Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and School

Transcription

1 Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and School 1275 S. Main Street - Antioch, IL / Rev. Greg Hermanson Pastor Rev. Aaron Christie Pastor Mr. Michael Manthei Deacon/Staff Minister Mr. Richard Baumgart Principal 8th Grade Mr. Keith Kopczynski 7th Grade Sunday School Mr. Richard Warning 6th Grade Athletic Director Mrs. Teri Johnson 5th Grade Mrs. Sara Fendel 4th Grade Miss Deborah Buske 3rd Grade School Music Mrs. Sara Goelz 2nd Grade Miss Faith Scheer 1st Grade Mrs. Diane McBain Kindergarten Mrs. Nadine Harris Pre-School Dear Recipients of 50 Years of Grace, April. 15, 2001 Mighty rivers start from small mountain streams. Our congregation also began, 50 years ago, as a handful of Christians. Like water from a rock, the Lord drew our spiritual ancestors from this world to himself and gathered them together around his Gospel. For 50 years our Savior has poured out his grace on this family of believers. Through the life-giving fountain of his Word and Sacraments we have grown to be a large congregation on the move. The pages that you are about to read record the major historical facts of the last half-century. But what we need to see in every detail is the loving fingerprint of our Savior. These pages document how our Savior, for the last five decades, has called his people, fed their souls, and moved them to respond to his gracious forgiveness. Why would people begin a new congregation when they already have one and endure worshipping on folding chairs in a VFW? Why would they start such a costly endeavor knowing that it would take their hard-earned money to buy land, build a church, parsonage, school and fill it with preaching and teaching ministers? Our ancestors believed that through faith in Jesus Christ they were the chosen people of God. They were God's children, not because of their effort or good works, but simply because Jesus died for all sins. The Holy Spirit created faith in their hearts and put a mission in their souls. They lived by God's grace and to spread God's grace. They started this congregation because there were so many people moving to Antioch in need of the Gospel. They built the church and school because they were compelled to worship their Lord and teach their children his Word. They put themselves out in order to invite more to faith. They moved ahead one obstacle and bill at a time, always trusting that the Lord who created Faith Ev. Lutheran Church would sustain his church as well. They took Jesus at his Word, "I will never leave you or forsake you." As he has provided for his people in the last 50 years, so he will continue to bless, protect, and lead us through the next 50 years; Fifty years from now our children's grandchildren will also be amazed at what the Lord has done through his Word and Sacraments. They will sing the praises of him who has rescued so many more and adopted them into a family of believers. They, like our ancestors and us, will join to worship his name and do his will. Like a river, may God's blessings continue to flow to us and through us. In Jesus' Love, Pastor Greg Hermanson Pastor Aaron Christie

2 In 1947 permission was sought and granted from Peace Lutheran Church in Wilmot, Wisconsin to form a mission church at Antioch, Illinois. The first exploratory service was held on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948, at the American Legion Hall. Pastor R.P. Otto of Peace Church officiated. THE HISTORY OF FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor and Mrs. Otto There was an enthusiastic response with members coming, not only from Antioch, but outlying villages and rural areas as well. On February 18, 1951, a special meeting was held at Peace Lutheran Church to organize the Antioch group as a separate congregation. Final approval was granted at their quarterly meeting on April 15, The name of "Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church" was chosen and Pastor Otto received and accepted the call to serve this mission congregation in addition to his duties at Peace. His daughter, Edna, served as our first organist, playing an old pump organ. During worship at the Legion Hall at least ten children were baptized. The first Baptism was May 6,1951: Laird Otto Beager, son of Otto and Dallas Beager. The first confirmation held May 20, 1951: Nancy Paasch, Lois Loecher, Howard Ballwanz, Roy Ballwanz, Donna Ballwanz, Sharon Keating, Merle Holtdorf, Nancy Rentner, and Rosemary Wolf. Adult confirmands were: Mrs. Herbert Beager, Mrs. Otto Beager, and Mrs. Marvin Muleski. During 1951, 16 voting members: Henry Pape, Sr., Chester Paasch, Jack Crandall, August Lubkeman, Herman Quoss, Henry Rentner, Elmer Rentner, Henry Kopecky, Melvin Harms, Harry Paasch, John Kopecky, Ray Baethke, Walter Baethke, Donald Holem, Lloyd Holtdorf, and Henry Lubkeman, were released from Peace Lutheran at Wilmot to found Faith Church, Antioch. Robert Pinger and Robert Holem were added as voting members for a total of 18 voting members and 92 communicant members. Peace Ev. Lutheran Church Wilmot, Wis. 1948

3 The first regular voters' meeting of Faith Church was held on April 15, 1951, electing the first church council consisting of six members. The first officers were: Raymond Baethke, Donald Holem, Sr., Henry Pape, Sr., Herman Quoss, Elmer Rentner and Henry Rentner. The minutes of this newly-formed congregation showed their eagerness to establish their own place of worship. By their second meeting, held in July, possible sites for a church were discussed. One property considered was on Tiffany Road., one-half mile north of Route 173. Another site was near the intersection of Lake and Route 173, but our present location was finally chosen for a cost of $6000. The committee responsible for finding property and constructing a church consisted of Elmer Rentner, chairman, Raymond Baethke, Walter Baethke, Donald Holem, Sr., Norman Jedele, Otto Hanke, Jr., Herman Quoss, Melvin Harms, and Henry Rentner. The architect chosen was B.J. Bruns. The construction company was Roy Nordstrom Co. of Fox Lake, and the approximate total cost was $65,000. Later in the 1950's, among the new voters we find the following names: Eugene Geiger, Don L. Holem and Arnold Schulmeister. The Sunday School was first organized with Mrs. Elsie Pape as the Sunday School superintendent. Faith Sunday School in 1951 had an enrollment of 52 pupils with 5 teachers. The first wedding was held March 6, 1952, with vows exchanged for William W. Janssen and Mae Walker. The first meeting of Faith Ladies' Aid was held May 17, 1951, at the home of Mrs. Frieda Rentner with sixteen ladies present. Mrs. Vera Horton served as temporary chairman and the officers elected were: Marie Holem, Pres., Lorraine Pape Bernhagen, Vice Pres., Vera Horton, Secretary and Mrs. Jennie Baethke, Treasurer. The constitution committee was Pastor R.P. Otto, Elsie Quoss, Alma Kopecky and Frieda Rentner. The Ladies' Aid has a present membership of 35 ladies. The first funeral held was August 10, 1952, for Alice (nee Hammer) Kufalk. As the congregation grew to about 200 communicant members, it felt the need for a full-time resident pastor. Vicar Lawrence Nolte was called to serve the congregation from July, 1959 to May, Pastor and Mrs. Nolte No parsonage was available, so plans were approved and construction began in July The total cost of the parsonage was approximately $20,000. It was completed and dedicated in early In 1960, Pastor M.E. Otterstatter accepted a call and was installed on March 29, He served this congregation faithfully until November, Pastor and Mrs. Otterstatter

4 Jim and June Crichton organized the Lutheran Boy Pioneers and Buckaroos for young boys in The Pioneer program still exists for the purpose of providing Christ-centered youth training for boys and girls in the congregation. Lutheran Girl Pioneers and Sunbeams for young girls was started in the spring of They received their charter in May of Caravan counselors over the years have been: 1964-Mrs. Albrecht, 1965-Mrs. R. Johnston, 1968-Mrs. Gall, 1971-Miss Vohs, 1973-Mrs. Krahn, 1999-Mrs. Frank. The first Mother-Daughter Banquet was held in the spring of Over the years at least 15 members have served as Sunbeam leaders with Mrs. Lori Anderson being the first. As many as 21 members have served as Girl Pioneer leaders. From the beginning both the girls and boys attended the opening devotions together. The next pastor to serve Faith congregation was Pastor David Ponath. He was installed on February 14, 1965, and served until July 18, Pastor Schroeder, Arnold Woller and Richard Crichton. The total cost of the school building project was $200,000. Dedication of the plaque, which serves in the place of a cornerstone, was held on July 16, Pastor and Mrs. Schroeder While with us Pastor Schroeder rolled up his sleeves and took care of many finishing jobs, one of which was the church ceiling. The building was a "bare bones" project needing painting, cabinets, carpet and tile. The landscaping plan was suggested by Swartz Nursery of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. One Saturday morning, Pastor Schroeder and Gilbert Krahn planted the 2 Russian Olive trees that were in front of the school for many years. Pastor and Mrs. Ponath In 1970 a decision was made to organize a Christian day school, and a call was issued and accepted by Mr. Lloyd Tiegs. He was to become principal and upper grades teacher. Miss Doris Vohs was called through the Synod Assignment Committee and became our primary grades teacher. The first classes were held in the church basement with an enrollment of 33 students. Movable walls were constructed in the basement to provide two classrooms. Pastor Kent Schroeder came to Faith congregation on September 19, On October 31, 1971, ground breaking for the Christian day school building was held. The building committee consisted of: Earl Fager, Melvin Harms, Ronald Gengel, Elmer Frank, Eugene Geiger, Lloyd Tiegs, First school day, September 7, 1973 Dedication of the completed building was on June 3, 1973, at the 8:00am service. The speaker was Pastor Marvin Otterstatter. The 10:30 am service had Pastor David Ponath speaking, and Pastor R.P. Otto spoke at the 2:30pm festival service. In 1973 the shell of the school building was completed with four classrooms on the lower level and the gym. Many members of the Faith congregation did much of the finishing of the school. By the time the project was completed a third teacher and a part-time kindergarten teacher had been added to the faculty.

5 At our 25 th Anniversary Festival Service, held on July 11, 1976, the guest speaker was Mr. Roger Kovaciny. Reverend David Ponath helped us reminisce after the noon potluck dinner. congregation, a call was issued for a second pastor. Pastor Greg Hermanson accepted the call to help with duties for the ongoing needs of our congregation. At this time a second parsonage was purchased to house one of our two pastors and family. Ladies Aid in 1976 Our first organ was a Hammond organ. The next organ was a pipe organ purchased in It took three vehicles to haul all the pieces from Racine. With much physical labor, especially by Gil Krahn and Bill Graef, the organ was installed. The organ had a total of 739 pipes. It served the congregation until the present organ was purchased in In April 1978 Pastor D.A. Gruen was installed as the pastor at Faith Lutheran Church. During a vacancy period and Pastor Gruen's term the upstairs classrooms and library were added to the school, thereby adding a fifth teacher to the faculty. Also purchased was the Horton property, an acre and house just south of the church. Pastor Darald Gruen Since the beginning of our Christian elementary school, there have been 5 principals of our school. They are as follows: Mr. Lloyd Tiegs, , Mr. Lloyd Essmann, , Pastor Darald Gruen, , Mr. Melvin Schwartz, , Mr. Richard Baumgart, 1986-present. In the year of 1985, because of the growth of our Pastor Greg Hermanson 1985-Present During these past years many changes have taken place. It was decided in 1979 to sponsor a family from the Vietnam area. A committee chose the Ger Lee family to be brought to the U.S. to become citizens. Ger Lee, wife Cy Yang, child Meng Lee and Ger's mother and father arrived here in January of 1980 with little more than the clothes on their backs. Through the help of Mr. and Mrs. Hank Eichelberg, housing was found at no cost by a gracious attorney named Mr. Landau. Many members of Faith gave of their time to ease the transition for the Lee family to become familiar with mainstream America. Donations of food, clothing, money helped with the initial shock of the cultural differences. A job was arranged for Ger Lee at Galdine Electronics. Over the next several years, his family grew with their daughter being bom in October, As their lives progressed, the family members were all baptized here at Faith Lutheran Church. Ger and family eventually moved to the Green Bay area where the family now has five children, who have all attended WELS schools. In 1979, the upper portion of Faith Lutheran School was finished to facilitate four new classrooms. To accommodate a growing enrollment, the classrooms have been rearranged by changing the janitorial closet to a principal's office, moving the library to several locations within the building so it's now an obscure area of a classroom. Enrollment demands also caused the church basement to be partitioned off for the kindergarten. During a church service in the month of November, 1990 it was asked if members of Faith congregation

6 could host Ukranian orphans for a period of 4 ½ months until mid-may, Many members of Faith congregation, as well as other WELS churches in the area, came forth to have the privilege of housing orphans. It was a great way to show them our Christian faith. January of 1991 saw the arrival of 129 Ukranian children to O'Hare airport, where many families of Faith Lutheran brought home children to be family members for several months. Many of these children were brought into Faith elementary school for assimilation into the Christian community, as well as American society. Through the help of many citizens of the community, teachers of our school, government officials, and members of Faith the children began to acquire knowledge of Christ and the western world. In May of 1991 many children returned home to the Ukraine with the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Other children stayed in the U.S. to be adopted by their host families and to become citizens of the United States. In the year of 1992 the voters of the congregation determined that a committee should be formed for the purpose of purchasing land. The committee was named the Land Acquisition and Building Committee. Recognizing a need that could not be satisfied here at our present location, the voters of the congregation decided to purchase 27 acres of land off highway 59. The price paid for the land in 1993 was $775,000. With much prayer and determination by leaders of the church, by committees and by the congregation, the mortgage was paid off by December, A mortgage burning ceremony was held in February of 2000 to celebrate our land acquisition completion. In the month of May, 2000, a Thank Offering was begun for the construction of a new Faith Lutheran Church and Elementary School. After much committee work, architects were chosen and a price of 6.2 million dollars was determined for the construction of a new church and school. At the present time, permits are being obtained and further architectural drawings are underway. In 1997 a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary was assigned to the Faith Lutheran Church congregation. Aaron Christie was then ordained and installed at a special service on July 13, Pastor and Mrs. Christie and Karl 1997-Present In May of 2000, the congregation voted to fulfill a need for our youth and evangelism. We placed a request to our synod call committee for a staff minister. Our prayers were answered with a call assignment granted to our congregation. Mr. Michael Manthei, a graduate of Martin Luther College, arrived the summer of 2000 to help our congregation keep our youth close to the Word and to coordinate our evangelism efforts. Staff Minister Mr. Michael Manthei In the following pictorial pages it will be evident that our Lord and Savior has granted many blessings to our congregation of Faith Lutheran Church. The congregation's growth in the Word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is marked by the physical growth of the congregation. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the end of the age. " Matthew 28: 19-20

7 CHURCH HISTORY PHOTOS

8 Addition of entryway with church steeple CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL AND CHURCH ADDITION

9 ARRIVAL OF UKRANIAN CHILDREN TO FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

10 FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL PHOTOS