Religion played an important role in the Icelandic settlers’ community.
When they first arrived in Hecla the Icelanders were served by two ministers, Rev. Pall Thorlakson and Rev. Jon Bjarnson, who travelled throughout New Iceland to hold services in homes.
But they strongly disagreed on church doctrine and the potential of the colony.
Consequently, in 1878, convinced that the colony would eventually fail, Rev. Thorlakson led a large number of settlers to the area around what is now Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota.
After the exodus only eight of the original 26 homesteads on Hecla Island remained occupied, but new arrivals from Iceland replaced those who had left, and the church became a vital force in helping the community overcome the hardships of pioneer life.
The church is located in historic Hecla Village. It was restored in 1973-1974.
• Photographed in 1991.
• Published in Senior Scope, January 15, 2020.
• Included in Testaments of Faith, Manitoba’s Pioneer Churches.