The Funeral

The Funeral

as well as the memorial feast which followed was a great occasion for all those who had the grace to attend. Brother Aslaksen’s well-used body was buried in a cemetery in Hønefoss, on Saturday, May 15th. The new, large chapel was filled to overflowing with friends and relatives. It was arranged to have chairs and benches outside as well so that several hundred people were able to listen over a loudspeaker system. As the weather was sunny and warm, it was possible to sit outside. It was estimated that 800 people attended the funeral. Among them were several groups of friends from Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, and other countries outside Scandinavia. Brother Bratlie and the undersigned spoke in the chapel, after which we heard short testimonies from several brothers. Six brothers bore the coffin to the grave, which was quite close to the chapel. Each of these six brothers prayed a short prayer and praised God for Brother Aslaksen.

Approximately 500 places were set for the friends at the memorial feast. It was unfortunate that we were unable to secure a large hall, so the number of those who could be present had to be limited. Many things, both very good and interesting, were said about Brother Aslaksen at this feast.

The friends in Hønefoss, under the leadership of Brother Ole Skotland, did a tremendous job in arranging everything so well that it was such a blessing for us all.

The day after the funeral, we had two memorial meetings at Brunstad where approximately 1,700 friends from Norway and other countries were gathered. Brother Sigurd Bratlie began by delivering an excellent message about what the church actually is and how it must continue to be built in that same blessed Spirit and in the same direction in which brothers Johan O. Smith and Elias Aslaksen had fought the battle.

The spirit-powers that were conquered by Christ, our head, must also be conquered by the members of His body. Then there will be peace, which is necessary for growth and edification.

Brother Bratlie read a very important letter that Johan O. Smith wrote to Elias Aslaksen on October 17, 1916.1 From it we receive a basic understanding of how the church should be built.