LUTHER LEAGUE
In the 1940's and 50's, we had a strong young adults group known as the Luther League. This was a group of young people from post confirmation to some in their early 30's although there was no age restriction. During this period of time Rev. L.C. Tengbom held both morning and evening Sunday services. Once a month, the League conducted the evening service, which was less formal. If one of the Leaguers didn't give the message, a guest speaker was asked. Luther league provided many opportunities for fellowship. Young teens and seniors planned events together. Box socials, pie socials, bowling and picnics were enjoyed by all. It was felt that the Luther League was instrumental in the young adults becoming leaders in the church.
One of the highlights each year was the 24th of May sojourn to Banff. The Leaguers would organize a carpool and would leave early in the morning for the drive to the mountains. Everyone brought food to cook breakfast upon arrival. Cooking hotcakes and coffee over an open fire was a real treat. On some occasions the Edmonton Leaguers would come to Calgary to go with them.In June, 1949, several Leaguers traveled to Duluth, Minnesota to attend the 13th Youth Conference of the Luther League. Four young men and three women traveled to the conference, the men by car with Pastor Tengbom in his 1939 Chevrolet and the women by train with some Leaguers from Augustana Lutheran Church in Edmonton. Six thousand young adults from the United States and Canada gathered under the theme "Christ Above All". It was a great opportunity for brothers and sisters in Christ to worship together.
In 1955, under the leadership of Marguerite Flood (Mosher), FIRST Luther League hosted the International Luther League rally in Calgary, the first in Calgary. Over 2,000 older youth met in the Mewata Armories. The rally was said to be one of the most effective youth conferences ever held.
