USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > Grace United Church of Christ Fort Wayne, Indiana : dedication Sunday, May 18, 1969 > Part 1
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Grace United Church of Christ
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4120 S. WEBSTER STREET . FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46807
DEDICATION SUNDAY May 18, 1969
OUR NEW EDUCATIONAL BUILDING OUR NEW BUILDING
In the heart of the Harrison Hill area stands this beautiful church and educational unit, as an eternal memorial to all the members, who have through the years given of their prayers, of their time and of their talents and means, to make this day a reality.
"All have a share in the beauty, All have a part in the plan.
What does it matter what duty Falls to the lot of man?
Someone has blended the plaster And someone has carried the stone;
For neither the man nor the Master Has ever builded alone.
In making a roof from the weather Or building a house for the King,
It is only by working together That men do accomplish things."
"GIVE EVERYONE HIS LEGITIMATE DUE, whether it be rates, or taxes, or reverence, or respect." Romans 13:7-Philips Translation
For every gift, large or small, To every planner who has planned, To every person who has contributed effort and time, To every soul who has prayed, For every encouragement, for every suggestion, To all who have gathered to worship with us, We say - THANK YOU.
Building Committee studying plans
Signing contracts
Cornerstone Ceremony - Reformation Sunday, October 27, 1968
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Old entrance gives way to new
FESTIVE DEDICATORY SERVICE 10:45 A.M. MAY 18, 1969
ORDER OF WORSHIP
ORGAN PRELUDE: "Awake, My Heart, With Gladness" - Peeters
INVITATION OF THE BELL PROCESSIONAL HYMN: "Our God, Our Help, In Ages Past" No. 63
CALL TO WORSHIP PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Unison) THE GLORIA PATRI
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON:
I Corinthians 3:1-11, Matthew 7:21-29 - Rev. John Heistand THE CHORAL RESPONSE: Senior Choir
THE STATEMENT OF FAITH
ANTHEM: "When Morning Gilds the Skies" - Combined Youth and Children's Choir
THE PASTORAL PRAYER: - Rev. John Heistand Choral Response - Senior Choir GREETINGS FROM FORMER PASTORS
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THE GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory: "How Firm A Foundation"
"We Give Thee But Thine Own" (all singing)
- Colvin No. 258, Verse 1
Dedicatory Prayer HYMN: "All Creatures of Our God and King"
No. 15
SERMON: "Soli Deo Gloria"
ANTHEM: "Praise Ye The Lord" Senior Choir
- Cesar Franck
PRESENTATION OF THE KEY TO THE CHURCH - Mr. Floyd Johnson, Building Committee Chairman
ACCEPTANCE OF THE KEY TO THE CHURCH - Mr. J. Wilbur Haley, President of Grace Church
THE ACT OF DEDICATION
RECESSIONAL HYMN: "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name" No. 184 BENEDICTION SILENT PRAYER POSTLUDE: "Little Fugue in G Minor" - Bach
COMMUNITY SERVICE OF DEDICATION 2:30 P.M. MAY 18, 1969
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Prelude: "Awake, My Heart, With Gladness" -- Peeters
INVITATION OF THE BELL
CALL TO WORSHIP - Choral Introit
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
HYMN OF PRAISE: "Come, Thou Almighty King" No. 4
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: I Peter 2:1-10 Rev. Frank Lansing
CHORAL RESPONSE: Senior Choir
THE APOSTLES' CREED
ANTHEM: "O Sing Unto The Lord" Senior Choir
- Hassler
THE PASTORAL PRAYER - Rev. Robert Pike Choral Response - Combined Children's and Youth Choir
GREETINGS FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS
Rev. Robert Pike - Son of Congregation - Pastor at Warren United Church of Christ, Warren, Indiana
Rev. Frank Lansing - Executive Secretary, Associated Churches The Honorable Harold S. Zeis - Mayor, City of Fort Wayne, Indiana
THE GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory: "Now Glad of Heart Be Everyone" - Peek
DOXOLOGY
DEDICATORY PRAYER
HYMN: "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation" No. 324
SERMON: "Being Adequate Christians" Rev. Clyde Flannery
ANTHEM: "Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him" Combined Children's and Youth Choir
THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
HYMN: "Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing" No. 35
CHORAL BENEDICTION - Silent Prayer
POSTLUDE: "Little Fugue in G Minor" - Bach
MONTH OF DEDICATION
PERSONAL DEDICATION SUNDAY May 11 - 10:45 a.m.
Sermon: "Follow Me"
Text: "Matthew 4:19, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Sacred Rite of Confirmation:
Patricia Christine Bennett Cinda Jean Briner Margie Elaine Davis
Nancy Jo Dillon Joyce Ann Snyder James Lee Talbert
Anthem: - Senior Choir "O Lord, Increase My Faith"
COMMUNITY DEDICATORY SERVICE SPEAKER
Our Community Dedicatory Speaker is the Rev. Clyde Flannery, Associate Minister of the Indiana- Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ. Mr. Flannery is responsible for the ministry of Learning, which includes Christian Education, Lay Life and Work, and Campus Ministry. From 1951 to 1956 he was President of Southern Union College, Wadley, Alabama, at the time, the youngest college president in the country. He began preaching at the age of 13, and was fully ordained at 16. He is a graduate of Berea College and Yale University Divinity School.
MUSICAL PRAISE SERVICE Thursday, May 22 - 7:45 p.m.
Choirs from the neighboring churches and of the Fort Wayne United Churches of Christ will be our guests for an evening of sharing, fellowship and praising God through music.
EDUCATION FOR MISSIONS Pentecost Sunday, May 25 - 10:45 a.m.
Speaker: Missionary Richard Lammers - As an evangelistic missionary, Mr. Lammers works close- ly with the churches of the Kyodan (United Church of Japan) in eastern Hokkaido, preaching, teach- ing and counseling pastors. Working with Chris- tians and non-Christians, Mr. Lammers has de- veloped a Christian Center near Kitami, Japan. He is a graduate of Heidelberg College and Oberlin Graduate School of Theology.
SERMON: "You are a Missionary"
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will also be celebrated
Noon Carry-In-Dinner in the Green Room
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STEPPING STONES OF GRACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1883 - APRIL 1 - Desiring to serve the need of having worship services conducted in the English language instead of German, the Rev. T. J. Bacher was sent by the Board of Home Missions of the Ohio Synod of the Reformed Church to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
MAY 13 - Pentecost - A new congregation was born as fifty people organized themselves together in a Jewish Synagogue under the name, Grace Reformed Church.
1884 - JULY - A chapel-like lecture room was erected on the rear of lot at 316 East Washington Street. Ninety- eight people had now become a part of this new fellowship. A Sunday School was also begun.
1888 - Rev. Bacher resigned after five years of service and was succeeded by Rev. A. K. Zartman, D. D.
1889 - JAN. 29 - A monthly news bulletin called "The Grace Church Visitor" was begun. Congregation purchased property to east of chapel and erected a par- sonage.
1894 - Work was started on the erection of the downtown church building, with dedication services in April, 1895.
1912 - A new pipe organ was installed and the building redecorated and recarpeted.
1916 - Dr. Zartman tendered his resignation after twenty-eight years of service and was followed by Rev. Nevin H. Schaff of Philadelphia, Pa.
1921 - Consistory entered into communications with Salem Church about possible merger:
1922 - Installation of new heating plant in church, enlargement of kitchen facilities, complete redecoration of church interior.
Rev. Schaff resigned after six years of service to serve a Presbyterian church in Wabash, Indiana, and was succeeded by Rev. J. H. String of Cleveland, Ohio.
1923 - OCT. 14 - Fortieth anniversary of Grace Church celebrated with a rally and promotion day during the Sunday School hour, followed by Morning Worship and two services in the evening, the first being conducted by the young people.
1925 - SPRING - Congregation voted to relocate to a residential area.
DEC. - Rev. R. S. Beaver was called to Grace Church pulpit to succeed the Rev. J. H. String, who had resigned in early Spring.
1926 - JUNE 2 - Property at the corner of Lexington and Webster Streets was purchased for $7,900.00.
1927 -JULY- Ground-breaking services were held for the new church in the Harrison Hill community, with cornerstone ceremonies held on July 31-contents of cor- nerstone of old downtown church, plus a number of new papers, were enclosed.
1928 - FEB. 25 - Dedication of new, beautiful house of worship, followed by a week of dedication, with former pastors and community leaders speaking each night.
1931 - Rev. R. S. Beaver tendered his resignation after six years of service and the Rev. R. E. Reemsnyder was called. The church debt totalled $70,000.00.
1933 - Golden Anniversary was celebrated.
1934 - Merger of the Reformed and Evangelical denomi- nations, changing local church name to Grace Evan- gelical and Reformed Church.
1946 - Rev. Reemsnyder retired after fifteen years of heroic and consecrated leadership, and Rev. J. W. Heistand was called to the Grace pulpit.
1947 - The area under the sanctuary was excavated and made usable for classrooms and meeting purposes. 1949 - SPRING - Parsonage at 213 North Seminole was purchased.
JULY - Rev. J. W. Heistand ended his pastorate and Rev. F. J. Lowenbergh began his ministry in October.
1952 - Rehabilitation program was begun. Exterior brickwork waterproofed, new heating plant, remodeling of chancel and new pipe organ, new carpeting in sanctuary. Improved facilities dedicated November 7, 1954.
1956 - Rev. F. J. Lowenbergh resigned to become pastor of an Ohio parish, and the Rev. Edward W. Drews of Detroit, Michigan, was installed as pastor.
1957 - The Evangelical and Reformed Church merged with the Congregational Chris- tian Churches to form the United Church of Christ, changing our local name to Grace United Church of Christ.
1958 - Grace Church celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary and also initiated a three-year pledge campaign for expansion of facilities.
1962 - Rev. Edward Drews resigned to accept a call to a New York parish.
1963 - JUNE - Rev. Marvin W. Deerhake was installed as the tenth pastor of Grace Church.
1964 - The property north of the church was purchased.
1965 - JAN. - Architectural firm of Samborn, Steketee, Otis and Evans of Toledo, Ohio, was engaged.
1966 - JAN. - Congregation approved preliminary building plans.
1967 - OCT. - Bids were received, with Irmscher & Sons, Inc. being awarded the contract.
DEC. 3 - First Sunday in Advent - Ground-breaking services held at 2 P.M. 1968 - OCT. 27 - Reformation Sunday - Cornerstone laying service was held. 1969 - MAY 18 - Dedication of the new educational building
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY
Artist's rendering of building with proposed Fellowship Hall
Dear Members and Friends
It has been exciting for us to discover what God can do when we let Him work through us. Yesterday, we had a dream. Today, we can behold the fruits of faith, prayer, and sacrifice. When men are willing to surrender their lives to God and eagerly strive toward His goal, then our adventures in faith become realities.
In order to effectively minister in today's world, we have provided modern, efficient facilities. With this new building a new day has come upon Grace Church, calling us to new and greater areas of service, demanding new ventures in faith. We have built for the future that we may serve Him better - that we may enrich our program and extend our fellowship to a larger portion of our community. There- fore, our challenge increases!
With the building completed, we dare not relax our efforts. God now calls the people of Grace Church to renew their personal devotion in being His servants in the service of men. With redoubled determina- tion, sacrifice, and cooperative spirits may we continue to grow and develop our ministry to the spiritual needs of individuals, families, and our community.
In His Service, Pastor Deerhake
MEMBERS OF 1969 CONSISTORY
Mr. Robert L. Ponsot President - 1967-68
Mr. J. Wilbur Haley President 1969
J. Wilbur Haley, President
William Good, Vice President Isabelle Masel, Secretary Jack Dillon, Financial Secretary Margaret Driftmeyer, Treasurer Chester Gallimore Don Hirons George Marchal
George Gilbreath
Grover Hollins
Delmar Crawford
Howard Fox
Ethel Johnson
Duane Kee
Elroy Miller
Rev. Marvin W. Deerhake
Floyd Johnson, Chairman
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Floyd Johnson, Chairman
Mrs. Richard Brown
Mrs. Caleb Davis Rev. Marvin W. Deerhake Jack Dillon Homer Fry
Mrs. Lloyd Godfrey
Ivan Gordon
Ralph Hannie
William Hebermehl
Mrs. Charles Masel George Marchal Basil Squires
Oscar Yost
NURSERY
KINDERGARTEN
UPPER JUNIORS
JUNIOR HIGH
POST HIGH
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6. The Church School provides classes from 2 years of age through adults so all may grow in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.
MR. DONALD COCHREN, SUPERINTENDENT
UNIFORM LESSON SERIES
TRUE BLUE
PRIMARY
LOWER JUNIORS
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MIDDLE HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
THE SEEKERS
UNITED CHURCH CURRICULUM
TTT
HEIDELBERG-ZWINGLI
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Senior Choir in the Chancel
WITH A VOICE OF SINGING, DECLARE WE THE PRAISES OF GOD
4 choirs enjoy the new rehearsal and robing room, giving opportunity to those 6 years of age and up to participate in this ministry of music.
Directors are:
Senior Choir - Mr. Floyd Johnson Expressionaires - Mr. Bud Hirons Junior Choir - Mrs. Marvin Deerhake Children's Choir-Mr. Donald Cochren Organist - Mr. Jerry Mitchell
Expressionaires around the new piano
Junior Choir on rehearsal room risers
Children's Choir in front of new robe cabinets
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LIBRARY
The gracious library with a capacity for 25 hundred books, has items of interest to even the small child as well as the adult. It also provides ample storage for audio visuals - filmstrips, projectors, screens, teaching pictures, records, etc. The youth periodicals and other magazines keep seekers abreast on current religious thought and events.
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OFFICE
A new office area is conveniently located near the front entrance, with a workroom next to it, where supplies and church records can be properly stored. The complete office area has a venti- lating and air conditioning system for year round comfort.
PASTOR'S STUDY
The Pastor's Study is located near the front entrance, readily accessible to all in need, and propinquent to the church office for convenient communication. The room gives opportunity for an informal counseling center as well as a spacious desk for conference meetings.
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THE ELEVATOR - a helping hand for the aged and handicapped!
To provide for all people is our aim. The building was designed not only to minister to children but to the aged and handi- capped as well. The elevator makes pos- sible easy access to both levels of the building.
The rear entrance with its huge canopy, giving protection against inclement wea- ther, permits the unloading and pick up of passengers without the hindrance of curbs or steps.
Rest rooms on each level also have special door openings and grab bars for those in wheel chairs.
THE LOUNGE with its fire place and comfort- able furnishings provide a warm homy atmos- phere for informal discussion, as well as group meetings, receptions, and relaxation.
A NEW KITCHEN, featuring among its modern equipment a new dish washer.
WOMEN'S GUILD in LOUNGE
SPACIOUS MIXING AREA provides room to visit with old friends and make new ones.
THE CRIB ROOM is equipped with heated floors for children to play on as well as refrige- rator and a rest room scaled to children, adequately pro- viding for infants and toddlers.
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NEW WALKS provide comfortable ground level access to the building without steps. Canopy provides shelter from inclement weather.
THE PROMINENT TOWER calls our attention to the fact that this is a house of God. The platform in front of the tower is designed for a free standing symbol which will speak to the soul of man and lift up his heart to God. The unique design of the windows of the new structure is to remind us that this building is designed for Christian Education and to complement the sanctuary where we worship our heavenly Father.
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WORSHIP ON EASTER SUNDAY
WORSHIP OF GOD is central in the life of a congregation and of an individual. Through songs, prayers, meditations, reading of the scriptures, preaching of His Word and communion, we are reminded of God's great love for us.
1969 CONFIRMATION CLASS
A YOUTH AREA gives opportunity to varied activi- ties. The kitchenette, with its refrigerator and stove, makes the preparation of snacks and re- freshments an easy task.
The church offers a two year instruction period preparatory to church membership (usually 8th and 9th grades) and two youth groups - Junior High Youth Fellowship (grades 7, 8 & 9) and Senior High Youth Fellowship (grades 10, 11 & 12). Activities vary from studying of other faiths to Halloween parties - from Easter Sunrise ser- vices and Christmas Eve pageants to taffy-pulls.
Cooking up the taffy Pull! Pull !! Pull !!!
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TAPE RECORDING SERVICE
Miss Ethel Johnson
Each Sunday morning the worship service is recorded and in the after- noon and evening is delivered by Miss Johnson and her volunteer com- mittee to ill and shut-in members so that they also can benefit from the service and experience God's church in their homes.
OUR CHRISTIAN ENLISTMENT MEN
On Sunday, November 10, 1968, the men of the church called on each member, enlisting his support in a 3-year pledge period, with a goal of $180,000 for operating, benevolence and building fund. With the assist- ance of the United Church of Christ's Financial Advisory Service, a week of training and preparation was held prior to Enlistment Sunday.
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MODERN NEW HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Two members of the Building and Grounds Com- mittee check the modern automatic control panel. A completely new heating plant and ventilating and air-conditioning units will provide a com- fortable .year-round environment throughout the entire building.
The YOUNG-IN-HEART is an organization dedicated to good Christian fellowship among people 50 years of age or older. People of various denominational back- grounds enjoy the fellowship.
WHITE CROSS GUILD assists in whatever way possible the program of Parkview Hospital. Whether it is wrapping bandages, making tray favors, or supplying flowers for the chapel, these services are gladly given.
WEEKDAY NURSERY SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Through a weekday nursery pro- gram we strive to minister to the needs of young families of the community, giving the child a wholesome foundation for life through guided play, music, stories, activities, and experi- encing Christian love freely given by devoted and dedicated teachers.
MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY
SCOUTING
In addition to Brownie Troop No. 174, Grace Church also hosts the Junior Girl Scout Troop No. 621 and the Cadet Troop No. 622. The Brownie pramise - "I promise to do my best to love God and my country, to help other people every day, especially those at home.
During the past several years Grace Church received a number of legacies, as well as memorial gifts. Those who remembered the church in their will and the names of those in whose memory gifts were given will be recorded in a "Memorial Corner" appropriately located. in the church.
MEMBERS OF DEDICATION COMMITTEE
Ralph Hannie, Chairman
Dwight Girod, Co-chairman
David Durnell
Mrs. Anna Ruth Clements
Mrs. Donald Cochren
Lawrence Slater Timothy Marchal
Mrs. William Good
Wallace Sterling
Mrs. Nellie Stiffler
Milan Sell, Sr.
Mrs. Clara Hebermehl
Rev. Marvin W. Deerhake
Mrs. Vaughn Bailey
Mrs. Jack Kies
Mrs. Esther Stoffels
Mrs. Ray Sink
4120 S. WEBSTER STREET
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46807
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