Emerging from a family tree that bore sweet and bitter fruit, Rolf Rollefson immigrated from Nissedal, Telemark, to southern Minnesota as an 11-year-old boy. Less than 20 years later, Rolf heeded a divine call and moved his wife and three children to Decorah, IA, to attend Luther College. They relocated again to Madison, Wisconsin, where he attended Luther Seminary and changed his surname to Fjelstad.
Pastor Fjelstad began his ministry in 1884 when controversy and division had started brewing in the Norwegian American Lutheran church. A musician who played the violin, harp, and piano, Rolf wrote and published seven hymns that illustrate how this upheaval affected pastors and congregations of Norwegian immigrant pioneers. Each hymn is dedicated to a different Lutheran Synod. Published in Norwegian in 1903, all seven hymns have recently been translated into English, and two have been adapted to the music.
The research, translation, and performance of these hymns over 100 years later were significant collaborative efforts. Sandy Gilbert’s presentation about Pastor Fjelstad was featured at the Virtual Stevne of 2021. At the 2022 Stevne in Spring Grove, MN, the congregation of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston sang the adapted English version of Hymn One together.
For more information about Rolf Fjelstad and his ancestors, watch the Stevne presentation and see Telesoga issues: November 2015, May 2016, and November 2016.
Fjelstad Hymnbook
Performed for your listening pleasure:
Fjelstad's first hymn, titled Introductory Song or Jerusalem, Jerusalem, was translated by Telelaget member Elaine Nordlie and adapted for music by his great-grandson Fred Grant. Dave Eliason sings this adapted version and accompanies himself on accordian. Additional accompaniment performed by Elaine Nordlie on piano and Bob Whitney on violin.
To The United Church is the second hymn, and the music is performed here by Telelaget's Mary Fadden. The hymn was translated by Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary in 2020 but has not been adapted to music in English.
The third hymn, To The Norwegian Synod, is performed here by Telelaget's Mary Fadden on piano. Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary translated it in 2020.
To The Free Church is the fourth hymn, and the music is performed here by Telelaget's Mary Fadden. The hymn was translated by Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary in 2020. The English lyrics have not been adapted to the music.
The hymn To the Hauge Synod was translated by Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary in 2020. The English Lyrics have been adapted for the music by musician Barb Hovland Baker the sister of Telelaget's Sheryl Hove. Dave Eliason sings this adapted version and accompanies himself on accordion. Additional accompaniment is performed by Elaine Nordlie on piano and Bob Whitney on violin.
The English translation of verse one of To Ellings Congregation, hymn six, was adapted to music by Barb Hovland Baker, the sister of Telelaget's Sheryl Hove. Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary translated it in 2020. Dave Eliason sings this adapted version and accompanies himself on accordion. Elaine Nordlie on piano and Bob Whitney on violin provide additional accompaniment.
Fjelstad's seventh and final hymn, The Song of Celebration, was translated by Professor Gracia Grindal from Luther Seminary, who noted the historical significance of all of the hymns. Telelaget's Mary Fadden performs the music here on piano.