USA > Indiana > Adams County > Berne > First Mennonite Church, Berne, Indiana > Part 1
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unto the furtherance of the gospel."
PHIL. 1:12
FIRST MENNONITE CHURCH BERNE, INDIANA
Bowed heads and humble hearts give thanks and praise to God for His many spiritual and temporal blessings, so freely bestowed on this congregation since its beginning just 107 years ago in what is now Berne.
Leaving behind the oppression, persecution, and even martyrdom of centuries, a small group of hardy, devout Swiss Mennonites from the Jura Alps migrated to America in 1852. Those early days were full of typical pioneer hardships and privations.
But the Lord prospered them, and in 1860 their first house of worship was com- pleted: 28x30 feet, with crude, backless benches, and no pulpit. Members donated land, labor, and, no doubt, materials.
The little flock continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. Peter S. Lehman (already a minister in Switzerland) and Christian Sprunger, assistant pastor, selected by lot, in 1856. When Rev. Lehman moved to Missouri in 1868, the
lot for a new pastor fell upon Samuel F. Sprunger. No one knew then how important this event was to the little congregation in Berne.
Under Rev. Sprunger, whose dynamic, inspired ministry nourished and stim- ulated a growing church for over 35 years, the congregation grew by leaps and bounds. Growth was not only in numbers, for by his leadership the Berne church united with the neighboring Mennonite congregation, but outstanding progress was made toward a more meaningful spiritual outlook and deeper understanding of the Word. Emphasis was directed toward spiritual essentials, and away from petty and vexatious non-essentials.
The importance of higher religious and secular education for the young peo- ple was accepted, Sunday School classes started, many auxiliary activities
instituted, a dedicated interest in music as a proper form of worship was encouraged, missionary outreach begun, organized church finances, and affiliation with other Mennonite churches in a new Conference.
Such continued growth inevitably required expanded facilities. In 1879 the congre- gation built its second church, 40x60x17 feet, enlarged it in 1886, and again in 1899 when its seating capacity exceeded 1000 and the first church bell used.
Ill health, in 1903, led Rev. S. F. Sprunger to resign. His successor was Rev. J. W. Kliewer, of Wadsworth, Ohio, who ably maintained continuing growth of the con- gregation. During Kliewer's ministry the church's most ambitious building project i'o date was begun. In 1910, construction was started on the building, 85x158x40 feet, which has served the congregation so well to this day. This new church home was completely paid for before dedication in 1912. Its total cost was $56,519.20. This included a large barn, 132x180 feet, to shelter 95 teams and vehicles,
When Rev. Kliewer was called to the presidency of Bethel College, Newton, Kansas, in 1911, Rev. S. F. Sprunger resumed the pastorate until Rev. P. R. Schroeder ac- cepted the call in 1914. After 14 fruitful years Rev. Schroeder was ably succeeded by Rev. C. H. Suckau in 1928. In 1943, Rev. Suckau was followed briefly by Rev. J. P. Suderman, and then by Rev. O. A. Krehbiel from 1945 to 1957. Everyone of these dedicated pastoral leaders, together with their assistants and many devoted lay helpers in the church, built to His honor and glory.
We who worship today under the leading of Rev. Gordon J. Neuenschwander, pas- tor since 1958 following several years as assistant, owe much to all those who have gone before. The heritage they gave, by His grace, to over 1300 members
today is deep, strong and still the "faith of our fathers." May we, by His help, re- main ever faithful!
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program
"'Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his nome; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:" Psalm 29:2
program
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sunday school
Sunday morning is reserved for Sunday School and worship services. The bell at nine o'clock each week tells all that Sunday School is beginning. To the more than 1200 children and adults who regularly attend, Sunday School has become a valued and necessary part of life.
This year marks the eighty-fifth anniversary of the Sunday School in Berne. Organized on May 3, 1874, that first group of 50 or 75 braved much op- position to their "radical" innovation.
Inevitably, changes in methods, organization, numbers and sizes of classes, meeting times and programs have been many, but the goal has remained unchanged: The Sunday School exists to lead men to Christ "that they might become children of God." A present count shows a total membership of 1460, including the Home and Cradle Roll departments, 113 teachers and assistants.
Every age has its class, from the cradle to the rocking chair. Adults attend as faithfully as the children, and more than half of the mem- bership is adult. For those too young to attend in a formal way, there is a Cradle Roll department; and those in late life never grow too old for the Home department with its regular visitation program. Miles may separate members from their class, but not from its spirit and discussion. A direct wire connection brings the voice of the teacher of the week into more than 120 homes throughout the community.
Eight missionaries and Bible teachers are financially supported by the Sunday School; and locally, individual classes provide frequent services at a neighboring old people's home. Teacher training classes have been held regularly, almost from
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the beginning. Teachers have served faithfully; one has taught continuously for more than sixty years.
The building just completed is the dream of many years. For the first time in the history of the Sunday School, practically every class will have its own room. From 1883, when a resolution was passed asking teachers to modulate their voices for the sake of adjoining classes, until the present day, the need for more classroom space constantly exceeded available facilities. Now that these new and needed facilities are here, let us pray that the foundation inherited from the past will never be lost.
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missions
One of the most amazing developments of the last century and a half has been the rapid spread of Protestant missions. The name of Christ has been made known in almost every country on the face of the globe. The Mennon- ite groups have had a share in this accomplishment.
Although this denomination started its mission work later than many others, it has in the last seventy-five years made a phenomenal growth, so that now the number of its missionaries, and the financial contribution to missions per member, is far above average.
From a small beginning in 1900, when our conference founded its first foreign mission station in India, the small handful of missionaries has grown to hun- dreds under many Mennonite boards in different countries. Soon after the opening of the work in India a group of Mennonite missionaries went to China and served there for many years. Then, when the doors of the mainland were closed in 1951, all missionaries were forced to leave that country. However, during the last few decades our foreign mission work has been expanded, so that today there are stations in India, Africa, Japan, Formosa, South America, and Mexico.
Before 1900 the mission work of the conference was confined largely to home work among the Indians in Arizona, Oklahoma and Montana. This work had been started in 1880 and is still carried on in these three states. Besides The work among the Indians, the home mission work in its different phases has spread over a large area in this country and Canada. This includes missions in many large cities and evangelistic work among migrants, mountain people, American Negroes, and underprivileged children.
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During these years of spreading the Gospel, this church has sent out a large number of missionary workers. Today 32 members are in active service in mission fields.
Projects at home have never dulled the vision for outreach in other parts of the world. The building of the present sanctuary was a large undertaking, but at its dedication in 1912, mission needs were not forgotten. At that service an offering was received for the building of a new church building at Champa, India.
So, too, in 1958, as the members once again were engaged in a major building effort, did they respond to needs beyond their horizon. A new sister church in Taipei, Formosa, was in its early stages. Greatly in need of a building of its own, the Berne church provided funds for that building-thus simultaneously building at home and abroad.
To stimulate interest and to provide opportunities in sharing, the church has five active missionary organizations. With a total membership of 783, these societies provide avenues for the young people, and the older, to share more intimately in the missionary program. Missionary studies, quilting, and pack- ing of supplies for abroad have occupied many an afternoon and evening.
Through the activity of these groups an interest is kindled and kept at a high level, so that by their contributions-added to those of the Sunday School and the church as a whole-it has become possible for our local church to lend an ever increasing support to the spread of His Word.
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points of service
India
Kenya
Belgian Congo Georgia
Natal
Colombia
Bolivia
Formosa
Newfoundland
Alaska
Arizona
Tennessee
Oklahoma
The Women's Missionary Society was arganized February 3, 1887, with a membership af 33. Regular manthly meetings are held, usually an Wednesday afternaons. Much practical assistance ta our missionary effart, bath home and foreign, in the preparatian of needed materials has been given during the Saciety's 72-year histary. Present membership numbers 561.
The Senior Girls' Missionary Circle, more recently arganized than the other auxiliary graups primarily interested in missian wark, is the arganiza- tion far the young ladies after "graduating" from the Intermediate graup and befare jaining the "parent" Saciety. An average af twenty attend .* The Intermediate Mission Band was arganized in 1912. These teen- agers busily assist the missionary pragram through preparatian of faad packages, printed material, scrapbaoks, teaching supplies, Christmas bundles, and other projects, in addition ta their offerings. Meetings are held monthly by the present membership af 70 girls.
The Junior Mission Band was also arganized in 1912. Recag- nizing that little girls enjoy following the example af their alder sisters, this graup harnesses that interest to useful and praduc- tive effart. Like their elders, many and varied mission prajects occupy their time at hame and at their manthly meetings. There are 62 members.
The Boys' League spansared and faunded in 1957 by the Men's Fellowship af the church, endeavars to give boys, ages 10 ta 14, an opportunity equal ta the girls far fellowship and an organized cantributian ta the church mission pragram. 65 boys belong ta the League at present.
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midweek service
"My house shall be called the house of prayer." This was the teaching of Jesus Christ to the people of his day. The response of this generation, as for Christians of all ages, has been a special time dedicated to prayer. For us, it has taken the form of a regular midweek service for prayer and Bible study.
Through the years a large number of the congregation has gathered for the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. Frigid winds or warm temperatures have never forced its interruption, nor has there been a lessening of interest. A majority of those attending are young people and children. It has been heartening to many that our youth-the leaders of tomorrow-have continued to find the prayer meeting a meaningful spiritual experience.
It is a time of sharing. All meet together for devotions and singing, but for the major part there is a division into groups of similar interest and age. In their smaller groups individuals join in prayer and meditation. The final part of the hour is devoted to intensive Bible study, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse until a book has been completed. There are now twelve prayer and study groups.
The communion of prayer, the study of the Bible, and the fellowship of Chris- tians have made these midweek meetings so important to our church life. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b.
young people
Sunday evenings, before the worship service, the youth meet for inspiration and fellowship. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part. The youngest group enjoys a Children's Bible Hour. Junior-senior high school boys and girls have their intermediate program, while the young people of college age conduct their own discussions. Even the adults have a "CE" group, which is not surprising when it is realized that the Christian Endeavor So- ciety was first organized in 1884. All of these groups emphasize "learning by participation."
Young people's activities are not limited to the Sun- day night meetings. Socials are popular, and in the summer, retreats as a time of fellowship with God and each other are often arranged. An ideal loca- tion for these periods of spiritual and social fellow- ship is Camp Friedenswald situated on Shavehead Lake in Michigan. The youth group also helps with programs and visitation at the Berne Nursing Home and in missionary support.
Though now a combinea effort of all churches in Berne, the Summer Bible School was started in 1921, and operated till 1925 as a Mennonite activity. There are classes from kindergarten through the eighth grade. Total enrollment in 1958 was 738, of whom 321 were Mennonite.
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men's fellowship
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Growing out of a small men's discussion group that had been meeting intermittently since 1950, the Men's Fellowship was formally organized December 5, 1955. 32 were present that evening to join their hands, hearts, prayers and re- sources that they might better serve their Lord in the local church and beyond.
Sixty-nine men who attended the first regular meeting in January, 1956, adopted a constitution that stressed winning souls, Christian fellow- ship and service, and ways to enlarge the entire church program.
Meeting regularly each month in various homes, attendance has averaged in the sixties. Commit- tees are responsible for programs, service proj- ects, membership, and, as special needs arise, such activities as mental health, radio programs and parking.
Projects have covered a wide range of local, district and conference needs-from "work bees" on Leonard Kingsley's farm while he and his family served in Timor, to special funds to help the "ant project" of the Paraguayan Mennon- ites. Organization of a school for ushers, open to other churches of the community, doing survey and solicitation work connected with the local building program, and the initial support and sponsorship of a radio ministry, "Songs of Praise," are a few of many activities undertaken by the group since it began.
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Early in its first year, the Men's Fellowship became greatly interested in the use of radio as another means of spread- ing the Gospel. Much thought and prayer resulted in a pro- gram format chiefly composed of hymns and anthems by the various church choirs, and special numbers by smaller groups and soloists. The spoken message consisted of a sermonette by the pastor. The program was to be known as "Songs of Praise," further identified as such by the Men's Chorus theme song which follows a remarkably realistic tape recording of our church bell.
"Songs of Praise" first went on the air over WOWO, Fort Wayne, Sunday, August 26, 1956. Since that time, almost
1 5 0 programs have been re - being heard each least one, and at different radio radio outlet was Fort Wayne, larly aired "Songs radio o ut interruption Other stations programs at times corded and aired, Sunday over at times up to four stations. The first Station WOWO, which has regu- of Praise" with- since its debut. which carried the are WIND, Chicago; KHOF-FM, Los Angeles, and WFRO, Fremont, Ohio. Arrangements were recently made to add WCRF-FM, Cleveland to this list.
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music
Praising God with hearts and voices has been a traditional part of the worship service of the First Mennonite Church. This is true of congregational singing as well as in the rendition of the masterpieces of sacred music.
The oldest of the musical organizations is the Mennonite Choral Society, which dates its beginning in 1891, when it first presented Handel's oratorio, the Messiah, in German on September 29 and 30. Today the chorus numbers about 200 voices which includes singers from Berne and the neighboring communities. The choir annually presents the Messiah in the fall and alternates between Haydn's Creation and Mendelssohn's Elijah for the spring concerts.
The Mennonite Men's Chorus, another of the old and widely known organizations of the church, is known for its stirring messages in song. Many concerts have been given in the tri-state area. It was organized in 1895 and has a membership of 45, all of whom are members of the church.
Three robed choirs, the Chancel Choir, the Choristers, and the Carolers, participate in the regular Sunday morning worship services. The Chancel Choir is composed of adults. Students from the seventh to the eleventh grade may join the Choristers, and the Carolers is open to children from the fourth to the sixth grade.
The Swiss Mennonites of Berne have had a deep musical heritage which has en- riched the lives of those who perform as well as those who listen. The Mennonite
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heritage has found expression in a hym- nody of deep meaning. The Gesangbuch mit Noten, the traditional German col- lection, and the more recent Mennonite Hymnary and Youth Hymnary have been widely used. The use of musical instru- ments has been of importance. There is
a large, three-manual Moeller pipe or- gan in the sanctuary.
The radio programs of the church, in a large part, depend on the well-developed music program. Many have appreciated the "Songs of Praise" to God; behind each one is hours of practice. Without this music program and its dedicated per- sonnel it would have been almost impos-
sible to develop a full and true expression of praise to God.
Dr. Freeman Burkhalter is minister of mu- sic of the church and directs all of its musical activity.
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. . . ye shine os lights in the world; holding forth the word of life. Phil. 2:15, 16
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facilities
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facilities
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Congregational worship is a most important segment of any church program. The main sanctuary, built in 1912, seat- ing over 2000 on the main floor and on the balconies, provides a comfortable and convenient gathering place for Sunday morning services and other large group's. Simple, stained glass windows that. harmonize with the modified Gothic style of architecture, plain, symmetri- cally arranged oak pews, pro- vide an atmosphere of dignity and reverence and center at- tention on the sacred desk in front of the spacious choir loft. Modern, variable lighting, con- trolled ventilation, and wall-to- wall carpeting were added in 1954. This part of the church is surmounted by the square tower which is equipped with an auto- matic electric mechanism to ring the large church bell, and also houses amplifiers to broadcast chime recordings and other sa- cred music as desired.
Pictured here is the new Chapel, located on the upper west level in the new Educational Building. Contemporary, yet conservative, in design, the Chapel is large enough for groups of about 250. Narrow, vertical oak panels be- hind the pulpit platform contrast pleasingly with the varie- gated glass block wall on one side, rust carpeting and straight oak pews. As in all other major meeting areas, a sound control booth provides amplification, recording, or local home receiver connections for shut-ins.
It is difficult to combine new and old facilities without sacri- fice, either of efficient arrangement or pleasing ap- pearance. The new Educational Building and addition to the 1912 edifice are very effectively combined.
Adjacent to the newly enlarged, paved parking areas, en- trance to the new building is made under canopied walks (one is 108 feet long) leading to roomy, glass-en- closed vestibules, from which wide stairs give easy ac- cess to both lower and upper levels. Large window areas, on all sides, draped against glare, give ample natural light and ventilation. Special vynil asbestos terra cotta floor tile was used throughout, except for carpeted areas. A feature of the main entrance lobby is a cork-tile bulletin wall combined with a literature shelf. Exterior brick and limestone trim match closely with that of the 1912 building.
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EXIT
Perhaps the most striking feature in the new building, is the great central patio. This area, completely open from the lower level to the four large, special-glass skylights, is at the same time decorative and practical. A total space on the lower level, 128 by 64 feet, can be opened up for large conferences or banquets. Attractive oak "accordion" doors can be quickly and easily adjusted to provide a variety of smaller rooms in this area. The "open" feeling of this area is enhanced by groupings of informal furniture and moveable planters of flowers and greenery. Access to the patio area is by a convenient ramp as well as conventional stairway, as shown in these views.
The most compelling reason for this building program was an urgent need for more separate . Sunday School classrooms. With over 1,300 average Sunday attend- ance, meeting in almost sixty different classes, it was recognized that teachers and class members alike were severely handicapped by lack of space, privacy and teaching helps, particularly in the Beginning, Primary, and Intermediate ages. Now there are separate facilities for fifty-eight classes, in addition to eight assembly areas of varying size. Planning attempted to provide a scientifically adequate area per pupil, furniture of ap- propriate size and design, special study tables, stor- age cabinets, combination bulletin boards that double for chalk-talks and flannelgraph stories. Here is a section of the Primary Department, and also a view of a smaller Sunday School room such as used by either young people's or adult class. Among the rooms provided especially with the Sunday School in mind, is an of- fice for the S.S. Superintendent.
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For years the church has maintained a lending library for its membership, where Christian books, periodicals, and other reference materials were available to children and adults alike. Newly- equipped and stocked library quarters have been provided in a special room, which can serve as a classroom also whenever necessary.
Private offices for pastor and and assistant pastor are con- veniently located adjacent to the church secretary's office. Shown here is a glimpse into this suite. These are located in the newly remodeled section of the main building, as is also an office for the minister of music. Furnishings for these offices were specially designed and selected to pro- vide pleasant and efficient sur- roundings.
The Council Room has been furnished specifically for and is restricted to use for meetings of the Board of Deacons, Church Trustees, Advisory Council, Sun- day School Committee, and other similar groups. There is a large conference ta- ble, comfortable chairs, and lamps. A beautiful portrait of Christ reminds all of His Redeeming Love and Salvation.
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Pictured is the three-manual con- sole of the Moeller pipe organ in the main sanctuary. Replacing a smaller instrument in 1947, this organ contributes greatly to the blessing and inspiration of church services. A fine example of or- gan construction, it employs 2381 pipes, plus a set of 21 Deagan Chimes. Organ action is electro- pneumatic, all contacts between the organ and console being elecrical. Wind pressure for the pipes is provided by a 7 1/2 HP motor and blower in the base- ment of the church.
This specially sound-proofed choir room is suitable for either rehearsal or recording purposes, even when meetings are being held elsewhere in the building. A group of sixty or more is easily accommodated with facilities for their choir robes and music folders.
Located between the choir room and the choir loft in the main sanctuary, this new control booth is superbly equipped to do professional quality tape recording for our radio program, "Songs of Praise." Two Ampex tape recorders, and a new sound console provide the neces- sary facilities, not only for radio tape programming, editing, duplication and storage of tapes, but also the recording of special services, broadcast of pro- grams over a direct wire hook-up to re- ceivers in more than 120 homes of the community, as well as the usual public address amplification throughout the two buildings.
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Here is just one little corner of the all-new, all- modern, restaurant - type kitchen which is lo- cated adjacent to the fellowship area. Besides the heavy-duty ranges, ovens and french-fryers shown here, there are hot-food serving areas, two re- frigerators, automatic dishwasher, ample sink, stor- age and counter space. This convenient facility will be much used and appreciated for conference ban- quets, wedding receptions or any occasion requir- ing food preparation and service.
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