S. D. Rodholm


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S. D. Rodholm.


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In Service to Country - New and Old

S. D. Rodholm immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century. When the U. S. entered WWI he was an instructor in the seminary at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, and a pastor in a local Lutheran church. He volunteered for the Army, but was not immediately accepted due to his age. Later the age limit was raised and he volunteered again successfully. In July 1918 he entered Chaplain Training School at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and subsequently was attached to Camp Gordon in Atlanta, where he remained until his discharge in December of 1918. Rodholm’s army experience and his contacts with a larger group that necessitated the use of the English language probably served as the spark that inspired him to begin translating Danish songs and hymns into English. He wanted to share the beauty of the Danish song heritage with those unfamiliar with the language. His first volume of translations, Hymns of the North, was published in February, 1919.