Day 3 - Visit to Quaker meeting and luncheon - Sunday, December 16, 2001

We had the honor to be invited to attend the Sunday Meeting for Worship of the Stavanger Society of Friends (Quakers) in the Quaker Meeting House in Sandvigå 27.  The traditional silent worship meeting was followed by their annual "Julegrøt" or traditional Christmas lunch of porridge.  With deep respect, no photos were taken during the worship service.  Photos taken during the luncheon are with the permission of the group.

Making contact with these warm and genuinely friendly folks was particularly important to us.  While not Quakers ourselves, we hold a very high respect for the beliefs and practices of the Quakers.  Additionally, Keith's Norwegian ancestors were Quaker sympathizers in the Stavanger area at a time in history when it was extremely difficult to try to stray from the State Lutheran Church.  This religious struggle played a significant role in the decision of the first boat load of emigrants to America in the 1800's.  Attending this meeting and "Julegrøten" was an emotional tribute to Keith's ancestors and a chance to learn more of his Norwegian and spiritual heritage.

Taking a brisk walk in the cold crisp morning to the Quaker meeting, we pause briefly to take this photo of the Stavanger harbor. The Gamle Rogaland is the center ship here.

The walk to this building, which houses the Friends meeting place, took longer than expected and we were late. Hans Eirik Aarek was out on the sidewalk to meet us. (We actually took this photo afterwards.)

At the entry way to this upper floor meeting place, Peg found the lines and slate roof tiles made a pleasing visual composition. We soon entered and joined the silent meeting which was in progress. It was a most pleasant and meditative experience.

After the worship service we moved to another room where more family members joined us at the table. Here shown are: Chris Heymans, Anna-Margrete (Met) Olden, Lilian Aarek (standing behind), Hans Eirik Aarek, Keith, Espen Andersen, Susanna Heymans (just the top of the hair), Penny Heymans, Synne Aarek (with Nina - just a little of her hair), Kjell Gunnar Ree (Synnes husbond), Torbjørn K. Aarek (bending to the right where Monica Aarek Ree (invisible) sits, Trond Sviland and Johanne Skog Gripsrud.

Here Kjell Gunnar, Monica and Torbjørn wait to be served the traditional rice porridge sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. It is customary for one almond to be somewhere in the porridge. The person finding the almond in their portion is said to have good fortune in the following year. He or she also is awarded the marzipan (sweetened almond paste) pig. Peg was the delighted recipient. Juice was also served.

Anna-Margrete (Met) Olden made a gift to Peg of a book she had written and illustrated about her experiences during WW II in a German prison camp in Norway.  She had been arrested by the Gestapo in Stavanger and was incarcerated for 16 months. At 90, Anna-Margrete is energetic, articulate and an inspiration.  She had also been a secondary school art teacher so she and Peg had some interesting discussions.

Hans Eirik (standing left) makes a point as Keith looks over a fascinating older calendar he was given. The calendar, which commemorated the 175 years of Quakers in Norway (1818-1993), had great pictures and illustrations. Espen looks on.

We were given the distinct honor of signing this guest book. Here it is opened to its first page and we notice that the first entries were from the 1800's.  We noticed many Quakers from the US and Great Britain had signed this book.

Here is a close-up of the guest book.

We were surprised when we were told that there are only around 140 Quakers currently in Norway.  In trying to learn more about the religious beliefs of his ancestors, Keith found this "QUAKERS in BRIEF" web site interesting.

This is the view eastward from the meeting place.  This is not too far from where the ferry from England docks

After the luncheon, Keith and Peg pose with the warm and gracious Hans Eirk Aarek,
philosophy professor and researcher on early Norwegian Quaker history.

As we leave, Peg spots and photographs this painting of the sloop Restoration that hangs in the entry way to the meeting place.

This photo of the group at the table and the one following are courtesy of Hans Eirik Aarek. Clockwise from left: Peg, Keith, Espen Andersen, Susanna Heymans, Penny Heymans, Synne Aarek (with Nina on her lap), Kjell Gunnar Ree, young Monica Aarek Ree, Torbjørn K. Aarek, Trond Sviland and Johanne Skog Gripsrud.

Here Peg and Keith wait as they are served their porridge. Anna-Margrete is on the far left.

We humbly and sincerely thank the Friends of Stavanger for this memorable experience.

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