Grace, Faith, and the Power of Singing
The Alma Christina Lind Swensson Story
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Lutheran University Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2012
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Publisher's Description
The captivating biography of Alma Christina Lind Swensson will inspire every reader. Her work at Bethany College and Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas, demonstrated that women in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries provided leadership in the church, both locally and nationally. Born in Broddarp, Sweden, Alma Christina Lind journeyed to America with her father, mother, and brother, where they settled in Illinois. Though Alma, as the oldest daughter, should have been expected to help her mother with chores around the house, Alma was instead allowed to nurture her budding musical talents, which led to her position as organist at the 900-member Swedish Lutheran Church when she was just twelve years old. Marrying Carl Aaron Swensson in 1880 took her to Lindsborg Kansas, where Carl and Alma would leave their lasting marks. Carl had been called to be pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church and upon arrival in Lindsborg Alma was appointed church organist. They were instrumental in establishing Bethany College in the small prairie town. Carl became the president of the college as well as pastor of the large congregation, and Alma would establish the well-known, annual Messiah Festival and in their home, co-founded a national women s organization. This account of Alma Christina Lind Swensson portrays a woman who was strong and sure of herself and her mission. She brought a community together through her musical talents and gracious hospitality, and showed the world how a little town had the ability to put itself on the map.
Endorsements (3)
“The power of music, the power of storytelling, the power of hospitality all are the leadership tools used by the creative and competent Alma Lind Swensson. This book is a must read for all who honor and seek to learn from women s community-building achievements, organizing skills and generous gifts of hospitality. This talented immigrant woman had the amazing and graceful capacity to motivate others for cultural enrichment by starting a choral group from local folk in the tiny prairie community where she lived, a chorus that excels to this day. She inspired global commitment and understanding by co-founding a national women s organization, and used her multi-linguistic skills to edit a lively women s journal reaching thousands with stories of women in global church leadership. An organist, soloist, teacher, partner in institution-building, mother, gracious home-builder, woman of faith, Alma Lind Swensson is someone you ll want to meet through Karen Humphrey s delightful story-telling in this well-researched tale.”
“Presented here in rich detail is the life of one of Swedish-America's most important leaders, whose contributions have long been overshadowed by those of her more well-known husband. We often overlook the role of women in partnership with their husbands in building communities. This is a striking testimonial to one such remarkable woman - Alma Swensson - without whom Lindsborg, Kansas would not be what it is today.”
“Anyone who is connected to Bethany College and Lindsborg will want to read Grace, Faith, and the Power of Singing! Alma Lind Swensson comes alive on these pages as one of the key figures in the Colleges and communitys history. This amazing, faithful, and gifted woman will no longer be known simply as Carl Aaron Swenssons wife. Alma, a leader and visionary in her own right, takes her rightful place of honor, thanks to the skillful efforts of Karen Humphrey.”
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