New Swedish Church Dedicated-This Day in Norwood History-July 15, 1898

The new Swedish bethel on Cedar Street was dedicated with appropriate services last Sunday. The new bethel is the result of a church enterprise which practically began some four or five years ago. Services have been held in the old Winslow building on Chapel Street.

Rev. C. E. Johnson of Brockton, a missionary engaged in fostering church enterprises of this kind in various towns began holding services here a year ago last February and has labored as a regular missionary here since October 1, 1897. There has been raised for the new chapel or bethel in Norwood about $650 and in Boston about $500. There are some 500 Swedish people in Norwood and the field is considered a good one for church work of this kind. The church has a seating capacity of 150. There were services all day—morning, afternoon, and evening last Sunday. Morning and evening services were in Swedish and the afternoon service was in English.

The church was well-filled at the afternoon service. Morning and evening services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Johnson. At the dedicatory exercises in the afternoon, State Secretary presided and made the opening address, congratulating the Swedish people on the success which had attended their efforts in building such a neat and commodious house of worship. He presented the Swedish brethren with a very handsome Bible, the gift of Mrs. M. E. S. Fauuce, R. I.

Thanks were tendered by Rev. Mr. Johnson, Rev. George W. Nead made a report on behalf of the building committee, with a statement as to the origin and object of the movement. He stated that to complete the building and pay all bills about $300 were needed. About $144 were raised by the collection Sunday afternoon, and the total offering for the day amounted to about $150.

Rev. Mr. Nead presented the keys of the building to Mr. Moore, president of the Sunday School Association, who feelingly responded and closed his remarks with a poem. Rev. Dr. Eaton, secretary of the state convention, preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. N. N. Marten of Brockton offered the prayer of dedication. F. O. Winslow, Esq., made an excellent address. Rev. Mr. Johnson made a few closing remarks.

During the services, there was singing by the congregation, led by Mrs. Morrill and the Swedish quartette. There will be services in the new bethel every Sunday and a prayer meeting on Thursday evenings.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)