their charge consisting of twoCongregations each. Their Congregations were located in the South and Middleof Denmark.The rev. Ove Sörensen who has been editor of KRISTELIG TALSMAND,Christian Messenger, were moved from his two Congregations on the Island ofFyn to Århus. The Congregations in Fredrikshavn and Horsens had also to changeministers.In the Methodist Yearbook for Denmark that came from the printing press1½ month after the Conference one reads that the largest MethodistCongregation in Denmark is Strandby. This Congregation is located in NorthernJylland. We are further informed that the Congregation has 327 members. Thisis an increase of 40 persons during the last 10 years. During the Conferenceyear 12 additional new members were received into the Congregation.The Methodist Church in Denmark has 24 Congregations, and eight of themincreased their membership during the Conference year. The total membership,however, decreased with 12 persons. There are now 1.572 members in fullmembership in the Methodist Church in Denmark. The friends of the Churchincluding members on trial is much larger.More of the Danish Methodist History will be found in connection withthe individual Methodist Personalities presented in this work.********

32b. Some Methodist Leaders in Denmark:.i..c.1. CHR. P. WILLERUP (1815 - 1896)The rev. Chr. P. Willerup's name is bound up with the beginning of theMethodist Church's Mission in Norway, Sweden and Denmark; as well as with thefounding of the Methodist Church in Norway and Denmark. He also had a leadingposition in the Methodist work among Scandinavians in America.He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, October 6, 1815, the son of theCustoms Officer A.I. Willerup and his wife Louise. The parents cared for theirson and gave him the best education and upbringing.Chr. P. Willerup attended one of the best Schools in Copenhagen until hewas 16 years of age. During his School years he distinguished himself as agood scholar.When he grew up he started work in the business branch, but he left hiswork and went to America.He went to Savanna, one of the Southern States.During his stay here he started to go to Church. He came under the influenceof a dynamic preacher the rev. Evans. Under his leadership Willerup acceptedChrist as his Savior by faith. The rev. Evans encouraged Willerup to be aMinister and Preacher.Willerup returned to Denmark for a holiday to tell his parents andbrothers and sisters about his religious experiences in America. During hisstay in Denmark he married.In the year 1847 he returned to America together with his wife. Thistime he settled in Strausburg in Ohio. Here he took over a retail business andworked at the same time in the Church as a Local Preacher..c.DR. FERRY CALLS WILLERUP AS A MISSIONARYAMONG NORWEGIAN IMMIGRANTWillerup had not stayed for long in Strausburg before he got a letterfrom Dr.Ferry,one of the Mission Secretaries in the Methodist Church, whowanted Willerup to take up Preaching among Norwegian immigrants. Dr.Ferry hadheard that Willerup was Scandinavian born. In his letter he told Willerup thatmore than 20.000 Norwegians had come over to America that Summer, and that therev. Hedström who was in charge of the work among the Scandinavians urgentlyneeded help in his work.After a careful consideration and prayer Willerup wrote to the Board ofMission and accepted the offer and went to New York.Willerup was sent to Cambridge, Wisconsin, where he started work for theDanish-Norwegian Methodist Church. He started to collect money for a newChurch building. This new Church was erected 1852 and is called WillerupChurch. This is the Oldest Scandinavian Methodist Church in the World.The story of Willerup`s work in America is told in Arlow W. Andersen'sdissertation:"The Salt of the Earth. History of NorwegianDanish Methodism in America."The book is printed by the Parthenon Press,Nashville,Tennessee, and isCopyright 1962 by the Norwegian-Danish Methodist Historical Society. In thisbook there is a picture of Willerup and his Church on page 32. Here the nameis Christian B. Willerup and in the Index of the book he is named ChristianEdward Balthor Willerup while in the Norwegian book "Strömme af Naade, editedby Den rel. Traktatforening i Kristiania 1897", is his name Chr. P. Willerup.It is the same person, but what is correct I do not know..c. WILLERUP - CHURCH BUILDER IN NORWAY AND DENMARKIn 1855 Willerup got a letter from Bishop Morris that they needed aleader for the Methodist work in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. The Bishop askedif Willerup was willing to take up the work in Scandinavia ?Willerup accepted the offer and went to Norway with his family June 6,1856. In Norway he was welcomed by the rev. O.P. Petersen. During two years heworked intensively with preaching engagements and administrative work. Amongother project he and O.P.Petersen worked to get the Methodist Church

33recognized by the State Authorities. The story is told in the book edited inconnection with the 100th years Jubilee in Norway 1956. The book is called:"Metodistkirken i Norge 100 År. 1856-1956."It is edited by Metodistkirken i Norge and printed in NorskForlagsselskap, Oslo, 1956.After two years in Norway he went to Denmark to take up work in hisnative land. He had thought to visit Norway and Sweden from time to time, butdue to the bad communications at that time it was impossible to do his workeffectively in this way. He went back to Norway to take far well and returnedto Denmark where he made his home.Willerup was a good preacher and lots of people gathered under hispulpit, and a Methodist Church was built in Copenhagen. The Congregation camein great debt, but by the help of Consul Dölner the debt was removed in itsentirety.Because of all the stress in the work and all the travelling as aSuperintendent Willerup asked the Board of Mission in New York to call himback to America. A new Superintendent was appointed for Scandinavia andWillerup was called back to America where he was appointed teacher at theUniversity in Evanston and Minister in the Congregationin the same town. Willerup's wife was not allowed by the doctors to follow himto America because of her illness.Willerup returned to Scandinavia after a time. He wanted to finish hisministerial work in the Methodist Church in Fredrikstad where he started outas a minister and Superintendent. After two years work in Norway the Bishopgave him retirement.He returned to Denmark and Copenhagen. He stayed in Copenhagen until hisdeath in May 19, 1886.********.i..c.2. SUPERINTENDENT KARL SCHOU (1841 - 1889 )Karl Schou became the second Superintendent in the Episcopal MethodistChurch as was the name of the Methodist Church in Denmark at that time.He was born in a Christian home in Holstebro May 22, 1841. His mother,Christine, was a devote Christian who taught him to pray from his earlyChildhood.His father was a watch-maker in Holstebro. He was born August 18, 1809,and died May 18, 1870, when Karl was 29 years old.His mother was Christine Lund born September 12, 1818. She died whenKarl was 56 years old, April 17, 1897.Karl was the only boy among five children in the Schou family. Hissister Hanna who was eight years younger than Karl, told that he was a goodboy full of humor. He was also playful and full of inoffensive mischief. Hewas also a good student who mastered languages well.Karl became a professional watch-maker after four years of training inKolding and entered his fathers shop in Holstebro. His father was also aninventor, and Karl had inherited this talent.Together with a young engineer named Nyholm they had invented aninstrument for levelling. They took out patent on their invention. Theinvention did not come into production for the lack of economic resources.His friend Mr.Nyholm became an estate owner and a chamberlain. He wasthe owner of the manor-house Bangsbo near Fredrikshavn. Karl Schou was often aguest in the house when he visited the Methodist Congregations in the vicinityduring his time as District Superintendent..c.KARL SCHOU WENT TO AMERICA AND BECAME A METHODISTKarl Schou decided to go to America. He left for New York from HamburgJuly 15,1861 when he was 20 years old. Before he left for America he went toKolding where he had studied for four years. Here he visited his friend MariaMöller. He wanted her to go to America with him as his wife. Her father, theblacksmith Möller in Kolding, did not give his consent at that time. Later onshe should become his wife. She was born in 1842 and died in 1871 only 29years old. They got two girls in their marriage and both children died in

34infancy.In America Karl held different occupations until he left Perth Amborgfor La Fayette in Indiana. Here he worked for a watch-maker who belonged tothe Methodist Episcopal Church. In a letter to his parents he tells about hisconversion 1866 at the age of 25.He came also in contact with the Methodist Camp-meetings in Americawhich were great Revival Meetings. He won a good friend in America. His namewas B.A.Carlsson, who became Presiding Elder and later on one of the leadersof the Methodist Church in Finland.Karl Schou wrote home to his parents in Denmark and explained theMethodist teachings and pointed out the difference with the Lutheran Theology.He entered Garett Biblical Institute and North Western University inEvanston June 17, 1866 together with 74 other students of Theology. Among thestudents he met one who had been out preaching for three years and hadreturned to the School to finish his studies. He was a Swede with nameS.A.Westergren. These two students had several things in common. The fiancee`sof the two students had the same name, Maria, and both lived in Europe.Westergren`s Maria lived in Malmö, Sweden, and Schou's Maria lived inKoldinge, Denmark. Schou would have his Maria to come over to America for someyears while he completed his classical and Biblical studies. After hisgraduation they could return to Denmark..c.KARL SCHOU MARRIED MARIA MÖLLER IN KOLDINGIn the year 1868 he went back to Denmark and Kolding. He married MariaMöller. His sister Frederikke was the only representative from his family thattook part in the wedding.Their marriage lasted almost for four years. As previously mentionedthey got two girls. Only one lived after her mothers death. Karl wrote to hissister Frederikke in Denmark to come over to America to keep his household andtake care of his daughter. Before she reached Evanston the little girl haddied.Karl Schou had now graduated, he had his watch-makers shop, wasappointed teacher for the Scandinavian students at the University. He alsoserved as minister and spiritual leader for the Congregation. He was as yetnot ordained as a minister. He therefore continued as a local preacher.He stayed on in America for four years until 1872. He completed hisstudies, taught at the University and was a good Pastoral Councillor for theCongregation. He worked also among Norwegians, Swedes as well as among his ownDanish people.Karl Schou was the local preacher who became Superintendent over theMethodist work in Denmark.The rev. Christian Willerup in Denmark needed a Methodist minister totake over the work after him as he had become old and sick. The Missionsecretary Dr.Durbin and the Danish General Consul in America Harald Döllner,who was a faithful friend of Methodism, had been in Denmark on an inspectiontour. They found out that Karl Schou was the only man free for the job. Therev. Martin Hansen was Superintendent in Norway, the rev. O.P.Petersen wascalled back to America from Norway and so was the rev. A.Haagensen. The rev.Victor Witting was Superintendent in Sweden. The result of all thenegotiations lead to the election of the local preacher Karl Schou for theposition of Superintendent for Denmark.He was called to New York where the Board of Mission interviewed him andasked him to take over the work in Denmark. He was appointed for Denmark andwas ordained as a Methodist Minister. One of his first acts as a minister wasto perform marriage between his sister Frederikke and Mr.Buck.Among all the preachers in Denmark that he was appointed overseer, onewas educated within the Methodist Church in Denmark by the SuperintendentChr.Willerup. He was the rev.J.J.Christensen. All the others came from withoutand left the work as time went on, and only the rev. J.J.Christensen was leftwith Schou's and he took over the work after the Superintendents death..c.THE RESULT OF KARL SCHOU'S WORK IN DENMARK

35At Karl Schou's death four Churches had been built in Denmark togetherwith several small Chapels. There had been registered 16 new Congregations,and the spiritual life had been strengthen. The Church had got its own weeklypaper, "Kristelig Talsmand", "The Christian Messenger", a Publishing House hadbeen established, a School of Theology had started and the Church owned a BookShop.The rev. Karl Schou married for the second time 1878 with Louise UlrikkeEneman, who was born June 9, 1850. She was the daughter of a wholesale dealerin Kalmar, Sweden. His name was August Eneman and his wife Elsie born Bååth.Karl Schou and his wife Louise Ulrikke had four children, all girls.Their names were Mary Helene (b.1879), Kristine Elisabeth (1885), JennyAugusta (1886) and Karen Edith Louise (1888).Karl Schou has been characterized as a good man whose main interest washis call as a worker in the Kingdom of Godfor the Salvation of Souls.He was a good thinker and preacher according to several writtentestimonies from that time when he visited the Congregations.There are many witness to Superintendent Karl Schou's ability as aleader for the Methodist work in Denmark. The result of his work at the timeof his death referred to earlier in this work tells the story.He died at "Amtssygehuset" Århus July 31, 1889, and the last words thatone could hear from his lips were:"Do not forget Ecclesiastes chapter 7".When I read this chapter I was amazed over the wisdom concerning lifeand death that this chapter contained and revealed for me as I read the words.If you read it you will see !If you want to read more about this Methodist Leader you will findinformation in the Danish "Historisk Aarsskrift for Metodistkirken i Danmark"for the year 1934. The book contains 102 pages written by Svend Johansen.********.c.3.SUPERINTENDENT J.J.CHRISTENSEN (1845-1904)The rev. J.J.Christensen became the third Superintendent of the DanishMethodist Church. He succeeded the Superintendent Karl Schou at his death.Let us start with the beginning. Jens Joachim Christensen was born March26 ,1845, in the Village Hornstrup near Vejle. His parents were ChristenJochumsen who was born August 29,1797; and his wife was Birthe Madsdatter,born May 10,1812. She was thus 15 years younger than her husband.Jens Joachim started School in Grej's Parish when he was 7½ years oldNovember 1,1852. The rev. C.Nielsen points out the fact that he started Schoolat this age shows that his parents had newly moved to this parish.Records shows that he was a clever boy who got the highest grades (5) inall subjects except for Religion where he got (4,5).He was under a Christian atmosphere in his home. His mother was thegreat inspirer to a Christian life style. He told about his mother at aWitness-meeting in November 1900. He was the last one to give his witness in along road of speakers. He said among other things:"The picture, my mother painted for me ofJesus, I have never been able to forget. Itnot due to the fact that it was betterother pictures presented herepossibly because it was the firstone".wasthan thetoday, but.c. FROM TAILOR TO ACADEMIC STUDENTHis parents did not realize the academic abilities that their sonpossessed, so they did not let him continue his education at once he leftSchool. After his Confirmation they put him into tailor apprenticeship inVejle. His parents soon found out that they had been mistaken in choosing thetailors profession for him. They now helped him with private tutors. In this

36way he could regain the theoretical Education that he had lost.He attended Religious meetings conducted by the teacher Sommer whoarranged Revival meetings, and the meetings by Superintendent Ch.Willerup. Thelatter one had promised to help him in his Education, and to fulfill his callas a preacher.Superintendent Chr. Willerup started a Theological Education inCopenhagen and in August 1864 J.J.Christensen went to the Capital to beEducated as a preacher. From Norway came Chr.Olsen Treider as well as twoother students: Axel V. Jacobsen from Denmark and another Norwegian studentnamed Johansen. The two last mentioned students soon withdrew from the School,and only Christensen and Treidercontinued. They stayed in Willerup`s home as borders from 1864-67. Theyfollowed Willerup`s teaching and took part in lectures at the University. Oneof the teachers at Willerup`s School of Theology was the philol Louis Pio, whobecame a labour leader. He came in contact with the Methodists in Chicagothrough Chr.Treider who left for America as soon as he had graduated fromWillerup's school in Copenhagen.When J.J.Christensen first came to Copenhagen the Methodist Congregationused St.Paul's Church in St.Kongensgade 39. This was the first MethodistChurch built in Copenhagen. The same year the foundation stone was laid forJerusalem`s Church. This the biggest Methodist Church in Denmark was dedicatedJanuary 7, 1866. J.J.Christensen was among the Congregation who witnessed thededication. He should later on be in charge of this Church in his ministerialcareer..c.FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO PASTORAL WORKIn 1867 he graduated from the School of Theology in his 22:nd year. Hisfirst charge was as assistant minister in Vejle, where he had grown up as achild. His ministry in the Methodist Church was as follows:1867-72 Assistant Minister in Vejle.1872-73 Minister of the Church in Vejle.1973-76 Minister in Copenhagen.1876-79 Minister in Svendborg.1879-81 Minister in Vejle, second period.1881-84 Minister in Copenhagen, second period.1884-87 Minister in Frederikshavn.1887-90 Minister in Odense.1890-95 Dean of the School of Theology.1896-98 Minister in Copenhagen, third period.1898-04 Minister in Svendborg, second period.1889-04 Superintendent for Denmark.1881-86,1888-89, Editor for the Methodist1892-93 Church papers in Denmark.When the rev. J.J.Christensen moved to Copenhagen in October 1873, thenewly appointed Superintendent Karl Schou had taken over the leadership of theMethodist Church in Denmark after the rev. Chr.Willerup.The new Superintendent must have valued J.J.Christensen's Education andabilities highly as he appointed the 28 year old minister to the largestMethodist Congregation in Denmark which was at that time Jersusalem MethodistChurch.At the Annual Conference in Vejle 1881 which was under the leadership ofBishop Jesse T. Peck, the rev. J.J.Christensen was appointed to the MethodistCongregation in Copenhagen for the second time. He continued the work he hadleft some years ago. The writer of the Biography of the rev.J.J.Christensen,the rev. C.Nielsen, was won for Christ and his Church during his first periodas minister in Copenhagen.The rev. J.J.Christensen was a good speaker, preacher and counsellor ofSouls. During the 37 years he was in the Service of the Church he gatheredpeople in an increasing number under his pulpit. He used to sing in themeetings and in the Divine services and this helped to create a good spiritual

37atmosphere.The rev. C.Nielsen tells us that J.J.Christensen was a Preacher of theGrace of God. His ability to preach was not met by any preacher in theMethodist Church and hardly by anyone outside the Church.His teacher and father in Christ, the Superintendent Chr. Willerup, thathe esteemed throughout his whole life could not be compared with him as apreacher.It was the old Gospel concerning sin and Grace that he proclaimed with aclarity that people remembered.The Editor Nyberg wrote in the Methodist paper that he remembered aSermon delivered in Horsens when he was only 15 years old. Later he comparedhis preaching with a Sermon that he had listened to in Central Hall, London,by Disdale T.Young.The rev. L.C.Larsen tells a similar story. He remembered even thedisposition of a Sermon he had heard as a child:1. Man is not what he used to be.2. Man is not what he ought to be.3. Man is not what he can be.At the first quarterly meeting in Vejle August 11, 1867, he wascharacterized as an admonisher. At this Conference he was recommended as a LayPreacher who could be sent out as a travelling Preacher. He functioned as suchfrom 1867-74. The first six years he was an assistant preacher, and theseventh year he was in charge of the Congregation..c. THE FIRST ORDINATION IN DENMARK BY A METHODIST BISHOPThe year August 30, 1874 he was ordained as a Deacon in Copenhagen byBishop William R. Harris together with 5 Swedish Methodists; and August 31 thesame year,to an Elder in the Methodist Church.This was the first ordination performed in Denmark by a MethodistBishop. Boy Schmidt, Markus Nielsen andChr. Sörensen had beenordained earlier in Germany.In the Summer 1873 he took part in the first District Meeting togetherwith nine other Church workers. This was under the leadership ofSuperintendent Karl Schou. This meeting was of great importance for thecontinued work in the Church. See what the rev. Niels Mann write about thismeeting in "Historisk Aarsskrift 1933", p.51.When Superintendent Karl Schou died July 31, 1889, the rev.J.J.Christensen took over the work. At the Conference that yearJ.J.Christensen and Chr.Thaarup were appointed "Presiding Elders". One of theministers should preside over Copenhagen District and the other over JyllandDistrict. When Bishop Charles H. Fowler appointed J.J.Christensen for theOffice of Superintendent he took over both Districts. Chr.Thaarup managed onlyto lead one quarterly Conference.It is told that the 15 years that Christensen was Superintendent was themost fruitful years in the Danish Methodist History. Under his leadershipthere were organized 8 new Congregations, 13 new Churches built as well as 2Churches were rebuilt and extended. The membership was doubled. The MethodistYouth work prospered, the economy was bettered and a great optimism was foundin the Church.His home-life, that he loved, is also described in his biography. Hiswife Caroline Nielsine Christensen played an important part in his success asa minister. She was born Jörgensen March 24, 1854 in "Östergaard" near Vejle.The rev.J.J.Christensen loved his home and the home-life, but Friday 29,1904 he was called to his Heavenly Home in his 59th year.The rev. C.Nielsen has written a book in the Series of " HistoriskAarsskrift for Methodistkirken i Danmark 1935", 96 pages, which is a Biographyof J.J.Christensen who is the third Superintendent of the Methodist work inDenmark. In this book the work of the Superintendent is recorded in moredetail that this work permit..c.4. BISHOP ANTON BAST (1867-1937)

38In Northern Europe the Methodist Church was lead by American Bishops.This meant that the highest legislative power of the Church within the CentralConference was under the leadership of American Bishops, who came from Americato preside over the Conferences. The Cultures,political powers, languages andproblems in Northern Europe are different from those in America.In Sweden the Church was organized as a Mission Fellowship from 1868with the rev. Victor Witting as the Superintendent until 1873 when BishopRandolph S. Foster presided over the Conference. Then followed Bishop WilliamL.Harris 1874 and Bishop Matthew Simpson 1875. The only one who spoke Swedishwas Victor Witting who was born in Malmö, Sweden, March 7, 1825. He went toNew York where he landed in October 1847. November 10, 1867 he arrived inGothenburg appointed by the Bishop for this charge..c.THE SWEDISH AND NORWEGIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCES ORGANIZEDIn 1876 the Methodist Annual Conference was organized in Uppsala. Thesame year the Norwegian Annual Conference was organized in Kristiania, nowOslo. The Conferences in Oslo and Uppsala as well as the following yearsConferences were presided over by Bishop Edgar G. Andrews.From 1876 to 1919 when Bishop William F. Anderson presided ; 28different Bishops had been in the chair. This meant that in cut the Bishopspresided over 1.5 Conferences each except for Bishop William Burt who presidedover 7 Conferences in a row.One can imagine what it is like to have all the business transactionsinterpreted from one language to another and back again. It is also trying tolisten to all Sermons interpreted. In addition to these facts; the Bishop hadno permanent residence in Northern Europe..c.THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN METHODIST BISHOPWith this background you can imagine what it felt like when the GeneralConference of the Methodist Church appointed and consecrated the rev. AntonBast as Bishop for Northern Europe 1920. He was a Dane and his language wasunderstood throughout Northern Europe, and he had a permanent address inCopenhagen.Anton Bast was born in Lökken, Denmark, September 8, 1867. Lökken is oneof the centers for the Danish fishing industry, so he was often called "thefisher-boy" from Lökken.Anton Bast became a Methodist preacher 1890, only 23 years old. As aMethodist Minister he started the Central Mission in Jerusalem Church inCopenhagen. This Mission had a broad social program helping unfortunatepeople, people out of work and other poor people.Anton Bast was leader for this Mission from the start in 1906 until1926. Due to his work among poor people he was sometimes called "The poorpeoples minister" in Copenhagen. He had a warm heart for all men in need. Thewords in the "Suomi Song" warmed his heart. I will try to translate the wordseven if they don't sound as heartwarming in translation as in the originallanguage:" Brother, do you own a heart,In its charm and in its pain..."One of the first things he asked the Congregations, they told me inHelsingfors, was to get the records in order and to write down the history ofthe work of the local Methodist Congregations. Helsingfors had already donethis through the rev. Karl Hurtig, and his son the rev. Mansfield Hurtig whocontinued to gather and edit Methodist history in Finland and Sweden. Both menhad historical interests.I expect that the Bishops appeal made results in other congregationsthroughout Northern Europe.Bishop Anton Bast presided over the following four Annual Conferences inSweden:1920 in Gävle.

391921 " Uppsala.1922 " Norrköping.1924 " Limhamn.In Norway he conducted five Annual Conferences according to thefollowing plan:1920 in Bergen Central Methodist Church.1921 " Sandefjord.1922 " Kristiania, now Oslo, together withBishop William Burt.1923 " Fredrikshald, now Halden.1924 " Stavanger..c.THE METHODIST BISHOPS RESIDENCE IN COPENHAGENBishop Anton Bast had his residence in Copenhagen which is a centralpoint for work in Northern Europe. From Copenhagen the Bishop could reach theMethodist Congregations in the whole of Fenno-Scandia.Bishop Anton Bast's period as a Bishop was short, from 1920 until heretired as a Bishop 1928.It has been difficult to find literature concerning Bishop Anton Bastand his work. It seems to be a great silence around the man and his work.Bishop Anton Bast died in Copenhagen April 23, 1937, and from 1928Bishop Raymond J. Wade took over the episcopacy in Northern Europe until 1939when World war II broke out.He was the one who made Stockholm the center for the Bishops residencein Northern Europe until Bishop Hans Växby moved it to Helsingfors when he waselected Bishop in Gävle, Sweden, 1988.During World War II, Ministers in the different Nordic Countries chairedthe Conferences, and since the war the Office of the Bishop has been held byMinisters from Northern Europe who have been consecrated for the Office of aMethodist Bishop.********.c.SWEDENa. A short Methodist History in Sweden.The English Engineer Samuel Owen is counted as the Swedish steamshipbuilders father. He was called to Sweden to build steamships. He brought withhim skilled workers from England. Some of these men were Methodists. Theypetitioned the Wesley Missionary Society in London to send a preacher toStockholm.In 1826 the rev. J.R.Stephens was sent as an answer to the request fromthe Methodists. He stayed four years preaching and counseling to the Englishcitizens..i..c.GEORGE SCOTT SUCCEEDED J.R. STEPHENSIn 1830 the rev., Dr. George Scott succeeded Stephens. He did not onlypreach for the English Methodists, but also for the Swedes as he, as alinguist, had required knowledge of the Swedish language. His work was sosuccessful that a Methodist Church was erected in Stockholm 1840.Dr.George Scott used methods in his evangelistic work that was notcommon in Sweden at that time. He extended his work also to culturalactivities, social work and he also worked for temperance. He got friends allover the Country, and especially in the Valley of Sweden. This was due topersons who had been converted through his work in Stockholm. The rev.,Dr.Carl Thunström wrote an article about Dr.Scott and his work in SvenskaSändebudet, January 14, 1960,p.62. He wrote that Dr.Scott had two good friendsin Falun. They were the printer P.A.Huldberg and the School teacher GustavaRöhl. These two persons helped him in his work.Dr.Scott distributed pamphlets and Bibles. He got friends through his

missionary work, and through his distributors of Christian literature. Thiswas especially done in the Valley which was mainly within Västerås Diocese.Here he distributed 3.000 Bibles in 100 Perishes in the named Diocese. TheBibles were distributed according to the following plan:40

41Leksand got 500 copiesGagnef " 340 "Rättvik " 220 "Orsa " 90 "Mora " 230 "St.Tuna " 130 "Falun " 250 "Malung " 350 "Norrbärke "Grangärde "180230""Nås " 100 "Ore " 200 "Differentplaces " 180 "It was the British Bible Society that financed the distribution of thefree copies of the Bible.Two women teachers in Orsa together with a teacher who moved to Orsafrom Hälsingland, Hybjörns-Jonas, started the Bible revival that is knownunder the name of "Orsa-Readers". Through these Bible-Readers several personsof importance for the Christian Movement was converted to a living andconscious Christianity.Sweden had a Law called "Konventikelplakatet" that passed under thereign of King Fredrik I. This Law was in force from 1726-1858, and itprohibited "Konventiklar", private religious meetings, unless a State Churchminister was present.After a riot in Dr.Scott`s Church in Stockholm he was forbidden toconduct Services in the Swedish language in his Church. Due to this Law,"Konventikelplakatet", he had to leave Sweden in 1842..i..c.NEW INTEREST IN DR. SCOTT'S WORKIn Stockholm, Sweden, a book has been printed which relates to Methodisthistory in Sweden. The title of the book is:"150 Years in the House of the Lord. TheBethlehem Churches 1840-1990".The author is Allan Hofgren. The book tells the story of the pioneers inthe Free Church Movements in Sweden, and two of the Free Churches inStockholm.The book has some relation to the Methodist Mission in Sweden. SamuelOwen, the father of Swedish steam engines, came from Leeds to Stockholm in1804. He should install the machines that the head of the Swedish RoyalChancellery, Edelcrantz, had ordered from Leeds. Samuel Owen brought Englishworkers with him to Sweden.The engineer Samuel Owen was asked to stay in Sweden and start a machinefactory and a foundry. Owen had to take trained laborers from England. Thesewere Methodists. He asked the Methodist Mission Society in London to send aMethodist Preacher to Stockholm to minister to the spiritual needs of thelaborers.

42The rev. Josef R. Stephens arrived in Stockholm 1826 and stayed onlyfour years. He was succeeded by the 26 year old George Scott, who had beenordained the same year. In the named book we read that George Scott arrivedwith the schooner "Emmanuel" 1830. When he went ashore he fell overboard andhad to be drawn up from the water. This dramatic happenings is first page newsin the Stockholm paper DAGEN which has an article referring to the book andthe 150:th Anniversary January 24, 1991.George Scott built the first Bethlehem Church at Hötorget, Stockholm.This was the first Free Church Building in Sweden, and was called the EnglishChurch by people. This Church was pulled down 1953 to give room for newbuildings.George Scott was banished from Sweden 12 years after his arrival. Hisdeparting from Sweden was as dramatic as his arrival. Scott had to leave theCountry because of the opposition from the State Church and the liberal press.Both looked upon Scott as a heretic. His opponents were backed up by the lawof 1726 which stated that religious services had to be conducted by a StateChurch Minister.The rev. George Scott had started a religious and cultural work inSweden that could`t be stopped.When he had to leave Sweden the work continued by C.O.Rosenius whofounded the Swedish National Foundation, Fosterlandsstiftelsen, which is aFree Church with connection to the State Church in Sweden.When the old Bethlehem Church was pulled down in 1953 a new BethlehemChurch was erected in a new part of the town.I can mention that in 1858 the law of 1726 was abolished and the FreeChurches were allowed to work and preach in Sweden. Dr. George Scott, thepioneer Methodist worker in Sweden, was invited back to Sweden, and he got hisrehabilitation. He was honored by the State Church, and as a sign of the newattitude, he was invited to go beside the Archbishop of Sweden in a processionin Uppsala Cathedral. Henrik Reuterdahl was bishop in Lund from 1855-56 andArch-bishop in Uppsala 1856-1870.Dr. George Scott is today honored by all Churches and CulturalInstitutions in Sweden for his pioneer work in many fields both within Churchwork and outside the Church..c. METHODIST FROM BETHELSHIP IN NEW YORKIn 1850 Methodism entered again Sweden, and this time it came fromAmerica. It was John Peter Larsson (1826-1915), who had been converted inBethelship Church in New York, who returned to Sweden. As a layman he preachedthe Gospel.A revival broke out, and in 1854 the Mission Societyof the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed Larsson as a missionary to Sweden.He was ordained in Norway and retired after 37 years service in the MethodistChurch. The result of his work caused other Methodists converted in America toreturn to Scandinavia.The rev. Adrian Cederholm (1822 - 1867) came home to Sweden and startedto preach and held Methodist Services in 1865. This was on the Island ofGotland, the largest island of Sweden. On this island we find an old ChurchCulture from the Eastern Orthodox Church through the Roman Catholic Church upto the Lutheran State Church that took over all the Churches from the MiddleAges. Gotland is known for its many and beautiful old Churches. The rev.A.Cederholm died in Visby on the island of Gotland only 45 years old. He wasordained in 1857 in USA, and served the Methodist Church as a minister foronly ten years.In 1866 the rev. Victor Witting was transferred from America to Swedenand became the Methodist leader in Gothenburg. Methodist Societies wereorganized and Methodist Chapels were erected.In 1868 the Methodist work in Sweden was organized as a Mission with therev. Victor Witting as Superintendent for Methodism in Sweden.In 1873 the religious laws of Sweden were revised in a more liberal wayfor dissenters from the State Church. A widespread Evangelism started withhelp from Methodists converted in America who returned home to Sweden..i..c.THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE MOSAIC SOCIETY RECOGNIZED

43Normal Methodist work and activities developed and in 1876 the SwedishAnnual Conference was organized. This is an important historical date as theMethodist Ministers and the Jewish Rabbis were recognized by the Statealongside with the Lutheran State ministers. The two Denominations were alsopermitted to have their own Church records legalized and under the inspectionof the Governor of the County. This was a privilege that the other FreeChurches got through the Law of Freedom of Religion of 1951.Sweden has the Lutheran Church as a State Church since the Reformation.The King had to be a member of the State Church as had officials of high rankin the Government as well as teachers in universities and public Schools. Noperson could withdraw from the State Church without entering another Church.The Free Churches were characterized by Swedish law as"alien confession of faith".One of the pioneer labour leaders in Sweden, Hjalmar Branting (1860-1925), who was an atheist wished to withdraw from the State Church as well asfrom all religious affiliations. He was a leading radical socialist. Hiscertificate of dismissal was denied, unless he would designate the Church hewould join. In order to secure the certificate he said he was entering theMethodist Church. He got his certificate, but did not enter the MethodistChurch, as he had disavowed all religion.Later on he became Prime Minister for the Labour Government in twoperiods, 1921-23 and 1924-25. As he was listed as a Methodist on theGovernment records he could not take Office. In order to secure his politicalposition as Prime Minister he had to disavow his membership in the MethodistChurch, where he in reality had not been a member, and now he was againreceived as a member into the State Church. This reminds me about the Frenchprotestant King who had to be Roman Catholic to be crowned. He uttered :"Paris is worth a Mass !".c.FROM HOSTILITY TO ACCEPTANCEAs a contrast and a picture of the change in Religious attitudes I canrelate the following two happenings:In 1871 the rev. Johannes Nilsson (1841 - 1900) preached in Varberg. Hewas fined 150:- kronor and placed in prison for eleven days on a diet of breadand water. Another preacher was fined a similar amount of money for performinga marriage ceremony.In 1948 Bishop Theodore Arvidson took part in the 80th AnniversaryCelebration of Methodism in Kalmar. He was the guest of the Governor OttoWagnsson, the son of the rev. Gustaf Wagnsson (1857 - 1929) who served as aMethodist minister for 42 years. The rev. G.Wagnsson died in 1929 in the ageof 72 years .This showed a great progress in religious freedom as a liberal newspaperpointed out. It was in Kalmar, years ago, that a Methodist had been met in thedark alley by a mob and slain to death.In 1972 I was in Israel on a Course arranged by the Swedish Board ofEducation. All the members of the group were invited to the Swedish Ambassadorwho was the son of a Methodist Minister.Sunday April 5, 1992, I had to conduct two Divine Services in the StateChurch at short notice. I had to prepare the Service and the Sermon onSaturday. The two Churches were located in the Gothenburg Diocese. I did noteven have a Venia in that Diocese. I knew the Dean who phoned me. I had helpedhim in his Parish Churches earlier, so he knew what Methodism were all about.I am an ordained Deacon and an ordained Elder in the Methodist Church, so Ireckoned myself as an equal servant of the Church of Christ. In addition I amrecognized as a Lecturer in Religion, Philosophy and Psychology by the RoyalSwedish Board of Education, so times have changed.In this connection I can mention that the ecumenical spirit has changedto the better in the Country. The Methodist Church and the Lutheran StateChurch have theological dialogues with each other and if the Lutheran ChurchCouncil 1992 accepts the Document presented by the Theological Committee, thanan extended co-operation between the two Churches can take place. The twoChurches will than accept each others Ministers and Sacraments.

44The Methodist Church in Sweden, as in all Countries in Northern Europe,has experienced economic and structural changes which has influenced theChurch membership and its clergy. In 1941 many Ministers of the MethodistChurch were in financial distress caused by a complete breakdown in theeconomy of the local Congregations. This was partly due to the World War II.Here we find one of the reasons why many Methodist Ministers transferred tothe Lutheran State Church ministry as that Church had a shortage of ministers.In Norway the Methodist Ministers could not serve in the Norwegian StateChurch so they went to serve the Methodist Church in America instead.The Methodist Church has had to sell several of its Chapels located inthe Countryside since the members have moved into the urban communities. Thisis one of the results of the structural changes in the Country.What the Church will be like in the coming years only the future willtell us. The Methodist Church as other Free Churches have decreased inmembership. If the Church shall not be wiped out from the Swedish Society anew vitality and a revival that can meet the need of the people today mustcome soon.I can report that my observations show signs that a new optimism andhopes for the future are being shaped among the Methodist family since theBishop Hans Växby took Office 1989..c.ECUMENICAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE CHRISTIANITY IN RUSSIAIn 1988 before the fall of the Soviet Union the Moscow Patriarch gotBibles from Sweden in a unique Nordic project. The Institute for Bibletranslationsin Stockholm, Sweden, sent 10.000 Bibles in the Russian languageto the Patriarch in Moscow. This was the first time in 40 years that theRussian Orthodox Church got official permission to receive Bibles or studyBibles from abroad. This shipment of Bibles were unique in the way that theywere a special Study Bible. It is counted as the most important Theologicalwork of the Orthodox Church in the Russian language. The Bible was firstprinted in the beginning of the Century, and was the work of the foremostRussian Theologians at that time. This was the first reprint of the StudyBible which includes 3 volumes and 6.300 pages. The reprint was a gift fromthe Christians in the Nordic Countries: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden,Greenland, Island and the Fair Isles. This present was given to the OrthodoxChurch in connection with the celebration of Christianity introduction toRussia. The Bible editions weight was 40 tons and was printed in Sweden, whilethe money for paying the printing cost and transport was collected in all theabove mentioned Countries.In a telegram to the Institute for Bible-translation, the MetropolisFilaret, chief for the Russian Orthodox Church`s Foreign Office, reports:" We will receive the brotherly gift from theChristians in Scandinavia (which means NorthernEurope) withthankfulness, given to thefaithful believers inthe Russian OrthodoxChurch. We ask you to send thefirstinstallments of 10.000 Bibles withcomments toour address."********.c.METHODIST THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN SWEDENIn 1989 the Methodist Church in Sweden was celebrating the 115thAnniversary for Methodist Theological Education in the Country.The pastoral Education of the Methodist Church started in February 1,1874 in Trinity Church, Örebro. The Education continued in this Church for twoyears, after that it was moved to St.Paul`s Methodist Church in Stockholm. TheTheological Education continued in this Church from 1876-1883. After that itmoved to St.John`s Methodist Church in Uppsala, the oldest University town inSweden founded 1477.The Methodist School of Theology continued in Uppsala from 1888 to 1923when the School moved to Gothenburg and became both a National and a NordicSchool.In 1988 The Union Methodist Theological Seminary , Gothenburg,

45celebrated its 65th Anniversary. During the 65 years of the School inGothenburg 854 persons have received their Education, and been trained for theMethodist Ministry in Northern Europe and on the Mission fields.Friday March 10 through Sunday March 12, 1989 the 65th Anniversary wascelebrated in the Seminary, and in St.Jakob`s Methodist Church, Gothenburg.The Dean of the Seminary the rev. Tord Ireblad and two of the 13 Deans fromthe American Theological Schools on a study tour of Europe took part in thecelebration. The Council for Higher Education and Pastoral Service of theInternational Methodist Church had taken the initiative for dialogue with theEuropean Methodist Churches and their Theological Institutions. Their task wasto study the Theological Educational programs in the different Bishops Areasin Europe. The Director for the Council was Dr.Donald Treese.********.c.THE BIBLE IN SWEDISH CELEBRATED 450 YEARS 1991The Bible in the Swedish language celebrated its 450th Anniversary 1991.It was 1541 that the first Bible was printed in Sweden. The Bible translationwas named after the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. This, the Vasa-Bible, is basicfor the Swedish language.The reformer Martin Luther edited a translation of the Greek NewTestament into the German language in 1522 and the whole Bible 1534. Already1526 the New Testament was printed in the Swedish language. The translationfollowed the German translation that Martin Luther had made from the Greeklanguage. The whole Bible in the Swedish language was edited in 1541 asalready mentioned.The next translation came 1703 and is called Karl XII`s Bible. The thirdtranslation appeared 1917 and was authorized by King Gustav V, and thetranslation was named after him.The Swedish Theologians in the Bible Commission have worked on a newtranslation from the original Greek and Hebrew languages for several years.The New Testament was printed 1981, and from now on the translations are notnamed after the Swedish King. The whole Bible in Swedish translation that willbe based on Hebrew and Greek texts is estimated to be printed 1997..i..c.THE BIBLE PROMOTES GENERAL EDUCATION IN SWEDENWhen the first Swedish Bible appeared, an educational boom startedthroughout the Country. The translators were the Swedish reformers LaurentiusPetri, Olaus Petri and Laurentius Andrae. King Gustav Vasa was against thetranslation of the Bible. He had a Court to sentence the translators to death,but the sentence was never carried out. The Bible should not have carried theKings name, but should have been called the Reformers Bible.I mentioned that the Bible started an Educational boom in Sweden. Peoplehad to be educated in Schools. They had to learn to write and read, so thatthey could benefit from the new translation of the Bible. One of the Swedishreformers, Olaus Petri, wrote a book:"A Useful Education".This was the first reformation literature in the Swedish language. Withthe Bible, authors got a language that they could use to express their ideas.The reformation ministers could now preach in the language that was understoodby the ordinary people instead of in latin that only the learned people knew.The Swedish university student even today have to know the Bible if theyare going to understand the authors of the Swedish National literature. TheBible has still a great place in the Swedish Culture thanks to the reformersand their translation of the Bible in 1541.Dr.Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen went to Skara 1991 to meet the Bishop Lars-Göran Lönnermark for a theological dialogue. The Bishop is head of the oldestDiocese in Sweden; the Skara Diocese. The town of Skara was celebrating its1.000 years Anniversary 1990.The Church had an exhibition in its Library, located across theCathedral, to celebrate the 450th Anniversary of the Bible.Among the Bibles on the Exhibition there were Hebrew, Greek and Latin

46Bibles as well as Wulfilas or Ulfilas` Gothic Bible from the 5th Century,printed 1671. There were Swedish Bibles from the Middle Ages called Bibliapauperum.King Gustaf II Adolf`s crowning Bible from 1618, Karl XII`s Bible from1703 and Jesper Swedberg`s Skara Bible from 1728 as well as Fredrik I`s Bibleof 1736 was also to be found in the collection. The Archbishop Jesper Swedbergwas the father to Emanuel Svedenborg, the founder of the New Church.One of the more interesting Bibles was a Bible which had belonged toPhilip Melanchton (1497-1560). Melanchton was Martin Luther`s co-worker in theProtestant Reformation in Germany. He is one of the Reformers whose theologyis not orthodox Lutheran. His theology is more like the Methodist theology. Hehas therefore been named the Methodist before Methodism. Philip Melanchton`stheology has had the greatest influence in the Lutheran congregations whileMartin Luther`s theology has been the leading light at the Universities inLund and Uppsala.The persons responsible for the Bible exhibition in Skara were BishopLars-Göran Lönnermark and the County Librarian Arne Sträng.Bishop Lönnermark and Lecturer Kristoffersen discussed among othersubjects the theology of the Methodist Church and the Lutheran Church. Adialogue between the two Churches has been going on for several years. Thereport from the dialogue was ratified by the Swedish Methodist AnnualConference 1985. The report was unfortunately not accepted by the LutheranChurch Council of that year. The Council appointed a new Committee to presenta more detailed view of the Methodist Doctrine of Baptism. The reneweddialogue started 1985 and the result will be presented at the next LutheranChurch Council.********b. Some Methodist Leaders in Sweden..c.1.GEORGE SCOTT (1804-1874).Methodism was first introduced to Sweden from America by way of Englandthrough the Lutheran State Church Minister Dr. C.G.Wrangel who was the SupremeChaplain to Adolf Fredrik, King of Sweden.He contacted John Wesley on his way home from the Swedish colony, NewSweden, in America. A spiritual friendship developed between these twoReligious leaders who inspired each other in the work for the Kingdom of God.John Wesley inspired Dr.C.G.Wrangel to found a Society in Sweden for thepropagation of Christian literature. The result was"Societas svecana Pro fid'e et christianis'mo",the Society for faith and Christianity. It is mostly know under the name Profide et christianismo. The Society was founded 1771 in Stockholm, and its goalwas to promote Christian faith and morality through printing of books anderecting Schools.The second time Methodism came to Sweden, it was introduced directlyfrom England. It was the rev. Joseph R. Stephens who was sent to Sweden by theMethodist Mission Board in London after the request of Methodist workers inthe civil engineer Samuel Owen's steam boat industry in Stockholm. The rev.Stephens stayed for a four year period from 1826 to 1830.Dr.George Scott, who was born in Scotland, came to Stockholm as the rev.Stephens successor. He did not only preach in English to the Englishimmigrants, but he soon learned the Swedish language and started to preach inSwedish.A revival started among the Swedes, and soon Dr.Scott was deported fromSweden due to the law of 1726, which prohibited religious meetings andpreaching by other persons than State Church Ministers.Dr.G.Scott is counted as a Methodist pioneer in Sweden. Before he had toleave the Country he managed to do a lot of religious work that later onshould give results both spiritually and culturally. I have written an articleabout how Methodism released spiritual and cultural powers through his work inSweden. The article appeared in London Quarterly & Holborn Review, April 1960.

47There is more written about Methodist work in Northern Europe in my twomanuscripts:1. Northern Europe Today. An Introduction toCulture and Religion in the five NordicCountries. The New Europe,p.27:1.2. The Church beneath the Northern Lights.Fenno-Scandian Historical Theology, pp.42-53.These two works have to be consulted for a more detailed presentation ofDr. George Scott's work.Dr.Scott influenced both the Methodist Church, the State Church andother Cultural Movements in Sweden through his religious activities. He wasindirectly even the cause of the birth of two Free Churches in Sweden throughCarl Olof Rosenius (1816-1868) who was converted by Dr.Scott`s work. Roseniuscontinued the religious work in the English Church when Dr.Scott had to leaveSweden. The English Church was consecrated 1840 and was renamedBetlehemskyrkan 1858. The one movement that started by Rosenius wasEvangeliska Fosterlandsstiftelse, The Evangelical National Foundation, and theother denomination broke out from this movement and founded SvenskaMissionsförbundet, Swedish Covenant Church, 1878.Methodism through the young and fiery twenty-six year old preacherreleased other movements as well. Among these were the religious-culturalmovement which goes under the name of Nykterhets rörelsen, the AbstinenceMovement. This movement started 1830 inspired by Dr.Scott, and was organized1837 under the name Svenska Nykterhetsselskapet, the Swedish AbstinenceSociety. One of the the great figures in this movement was the Dean and ReaderPeter Wieselgren (1800-1877). He said:" We have the Methodists to thank for theunconquerable fight which is now going onin our Country against drunkenness".The Methodist Church in Sweden is an expression for the continuedspiritual and cultural contacts between England and Northern Europe. Thiscontact with the English speaking world continued with the American profaneculture as well as with the religious movements intermediated from America toSweden.********.c.2. MAGNUS FREDRIK ÅHGREN (19/10 1850-11/9 1937).The Methodist Ministers have of tradition been counted as goodpreachers.I remember when I attended the Methodist Seminary in Gothenburg, I wassent to Svartå-Åtorp Methodist District in December 1950 to take charge offive Methodist Chapels during my Christmas and New Year Holidays from theSchool of Theology.After the Divine Service in the Chapel in Svartå I was invited to dinnerat the family Karl Johan Larson. When I entered the house the radio was on.The program was in the middle of a Divine Service and the preacher was on. Isaid to Alcy, the wife of the house, either it is a Methodist preacher or avery good State Church Minister. She said that it was the rev. HerbertLihndaker (+ 17/6-1955) of the Methodist Church. He was a minister belongingto the great Methodist preaching tradition in Sweden.There have been several outstanding orators among Methodist preachers inSweden. People are still talking about certain outstanding preachers. One ofthem is the rev. M.F.Åhgren.When I went to a Methodist Ministers Meeting in Gothenburg, one of theretired Ministers told some memories from the outstanding preaching of therev. Åhgren. I will mention him in this connection as a representative for thetradition of Methodist Preaching in Sweden..c. ARCHBISHOP NATHAN SÖDERBLOM AND THE REV. ÅGREN

48It has been told me that the Arch Bishop Nathan Söderblom (1866-1931)told his students when he was a Professor in Uppsala University, that if theywanted to learn to preach they had to go to the Methodist Church to listen andlearn. He added, that was what he had done. The preacher he was talking aboutwas the rev. Åhgren. Söderblom was appointed Professor in Uppsala 1901.Magnus Fredrik Åhgren was born in Styrestad Congregation in ÖstergötlandOctober 19, 1850. He grew up and came to Norrköping. The rev. C.A.Stenholm wasMethodist minister in Norrköping at that time. Under his guidance Åhgren wasconverted.After a time in Norrköping Åhgren moved to Örebro where he took part inthe work in the Methodist Church as a local preacher. He moved from Örebro toGothenburg where he worked in the Church's Publishing House where they alsoprinted the Methodist weekly Church paper.In 1872 he was appointed as preacher in Majorna in Gothenburg where heshowed his talent as a preacher. Under his leadership the Congregationsmembership grew rapidly. He was ordained a Deacon 1875 and the same year atthe Annual Conference in Visby, Gotland, he was appointed to Jönköping wherehe founded a Methodist Congregation which at that time was counted as one ofthe best ones in Sweden.After a years work in Jönköping he asked the Conference to be localized.The reason was that he wanted to go to America. He went in company with theMethodist Superintendent C.A.Stenholm.In America Åhgren was appointed to a Congregation in Chicago 1876. Theyear 1877 he was ordained an Elder. During his stay in America he was alsotutor in the Swedish Methodists Preachers training School.After three years in America he returned to Sweden 1879 and was now sentto Gävle where he was successful as a preacher.As many people came to believe in Jesus Christ because of his preachingit was necessary to build a Methodist Church in the town. In April 1881 thenew Church could be consecrated. Åhgren stayed in Gävle for three years whichwas the longest term the Methodist ministers were allowed to stay in the sameplace at that time.Åhgren was moved to Uppsala 1882 where he was stationed for two yearswhen he 1884 was appointed to Presiding Elder for Stockholm District. He heldthis position until 1889 when he at the Annual Conference in Visby was sent toStockholm together with the rev. E.A.W.Schütz to be in charge of St.Peter'sMethodist Church and the Church's Publishing House.The next year the rev. Schütz was sent to Uppsala and the rev. Åhgrenwas now appointed to St.Peter's Church in Stockholm. Åhgren was taken ill andwent to Helsingborg to recover from his illness. He stayed in Helsingborguntil 1894 when he was moved to St.Paul's Methodist Church in Stockholm.The rev. Åhgren had several positions of trust in the Methodist Churchin Sweden. He belonged to the Board of Education and to the Publishing House.In 1888 he was a delegate to the Methodist General Conference. He was alsoDelegate to the Congress of the Evangelical Alliance in Copenhagen, Denmark.He took part in the first Ecumenical Methodist Conference in London 1881. From1951 this Conference changed its name to the World Methodist Council. He tookpart in the Methodist Planning Conference in Berlin.The rev M.F.Åhgren served the Methodist Church for 41 years in severalcapacities. In spite of all the years service in the Methodist Church indifferent positions, he will be remembered as one of the outstanding preachersin the Methodist Church in Sweden.In 1895 it was written about him in an article:Åhgren is an extraordinarily gifted spiritual orator and preacher.The modern Methodist Ministers have a great preaching tradition to carry on tonew generations in the Church life in Sweden.********.c.3. BISHOP THEODOR ARVIDSON (1883 - 1964)The rev. Theodore Arvidson of Sweden was elected Bishop for NorthernEuropean Central Conference in Gothenburg 1946. He had acted as PresidingElder over the Swedish Conference since 1940 in the absents of Bishop R.J.Wadewho was unable to be in the chair of the Conference due to World War II.

49I remember that the rev. Th.Arvidson was the main guest preacher at theNorwegian Annual Conference in Trondheim, Norway, 1945. Dr.Alf Kristoffersen,later Lier, was the Presiding Elder of the Conference, and the rev.,Dr.E.Anker Nilsen was the Secretary.The rev.Th.Arvidson was an excellent preacher and the Methodist peoplein Norway talked about his Biblical Sermons, his friendliness and his goodhumor. I was at that time attending the Junior College in Harstad, Norway,where I was reading for my Associate in Arts (A.A.).What impressed me was his powerful formulations that I remembered longafter they were uttered in his Sermon.At the time he was preaching in Trondheim, a vogue of Baptist ideasstirred up the minds of many religious people in the Conference. I remember aSermon he delivered about Baptism, and especially the following words:" So, one dip down a dry sinner,and raise up a wet sinner !"He obviously meant that it was not the amount of water that made theperson a Christian, but the faith in Gods action through Jesus Christ thatmade the candidate for Baptism acceptable, gave him his forgiveness of sinsand made him a child of God by adoption. The Baptism was a symbol for thismighty new creating act of God.In 1946 he Presided over the Annual Conference in Norway in Sarpsborgwhere Methodism in Norway had its first stronghold. Then it followed sixConferences of which the last one was in Bergen Central Methodist Church 1952.Bishop Th.Arvidson was born in Järpås in the County of Skaraborg,October 13, 1883..c.FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO CHURCH SERVICEWhen he was 20 years old, 1903, he entered the Methodist School ofTheology. He was recommended by the Emmanuel Methodist Church in Gothenburg.After his graduation from the Theological Seminary he fulfilled the requiredfour years course of Conference studies. He travelled to England and Germanyfor further studies.Bishop Th.Arvidson was a Minister of Methodist Churches in Växjö,Östersund and St.Peter Methodist Church in Stockholm.In 1931 he was appointed Director for the Methodist Publishing House,Nya Bokförlags Aktiebolaget. He was further made Manager for the MethodistHead Office in Stockholm.Bishop Th.Arvidson`s Spiritual and Practical capacity was made use ofwithin the Methodist Church as well as outside his own Church. He was a memberof the Board of the Ecumenical Committee, Palmgren School, the BethanyHospital and several other Institutions.Four times he was elected delegate for the Swedish Annual Conference tothe Methodist General Conference in USA. He was also Secretary for the NorthEuropean Central Conference for several years.The rev., Dr. Carl Thunström tells us in an article of Mars 12, 1964,that was a tribute to Bishop Th.Arvidson that the Bishop had an esteemedposition among the Swedish Christians partly because of his position in theEcumenical Movement, through his Christian character and his talents,especially his knowledge of languages..c.A METHODIST HONORED WORLDWIDEThrough his travels throughout the world he won friends in all parts ofthe World. He was honored with an honorary degree from a University in USA1948. From the highest authority in Sweden he was honored with the Order ofthe North Star.I remember that when Bishop Th.Arvidson visited India, a Mission Stationwas named in honor of him. The Theodory Mission was the name of the newMethodist Mission.In the paper of the Swedish Covenant Church "Svensk Veckotidning" forMars 20, 1964, the Editor writes the following about the Bishop:

50"Th.Arvidson was a generous and fine personality,a preacher worth listening to. He was apreacher with good report also within the SwedishCovenant Church."In the Norwegian Methodist Church weekly "Kristelig Tidende" 1964,p.179, the rev. Reidar Thomassen wrote:" Bishop Th.Arvidson`s preaching wasuncomplicated, Biblical and presented with awarm heart. It was always with expectation andhappiness that one sat under his pulpit."The rev. R. Thomassen continued:" He understood how to create festivities both inthe Congregation and in the home. In the parsonagehe created a warm family feeling, it was like theexperience one has when a father returns home".Bishop Th.Arvidson`s death was not only a loss for the Methodist Churchbut also for his wife Ia, born Killander, his two daughters Karin married tothe Architect Sixten Wahlen and Inga-Britt,SRN, and his two sons Bertil,Ambassador in Oslo at the time, and Gunnar, for a time Editor of Stockholm`sTidning and later a TV-personality.What I have reported should be enough to give a picture of a Methodistleader with good contacts with ordinary people as well as with learned men andwomen.********.i..c.5. THE REV. PROFESSOR THORVALD KÄLLSTAD (1918 - 1989)Thorvald Källstad, who died November 25,1989, was an outstandingMethodist in Sweden. He was counted as Mr. Methodist in Sweden. He was tutorat the Union Methodist Theological Seminary in Gothenburg, Sweden, for 30years. He was President for the same Seminary from 1963 - 1974, when he wasappointed Professor in Psychology of Religion at Uppsala University.The rev. Thorvald Källstad was a member of the Swedish Parliament from1961 - 1973. He represented the Liberal Party. During his stay in theParliament he managed to have a law past that gave the Free Church Ministersan extended lawful right to perform marriages on the same basis as theLutheran State Church Ministers..c.THORVALD KÄLLSTAD'S EDUCATIONThorvald Källstad received a very good education. He graduated from TheUnion Methodist Seminary, Gothenburg, 1941. He earned his fil.kand. (B.A.) atStockholm University 1944, and teol.kand. (B.D.) from Uppsala University in1949. In 1959 he graduated with his teol.lic (Th.L.). In June 5, 1974, he waspromoted Doctor of Theology ( teol.dr.) at Uppsala University. He disputedfor the Degree with his dissertation:JOHN WESLEY AND THE BIBLE. A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY.He was appointed Professor in Psychology of Religion at UppsalaUniversity 1975 on the Chair that Professor Hjalmar Sundèn had occupied.In 1977 he made history as he was appointed Decanus, Dean, of theTheological Faculty at Uppsala University. For the first time in the SwedishChurch History a Methodist Minister hold the position of Principal for aLutheran Theological Faculty.Uppsala University was founded on St. Birgitta's Day, October 7,1477, bythe initiative of the Roman Catholic Archbishop Jakob Ulvsson. The Universitygot sanction from the Pope and letter of privilege from the SwedishParliament.The University started with three Faculties: Theology, Philosophy andLaw. Today the University has seven Faculties under the leadership of a

51Decanus, Dean, for each faculty.When Thorvald Källstad wasappointed Professor there were 155 Professors, 15.000 students and 4.000employees at the University.The Theological Faculties main Building is from 1700 and is calledDEKANHUSET, the House of the Dean. When Professor Källstad took over as Decanthe Theological Faculty had 800 students including the candidates for thedegree of Doctor of Theology. There were further 10 Professors in Theology and50 assistant teachers, office workers and Librarians.As I mentioned before every Faculty at the University has a Decanus,Dean, as its leader. Professor Källstad made history being the first MethodistMinister in this position..i..c.KÄLLSTAD AS AN AUTHORProfessor Källstad was an active writer. He was the author of numerousarticles in daily papers, Church magazines and periodicals. He wrote severalbooks, and among them I can mention the following literature:1. In 1943 he wrote "Youth and Decision", whichunderlines the need for a full decision forChrist.2. In 1947 he edited a book "Kristi Kyrka i Kamp","The Fighting Church of Christ".3. In 1954 he wrote the book "Trons Väg", "TheRoad of Faith". This book has been used as abasic book in Methodist teachings. It has alsobeen used as an instruction book forpreparation for Confirmation both in theMethodist Church and other Churches.4. Concerning "The Four Foundation Stones of theChurch: The Bible, Tradition, Experience andthe Mind". This book appeared in 1988 and theSwedish title was: " Bibeln, traditionen,erfarenheten och förståndet".5. At the age of 70 Källstad published his bookentitled "Sincere Religion", which describesJohn Wesley's way from duty-religion viamysticism to faith in Christ.6. Källstad lost one of his sons, Henrik, througha sudden death; and in this connection he wrotethe book "Guds Signaler", "The Signals of God",which has been of great help for many people ingrief.In his Doctors dissertation that I got from him; he wrote the followingdedication:" To my friend Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen with warmgreetings and hope that you will further yourlove to and understanding for our Church Father.Sincere best wishes, Thorvald K-d.Uppsala, the Day of Promotion. June 5th 1974."On the dust-cover of his academic dissertation one reads among others, thefollowing:" According to Dr.Källstad an applicableinstrument for the study of Wesley's use of theBible has been made available in the form of therole theory presented by Professor HjalmarSundèn, the first holder of the Chair ofPsychology of Religion in the ScandinavianCountries at the University of Uppsala. For thefirst time this method is applied to John Wesleywith the purpose of giving a psychologicalinterpretation of certain traits in Wesley'sreligious development and of his personality.

52Dr. Källstad makes entirely new contribution tothe Wesley research up to the year of 1739".Källstad got a Reader`s qualification for his Disputation and wasappointed Professor at Uppsala University from 1:st of November 1975. Hesucceeded his teacher Hjalmar Sundèn..c.THE FIRST METHODIST AS DEAN IN A LUTHERAN FACULTYAs I have already mentioned, Källstad was the first Methodist Ministerto hold the position of Decanus, Dean, of the Theological Faculty at UppsalaUniversity. He was a Free Church Minister leading the Educational Facultyeducating State Church Ministers.With regard to Källstad`s work in the Methodist Ministry, he entered theSwedish Annual Conference on trial in 1940 when he was 22 years old. He wasordained Deacon 1942 and an Elder 1944. From 1940-45 he served KungsholmenMethodist Church in Stockholm. From 1945-47 he was minister in the MethodistChurch in Kungsbacka south of Gothenburg.At the age of 27 he was appointed tutor at the Methodist Union School ofTheology. This Seminary served the Methodist Church in Northern Europe exceptfor the finish speaking Methodists who have their own School in Helsingforsdue to the language problems.Thorvald Källstad was elected delegate to the Methodist GeneralConference in USA three times, and in the Fall of 1958 he was an exchangeminister in Carter Memorial Methodist Church, Needham Heights, Boston, USA.Dr.Källstad was appointed Principal for the School of Theology inGothenburg 1963, and he held this position till 1976 when he moved to Uppsala.During his time as Dean of the Seminary he called me to lecture inGothenburg, and I held this position until 1977, a year after Källstad hadleft the Seminary for Uppsala University. The lecturing at the Seminary wasdone in addition to my work at Tingsholmsgymnasiet, State Junior College, inUlricehamn. My service at the Union Theological Seminary was as follows:1974-1975: Philosophy of Religion.1975 (Fall or Autumn): Christian History of Ideas.1976 (Spring): General Church History,Course III.1976-1977: Child and Youth Psychology.1977 (Fall or Autumn): Philosophy of Religion.

53Källstad was one of my tutors when I studied at the Seminary 1950-1953.I wrote a dissertation at the Seminar under his tutorship about:"The Line of Messiah in the Old Testament".This work was seen out from the anti-evolutionists view and the Historyof Tradition. Professor Ivan Ignell was the specialist in this School.Källstad who studied Old Testament for Ignell took my work to Uppsala and hadProfessor Ignell to read the paper, and it got a good report.Källstad and I co-operated well at the time I was tutor at the Seminary,and we had many profitable discussions as we had similar interests in thefield of Theology. I had mainly Systematic Theology, Philosophy, andPsychology in my exams. I also had a Licentiate of Theology in Philosophy ofReligion at Lunds University. As previously mentioned Thorvald Källstad hadalso a Licentiate in Theology from Lunds University, and in this way we hadsimilar frames of references.When Källstad left for Uppsala University, the Union School of Theologycame under a new Administration, and my duties in Ulricehamn didn't permit meto continue to teach in Gothenburg. I was at that time still Chairman of theDepartment of Religion, Philosophy and Psychology in the College inUlricehamn.I have written this small introduction to the memory of a good and wellknown Methodist leader and Colleague in Sweden. Dr.Källstad was also wellknown and respected both in the other Free Churches in Sweden as well as inthe Lutheran State Church.********.c.6. EGON ÅSTRÖM (1903-1945)When I studied theology at Union Methodist Theological School, Överås,Gothenburg, I was associated with the Methodist Congregation in Mölndal. ThisCongregation had been an outpost to S:t Jakob`s Methodist Church in Gothenburgbut was at that time an autonomous Congregation.The Methodists in Mölndal told me about the history of the Congregation.They told me about the trifling beginning of this outpost but how themembership started to grow under the leadership of the rev. Svante Svenssonand his assistant minister Viktor Brattström. One Sunday evening when a youngminister called Egon Åström preached in the small Methodist Chapel, that wasfilled to the last seat, a revival broke out. People cried and asked forspiritual help. The minister could not pray together with all who wanted theministers assistance. Some brothers phoned to Gothenburg to the motherCongregation and told them that fire had broken out in Mölndal, and theyneeded help. When the news was announced in the meeting that was in progress,the Congregation was shocked, but than it was explained that it was aspiritual fire from the Lord that had broken out. Several brothersdrove out to Mölndal to help the young minister to pray for people, that askedforgiveness of sins and wanted absolution..i..c.HE BECAME A METHODIST MARTYR IN SUMATRAThis young man should be one of the Methodist missionaries to Sumatrawhere he later on was killed by revolutionaries and became one of the SwedishMethodists martyrs.His story was told by the rev Simon Lindberg in one of the Methodistpapers that was especially edited for Christmas. The book I am referring towas called "Vår Julbok 1946". In the article in this book the rev. SimonLindberg tells the story of Egon Åström. I will present some of the factsthat appear in the article, as I did not know Egon Åström personally.He was born in Hälsingborg, Sweden, November 27, 1903. He grew up in aChristian home and received great spiritual impressions from his mother andhis sister. He went to Sunday School and junior meetings in S:t Peter`sMethodist Church.He became a member in full connection when he was only 13 years old.That same winter he took part in the School of Religion that the minister the

54rev. G.Dahl had started. The young boy took part in the witness mission in theCongregation. He played his violin and witnessed about his Savior JesusChrist. The rev. Simon Lindberg tells that at the altar meetings he oftenprayed intensively and came in a kind of ecstasy. Then he sang and shoutedwith joy even if it was in the middle of holy Communion.Egon Åström was a man of prayer, and in prayer he sought his strengthfor his daily life. Simon Lindberg tells several stories about Egon and hisprayer meetings together with friends bout in Church, private and his prayerroom inthe Church tower.He had a call to be a missionary, and after several days of prayer hecame through, and decided to follow the call of God to go out as a missionary.He entered the Methodist Theological School which at that time was located inUppsala, Sweden. In 1924 the Theological School moved to Gothenburg, and EgonÅström moved to Gothenburg together with the School to take his final year. Itwas during this time that he was assistant minister in the Methodist Chapel inMölndal. His ministerial work in Mölndal made progress. The Congregation grewduring the revival with 400 new members and they had to build a new Church asthe small Methodist Chapel was to little to house the Congregation. It isregrettable to report that the Methodist work in Mölndal finished 1990-1991,67 years after the revival that Egon Åström was a part of.The rev. Egon Åström was ordained a Deacon in the Methodist Church 1925.He was sent to Sumatra 1930. Just before Christmas 1945 came the message thatEgon Åström had been killed by Indonesian revolutionaries. The Japaneseoccupation was just over when this tragedy happened. He was murdered inTebing, Tinggi, Sumatra.The Methodist work was in the Northern part of Sumatra mostly amongChinese immigrants. Egon Åströms last Sunday Service was Holy Communion amongChinese Christians.Egon Åström served the Methodist Church for 21 years and 15 of theseyears as a Methodist Missionary in Sumatra.At the time Åström was killed his wife hoped that their eldest son Davidshould be able to carry the ministerial outfit that his father used at thelast Communion Service he conducted among the Chinese Christians. If her wish,that her son should carry on her fathers work among the people he loved, hasmaterialized I do not know.********.i..c.7. EFRAIM ALMGREN (1891 - 1975)Sunday February 2, 1964, was a great day for the Methodists inEskilstuna, Sweden. The Methodist Church got headlines in the townsNewspapers. On Monday, February 3, 1964, the daily paper "Eskilstuna Kuriren"belonging to the Liberal Press, had an article on page one. It was a MethodistSunday in Eskilstuna with two great arrangements. There were pictures on thefront page and reference to articles inside the paper.In the Town Hotel two Methodist Ministers were promoted to DoctorsHonoris Causa. The Doctors Dinner was also served in the Hotel for specialguests.The other Methodist event, the paper states, was a Concert in the NewConcert Hall in Stålfors College given by the 24-year old Pianist-MethodistInger Wikström. Her Concert was received with enthusiasm..i..c.DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSAThe two Methodist Ministers honored were: The rev. Carl Thunström (67)and the rev. Efraim Almgren (73).In the procession, the paper writes, one recognized the Promoter therev. Dr. Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, Chairman of the Department of Religion andPhilosophy in St.Eskil College, the recording Clerk Folke Edling, and theMethodist Minister in Eskilstuna, the rev. Herbert Blomgren.We will give each and one of the two receivers of the honorary degreetheir own biography in this publication.

55Let us start with the rev. Efraim Almgren. Eskilstuna Kuriren statesthat Efraim Almgren has 42 years of Service in the Methodist Church behindhim. He has been Chancellor and Grand Master of the Temple of the Knights inSweden. He has also been Editor of the Methodist Weekly "Svenska Sändebudet"," Swedish Messenger", and "The Temple Knight". He has written several booksamong them the great work:"Tempel Riddarorden 1887-1962".This book is in A-4 size and covers 414 pages.The rev. Dr. Carl Thunström wrote a review article in "SvenskaSändebudet" nr.41, Thursday, October 11, 1962. This article was concerned withthe rev., Dr.Efraim Almgren`s work in connection with the 75th Anniversary ofthe Temple Knight's Order in Sweden. Here we are informed that Dr.Almgren haswritten the story telling us how the Order started in Sweden, Norway, Denmark,Island and Finland. Further we can follow the development of the Order fromKing Salmon, the Esséns and Pythagoras up to the present day. He has alsoincluded 300 portraits of important persons within the Order.The rev., Dr. Efraim Almgren has written this book to inform and inspirethe readers to high ethical living and the rev., Dr. Carl Thunström thinksthat the authors goal will be realized.In the socialistic paper in Eskilstuna "Folket", it is further statedthat Dr.Efraim Almgren was born 1890 and Ordained a Methodist Minister 1916.He was Editor of "Svenska Sändebudet" for 18 years. He has written severalbooks of great importance. Both papers had much information in common.Eskilstuna Kuriren wrote that the rev.,Dr.Kristoffersen said in his speech to the two candidates among others:" I am convinced that all of us present willreckoned it as the highest honor to be countedamong the disciples ofthe Great Cosmic Friend,he who can help us all to be reallycultivatedpersons. By this I do not only mean that wehaveall the knowledge of the world, but rather suchknowledge that is united with wisdom and love."The event was recorded in "Svenska Dagbladet", Stockholm, February 4,1964, as well as in "TR-Bladet", Stockholm. The author of the article in thelast mentioned paper was written by the Supreme Grand Master Gottfried Lidin.The rev., Dr.Efraim Almgren was born in Uppsala Mars 31, 1890. Heattended the Junior College, Högre allmänna läroverket, Gävle, Sweden, andstudied in Berlin, Germany 1911. He studied Theology at the MethodistTheological School in Uppsala 1912-1916. He served in different MethodistChurches in Sweden up to 1937. This year he was appointed Editor for theMethodist Publishing House and its publications in Sweden. He held thisposition until 1958 when he retired after serving the Methodist Church for 42years.His service in the Methodist Church is divided in two periods of 21years.The first period was as Minister in the work in different Congregations.The second period was as Editor and 18 of these years he was also Editorof the Methodist Weekly paper " Svenska Sändebudet". His Editorials duringthis period under the signature of "EZRA" was widely read both within andoutside the Methodist Church.The rev., Dr. Efraim Almgren was Secretary of the Swedish EcumenicalFellowship, Secretary in Stockholm`s Evangelical Ministers Society andChairman of the Press Committee of the Methodist Church. He was a contributorto several Periodicals, and he wrote several books as previously mentioned.One of these books had the title:"How to build the Temple".In this book he gives a synthesis of the Ethical Ideals of the TempleKnights Order.I came to know the rev. Efraim Almgren when he was Editor of SvenskaSändebudet as I contributed articles to this paper. I also met him at severalgatherings in the Methodist Church such as the Annual Conferences. He was a

56faithful Methodist and a good Christian; a combination that was widelyrespected in Society.In the Jubilee Publication to the Temple Knights Orders 75th Anniversarythe Supreme Grand Master writes about the rev. Efraim Almgren:" If we should choose a motto for him it might bethese words: "Esse, non videri - to be, not tobe seen"."In Svenska Sändebudet Mars 11, 1975, a tribute was made to the rev., Dr.Efraim Almgren who died February 10 that year. His funeral Service was held inTrinity Methodist Church, Stockholm. The rev. Henry Atterling was theofficiating clergyman. I remember the rev. Henry Atterling as a preacher witha clear mind and a prophetic message presented in a clear and beautifullanguage.The rev. Torsten Wedar sang to the honor of his colleague in theMethodist Ministry, and members of the Temple Concordia, Stockholm, formed alane when his family entered the Church while Bach's:"Jesus bleibt meinFreude", was played on the organ.Several persons spoke to the rev. Efraim Almgren`s memory among them therev. Ruben Haglund and the rev. Efr.Almgren's son, Carl Almgren.The funeral Service was filled with light and it was a true tribute to aMinister of the Gospel of Light and Love.The rev., Dr Efraim Almgren will long be remembered for his writingsboth among Methodists and the brothers of the Swedish Knight Templars for hiswork within both these Organizations and in the Swedish Society.********.i..c.8. CARL THUNSTRÖM (1897 - 1977)In "Eskilstuna Kuriren", a daily newspaper, of Thursday December 19,1963, there appear an article about two Methodist Ministers who have beenhonored with a honorary doctors degree. The two clergymen will receive theinsignia in a graduation ceremony in Eskilstuna in the beginning of next year.The two clergymen who are to receive the honors are the rev. Efraim Almgrenand the rev. Carl Thunström.The Doctors Diplomas were handed over in Eskilstuna Sunday February 2,1964. This event was recorded in two newspapers in Eskilstuna: FOLKET andESKILSTUNA KURIREN. This event is referred in the article about Dr.EfraimAlmgren in the present work.In the article of December 9, 1963, it is recorded that to get thehonorary degree one must at least have ten years of pastoral Service in theChurch in addition to other distinguished academic and literary Services. Bothclergymen meet the requirements in full. Dr. Carl Thunström has 41 yearsservice in the Methodist Church while Dr. Efraim Almgren has 42 years ofservice in different capacities in the Methodist Church..i..c.DR. CARL THUNSTRÖM GREW UP IN A PARSONAGEDr. Carl Thumström was born 1896 in Kalmar, Sweden. His fatherK.A.Thunström (1853-1942) was minister in The Evangelical National Union(Evangeliska Fosterlands-stiftelsen, EFS). The parsonage of this Free Churchminister was connected with Betlehemskyrkan, and Carl Thunström was proud ofbeing born in "Bethlehem", as he said. His mother was Carolina, daughter tothe Sea Captain Petter Larsson in Söderåkra. Carl Thunström wrote about hisfather in a book edited by EFS in 1963 in connection with "JohannelundsTheological Institute 1863-1963", and the 100th Anniversary of thisTheological School that his father attended. The Institute is still theTheological School for the preachers of EFS. The title of the book is: "Minfar var predikant", "My Father was a Preacher". In this book twenty twoleading personalities in the Swedish Society have told about their fathers andtheir experiences as children of preachers. Among these authors one finds Dr.Carl Thunström..i..c.THE FIRST PREACHING TOUR AT NINE

57When Carl was nine years old, he tells us, he went on his firstpreaching tour with his father to the islands in the Kalmar archipelago. Hisfather was musical and played several instruments. Lots of people had come tosee and to listen to the boy singing and playing instruments together with hisfather.When Carl was 16 years old he entered the Secondary School. After hisbasic Academic training he continued his Education at the MethodistTheological Seminary in Uppsala.Dr. Carl Thunström was one of the members of the Committee that workedfor ten years with the Hymns that resulted in the new Methodist Hymn Book of1951. The latest Methodist hymnbook is from 1986. The Hymn Book that he Edited1951 was in use for 35 years in the Methodist Church in Sweden.Dr. Carl Thunström has been a member of the Christian Press Organizationin Sweden, and has taken part as a delegate in several Central Conferences ofthe methodist Church in Northern Europe.He has translated most of Dr.E.Stanley Jones' books from the American tothe Swedish language. His work for the Christian literature and itscirculation is well documented..i..c.AN UPPER ROOM MANDuring several years he worked with the daily devotional magazine "TheUpper Room", and its Swedish edition "Rätt Kurs". For then years he was alsoone of the men behind the initiative to have the devotional magazine printedin the Finnish and the Russian languages. During his time as Editor theRussian "Sedodnja" was printed and distributed from Sweden.Dr. Carl Thunström was ordained in the Methodist Church 1923. He wasDirector for the Methodist Publishing House for ten years, and Editor for theweekly magazine of the Methodist Church "Svenska Sändebudet" for four years.He has been teaching Religion in State Schools and he has further been afrequent contributor to newspapers and magazines. He has also written thebook:"Olof Hedström-den svenska methodismens fader","Olof Hedström-the Father of Swedish Methodism".The motivation for his Doctor Honoris Causa states among other facts thefollowing:" For his work as Minister of the Gospel,as Publisher, Editor and for popularizationof Christian Literature, for his Ecumenicalinterests and for his work for the Church ofChrist inlarge."After his retirement Dr. Thunstrtöm moved from Stockholm to Eskilstuna.It was here that I came to know him as a private person. Earlier my contactwith him was during his period of Editor of Svenska Sändebudet when he printedseveral of my articles.I stayed in Eskilstuna from 1963 to 1965 as Chairman of the Departmentof Religion and Philosophy in St.Eskils College. During this time we workedtogether in the Methodist Church in the town, and we had many discussions andinformal talks both in the Church and at home.When I had taken my Theological Licentiate Degree at Lunds University inthe subject Philosophy of Religion, he wrote articles in Eskilstuna Kurirenand Svenska Sändebudet to popularize and present my work for a wider public.My dissertation was concerned with the Philosophy of Religion of theMethodist Theologians and Philosophers in the Boston Philosophical Traditionof Professor Borden Parker Bowne, Albert C.Knudson and Edgar SheffieldBrightman. The title of my Scientific work was:BOSTON PERSONALISM.My presentation in short stories of the Methodist personalities inNorthern Europe has the following goal:I want to show that the history of the Methodist Church is the history

58of its members and leaders. The great tradition is not self existing, it hasto find persons that are willing to let its ideas incarnate in them. Throughits members and leaders Methodism finds its way both in the Methodist Churchand further into Society outside the Methodist Church.The rev., Dr. Carl Thunsttröm died June 12, 1977 at the age of 80 years.He could look back on 41 years of service in the Methodist Church prior to hisretirement.He is remembered both for his Authorship and Religious service in theMethodist Church in Sweden as well as among the Swedish Free Masons where heheld high degrees.********.i..c.FINLAND - SUOMIa. A short Methodist History in Finland.Finland is one of the youngest Democratic Countries in Northern Europe.Helsingfors became the capital city of the sovereign Republic of Finland 1917.The republic extended the democratic principles throughout society andincluded women in all aspects of the democratic life.Finland was intended to become a Kingdom like the three ScandinavianCountries. Prince Frederik von Hessen had been chosen to be the new nationsKing. Finland became a Republic, however, 1919 after General Mannerheim hadwon the victory over the Finnish read army in a battle 1918. After the victoryover Germany in World War I, Prince Frederik withdrew his candidacy as a Kingin Finland, and General Mannerheim was the leader for an interim Governmentuntil K.Ståhlberg was elected the first President of the new Republic..i..c.TWO LANGUAGES IN FINLAND-FINNISH AND SWEDISHIn the Spring 1992 I visited Helsingfors for the third time. The firsttime I visited Finlands Capital was 40 years ago. At that time I could use theSwedish language and be understood at least in Helsingfors, and in the costaltowns that had a long Swedish history.The Swedish speaking population in Helsingfors is decreasing, so 1992only 8,64% speaks Swedish as their mother tongue. This equals only 38.546persons while 445.733 speaks the Finnish language in Helsingfors. Finnishbelongs to the Fenno-Ugrian family of languages. The Hungarian language belongto this group as well.Today, 1992, you can probably be better understood with the Englishlanguage than with the Swedish language. Many shops and restaurants have themenu in Finnish and English. Some restaurants have their advertising only inthe Finnish language. I found that in "Stockman`s", the largest Store inFinland used all three languages on their menu.The Finnish language lived for a long time only as an oral Culture untilthe Lutheran Minister Michael Agricola (1508-1557) developed the writtenFinnish language. He is counted as the Religious Reformer of Finland. Hestudied at Wittenberg, Germany, and returned to Åbo where he became the Deanof the Academy until he was elected Bishop in Åbo 1554. He is known as thecreator of the Finnish written language. He produced the first literature inthe Finnish language. Earlier the Finnish storytelling and history wascommunicated orally. He wrote the first Finnish Catechism, which unfortunatelyis lost. He edited a prayer-book and translated the New Testament, the Psalmsof David, a Church Handbook and the ritual for the Lutheran Divine Mess andother Church Services.As I have mentioned, Agricola, translated the New Testament and parts ofthe Old Testament into the Finnish language, and a complete translation of theBible in Finnish language came first 1642. The Bible was of great importancefor the development of the written Finnish language.Round 1850 it grew up an important literature in Finnish through AleksisKivi (1834-72). His work "Sju Bröder", "Seven Brothers", is counted as themasterpiece of the Finnish story telling. Other famous Finnish authors fromthis period were Minna Canth (1844-97), Juhani Aho (1861-1921) and ArvidJainefelt (1861-1921). It is not my task in this work to present Finnish

59language, literature and other cultural activities in Finland, so thisinterpolation will be sufficient for this particular work presenting Methodismin Finland..i..c.A STRONG NATIONALISM SEEKS ITS IDENTITYThe new national state that earlier had been dominated by Sweden andRussia showed a national strength that was expressed in arts, literature,cultural activities, architecture and other creative activities.Let it be enough to mention Lennart Segerstråle and his paintings andfrescoes in the Finland Bank, all the national authors and poets writings bothin the Swedish and the Finnish languages, as well as the architecturerepresented by C.L.Engel who constructed "The Big Church" in Helsingfors, andAlvar Aalto who is one of the foremost leaders of functionalism in Finland. Hecame to lead the new radical Finnish nationalism in architecture.All the named cultural activities impressed me when I first came toHelsingfors Summer 1951 as a locum for the rev. Sergei Dubrovin of ChristMethodist Church, Helsingfors. I felt the power of the Finnish culture likethe outbreak of a volcano. Their own national language, Finnish, pushed asidethe Swedish language, which had been the language of State and localadministration in Finland until the birth of the Republic. By the help of theSwedish language the Finns could be understood and were able to communicatewithin the whole of Scandinavia while the Finnish language excluded the userof the language from contact with other people in Northern Europe, if theyonly knew the Finnish language. The reason for this is the exclusive Finnishlanguage which belongs to a complete different family of languages if onecompare it with those of Scandinavia. The family of languages that Finnishbelongs to is called Finnish-Ugric languages, as I have mentioned earlier, andthese languages are rare.Let us see how the Methodist Church fits into the development of theFinnish Society..c.THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN FINLAND SEPARATED FROM RUSSIAIn 1911 the Finnish Methodism became an Annual Conference. It wasseparated and independent from the Methodist work in Russia. Twelve yearslater in 1923 the two language groups in Finland; the Swedish and the Finnishlanguages formed their own Conferences. We got the Finland ProvisionalConference for the Finnish speaking Methodists and the Finland-SwedishProvisional Conference for the Swedish speaking Methodists.When I was teaching Religion in College in Sweden I wrote to theEcclesiastical Department in Helsingfors asking about the standing of theState Church in Finland. In the reply the Minister of the State Department forEducation, Arvo Salminen, informed me that Finland had two Churches with thestanding of "Peoples Church" in Finland.He mentioned the Lutheran Church with its Arch-Bishop in Åbo and itsother five Bishops. They were the Bishops in the following dioceses: Åbo, theArch Diocese; Tammerfors, Uleåborg, St.Michel, Borgå that is the diocese ofall the Swedish speaking congregations in Finland, and the sixth dioceseKuopio.The other "Peoples Church" is the Greek Orthodox Church with the Arch-Bishops for Finland in Kuopio and a Bishop in Helsingfors. The Church isautonomic but is under the leadership of the Patriarch of Constantinopel, notMoskow.In the letter of January 7, 1963, Regeringsrådet Arvo Salminen writes:" The name "folkkyrka" is not used in the legislation neitherabout the Evangelical-Lutheran or the Orthodox Church. As thelargest population about 94% belongs to the EvangelicalLutheran Church, one has started to call it"Peoples Church". Concerning the Orthodox Church it has beencalled Peoples Church on the base of the unique position it hashad from old time side by side with the Evangelical-LutheranChurch. Regeringsråd Arvo Salminen."

60It is in this Religious environment that the Methodist Church has towork.In Finland as in the Scandinavian Countries the Methodist Church is notan imported part of the Christianfaith intermediated by foreign missionaries. It was Finnish nationals whoimplanted the branch of Methodism into the tree of Christ`s Church in NorthernEurope.The Social and Economic conditions in Fenno-Scandia forced people toemigrate to the New World. In the port of New York immigrants met Christ toSalvation in the Methodist Mission, the Bethelship. This seaman`s Church wasrun by the Methodist Church with Scandinavian Ministers and Preachers.Due to this fact we can say that the Methodist Church in NorthernEurope is born in New York harbor, and extended to Northern Europe byreturning nationals from that hemisphere.The Swedish-speaking Finnlanders Gustaf and William Bernlund wereconverted in the Mission in New York, and returned to Finland in 1866. Theystarted to preach among the Swedish speaking people. Revivals broke out andreligious assistance came from Sweden in form av Local Preachers.In 1855 the Methodist work in Finland was organized as a District underthe Swedish Annual Conference.In 1891 the Finnish Government granted the Methodist Church the right toOrganize Societies and hold properties. The condition was that persons whoentered the Methodist Church would withdraw their membership from the StateChurchof Finland. This was the same requirement as the Methodists met in Norway.Both Churches; in Norway and in Finland had the rights to issue officialdocuments of Baptism, Marriages and Death certificates.In Sweden on the other hand the Free Church members could keep theirmembership within the State Church. In 1876 the Methodist Church and theMosaic Congregations in Sweden got the same rights for their ministers andrabbis as the State Church ministers. This right the other Free Churches gotfirst with the Free Church Law of 1951. The Free Church People in Sweden, whomost frequent used their rights to withdraw their membership from the StateChurch, were the Methodists.In 1892 the Finland and St.Petersburg Mission was organized as embracingall Methodist work in Finland and Russia.In 1911 the Finnish Annual Conference was separated from Russia aspreviously stated.The year 1949 the two Mission Conferences of 1923 in Finland got thestatus of Annual Conferences..i..c.FROM PERSECUTION TO RESPECTABILITYMethodists in Finland experienced persecution in the beginning of theirmission work. In some cities Methodist tracts and books distributed by theChurch's colporteurs were burnt in the public square. The meetings andServices of the Methodists, called "heretics", were often disturbed by mobs.Prior to the Methodist Church recognition by the State in Finland 1889Methodist ministers were prohibited to preach the Gospel at five instances.The rev. Karl Hurtig who was the Methodist leader, the Mr.Methodist inFinland, from 1904 to 1943 tells us that he was brought before the civilauthorities on charges from the State Church pastors because he performed theSacraments and other Church activities.Today, however, the Methodist Bishop has since 1988 made Helsingfors theCenter of the Methodist Central Conference for Northern Europe. The Spiritualconditions in Finland is now Ecumenical and more friendly than it has everbeen.********b. Some Methodist Leaders in Finland.

61.i..c.1. B.A. CARLSON (1833 - 1920 )Bengt August Carlson was from Dalsland. He was born in Tösse Districtand Congregation November 25, 1833. His father died when he was a child. Hismother was left with 11 children to care for. Two of the children were youngerthan Bengt August.He was only nine years old, when he was sent out to try to care forhimself. It was hard work to provide for his own living. During a short periodan elder brother took care of him, but after a while he went to Gothenburg. Hebecame an apprentice in a foundry. When he had his qualification he got workat Göteborgs Mekaniska Verkstad, Gothenburg Mechanical Workshop. Here hestayed for ten years..c.FROM HIS AUTO-BIOGRAPHYIn his auto-biography he wrote the following interesting commentsconcerning the first hard years:" During almost the whole first year I livedof salt herring and dark bread that often wasmouldy. I had bought the bread cheep from theartillerists in their barracks. I drank homemadesmall beer. This food has always been myfavorite. My shirts I washed myself at night ina running rivulet outside the town."During 1860 he came to think about the salvation of his soul. Thishappened among a group of sincere Christians, among whom some were seamenconverted among Methodists in America. He had been religiously awakened buthad not experienced assurance of Salvation. He was inspired to go to Americaand arrived in New York after two months at the Sea. In the harbor he met aman who handed him a religious pamphlet and invited him to Bethel ShipMethodist Church. In this Church he found rest in God and assurance ofSalvation..c.CHRISTIAN AND LOCAL PREACHER IN AMERICAHe became a member of the Church, but after a year he moved westward toChicago. He got a good appointment in this town and was transferred to theSwedish Methodist Congregation where he got several positions and became alocal preacher. He was a faithful preacher and he studied theology in hisspare time.His Congregation recommended him to the call of a preacher. He wasaccepted into the Central Illinois Annual Conference. He was ordained a Deacon1866 and an Elder 1867. He was appointed to large Jamestown District where heworked until 1869.The named year Bishop Kingsley sent B.A.Carlson to Sweden to assist theSuperintendent Victor Witting in his work..i..c.B.A.CARLSON AND A SOVIET SUBMARINE STRANDED IN KARLSKRONAIn Karlskrona, where the Soviet Submarine 137 stranded 1981 in the SouthEast of Sweden, a Methodist Congregation had been founded 1868.When the rev B.A.Carlson came to Karlskrona a religious revival startedand soon he welcomed 130 persons as members on trial and 107 into fullmembership. The Congregation had also a Sunday School, and he started thebuilding of a new Methodist Church that was dedicated February 27 1870. ThisChurch is counted as the oldest Methodist Church in Sweden. In Karlskrona hemarried Emma Sofia Rydow, who for him was the best woman who has lived, as hesaid.He moved to Kalmar and also here a revival started and he built aMethodist Church in this town. In the year 1872 he was moved to Stockholmwhere he bought the ground where S:T Pauls Methodist Church is to be foundtoday.Both the rev B.A.Carlson and the whole Methodist Movement experienced

62both adversities and success.The rev. B.A.Carlson writes in his auto-biography the followingpassages:" The Congregational singing composed a major partof the Divine Service. We did not play anyfuneral march except at funerals. The Servicesdid not start with preludes on the organ as ithas become custom at the present. Our singersgathered often half an hour before the Serviceto sing the lively songs as people gathered. Itwas not always song according to all the rulesof the art, but they sang in spirit and truthand put their whole soul into the song to theGlory of God.".i..c.A PIONEER BOTH IN SWEDEN AND IN FINLANDIn the year 1884 the rev. B.A.Carlson was sent to Finland where hestayed until 1891 when he returned to Sweden. The reason that he returned toSweden was that he had been a widower, 1891, and he had to provide for his sixchildren in Sweden. He stayed in Stockholm, first in S:t Paul`s Congregationuntil he moved to S:t Markus` congregation which was sister Congregation toS:t Paul. He stayed in S:t Markus from 1894 to 1899. After that he served theMethodists in Köping for a year and in Kalmar also for a year.He returned to Finland 1901 and stayed here for two years, when he leftfor Sweden 1903. In Sweden he served the Methodist Church in Södertälje southof Stockholm until 1906 when he got leave of absence until the following yearwhen he retired.The rev.B.A.Carlson died December 4, 1920, in the age of 87 year. He hada long, interesting and sometimes dramatic service in the Methodist Churchbehind him. He had served well and he had guided many persons to faith inChrist.The rev. G.A.Gustavson wrote the following in Nya Budbäraren in Finland:"During the long period of 40 years has the rev.B.A.Carlson done an apostles work, partly inSweden and partly in Finland. He is one of thepersons who ought to be honored with the titlepioneer in the field-work of God. He was endowedwith an extraordinary physic as well as a mightyspiritual power. Of this reason he was wellequipped to be one of the founders of the MethodistChurch in the North. During several years he was districtSuperintendent for three different districts in Sweden. In thiscapacity he showed his great working capacity. Through hisfiery, engaging and evangelical preaching of themessage of Gods salvation he won hundreds andthousands for the Lord Christ."The rev.B.A.Carlson was also editor of the Finland-Swedish paper NYABUDBÄRAREN, The New Messenger, from 1886 to 1891 when he returned to Sweden.He has got his place among O.P.Petersen, Victor Witting, Chr.Willerup,George Scott, Olof Gustaf Hedström and the other pioneers of Methodism inNorthern Europe.********.i..c.2. KARL HURTIG ( 1871 - 1947) :During my Theological studies at the Union Methodist School of Theology,Gothenburg, I was sent to Helsingfors Summer 1951 to serve as a "SummerPastor". This was the expression used for the practical training in PastoralTheology that was a part of the Theological Education.I came to Christ Church, Helsingfors, and in my duties were includedServices in Malm, Boxbacka and Grankulla. In the last mentioned place theMethodist Church had an Orphanage.In Helsingfors the Church had a Private Hospital, Konkordia; an Old

63Folks Home and a Laboratory housed in the Block adjoining the Church. I had myown room in the Old Folks Home. There were also a columbarium in the Churchfrom the basement up through the tower.All these Institutions had been erected without tax money or other helpfrom the State. The finances for the Church and its activities were raised byvoluntary collections. I wondered who could be behind all this work of theMethodist Church. I soon heard people telling me about a person who I willcall one of the Mr.Methodists in Finland..c.KARL HURTIG AS MR. METHODIST IN FINLANDHis name was the rev.Karl Hurtig. Some of the old members in the Churchpointed out his study for me and told me that they could often see his studylamp burning late at night and even after midnight. I can understand that whenI have seen some of the books he wrote. The rev. Mansfield Hurtig has a listof books written by his father in the biography that I am about to refer to.I cannot tell all the History about Methodism in Finland. Mypresentation will only be a fragment, so I have to point my readers, as a goodpedagogue; to the sources which will teach us the history.The following two books will give you a good introduction to this periodin Methodist history:1. Karl Hurtig and Mansfield Hurtig, HelsingforsSvenska Metodistförsamling 1884-1934.(Helsingfors: Metodistkyrkans SvenskaBokförlag,1934), 128 pages.2.Mansfield Hurtig, Karl Hurtig- en livsgärning iGuds rikes tjänst.(Stockholm:NBA,1972), 224 pages.The rev.Karl Hurtig was born in St.Petersburg, Russia, December 20,1870.Why should the son of a Swede be born in Russia ?His father Adolf Hurtig belonged to an old family of warriors fromÖstergötland, East Götaland. He was one of the persons who built the firstrailway engines in Finland 1874. At the time of Karl`s birth Adolf Hurtig wasworking as overseer at Crichton and Vulcan in St.Petersburg. Two years earlierhis brother John Hurtig was born in Åbo, Finland. Their mother was Finnish.She was Ulrica Wasander, born in Helsinge on the boarder of Nurmijärvi ParishJuly 13, 1841.John Hurtig (1868-1941) was also a Methodist Minister. He served amongothers as the Editor of Svenska Sändebudet, Stockholm, where he died October28,1941. He was a retired minister when he died at the age of 73, and he hadserved the Methodist Church as a minister for 39 years..c.BOYS WHO FORMED A KIND OF OXFORD GROUPAfter the death of Karl`s and John`s mother their father moved back tothe East coast of Sweden to a town named Oskarshamn. Here the two brotherscame in contact with a group of boys who formed a kind of "Oxford Group".Karl`s brother John writes about this group where Karl came to belief in Godin March 1886.In a speech at Karl`s 50th birthday 1920, John told that it was in thisgroup that Karl delivered his first Sermon that was a first step for thecoming Methodist Preacher.The family moved to Lidköping on the Eastern shore of lake Vänern. Herehe joined the Methodist Church. He worked as a mechanic like his father. Whenhe was 22 years old, however, he entered the Methodist Theological School inUppsala. Previous to the School of Theology he preached in the MethodistChurch in Kristianstad.He stayed in Uppsala from 1892-1895. The Methodist School of Theologywhich is now called Seminary started in Örebro 1874, moved to Stockholm andafter that to Uppsala in 1883. The School continued here until 1923 when it

64moved to Gothenburg and became the Union Scandinavian School of Theology ofthe Methodist Church, Överås, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1924.Dean for the School in Uppsala was the rev. Albert Hallén, Ph.D.. He wasa civil engineer from Chalmers Technical University in Gothenburg 1878, becamea Methodist the same year, studied Theology at Boston University, went toBerlin and studied for two years. He returned to Boston University where hetaught Hebrew and studied for his Ph.D. that he got 1892. The same year he wasappointed Dean at the Methodist Theological School in Uppsala.When Karl Hurtig graduated from the Seminary 1895 he went to the AnnualConference in Gävle. Bishop James N. FitzGerald presided, the rev. FredrikÅgren interpreted from American to Swedish and the rev. J.M.Erikson was theSecretary. The rev. Erikson edited the book about Methodism in Sweden that wasprinted in Stockholm 1895 and contained 428 pages.Karl Hurtig was sent to Ljuders Congregations. Ljuder has later beenfamous through Wilhelm Moberg`s novel about the emigrant to America, KarlOscar and Kristina..c.KARL HURTIG'S SERVICE IN THE METHODIST CHURCHKarl Hurtig`s employment in the Methodist Church after the graduationfrom the Seminary is as follows:1896 on trial in the Conference.1898 ordained Deacon1901 ordained Elder or Presbyter.1895-96 he was in charge of Ljuders Congregationswhich included Skruv and Emmaboda.1896-99 Nyköping.1899-1904 Stockholm, St.Markus.1904-1943 Minister in Finland.1906-08, and1913-14 District Overseer.1924-30 Superintendent.1906-09 and1916 Editor of "Nya Budbäraren".1924 and1932 Delegate to the Methodist GeneralConference.1943 Pensioned.(He served inHelsingfors,Finland, for 39 years; from1904-1943).c.KARL HURTIG MARRIED AGNES MABEL WADE FROM ENGLANDWhen he was minister in Nyköping Methodist Church he married Agnes MabelWade (1878-1928) in May 1899. She was from Great Yarmoth, England, andbelonged to the Wesleyan Methodist Church.This young English woman (21) had been in Sweden a few years as agoverness. Karl and Agnes Mabel met at the Annual Conference in Uppsala 1898.She followed her husband to Helsingfors. She died in Helsingfors July17,1928, and was buried in Stockholm where she had been living as a pastorswife in St.Markus Methodist Church five years prior to the family moved toFinland.Karl came with his family to Helsingfors 1904 to the Congregation thatthe rev. B.A.Carlson started after he had been sent to Finland from the AnnualConference in Uppsala 1884 presided over by Bishop J.F.Hurst.Karl Hurtig is also known as a Church builder. He erected a Church inStockholm and now a new Church in Helsingfors.Some of the old people at the Old Folks Home told me of the old Church,Emmanuelskyrkan, which got a new Organ 1914. The old Methodists had a greatlove for this Church. They remembered all the Spiritual experiences they hadin that Church. In this Church was the largest Sunday School in Helsingfors.This Church was pulled down when the new Church was built. People cried whenthis was done. I understood that the people loved the Church and were filled

65with sorrow when it was pulled down..c.CHRIST CHURCH REPLACES IMMANUEL CHURCH IN HELSINGFORSThe new Methodist Church, Kristuskyrkan-Christ Church, was dedicatedSeptember 23, 1928.At the dedication Service several prominent guests were present. At thefirst bench one recognized the President of the Republic of Finland,Dr.L.Kr.Relander, the Minister of Education Kukkonen, the Swedish MinisterBaron and Baroness Carl Hamilton.In the pulpit sat Bishop Raymond J. Wade, a beloved American MethodistBishop throughout Northern Europe. At his right side sat the rev. Karl Hurtigand his son the rev. Mansfield Hurtig. At his left hand sat SuperintendentFritz Larson and Yrjö Järnberg. This was the first Church dedication thatBishop Wade had ever performed.The new Church is located high up on a hill in Apollogatan 5, and itstower can be seen almost from all over Helsingfors. The first plan for theChurch was drawn up already in October 1904. The architect for Emanuelskyrkanas well as for Kristuskyrkan was Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950) who became worldfamous.He worked in USA from 1923. He belonged to a group of architects whocreated the Finnish National Romantic building style. Among otherconstructions he was known for the Finnish pavilion in Paris 1900. Hedeveloped into a more functionalist style with a classicistic leaning. Hismost famous work was his plan for Helsingfors 1918 and Christ Methodist Church1928.Eliel Saarinen worked in USA with the planning of the towns Chicago andDetroit.The rev. Karl Hurtig had several ministers from Sweden serving in hisDistrict. Several of these ministers are pictured in the 60th Anniversarypublication for Helsingfors that is mentioned in this work. Some of these menI met as ministers in Sweden. They were Nils Hult, Helge Alm, VictorBrattström and Gustaf Elmblad.The rev. Mansfield Hurtig was assistant minister to his father the rev.Karl Hurtig. At the 60th Anniversary in Helsingfors father and son had servedtogether in the same Congregation for 59 years.At the time I served in the Church the rev. Sergei Dubrovin was ministerin Christ Methodist Church. I will paint a mini portrait of these twoministers in the following instalments.The rev. Karl Hurtig died in Helsingfors November 17, 1947.********.c.3. MANSFIELD HURTIG (1900-1973)I was transferred from the Norwegian Annual Conference by Bishop OddHagen to the Swedish Annual Conference 1956. I got the Charge called Svartå-Åtorp with 5 Methodist Chapels.At the Swedish Annual Conference as well as with several other occasionsI met the rev. Mansfield Hurtig and his wife Nadja, born Prokofjeff. MansfieldHurtig was secretary of the Swedish Annual Conference from 1956 in Kalmaruntil 1968 in Gothenburg. He held this position through 13 Conferences.There were several reasons why we became such good friends. One reasonwas that we had common frames of references. I had been serving in ChristChurch, Helsingfors, as an assistant minister through the Summer 1951, and hehad served as a Methodist Minister in Helsingfors,Finland, for 21 years from1923-1943.In the Congregational work I had learned to know the Prokofjeff family.There were also other things that made common interest. I met a young Englishnurse in Helsingfors, Patricia Cooper. She belonged to an English family withMethodist connections way back to John Wesley himself.The Cooper family had roots in Wales. The forefathers living therehelped John Wesley, when he was on his way to Cardiff. The young man RichardWesley Johnson, who had heard Wesley preach at Bristol, rode with John Wesleyover the mountains near Risca. Mr.Johnson`s home and his mother`s Inn were

66open for John Wesley. He himself wrote about this family in "The Journal ofJohn Wesley", volume 3, p.317.The rev. Mansfield Hurtig`s mother was English, so here we had also acommon ground for conversation. Patricia`s grandfather and family fled fromRussia during the Revolution. Her grandfather worked in Russia for an Englishfirm erecting Cotton Mills. Mansfield`s grandfather had also worked in Russiaand his father was born in St.Petersburg, so here was also something to talkabout.Back to Mansfield who had a wonderful sense of humor which often madethe people in the Conference laugh in the middle of serious discussions. Hehad also a kind of Socratic humorist sarcasm that was not always understoodby his hearers. We could understand each other both in theologicaldiscussions, in serious matters as well as in joking matters..i..c.MANSFIELD'S EDUCATION AND MINISTERIAL SERVICEMansfield`s full name was Karl Adolf Mansfield Hurtig. I will give ashort table of his Education and service in the Methodist Church:1900, February 18: Born in Stockholm, Sweden.1918 : Student Diploma, Helsingfors.1921 : Fil.kand.(B.A.) Uppsala.1925-27 : Teol.prel.ex. Åbo Academy.1921 : On trial in the Conference.1923 : Ordained Deacon.19251921-23: Ordained Elder or Presbyter.:Tutor in the School of Theology.1923-43 : Minister in Christ Church,Helsingfors, Finland.1943-46 : Lindköping and Falerum,Sweden.1946-53 : S:t Marcus, Malmö.1953-59 : Wesley Church, Borås.1959-64 : Uppsala and Bälinge.1964- : Västervik.In Finland Mansfield Hurtig was Editor for "Nya Budbäraren" - "The NewMessenger", as well as Publisher for the Methodist Publications in the Swedishlanguage in Finland. He wrote several books, among them "Men of God andProphets", " A Book about the Prophets of Israel". In 1937 he wrote about"Methodism In Sweden" which was published in "Svenska Folkrörelser II". Hewrote articles about Methodism in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States in"Encyclopedia of World Methodism 1968".He was a good preacher and it was always interesting to listen to hisSermons. His historical knowledge as well as his knowledge of Methodism wasrich as his book about his father Karl Hurtig reveals.There were three Hurtig`s as ministers in the Methodist Church withconnections both in Finland and in Sweden. Together they served the MethodistChurch for 133 years:1. John Hurtig + 28/10 1941, at the ageof 73, 39 years service.2. Karl Hurtig + 17/11 1947, at the ageof 76, 48 years of service.3. Mansfield Hurtig + 4/8 1973, at the ageof 73, 46 years of service.Number 1 and 2 were brothers and nr. 2 and 3 were father and son.Mansfield Hurtig will long be remembered both for his work in Finlandand in Sweden, not only for the impression he made on Methodism but also forhis cultural work.********.c.4. ERIC ANTON HAMMARBERG (29/11 1903 - 27/5 1960):While I was studying at the Methodist Union Scandinavian School ofTheology I was appointed a student Minister at Christ Methodist Church,

67Helsingfors, Finland, during the Summer 1951.The reason why the School of Theology sent me to Helsingfors was thatthe Minister of the Church, Sergei Dubrovin should have vacation during theSummer.It was during my stay in Helsingfors that I first met the rev., Dr. EricAnton Hammarberg. He was at that time in charge of the Methodist Congregationin Ekenäs. He was also engaged in the Mission Work, and he was a member ofseveral Committees in the Church. It was in one of these capacities that hevisited Helsingfors 1951. We became good friends and we discussed Theology andPhilosophy. We found it interesting to have someone to share our thoughtswith. Dr. Hammarberg was a graduate from North Western University, and he wasalso a graduate from the Methodist Union School of Theology, Gothenburg. I hadstudied Scandinavian Theology and culture in Norway and was in the middle ofmy Theological training at the Union School of Theology in Gothenburg. I wasalso interested in American thinking even at this time, as Bishop Hagen whowas Dean of the School of Theology encouraged me to read American Philosophyof Religion. It was especially Boston Philosophy that I found interestingamong other Schools of American thoughts. Dr. Hammarberg and I had thus commonframes of references and found it interesting to discus Philosophical andTheological ideas and to exchange thoughts from the two different culturalregions.As a token of friendship and as a memory of our Coinonia in Helsingforsand our discussions he gave me a newly edited book printed 1949. The book waswritten by Bishop Paul Neff Garber under the title:" The Methodists of Continental Europe". He hadwritten the following dedication in the book:"With best wishes to Br.Kristoffersen fromEric Anton Hammarberg. Aug.31,1951".Dr.Hammarberg was followed by his American born wife and their only sonat that time. I was introduced to them as the whole family stayed at ChristMethodist Church which had its Old Folks Home and private Hospital connectedto the Church facilities.I graduated from the Union School of Theology, Gothenburg, Sweden,1953.At my graduation there were persons from Norway, Sweden and Finland present asmy guests. The Matron at the Methodist Hospital, Helsingfors; Doktorinnan AnnaRasmussen, came with greetings from Finland.I married Patricia Cooper August 2, 1953, at the Union School ofTheology. The tutor of the Seminary the rev. Axel Lager performed the weddingceremony. I met Patricia in Helsingfors 1951. She was a nurse from London whoserved in the Methodist Hospital at that time.After the wedding we sailed for America. We both studied at EmoryUniversity. My wife worked in the Nursery in the Wesley Memorial Hospital,Emory University, and studied Obstetrics while I was working on my M.A. degreein the Graduate School. After graduation from Emory University,Atlanta,Georgia, Bishop Hagen appointed me Minister to the Methodist charge inElverum, Norway, where we stayed for two years.Saturday September 8, 1956 I read a Daily Devotion in the Upper Room byDr. Hammarberg, under the theme: "Respect for Life".The same year Bishop Hagen appointed me to a Methodist charge in Svartå-Åtorp, Sweden. I had now renewed the contact with Dr.Hammarberg by letters;see: Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, The Church Beneath the Northern Lights, p.48.I read articles in the Methodist papers that Dr.Hammarberg had writtenas well as articles concerning his work in the Methodist Church in Finland.During the 1960-ties I was lecturing in Religion, Philosophy andPsychology in Älmhult College in the Southern part of Sweden..i..c.DRAMA IN THE PULPIT IN HÄLSINGBORGIn May 27, 1960, I heard over radio, and read in the Evening Paper"EXPRESSEN", Stockholm, about a Drama in a State Church in Hälsingborg,Sweden. The article was telling the story about a Minister who died in thePulpit. The heading told further that the Congregation was deeply touched; butthe hymn-singing hindered panic. As I read further in the article I found outthat it was my good friend Dr. Eric Anton Hammarberg who died at the age of 57

68years.The last word that he spoke was:" Our responsibility for the non-Christian Peoplemeans that we bring them healing...."When he had said these words he fell down and died in the pulpit inGustaf Adolf State Church in Hälsingborg, Sweden. This happened at theAscension Day 1960.Dr.Hammarberg was one of the leaders in a Nordic Mission Rally. TheChristian Mission was one of the main interests of this Methodist Minister whoworked in Finland.There were articles to his memory in all Methodist papers in NorthernEurope. The Swedish Methodist paper in Finland: Nya Budbäraren, The NewMessenger, published an article of homage to the memory of Dr.Hammarberg inits issue of June 15, 1960.In the article it is stated that the Finnish Swedish Annual Conferencehas lost one of its zealous and devoted workers. The brother ministers will bemissing a good and warmhearted co-worker and friend..i..c.HAMMARBERG'S CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATIONEric Anton Hammarberg was born in Ovansjö, Sweden, November 29,1903. Atan early age he decided to live for God and his Church. He joined theMethodist Church in Sandvik, Sweden. He felt the call to be a preacher of theGospel. He was trained at the Union Methodist Theological School at Överås,Gothenburg, Sweden. After graduation he wanted to qualify further for his workin the Church. He went to America and studied during the years 1928-31 atGarett Biblical Institute and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.In the Autumn 1933 he moved to Finland. He stayed in Finland during hiswhole Methodist Ministry. I remember that he told me that he had never had acharge in Sweden even if he was a Swedish Citizen. He had a break in hisministry in Finland during 1935-38 when he continued his studies in America.Here he graduated with the Degrees B.A. and B.D..In December 1948 he got his Doctor of Theology degree from AcademieInternational, London, England..i..c.DR. HAMMARBERG'S MINISTRY IN FINLANDHis ministry in the Methodist Church in Finland was as follows:His first appointment was Hangö Methodist Congregation. After that hehad two periods in Ekenäs. The first one was during the years 1938-40. He wasminister in Kristinestad 1940-46. His second period in Ekenäs took place from1946-53. From 1953 to 1959 he served as minister in Åbo. This town had oldSwedish traditions as the present University was the former Åbo Academy. ThisInstitution of Higher Learning was a Private Institution under the trusteeshipof Uppsala University since 1640. After the big fire 1827 the Academy moved toHelsingfors University. The Institution was reborn 1918 as a Private Swedishspeaking University with 5 Faculties: Humanistic, Mathematical-NaturalScience, Political Science, Chemical-Technical and from 1924 a TheologicalFaculty. The School of Business has a near connection to the University since1927. The University edits "Acta Academiae Aboensis" since 1920.From 1959 until his death 1960 Dr.Hammarberg was in charge of theMethodist Congregation in Gamla Karleby.He had several honorary tasks in the Methodist Church. He was appointedDistrict Superintendent for Western District in Finland 1947. This position heheld until 1953. In 1959 he was again appointed as a MethodistSuperintendent, a position that he held until his death.He was well received among his Methodist brother Ministers who electedhim to different Committees and Boards within the Methodist Church. He was adelegate from Finland to the Methodist Central Conference in Bergen, Norway1948.His work in the Methodist Church did not hinder him from being activealso outside the Church. He took part in different Educational enterprises. He

69acted as a teacher of English in different Educational Institutions.He was often invited as a lecturer in different connections as well asin Labour Institutions. During several years he wrote articles and meditationsin the Finnish daily paper "Western Nyland". In an obituary in the paper it isstated that his devotions was always characterized by broadmindedness andhumility when it concerned the great questions of life.Eric Anton Hammarbergs special interest was Foreign Mission. He was amember of the Mission Council in Finland as well as in the Nordic MissionCouncil. He took part in several Mission Conferences in Finland, Scandinaviaand on the Continent.It was in the capacity of a delegate from Finland that he took part inthe Mission Conference in Hälsingborg, Sweden, when he was so dramaticallycalled to a higher Service in the Kingdom of the Lord.Eric Anton Hammarberg will be remembered among all the friends of theChristian Mission that came in contact with him as well as among all the YoungPeople he strengthened in their Mission call as a Methodist Minister. He hadfriends among Methodist Ministers in Northern Europe as well as abroad. Hewill long be remembered among the People called Methodists.It is as a friend of Dr.Eric Anton Hammarberg that I write these wordsof appreciation to his memory.********.i..c.5. THE REV. SERGEI DUBROVINThe rev. Sergei Dubrovin was the minister of Christ Church, Helsingfors,when I was sent from the School of Theology, Gothenburg, as his locum Summer1951.He continued the work that the rev. Karl Hurtig and the rev. MansfieldHurtig had done for many years in the Church that Karl Hurtig had beenplanning, and that was built and dedicated under his ministry. Together fatherand son had done 60 years of ministerial work in the Congregation. Karl Hurtighad served 39 consecutive years in the same Congregation and his son 21 years.This was unique in the Methodist history Bishop Raymond J. Wade told the twoclergymen.The rev. Sergei Dubrovin seemed to do well in his work, and he continuedas Mr.Methodist in Helsingfors. I remember his style of preaching. With hisFinland Swedish language he made a great impression on me coming from Norway,and who had got used to the Gothenburg Swedish dialect. The Swedish words gota new and fresh meaning in his Sermons. I heard him lecture in Gothenburg atthe School of Theology as well as giving devotional meditations over theFinnish radio..c.SERGEI DUBROVIN'S ORIGIN,EDUCATION AND MINISTRYThe rev. Sergei Dubrovin was born in Helsingfors August 27, 1905. Beforecoming to Helsingfors his record is as follows:1925-28 He attended the Union Methodist School ofTheology, Gothenburg.1928He was received into the Conference ontrial.1930 He was ordained Deacon.1932 Ordained Elder or Presbyter.1924-25 He served the Methodist charge in BorgåDistrict.1928-32 He was minister in Svartså.1932- He served Viborg Methodist Church.In January 26-27, 1989 I took part in a Symposium arranged by theTheological Magazine "Tro och Liv"- "Faith and Life" as well as the magazinesBoard meeting. At the same time the Board Meeting had planning sessions tooutline the coming issues of the magazine. I was sent as a representative forthe Methodist Church elected by the Annual Conference. The meeting was held inthe Theological Seminary of the Swedish Covenant Church, Lidingö, Stockholm.Suddenly the rev. Sergei Dubrovin (84) appeared together with a young

70Methodist Minister from Finland. They were representing the Swedish FinnishMethodist Church at the Symposium which was concerned with an EcumenicalTheology and the future of the Free Churches in Sweden. The old retiredMinister was in good health and we could discuss theological problems andChurch matters. He had also new from Finland and he could tell me aboutfriends in Helsingfors that I had not seen for years.In 1970 at the 100th Anniversary for the birth of the rev. Karl Hurtig,Sergei Dubrovin gave a speech in Christ Church, Helsingfors.He concluded his speech with a prayer that is worth reading. The prayergives a good picture of what God was able to do through Karl Hurtig. It alsogave a picture of how people in Helsingfors remembered him as preacher andcounsellor. The prayer is printed in Mansfield Hurtig`s biography of hisfather Karl Hurtig.********.c.THE BALTIC STATES AND METHODISMThe Methodists in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuaniabelong to the Methodist Episcopacy of Northern Europe as do the Soviet Union.During World War II the Christians as well as other people of the threeStates suffered a lot during the war. This was also the case of the Christiansin the rest of the atheistic Stalin Empire and dictatorship. This continuedunder the rulers who took over the power after the great dictator.In 1940 the three Baltic States were absorbed into Soviet Union byforce. This was the result of an agreement between Soviet and Germany. ManyMethodist preachers and laymen as well as members of other Denominations wentunderground to avoid military or forced labour service for the Soviet Union.After the fall of the Soviet Union, August 24, 1991, we have got reportsthat preachers and other Christians were deported to Siberia, and other placesin Russia. In these places there grew up Christian groups around the deportedpersons who were faithful to their believe in Christ Jesus.In June, 1941, Germany invaded the Baltic States and drove out theSoviet Army. During the German occupation the people experienced almost thesame kind of harsh treatment as under the Soviet regime, one Methodist said,when he told about the life in the Baltic States during the occupation of thetwo military powers..i..c.METHODISTS SQUEEZED BETWEEN GERMANS AND RUSSIANSIn October 1944, the Soviet Army re-occupied the three Baltic States.Thousands of the Baltic people were forced to accompany the retreating GermanArmy. These people became later Displaced Persons in Germany. Some people fromthe Baltic States fled to Sweden and found refuge there.In 1945 there were twenty-three Baltic Methodist refugee preachers inDisplaced Persons Camp in Germany. Some of them were able to go to Americawhere they served as pastors in the Methodist Church.In 1949 there were still 65.000 Baltic Citizens in Displaced PersonsCamps in Germany, while there were 25.000 Estonians in Sweden and manyMethodists among them.World War II destroyed much of Methodism in the Baltic States due tothe anti-religious policy in Soviet Union. In spite of this fact the MethodistChurch in Northern Europe had some contacts with its sister Church in Estonia.Lots of people tried to take Bibles and New Testaments with them and presentthem as gifts when they went there as tourist after the War. Some of theBibles and New Testaments were confiscated by the boarder guards when theysearch and found these in the luggage.I took part in a Divine Service in Wesley Methodist Church, Borås, whenthe rev. Alexander Kuum came to Sweden as a visitor to get contacts withMethodist Churches in Northern Europe. We had Russian and Estonian Bibles andNew Testaments on the Altar as a symbol of oneness in Christ.These Bibles and New Testaments were sent as gifts to the Congregations inEstonia which were still in function. Estonian refugees in Borås were invitedto the Methodist Church so they could listen to their own language. There werealso other Estonian Methodists visiting Methodist Churches in Northern Europe

71but Alexander Kuum was a superintendent emeritus of the Methodist Church, andhe was often called the patriarch of the Methodist Church in Estonia.In 1983 at the age of 83 years, he was awarded the 37th Upper RoomCitation early that year to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of EstonianMethodism.Mr. Kuum`s father, Karl Kuum, founded the Methodist Church in Estonia.In 1940 there was Methodist work in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. There were17 churches in Estonia with 1.600 full members, more than 1.000 children and500 youth. Following World War II, the Methodist Church was liquidated inLatvia and in Lithuania. Only 700 members remained in 12 congregations inEstonia. In the capital city of Tallin only a few Methodists remained.In 1983 there were 15 Churches with 2.500 full members, 16 pastors, 80active lay preachers. The Church in Tallin was at that time the largestcongregation in continental Europe, I was told, with 1.100 members and morethan 2.000 worshipping each week..c.THE DEATH OF COMMUNISM IN SOVIET 1991The Stockholm evening paper "EXPRESSEN" had on its front page anobituary notice. A black hammer and sickle in a black frame with a text in bigletters covered the whole front page. The text was the following, intranslation:" KOMMUNISM * November 7, 1917, has left usin haste. MOSCOW, August 24, 1991. FuneralService has already taken place."Since this date a lot has happened in the former Soviet Union. Russiahas again appeared on the scene, and former states have got their freedom andindependence. This is the case with the Baltic States as well.There has been rapid changes. Contacts with the people of the BalticStates has developed, and the Churches in Northern Europe has been active inhelping the new Free States. This goes also for the Methodist Church.An Estonian , Jaan Manitski, came to Sweden as a refugee 1944, two yearsold. He has acted as a businessman in Sweden until he moved to Belgium 1989.The 5th of April 1992 he was appointed Foreign Minister in the Free Estonia.In an interview in the Swedish radio I could hear his Borås-dialect as he hasbeen living in that region. I will report some of the happenings in Estonia1991 and 1992..c.METHODIST MINISTER ORDAINED IN TALLIN, ESTONIAThe Divine Service took place in Tallin the second Sunday in Advent1991. The Church was filled with people at 10 O`clock in the morning when thefirst hymn was sung in the Estonian language. The song was not a tribute toany terrestrial kingdom but to the wonderful Kingdom of Christ Jesus in themidst of political turmoils as the Estonians seek freedom from the CentralGovernment of Soviet Union. The Christians, who sang this song expressingtheir faith in the God of Trinity, were Methodists in Estonia who was waitingfor their minister to be ordained by the Methodist Bishop for Northern Europe,Hans Växby from Helsingfors, Finland.The Sermon was delivered by the Methodist Superintendent in Estonia OlavPärnaments. When he preached the guests from Scandinavia understood only threewords in the Sermon, and they were: Jesus, St.Paul and Amen; but the Spiritwas comforting.Bishop Växby gave a short address to the Congregation before theordination. His speech was translated into Estonian by the Superintendent.The candidate for ordination, the rev. Toomas Pajusoo, was calledforward and the ordination was performed in the English language andtranslated into Estonian. Bishop Hans Växby was assisted by the SuperintendentOlav Pärnaments. The whole time during the ceremony the Congregation sat inprayer.When the ceremony was over a group of Youth came into the Church withflowers to their newly ordained minister and his wife Heidi.The minister gave a short address to the Congregation; and everybody

72present felt the warm and loving fellowship between the Congregation and theirminister, even if one could not understand a word of what was said. One sensedthat one was among the Methodist people who belong to the Religion of thewarmed heart.All Methodists in Northern Europe are happy that they can have contactwith each other again, now when the IRON CURTAIN has fallen..c.JOHN WESLEY'S SERMONS TRANSLATED INTOTHE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE BY ARMIN SHAPPIt is Amin Schapp (69) who tells about his experiences during his lifein the Russian imprisonments. He was appointed Methodist Minister in theMethodist Congregation in Jöhvi in Estonia 1987.The Shapp family belonged to the German Lutheran Peter Paul Church inMoscow. Their Minister was imprisoned 1928, and Armin Shapp`s father wasdeported 1937. The following year the family was informed that he had died ina town east of Moscow. He had evidently been shot in prison.The Soviet Authority had found a group photo from the GermanCongregation in Moscow where the Shapp family was pictured. This was taken asevidence that the family had conspired against the Soviet State. Armins olderbrother was sent to Sibiria. His sister, Dagmar, was deported to do timberworkfor the Red Army in the North at the Arctic Ocean. In 1941 his mother wasarrested. She had supported the family by teaching German. The next day, Arminwho was 19 years old and in his second year of medical studies, was deportedto Karaganda in Kazachstan. He had a difficult time with no family, no friendsand hardly any food.He wrote to different prisons to try to find his mother. He was informedthat his mother was in Frunze in Kirgisien, but that she was not permitted toreceive visitors. She was later on moved to an unknown place, and Armin didnot come in contact with her before she died. His sister was moved to abrickwork, and she had got tuberculoses due to lack of food, hard work and badhygiene at work.It was at this time that Armin Schapp started to pray to God. Everynight he folded his hands and prayed to God, and he sung one of the hymns hehad learned as a boy at home. To make a long story short he was moved toSterlitamak. Here he came in contact with a Baptist Youth Group gathering in abasement near his work. He came in contact with Galina, the daughter of theElder in the Congregation. He married her after a year. It was 1949 that hewas converted. His father in law baptized him in secret, even if he had notbeen a Christian the two years that the Congregation had stipulated.In the district around Sterlitamak the Authorities started industries.Armin got a job on the Finance Department of a construction firm because theholder of the position had been drunk for a week and could not do his work.Armin managed to count the salaries for the workers in three big cities. Hecontinued in this work until his retirement. In his spear time Armintranslated Christian literature. Among his translations was most of theSermons of John Wesley that he translated into the Russian language. Hedistributed his typewritten translations to 30 towns in the district. This wasdone as underground literature called samizdat-literature.Armin grew critical to the Baptist Union in Soviet as he found out thatthey were too self-righteous and narrow-minded, he said. In addition to this,the Baptist Union was controlled by the State Authorities, and the leadingElders within a district was almost always men of the Government.Armin liked John Wesley and especially the Sermons that were concernedwith the ecumenical spirit. Armin Shapp tells that he found it hard totranslate Wesley`s Sermons due to the old-fashioned English language. He hadto work like a restorer of old paintings, he said.Armin met a Methodist for the first time 1986. This was at a funeral fora leading Churchman at Norilsk where a Methodist from Estonia took part. Theyprayed together and he felt that he had found something of the Religiousfreedom he had been looking for.Armin was invited to Estonia to preach for the Methodists. After 20preaching tours to Estonia he moved with his family to Jöhvi and took over theresponsibility for the Methodist Congregation as the minister had emigrated to

73Ukraina. During the four years Armin Shapp has been a minister in Jöhvi theCongregation has grown from 38 to 85 members..c.THE FREEDOM OF ESTONIA HAS CREATED NEW ACTIVITIESTHE METHODIST CHURCHES IN NORTHERN EUROPE.INEstonia has become a bridge head for the United Methodist work eastwardto Russia. There are several hundred Bibles in the Russian language in storein Estonia. These Bibles will be distributed throughout Russia by MethodistMissionaries from Northern Europe and from Estonia.The American Methodist Minister Dwight Ramsey from Shreveport visitedSverdlovsk, which has changed name to Jekaterinburg, in an exchange program.He met some Christians, and they had a letter signed by 20 persons who wantedto found a Congregation. Together they went to the town councillor and askedthe town to donate 400 square meters of the town park for the Congregation.The town responded positively and the rev. Ramsey and his Congregationcontinued the contact with the Christians in Russia.In the end of September 1991 a delegation of 18 persons with the BishopWilliam B. Oden as leader went to Russia. When they arrived in Jekaterinburgthey were welcomed by 400 of the inhabitants lead by the chief magistrate YuriSamarin.The Methodist Park in Jekaterinburg was consecrated, and the firstMethodist Congregation for the Russian people was founded. More than 500persons took part in two special Services in the towns Concert Hall. This wasthe first time that 150 of the Congregations members had the opportunity tomeet together at the same time. At this Divine Service 199 Adults, Youth andChildren came forth to receive the Christian baptism and membership in theMethodist Church. Bishop William Oden of USA and Bishop Hans Växby of NorthernEurope lead the Congregation in prayer and asked for Gods blessing over theCongregation.Every new Christian got either a Russian Bible or an illustrated NewTestament with Russian text. Bishop Oden said that nothing could be comparedwith the religious intensity of nearly 200 persons eagerly waiting to bebaptized. The new Methodist Congregation in the former Sverdlovsk in Russiacounts about 600 members.In a Divine Service in Sverdlovsk September 24, 1991, the first cut witha spade was taken for the new Church building of the newly founded MethodistCongregation. Sverdlovsk is an industrial town located at the Trans-SibirianRailroad near the Ural Mountains.Mrs. Lydia Istomina, a former University administrator, who was educatedby the rev. Ramsey to lead the Congregation, was installed by Bishops HansVäxby and William Oden as a local Minister while the rev. Ramsey continues asassistant Elder.The interest for the Methodist Church is growing in the former SovietUnion, now Russia, and Bishop Hans Växby is responsible for the work of theMethodist Church in Russia..c.ADDITIONAL LITERATURE BY DR.ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSENThere are several Methodist personalities that I have written about inother books printed in Offset. The books gives also a broader History of theMethodist Church and other Churches in Northern Europe. These books are to befound in the following two Libraries in USA:1. The Methodist Library and Archives,Drew University,MADISON, New Jersey,07940-4007.-------------------------------2. Pitts Library,Emory University,ATLANTA, Georgia,30322.-----------------------

74The three books I am referring to are:I. Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, The Church BeneathThe Northern Lights. Fenno-ScandianHistorical Theology, 105 pages.Headings related to Northern Europe:METHODISM IN NORWAY:A short survey of the ChurchLife in Norway...................pp.10-11Legislation and AdministrationIn Norway........................ " 11-12Ecclesia in Ecclesiola........... " 12The State Church and theFree Churches.................... " 19The Methodist Church In Norway... " 20In the Shadow of O.P.Petersen.... " 20-21Christian Willerup -Superintendent for 13 years...... " 21Willerup found God in America.... " 21-22Bishops In the MethodistChurch In Northern Europe........ " 22-23METHODISM IN SWEDEN:The Methodist ChurchIn Sweden........................ " 42-44From America with theChaplain Dr. Wrangel............. " 44-45Methodism Direct from Englandwith Samuel Owen, Joseph R.Stephens and George Scott........ " 45From Bethelship Church in NewYork came the rev.O.G.Hedström... " 46The First Methodist CongregationOrganized in Stockholm 1868...... " 47-48How Methodism Released Spiritualand Cultural Powers in Sweden..... " 48-49The Small Church with the bigMessage from the Lord............ " 49-51Bishop Theodore Arvidson-Methodist Bishop for NorthernEurope from 1940 to 1953......... " 77-78Göte Bergsten (1896-1954)........ " 78-80Bishop Odd Hagen (1905-1970)..... " 80-81

75Bengt Melin- AcademicMethodist Layman.................. " 81-82Harald Lindström -Methodist Theologian............. " 82-83Thorvald Källstad (1918-1989).... " 83-85METHODISM IN FINLAND :The Religious Life in Finland.... " 58-59Roman Catholic Crusade in Finland." 60-61The Founding of the writtenLanguage and the time afterthe Lutheran Reformation.........." 61-62Pietist Revivals in Finland....." 62The Pietist LeaderPaavo Ruotsalainen................" 62-66Reaction against Pietism.........." 66State Church and StateAdministration in Finland........." 67The Free Churches in Finland......" 67Finnish contacts withWesleyan Methodism................" 67Finnish contacts withAmerical Methodism................" 68Finnish contacts withSwedish Methodism................." 68-69From Swedish toFinnish Methodism................." 69Finnish Methodism in achanging Society.................." 70Finnish Methodist Missionat Home and Abroad................" 70-71II. Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, Northern EuropeToday. An Introduction to Cultureand Religion In Five NordicCountries. The New Europe., 91pages.The Methodist Church In Norway was the firstChurch In Northern Europe to Ordain a womanas Elder in the Church..............p. 19:1Methodist Mission from England to Swedenthrough the Engineer Samuel Owen, the rev.

76Joseph R. Stephens andDr.George Scott.....................p. 27:1Visited Methodist Congregationsin Norway..........................." 28Göte Bergsten (1896-1954)..........." 28:4Dr. Alf Lier former Kristoffersen(1898 - 1963)...................... " 28:6The Rev.Professor Thorvald Källstad(1918 - 1989)...................... " 28:8The Free Churches inCultural Debates................... " 30-31.III. Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, The Theology ofBishop Odd Hagen - One of thePresidents of the World MethodistCouncil (WMC), 151 pages.PrefaceI. A BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT:1. Biographical data.2. Religious Development.3. Elected Bishop.4. President of theWorld Methodist Council5. The Sword is laid downat the end of the road.NOTESII. PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND:1. The fatal Heritage afterLuther and Erasmus.Notes.2. Methodism, Church organizationor spiritual life.Notes.3. Methodism in Scandinavia.Notes.4. Faith and Knowledge.Notes.5. The Lundensian Theology.Notes.III. AN ANALYSIS OF ODD HAGEN'SSYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY:1. THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST:(CHRISTOLOGY)A. THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST AS A PERSON:a. The Incarnation andthe Virgin Birth:1. The Necessity ofIncarnation.2. The Possibility ofIncarnation.3. The Virgin Birth.b. Jesus as true Man:1. The problem of Bodyand Soul.2. Regarding Ethics.c. Jesus as true God.d. Two Natures in One Person.

77B. THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST`S CALL:a. Christ`s two Statesb. The Prophetic Office(Manus propheticum)c. The High Priestly Office(Manus sacerdotale)d. The Kingly Office(Manus Regium)C. THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST`SRESURRECTION AND ASCENSIONNOTES.From now on I will only give the name of the main headings, and not of thesubtitles:2. THE DOCTRINE OF MAN (ANTHROPOLOGY)3. THE DOCTRINE OF SIN4. THE MEANS OF GRACEA. THE CHURCH AND OFFICE.B. THE SACRAMENTS5. ORDO SALUTIS.TABLE OF CONTENTS :-------------------.c.LITERATURE IN NORDIC LANGUAGESNorthern Europe is divided in three ways. First we havethe name Scandinavia which embraces Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Then we haveFenno-Scandia which includes Finland or Suomi into the fellowship. The NordicFellowship is extended to Island and when Island is included into the block weuse the word Northern Europe.The three Scandinavian Countries have their own national languages.Island has its own language, which is the old Nordic language or thelanguage of the Vikings, which also is the basis for one of the Norwegianlanguages.The Danish language is also used in Island due to the longadministratrative connection with Denmark.Norway has two official Norwegian languages. The "New NorwegianLanguage" that is based on the old dialects and the Viking language called"Norrön language". This is mostly spoken on the West Coast and in NorthNorway. The Norwegian "Book language" is based on the mixture with the Danishlanguage from the time of Danish Administration. This language has developedin more Norwegian lines.In Finland they have their own national language that belong to theFinish-Ugric family of languages. Beside this national language the FinnishSwedish dialect is also spoken, as Finland had a long political associationwith Sweden.Some of the books in the following list have excellent tables ofliterature which indicates the reading interest concerning religiousliterature in the different historical periods in Northern Europe.********Fridtjof O. Valton, DE NORSKE VEKKELSERS HISTORIE.-----------------------------(Oslo:Filadelfiaforlaget A/S, 1942),206 pages.Fridtjof O. Valton, KRISTENDOMENS VERDENSHISTORIE.-----------------------------(Oslo:Filadelfiaförlaget A/S),243 pages.METODISTKYRKAN I SVERIGE 100 ÅR. 1868 - 1968.

78--------------------------------------------(Stockholm: Nya Bokförlags Aktiebolaget,1968),428pages.This book has several authors. The editingCommittee was composed by Mansfield Hurtig,chairman,Vilhelm Wanqvist and Paul Rosell. On page 73-74 thereis a good survey of books. This book had pictures ofMethodist leaders and Methodist Churches and Chapels inSweden.METODISTKIRKENS SÖNDAGSSKOLE 1855-1955.--------------------------------------(Oslo: Metodistkirkens Ungdomsförbund,1955),175 pages.VÅR TRO. METODISTKIRKENS KATEKISME.----------------------------------(Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,1956),64 pages.Alf Kristoffersen, ÅPENBARINGSTANKE OG-------------------MISJONSFORKYNNELSE HOS PAULUS.-----------------------------Akademisk Avhandling.--------------------(Stavanger, Dreyers GrafiskeAnstalt, 1938), 219 pages. This isDr.Kristoffersen`s, later Lier`s,Dissertation for his Doctors Degreeat Uppsala University. This is a NewTestament interpretation andexegesis. I translate thetitle: The Thought of Revelation andPreaching of Mission in S:t Paul.Aage Hardy, O.P.PETERSEN. METODISTKIRKENS GRUNDLEGGER I-------------------------------------------NORGE. (Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,1953),141 pages.------METODISTKYRKANS TEOLOGISKA SKOLA ÖVERÅS. 1874 - 1924 ------------------------------------------------------1949.(Stockholm:NBA,1949), 48 pages.----E.Anker Nilsen, PASTORALRÅDGIVNING.(Oslo: Luther--------------------Förlag A/S, 1974), 232 pages. Thisbook was edited in connection withDr.E.Anker Nilsen`s 70:th birthday.The book that is concerned withpastoral counselling has a tabulagratulatoria with nine pages containing 337names of persons andinstitutions throughout Scandinavia." " " , KRISTENDOM FOR ALVOR. EN KORT INFÖRING--------------------------------------I METODISTISK TEOLOGI. (Oslo:Norsk---------------------Forlagsselskap,1958), 78 pages.Harald Lindström, WESLEY AND SANCTIFICATION.-------------------------(London:The Epworth Press,1946),228pages. This is Dr.Lindström`s doctors

79dissertation at Uppsala University.Hewon a Readers competence for hisdegree.The book has been translatedinto several languages. Ihave heardthat monks in Tebeth has translatedit into their own language. The bookhas been used as a textbook inSeminars and Universities both inEuropeand in America.Arlow W. Andersen, THE SALT OF THE EARTH. A HISTORY OF-----------------------------------NORWEGIAN-DANISH METHODISM IN AMERICA.-------------------------------------(Nashville, Tennessee: The ParthenonPress, 1962), 338 pages. The book iscopyright by the Norwegian-DanishMethodist Historical Society. The bookgives agood picture of theScandinavians asMethodists in USA.METODISTKIRKEN I NORGE 100 ÅR. 1856 - 1956.-------------------------------------------(Oslo: Norsk forlagsselskap, 1956),143 pages.The editors are: Eilert Bernhardt and AageHardy.Metodistkirken i Norge has theresponsibilityfor the edition. In this book onefinds pictures of all theMethodist Ministers inthe Norwegian Annual Conference 1956. Therearealso illustrations from different Methodistactivities and history in Norway.STÖMME AF NAADE. EN PREDIKOSAMLING MED BILLEDER OG-------------------------------------------------BIOGRAFIER.(Kristiania:Den rel.Traktatforening,1897),----------671 pages. This book has Sermons ofMethodist ministers in Norway and Americawith pictures of the author of the Sermonand a short biography.GÅN UT I HELA VÄRLDEN. DEN NORDISKA METHODISMEN OCH---------------------------------------------------VÄRLDSMISSIONEN. The editor is Helge Alm with the help ---------------- of 18 contributors.(Bjärnum: Bjärnums Tryckeri,1956), 208 pages. The book is copyright by thefollowing threeScandinavian Methodist Publishers:Nya Bokförlags Aktiebolaget, Stockholm; NorskForlagsselskap, Oslo and Kurér-Forlaget,Köpenhamn. This book gives a history of theMethodist Foreign Mission by the ScandinavianMethodist Churches. It gives a description of thedifferentMission Fields were the Missionarieswork. Furthermorethe book has a biography of theMissionaries, their education, theirfamily andwhere they are stationed.METODISTKYRKANS SKANDINAVISKA SKOLA.------------------------------------(Göteborg:A.-B. Bröderna WeissBoktr.,1935), 24 pages.Thispresentation of the Theological School inGothenburgwas printed in connection with a drive forfunds for theSchool. In the Committee were J.Julén,Axel Lager and KarlWestlund. Chairman of the Board of the Scandinavian School was Axel Engström.The booklet presents the idea of a Union Scandinavian MethodistTheological School and the road to its realization.

80JUBILEUMSBOKEN. METODISTKIRKENS BARNE-OG ---------------------------------------GAMLEHJEMSARBEIDE 50 ÅR. (Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskaps-----------------------Trykkeri A/S, 1942), 104 pages.The Editor of the book is the rev. Thv.Thomassen whowasthe Director of the Methodist Church`s work amongChildren andOld Folk. He had the responsibility forthe Methodist Orphanagesand Old Folks Homes in Norway.The book gives a good picture of the Methodist Socialwork in Norway.ODD HAGEN - WORLD METHODIST (Stockholm: NBA, 1971),--------------------------- 92 pages. The book iscompiled by the rev. Lars Collin, Bishop Hagen`s Son in Law. LarsCollin studied at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, where the author ofthe present work graduated with his M.A.. Lars Collin has compiledbiographicalhisnotes of the Bishops activities, abstracts ofSermons, pastoral letters, words of welcome to theMembers of the World Methodist Council ExecutiveMeeting in Helsingfors 1968, as well as pictures andPenDrawings of a Friend by outstanding MethodistWide.Leaders WorldMansfield Hurtig, KARL HURTIG - EN LIVSGÄRNING I GUDS-----------------------------------RIKES TJÄNST.(Stockholm: NBA,1972),------------ 224 pages.This book gives a good picture of the Methodist work in Sweden andFinland. We can follow his work in Emanuel Church 1907-1938as well as the building of the newMethodist Church,Kristuskyrkan, Christ Church inHelsingfors were he workedfrom 1928- 1938. We willalso get a good picture of theMethodist Social work as well as the Infra Structure in Finland. The rev.Mansfield Hurtig`s work as assistant pastor to hisfather in Finland is also included in the book. Thebook pictures an epoch in the Methodist History andthereare eight pages of photos from family andChurchactivities. Karl Hurtig was married to AgnesMabel Wade fromEngland.James Porter, METODISTKYRKANS HISTORIA.------------------------(Stockholm: Metodistkyrkans Förlag, 1893),454 pages.Göran Alm, ENKEL MEN VÄRDIG. METODISTISK-----------------------------KYRKOARKITEKTUR I SVERIGE 1869 - 1910.-------------------------------------(Stockholm: NBA, 1974), 186 pages.This book is a Doctors Dissertation atStockholm University. The book is interesting becauseit gives a picture of how Methodism was received inSweden, how it had to fight its way. In thearchitecture there is influence in both direction from the LutheranChurch Philosophy to Methodism as well as the other way round. There aredrawings and pictures of great interest in the book. On pages 171-173there is a Summary in the English language. The three pages gives moreinformation than the number of pages suggestsbecause it isprinted in small types.Paul Neff Garber, THE METHODISTS OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE.------------------------------------(New York: Editorial Department

81Division of Education andCultivation, General Section Board ofMissionsand Church Extension TheMethodistChurch,1949),126 pages.This book is of special value for me as I got the book from therev. Dr. Eric Anton Hammarberg signed August31,195l. This yearI served as minister in ChristMethodist Church inHelsingfors. He was at that timeminister in Gamlakarleby inFinland. He was especially interested in the Foreign Mission. At a Missionrallyin Hälsingborg, Sweden, he preached in Gustaf Adolf'sChurch. He said: " Our responsibility for the nonChristian People is that we shall bring them health."This was the last word he said and he fell down anddiedin the pulpit. A great drama in the Church. TheCongregationwas deeply touched and the Hymn-singingprevented panic. Dr.ErikHammarberg was 56 years oldwhen he died by a stroke on theAscension Day 1960.James K. Mathews, SOUTH OF THE HIMALAYAS. ONE HUNDRED-----------------------------------YEARS OF METHODISM IN INDIA AND------------------------------PAKISTAN. (Nashville, Tennessee:-------- The Editorial Departmentof the Board of Missions of TheMethodist Church, 1955), 155 pages.This book was sent to me from India by a NorwegianMethodist Missionary, Björg Ness, who was a co-studentthe Union Theological Seminary, Gothenburg, Sweden.with me atIvan Lee Holt and Elmer T.Clark, THE WORLD METHODIST-------------------MOVEMENT (Nashville,-------- Tennessee:The Upper Room, 1956), 148 pages.This book is divided into two parts. Part I isconcerned with METHODISM AND THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTand isby Ivan Lee Holt. The second part is written by Elmer T. Clark and isconcerned with THE WORLDMETHODIST COUNCIL. The bookhas 7 pictures of leadingmembers of WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL.The book has lotsof valuable stuff for thinking and dreamsof the future Church.Gerald Kennedy, KÄNNEMÄRKEN PÅ EN METODIST.--------------------------TILLÄGNAD HARRY DENMAN.(Stockholm:-----------------------NBA, 1963), 95 pages. This book wassent free of charge to all Methodist Ministers inSwedenfrom an anonymous friend. This book was used for studies in groups in theMethodist Churches in Swedenas one of the books in theologicalpreparation for the WCC`s meeting in Uppsala 1968.G.Henriksson och Carl Thunström, RUNT HORISONTEN. EN-------------------KORT PRESENTATION AV METODISTKYRKANS------------------------------------VÄRLDSVIDA ARBETE. (Stockholm: NBA,----------------- 1960), 91 pages.This book has eleven contributors and gives a pictureof the Methodist Mission work at home and abroad. The articles in the bookgives information about Methodist Mission where Swedish Ministers are working.It informs about S:t Lucas Foundation, a Counseling Institution founded by theMethodist Minister Göte Bergsten. The Bethany Institution, Methodist Hospital,is presented as well as the Methodist Youth Fellowship, The Methodist Laymen

82and the Methodist Women Ministers.R.Eimir, METODISTISK KYRKOSYN (Stockholm: NBA),------------------- 16 pages.Alf Kristoffersen, KYRKA OCH FÖRSAMLING (Stockholm:-------------------- NBA, 1933),40 pages.Vilhelm Wanqvist, CHARLES WESLEY (Stockholm: NBA,1943),-------------- 37 pages.John Wesley, KRISTELIG FULLKOMMENHET (Bergen: Hans-----------------------Martinussens Forlag, 1933), 72 pages." " , BREV TILL EN ROMERSK KATOLIK---------------------------(Stockholm: NBA,Sanctus,1968),72 pages.This booklet has forwards by MichaelHurley,S.J., Bishop Odd Hagen, PresidentMethodist World Council and AugustinBea, President for the VaticanUnion.CardinalSecretariat for" " , KRISTEN ENHET (Stockholm:NBA,1968),16 p.-------------Odd Hagen, PRELUDES TO METHODISM IN NORTHERN EUROPE----------------------------------------(Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,1961),69 pages." " , METODISMENS ÅND (Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,--------------- 1967), 31 pages." " , KYRKAN ÅTERUPPTÄCKER (Stockholm : NBA,1967),-------------------- 16 pages." " , VEM SKALL JAG SÄNDA (Stockholm: NBA,1955),------------------- 60 pages." " , KORSET OG VIRKELIGHETEN (Oslo: Norsk------------------------Forlagsselskap, 1959), 87 pages." " , FRELSESVISSHET DENS VESEN OG GRUNN----------------------------------(Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,1946), 22 pages." " , DET RELIGIÖSE MENNESKE (Oslo: Norsk---------------------- Forlagsselskap),29 pages." " , TIDENS ORO OCH KYRKANS(Stockholm: NBA,1962),---------------------- 78 pages." " , SÖKA OCH FINNA (Stockholm: NBA, 1956),47 p.--------------" " , TANKENS PLATS I TRONS VÄRLD---------------------------(Uppsala: J.A.Lindblads Förlag,1950), 70 p." " , DEN KRISTNE DÅP.HERRENS HELLIGE NATTVERD.----------------------------------------

83(Oslo: Metodistkirkens Ungdomsforbund).Studiebiblioteket. Hefte II/III" " , VÅR KRISTNE TRO. INFÖRING I METODISTISK---------------------------------------TROSLÄRE. (Oslo: Norsk Forlagsselskap,-------- 1953), 272 pages." " , KYRKA OCH SAKRAMENT.(Stockholm: NBA,1944),------------------- 128 pages." " , DET NYE TESTAMENTE. BREVENE OG JOHANNES`---------------------------------------ÅPENBARING.( Oslo: Metodistkirkens Bible----------- skole), 9 letters and 30 pages.William R. Cannon, METODISMENS BIDRAG TILL DEN---------------------------EKUMENISKA RÖRELSEN.-------------------(Stockholm:NBA,1968), 16 pages.Thorvald Källstad, JOHN WESLEY AND THE BIBLE.-------------------------A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY.---------------------(Uppsala: Acta UniversitasUppsaliensis. PsychologiaReligionum, 1974), 356 pages.This is Professor Källstads DoctorsDissertation which gave himReadership at Uppsala University. Hebecame Professor of Psychology ofReligion at Uppsala University andDecanus for the Faculty of Theologyat Uppsala University. He was thefirst Methodist minister who becameDean for the education of theLutheran State Church Ministers inSweden." " , ÄR KRISTENDOMEN MODERN ?------------------------(Örebro: ÖM:s Förlag,1953),47 pages." " , TRONS VÄG.LÄROBOK I------------------KRISTENDOMSKUNSKAP (Stockholm:------------------ NBA,1961),103 p..c.LITERATURE BY DR. ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSENThe author of the present work has written several manuscripts which arein Offset print and bound. There are also newsletters with historical materialfrom Northern Europe since medium 1950-ties up to date. These manuscripts areto be found in two Libraries in USA.1. Pitts Library, Emory University Atlanta,Georgia.2. Methodist Library and Archives,Drew University, Madison, New Jersey.

84Some of the titles follows:Arne-Jacob Kristoffersen, Homiletisk Biografi.( 7 English MethodistPreachers), 33 pages." " " , Predikan och talet i GT,NToch Nu, 56 pages." " " , Ämbetet i Metodistkyrkan,60 pages." " " , Pauli Pastoralteologi,40p." " " , Homiletik. Hur Engelskaklassiska homileterkonstruerar och illustrerarPredikan (Sangster,Morris,Cleland,Blackwood), 84 pages." " " , Exegetik, Hermeneutik,Kategetik, Rimlighetstolkning,86 pages." " " , Jesu Sexton Apostlar,98 p." " " , Kvinnorna runt JohnWesley,70 pages." " " , Teologer Rekommenderade avJohn Wesley (See J.W.,Lettersvol.II, pp.387-88),250 pages." " " , Rider With Love and Holiness.John Wesley`s outlook onLife, 141 pages." " " , Boston Personalism. AnAmerican MethodistContribution to ReligiousThought. 166 pages." " " , Tidens Tendenser. EnHistoriefilosofisk Studie.83 pages."""""", En Kristen Apologetik.79 p., Pastoralpsykologi ochPastoralrådgivning. 90 pages." " " , Aliya- Shevut, Det ModernaIsrael i Dag.143 pages." " " , Studier i Judiska Miljöer iEngland. 60 pages." " " , Nutida Tänkare,15 EvageliskaTeologer som formade våratankar. 116 pages." " " , Det Värmda Hjärtats religion.80 pages." " " , Personalism-The SoundestPosition In Theism Today.153 pages." " " , Northern Europe Today. AnIntroduction to Culture andReligion in the Five NordicCountries. The New Europe.90 pages.********_.c.P R E F A C E 2

AN OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT WORKA. A short Introduction to Methodist ChurchHistory in Northern EuropeTHE METHODIST LEADERSHIP IN NORTHERN EUROPETHE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SWEDEN 4HE METHODIST BISHOP MOVES FROM STOCKHOLM TO HELSINGFORS 4HE FIRST METHODIST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NORWAY 5HE SCANDINAVIAN BISHOPS THEODORE ARVIDSON AND ODD HAGEN 5CUMENICAL MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE CHURCHESMethodist History and Leaders in Northern Europe6THE METHODIST CHURCH IN NORWAY WAS FOUNDED BY SEAMEN AND IMMIGRANTS RETURNINGFROM AMERICA. 7NORWAYNORWEGIAN METHODISM STARTED IN NEW YORK 8HUNDRED YEARS OF METHODISM IN NORWAY 1956 8ONE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CHURCH AND SCHOOL 9METHODISTS AND HOLINESS 10THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF NORWAY AND THE METHODISTSWOMEN MINISTERS IN THE METHODIST- AND THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.1011O.P. PETERSEN (1822 - 1901 ). 12THE SEAMAN FOUND GOD IN AMERICA AND JOINED THE BETHELSHIP CONGREGATION IN NEWYORK UNDER THE REV.HEDSTRÖM'S LEADERSHIP 13O.P.PETERSEN'S EXPERIENCE AT SEA AND HIS LOVE LETTERTO ANNE MARIE AMUNDSEN IN FREDRIKSTAD, NORWAY 13O.P.PETERSEN AND THE AMERICAN METHODIST CHURCH WERE BLESSED BY A HAUGIANCHRISTIAN IN NORWAY 15THE FIRST METHODIST CHAPEL IN NORWAY WERE BUILT IN SARPSBORGO.P.PETERSEN THE FOUNDER OF THE FIRST METHODIST16CHURCH IN NORWAY IN SARPSBORG 1856. 16THE REV. EILERT BERNHARDT WRITES ABOUTO.P.PETERSEN'S THEOLOGICAL PRODUCTION. 172. T.B.Barratt (1862-1940). 18T.B.BARRATT GOT EDUCATION IN ENGLAND AND WORK IN NORWAY 18T.B.BARRATT STARTED AS A METHODIST PREACHER 19T.B.BARRATT MARRIES AND GETS NEW APPOINTMENTS 19T.B.BARRATT IN CONTACT WITH AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LIFET.B.BARRATT BECAME THE PIONEER FOR20THE NEW SPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN EUROPE. 21METHODIST THEOLOGY IN THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT 22T.B.BARRATT IS COUNTED AS A SPIRITUAL MISSIONARY IN EUROPE 223. THE.REV. EINAR KARLSEN (1882-1950) 24EINAR KARLSEN IN THE SERVICE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH 254. BISHOP ODD HAGEN (1905 - 1970) 26ODD HAGEN - THE BOY FROM NIDAROS, NORWAY 26CONSECRATED BISHOP IN CHRIST CHURCH HELSINGFORS5. DR. ALF LIER FORMER KRISTOFFERSEN (1898 -1963)2728ACADEMIC EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 28IN THE METHODIST MINISTRY 28AT THE UNION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY-GOTHENBURG 296. E. Anker Nilsen (1904-1986)DR.E.ANKER NILSEN INTRODUCED AMERICAN PSYCHO-THERAPYTO NORTHERN EUROPE 30DENMARK 31THE REV. J.J.CHRISTENSEN AS SUPERINTENDENTDENMARK 199032331. CHR. P. WILLERUP (1815 - 1896) 34DR. FERRY CALLS WILLERUP AS A MISSIONARY AMONG NORWEGIAN IMMIGRANT 34WILLERUP - CHURCH BUILDER IN NORWAY AND DENMARK 35SUPERINTENDENT KARL SCHOU (1841 - 1889 ) 36KARL SCHOU WENT TO AMERICA AND BECAME A METHODIST 37KARL SCHOU MARRIED MARIA MÖLLER IN KOLDING 37THE RESULT OF KARL SCHOU'S WORK IN DENMARK 383.SUPERINTENDENT J.J.CHRISTENSEN (1845-1904)FROM TAILOR TO ACADEMIC STUDENT3940FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO PASTORAL WORK 4085

THE FIRST ORDINATION IN DENMARK BY A METHODIST BISHOP 424. BISHOP ANTON BAST (1867-1937) 43THE SWEDISH AND NORWEGIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCES ORGANIZED 43THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN METHODIST BISHOP 43THE METHODIST BISHOPS RESIDENCE IN COPENHAGEN 44SWEDEN 45GEORGE SCOTT SUCCEEDED J.R. STEPHENS 45NEW INTEREST IN DR. SCOTT'S WORK 46METHODIST FROM BETHELSHIP IN NEW YORKTHE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE MOSAIC SOCIETY RECOGNIZED4748FROM HOSTILITY TO ACCEPTANCE 49ECUMENICAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE CHRISTIANITY IN RUSSIA 50METHODIST THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 51THE BIBLE IN SWEDISH CELEBRATED 450 YEARS 1991 51THE BIBLE PROMOTES GENERAL EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 521.GEORGE SCOTT (1804-1874). 532. MAGNUS FREDRIK ÅHGREN (19/10 1850-11/9 1937). 55ARCHBISHOP NATHAN SÖDERBLOM AND THE REV. ÅGREN3. BISHOP THEODOR ARVIDSON (1883 - 1964)5557FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO CHURCH SERVICE 57A METHODIST HONORED WORLDWIDE 585. THE REV. PROFESSOR THORVALD KÄLLSTAD (1918 - 1989) 59THORVALD KÄLLSTAD'S EDUCATION 59KÄLLSTAD AS AN AUTHOR 60THE FIRST METHODIST AS DEAN IN A LUTHERAN FACULTY 616. EGON ÅSTRÖM (1903-1945) 62HE BECAME A METHODIST MARTYR IN SUMATRA7. EFRAIM ALMGREN (1891 - 1975)6364DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA 648. CARL THUNSTRÖM (1897 - 1977) 67DR. CARL THUNSTRÖM GREW UP IN A PARSONAGE 67THE FIRST PREACHING TOUR AT NINE 67AN UPPER ROOM MAN 68FINLAND - SUOMI 69TWO LANGUAGES IN FINLAND-FINNISH AND SWEDISH 69A STRONG NATIONALISM SEEKS ITS IDENTITYTHE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN FINLAND SEPARATED FROM RUSSIA7071FROM PERSECUTION TO RESPECTABILITY 731. B.A. CARLSON (1833 - 1920 ) 73FROM HIS AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 73CHRISTIAN AND LOCAL PREACHER IN AMERICA 74B.A.CARLSON AND A SOVIET SUBMARINE STRANDED IN KARLSKRONA 74A PIONEER BOTH IN SWEDEN AND IN FINLAND 752. KARL HURTIG ( 1871 - 1947)KARL HURTIG AS MR. METHODIST IN FINLANDBOYS WHO FORMED A KIND OF OXFORD GROUP7677KARL HURTIG'S SERVICE IN THE METHODIST CHURCH 78KARL HURTIG MARRIED AGNES MABEL WADE FROM ENGLAND 78CHRIST CHURCH REPLACES IMMANUEL CHURCH IN HELSINGFORS 793. MANSFIELD HURTIG (1900-1973) 80MANSFIELD'S EDUCATION AND MINISTERIAL SERVICE 814. ERIC ANTON HAMMARBERG (29/11 1903 - 27/5 1960)DRAMA IN THE PULPIT IN HÄLSINGBORG 83HAMMARBERG'S CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATIONDR. HAMMARBERG'S MINISTRY IN FINLAND84845. THE REV. SERGEI DUBROVIN 85SERGEI DUBROVIN'S ORIGIN,EDUCATION AND MINISTRY 86THE BALTIC STATES AND METHODISM 86METHODISTS SQUEEZED BETWEEN GERMANS AND RUSSIANS 87THE DEATH OF COMMUNISM IN SOVIET 1991 88METHODIST MINISTER ORDAINED IN TALLIN, ESTONIA 88JOHN WESLEY'S SERMONS TRANSLATED INTOTHE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE BY ARMIN SHAPPTHE FREEDOM OF ESTONIA HAS CREATED NEW ACTIVITIES89IN THE METHODIST CHURCHES IN NORTHERN EUROPE.86

91ADDITIONAL LITERATURE BY DR.ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSEN 92LITERATURE IN NORDIC LANGUAGES 96LITERATURE BY DR. ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSEN 187

881. B.A. CARLSON (1833 - 1920 ) 731. CHR. P. WILLERUP (1815 - 1896) 341. O.P. PETERSEN (1822 - 1901 ). 121.GEORGE SCOTT (1804-1874). 532. KARL HURTIG ( 1871 - 1947)2. MAGNUS FREDRIK ÅHGREN (19/10 1850-11/9 1937). 552. SUPERINTENDENT KARL SCHOU (1841 - 1889 ) 362. T.B.Barratt (1862-1940). 183. SUPERINTENDENT J.J.CHRISTENSEN (1845-1904) 393. BISHOP THEODOR ARVIDSON (1883 - 1964) 573. MANSFIELD HURTIG (1900-1973) 803. THE.REV. EINAR KARLSEN (1882-1950) 244. BISHOP ANTON BAST (1867-1937) 434. BISHOP ODD HAGEN (1905 - 1970) 264. ERIC ANTON HAMMARBERG (29/11 1903 - 27/5 1960)5. DR. ALF LIER FORMER KRISTOFFERSEN (1898 -1963) 285. THE REV. PROFESSOR THORVALD KÄLLSTAD (1918 - 1989) 595. THE REV. SERGEI DUBROVIN 856. E. Anker Nilsen (1904-1986)6. EGON ÅSTRÖM (1903-1945) 627. EFRAIM ALMGREN (1891 - 1975) 648. CARL THUNSTRÖM (1897 - 1977) 67A METHODIST HONORED WORLDWIDE 58A PIONEER BOTH IN SWEDEN AND IN FINLAND 75A STRONG NATIONALISM SEEKS ITS IDENTITY 70A. A short Introduction to Methodist ChurchHistory in Northern EuropeACADEMIC EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 28ADDITIONAL LITERATURE BY DR.ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSEN 92AN OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT WORKAN UPPER ROOM MAN 68ARCHBISHOP NATHAN SÖDERBLOM AND THE REV. ÅGREN 55AT THE UNION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY-GOTHENBURG 29B.A.CARLSON AND A SOVIET SUBMARINESTRANDED IN KARLSKRONA 74BOYS WHO FORMED A KIND OF OXFORD GROUP 77CHRIST CHURCH REPLACES IMMANUEL CHURCH IN HELSINGFORS 79CHRISTIAN AND LOCAL PREACHER IN AMERICA 74CONSECRATED BISHOP IN CHRIST CHURCH HELSINGFORS 27DENMARK 31DENMARK 1990 33DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA 64DR. CARL THUNSTRÖM GREW UP IN A PARSONAGE 67DR. FERRY CALLS WILLERUP AS A MISSIONARYAMONG NORWEGIAN IMMIGRANT 34DR. HAMMARBERG'S MINISTRY IN FINLAND 84DR.E.ANKER NILSEN INTRODUCED AMERICANPSYCHO-THERAPY TO NORTHERN EUROPE 30DRAMA IN THE PULPIT IN HÄLSINGBORG 83ECUMENICAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE CHRISTIANITY IN RUSSIA 50ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE CHURCHES 6EINAR KARLSEN IN THE SERVICE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH 25FINLAND - SUOMI 69FROM HIS AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 73FROM HOSTILITY TO ACCEPTANCE 49FROM PERSECUTION TO RESPECTABILITY 73FROM TAILOR TO ACADEMIC STUDENT 40FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO CHURCH SERVICE 57FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO PASTORAL WORK 40GEORGE SCOTT SUCCEEDED J.R. STEPHENS 45HAMMARBERG'S CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION 84HE BECAME A METHODIST MARTYR IN SUMATRA 63HUNDRED YEARS OF METHODISM IN NORWAY 1956 8IN THE METHODIST MINISTRY 28JOHN WESLEY'S SERMONS TRANSLATED INTOTHE

89RUSSIAN LANGUAGE BY ARMIN SHAPP 89KARL HURTIG AS MR. METHODIST IN FINLAND 76KARL HURTIG MARRIED AGNES MABEL WADE FROM ENGLAND 78KARL HURTIG'S SERVICE IN THE METHODIST CHURCH 78KARL SCHOU MARRIED MARIA MÖLLER IN KOLDING 37KARL SCHOU WENT TO AMERICA AND BECAME A METHODIST 37KÄLLSTAD AS AN AUTHOR 60LITERATURE BY DR. ARNE-JACOB KRISTOFFERSEN 104LITERATURE IN NORDIC LANGUAGES 96MANSFIELD'S EDUCATION AND MINISTERIAL SERVICE 81METHODIST FROM BETHELSHIP IN NEW YORK 47Methodist History and Leaders in Northern EuropeMETHODIST MINISTER ORDAINED IN TALLIN, ESTONIA 88METHODIST THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 51METHODIST THEOLOGY IN THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT 22METHODISTS AND HOLINESS 10METHODISTS SQUEEZED BETWEEN GERMANS AND RUSSIANS 87NEW INTEREST IN DR. SCOTT'S WORK 46NORWAYNORWEGIAN METHODISM STARTED IN NEW YORK 8O.P.PETERSEN AND THE AMERICAN METHODIST CHURCH WEREBLESSED BY A HAUGIAN CHRISTIAN IN NORWAY 15O.P.PETERSEN THE FOUNDER OF THE FIRST METHODISTCHURCH IN NORWAY IN SARPSBORG 1856. 16O.P.PETERSEN'S EXPERIENCE AT SEA AND HIS LOVE LETTERTO ANNE MARIE AMUNDSEN IN FREDRIKSTAD, NORWAY 13ODD HAGEN - THE BOY FROM NIDAROS, NORWAY 26ONE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CHURCH AND SCHOOL 9P R E F A C E 2SERGEI DUBROVIN'S ORIGIN,EDUCATION AND MINISTRY 86SWEDEN 45T.B.BARRATT BECAME THE PIONEER FORSPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN EUROPE. 21T.B.BARRATT GOT EDUCATION IN ENGLAND AND WORK IN NORWAY 18T.B.BARRATT IN CONTACT WITH AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LIFE 20T.B.BARRATT IS COUNTED AS A SPIRITUAL MISSIONARY IN EUROPE 22T.B.BARRATT MARRIES AND GETS NEW APPOINTMENTS 19T.B.BARRATT STARTED AS A METHODIST PREACHER 19THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN FINLAND SEPARATED FROM RUSSIA 71THE BALTIC STATES AND METHODISM 86THE BIBLE IN SWEDISH CELEBRATED 450 YEARS 1991 51THE BIBLE PROMOTES GENERAL EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 52THE DEATH OF COMMUNISM IN SOVIET 1991 88THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SWEDEN 4THE FIRST METHODIST ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NORWAY 5THE FIRST METHODIST AS DEAN IN A LUTHERAN FACULTY 61THE FIRST METHODIST CHAPEL IN NORWAYWERE BUILT IN SARPSBORG 16THE FIRST ORDINATION IN DENMARK BY A METHODIST BISHOP 42THE FIRST PREACHING TOUR AT NINE 67THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN METHODIST BISHOP 43THE FREEDOM OF ESTONIA HAS CREATED NEW ACTIVITIESIN THE METHODIST CHURCHES IN NORTHERN EUROPE. 91THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF NORWAY AND THE METHODISTS 10THE METHODIST BISHOP MOVES FROM STOCKHOLM TO HELSINGFORS 4THE METHODIST BISHOPS RESIDENCE IN COPENHAGEN 44THE METHODIST CHURCH AND THE MOSAIC SOCIETY RECOGNIZED 48THE METHODIST CHURCH IN NORWAY WAS FOUNDED BY SEAMENAND IMMIGRANTS RETURNING FROM AMERICA. 7THE METHODIST LEADERSHIP IN NORTHERN EUROPETHE RESULT OF KARL SCHOU'S WORK IN DENMARK 38THE REV. EILERT BERNHARDT WRITES ABOUTO.P.PETERSEN'S THEOLOGICAL PRODUCTION. 17THE REV. J.J.CHRISTENSEN AS SUPERINTENDENT 32THE SCANDINAVIAN BISHOPS THEODORE ARVIDSON AND ODD HAGEN 5THE NEW

THE SEAMAN FOUND GOD IN AMERICA AND JOINED THE BETHELSHIPCONGREGATION IN NEW YORK UNDER THE REV.HEDSTRÖM'S LEADERSHIP 13THE SWEDISH AND NORWEGIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCES ORGANIZED 43THORVALD KÄLLSTAD'S EDUCATION 59TWO LANGUAGES IN FINLAND-FINNISH AND SWEDISH 69WILLERUP - CHURCH BUILDER IN NORWAY AND DENMARK 35WOMEN MINISTERS IN THE METHODIST- AND THE LUTHERAN CHURCH. 1190