1978-1979

1978

The balcony and church steeple were checked to be sure they were secure enough to hold the large crowds we ahve at the Christmas Eve and Easter services. Seating capacity for the church is 550 and the placing of chairs in the aisles was kept at a minimum.

We purchased the property at 7th and South Streets for $17,000. The two houses were razed and the area was made into church parking space. We also secured the first option to buy the Well's property, when available. This insured that the church would own the entire block on 7th Street. A special fund drive was initiated to help cover the costs of this purchase.

Bill Hampp, the Sunday School superintendent, requested that we add an 8th grade Sunday School class, plus additional first and second grade classes for the coming year. He asked to step down as superintended and take over the treasurer's position. Robert Grissett became the new superintendent.

When we installed protective glass over our stained windows in 1974, we did not do the large high window over the church's front door. The blizzard blew out a 4'x6' section of this window.

The Walther League constitution was revised.

The roof and eaves, damaged by winter storms, were repaired. The mortar between the bricks at the top of the church wall was replaced where it had eroded.

We joined St. John's and St. Luke's Lutheran churches in sponsoring a Laotian family. This cost the church $100 a month through 1979.

We welcomed Vicar Rick Ramirez and said goodbye to Vicar Rohlfing.

The church was broken into by someone who apparently had a key. Glass was broken, but nothing was taken. The following night the same thing occurred. The trustees had all the outside locks replaced and new keys issued on a need-to-have basis.

Pastor Kudart informed the church council of his personal problems (divorce) and asked for guidance and support. The council voted to continue to uphold and support his ministry in our midst.

1979

The Voter's Assembly, by secret ballot, voted unanimously to uphold and support Kudart's ministry in ourmidst. Assembly members sang the Doxology as an expression of joy at this enourmous show of strength and support for the pastor.

The parking lot was black-topped.

Dr. Oswald Hoffman, speaker for The Lutheran Hour, was chosen as the speaker for our 135th Anniversary service.

In February, a snow blower was purchased to make snow removal from our sidewalks faster and easier.

Handicap bars were installed in the restrooms.

The Syrian Orthodox Church used our chapel for their services once a week for a six month period.

Chariman of the Parish Renewal Committee, Lloyd Barnes, reported that 74 suggestions were received from committees. A suggestion was made to hold a Saturday evening Communion service, the third Saturday of each month and eliminate the Quarterly Service. This was defeated by secret ballot 25-23. Another recommendation to hold the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 7:30pm and also at 11:00pm was approved.

A Golden Agers Group, comprised of senior citizens, was formed. The Golden Agers were to hold a noon potluck meeting once a month.

An $8,000 gift was given to the church by Lilly Rittberger in honor of her husband Carl Rittberger.

We said goodbye to Vicar Ramirez and welcomed Vicar Ted Bessey.

Some pastors in our Synod want to own their own homes rather than living in parsonages furnished by the congregations. Pastor Kudart expressed a desire to own the Imlay Drive parsonage. The Stewardship Committee obtained appraisals for the property to determine a fair price, but the pastor decided not to buy the property, due to the controversy in the Stewardship Committee over the matter.

Fritz Frueh loaned his equipment to be usesd to repair the steeple. The total amount of this repair was $3,690.

The church council set amounts to be paid the church for use of its facilities for social functions. The change is to be lower for members than for non-members. A listing of various uses and charges was published.