HomeMy WebLinkAboutOur Savior's Lutheran 121703Blessed to be a Blessing
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1939 -1989
Lutheran Club poses before YMCA, site of first worship services by students and area residents. Center is Pastor Kurt C. Hartmann,
in rear are sponsors Dr. and Mrs. F. E. Giesecke. Only student identifiable at this late date is one in second row, extreme right in
dark uniform, smiling. He later became Pastor Martin Burow and is now deceased. (Picture contributed by Mrs. Hartmann.)
Blessed to be a Blessing
This history allows us to look back fifty years and say, "This is where we have been" and "This is
what we have done." We certainly have reason to give God thanks for the past fifty years. This
congregation has truly been "Blessed to be a Blessing."
But a fifty - year -old congregation is a young congregation. In Europe I saw cathedrals which have
served worshippers for centuries. In New England there are congregations which have existed for
several hundred years, and in the Lutheran I read of Lutheran congregations celebrating 125 years or
more!
Our Jubilee years are ahead of us! This is more a celebration of what we can do in future years to
be a blessing than a celebration of the past. The future more than the past will see us accomplish our
constitutionally stated purpose. That is to:
Worship the living, loving God.
Administer His sacraments
Proclaim His Saving Gospel.
Reach out to all people with His Gospel.
Serve human needs in God's Love.
Nurture our members.
Pray.
I ask you to think of tomorrow as we today give thanks to our Lord for His saving grace.
John A. Blasienz
Congregation President
0.09T HF'4gy
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
1 CHURCH IN AMERICA
41
Office of
the Bishop
8765 West Higgins Road • Chicago, Illinois 60631 •312- 380 -2700
September 7, 1989
Members of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Tauber and Cross Streets
College Station, TX 77840
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Cordially in Christ,
Herbert W. Chilstrom
Bishop
HWC /mbf
On this happy occasion of your fiftieth anniversary, I
join you in heartfelt thanksgiving for the labor and the
love which have brought us to this day. I pray that the
grace of God will be with each of you at Our Saviour's
Lutheran Church as you begin another year of witness and
service in the College Station community. As you
celebrate I would lift up for your reflection the
beautiful words of the hymnwriter Georg Neumark:
"If you but trust in God to guide you,
And place your confidence in Him,
You'll find Him always there beside you,
To give you hope and strength within.
For those who trust God's changeless love,
Build on the rock that will not move."
May all your endeavors ever be built on that rock which
is Christ.
(-34
SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS /SOUTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD
350 Glenborough Drive /Suite 310 /Houston, Texas 77067 - 3609/713/873 -5665
�
Office of September 14, 1989
the Bishop
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Tauber and Cross Street
College Station, TX 77840
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Our Saviour's Jubilee Year is a marvelous milestone of ministry!
Services of celebration and gratitude are the order of the year.
It is my understanding that during the five years prior to the
organization of Our Saviour's Church there was a ministry among
the students and staff at Texas A &M University. That means
fifty —five years of Christian witness of the Lutheran Church in
that place.
Our Saviour's has helped in the learning process for Lutheran
pastors through support of 10 interns. Your faith and witness is
being carried throughout the church by those serving now as
pastors.
Our Saviour's has also been a strong supporter of the Lutheran
Church through service of many of its members on churchwide
boards, synodical, district and conference committees. Our new
church is strengthened by that service.
Fifty years! How many people -- members and students - -have heard
the WORD and received the Sacraments at Our Saviour's during that
time? 10,000? 20,000? Add to their numbers the persons they
came to know and unto whom they gave witness to the Gospel!
I am convinced our vision is often small - -but be it small or
large it is magnified a thousand fold by the Lord of us all!
I salute you on the first fifty and look forward to being with
you for the celebration on October 15th.
Happy Anniversary!
Peace and Grace,
Martin L. Yonts
Bishop
MLY:rly
It Began in 1939 (or was it 1934 ?)
Although Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of College Station
was officially organized by adoption of a constitution on Dec.
10, 1939, roots of the church go back to a ministry to Lutheran
students enrolled at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of
Texas during the 1934 -35 school year.
Most of the credit for founding of this ministry which later
evolved into Our Saviour's can be given to the Rev. Kurt C.
Hartmann. A native of Mason, he was graduated from Texas
Lutheran College in 1931 and from Wartburg Theological
Seminary in May of 1934. In September, at the age of 23, he
responded to a Call from the Home Mission Board of Texas to
serve the students of Texas A &M and a congregation, St.
John's, at Waller.
An early announcement invited students to join in Lutheran
services in the "Y Parlors (2nd floor of the Y.M.C.A. building)
every Sunday evening at 7 o'clock." Then called the A.& M.
Lutheran Club, officers were president, A.A. Hansen; vice
president, C.M. Thieme; and treasurer, C. Schier. One of the
students was Herb Schleider, still a member of Our Saviour's,
and another was Al Giesenschlag, who was later to help found
Our Saviour's mission church, Peace Lutheran, in College
StationAs the campus ministry expanded, the name was changed
" Got back from ABM
12:30 a.m. last night...
Finished adopting the
constitution there. The
name of it is 'American
Lutheran Church of
College Station..'"
As the campus ministry expanded, the name was changed to
A &M Lutheran Student Association and Lutheran residents of
College Station, Bryan and the surrounding area joined in the
services at the Y.M.C.A. By 1936, Immanuel Lutheran Church
of Wiedeville near Brenham was added to Rev. Hartmann's
duties. The pastor resided in Wiedeville but commuted regularly
to College Station.
The first child to be baptised in this parish was Frank Edwin
Hansen, Jr., the son of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Hansen, born March
14,1938, baptised May 22, 1938.
By November, 1939, a group of women attending services
organized as the Women's Missionary Society and opened their
homes to families and sweethearts of Texas Aggies. In later
years, charter member Mrs. Charles Rohloff gave credit to the
women for the impetus to start an organized congregation. On
Dec. 10, in what was labeled the annual report of the secretary
of the American Lutheran Church of College Station, Texas, a
proposed constitution was read and adopted. Council members
elected were F.E. Hanson, A.P. Schipper, N.G. Schuessler, C.
Rohloff, E. Boemer, and M. Jandt. In a letter dated Dec. 11,
1939, and postmarked Dec. 12, 1939, Pastor Hartmann wrote
"Well, it is Monday. Got back from A &M 12:30 a.m. last night...
Finished adopting the constitution there. The name of it is
`American Lutheran Church of College Station. "'
He later wrote that on Jan. 14, 1940, "the councilmen of the
new congregation at College Station will be installed as "we
(have) organized, elected councilmen, adopted a constitution,
introduced the weekly envelope system for local expense,
pastor's salary and benevolences." On Feb. 13 he wrote "I have
written the constitution into the record book and twenty have
signed it. So we have twenty voting members at College
Station." It should be noted that Mrs. Edmund (Alvina) Landua
of Bryan is the only living charter member who is still an active
member of Our Saviour's.
Other early pledged membership brings to mind such names
as Burow, Eisenhouer, Jandt, Manthei, Nagel, Potts, Rust and
Zeisemer. Early members of the Women's Missionary Society,
in addition to Mrs. Landua, were Mrs. Rohloff, Mrs. Boehmer,
Mrs. Henry Englebrecht, Mrs. Charles Goessler, Mrs. Marvin
Jandt, Mrs. Harvey Oaks, and Miss Alice Rippenhagen (later
Mrs. Leonard Hearne), still a member of Our Saviour's.
In 1942, Pastor Hartmann accepted a Call from the Home
Mission Board to move to College Station as resident pastor.
The congregation and the Board together purchased a parsonage
in an area called West Park. The parsonage was sold 17 months
later in favor of a house at Cross and Main. St. Paul Lutheran
Church of Brenham loaned $3,000 interest free to purchase six
First parsonage which was purchased and remodeled in 1942.
Ruth and Carolyn Hartmann are on the porch.
lots at the present site, which was later repaid in full. Later Mr.
and Mrs. Rohloff were to give additional lots.
When World War II began, the congregation had 272
members. During the war years enrollment at the college
dropped from 6,544 to 1,152 and a number of members saw
military duty. Congregational membership dropped to a low of
36. When the congregation applied in 1944 for a loan of $2,500
from the American Lutheran Church's mission fund to build a
chapel in its parsonage, it was refused because the church felt
the congregation had no future.
In 1945, Pastor Hartmann accepted a Call to work in the
Hispanic Ministry in Edinburg. The Rev. Fred Mgebroff was
called by the Student Service Commission of the National
Lutheran Council (which later became the Division of College
and University work of the N.L.C.) to do student work at Texas
A &M and agreed to serve the congregation, whose financial
support had been dropped by the Home Mission Board, if
adequately reimbursed.
In December, 1948, the congregation approved transfer of
its property to the Texas A &M Lutheran Student Foundation.
Later the Commission on Student Service of the National
Lutheran Council invested $25,000 of capital funds to build
additional structures. Final release of this lien which had been
held on the lots was not completed until 1977.
The congregation and the students continued to hold services
in the Y.M.C.A. until the dedication of the Student Center in
August, 1948. The Rev. Thomas H. Swygert succeeded Rev.
Mgebroff who had accepted a Call in 1951 to Martin Luther
Lutheran Church in Giddings. During the early 1950s it was
recognized that additional facilities, particularly a house of
worship, were needed so that the Lutheran ministry could
continue to develop. By this time the name of the congregation
had been changed to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.
With the Lutheran Student Foundation also contributing
Wooden frame buildings served the congregation for many years.
funds, the present church building was erected. Groundbreaking
ceremonies for the church were conducted in January, 1954,
and dedication of the church was in the following September.
Architects were Ernest Langford and Frank Lawyer on the
faculty of the School of Architecture at A &M . The contract for
$60,172.14 was let to R.B. Butler Construction Company of
Bryan. Building committee chairman was Elmer Fuchs and
many members of the congregation helped to plant grass and
otherwise improve the site.
Pastor Swygert was succeeded in 1956 by the late Rev. Ed
Svendsen. He was succeeded in 1959 by Rev. Melton Bulgerin.
These were the years in which the congregation grew and
established itself as a congregation organically linked with
campus ministry. Its pastors were part -time congregational
pastors and part-time campus ministers. Half of their salary was
paid by the DCUW, which also had to be consulted whenever
it was necessary to select a new pastor.
Added growth brought the need for further expansion of
facilities, namely two lots on Tauber given by Mr. and Mrs.
Rohloff for parking and a residence purchased to be used as "an
experiment in Christian communal living," housing A &M
Lutheran students at modest rental fees.
In 1961 Pastor Carlton Ruch was installed. The congregation
committed Our Saviour's to participate in a Tri-Synod campus
ministry of the American Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church in
America, and Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod. In 1964 an
associate pastor, the Rev. Ron B irk, was employed to work with
both the church and the Campus Ministry. In 1965, the church
offices and the Vocational Guidance Center were built.
Many lay members of Our Savior's have taken active roles
in national and district bodies and on local church committees.
Notable is that of Dr. Harold B. Sorensen, who served from
1968 to 1978 on the National Council of the American Lutheran
Church, with four years on the Commission on Church and
Society.
Pastors
Throughout its history, Our Savior's has been blessed with the
outstanding pastors who have served the congregation. This
history is continued through the words of those pastors, associate,
assistant to the pastor and campus pastors who could be contacted.
Kurt C. Hartmann 1939 -1945
Founder of what was to be Our
Saviour's Lutheran Church of
College Station, Pastor Kurt C.
Hartmann was graduated from
Texas Lutheran College in 1932
and from Wartburg Theological
Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in
May of 1934.
After ordination he accepted a Call from the Home Mission
Board at the age of 23 to the Lutheran Campus Ministry at the
Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and St. John's
Lutheran Church in Waller. He later also served Immanuel
Lutheran Church at Wiederville near Brenham. He pioneered
the founding of the American Lutheran Church of College
Station, later renamed Our Saviour's, in December, 1939.
Pastor Hartman was in the Hispanic Ministry from 1945 to
1949 in Edinburg and San Antonio. He was pastor of Immanuel
Lutheran Church, Pflugerville, and Dessau from 1949 to 1957.
From 1957 to 1961 he was pastor of Christ of Immanuel
Lutheran Church in La Vernia. He also served as interim pastor
at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville for six months in
1985 and Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville for 11 months
in 1985 -86. He was nominated by two different churches for
Texas Rural Minister of the Year, receiving a second place
certificate once and honorable mention the second time.
He began as editor of the Southern District newspaper in
1961 which he continued to edit through Dec. 31,1982. He also
served as editor of "Southern Sky," the Lutheran Standard
supplement, until retirement in 1983. He was tabbed as "Mr.
Southern Lutheran" after 22 years as editor.
In retirement he served St. Paul Lutheran Church of Yorktown
for five months and held other positions including church
councilman, senior choir director, worship committee member
and taught an adult Bible class. The Yorktown Chamber of
Commerce awarded him the Citizen of the Year honor for
extensive community service. He was a member of the board
of regents for Texas Lutheran College for 34 years, which still
is a record.
He married Frances Duderstadt on Aug. 26, 1940. After his
death at the age of 75 on Oct. 8,1986, she continues to make her
home in Yorktown.
Fred Mgebroff 1945 -1951
Fred Mgebroff was called in 1945
to serve the Campus Ministry and
agreed to serve as pastor of the
congregation. In 1951, Pastor
Mgebroff left to serve as pastor of
Martin Luther Lutheran Church in
Giddings, which he served for 36
years until his retirement in 1987.
On Jan. 30 of this year, his car was struck by an 18- wheeler
truck in Giddings. He was taken to Brackenridge Hospital in
Austin suffering from severe injuries. While still recovering
from this accident, Pastor Mgebroff suffered a heart attack Aug.
20 and was hospitalized for two weeks. He is now home and is
continuing physical therapy.
Pastor Mgebroff has our prayers for a full recovery.
Pastor and Mrs. Mgebroffs address is P.O. Box 67, Giddings,
78942.
Thomas H. Swygert 1951 -1956
No information was received from Pastor Swygert.
Ed Svendsen 1957 -1959
Pastor Ed Svendsen is deceased.
Melton N. Bulgerin 1959 -1961
I was pastor of the congregation
and campus pastor for the
Foundation for nearly two years
starting in July, 1959. Without any
extensive briefing, I was "dumped"
on the scene about four weeks before
the University began fall sessions.
While I was in College Station only
a short time before I was called to
the national staff of the newly - formed American Lutheran
Church, we did have an active program.
Some of the regular and special events during my ministry
were:
Lutheran Student Association: Every Wednesday night was
LSA night, usually with a meal prepared by congregational and
student helpers. Weekly programs had an active attendance of
about 30 -40 each week. We also enjoyed fellowship with other
Lutheran student groups through state and national meetings.
Theological study groups: I started a noon "brown bag"
sandwich luncheon - discussion group for faculty members. We
discussed ideas of contemporary theologicans using various
study guides.
School of Religion: An experiment in advanced study for
faculty, congregational members and students. Cooperative
classes for six weeks of one - night -a -week sessions in which
campus pastors of several denominations served as teachers
with Lutheran Foundation staff. Courses such as theology and
Reformation history were offered.
A course in elementary Greek for pre - ministerial students
and faculty: About 20 people were involved a semester.
Bible courses: Nine semester hours of credit courses in Bible
survey courses were taught in the University Bible Chair.
After leaving College Station, I served as director of
stewardship education for 11 years with the American Lutheran
Church and senior pastor for two large congregations before
retiring in 1984 because of health problems.
Currently Pastor Melton Bulgarin lives at 3570 Locust Lane,
Eau Claire, Wis.
Carlton Ruch 1961 -1971
When I came to Our Saviour's
Lutheran Church, I was to wear
four hats: First, as pastor of Our
Saviour's; second, as the director
of the A &M Lutheran Student
Foundation; third, as the Lutheran
campus pastor; and fourth, as the
Bible Chair teacher for the Lutheran
Campus Ministry. At that time
Texas A &M has a Bible Chair and students could count six
Bible Chair hours as part of a degree plan. Among some of the
courses I taught were The Acts of the Apostles, Comparative
Religion, the Synoptic Gospels, and the Book of Revelation.
At the time I came, the Southern District president and the
head of the Lutheran Campus Ministry for the National Lutheran
Council concurred that the most critical need was the
congregation. With a healthy, active congregation, the campus
ministry could also flourish. As a result I maintained a heavy
calling schedule with a goal of calling on members at least once
a year.
Shortly after I arrived, the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
placed the Rev. George Becker as the campus pastor for their
students and the University Lutheran Chapel was built. The
Rev. Hugh Beck replaced Rev. Becker.
The Guidance Center and church office facilities were built
in 1965. R. P. Thorpe designed the buildings.
When I arrived, Intern George Fry, the intern the past year,
was here to greet us for a half day. Then Intern Fred Gaiser
arrived. Fred, who now teaches Old Testament at Luther -
Northwestern Seminary, together with his wife co-authored the
current women's Bible studies on the Psalms printed in the
Lutheran Woman Today magazine.
After Fred we had an Assistant to the Pastor, Luther Rostvold,
followed by an Associate Pastor, Ron Birk; both positions were
Lutheran campus ministry oriented.
During the ten years of my ministry here, several traumatic
events occurred. Martin Luther King, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
and Robert Kennedy were assssinated. During the assassination
of Martin Luther King I was president of the Bryan- College
Station Ministerial Association and along with the other officers
utilized many community media to keep calm in the communities.
It was an interesting time.
After a period of time I received a master's degree in
sociology and a doctorate in urban and regional planning. Since
then I have been involved at Texas A &M University, primarily
in disaster response planning and research for the Governor's
Division of Emergency Managementand the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Dr. Carlton and Ramona Ruch, who served as Council president
in 1987, live at 4304 Maywood, Bryan.
Robert L. Otterstad 1971 -1982
In 1971 Our Saviour's began a
period of change. Prior to my
coming the senior pastor was
assisted by an ordained pastor who
divided his time between parish
work and conducting a campus
ministry at Texas A &MUniversity.
We had a facility that was owned
jointly by Our Saviour's and the
National Lutheran Campus Ministry which had invested $25,000
for the securing of the frame building. It was situated behind the
church sanctuary next to a former parsonage which was used for
Sunday School classes and youth activities.
In 1971 I was called to serve with no assistant and no separate
campus ministry, but to collaborate with the University Lutheran
Campus Ministry. Its facility is owned by the Lutheran Church/
Missouri Synod. Its pastor was Rev. Hubert Beck. This
satisfied our campus ministry commitment to N.L.C.M.
Since 1971 the following major changes have occurred:
—The former Fellowship Hall Student Center was dismantled
together with a house which stood on our present lot. It had been
used to house male Lutheran Aggies as an experimental campus
ministry. The former parsonage on the church lot was moved
away. The present Fellowship Center, designed by Rocky
Thorpe, was built by volunteer labor under the direction of
Hank Parkman. The new parking lot was the work of A. P.
Boyd.
—The new Service Book and Hymnal was introduced. The
congregation learned all three settings of the worship liturgy,
using all on a seasonal basis.
—The chancel of the sanctuary was remodeled so as to
provide a communion rail and proper pulpit and lectern. Al
Loke constructed the new furnishings from designs drafted by
me.
—A new and very adequate Allen organ was purchased and
installed. The organ was dedicated Feb. 22, 1976, with Mary
Esther Orth, professor of organ at Texas Lutheran College,
serving as guest organist.
— Services with Holy Communion were scheduled for every
Sunday instead of once monthly.
—The congregation sponsored the founding of Peace Lutheran
Church of College Station, having Rev. Stanley Sultemeier
serving as part-time assistant while gathering a prospective
membership roster for the new mission. At the founding service
of Peace Lutheran Oct. 3, 1977, congregational president John
Blasienz delivered letters of membership for some ninety
persons and presented a gold plated chalice and paten as a gift
from Our Saviour's.
These items cannot reflect the dedication of hundreds of
members in parish education, evangelism, spiritual growth,
social concerns such as refugee sponsorships, and myriad
church chores. Such a report would required much more space.
To God alone be glory.
It should be reported that Pastor Otterstadt was one of the
charter members of the Board of Service and Missions in
America of the American Lutheran Church, serving nine years,
five as chairman. Pastor Robert and Helene Otterstadt are
enjoying their retirement at their home at 1403 Broadmoor,
Bryan. In order to feel useful, Pastor Otterstad teaches two
sections of introductory speech at Blinn College, one in each of
the two campuses. "We cherish our Sunday contacts with our
friends in the congregation."
A.R. (Sam) Koenning 1983 - present
The past six years have been a
time of restraint, change and new
possibilities. The year after I arrived
TAMU put restrictions into affect
to restrain enrollment growth and
TI closed its College Station plant.
It was an indication of what was to
come. Community growth slowed
almost to a standstill and a period of
economic recession in the state and community began. The
result was three to four years of budget curtailment and calls for
giving to meet the commitments made. Some members of long-
standing were forced to leave our community for economic
reasons.
Yet in the midst of the restraint new accomplishments were
being made. We replaced the beveled and flat roofs on the
Sanctuary and planted three new oak trees on the west side of
the Sanctuary. We retired themortgages on the Sanctuary and
the Guidance Center during 1988. Seven interns have received
a years training in the practice of ministry from the members of
Our Saviour's.
Some new developments have brought much pleasure to the
congregation and new possibilities for the future. Ellie Wilmeth
became a part of the staff of Our Saviour's during 1984 as
volunteer choir director. The result has been an outstanding
series of music programs during the past four years. "Crossways!"
has been introduced and taught for six years expanding the
knowledgeof the scriptures in the congregation as well as the
number who have it. During 1989 we began training our first
group of Stephen Ministers who will help to expand the caring
ministry of the congregation in the years to come.
Our caring work in the community has grown as needs within
the community have become more apparent. In 1984 we
sponsored a Vietnamese refugee as had been done in the past.
As the Brazos Church Pantry began to be organized, Our
Saviour's became an important player on the team with both
money and volunteers. In 1987 we joined with other Lutheran
churches of the community in raising funds to open an Lutheran
Social Services of Texas office in the Bryan- College Station
area. In 1988 the LSST office opened in Bryan and has become
of increasing importance to the community as one few offices
that operates on a sliding scale fee basis, a fact of special
importance to the students and others with diminished abilities
to pay.
As we began our life as part of the ELCA we changed our own
constitution in 1988 creating new structures for carrying out the
work of the church. Under the new structures committees are
directed toward more intentional planning and more
responsibility in the accomplishment of their plans.
During the past six years we have also seen changes in the
leadership of campus ministry. The Rev. Hubert Beck accepted
the call to become Lutheran Campus Pastor at Duke University
in 1984 leaving behind a campus ministry that bore a great deal
of the imprint of his work. The next year the Rev. Richard
Manus came to TAMU as the Lutheran Campus Minister.
Dr. A.R. (Sam) Koenning and Sheila live at 4101 Tanglewood,
Bryan.
Ron Birk 1964 -1971
(Associate Pastor)
I came to Our Saviour's on July
19,1964, to serve as associate pastor
with Carl Ruch. My primary duties
were to work with students at Texas
A &M and with the youth of the
congregation.
When I came, there were two
separate Lutheran Campus
Ministries. However, when Hugh Beck became the Missouri
Synod campus pastor in the late 1960's, we started doing much
of our ministry together. We did it so well that I worked myself
out of a job.
In 1971 it was decided to combine the two campus ministries.
Pastor Beck stayed on at A &M. I moved to San Marcos and
started a Try-Synod Lutheran campus ministry at Southwest
Texas State University. After 13 years at SWT I "semi- retired"
on Jan. 1,1984.
Since that time I have been a multi - careered person. My
basic occupation is a rancher. In 1979 I inherited a goat and
cattle ranch in the Hill Country near Mason. It has been in our
family since the turn of the century. In addition, I am a
professional speaker, actor and writer.
We continue to make our home in San Marcos, where Alberta
is an administrator at Southwest Texas State Univesrsity.
Members of Our Saviour's will also remember the Rev. Birk as
writer of RONdom Thoughts, a usually humorous, sometimes
poignant, column which appeared through the years in the
Southern Lutheran. Pastor Ron and Alberta Birk live at 101
West Mimosa, San Marcos. Daughter Terry, an accountant,
lives in Jacksonville, Fla., with her Navy husband and 14 -year-
old daughter. Son Richie, a music teacher at Brazosport
College in Lake Jackson, lives in Angleton with his first -grade
teacher wife and their year- and -a -half old daughter.
Luther Rostvold 1962 -1964
(Assistant to Pastor)
No information was received from Pastor Rostvold.
Hubert Beck 1968 -1984
(Campus Pastor)
I remember the sixteen and a
half years during which Our
Saviour's Lutheran congregation
and Lutheran Campus Ministry
shared in a common effort at
holding the Gospel before the lives
of students at Texas A &M with
great delight.
From the beginning of my
ministry there, even though a campus ministry was being
conducted out of Our Saviour's in behalf of the then - National
Lutheran Campus Ministry office, I found nothing other than
open arms and warm hearts for the ministry to which I was
called. And when, several years later, those ministries merged
in what eventually became the Texas A &M arm of the Lutheran
Campus Ministry in Texas and a full partnership was established
between congregation and the campus ministry to which I was
called, the warmth was only multiplied and the openness only
raised to new heights.
It is with great thanksgiving that I remember the many ways
in which our ministries crossed over and augmented one another,
and the partnership I enjoyed with the pastors and vicar was
more rewarding than I could ever put into words!
I presently serve the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Durham,
N.C., which includes two campuses: Duke University, a major
research university with an enrollment of around 10,000
including all graduate and professional schools, and North
Carolina Central University with an enrollment of close to
5,000, a university traditionally serving the black community
with a fine national reputation. The ministry at each school is
quite different from the other, but each poses possibilities of
ministry unique to its own tradition and both, in turn, are quite
different from Texas A &M.
From Durham, then, I remember with fondness the beautiful
partnership that you and I enjoyed over sixteen years.
Pastor Hubert Beck lives at 9 Churchwell Ct., Durham, N.C.
Richard N. Manus 1985- present
(Campus Pastor)
The tri- Lutheran agency,
Lutheran Campus Ministry of
Texas, was dissolved Dec. 31,1985.
The Rev. Richard Manus, installed
as Campus Pastor on Feb. 10,1985,
continues to serve all Lutheran
students, maintaining close
cooperation with Our Saviour's
Lutheran Church.
Members of Our Saviour's serve on the Campus Council,
organize the Aggie Dinner, host Sunday evening suppers, and
provide support to maintain the student center facility and
program.
The interns have been involved in particular phases of
programming and participate in the activities of the Campus
Ministry Association. Student Greek organizations, Phi Beta
Chi Sorority and Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran Fraternity, assist in
conducting Lenten services for the congregation. Our Saviour's
made it possible for the Campus Pastor to attend the Stephen
Series Leadership Training Conference so that this special
ministry might be offered and geared to the needs of college
students.
This level of cooperation, in keeping with ministry objectives
of Our Saviour's congregation, continues to be a unique feature
of the Lutheran presence in the academic and residential
community.
Pastor Richard and Alice Manus live at 1205 Francis Drive East
in College Station.
I nterns A teaching ministry
Interns have played an important role in the ministry of Our
Savior's through the years. Those who could be contacted wrote
the following messages.
Paul Brossia 1958 -1959
Mr. Brossia could not be contacted.
C. George Fry 1960 -61
Fifty, like old age, sneaks up on
us. As Moms Mabley put it, "You
just wake up one morning, and you
got it." Since I'll turn 53 this
summer, let me begin by
commending you on your youth!
On this happy anniversary take to
heart the counsel of Soren
Kierkegaard, "Life can only be
understood backwards, but it must
be lived forwards." Accept my heartfelt best wishes for many
more years of service to College Station, Bryan, the Brazos
Valley, and the great Texas A &M University.
Known as "Fish Fry" as soon as I set foot on campus (the "flat
top" is gone, but I still have the Stetson you gave me), I
thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Our Saviour's and the
Lutheran Foundation. You taught me well. My subsequent 26
years in the ministry have been commentary, my time with you,
the text.
With you I learned to minister on the frontier of the church
and the university. There is where I have spent most of my
life — Wittenberg University (1962 -63), Capital University
(1963 - 1975), Concordia Theological Seminary (1975 -83) and
now, Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Ind. (1982 -). In
addition I have been a guest professor in Iran, Venezuela,
Canada, Nigeria, Mexico and Egypt.
With you I learned to minister ecumenically. Nothing
Christian is alien to me. Currently I am Protestant Chaplain in
a Roman Catholic college, but prior to that I have taught the
Bible as Literature to Muslims (for the Presbyterians) in Iran,
and worked with most Lutheran groups, including time with the
Missouri Synod.
Finally, with you I learned that the ministry is rooted in our
parish life together. Service in the local church has always been
important to me—and I've thought of you often as I served Si
Mark's Lutheran (1961 -62), Martin Luther Lutheran (1963 -66),
and North Community Lutheran (1971 -73), in Columbus, Ohio,
or since then as a frequent interim minister at a number of
churches, most recently for nine months (with approval of both
the Indiana - Kentucky Synod, ELCA and Wabash Presbytery)
at the First Presbyterian Church, Huntington, Ind. (where Vice
President Dan Quayle is considered a member).
More power to you, Texas Christians, as you look forward to
a continuing ministry which I pray will be going strong when
you turn 100!
Dr. Fry earned a Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1965 and
a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, in
1978. The address of St. Francis College is 2701 Spring St., Fort
Wayne, Ind.
Frederick J. Gaiser 1961 -1962
I knew it was a good internship
in 1961 -62; I know it even better
now. Then I knew it because I was
given access by Pastor Ruch and
Our Saviour's congregation to a
full range of ministerial activities. I
was never regarded merely as cheap
labor, and I had a good time. Now
I know it because I have had 15
years in which to compare my own internship with that of other
seminarians.
I don't remember where the term "teaching congregation"
was employed in the early 60s, but Our Saviour's was one; and
I am appreciative.
After internship I completed my final year at the seminary in
Columbus (during which I married Leola Beatty, who had
visited me in College Station). Lee and I then moved to
Heidelberg, Germany, where I eventually completed my doctoral
degree in Old Testament. We returned to the United States in
1969, when I accepted a call to serve St. Paul Lutheran Church
in Humboldt, S.D.
Since 1974 we have been at Luther (now Luther Northwestern)
Theololgical Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. I teach Old Testament,
but have also served along the way as registrar and dean of
students. Currently I chair the Old Testament department and
edit the seminary theological journal, Word & World.
Sometimes people ask me what, if anything, I miss about the
parish. I always mention two things: the opportunity regularly
to preach and to lead in public worship and the incredible
privilege of the parish pastor to be closely involved with people
in the most significant moments of their lives. Both of those for
me began at College Station. I will not forget those connections.
Dr. Fred and Leola Gaiser have three children: Jonathan, 22, a
graduate student at George Washington University; Rebekah,
18, a freshman at St. Olaf College; and Katherine, 17, a high
school senior. The address of Luther Northwestern Theological
Seminary is 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55108.
John W. Allan 1982 -1983
"For I have derived much joy
and comfort from your love...the
hearts of the saints have been
refreshed through you."
These Gospel - filled words from
Phillipians v. 7, presented to us on
a beautiful plaque at the end of our
internship, equally express the joy
and love we have received over the years from your caring, life -
giving ministry at Our Saviour's. During our year together, you
warmly welcomed this "bearded, guitar - playing Yankee" and
his British wife into your homes and lives, enriching us with
fellowship and laughter, forgiveness and service —signs of
Christ's gracious spirit at work among you.
Since then, you have continued to bless us with your ministry
and friendship through your prayers, occasional letters and
phone calls (what a delight it was to hear from John and
Madeline Blasienz when they were in London this May!).
Moreover, your ministry to the students and permanent residents
of Bryan/College Station continues to be a source of joy for us,
as we meet people throughout the world who have experienced
your embodiment of the Gospel to them and the community.
Surely you have been "blessed to be a blessing!"
The Christ -like example you set for us has remained a
wonderful source of inspiration for our parish ministry,
particularly when we were helping to establish a new
congregation (appropriately named Our Saviours!) in Midland,
Texas. After two years of service there we moved to England
where I am completing a doctoral degree in systematic theology
at the University of Birmingham, England. Alongside my
degree work, I regularly preach in several congregations; when
I cite examples of your ministry in my sermons, I am delighted
to see them uplifted and motivated by your example.
Pastor John and Sally Allan and daughters Jennifer and Kathryn
currently live at 42 Roman Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15
2SJ, England.
Stephen H. Rieke 1983 -1984
Our Saviour's is a congregation
located in the heart of Texas. It is
also a congregation which holds a
special place in the heart of the
Rieke family.
Our Saviour's is where our
family began as my wife, Eileen,
and I arrived for our internship
only three months into our married life. Upon arriving, we were
given a "pounding" that we still have not forgotten. People
received us with open arms and hearts and in so doing, witnessed
to us that the love of Christ was indeed alive and active.
The food we received from you, though, was more than
simply the staples of produce. What you nurtured us was on the
food of gentle, loving care. You taught us how to touch and
share lives, how to give and receive support, how to enjoy the
gifts which God has given. From these fundamentals has grown
our continued work now at Grace Lutheran in Wenatchee,
Wash.
In August, 1986, I accepted the call to Grace as associate
pastor. Since that time, my ministry has been in the areas of
evangelism and community outreach but has also included a
broader scope of traditional duties such as teaching, counseling
and general committee work.
Perhaps the most exciting —in the area of community
outreach —has been my work invested in the development and
launching of a newly incorporated, non - profit respite - day -care
program for handicapped and disabled children. While still in
its infancy, the program seeks to provide single parents and low -
income families with a no -cost facility where they may leave
their child or children in safety and nurturing care. The program
not only provides stimulation for each child, but also affords a
break —or respite —for the caregiver who otherwise is often
immobilized at home due to the demands of 24 -hour caregiving.
I am so excited by this development within the congregation, for
it confirms to me the existence within the wider Church of that
same unfettered, caring love which you first shared with us in
Texas: A love that seeks not to gain, but a freely given love which
seeks to serve.
The greatest of gifts which you gave to us continues to guide
our work, our thoughts and our prayers, and for it, we are most
grateful.
Pastor Stephen and Eileen Rieke live at 1408 Washington SL,
Wenatchee, Wash.,with their children, Jonathan Robert William,
3, and Meghan Elizabeth Caroline, 23 months.
Joyce Arnold 1984 -1985
My year of internship with the community of believers who
gather at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church is an experience I recall
with thanksgiving. Near the end of that year, I was asked what
I would think of when I remembered the experience, and my
answer was `People." And today it is the people who shared their
lives with me, in many different ways, whom I do indeed recall.
Those many and varied experiences are woven and interlaced
in a kind of living, moving tapestry which helps me remember
those shared moments of ministry that made up that time of my
faith journey. The weaving of the journey continues —for each
child of God individually, and for the community of Our
Saviour's —but the "connections" of our God's grace and love
remain. And I am glad and thankful for the time I journeyed with
OSLC.
Since graduation from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, I had hoped
and planned to enter the program of Religion and Personality in
the Graduate Department of Religion, Vanderbilt University. I
was unable to accept the invitation to do so immediately after
leaving seminary, but was presented with two years full of more
of those "living opportunities " —I was a counselor with L.S.S.T.;
ordained when I was called as a part -time associate pastor to
Christ Lutheran in Corpus Christi; and served as interim pastor
with St. Mark's in Cuero.
I have now completed my first year at Vanderbilt, expect to
complete class work next year, and spend next summer preparing
for qualifying exams and working on a dissertation proposal.
Among other things, I've continued doing some counseling, and
have been supply preaching at a mission congregation, Victory
Lutheran in Smyrna, Tenn., since January.
.Our journeys continue; may we all be growing through God's
grace -full weaving of our lives.
Pastor Joyce Arnold lives at 1008 19th Ave. South, Cuninggim
Apts 5B, Nashville, Tenn.
John Caron 1985 -1986
It is hard to take in all the things that have happened in my
ministry since leaving Bryan /College Station in the fall of 1984.
After graduating from Trinity I went on to get a master's degree
in drug and alcohol abuse from the Methodist Theological
School in Ohio. My aim was to use this degree in an urban
setting.
God now has redirected my ministry. While working full -
time as a computer programmer, I volunteer my time and
pastoral skills to the Columbus AIDS Task Force. I have also
done ministry with some local Methodist churches in the
Columbus area and am now looking forward to working with a
local Lutheran ministry in developing a drug/alcohol/ACOA
recovery program.
I miss all of you at Our Saviour's very much and I think about
my experiences often. Your ministry and friendship helped to
make me into the person that I am. For that, I will always be in
your debt.
Mr. John Caron lives at 945 Sheridan Ave., Columbus, Ohio.
Dave Daubert 1986 -87
It is indeed a privilege to be a part of this 50th anniversary
celebration, even if it is from many miles away. We still
remember many of the good times we shared together.
Marlene and I are now at the Columbus, Ohio, Hilltop
Lutheran Church —a changed neighborhood, urban congregation
which in the early 1960's had about a thousand members. We
have one of the largest Lutheran facilities in the Columbus
Metropolitan area and one of the smallest congregations. We
are now averaging about 65 people on Sunday morning (up
from only 46 a year ago!).
The ministry here is a challenging one which tries to orient
our direction back into the streets and bringing the gospel to an
economically poor section of Columbus. It means being aware
of the world around us in the clear ways and responding to what
we see. It means being involved with youth and elderly; black,
white, and Asian peoples; and being involved in rebuilding of
a community of faith committed first and foremost to the
gospel.
Perhaps the most enduring thing that we took with us from
College Station was the relationships. Our year of internship
showed us what it was to minister in and with the people of God.
In rebuilding a congregation, it is that commitment to
relationships that has helped to heal many of the wounds that are
still here from the years of decline. It is those relationships that
enables us to be with people. We think fondly of Our Saviour's
Lutheran Church and we are thankful for the time shared there.
Pastor Dave and Marlene Daubert and their daughter Erin live
at 125 South Wheatland, Columbus, Ohio.
Jonathan Linman 1987 -88
In April of 1989 I began my
ministry in Pittsburgh, Pa., at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, an
innercity congregation of some
175 baptised members. This
church differs greatly from Our
Saviour's —in terms of age,
economic and educational
background of members and
community context. Many of our people are retired, few have
college degrees. The neighborhood is low to middle- income
and working class.
Despite any differences in setting, however, there are certain
constants in ministry. One is that the effectiveness of all
ministry depends on the quality of relationships a pastor has
with parishioners. I've found that good relationships make
preaching, teaching, programs and administration far more
meaningful. And to visit people in their homes is the best way
to establish solid bonds and rapport. This was something I
learned at Our Saviour' s. I did a lot of visiting there—I do a lot
here.
While I was at Our Saviour's, I saw your congregation
become quite well organized as you developed a new
constitution. That allowed me to see the importance of focus
and clarity in congregational life. One of the challenges before
us here in the next two years is the development of a mission
statement and new constitution. Clarity and specificity are
essential as we endeavor to reach people in a neighborhood
crying out for Gospel Ministry.
I have no doubt that one of the things most of you remember
about me is my voice. I continue to sing. We have a small choir
here at Bethlehem. And I'm also a charter member of a choir
devoted to singing late night "Compline" in the beautiful,
gothic chapel on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.
And too, I remain active in campus ministry—this time by
having a seat on the local Lutheran Campus Ministry Board.
Pastor Jonathan Linman lives at 727 Excelsior St., Pittsburgh,
Pa.
Robin McCullough 1988 - 1989
It was less than three months
ago I was serving my internship at
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.
Today I have completed my first
month as pastorof St. John Lutheran
Church, Canal Fulton, Ohio.
This new congregation seems to
be a "Texan" transplant. They are
independent folks who speak their minds and enjoy having a
good time. Their hospitality has been warm and gracious. It
feels like home.
As I reflect on my recent year at Our Saviour's, it brings a
smile to my face. I gained much through the supervision of Sam
Koenning, the partnership with the congregation in the Aggie
community. Insights include:
— Effective leadership includes getting out of the way to allow
others to lead and participate. The best leader may be the one
who has the wisdom to follow.
—If an atmosphere of trust, open communication, and honesty
prevails, a church can avoid conflict.
—There is a real joy in serving Christ that should not be buried
under the frenzy of church activities.
—Home visitation is key —the pastor has a rich opportunity to
be an extended member of church families. That includes times
of joy as well as sorrow.
—Be who God created you to be. Celebrate the uniqueness of
others. I suppose that kind of acceptance rings of grace...amazing
grace.
Jon L. Culp 1989 - 1990
I am the present intern in a long
line of fine interns atOur Saviour's.
Rather than looking backward, I
am looking forward to my year. It
is my hope to join with the saints of
the past and present in doing
effective ministry here. With the
help of the Holy Spirit that's what
will happen. So many wonderful
programs already in place will ensure that the "Jubilee Year" is
just the beginning. Programs like the "Jubilee Fund" will take
our ministry far into the future.
As I wonder about my year to come, I am filled with great
hope. Hope, that in some small way I can help in bringing about
this exciting future. I have studied hard. Now it is time to go
to work. I bring with me a commitment to preach the Gospel.
The Gospel that frees us from our sin, but binds us to the work
of the Kingdom. I ask that you join with me in this work. Teach
me, as I intend to teach you. Together we can grow in our
knowledge of God.
As we look to the future, let us remember our past. We are
a part of the people of God. You area part of the 50 years of
work here at our Saviour's. I am from another place far away.
But we are connected by the precious blood of our Lord, Jesus
Christ.
Then let us join with the psalmist plea, "Teach me, 0 Lord,
to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give
me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all
my heart."
Confirmands as Recorded in the Church Rolls
1942
Christopher John Hy. Schaefer, Jr.
1944
Louis J. Koch, Jr.
Thomas William Evans
1945
Henry William Engelbrecht, Jr.
Joyce Lorraine Engelbrecht
Herbert William Goessler
Lucille Augusta Louise Richter
1948
Raymond D. Siegmund
1949
Will Hartmann, Jr.
Laverne Goessler
JoAnn Martha Mgebroff
Metche Franke
Martin Burner Olsen
1950
Leonard E. Hearne
Mrs. Helen Louise Niemeyer
1951
Mr. J. D. C. Frieda
Mrs. J. D. C. Frieda
1952
Grover Chester Deen
Travis LLoyd Engelbrecht
Linda Carole Potts
James Edward Giese
Walter M. Willman III
Mrs. Thomas Hugh McCall
1953
Louis Wemert
Robert S. Auglin
Theodore Thomas
Judson Herriott
1954
L. E. Winder, Jr.
Dorothy Carolyn Blinka
Tommie Lee Harmel
Madeline Gerold Jandt
Darlene Gayle Linnstaedter
Joyce June Lorenz
James Sumners Potts
Ora Lee Ramsey
Shirley Mae Schultz
Edgar Lee Thielemann
Jay Leroy Willmann
1955
Thomas Carroll Dye
Cloyd Lentz
Charles Allen Giese
Alba Jo Karcher
Diana Kay Lentz
Madelyn Carrol Oaker
James Herbert Willman
Nollie Morris Clary
Jervis Alvin Dippel
Mrs. Joel Louis Staehs
1967
11. Jack Sanders
David Quigley
Herb Heimer
1958
Mr. Kenneth Gerstenberg
Mr. Charles Davis
Mr. William L. Morgan
Mrs. Naoma Morgan
Mr. William Harris
Mrs. Mary Harris
Miss Betty Lou Jaster
Mr. Douglas Landua
Miss Shirley Lorenz
Miss Barbara Remele
Mr. Billy Rose
Mr. Harold Sorensen
Mr. Larry Wilmann
Mrs. Ruby Schaper
Mr. Owen Merkle
Mr. Robert Simons
Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Simons
1959
Mr. Truman Flynt
Mrs. John (Jesse) Hofmann
Mrs. Larry (JoAnn) Johnson
Mrs. Herbert (Francis) Mills
Miss Shirley Ann Brending
Miss Carol Lynn Remele
Miss Sandra Schwartz
Mr. Phillip LaSalle Cyphers
Herbert Louis Halstead
Robert Lee Hiller
Mrs. Suzanne Hiller
Nancy Dorsey
Mrs. Norman Voigt
Mrs. Marla Tebben
1960
James L. Gallatin
Tommy James Kendrick
Merle Parks Mahaney III
Donald R. Reaves
Wanda Faye Reaves
William Charles Brending
Barbara Jean Lorenz
Carter Harvey Oakes
1961
Mrs. Beverly Gibson
Charles Grant Gibson
Bobby Jack Stickley
Frances Ann Bulgerin
Suzanne Elise Flowers
Linda Darlene Maresh
Harold Glenn Luedecke
Bruce William Smith
Karen Ruth Stuverud
Gloria Jean Stroech
Gloria Jean Thielemann
Mrs. Vivian Webb Latimer
Burruss McDaniel, Jr.
Mrs. Sue Baird Minor
Russell Wayne Minor
William Tom Sistrunk
Fred Hopson
1962 1965
Carl L. Allen Mrs. Shirley Bennetsen
Walter Thomas Weber Richard Bomnskie
William Karl Matthaei, III Ronald Greeley
Mrs. William Karl Matthaei, III Kenneth Kindsey
Mr. Dennis Hejtmancik James Kouletsis
Mrs. Tommie Harmel Mrs. Sandra Stolle
Sara Giesenschlag Patricia Yeager
Donald Lee Brending Cecilia Linder
Harold Hill James Gilmore
Diana Lynn Lorenz Evelyn Ruth Gimore
Oliver Prieve Mrs. Judith C. Hooks
Paul Stuverud Mrs. Carolyn Jean Johnson
Shirley Jean Sluder Susan Russell Zerbe
William Gilmore Carmen Anderson
John R. Haley Deborah Dockery
Sam Taffmder Edith Gilmore
James Matchin Frank Allen Hertzog
Jack Stout Anna Loke
Jon Bolter Ronald Spies
Marvin Faust Deborah Thorpe
Mrs. Marvin Faust Mrs. Melvin Achterberg
Frank Waterman Gilbert Horton Forehand
Mrs. A. F. Herrmann Elaine A. Nelson
Bill Knibbe
1963 Mrs. Willemina Knibbe
Mr. B. R. Kissman John H. Groth
Mrs. B. R. Kissman Mrs. John (Irene) Groth
Mrs. W. F. Schwening Mrs. Harry (Barbara) Hughes
Robert Gossett Mrs. Clifton (Janet) Schrader
Edwin Heikkila Barbara Ann Hill
Charmille Bridges
Jerry Leon Kindt 1966
John Cameron Maresh William Barry Russell
Rickey Allen Mohr Mrs. W. B. (Sally) Russell
Gilbert Louis Reinenger, Jr. Richard Carter
Tommy Ray Schwartz Mrs. W. R. (Diane) Damon
Gary Lynn Sorensen J. Lee Fleeger
Rabom Reader Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Maser
H. W. Ross Robert McCue
James Lyle Jerry Reeves
Mrs. William Albrecht Torn Sobey
C. A. Hensarling Mrs. Tom (Gwen) Sobey
Mrs. C. A. Hensarling Mrs. Gary (Lynda) Swenson
David Rosberg Daphine Helen Dockery
Mrs. David Rosberg Sandra Kay Huebner
Barbara Susan Loke
1964 Connie Ondrasek
Nelson Bading Susan Anne Ormand
Mrs. Dwight Landua Herbert E. Schleider, Jr.
Claude Hayes Gene Scott
Mrs. Margie Borgmann Kristine Smith
Mrs. Gus Caring Brenda Sue Spies
Mrs. Elmo Beyer, Jr. Annette Sue Thielemann
Frank G. Hertzog Mrs. James (Lemerle) Gilmore
Kay Matchin Robert L. Hedges
Danny Ruch David Kingston
Cindy Eulenfeld Raleigh E. Lawrence
Reginald James Linack Mrs. R. E. (Margaret) Lawrence
Steven Stuverud W. F. Meads III
Edwin Robert James Smith Arne Mikkelborg
Sandra Kneschke Mrs. Herbert (Ellyce) Warns
Wayne Powell
Kenneth Stroech
Keneta Luedecke
Mrs. John Haley
Eddie llscher
Richard Stickley
1967
Mrs. Michael Kloppe (Dorothy
Dean)
Dennis Sylburn Anderson
Karen Ann Bailey
Joyce Elaine Brending
Gary Wayne Bridges
Lynn Alice Clary
Gwendolyn Rose Flynt
Rodney Lynn Freudenberg
Dennis Ray Frieda
Randall Lee Janne
William Kyle Kirk
Tandy Sue Kirk
Katharine Anne Lindquist
Gilds Luedecke
Welton Earl Mertz
Brian Mikkelborg
Peggy Lee Mitchon
Sandra Nell Noak
Judy Ondrasek
June Ondrasek
Mark Allen Powell
Carole Ruth Thomas
Eugene Buth
Carl Fade
Mrs. Carl (Ruth) Fade
Mrs. Larry (Gayle) Maresh
Patty Reese
Ray Rowe
Mrs. James (Judy) Schlinke
Eugene Holt Bishop, Jr.
Gerald Alvin Kraybill
Mrs. Gerald (Pamela) Kraybill
Cheri Lindquist
Fred Stephen Andes
Gerald Roy Bratton
William Daryl Ray
1968
Rogers Milton Hall
Jim Hansard
John Herbold
Mrs. Tooley Milstead
Calvin Shenkir, Jr.
Jerry John Skrabanek
Mrs. Gladys Skrabanek
Harold Thearl
Mrs. Susan Wieland
LuAnne DeLoach
Fred Simonson
Paula Gladys Anderson
Brenda Patricia Babiarz
Sharen Bailey
Jack Lyon Comish, Jr.
Alan Lee Coss
Diana Ellen Coss
Raynmond Boyce Dockery
James Douglas Gilmore
Linda Ruth Kindt
Delwin Mikkelborg
Michael Ted Niemeyer
Donna Gail Noak
Nancy Oleta Ruch
Edward Frederick Schlutt
Julie Scott
Rebecca Ann Shenkir
Debra Elaine Spies
Russell Stauffer, Jr.
Glen Earl Stroech
Vondale Schwarze
Nancy Van Pelt
Alvin Luedecke Jr.
1969
Pat Bailey
Barbara Lee Christensen
Patricia Coffer
Newton Dick
William H. Sefcik
Alma Jean Sefcik
Wayne Sharp
Corsi Denise Claycamp
Jeffrey Morris Clary
Marc Gerald Hamann
Mar kie Deen Irby
Leslie Lynn Langston
Florene Marie Luedecke
Karen Kay Mertz
Billy Dean Mohr
Eric Daniel Schlutt
Billy Joe Skrabanek
Kevin Paul Thompson
John Calahan, Jr.
Terry Keener
Roger Richards
Margaret Thompson
William Frank Dinger
Pamela Sue McReynolds
1970
Terry Lynn Birk
Douglas Ray Blum
Ronald Ray Huebner
Mark Erwin Johnson
Kim Suzanne Klussmann
Debra Lee Loke
Pamela Ruth Noak
Diana Lee Parker
Dana Karin Rosberg
Mark Henry Ruth
Gerald Lee Spies
Terry Louise Thearl
Jane Ann Trimble
Suzan Marie Zenner
Darrell Wayne Zuehlke
Reta Beyer
Gordon Campbell
Lowell Whitcomb Jones
Robert Arthur Lundeen
Nora Mary Lundeen
Barbara (Fabian) Kronke
Gracie Coon
Glen Green
John Harrison
Bennie Kothmann
Stewart Sisco
Dianne Jenschke
1971
Marilyn Kay Frieda
David Wayne Hendrix
Jeb Hensarling
Barry Wayne Herrmann
Rex Edward Janne
Eric William Lindquist
Jimmie Dale Mertz
Sherry Powell
Ray Wayne Prieve
Mari Lyn Ruch
Teri Lee Ruch
Lori Ann Thompson
Douglas Wolter
Sharon Ann Zenner
Carol Sue Zuehlke
1972
Robbie Lee Elizabeth DeWees
Mrs. Sally Jo Mauch
Emil Krochmal, Jr.
Bill Byrne
Douglas Chester
Georgiann Cornish
John Deloach Michael Allen Griffin
Charles Gilmore Mrs. Edward Schlutt
Glenn Mertz Larry Carr
Larry Parker Cliff Richmond
Russell Pfeffer
Gregory Sebesta 1977
Debbie Scharber Sara Blasienz
Kris Smathers Kelly Borchers
Wanda Spies Gregory Boyd
Clifford Robert Trimble Cary Buth
Janis Dunsmore Daryl Chester
Marsha Claycamp
1973 Andra Hartfiel
David John Blasienz Joy Johnson
Charles William Broach, Jr. Kyle Klussmann
Dennis Nathan Chester Stephanie Longbrake
Judy Diane Frieda David Neil
Ronald Brent Greinert Thomas Sistrunk
Cheryl Denise Haas Jimmy Zuehlke
James Robert Hedges Mr. & Mrs. Jody Shank
Todd Lee Herrmann Mrs. JoAnn Laird
Charlotte Nadine Hopson
Michael Wayne Muegge
Michael Dean Noak 1978
Mark Allen Pantel Debra Beard
Michael Keith Parkman LuAnn Buth
Joyce Ann Schaefer James Haskell
Kris Marie Schlutt Jill Hejtmancik
Kathryn Ann Smathers Thomas Hilde
Sylvia Lynn Stroech Loretta Mertz
Sara Lynn Zenner Melissa Mertz
Douglas O'Leary
1974 Stara Parkman
Bob Blakley Lisa Sebesta
Ricky Blum David Beckondorf
Judy Brending Mrs. Betsy Porter
Paul Haugen Robert Schmedt
David Hedges Mrs. Shirley A. Duble
Glen Hendriz
Kevier Luedecke 1979
Robert Ondrasek Amy Basco
Paul Schleider John Haskell
Judy Skrabanek Kirk Herrmann
Debra Sistrunk Kris Hilde
Steve Spies Gretchen Hopson
Donna Johnson
1975 James Joyce
Weldon McFarland Gregory O'Leary
Julie Ann Basco Alicia Ruch
Lynda Diane Beard Gary Niemeyer
Lori Ann Blum Connie Niemeyer
Craig Allen Broach Joe Roederer
Christy Anne Claycamp Allan Icet
Alan Kevin Cornish Ruth Knapp
Karen Delane Hejtmancik Patti Coke
Scott Everett Johnson
Lisa Kay Klussmann 1980
Darrell Dewaine Mertz Lori Bomnskie
David Lee Mertz Brad Beard
James Scott Smathers Chula Broach
Doug Hutchinson Lisa Franklin
Stanley Johnson
Dawn Landua
1976 David Ludwig
Cynthia Ellen Blakley Erik Meyer
Greg Allen Bridges Russell Noak
Sharon Rhnee Pheffer Gayle Sistrunk
George Edwin Schultz
Karen Ann Sistrunk 1981
Rene Marie Stauffer Lydia Blakley
Connie Michell Wurzbach Randy Allen Blasi
Harry Edward Zenner III Dawn Kimberly Chester
Rebecca Cassa Zimmermann Sheri Foster
Leah Giese Melanie Ann Foster
Peter Ernest Glidewell Michael Scott Franklin
Lisa Renee Kolkhorst Frank Lee Glidewell
Claudia Meyer Sharon Lynn Joyce
Diane Curtis Cathy Jean Olson
Kevin Cogan Kaye Deanne Parkman
Rick Julian Mark Allan Sistrunk
Teri Julian Kevin Wayne Stibora
Annette Moen Velma P. Johnston
Michael Gentsch Bruce Goodwin Henry
Rebecca Olsen
1982 Jayne L. Littleton
Lori Ann Blinka Henry Hal Murray III
Justin Scott Meads Steve Griffin
Christopher Parnell Lela Griffin
Anja Pelto Priscilla Paton
Cynthia Renee Werchan
John Bleyl 1984
Janice Bleyl Lisa Fritz
Sally Allan Charles Mickey
Guy Bailey Mary Mickey
Angela Bailey Marilyn Ahrenholz
Ken Carlton Vicki Basco
Karen Carlton Kurt Kolkhorst
Kenneth Hudson III Steven Kurtz
Jeff Meads
1983 Felix Meyer
John Kaminar Sarah Parnell
Jackie Kuhn Jeff Ruen
Michael Noak
1985
Katrina Pfluger
Eric Eugene Bender
Rebecca Sue Boyd
Lance Edward Giese
William Karl Knox
Dana Kathleen Graesser
Gene Ernest Lovell
Belle Kristina Parkman
Tonye Lynette Stallings
1986
Helene Monique Duchesne
James Scott Howard
Wilford F. Pickard
Linda Pickard
Stephen Hoeckley
Alan Ray Bratton
Jeffrey Glenn Kurtz
Cheri Ann Hendrix
Carolyn Brock Hensarling
Nathan Wayne Ladewig
Ronnie Joel Lovell
Chance Snook
Steve Hackett
Ray Jones
1987
John Beck
John McSpadden
Dorothy Fackler
Holly Kolkhorst
Douglas Michael Light
Jill Scott
Debra Landua
Sam Logan
1988
Mrs. Ann Kerr
Ryan Becka
Ann Bender
Kelli Hannan
Amy Koenning
Cleon Knapp
Jason Ruen
Shane Stibora
Kaci Young
1989
Mrs. Phyllis Boyd
Theresa Drake
Vivian Manning
Gordon Pranger
Mrs. Rebecca Ruen
Leah Smith
Ross Leisy
Kevin Pickard
Steven Richards
Kim Sebesta
Jeremy Spies
Jenny Wolman
David Yancey
Melissa Lynn Whitley
Church Council, intern and pastor in anniversary year consist of clockwise from left, John Blasienz, president,
Everett Janne, Wayne Koenning, Margie Stibora, Ron Spies, intern John Culp, Pastor A.R. (Sam) Koenning,
Margie Boyd and Lyndon Kurtz. Not shown are Fred Schlutt, Debbie Spies, David Chester, Robert Wurzbach
and Judy Gloyna.
CHURCH COUNCIL PRESIDENTS
In the beginning the pastor served as president
1939 -1945 — The Rev. Kurt Hartman
1945 -1950 — The Rev. Fred Mgebroff
Dec. 18, 1950 -Jan. 7, 1951 — G. E. Jaehne
1951 — Theodore Hohlt
1952 — Elmer J. Fuchs
1953 — Henry H. Hadley
1954 — Harold B. Sorensen
1955 — Jesse Heine
1956 — Elmer J. Fuchs
1957 — R. J. Hildreth
1958 — Harold B. Sorensen
1959 — George C. Keith
1960 — John Blasienz
1961 — Charles Bridges
1962 — Henry Parkman
1963 — W. A. Smith
1964 — T. H. Thomas
1965 — A. L. Giesenschlag
1966 — Charles Hensarling
1967 — John Blasienz
1968 — John Blasienz
1969 — Harry Zenner
1970 — Henry Parkman
1971 — David K. Chester
1972 — Ron Scharber
1973 — Everett Janne
1974 — Oscar Beard
1975 — Oscar Beard
1976 — Kenneth Heideman
1977 — Kenneth Heideman
1978 — Jan. -Aug. — Henry Parkman
Aug. -Sept. — John Blasienz
1979 — John Blasienz
1980 — David K. Chester
1981 — Oscar Beard
1982 — Oscar Beard
1983 — Richard L. Duble
1984 — Wallace Klussmann
1985 — Dale L. Kelly
1986 — Guy Bailey
1987 — Ramona Ruch
1988 — Charles Hensarling
1989 — John Blasienz
Church secretaries should be also be noted. Early secretaries
probably served on a volunteer basis. Records then show:
Mary Miller
Anabel Swaggert
Pearl (Groth) Stockum
Nancy (Dorsey) Thielemann
Alberta Birk
Jean Thorpe
Betty Kolkhorst –July, 1971- Noveber, 1972
Candy May– December, 1972 -June, 1975
Julie (Scott) Atkins –July, 1975- March, 1976
Kelley Sistrunk –Feb. 23, 1976-present
Our Savior's is an active, vibrant congregation of believers;
many, many members have offered much in talent and service
to the church. This continuing service is recognized with
gratitude. As of Oct. 1, 1989, Our Savior's Lutheran Church has
731 baptised and 581 confirmed members.
Acknowledgements: Thanks should be given to the many
people who assisted in the compilation of this history. They
include Mrs. Kurt Hartmann whose notes were invaluable for
the early days; all of the pastors (especially Pastors Koenning,
Otterstad and Ruch for encouragement and helping with
accuracy); all interns and Ramona Ruch who contributed
information on them; church secretary, Kelley Sistrunk;
photographer, Howard Eilers; John and Madeline Blasienz;
Mrs. Harold Sorensen; all who contributed pictures whether
used or not; my son Scott for much computer help, son
Christopher, who proofread; and my wife Mary Helen who set
the type. My apologies to anyone whoml inadvertently omitted.
I should add that material frequently was trimmed or edited in
order to save space or follow style. Type is in Times, style
follows AP Stylebook, printing by Fuller Corporation.
All of the pastors and interns wished the congregation well.
To avoid duplication, their thoughts are thus summarized:
"Thank you for the privilege of serving with you. Praise
God for your 50 years of witnessing to Christ. May God
richly bless the next 50 years."
— David R. Bowers
Editor