The concept of a State Church is rather foreign today, especially here in the US where we try to have a firm barrier between Church and State. When we talk about a State Church, this implies that The Church (whatever religion that may be) is supported by the government. The Read more…
This is the Black Church of Budir in Iceland. We visited five years ago on a gorgeous blue sky day–very uncommon for Iceland! It lies on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The unusual black color is from the wood being painted with pitch as a way to prevent damage from the salt Read more…
My dad passed away quickly and unexpectedly earlier this year. As I sat with my siblings and my mom that weekend, working through the list of immediate needs, writing the obituary became a priority. As a genealogist, I quickly volunteered to lead out on this project. While I definitely needed Read more…
Naming patterns are an excellent tool to support our family groups and feel confident that they are complete and correct. When children are born today, many new parents select a name for the child based solely on personal preference. The same does not hold true for our ancestors. Throughout Protestant Read more…
The town of Olafsvik lies on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula of Iceland. The population is only about 1000. I love this view of the town because it has all the elements of a classic Icelandic setting. The background is the beautiful mossy cliffs with a waterfall. Then Read more…
This memorial stone remains a favorite for me. It is found in London in St. Mary Abbot’s Church in Kengsington. I feel like the inscription tells so much about this young couple. Harriet died in her twenties, yet you feel the grief of her husband. I would love to know Read more…
I thought I would write about Feast Days this week. Every Sunday of the liturgical calendar is associated with some type of feast or “church holiday.” This may be something like Easter or it may be the 15th Sunday after Trinity. Feast Days are used in most churches that have Read more…
Happy Independence Day to everyone! Today I’m thinking of all those who came before and struggled as immigrants to help us have the lives we enjoy today. One of my favorite quotes from the Statue of Liberty museum is: You, American born can never imagine how we, we lived under Read more…
I participate in an NSGQ Study Group. I have a group of genealogist friends who meet online once a month to discuss an article from the National Genealogical Society Quarterly journal. It’s a rewarding activity, and I highly recommend finding study groups like this to improve your skills. The most Read more…
I thought I would share an oldy-but-goody today. This photo was taken about 25 years ago, just outside of Bergen. One of the amazing pieces of cultural history in Norway is the stave churches. While in the past centuries there were over 1000 wooden stave churches, today only 28 remain Read more…