Culture Society – Founding members
The following individuals took part in the preparations and founding in 1906:
Séra Rögnvaldur Pétursson
Skafti B. Brynjólfsson
Dr. Þorbergur Þorvaldsson
Hannes Pétursson
Stefán Thorson
“The chief promoter and first president was Skafti Brynjólfsson, sometime president of the Menningarfelag in North Dakota, and the purpose was that of the earlier organization, the fostering of knowledge and the development of a broader outlook on life. Membership in the society was open to both sexes and all ages, regardless of church affiliation. Addresses or lectures followed by a discussion were a prominent feature of the programmes. Guest speakers over a period of years included nine ministers, four university students, four business men, five artisans, two labor leaders, and one lawyer. These addresses were in Icelandic, with the exception of four by English Canadian guest speakers. Meetings were open to the public and a précis of the lectures were usually published in the local Icelandic language papers. The society flourished until the outbreak of the First World War and had a far-reaching influence in bringing together people of diverse views.” (from The Icelandic People in Manitoba p.359).
Other associations
The Ladies Aid Society of the Winnipeg Church was responsible for numerous fundraising events. “Organized on February 1, 1904, the society donated a large sum of money towards the purchase of the lot for the building of the new church; also an organ and a piano for the main auditorium, and numerous other furnishings. Subsequently a piano was donated for the use of the Sunday school and in 1914 a second organ was donated. Funds were raised by entertainments, bazaars, and by private donations. Commencing in 1905, the society was privileged for nine years to erect a tent and sell refreshments at the Winnipeg Industrial Exhibitation. During the years in question this was the society´s main source of revenue. The first president was Mrs. Margret Benediictsson, an ardent suffrage worker, and the members pledged themselves to work for the suffrage cause.” (from The Icelandic People in Manitoba, pp. 366-7).
Rev. Rögnvaldur Pétursson formed a youth club in 1909.
Consecration of church October 15, 1905
The congregation rented a place for its religious services and other functions in the beginning. It was Rev. Rögnvaldur Pétursson who led the way to a permanent building. The construction of the church was around $15.000.00. Built on the corner of Sherbrooke and Sargent, the church was 36×56 feet and was used for 17 years.