Vasa Order of America
North Star Lodge #145
Spokane, Washington
A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization
Spokane, Washington
A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization
History
The Vasa Order of America was founded in 1896, and North Star Lodge #145 in 1908, as a benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men with the purpose of helping them transition into life in their new country. A benefit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death benefit that at the time would cover final expenses. The order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated the country in the 15th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa reflects the Order’s roots as a Swedish American Fraternal Organization.
What we are now
Over the past 124 years, many things have changed, and the Vasa Order has grown to meet the new needs of the Nordic American community. Where in the past, members looked to Vasa to help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a means to share problems and solutions with the countrymen, today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the “Old Country.”
Who we are
Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Nordic roots, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic), and their spouses, or anyone of good moral character who would like to discover the history and traditions of Sweden or share their Nordic Heritage. We do this by encouraging the observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer, with proper festivities including Smorgasbord, dancing, and Scandinavian music. While much of our activity occurs during the summer season, in mid-December is hard to find a Vasa Lodge where Luciafest is not observed. Our members range in age and interests and maintain close ties with Sweden
What we do
Whenever we can, we take part in programs where we can share our rich heritage with the public, such as the Unity in the Community and the Fall Folk Festival. We also have scholarships for Higher Education.
Meetings
We meet monthly, usually on the 3rd Saturday at 12:00 pm at the Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 N Wall Street, Spokane, WA 99208. Currently with the COVID-19 outbreak, we are not meeting but try to have Zoom meetings until we can get together again.
Information
For more information about the lodge, please call Steve Matthews at 509-489-2333 or e-mail him at scubasteve701@comcast.net
The Vasa Order of America was founded in 1896, and North Star Lodge #145 in 1908, as a benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men with the purpose of helping them transition into life in their new country. A benefit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death benefit that at the time would cover final expenses. The order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated the country in the 15th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa reflects the Order’s roots as a Swedish American Fraternal Organization.
What we are now
Over the past 124 years, many things have changed, and the Vasa Order has grown to meet the new needs of the Nordic American community. Where in the past, members looked to Vasa to help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a means to share problems and solutions with the countrymen, today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the “Old Country.”
Who we are
Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Nordic roots, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic), and their spouses, or anyone of good moral character who would like to discover the history and traditions of Sweden or share their Nordic Heritage. We do this by encouraging the observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer, with proper festivities including Smorgasbord, dancing, and Scandinavian music. While much of our activity occurs during the summer season, in mid-December is hard to find a Vasa Lodge where Luciafest is not observed. Our members range in age and interests and maintain close ties with Sweden
What we do
Whenever we can, we take part in programs where we can share our rich heritage with the public, such as the Unity in the Community and the Fall Folk Festival. We also have scholarships for Higher Education.
Meetings
We meet monthly, usually on the 3rd Saturday at 12:00 pm at the Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 N Wall Street, Spokane, WA 99208. Currently with the COVID-19 outbreak, we are not meeting but try to have Zoom meetings until we can get together again.
Information
For more information about the lodge, please call Steve Matthews at 509-489-2333 or e-mail him at scubasteve701@comcast.net
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