The Glenfield Ladies Aid had its beginning in March 1904, when a small group of ladies met at the Christ Ryum home. Mrs. Hans Ryum was elected president; Mrs. Christ Ryum, treasurer; and Mrs. John Dybwad, secretary. Their main purpose was to raise money to build a church somewhere in Glenfield township. Each member paid a joining fee of 50 and 10 dues at each meeting. At a meeting in June 1905, they decided to purchase 10 yards of pillow muslin at 12 1/2 a yard and sofa cushion material at 10 a yard, which were made into articles and sold at an auction in October.

There is no record of activities until 1912, when membership included Mrs. A. L. Anderson, Mrs. Ole Elvrum, Mrs. John Dybwad, Mrs. Andrew Dybwad, Mrs. Dybvik, Betsy Anderson, Emma Elvrum, and Mabel Torgerson. Two auctions were held, one in June and one in December. Quilts were the highest priced items selling for $1.75 and $3.00. Although there was great need for money in the treasury they sent $5.00 to a children's home and $5.00 to a home for the aged. Thus began a long history of mission work.

Meetings were held in the homes. These were difficult times, and when a meeting could not be held one month, two were held the next. Besides the spring and fall suppers and auctions, money was raised through lunches, suppers, ice cream socials and picnics. By 1914, $184 was in First State Bank in Glenfield at six percent interest.

The church was built in 1917, and the aid gave $250. They furnished the kitchen and dining room area and continued assisting the budget so that it's debt was paid in 1924. The church was dedicated in 1928.

In the 1930s, improvements were made in the devotional programs. Secretaries were chosen to stress departments including Cradle Roll, Christian Nurture, Reading Projects, Missions and Charities.

In the 1940s, the suggested WMF program series were followed with ladies volunteering to present Bible studies. The first Life Membership Certificates were purchased at $10 and presented to worthy members. In recent years pins are given.

During the 1950s, several radio programs were given over KDLR, Devils Lake. They included a prepared topic, music, and an announcer.

A library was established and has been improved with more shelves and donated and purchased books.

With the 1960 merger and the beginning of the American Lutheran Church, the new constitution added two more offices to the executive board: the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Stewardship. Yearbooks were compiled with cleaning schedules and the names of those involved in programs for the year. Later, a service committee of two members serving for six months, was appointed to take care of soliciting food and workers for all occasions in the church. All confirmed ladies are members of the ALCW. "Scope" subscriptions were paid for each until 1982, when the price increase made it necessary to make the payments on a voluntary basis.

In 1967, in order to make meetings accessible to all members two circles were formed, an afternoon and an evening circle each with its own officers. This continued the next six years when we returned to one afternoon meeting.

Also in 1967, a small group of ladies met to make nylon-stuffed patchwork quilts. Numbers were sold and it was given away at the fall bazaar. Since that time, quilt making has been the project of a group who meet each Monday in January and February. More than 1,300 quilts have been sent to Lutheran World Relief. A few special quilts are made for the bazaar and some as gifts locally.

At each November meeting an appropriate program accompanies the giving of Thank Offering boxes. This money is given to missions. We assisted the circuit in sponsoring two missionary families, the Paul Arnolds in Japan and the Reubin Johnsons in New Guinea. Good used clothing and whatever needs are requested have been gathered for local and foreign missions and charities. Sunday School and Vacation Bible School are supported and one half of the registration fee paid for young people attending Red Willow Bible Camp.

Two ladies appointed to the "Rose Bowl" committee remember the sick and shut-ins with flowers and cards. Bibles have been presented to Sunday School classes and corsages to confirmants.

An Altar Guild had its beginning in 1970, and continue to care for the altar cloths, communion and flowers.

Money was given toward the purchase of the parsonage and its upkeep is a project of the women. Many hours were spent assisting in the two remodeling undertakings. Furnishing the church kitchen and dining area are also taken care of. Food is served for all events including funerals, fellowship dinners, wedding receptions, installation and farewell dinners, and Sunday morning and Lenten service coffee and many more.

At present there are 71 members and five honorary members.

Officers are: President Rebecca Utke, Vice President Maxine Edland, Secretary Norma Stangland, Treasurer Irene Johnson, Education Secretary Doris Erickson, and Stewardship Secretary Eva Aaker. A new evening Bible Study group meets the second Wednesday each month at 7:30 p.m. The day-time group meets the second Tuesday at 2:00, from October through May and at 9:00 a.m., from June through September. There will be four business meetings on the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December.

Through the years, "Ladies Aid" remains the common name of this auxiliary of the church. Our motto is "To know and do the will of our Lord, Jesus Christ" through our understanding of the Bible studies and to use our time and talents toward extending God's kingdom.

Source:  Glenfield History 1886 €“ 1987 Page 137