Boyne City and Lutheranism

Lutheranism in America Boyne City and Lutheranism Lutheranism arrived in America with the early European settlers. In 1625 many Dutch, German, and Scandinavian Lutherans settled in New Amsterdam (now New York City). In 1638 another early Lutheran settlement was founded by Swedes in what is now Delaware. At the beginning of the 18th century German Lutherans settled in large numbers in Pennsylvania. In 1742 Pastor Henry Melchior Muhlenberg arrived from Germany and soon founded (1748) the first Lutheran synod in North America. After the American Revolution (1775-1783), each successive group of Lutheran immigrants founded its own churches and synods and conducted its services in the language of its country of origin. Because of the large numbers of immigrants to the United States and Canada in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the integration of Lutherans into North American society went slowly, and Lutheranism was divided into numerous German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, and Slovak groups. Following World War I (1914-1918), however, unification and integration proceeded rapidly. The process accelerated after World War II (1939-1945), and by the early 1980s mergers had consolidated most Lutherans in the United States and Canada into five major bodies: the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC). In 1988 the LCA, ALC, and AELC merged after five years of preparatory work, forming the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In the early 1990s the ELCA reported a membership of more than 5.2 million in about 11,000 churches. Membership in the LCMS was about 2.6 million, and in the WELS about 417,000. Lutheranism is the third largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Lutheranism in Michigan 1

1832 Pastor F. Schmidt, Salem Evangelical, Salem Twp. Ann Arbor, MI. The first formal Lutheran church is established in Michigan. 1881 Pastor M. H. Feddersen. Lutheranism came to Northern Michigan, via circuit rider. Lutheranism Boyne Area 1881Pastor M. H. Feddersen served this area. He was most likely known as a Circuit Rider. His travel, lodging and meals were generally at the mercy and willingness of the people in his circuit area. Many of the German people who came to our area in Michigan were brought here as craftsmen for the factories and mills needed to supply lumber, iron, and the multitude of products made here in the virgin forests of Michigan. When the men arrived they gravitated to people of their own ethnic background and small pockets of the different nationalities, race and cultural backgrounds came while remaining almost indentured to their employers. 2

They came here with the debt of their travel from Europe, and lived in company lodging, traded in company stores and were dependent on the factory they worked for. As they paid off their beholding they then sent for their families and being used to their ways, were more comfortable in groups of their own nationalities and religious beliefs. Many of the immigrants in our area had come from the Germanic countries. The Lutheran teachings had a strong start here before the first circuit rider. 1886 Pastor R. Truelzsch, from Petoskey, served Boyne Falls, Advance, Bear Lake (now Walloon Lake), Ayr, Mancelona, Bear Creek, and Petoskey. 1891-1895 Pastor E. Shauer, resident Pastor from Mancelona, replaced Pastor R. Truelzsch. 1896-1906 Pastor William Schweppe assigned to tend Boyne Falls and Advance. Boyne Falls and Advance were asked to combine their efforts and built a church in their area. March 1, 1903 Wilson TWP. A meeting was held between Boyne Falls and Advance to organize a new Lutheran church for both communities in Wilson TWP. The members of the building committee were A. Knop, F. Behling, August Bergmann and Ernst Schultz. 3

2010 Faith Lutheran Church 02148 South Wilson Road, Wilson Township, East Jordan, Michigan 49727 This edifice to Lutheranism was erected by the hands of her congregation. She is 46 long by 26 wide erected with a left front corner bell tower. The bell rope still hangs proudly, evidence of the many times it was used to call to worship, to fire or emergencies and rung for joy in the Township and world. She had a school class room of 10 x 15 The written description, July 2 nd, 1903, by the German tabloid Rundschau said The church building is imposing, both from within as well as from without 1903 June 28 th, the new Evangelical Lutheran Church Christ Congregation, on Wilson Road, was dedicated. Church services were held in both English and German. 4

1903 Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church Congregation (photo complements of Carl Walters) Can you imagine the people today accomplishing that? Need a church, agree to build a church, build the church, and finally dedicate the church in 4 months? (March 1 through June 28 th.) These people who came from Europe were not as many thought of them, displaced and fresh off the boat! They were true pioneers of America. They were true tradesmen and women in their own rite. Builders, family oriented and true to their religion and communities. At that time period the loss for children was 30% before they were one year old. The mortality for motherhood was at 15% or more. These were tough times and required people of dedication and strength. Perseverance was the law of the land. 1905 Hymnals and other Lutheran church books were purchased in English allowing the children and congregation to worship in the language of the area and used in our schools. 5

1906 The church membership joined, as a dual parish, with Zion Lutheran, Missouri Synod, of Petoskey and Pastor William Schweppe served both congregations. 1906 Pastor M. L. Luecke assisted by Pastor Engelbert, of Cadillac, served the congregation. 1909-1911 Pastor Charles Panhorst came to Wilson TWP. 1910 The churches affiliated with the Missouri Synod. 1910 The Ladies Aid is founded. 1910 A Young Peoples Society is developed. 1911 The new Lutheran congregation of Boyne City is organized and Pastor O. Trinklein served both Boyne and Advance. 1911 The congregation of Boyne increases and they decide to build a new church on the corner of South Lake and Lincoln Streets. 1912 A combined church meeting is held and a plan for the new church is presented by Mr. G. Suell. The property on the corner of South Lake and Lincoln is obtained from Mr. Jenks for the sum of $500.00. 1912 Christ Lutheran Church South Lake and Lincoln Streets. 6

1912 The new Christ Lutheran Church is dedicated in the summer. Cost of the construction was $4,789.69. The first church Sunday school is started. Wilson and Boyne had their own Sunday Schools. 1913 Pastor Hutfilz, from Traverse City, serves both Boyne and Traverse City Lutherans traveling between as required. (Imagine the travel constraints of this circuit in the severe winters of Northern Michigan at that time.) 1914-1922 Pastor B. H. Succop ministered to Wilson, Boyne and Petoskey. 1915 A joint commission was held and all the monies were given to the Boyne building fund. 1915 All Lutheran services will be held in English except for the third Sunday of each month where the service will be held in German and English. (Church services in Boyne and the surrounding areas have been held in English, German, Latin, French, Slavic and the Indian languages.) (Today the English language is predominating but special dispensation is frequently granted to have service in the native dialect of the church congregation.) 1922 The combined congregation applied for membership to the Missouri Synod, which was duly accepted in June of that year. 1922 Pastor Succop left for Big Rapids and Pastor Rook, of Traverse City, filled the vacancy until 1923. 1923-1927 Pastor William Opitz came to serve the Lutherans of Boyne, Wilson and Petoskey 1928-1935 Pastor Helmuth F. C. Schultz, of Huron Michigan, answered the call to serve all three churches. 7

Pastor Schultz retired to Boyne and served both Wilson and Boyne Congregations as organist for many years. 1935-1941Pastor Victor Felton came here and with the assistance of Pastor Albert Krueger rendered the word until the area was divided and Pastor Felton stayed with Petoskey and Wilson churches. Boyne City retained Pastor Albert Krueger as their spiritual leader. 1937 The congregation of Boyne purchased the residence at 426 North East Street to be the parsonage of Pastor Krueger. While Boyne s Pastor, Albert Krueger married Miss. Margaret Golke, a member of the church. 1937 1941 Christ Lutheran Church parsonage 426 North East Street 1941 The home of Martin E. Schoff, 519 South Lake Street, was purchased as a new parsonage. The East Street parsonage was sold to Herman Dittmar. 8

1941 1953 Christ Lutheran Church parsonage 519 South Lake Street 1941-1949 Pastor Norman Kuck came, from Paw Paw, to serve the members of Wilson and Boyne. Pastor Kuck married Miss. Dorothy Behling of Wilson congregation. 1941 Christ Lutheran Church corner of South Lake and Lincoln Streets. A new bell and bell tower was installed on the church. 1949-1953 Pastor Ferdinand Sattelmeier answered the call to Boyne and Wilson TWP. 9

1953 During the vacancy which occurred when Reverend Ferdinand Sattelmeier left Reverend Richard Noffze served both congregations. Reverend Noffze had to leave his previous ministry in Herron, Michigan in the late 40 s because of surgery at the University of Michigan. This surgery limited his vision and physical activity. During his recovery he served as pastor to various churches in Northern Michigan. When asked to serve Christ Lutheran in Boyne City and Wilson Township, he arranged to travel from Alpena in a delivery truck, where Harry Behling would pick him up in Gaylord. He stayed overnight with the Behling or Korthase families, later traveling back to Alpena, where his family had their home. As his health improved Reverend Noffze was called to Christ Lutheran Churches. He was enticed to come because both congregations joined together to build a new parsonage at 519 South Lake Street. The old wooden frame parsonage, having been built many years ago and with several additions needs extensive repair or replacement. The old structure was raised and a new brick parsonage was built on the same location. 1953 1974 Christ Lutheran Church parsonage 519 South Lake Street 10

Volunteers from both congregations built the new parsonage working under the guidance of Henry Korthase. 1954-1971 Pastor Richard Noffze was installed for Wilson TWP. and Boyne City congregations in February 1954 and faithfully served for 19 years until retiring on September 12, 1971. 1960 Lutheran members from both congregations, Wilson and Boyne, agreed, to formally establish a building, finance and other committees as needed for the future of their church. Boyne and Wilson Township congregations purchased about 5 acres at the corner of Boyne Avenue and Boyne City-East Jordan Road with the intentions of building a new house of worship. 1962 Both congregations formally became a unified body, and continued to hold services in Boyne and Wilson Township. 1966 The Lutherans of Boyne approved plans for a new church. Ground breaking was held on May 15 th. John Apfel Construction and the Architectural firm of Begrow and Brown were retained. Parishioners Edward Korthase and Steve Rabb were the overseers of the project. Their guidance, the work of many volunteers and the oversight from the almighty saw to the construction of a new and beautiful Christ Lutheran Church. The church corner stone was laid on October 9 th. 1966 The stone donated by James Stackus. December 6, 1966 the last church services for the Christ Lutheran Church, located in Wilson Township were held. 11

1966 There was a small but understandable parting of the ways between some of the combined congregation of Boyne City and Wilson Township. In 1902 the property for the Wilson Township church was donated by Nellie Knop there was a provision in the lease which stated the property was only given for use as a church. If the property was not used for a church it would revert back to Nellie Knop and/or her descendants. Being vacant for 6 months, and un-used as a church, it was returned to the Knop family. Some of the older members from Wilson Township wanted to worship in their home area and where they were comfortable with the old building. Three families were the main influence in the organization of a Lutheran congregation and founding of the new Faith Lutheran Church in Wilson Township. The Leo and Elsie Golke, Herman and Lydia Dittmar, and Ernie and Cora Manthei felt strongly about having their church where their ancestor and children had worshiped. These along with doctrinal concern lead to the separation and reorganizing. The new Faith Church congregation, assisted by Pastor Robert Moldstad, was formally organized in 1966 and received into membership of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in 1966. The first service, for the newly established Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the old Wilson TWP church, was on July 2, 1967. The following Pastoral leadership has served the Faith Church since 1966. Robert Moldstad 1966-1971, David Lillegard 1972-1974, Fred Schmugge 1975-1977, Leo Scheelk 1978-1979, Robert Carter 1980-1985, Kris Krushel 1988-1991 and Pastor Jeff Londgren 1991-2001. 12

1967 Christ Lutheran Church 1250 Boyne Avenue. 1967 Church interior June 25, 1967 the new church, at 1250 Boyne Avenue, was dedicated in due form. Reverend E. C. Weber, President of the Michigan District gave the sermon, Reverend Noffze was the officiating and Reverend Henry Behling (former member of our congregation) was the assistant officiate. Helen Noffze and Michael Mueller were the organists and the adult choir was under the direction of Dr. Arnold Bauer. The children s choir was directed by Shirley Roisen. 13

2010 Faith Lutheran Church The Wilson Township church, after separation, joined the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Today it is known as the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELS & WELS. Pastor Jeff Londgren is the Spiritual Leader. 1971 The new steel storage building was erected on the Boyne Avenue property. 1972-1977 February 13 th with the retiring of Pastor Noffze, Pastor Edgar M. Priess, from Norborne, Missouri, answered the call for Boyne s Lutherans. 1973 Members thoughts and views are verbalized concerning a much needed new parsonage, preferable adjoining or close to the church. Reverend Edgar Priess heard Gods natural word. He became involved in the design and location of the new parsonage. The lower level has space for utilities, a heavily protected storm room and many large rooms so that church groups could use them. 14

The location of the building tucked against the hillside, conceals the size of the interior. The kitchen cabinets were especially made by Everett Wescott. The stones in the walls surrounding the fireplace, on the south side, were handpicked by Reverend Priess, Ed and Dave Korthase and many other volunteers from the waters around Lake Charlevoix. 1974 August 25th after assistance by the membership the new parsonage in finished and occupied in September by Boyne s Pastor Priess. October the old parsonage on 519 South Lake Street was sold. 1974 2011 Christ Lutheran Church parsonage 1103 Boyne City East Jordan Road 1976 June 13 th, the new church flag pole was installed and a flag raising ceremony was held. 1976 July, the parking lot was paved and this much needed addition was greatly appreciated by the congregation. A new addition, the nursery room, was added by utilizing a section of fellowship hall. A track rack in memory of Fred and Martha Behling was given by their children and grandchildren. 15

1977 Pastor Priess answered a call to Columbia, MO and the Pastor from Charlevoix, Reverend James Plachner, from Charlevoix Bethany Lutheran Church, filled in until 1978. 1977-1982 Pastor Douglas K. Janetzke came to Boyne at the request of the church elders. He served until 1982 when he moved to Fairmont, MN. During his tenure as Pastor he helped my daughter Kelly Ann May learn and understand her lessons through her confirmation in Christ Lutheran Church. 1982 Again Reverend James Plachner filled in as spiritual leader. 1983-2010 Pastor Kenneth Bernthal, from Craig, Colorado, was installed as spiritual leader. 1991 The church membership decided to build a much needed addition to the church. Jim Behling was appointed as building chairman and the project was started. 1991 Aerial view Christ Lutheran Church 1250 Boyne Avenue 1991 The new Christ Lutheran Church addition, pastoral office, secretarial area, handicapped facilities; conference room, four Sunday school rooms and bell-tower are dedicated. 16

1991 New Automated Bell Tower 1997 Wayne King accepted the challenge to become the churches Director of Christian Education. 2002 A committee was assigned and the new church window, situated directly behind the altar was designed and installed. The theme of the stained glass was The Path Way to Haven. This was developed by the talents of the Shadetree Studios, from Petoskey Michigan. The work was done by Penny Kristo and John Bowe. 2003 The cornerstone and name are removed from the church on South Lake and Lincoln. 17

2003 The Christ Lutheran Church celebrated its 100 year centennial in Boyne City. At the same time the new window was dedicated. 2003 New stained glass window. 2004 The next set of windows was installed, beside the main entrance of the church, they representing The Vineyards. The six new windows in the church nave were the Six Chief Parts of Doctrine. 2010 A new pastor, Peter Elliott was installed. 18

I would be very remiss if I did not recommend that all members of the Christ Lutheran Church make a pilgrimage and attend services in the Wilson Township Faith Lutheran Church. Go and see, first hand, what your fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers erected to their belief and still stands today with pride and dignity. Understand our history and you will appreciate from whence we came. My thanks and appreciations to; Christ Lutheran Church Peter Elliott, Pastor Shelly Schlickau, Secretary Becky Palmiter Dr. Arnold and Shirley Bauer Please go and ATTEND! Martha Behling, My wife s grandmother who taught me to appreciate things Lutheran. Faith Lutheran Church Jeff Londgren, Pastor Henry Knop and family Carl Walters With my deepest respect and admiration for both Lutheran congregations. God Bless Edward May III Curmudgeonly Historian 19