1975-1977

1975

It was announced that 14 lay teachers would start a 2 year training program for the Bethel Bible Series, to be ready to teach the congregation in the fall of 1976. Church council's recommendation that we disburse our remaining "withheld funds" as follows: 1/3 to Seminex, 1/3 to Ohio District, and 1/3 to Synod. A letter to the Synod President was also approved.

In February, Anna Heinle, longtime educator in the church and public schools, died. Her efforts resulted in much of the gathering of the history of our church.

Our new vicar, Richard Gall came from Seminex (Concordia Seminary-in-Exile, St. Louis, Missouri). Our request from a Missouri Synod seminary was declined due to lack of students.

Pastor Kudart declined a Call to St. John's Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, Ark.

The church council members inspected the Well's property with the object of purchasing.

The kneelers in the church were completed.

Rev. William Weber, a son of the congregation, requested that he preach his final sermon at Trinity. He preached at our mission festival in October before he retired.

At a special Voters Assembly meeting in September, it was approved that we sponsor a Vietnamese family for resettlement in Zanesville. We would be responsible for furnishing housing, food, clothing, and help in finding employment. (Mr. and Mrs. Thanh Vo and six children)

A motion was approved to set aside a portion of the Anna Heinle bequest to establish a permanent historical display in our church; the remainder was to be placed in the Ohio District Church Extension Fund.

1976

Albert Leach, our church custodian, was replaced because of a health problem. Jim Emler was hired as a part-time replacement. The matter of allowing any applause within the church proper was discussed. It was resolved to leave the matter to the discretion of the pastor.

A new church pictorial directory was published.

Our "adopted" Vietnamese family asked to be baptized and the four adults confirmed at a later date.

Part of the Anna Heinle estate was used to purchase a set of 37 hand bells, since she collected bells as a hobby.

It was decided that the Vacation Bible School would be changed back to the morning classes. The evening classes did not bring the increased attendance anticipated. The Bethel Bible Classes currently had 137 enrolled and 11 teachers had completed their courses of studies with the pastor.

Vicar Wayne Hartz arrived from Seminex in September.

Word was received that Rev. Jobst and his wife, who served the congregation during the 1968-1969 vacancy, were killed during a flood in Colorado, where they were on vacation.

1977

Bad weather in January and February forced the cancellation of many church meetings. The heat in the church was reduced, due to our fuel allotment being cut 30% by the gas company.

Pastor Kudart and his wife led some of our members on a tour to the Holy Land and Greece.

A change was made in our church by-laws that the nominating committee be allowed to nominate two candidates from the communicant membership for each office. Prior to that they had to be members of the Voters Assembly.

We increased the $10,000 set aside for new boilers to $15,000.

New considerations were being taken to see if a ramp or elevator is necessary for wheel chairs.

The Cleveland Lutheran A Capella Choir sang at both services in May.

The renting of our parish hall, recreation room, and church park to non-members was discussed at length and fees were established.

Discussion concerning the repair or razing of the apartment building adjacent to the church was held. It was decided to raze the building and convert the space into a parking lot.

We said good-bye to Vicar Hartz and welcomed Vicar Dan Rohlfing.

We participated with St. Luke's and St. John's Lutheran Churches in a joint Reformation Service. Each church hosted the service in turn.