Sweden, New York, San Diego…

God’s Grace Across Time and Distance

by James Spickelmier

Fleeing poverty and religious persecution in their homeland, a great wave of Swedish immigrants landed on the shores of America in the late 1800s. By the thousands they converged on New York City, at that time the nation’s key immigration port, and many of them connected with the Swedish Baptist Church on 19th Street in lower Manhattan. Among them was a young man named John Edwin Strom. In Manhattan John gave his life to Christ, was baptized, and married Hulda Magnuson, whom he had met at church. The couple moved to Boston and later, at his brother’s persuasion, crossed the continent to make a new life in California. By the time their fourth child Cliff was born on February 1, 1913, the Stroms were well established at the First Swedish Baptist Church in downtown Los Angeles. Upon finishing high school, Cliff went to work for Pacific Mutual Life Insurance. During his free time, Cliff became a licensed “ham radio” operator (a hobby he enjoys to this day) and took classes at a business college, the University of Southern California, and San Diego State University. He also served as president of the Swedish Baptist California State Youth Conference, and at age 23 became his church’s Sunday school superintendent. His pastor at the time was Edwin J. Omark, who later accepted a post as dean of Bethel Seminary St. Paul in 1948.

San Diego, here we come…

Moving up the ladder at Pacific Mutual, Cliff relocated to San Diego. He busied himself with church youth activities, and met a young woman named Clara Peterson. Before long the youth group gleefully teased: “Have you heard of the new ‘Cliff and Clara’ salad? Lettuce alone!” Cliff and Clara married on September 21, 1941.

Over time Cliff and Clara had three children, and Cliff continued a successful career at Pacific Mutual. In 1957, he became president of the San Diego chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He also committed time to the San Diego Christian Businessmen’s Committee, eventually serving as that organization’s president. At College Avenue Baptist Church Clara was chairperson of the deaconesses, and Cliff has chaired the church board.

Embracing Bethel

Although heavily involved in the church and the community, Cliff also has found time to befriend Bethel Seminary San Diego. In fact, he served on the original advisory committee as Bethel Seminary began its West Coast ministry in the late 1970s. Cliff has been so pleased by the many men and women who have moved into full-time ministry following their preparation at Bethel’s West Coast campus that he has included the seminary in his will. One day Bethel Seminary San Diego will receive a fourth of the Strom estate to fund endowed scholarships for students studying for Christian ministry.

Cliff and Clara Strom will leave a lasting memorial of their love for Christ and His church in their estate. Have you remembered the work of the Lord in your will? Please consider giving a gift to assist Bethel Seminary in training a new generation of workers to spread the Word of Jesus Christ. •

James Spickelmier is associate vice president for seminary development, Bethel Seminary St. Paul

Looking back
Cliff and Clara Strom share rich memories of their personal ministries and their support of Bethel Seminary San Diego.