the Community of Christ

Transcription

1 1 of 7 pp. / doc. no the Community of Christ title : RECORD OF THE (ID) BRANCH - volume 1 source : various author : various editor : Gunter, Wayne L. date : to present file date : (revised) description of work: A record of the of the Community of Christ, and its members, from 1890 to the present (Spokane District The Beacon February 1, 1942, vol. 1, no. 1) District President, N. P. Coleman, spent the first Sunday of the month [January 1942] visiting the Coeur d Alene Branch (Spokane District Telegram March 1, 1955) Coeur d Alene Branch Reported by Margaret Gibson The new church at Coeur d Alene, Idaho, while far from completion, is steadily moving forward. The lower auditorium will be ready for occupancy in the near future, and it is expected that services will be held there before March 1 st. The new Lennox oil furnace promises to heat the building well. Much of the plumbing has been connected. When completed, the basement will contain a large space, sufficient for dinners and recreation, an up-to-date, modern kitchen, and rest rooms. The upper auditorium is far from completion, but considerable work has been done on it. When finished, it will contain space which can seat 150 people. The branch has been saddened by the deaths, ******* recently, of John Barry, Elgin Davis and Mary A. Smith. We miss them most sincerely and send our deepest sympathy to their loved ones. (Spokane District Telegram July 1, 1955) General Church Contributions from Spokane District for the year 1954 A. C. Lawrence, Bishop s Agent Coeur d Alene tithes general offerings Christmas/birthday offerings oblation Auditorium Sanitarium Graceland College Total $ $ (Spokane District Telegram December 1955) Coeur d Alene Branch Reported by Phil Schierman We are happy to report, for the benefit of the readers of the Telegram and for the district as a whole, that missionaries Robert Taylor and Paul Crinzi have recently completed a two-week series of meetings at our new church in Coeur d Alene. The results of this series have been gratifying. Many members were visited in their homes and given encouragement and spiritual strength, also many non-member contacts were made and some cottage meetings held. We have

2 2 of 7 pp. / doc. no some excellent prospects as a result of this series and the fine quality of ministry given by the missionaries. We have the potential of a fine young married group to be organized and ask your prayers that we may accomplish this project. Also, this series served as a stimulus in completing our church building. When the date was set for the starting of the series, we increased our efforts to complete the upper auditorium, which we managed to do in time for the series. We miss, very much, the ministry and services of Brother and Sister Gibson, who have moved to Missoula, Montana. However, they have been getting over to worship with us every two or three weeks. We are happy to have Jack Hedal back in Coeur d Alene and are enjoying his ministry. Sister Margaret Eggart, formerly of Moses Lake, is meeting with us and is our music director and Herald House representative. We invite any of the saints throughout the district to come and worship with us whenever they are in this vicinity. The church is located on north Ninth Street about a half block south of Locust Avenue. (Spokane District Telegram April-May 1958) Reported by Judy Gamet The Zion s Leaguers had a chili feed and a roller skating party the 4th of February. We invited the North and South branches from Spokane. We had the chili feed at the church at 5:30 p.m. and then proceeded to the roller rink at 6:30 p.m. and skated until 10:00. There were about forty who attended and all had a wonderful (but sore) time. On March 2 we were visited by Bro. Beck and Bro. Duty and their families. On Tuesday March 4, Bishop Beck, Paul Crinzi, and Jim Daugherty came up to show the film on The Center Place. Paul Crinzi gave the talk following the film. On March 8 we lost one of our dearest members, Bro. William Ahern, who died in the Coeur d Alene Hospital late Friday night. Bro. Ahern was one of the first members of the church in Coeur d Alene. He died of pneumonia. We all love Bro. Ahern very much and we will miss him a lot. On March 9 Bro. Cole gave us a wonderful sermon. After church we had a potluck dinner in the basement of the church and the Cole family stayed to eat with us. On March 16 Bro. Tom Wilson, pastor of the Pullman Branch, came to speak to us accompanied by his family. On March 23 Bro. A.C. Lawrence was our speaker. Lauri Duty was blessed by Bro. Phil Schierman and Bro. A.C. Lawrence. Bro. Schierman and Bro. Lawrence also ordained Bro. Claude Duty to the office of priest. After church we all enjoyed potluck in the lower auditorium. (Spokane District Telegram January 1, 1959) Reported by Judy Gamet On October 31, we had a Halloween party with guests from the Spokane branches. The lower auditorium was decorated in orange and black. We enjoyed games, puzzles, and jokes. Lee Abramson, Warren and Rogene Cole were presented with gifts by the group. Cupcakes, hot chocolate, and apples were served as refreshments and prizes were awarded for the best boys and best girls costumes. Brother Troyer was our speaker on November 9 and this service also marked the initial appearance of our choir. After services, we had a potluck dinner in the lower auditorium and enjoyed several more renditions by the choir. This Sunday was also significant because we had an attendance of 63. This is the greatest number of people to attend a single service in three years. Brother Worthington of Spokane was our guest speaker on November 16. Our pastor, Brother Schierman, spoke to us on November 23 and

3 3 of 7 pp. / doc. no Brother Warren Cole brought us the message of the hour on November 31. (Spokane District Telegram May 1, 1959) Reported by Judy Gamet Guest speakers have been Elders Jack Hedal and Jack Wiedman of Spokane. We have heard from our pastor, Phil Schierman, on three occasions and have had our services assisted by our newly organized choir. For the first time in many years, we have a Zion s League group organized. On February 1 Warren Cole was named leader and the following officers elected: President Ruby Reid; Vice-President Tony Pastor; Secretary Helen Deiting; Treasurer Arlene Reid and Betty Deiting; Worship Chairmen Judy Gamet and Vergene Lucas; Recreation Chairman Helen Deiting; Fundraising Chairman Pat McNeil; and Service Chairman Eva Mae Deiting. The Zion s League girls assisted in serving the priesthood banquet and planned a party with the Spokane leaguers (Spokane District Telegram early 1961) DISTRICT RALLIES The pleasant and well-received program initiated last year of area rallies at which nearby groups, missions, and branches could gather for a day of worship and fellowship, was carried out again this spring by unanimous request of the groups involved. On April 9, members of the Coeur d Alene, Sagle, and Vay branches met together at the Coeur d Alene church. Morning activities included a prayer service conducted by Sagle Pastor Venus Verhei, assisted by Coeur d Alene Pastor Philip Schierman, and a preaching service with District President Bob Wilkinson as speaker. After a potluck dinner, new color slides showing progress of construction of the Auditorium in Independence were displayed. Brief reviews were given by three district officers of the manner in which church and family should work together in the four aspects of ministry within their particular spheres of interest. Richard Curtis, Religious Education Director, Donna Folden, Music Director, and Tom Sylvester, Youth Leader, presented this overview class related to the rally theme The Seeds of Zion Are Zionic Families. (Spokane District Telegram June 1965) MARCH BAPTISMS THRILL DISTRICT Some faithful friends of the church of several years standing, and some new friends, were among those who joined the fellowship of the saints in March. Six were confirmed at a service at the Lewis- Clark Branch on March 7. Charles Humphrey and his son, Robert, became members and united another family in church fellowship. Orine (Mrs. Robert) Wilson, two daughters Adrian and Penny, and a son Richard were confirmed at the same service. The six new Lewis-Clark members were baptized the previous Sunday in Clarkston together with Elbert (Bert) Stucker of Coeur d Alene, father-inlaw and grandfather of Church and Bob Humphrey and a loyal friend and supporter of the Coeur d Alene Branch for many years with his wife, Carrie. Brother Stucker was confirmed in Coeur d Alene, March 7. (Spokane District Telegram February 1967) COEUR d ALENE DEDICATION SERVICE Apostle Reed M. Holmes, who was raised in Coeur d Alene where his father was once branch pastor, will represent the World Church at the service of dedication of the Coeur d Alene Branch church home at 1733 North 9 th on Sunday, April 16. Brother Holmes and District President Robert L. Wilkinson will fly from Seattle, WA, where they will be attending a Northwest Regional High Priests Institute, for the dedication.

4 4 of 7 pp. / doc. no The service will be presided over by Branch President Philip Schierman under whose leadership the building was remodeled, completed, and paid for. Under church policy dedication services are held only after all indebtedness for a building is paid. (Note: Former Apostle and President F. Henry Edwards actually represented the World Church at the dedication instead of Reed Holmes. w.g ) (Spokane District Telegram Sept. 1968) YOUTH RALLY HELD AT COEUR d ALENE A short preview of youth camp fellowship took place August 3 and 4 when a sizeable group of the district s Zion s Leaguers and older youth met for a weekend rally at Coeur d Alene. With Gail Lucas as the principal hostess and chairman of the planning committee, the affair was attended by young people from most parts of the district. A Saturday afternoon get-together at the Lucas home was followed by a beach party on Coeur d Alene Lake with swimming, water skiing, wiener and marshmallow roasts, and a campfire. Wayne Folden, District Youth Leader; Philip Schierman, Edna Lucas, and Dorothy and Bob Wilkinson were adult guests of the young people. Men and boys spent Saturday night in the Coeur d Alene church basement and girls in the Lucas home. On Sunday, all were guests of the Coeur d Alene Branch for church school, communion service, and a potluck picnic at the home of Sister Myrtle Phay (SDOY Newsletter May 1970) SON BORN TO BLANKENSHIPS Mr. and Mrs. Dennis (Gayle Lucas) Blankenship are the proud parents of a baby boy born April 6. He weighed 7 lbs. 15½ oz. at birth and was 21 inches in length. Grandparents of the youngster are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Blankenship of Dalton Gardens, ID, and Mr. and Mrs. Isaac A. Lucas of Coeur d Alene, ID. PHIL SCHIERMAN FALLS 18 FEET FROM SCAFFOLD Phil Schierman, our pastor, was injured when he fell 18 feet from scaffolding which broke while he and four other men were on it. Three of the five men managed to hold on until help arrived. Phil presumably struck a girder on the way down and received some chest and arm lacerations. The major damage was done to his left heel. The ball of the joint was driven through the socket. Surgery was performed and the bones pinned together. He was released from the hospital on Saturday, April 25, and is recuperating at his home at 1312 Lakeside Ave., Coeur d Alene, ID. He will be on crutches until the break is completely healed. Your prayers and messages would be appreciated. EVANGELIST BILL WILLIAMS VISITS Brother Bill Williams, our World Church appointee for the Spokane District, is spending April 26 through May 10 in the Coeur d Alene area. He is visiting the homes of the saints and holding some services. (SDOY Newsletter October 1970) DAUGHTER BORN TO MUMPERS Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Vergene) Mumper are the proud parents of a daughter born August 18 in Coeur d Alene. The little girl weighed 9 lbs. 3½ oz. and was 21 inches long. Grandparents of the baby are Mr. & Mrs. Gill Mumper of Richland, WA, and Mrs. And Mrs. Isaac Lucas of Coeur d Alene, ID. BLAKENSHIPS MOVE INTO NEW HOME Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Blankenship have recently moved into their new home in Coeur d Alene, ID.

5 5 of 7 pp. / doc. no Their address is: nd Place Coeur d Alene, ID SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS REPRESENT IDAHO Anne Miles and Dotty Kaestner have just returned from Parma, OH, where their women s slow-pitch softball team represented Idaho as state champions. There were 55 teams in competition; one from each of the 50 states and 5 extra. Anne is captain of the team and plays first base. Dotty plays second base. They enjoyed the trip but are very happy to be back home. SLIDES OF SPAIN WERE BEAUTIFUL A slide tour of the nation of Spain was presented August 29 at the Coeur d Alene Branch by Jim Broyles of St. Maries, ID. Jim spent one entire summer in Spain meeting and developing friendships with people, touring the many cathedrals and historic sites, learning the nation s language and customs, and the presentation he made before the small group assembled was beautiful. One felt that they were there in the ancient country as we viewed the slides. We thank Jim for the presentation and the time that he spent with us (Spokane District Outreach November 2002) Mountain View News Earlene McFadden Our congregation gathered on the North Fork of the Coeur d Alene River at Dottie and Mark Gutgsell s for a retreat. Wonderful food and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Terry and Linda Read were our guest ministry. At our annual election of officers, to become official in January 2003, John and Eileen Humphrey were elected to be the co-pastors. District conference approved priesthood calls for Carolynn Gisel to the office of Elder and Marcia Heglie to the office of Teacher. We recently completed the Temple School class Discovering Your Personal Spirituality taught by Lisa Walden and Laura Carnie. Lisa Walden and Guy Stacy have recently moved here from Mobile, AL, District and we are so pleased to welcome them. At our Saturday, October 26, game night, we enjoyed a Halloween party at Jackie Lorenzen s home. Lots of wonderful finger foods and progressive bunko was enjoyed by all. Sarah and Teresa Bruch were the big winners. Twin children of Knutt and Karen Rodgers were blessed Sunday, October 6. Elder Charlotte Gould blessed Phelan Eli Rogers and Adria Irene Rogers was blessed by Elder Bill McFadden. They are the precious grandchildren of Dan and Carolynn Gisel. Our congregation has been blessed by a special ministry for children during our 11:00 worship services. Melanie Donnell and Amanda Donnell are providing an exciting, fun-filled learning experience for our children. As an added bonus, they ve painted the chairs to represent different Bible individuals and are in the process of adding murals to the classroom walls. God is certainly blessing us. (Spokane District Outreach March 2003) Mountain View Bill & Earlene McFadden Since our last epistle, we are proud to announce the new twins, daughter Adria and son Phelan, of Carin (Gisel) and Knut Rogers were blessed at our congregation before Christmas. Our co-pastors for the year are John and Eileen Humphrey. They have brought so much enthusiasm to our group. We wish them well and look forward to newer things.

6 6 of 7 pp. / doc. no In case you happen to visit us, we are busily engaged in presenting a new and clean look. Newly painted interior walls, both up- and downstairs, really look bright. We hope to either paint the exterior or have new siding installed soon. (Put up a good front.) Our busy ladies, called M & M s for Mary and Martha), in addition to doing so much for others, have adopted another great mission. They have chosen to help out with the homeless shelter by providing bedding and towels, twin size. Under the leadership of Dottie Gutgsell, they will be doing this in addition to food bank, toilet kits to Anchor House for young boys. If you could contribute to this, please call Dottie at Dottie and Mark Gutgsell have again accepted the huge responsibility of master minding our yard sale on May 30 & 31. They are both so very well appreciated for their great help and inspiration to the rest of us. For a few years, Jackie Lorenzen has sponsored our annual Valentine Party at her lovely home. This year, it was held on Saturday, February 15, and a great time was had by all and included a number of guests. Rex & Betty Bootsma quite often call to let us know how warm it is in Surprise, Arizona. However, this year we get to tell them that it is warm here, too. For some time now, our church has been home to a group called Brown Baggers. It is a unit of AA and they meet in our place everyday for lunch (i.e. Brown Baggers). They are a great bunch of people of all ages and we are proud to have them use our facility. They say that they have not usually been accepted so well. We are proud that we can help them on the way to recovery. Our 11:00a.m. youth leader, Melanie, is doing a great job with our young ones and has contributed so much of herself, and with her sister, have done a great job in redecorating their area. Dan Gisel is spending the month of February in Boise at a pain management clinic, here. We continue to ask for prayers for him and his family. Our longtime member and great friend, Floyd Lehman, passed on in January. He will be sorely missed. Thanks for sharing with us under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and may He continue to bless us all. (Spokane District Outreach June 2003) Mountain View Bill & Earlene McFadden As you know, we have an AA group meeting in our church lower area each day for lunch and meeting. Some of those people are doing us a favor and preparing our church outside and painting it for a very reasonable sum. Talk about payback. They have really been scraping, sanding, and replacing damaged window sills, etc., and Mark [Gutgsell] and others are helping too. And we are really enjoying the clean look of the beautification of the interior of the church as well, thanks to Lisa Walden, John Humphries and others. Ryan Heglie has done a good job of upgrading our sound system, much easier to hear now. Also, thanks to Ryan Heglie and a few others, we now have a new church sign out front. It is a huge piece of granite, smoothed down and the new church emblem etched on it. Sandy Twitchel, Mark Gutgsell, Duncan Carnie and others dug the hole for the foundation, and poured concrete for the base. Then on Thursday, May 1, we had a grand gathering of most of the congregation there to witness the unloading and setting of the granite stone. Identifying us and the Community of Christ. Really looks good and stands out for passersby and others. On our recent trip to Missouri, we saw several of these stones in front of our churches there in Southern Missouri. Really showed up when we drove by. They are more or less permanent. Again, we are having a huge yard sale on May 30

7 7 of 7 pp. / doc. no and 31. Any donors? Dottie and Mark [Gutgsell] are really working hard on this and we expect it to repeat their success of last year. meeting with us. Thank you Lord. (Spokane District Outreach September 2003) Mountain View Bill & Earlene McFadden Our fireworks stand was a great success. We sold out all that they could give us and people wanted more. It was a good experience for all who worked there. We appreciated Ike and Harriet Lucas working with us. A special thanks to the Gisel family who parked their rig beside the stand and [for] spending night and day. It was a chance to meet people from all works of our lives as well. Like school teachers, medical staff and store clerks and checkers and many more. On 12 July we journeyed up the North Fork of the Cd A River to Mark and Dottie s place for a great day of fun and food. Also, Claude and Cleona Duty were there in their new motor home as well. Marcia & Ryan and kids were brave and Mark took them up the river a ways and they floated back to the camp. [They] Liked it so well that two weeks later they did it again and took Melinda & Amanda (our 11:00 kids leaders) and their kids along as well. Our building is really looking good after one of our AA people, Bobbie, did a great job. He reports that he is on his sixth job, for others, after they saw what he did for us, as they drove by. Lisa, John and others have almost completed the beautification inside of the building as well. Starting September, our adult class will be taught by Butch, also one of our AA group. He will teach us about the 12 Steps that are so important in their lives and we are sure that we, too, will benefit much from this endeavor. When Pat Moon came from Sagle to minister to us, we were honored that three of his four sisters were there to hear him as well. One from Tacoma, one from Yakima (?) and one from Cd A. His sister Cori, and her husband Eric Cookman, have moved into Cd A and will be