Background
Ordal, Ola Johannessen was born on August 2, 1870 in near Bergen, Norway. Son of Johannes J. and Martha (Sandal) Ordal.
Ordal, Ola Johannessen was born on August 2, 1870 in near Bergen, Norway. Son of Johannes J. and Martha (Sandal) Ordal.
Brought to the United States, 1880. Bachelor of Arts, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, 1898. Graduate Lutheran Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1901.
Post-graduate work, University of Washington, 1922-1923.
Ordal received his education in the grammar schools of South Dakota, later attending the Lutheran Normal School at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He then taught in the public school of Story County, Iowa. His first pastorate was at New Whatcom, now Bellingham, Washington.
From there he moved to Red Wing Minnesota.
He was actively connected with school work the greater part of his ministry. A system of rules governing appointments, salaries and promotions were also established and the Normal department was accredited by the state.
The first endowment drive was launched during Ordal’s time with a goal of raising $250,000 and by 1927 that goal was reached. Ordal Hall built was built in 1967 and named to honor the fifth president of Pacific Lutheran University.
He was a member of the board of trustees for the Ladies’ Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota. A longtime member of the board of trustees at Pacific Lutheran Academy in Parkland and later a member of the board of trustees for Pacific Lutheran College.
Married Anna Christina Leque, June 18, 1902. Children: Nils Johan, Martha Marie, Erling Leque (deceased), Olaf Gerhard Leque, Gertrude Dorothy, Gordon Monroe.