Swedish Julfest

by Winston Johnson

Winston A. Johnson (1915-2008) was an organist and church musician who served several churches in the Seattle area, including the First Covenant Church. He wrote this essay for a centennial anniversary book for First Covenant Church in 1989.

During the Christmas holidays in 1957, a group of Covenant friends enjoyed a Swedish smörgåsbord and fellowship in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Hjalmar Lindberg. During the evening Blanche Lindberg requested that Winston Johnson play Swedish Christmas hymns on the piano. Blanche, her sister Helen Blomgren, and other friends gathered by the piano and sang. At its conclusion, Blanche and Helen suggested that we have an annual tradition of a Swedish Christmas program in our church early in December. This program could include Swedish hymns, anthems, and sermon, as well as a Lucia bride ceremony, with an offering to be received for the church outreach benevolence fund. Following the program, Swedish refreshments could be served in the dining hall.

In Christmas seasons prior to 1957, informal Swedish programs had been presented. On December 6, 1953, a pre-Christmas concert was given by the young people. The concluding event was a “Lucia Festival of Lights” under the direction of Mrs. Allen Wickman. On December 12, 1954 a “Svensk Jul-Sång Fest” was given, with Rev. Abel Anderson presiding, Mrs. Eugene Carlson as Lucia Bride, and the Denny Park String Band participating. On December4, 1955 a concert was presented featuring the Swedish Department of the University of Washington. Dr. Theodore W. Anderson, President of the Covenant, gave the meditation. A Svensk Jul-Sång Fest was presented on December 9, 1956. The sermon was given by Rev. Robert Larson of Spokane and the benediction by Rev. E. M. Anderson.

The tradition of the Swedish Julfest began on Sunday, December 14, 1958 at 4:00 pm. The Swedish language was used entirely from 1958 through 1979, except for the offertory request (usually given by the chairman of the church), and the invitation to the reception. In following years, 1968-1975 there were deviations from the traditional format. The nucleus of the Swedish choir was from the First Covenant Church with additional members from other local churches. The choir consisted of 35 to 45 singers. Winston Johnson has served as choir director. A children’s choir furnished music during 1960-1966, and annually since 1977. Many vocalists and instrumentalists have contributed their musical talents.

In 1977 the handbell choir was formed and has played each year. Also, the custom of the Swedish carol sing began. Immediately following the benediction, Jahn Hedberg led the singing as guests were dismissed to go to the reception. Since 1982 the large attendance has necessitated the presentation of the program on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. As the remodeling of the pipe organ was not completed by December 1985, the duo-pianists were Jon Waite and Wayne Balch for the congregational hymns.

Many members of the church have served on the Julfest committees. The artistic decoration of the church has been under the leadership of Harry and Edith Beasley, Shirley Schnase, Margaret Markuson, and Alice Blomgren. Advertising has been done through local newspapers and radio stations, as well as attractive posters created by Bonnie Nelson. Serving tables have been decorated with Swedish ornaments, figurines and candles. Women of the church bake spritz cookies and coffee cakes. Jones Brothers Meat Market has donated “sylta” for the sandwiches. Many women wear traditional costumes and men wear red vests. Margareta Hedberg directs the Lucia Pageant. She also brought authentic attendant’s dresses from Sweden in 1977.

Sermons were given by the following ministers in the Swedish language through 1979:

Edwin A. Hallsten

Carl H. Peterson

H. R. Jacobson

Roy E. Erickson

Folke Ekblad

Gilbert W. Otteson

Svante Smedman

Herbert E. Palmquist

Daniel Ericson

Jahn Hedberg

Sermons in English began in 1980 by John E. Nilson, Aaron Markuson, Jerome K. Johnson, and Steven P. Swanson. In 1978 greetings were given by Ambassador Olle Dahlén of Sweden, and in 1979 The Honorable Fredrik Bergenstråhle, Consul General of Sweden for the Western United States. Others who have participated with scripture reading and prayer include: Joel S. Johnson, Philip Axelson, Ralph Hanson, Bob Jones, Axel Fredeen, Erick Svelander, Per W. Nelson, George Bostrom, Carl H. Johnson, Dwight Elving and Paul Bjorklund.

The following girls of the church have been Lucia brides:

1958 Delores Peterson

1959 Janet Lagerquist

1960 Priscilla Ekblad

1961 Jean Wendells

1962 Mary Edstrom

1963 Jacquelyn Johnson

1964 Joyce Edlund

1965 Judy Fagerstrom

1966 Ann Benson

1967 Jean Sundholm

1968 Carol Hedeen

1969 Dawn Stenstrom

1972 JoAnn Edlund

1973 Lynne Stenstrom

1974 Cheryl Nyquist

1975 Amy Benson

1976 Lorie Edlund

1977 Marlene Johnson

1978 Lisa Nilson

1979 Lisa Nilson

1980 Anita Steen

1981 Jeanine Johnson

1982 Anna Blomgren

1983 Camilla Hedberg

1984 Heidi Hedges, Sheri Forslund

1985 Mary Blomgren, Teresa Smedberg

1986 Lori Johnson, Maria Stordahl

1987 Kjerstin Hedin, Kjerstin Johnson

In 1970 and 1971 pageants by members and friends depicting other Swedish traditions replaced the Lucia bride procession.

We hope these traditions continue to be an inspiration and blessing to our friends and visitors.