The Icelandic Church in Brandon
A small Icelandic community formed in Brandon shortly after Brandon was established
and by 1887 several Icelanders were located there. An additional sixty people arrived
in 1888 and in 1892 the community numbered 130. Community services with scripture
readings were held most Sundays in 1888 and by 1889 a congregation was formed.
A lot at 801 13th st. was purchased in 1890 by Bergthor Johnson and in August 1891
the title was transferred to Guðmundur Magnusson, trustee.
A church was built that same year. Pastors from Argyle and Winnipeg held occasional services.
The church was dedicated in May 1893.
The names on the title changed in 1899 to G. Magnusson. E. Gunlauger et al and in 1902
to Arthur Johnson. From the Land Titles office records in November 1940 the deed was
transferred from Agnes Gunnlaugsson to the Icelandic Church and an order by Judge Clement
in February 1941 sanctioned this deed. In January 1946 the Icelandic Evangelical Synod
of North America through Guðmundur Magnusson, Agnes Gunnlaugsson and Oscar Gunnlaugsson
sold the property to Arthur Thompson.
The Brandon City directory shows there was an Icelandic Church on Johnson's estate on 2nd street
between Rosser and Princess as well as on 13th Street. It would appear to have been short lived.
The directory lists the Icelandic Church on 13th street until 1925. In 1925 the church at 801 13th is
described as the Pentecostal Good News Church (Icelandic) with Rev. H. E. Roberson
holding services at 2:30 and 7:30. In 1927 it was called the Little White Church (Icelandic)
with Rev. E. E. Lang.
From 1931 - 1937 it was called the Gospel Hall. In 1939 the building was vacant and in 1943
it was occupied by Blue Boy Confections.
By 1903 many of the Icelanders had left Brandon mainly for Vancouver. The community was unable
maintain a resident minister and served as a mission church. The Rev. J. J. Clemens from Argyle
1896 - 1901 and possibly Rev. Fridrik Hallgrimson 1903 - 1924 also from Argyle may have served here.
Anyone knowing where the church records are located please contact Bob Isleifson.
A small Icelandic community formed in Brandon shortly after Brandon was established
and by 1887 several Icelanders were located there. An additional sixty people arrived
in 1888 and in 1892 the community numbered 130. Community services with scripture
readings were held most Sundays in 1888 and by 1889 a congregation was formed.
A lot at 801 13th st. was purchased in 1890 by Bergthor Johnson and in August 1891
the title was transferred to Guðmundur Magnusson, trustee.
A church was built that same year. Pastors from Argyle and Winnipeg held occasional services.
The church was dedicated in May 1893.
The names on the title changed in 1899 to G. Magnusson. E. Gunlauger et al and in 1902
to Arthur Johnson. From the Land Titles office records in November 1940 the deed was
transferred from Agnes Gunnlaugsson to the Icelandic Church and an order by Judge Clement
in February 1941 sanctioned this deed. In January 1946 the Icelandic Evangelical Synod
of North America through Guðmundur Magnusson, Agnes Gunnlaugsson and Oscar Gunnlaugsson
sold the property to Arthur Thompson.
The Brandon City directory shows there was an Icelandic Church on Johnson's estate on 2nd street
between Rosser and Princess as well as on 13th Street. It would appear to have been short lived.
The directory lists the Icelandic Church on 13th street until 1925. In 1925 the church at 801 13th is
described as the Pentecostal Good News Church (Icelandic) with Rev. H. E. Roberson
holding services at 2:30 and 7:30. In 1927 it was called the Little White Church (Icelandic)
with Rev. E. E. Lang.
From 1931 - 1937 it was called the Gospel Hall. In 1939 the building was vacant and in 1943
it was occupied by Blue Boy Confections.
By 1903 many of the Icelanders had left Brandon mainly for Vancouver. The community was unable
maintain a resident minister and served as a mission church. The Rev. J. J. Clemens from Argyle
1896 - 1901 and possibly Rev. Fridrik Hallgrimson 1903 - 1924 also from Argyle may have served here.
Anyone knowing where the church records are located please contact Bob Isleifson.
The following are a few pictures of scanned in photocopies of Vonin Records received from Nelson Gerrard in 2010. The photocopies are maintained in the Icelandic Library.