The inauguration in 1973

After a long silence from Volda, you will now hear from us. The reason for the closing is that we have been very busy finishing our new house of worship. Now it is at least ready enough to be put into use during the Christmas weekend. On Friday, December 28th, there was an opening party with invited guests and on Sunday, December 30th, 1973, the house was consecrated.

From the opening party

The opening of the new assembly house for D. F. E. F. Betel, Volda took place on December 28th, 1973 at 6 pm. The hall on the first floor was full of invited guests and the congregation, a total of 140.

The band opened the party. After the desired ceremony, the master of ceremonies, Hans Rusten, gave a warm welcome to everyone. At the same time, Mathias Støve and Roald Nilsen were mentioned.

Piano music was then played by the young granddson of Martha and Mathias Støve, Knut Kvangardsnes.

The joy was of course great on this day, and Alfred Kværnabakk, who is the oldest brother in the congregation, delivered a joyful greeting from Psalm 121. He emphasized that the goal of the new house must be to save people for God. A review from 1911 to 1973 was held by Hans Rusten. The idea of building the new house came when industrial development demanded that the old congregational house be demolished. The architect for the new Betel is Johs. Nes and the building is designed for a floor area of 11 x 15 m.

Happy songs made their mark on the party. In addition to the music team and the communal singing, Hildur Gaustad also took part with her happy song.

The celebratory speech was given by Albert Robinson. There he expressed his joy at being present and wished to close with the new Betel. He reminded us that the sanctuary is found in the Lord's blessing and presence. When one goes to the meetinghouse prepared to meet the Lord, one finds Him there.

After this speech, food and coffee were served in the hall in the lower level. After the meal, the party continued in the main hall with singing, piano music and congratulatory greetings.

Arthur Andås read from Matt. 5, 9, and his wish was that everyone who came in here would see God.

After this, greetings were conveyed from Lieutenant Hartveit, Peder Bergen (Volda Kr. Ungdomslag), and Ola Reite (EbenEser). Everyone expressed their joy at taking part in the party and wished the congregation God's blessing.

There were several greetings. Among other things, a telegram was conveyed from Børselv, as well as from Gunnar Andaas who was workers in Japan, Martha Støve, Lilly Engset and from friends in Høydal and Hareid.

Finally, flowers were presented to the chairman of the building committee, Hans Rusten, architect Johs. Nes, accountant Emmy Nes for decoration, building manager Johs. Rusten and to Rakel Nilsen, Ragna Engset, Sverre Kipperberg for faithful help. Thanks also to Arthus Andås.

Robinson concluded and reminded of the motto in the old premises and which follows in the new house: "Have faith in God"!

From the Wedding Ceremony

About 130 people gathered for the wedding ceremony on Sunday at 11 am. There were people from Volda and the villages in Sunnmøre.

Arthur Andås led the meeting and after songs no. 355 and 70 in Shibboleth he welcomed everyone. Hildur Gaustad sang a solo: Rise up, God's church. It sounded fine.

After the song: Jesus of the Heart (no. 11 in Sch.) there was a scripture reading. 5 people each read their own passages from the Bible. First the elders read and then missionary Lilly Engset and Hans Rusten.

Sivert M. Langvatn read Psalm 133, Johs. Nes 1. Kong. 8, 12-13 and 27-30, Alfred Kvernebakk 2. Kor. 4, 1-7, Lilly 2. Kor. 5, 20-21 and 8, 8-11 and Hans Mark. 16, 15-18 and Ap. gj. 2, 41-43, 46-47.

After the scripture reading, Elder Albert Robinson spoke from 1. Kong. 9, 1-3. He said, among other things: God is here!

“We should have reverence for the house of the Lord and the presence of the Lord. This is a workplace, a spiritual workshop, a community.

The community cannot consist of egoists. Christ sacrificed himself for us all, took on the nature of a servant. The Bible speaks of a community that does not separate young from old.

There is something to strive for for old and young: to be an example to others. We need to be spiritually humble.

If we begin to see (discover) each other's services, we will have much to thank God for.

God watches over the vineyard day and night. The Lord, who works wonders, is in our midst.

Robinson concluded his warm speech with a prayer to God for blessing on the new house and the congregation (congregation) that will be housed in the house.

While singing the song: The Church is the Temple of God (no. 567), the offering for the house was taken up and afterwards there were several who offered greetings and congratulations.

Teacher A. Angeltveit greeted from Volda Indremisjon and brought two beautiful candlesticks as a gift from them.

Andreas Olsen greeted from Ålesund with the scripture: Haggai 2, 9.

A congratulatory telegram from Martha and Karen Standal in Drammen had the same biblical greeting.

Forstandar R.E. Janøy greeted Eben Eser (the Pentecostals) with some words from Genesis 28, which among other things reads: And he called the place Betel. Janøy said: We need many Betel houses, where God can reveal himself.

Evangelist Olav Dahl, as a representative of those who have moved out of Volda and have been with Betel, read Psalm 119, 126. “It is time for the Lord to intervene.” Olav also sang a song, where the chorus reads: It was grace, yes grace that Jesus died for me.

This is our joy and our strength.

Missionary Per Håskjold: It is good to have received this new home. He reminded us of the word from 2 Cor. 5, 14, which reads: For the love of Christ compels us.

The solemn, historic celebration ended with the hymn: Praise the Lord, and Robinson sang the Lord's blessing in Numbers 6:24-26.

Everyone who attended the meeting has a richer memory, because God was near.

Afternoon meeting

The afternoon meeting at 5 p.m. was led by Hans Rusten and before Ole Hovdhaugen began, we sang No. 128 and 288. Ole read 1 Pet. 3:14 and testified and said: My motto is to dedicate my life to Jesus.

During prayer, there were prayers for two sick women.

The music group sang: Glorious it will be, and then Robinson spoke.

He started from 1 Pet. 4:10-11 and emphasized that everyone has a gift of grace. There is no one who has less than a pound - as Jesus himself told us in a parable. One should be a blessing. It is grace to get all tasks. As the singer says: That is grace enough for me.

The high priest (in the Old Testament) had a turban on. It means: God's glory. If God's glory falls from us, there is nothing for us.

The Lord can transform a person. He can do more than anything! You who go around complaining about your frailty; there is enough strength to be had for you!

The speech was heartfelt and spirit-born. After song no. 88, there were still some who brought greetings and testified about life with God.

First Kjell Eriksen from Harestua. He congratulated the congregation on the house and greeted with 1 Thess. 1, 1.

Tor Kragnes from Drammen: The Lord gives grace and honor (Psalm 84, 12). Martha Støve and Henrik Holsvik testified about their Savior with great fervor. Henrik is almost 90 years old, but also healthy and warm in his spiritual life.

Elias Rusten reminded us: God's solid foundation stands and has this seal: The Lord knows those who are his, and: Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness (2 Tim. 2:19). These are words we need to have with us on the road.

Johan Holsvik, from the Indremisjonen said: We stopped waiting for the Lord's blessing, because it has been here all the time. (He was with us during the entire wedding ceremony.)

Ragnv. L. Engset testified that it is possible to be preserved in God's community during youth - yes, throughout life. He himself is a testimony to this. He also pointed out that one way to do it is to use one's money, even if it seems never so small and insignificant.

Finally, Hans mentioned all 6 who had come to give flowers for the feast and Robinson concluded.

A mother asked for prayer for her little boy who has a sore eye and he came forward and was prayed for. We have a Savior who can both save and heal. Praise God!