Thorpe, Nels P. Rev. 1862-1900

THORPE, THORP

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 5/19/2012 at 14:37:33

Sioux County Herald of Jun 13, 1900
Rev. Thorpe, the pastor of the Danish church at Hull, died at In wood on Saturday and was interred at Hull Monday His funeral was largely attended by the members of his congregation and friends. The Rev. gentleman was much respected for his earnest work and simple Christian life.
(Rev. Nels P. Thorpe born 28 mar 1862 died 9 Jun 1900 buried in Highland Park Cemetery Eagle Tsp, Sioux county IA.)

From the Hull Index of June 15, 1900
Death of Rev. Thorpe.
Rev. N. P. Thorpe, pastor of the Danish-Norwegian Lutheran church,
at Hull, died at Inwood last Saturday. The funeral services were held at Inwood on the Sabbath and on {Monday morning the remains were brought to Hull. Services were held at the church in Hull Monday morning, being- conducted by Rev. Tuttle, of Canton, S. Dak., assisted by Rev. Chandler. The interment took place in the Danish cemetery, south of Rock Valley, at the Rock River Lutheran church. Rev. Thorpe was born March 16, 1862 at Aalborg, Denmark. He was left an orphan at 9 years of age, living from that time until twenty-one years old with relatives. He then lived with a minister for one year and spent another year in. the army giving up fine prospects for gaining a commission for the sake-of entering the ministry.
He then spent seven years in student work in Denmark, being –compelled to earn his own way, his parents having been poor and left him to property. He came to America in 1891. He continued his studies in Chicago for two and one half years. He was then sent by the Lutherans as a missionary through South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In December1896 he came to Hull and took charge of the church in this place, also being assigned to the Rock River Lutheran church one mile south and nine miles west of Sioux Center.
About three weeks ago he went to Inwood to preach as a sermon, the regular pastor having gone for a visit to the old country. He himself soon expected to visit the Fatherland, also he became ill, in fact he was never strong, and the trouble culminated in a stroke of paralysis about two weeks ago. He continued in that condition fully recognizing his friends but not being able to move. Death came to him as a relief on Saturday evening.
From one of his parishioners we glean that he, was much beloved by the whole congregation. That though his salary was meager, yet- he had accomplished more than any had hoped for or more than they .expert anyone else to do- That it was always his earnest endeavor to point out the way to the Cross and instruct his people in the right way of living. Thai if they but follow the way as taught them by their good pastor, all will be well.. The congregation feel that they have Lost a dear friend as well as teacher, and sincerely mourn the death of their pastor . His faithfulness to his church and people is an example to us all, worthy of emulation.