Music

(Information taken from Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Book covering 1874 - 1949)

When the Lutheran Church began work in this country, the value of music and song was early recognized as an important factor in the development of religious life and education of its people. The hymn book was always one of the most treasured of belongings brought from the mother country by the immigrant. Wherever religious gatherings were held, familiar hymns were always sung and this seemed to form a link with the old home across the sea, as it lessened the distance and softened the pangs of homesickness.

Through the years, the developement of this need of music has kept pace with the growth of the church and proved again and again that the Lutheran church is truly a singing church. In the newly formed church Johannes Sevde was appointed as "klokker" and he would announce the hymns; Jon Kittleson succeeded him.

Plans were layed to purchase a pipe organ, which seemed a big undertaking for such a young church but interest grew. In 1886, through the help of John Dahle, a teaching music in the community, a pipe organ was bought and installed in the balcony of the church. The pipe organ was a one manual type built by the Muller Organ Company and cost $800. Since there was no electricity the organ was powered by hand pumping which took considerable strength and stamina. When electricity came in 1912, it was moved from the balcony to a place in the front of the church, rebuilt and wired for electricity. It remained in this place until the fall of 1929 when the new church was built and it was sold to a congregation in Northern Minnesota.

John Dahle was a master of music and was chosen for the position of organist and choir director. He later became Professor of Music at our Lutheran seminary. He became a well known composer of church music that was written in Norwegian. When Professor Dahle left Roland, Ole K. Helvig, John Egenes and John Prestbo continued choir and music work.

Miss Ragna Sherven (Mrs. Hans Dahlen) became the next organist and choir director. She was also a gifted and well trained musician who did much to develop musical talent at Bergen. After her resignation, the following served: Mrs. Agnes Lundberg Hofstad, Mr. Jacob Schultz, Mr. Henry Wigtil, Miss Inga Lura, Mrs. Alma Lovstuen Hanson, Mrs. Marjorie Peterson Jacobson, Mrs. E.I. Rosheim, and again, Mrs. Alma Hanson. By 1924, the Bergen choir had increased in size that Otto Hanson, a choir member and excellent vocalist, was hired as choir director.

In 1929 when the new church was completed, a new pipe organ was purchased. This organ is a two manual instrument built by the Voetteler-Holtkamp-Sparling Co. of Cleveland, OH and was installed at a cost of $7500. At this time, the choir loft would hold approximately 50 people and was often filled to capacity.

Through the years special music groups were formed. A men's chorus which became well known around nearby communities was organized under Miss Sherven's direction. A church orchestra, organized by Mr. Wigtil, often played during evening services. And several other small groups formed and performed for special occasions and services.

The Junior choir, comprised of boys and girls under confirmation age, was organized by Mr. Basil Goforth in the summer of 1942. White surplices were made for the Junior choir by members of the Bergen Ladies Aid. The original purpose of the Junior choir was to furnish special music for the morning service during summer vacation in place of the regular choir and soon grew in size to over fifty members.

In the late 1940's, Memorial Tower Chimes and an amplifying system was given as a memorial to honor the young men of the congregation who died in the service of their country. The music from the gift played before the morning service and on other special occasions.

New Hymnals - New red hymnals, "Service and Hymnal Book" were used for the first time on Easter Sunday, 1959.

The organ was rebuilt and moved to the balcony by Larry Krusie, Freeport Organ Co. Hiawatha, Iowa at a cost of $140,000. The rebuilt, two manual and pedal pipe organ consisting of 20 stops, 22 ranks, and 1262 pipes and chimes was first used publicly at morning worship on June 12, 1983. It was followed by an introductory concert by Pastor Paul Christenson of First Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA that evening. The formal dedication of the organ was held November 20, 1983. The balcony was remodeled to accomodate the move and included new lighting, carpet and chairs.

Music Committee established - The Music Committee was established in the spring of 1994. The committee consists of three members, each serving a three year term, elected at the annual meeting, and to serve with a representative from the church council and the pastor as an ex-officio member. The purpose of the group is to oversee, coordinate and communicate with the various choirs, individuals and groups who serve the congregation with musical talent and shall meet as needed.

240 "With One Voice" song books were purchased by the Memorial Committee. Dedication was held on March 11, 2001.

A new sound system was purchased with memorial monies and installed by ProSound of Ames, Iowa in March, 2001.

New Hymnals - Dedication of the ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship) cranberry book was held on March 1, 2009.

From the early "klokker" and congregational singing to the organized choirs and musical groups, Bergen Church has grown and maintained high quality musical values, incorporating and teaching beloved hymns and music of our Lutheran heritage with the hope that our children and youth will maintain and nurture the religious musical background, that has lived and will live on to enrich and bless the lives of the children of tomorrow.

Bob G - Organist - 2010

Bob G (organist) & Jim H (soloist) - 2010

Bergen Choir - 2006

Justin H - 2006