Axel Christian Boilesen

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