Memories of Growing
Up - Religion
Memories of Growing Up - Religion
By Axel Boilesen, 2013
Religious values were not discussed
openly in our family but were implied as best they understood
them. We were always expected to attend all worship services.
In general I feel that my parents did not interfere with my
thinking on religious issues with one exception (and this is
where my theological concepts eventually differed considerably).
That exception was my participation in large tent revival meetings.
Looking back I disagree with having been exposed to that "Hell,
Fire and Brimstone" theology at an early age. I do not
recall them being at the revival meetings but they may have
been seated somewhere in the audience.
The ministers leading the revival
sessions and altar calls were experts in their field and I went
forward more than once. Who can say what the total impact of
thoses experiences may have been on my life. I do remember not
sleeping very well some nights concerned about whether or not
I would wake up the next day and afraid that if I didn't wake
up that I was headed for Hell.
One thing I do know is that a
faith based on love has brought me more joy and happiness than
one based on fear and damnation ever could achieve. My religious
beliefs lead me to be supportive of all faiths that recognize
a "Greater Power" with love for all. When I think
of the creation of human beings with the ability to think
and silently pray through our minds there should
be no limits to our Joy and Thanksgiving.
I will never know what my parent's
total religious beliefs were but I feel there are more similiarities
than differences.
Church in Denmark
where my grandparents lived before emigrating to Nebraska
My brother Lester,
who had an interest in our family geneology and the history
of Cotesfield, wrote the following about religion in Cotesfield:
Religion is another part of
the Cotesfield story. The United Brethren in Christ, now part
of The United Methodist Church, came to the area in 1874.
They met first in a dug out, then in the schoolhouse, and
finally erected their own building in 1898. News accounts
reveal activity by Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, Seventh
Day Adventists, Free Methodists, and others. An article that
appeared on July 17, 1896, in the "St.Paul Press" states,
"...A troublesome disease broke out in Cotesfield last winter
from which many who were afflicted have happily recovered,
while with many it is feared the case is hopeless. The name
of the disease is 'religion of the head and not in the heart'..."
We are left to wonder what was meant, but are sure that a
strong and enduring faith is part of the story of the life
of this community.
(Singing left to right) Axel's
brother-in-law Rev. Albert Stroh, sister-in-law Bernice Boilesen,
sister Fern Stroh, brother Rev. Lester Boilesen and niece Gloria
Stroh playing the piano in the Cotesfield United Methodist Church.
Updated information 2018
The Cotesfield United Methodist
Church started as the United Brethren in Christ in 1874. They
met first in a dug out. The next year they moved to the schoolhouse,
and by 1889, membership had grown to 45.
The first church was built
in 1899 about half a mile south of town. Soon it was decided
to move the church building to the growing town of Cotesfield.
Church member Robert Kirkpatrick donated a lot, and the church
was moved in 1906. By 1911, membership had reached 91. On May
9, 1921, lightning struck the church and it burned. Members
worked quickly to raise money and build a new building, which
was dedicated on Oct. 30 of the same year. Several remodeling
projects were done to the 1921 building, such as the addition
of a restroom in 1967, but otherwise it remained much the same.
The Cotesfield United Methodist
Church held its last worship service on Dec. 11, 2011. The 138-year-old
church closed due to lack of attendance.
History and photo
courtesy of Grand Island Independent/Amy Schweitzer (8)
DB Postscript:
Despite Dad's negative
memories about the "hell, fire and brimstone" his
attendance at Sunday school surely had positive aspects. The
following newspaper clipping notes that Betty Barr (his future
wife) was in his Sunday school class.
Cotesfield News,
The Phonograph, May 14, 1941
When I think about
Dad attending tent revival meetings as a child I think about
Alison Krause singing "Down
to the River to Pray," one of my favorite songs
from the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" I never
heard many details about those revivals or if there were any
church gatherings at the Middle Loup River. But summer could
get pretty hot in Nebraska so maybe a dip in the river would
have been welcomed.
Courtesy Pop
Culture Kings blog