The 40th Anniversary of St. Paul Lutheran Church Canon City Colorado ( )

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1 The 40th Anniversary of St. Paul Lutheran Church Canon City Colorado ( ) With thanks to the Living Christ who has sustained us these forty years. With remembrance of those who have gone before us. With Encouragement for those who labor now. With hope for those who will serve in the future. St. Paul celebrates 40 years as a constituted congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod by glancing back in time to see how God helped us make a path and by trusting Him, how He will guide us in the future. Although we are celebrating 40 years of organization, we are also celebrating 65 years of worship and fellowship. St. Paul actually had its beginning in 1917 and was blessed through the trying years of initial building with pastors such as Rev. Reiniger, who would periodically, take time from his pastorate in Westcliffe, commute to Canon City, and actually pick up worshippers of the Lutheran faith to join him in services at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Rev. Kreutz ( ) was the first resident pastor of St. Paul in its initial organization, and services during this time were also held in the SDA Church. February 1926, marked the adoption of a constitution by the congregation. Leading the church at that time was the Rev. E. E. Peters ( ). Charter members were C. Reuker, E. R. Hartbauer, Geo. Marlman, H. O. Zick, L. Reuker, J. Hinck, R. Hartbauer, and the Rev. Peters. A decision was made in 1927 to apply to the Missouri Synod for membership. This group was also anxious to have their own place of worship, however, due to the small numbers, neither the place of worship nor synodical membership was achieved. Rev. Peters accepted a call in 1930 as Institutional Missionary in Denver. The Lord promptly replaced Rev. Peters with the Rev. M. H. Gross ( ). During his five years of service, the congregation purchased hymnals, communion ware, church records, etc. In 1933, the congregation first started the practice of men and women communing together. The worship services, though small, continued with inspiration, and the Gospel was heard. After Pastor Gross accepted a call to another parish, the young St. Paul organization nearly disbanded. For the next four years, St. Paul had intermittent pastors and worship services. Services were then held in Canon's Annex Hall, and often with only four or five people in attendance. No church work was completed, and no voter's meetings held. Visiting pastors who aided the small congregation at this time were the Rev. Gunther, Candidate Jones, and the Rev. Norden from Pueblo. Also contributing of his time was the Rev. Fred Duever. In 1938, along with his congregations in Salida, Leadville, and Cripple Creek, the Rev. Duever led the faithful few of St. Paul in worship services held at the Holt Mortuary.

2 The Holy Spirit shed light even then when things were the bleakest at St. Paul. Henry Aradanas, a confirmed member of the congregation, was inspired to prepare for the ministry. In 1946, he was ordained and began missionary work in the Philippines. St. Paul supported this ministry with prayer and financial aid for some 23 years up until his death in The Lord again spoke to the faithful, and in 1941, St. Paul began to emerge from its least productive years. For an entire year, Candidate Stryzewski remained with the congregation. In 1942, a full-time pastor was assigned to St. Paul, and under God's guidance, the Rev. John Feiertag began the task of reorganization. Hard work and cooperation from the membership resulted in a rewritten constitution, the election of officers and once again regular services were held where God's children could receive the Word and Sacraments. In 1942, another application for membership in the Missouri Synod was made, and this time granted. St. Paul's constitution was formally adopted, and this began the forty years we are celebrating this year. Charter members were F. C. Kessler, H. F. Hanssen, Alvin Stroehlke, H. H. Schulz, M. H. Porth, and the Rev. Feiertag. With this new beginning, the congregation began to grow. Attendance was up to 40 on an average, and the group became active in evangelism. With the ever growing membership, this re-vitalized group actively began seeking then, our place of worship. However, two barriers were to prevent the groundbreaking at this time. The proposed site of 813 Macon was deemed to be too close to Trinity Lutheran by the Mission Board, and the cost and availability of materials were too great in the midst of World War II. Rev. Feiertag ( ) accepted a call to another parish. Pastor Ramslow served in the interim, when the Lord was fit to supply St. Paul with another leader. This blessing came in the person of Rev. John Bundshuh ( ). It was during his tenure when the long time dream of St. Paul to worship in its own building became a reality. In 1945, a chapel was purchased from the U.S. Army Camp Hale near Leadville. Under the supervision of three carpenters, the membership dismantled the chapel, marked it board by board, moved, and re-assembled it at its present site of 9th and Pine. Many happy people attended the dedication services for the new church on May 5th, By this time average church attendance was up to 60, with four Sunday School classes offered,

3 and an adult Bible class. Going forward, the spirit of the congregation was shown again in 1947, when they decided that they should have a parsonage to house their pastor. Again, with one carpenter, and the aid of the membership, this was completed, and presently houses the Good News Children's Center. Pastor Bundshuh accepted a call to Fairmont, Oklahoma in 1952, and for a period of some five months the Rev. A. C. Schroeder served the congregation. Again many prayers were answered in early 1953, when the Rev. E. J. Riske accepted the call to St. Paul, and installed on May 10th, Under Rev. Riske's leadership, the church continued to prosper. As the 10th Anniversary of the new building arrived in 1956, St. Paul was then enjoying a membership of 124 communicants, with an average attendance of 110; Sunday School had grown to six classes, two Bible Study groups, with an average attendance of 75. Also in 1956, another important decision was made. St. Paul, which had been receiving financial aid from the Synod, decided to become self supporting. This was accomplished, and remains so to this day. Rev. E. J. Riske

4 In 1959, the congregation was saddened as Pastor Riske suffered a severe heart attack. God sustained him, and he was able to return to his ministry. This ministry was expanded in 1960 to the men at Colorado State Penitentiary. In 1962, a new constitution was written and adopted in The only changes were in the number of church officers, their tenure, and the method of election. In August 1964, Rev. Riske tendered his resignation to accept the position of the Protestant Chaplain at C.S.P. He still resides in Canon City, and is always available to the members of St. Paul, as well as performing many duties for the church. The Rev. Daryl Schmidt from Colorado Springs served the congregation until once again the Lord supplied a pastor. The Rev. Warren Schave was called from Lamar, and after Rev. Riske, holds the second longest tenure at St. Paul to date ( ). In 1968, a preaching station was established in Florence, this mission was to last some three years. In 1969, when it became evident that expansion of St. Paul's church building and facilities was imperative, discussions of building jointly were begun with Trinity Lutheran Church. This was never accomplished. When Rev. Schave resigned in 1973, an old friend of St. Paul who appears again later filled the pulpit. Chaplain Carl Schmidt conducted services until mid 1974, when the Rev. Stephen Grumm ( ) accepted our call. Rev. Stephen Grumm Once again, during his pastorate, the spiritual leader of St. Paul was felled by a heart attack. And once again, the ever present Chaplain Carl Schmidt was called to lead the congregation while Rev. Grumm was recuperating. Again, the Lord prevailed, and Rev. Grumm was able to return to his duties. In 1976, with the church still growing, it was necessary to look into the feasibility of expansion again. This time St. Paul again struck out on its own. With the leadership of the building committee, the hard work of some of the members, the financial support of all, and many a prayer, the expansion work was completed in The end result WcLS the complete remodeling of the sanctuary, the addition of the parish hall, and remodeling of the basement into Sunday School classrooms. A dedication service was held on May 15th, In 1977, the congregation supported one of its most popular Mission Projects, "Christ's Gifts for China." The uniqueness of this undertaking to help spread the Gospel in this far-off land was that most of the members knew the missionaries, Dr. and Mrs. W. M. Wangerin. Dr.

5 Wangerin had filled the pulpit on many an occasion. To support a mission on a personal basis, receiving written and personal reports was most gratifying to the members. This ministry was to last five years. In 1979, the congregation again ventured forth to found and support the Good News Children Center that is still in existence. Dr. W. M. Wangerin In May 1981, the congregation voted to become independent, and in September, also voted to affiliate with the American Lutheran Church. Rev. Grumm accepted a call to a parish in Oregon, preaching his farewell sermon on the first Sunday in June. The congregation remained vacant until Dr. Wangerin accepted our call and was installed by former pastor, Rev. Riske, on October 18. At this writing, the Call Committee has interviewed several pastoral candidates preliminary to extending a call in the May voters assembly meeting. As we look back through time, may this 40th Anniversary celebration be a rededication of faith in the gracious Lord who has brought us this far and will surely sustain us in the future. May we have the fervor to spread the Gospel that our forefathers have established through their foresight, leadership, faith, and yes, even the "guts" to venture out of our midst and profess His Holy Name. God Bless us all! Ron Anderson, Scribe

6 AAL BRANCH NO An active, faithful group of St. Paul members makes up the Aid Association Branch which meets regularly. Robert Gohr is president and Mae Radtke is secretary. This group installed the sprinkler system for the church property, has given financial assistance to the Good News Children's Center, and has contributed to' the needs of the Developmental Training Service clients who attend our services. They presented a cross to each person confirmed. Any member who holds a certificate with the AAL is cordially urged to participate in the branch activities. ST. PAUL CHOIR The choir works with the pastor to lead the congregation in worship. They help the congregation with singing the hymns, they sing call to worship at the beginning and often add anthem. Dena Wangerin has been the manager this year, with Mr. Otto Brenner of New Mexico serving as choir director for the months he resided in Canon City. Organist Genie Peterson is the present director. a an MARY MARTHA GUILD A number of women members have faithfully maintained the ministries of this association. Principal work is the care of the sanctuary: the altar, the paraments, the communion vessels, and the various banners. They underwrite projects to supply needs that cannot be met by other sources. Officers are: Gert Clausen, president; Pattie Janssen, vice-president; Natalie Clasby, secretary; Verna Gohr, treasurer. G.S.Y. In 1981, a need to serve the younger members in a fellowship activity was met by forming the Grade School Youth Group. The organizers of the group are Bob and Aurice Worley. "G.S.Y." involves the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders of St. Paul in many activities. Last year events included a trip to Pueblo, a trip to the Air Force Academy, and camping trip to Opher Creek. Of course, there were many activities held right here in town. In 1982, each active member has a secret retired friend. The mailing of cards and little items will conclude with a luncheon and the meeting of their secret friend. Another overnight camping trip is planned for the summer of There are 20 members in the G.S. Y. group with an average attendance of 18. SUNDA Y SCHOOL St. Paul Lutheran Sunday School is a "growing concern. " Average attendance is forty-five children and ten adults. The children's material is published by Augsburg Publishing Company and is supplemented by an audio-visual library of such material as filmstrips, flannel-graphs, and posters. One group of teachers teaches from September through January, and another group teaches from February through May. Teachers this year were Rachel Becker, Debbie Allen, Tricia Merck, Laura Peterson, Colleen Hinsey, Lynn Koch, Ginny Zachman, Verna. Gohr, Joanne Frizzo, Ginny Read, Barb Freer, Mary Green, John and Debbie Beltz, and Mel Clausen. Superintendents were Cheryl Erickson and Karen Hart. Vacation Bible School is planned for August 2-6 this year. It will be a joint project with Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal for the third year. Plans are being made for a record-breaking 150 children.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH THE CONSTITUTION

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