U.P. Norwegians get a home
U.P. Norwegians get a home
48 inducted into first lodge in U.P.
By JANE NORDBERG, DMG Writer
HANCOCK — After a few mysterious hand gestures, ceremonial speeches by visiting dignitaries and much singing of words with unfamiliar vowels, 48 charter members of the new Sons of Norway Ulseth Lodge were inducted Sunday in Hancock.
The Institution Ceremony at Gloria Dei Church officially made the Ulseth Lodge No. 5-670 the first Sons of Norway lodge in the Upper Peninsula.
Although its official home is the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Calumet, that venue is under ongoing restoration, hence the meeting was held in Hancock.
The ceremony began with the singing of the Norwegian, United States and Canadian national anthems, the latter of which was to honor the 1,700 Sons of Norway members in Canada, said Harland Anderson, president of District 5 and a Sons of Norway lodge member from Appleton, Wis., who led much of the day’s events.
The district encompassing the Ulseth Lodge, explained District Secretary Mary Bennett, included Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and anything south of Kentucky should the Sons of Norway have a lodge there, which they don’t.
Bennett’s home lodge is in Madison, Wis., and will be celebrating its centennial in two years.
“From one of the oldest lodges to the newest lodge, we welcome you to a wonderful organization and District 5, which we call the Friendly Five,” Bennett said. “The friends you make here you’ll treasure for life.”
International Director Jostein Bakken taught new members the “Sign of Order of the Lodge,” or the meaning behind the motion of voting with the index finger of the right hand pointing up.
“The three left fingers symbolize freedom, fraternity and progress, you hold them together with the thumb, which is brotherly love, and you point towards the North Star,” he said.
Bakken asked Susan Rokicki, newly inducted as Membership and Music Director, how long they had been talking about starting a new lodge in the U.P.
“It’s been about eight years,” said Rokicki, since she first began traveling to other lodges to build the foundation for a lodge in Calumet. New lodges must have a minimum of 40 members to become officially recognized.
“It’s wonderful to see it finally take shape,” Bakken said. “We welcome you and wish you success and progress in your new lodge.”
Anderson inducted new officers, telling Social Director Eileen Stordahl to “make sure meetings are interesting and enjoyable,” Auditing Committee President Joseph Mihal to remember to audit the books annually, and Treasurer Sandy Carstens to remind President Wayne Stordahl to co-sign all the checks.
President Stordahl was given an even taller order.
“You are charged with the progress, welfare and internal harmony of your lodge,” Anderson told Stordahl. “You must act with impartiality and without fear. Be calm.”
Following receipt of their official regalia, new members sang a 1960s tune entitled “La Oss Leve For Hverandre,” the translated lyrics of which remind Norwegian brothers and sisters to “live for each other.”
Members voted unanimously to keep the name “Ulseth Lodge,” honoring Norwegian immigrant Edward Ulseth, founder and architect of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Calumet.
They also voted to allow anyone interested in joining before Aug. 1 to be recognized as charter members, and set annual dues at $10. Details for the next meeting were left undecided.
Following official business, the group had a potluck dinner highlighted by traditional Norwegian foods such as laks (salmon) and kjottboller (meatballs), followed by strawberry shortcake and almond pastries.
Anyone wishing to join or learn more about the Sons of Norway Ulseth Lodge 5-670 can go to www.NLC-Calumet.org/SON.
Jane Nordberg can be reached at jnordberg@mininggazette.com
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