Excerpts
– Growing
Pains
Rev. A. A. Schweitzer -pastor of both churches
-cornerstone laying for St. Matthews,
Brantford: Sunday, July 29, 1951.
The Brantford-Woodstock Parish Bulletin
August
8, 1951. Ground-Breaking Service “This Sunday (August 12) will mark one of the
most important events in the history of Bethany Lutheran Church, Woodstock.”
-62
Graham St, Laevens Bros. Contractors, Delhi, Rev. E. W. Heimrich representing
Home Mission Committee of Canada Synod, Mr. N. L. Irwin, Toronto architect
(Hanks & Irwin)
“The
Canada Synod has presented a cheque of $2, 000.00 to Bethany Lutheran Church,
Woodstock. A similar gift was made to
St. Matthews, Brantford.
The Synod recently forwarded a
$4,000.00 mortgage to Bethany at a low rate of interest. The Committee on Church Architecture has a
$3,000.00 loan ready for St. Matthews at a low interest rate.
Synod is being most generous and
helpful in both building projects.”
The
Brantford-Woodstock Parish Bulletin
November
14, 1951. Rev. A.A. Schweitzer, Pastor
“The
first event of its kind in the history of Bethany Lutheran Congregation,
Woodstock will take place this Sunday.
It is the laying of the Cornerstone for the new Church.”
June
12, 1952 Dedication of Bethany
Lutheran Church Woodstock “That for which Bethany members have
prayed and worked since the congregation was organized in 1934 will take place
on Sunday, June 22—the dedication of a new church building.”
Community
Service -Dedication Week –June 27/52
Rev.
A.A. Schweitzer, Pastor; Sermon –Rev. J.A Davies, President of the Woodstock
Ministerial Association; Greetings -Mrs.
Bernadette Smith, Mayor of Woodstock
The
Brantford-Woodstock Parish Bulletin December
11, 1952.
Infant
Baptisms: Mark Gary Chambers, Michael
Philip Vinnins
“The
Sunday School Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday evening, Dec. 21 at 7
o’clock. Hear the Christmas story as
told and sung by little children!
Christmas
Day Service
begins at 10 a.m.”
Bethany
Lutheran Church, Woodstock Rev. A.A.
Schweitzer, Pastor
Bulletin
of June 16, 1953:
“First
Anniversary—Sunday, June 21
The new church building was dedicated
one year ago—June 22, 1952...”
“...On
Sunday, June 28 at 7 p.m. your pastor will preach his last sermon as regular
pastor of Bethany...At the 7 p.m. service on Sunday, July 5, Rev. Earl Anderson
will be installed as pastor of Bethany Church...”
“By
way of comparison, in the second quarter of 1952, average Sunday attendance was
42; in the second quarter of 1953 it is at least 80. Sunday school attendance has jumped from 24 to
40. Communing membership has risen from
65 to 96. ...”
*In
1954 Pastor Anderson was residing in the parsonage in East Zorra but working
with St. Matthew, East Zorra and Bethany, Woodstock.
“In
view of the nature of the parish, the only logical solution, in keeping with
good stewardship of time and money, is that the Pastor reside in Woodstock as
soon as possible.”
1956 The Ladies Aid report from Mrs. Laura Thompson shows income from
the Birthday Box of $20.17 and from the Sneyd—Otto wedding presided by Pastor
Anderson of $27.00. Alex Thompson, Treasurer of the Men’s Club, included $5.66
of Birthday Money under income.
Rev.
Erich Schultz, Supply Pastor published these notes under Calendar of Services and Meetings: -April 28 -Sunday
School 9:45
-Divine
Worship 11:00 a.m.
-This
is Bethany’s Broadcast Sunday
Pastor
Norman Lange 1957 Annual Report
“ During the past year, worship services
were conducted regularly at 11:00 o’ clock each Sunday morning (Your Pastor
conducts the service at St. Matthews, East Zorra Twsp. At 9:30 every Sunday
morning.), The Sunday School (9:45 a.m.), Catechetical Class, Luther League,
Choir and Ladies Aid have met regularly for devotion, education and training.”
Baptisms: Margaret Isabel Barcza, Frances Erika Binder;
Susan Anette Blum & Sonya Venetta Blum; (twins); Rudis Eriks Naumanis; Victoria Lee Klein; Karen Deborah Chambers;
Betty Hilde Seebohm; ; Lynda Christine Horman; Paul Sjogreen Nielsen; Mark Edwin
Schneider; Bruce George Riffel.
Marriages: Morris Mortimer and Barbara Elliott
Karlis Berzins and Shirley Berger
Alfred Wagner and Hanna Schivitan
Joseph Kleiner and Theresia Gross
Received into Membership:
Mr. Ken Riehl, Mrs. N.L. Lange, Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Schwartz, Mr. Raymond Schwartz, (Marilyn 16, Barry 11, Glenn 4, Shirley
1), Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dantzman (Ingrid
15, Roy 4), Mrs. Glenn Vollmershausen; Mrs. Elizabeth Horvath.
-from Treasurer Ed Horman:
“During 1957 we have
reached one of the goals toward whichwe have been striving for the past few
years, the full payment of our First
Mortgage. Originally a $5,000. Mortgage
for 20 years at 4 ½ percent interest, it has been paid off in less than 5
years, and this has resulted in a saving of over $1,700.00 in interest.”
Bulletins from the new
Graham Street church, Reverend Norman L. Lange, Pastor
1958 Annual Report
“We owe our Church Council
a debt of gratitude for the efficient and capable manner in which they have
handled the affairs of our congregation...”
“Confirmations: Edward Roi, Milbert Paradoski, Joan Leis,
Gerhard Durichen, Earl Vollmershausen, Dennis Vollmershausen, Ingrid Danzmann,
Gerald Riffel, Evelyn Turner, Nancy Buchan, Marilyn Schwartz, Ruth Meckbach, Grace
Meckbach.”
Received into Membership:
Mr. & Mrs. George Riffel &
family, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Paradoski & family, Mr. & Mrs. Steve
Hucsko & family, Mr. & Mrs. George Zelch & family, Mr. & Mrs.
Lothar Joneit & family, Mrs. H. Cook, Miss Olga Stock.
“ Sunday School Attendance has
been steadily increasing and now is over the hundred mark. Indications point to an even greater increase
in enrolment. Because of these crowded
conditions the Sunday School has been split into two departments. The Primary and Junior groups meet in the
basement. The Intermediate and Seniors
meet in the Church. Something will have
to be done to provide extra space for our Sunday School. It is a real problem to teach over 100 eager
youngsters in a space designed for only 60.”
-submitted by Herbert
Wittig, Superintendant; Ed Horman, Statistician.
June “Our Parish Bulletin—Pastor Norman L. Lange
“Congratulations to Our
Men!!!”
“ At the Stratford Conference meeting held this
spring, Mr. Kenneth Riehl was elected to the Evangelism Committee of the
Conference and Mr. Morris Mortimer was elected to the Stewardship Committee.
... At the convention of our Synod held in June, Dr. William Klein was elected
a member of the Board of Governors of our Waterloo Lutheran University.”
-*”Basic tuition was set at
$350. for 1960—61.”
Bulletin of Sunday, Oct. 5,
1958, Reverend Norman L. Lange, Pastor
“Senior Choir: Rehearsals Tuesday evenings at 8
o”clock. The choir needs at least 5 good
soprano voices, also tenor and bass voices.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Wm. Klein, LE7—2558. The choir will play a leading part in the
introduction of the new Hymnal later this Autumn.”
“Lutheran Men: Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30.
The men will meet at the
church at 7:30. Through the courtesy of
Standard Tube & T. I. Limited, our men will be taken on a conducted tour of
Woodstock’s largest industrial plant.
Arrangements have been made by Norm Vollmershausen. Tom Sneyd, one of our members, will be
conducting the men through the plant... .”
Bulletin of Oct. 12, 1958,
Reverend Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
...The past two weeks have seen record attendances (106 & 117 pupils
and teachers)... Wanted: one of the present
classes has become so large that it is necessary to divide it and form a new
class. Another teacher is
required...please speak to the Sunday School Superintendant, Mr. Herbert
Wittig, or to the Pastor.”
“Nursery: For children up to 4 years of age, in the
church kitchen. An increasing number of
parents are leaving their children in care of the nursery each week, so that
both parents may worship together. In
charge this week—Mr. W. Everson and Mrs.
Gordon Matthies.”
“New Hymnals: ...It is hoped our members will sponsor
Hymnals for the use of the church. They
may be placed as memorial gifts; in honour of someone; or as a personal gift to
the congregation. The price is $3.85 per
copy. Please speak to Arn Campbell or
Carl Beisel ...”
Bulletin of October 19 ? ,
1958. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Nursery: For children up to 4 years of age, in the
church kitchen.. Mrs. S. Leis and Mrs. Geo. Riffel will be in charge. Volunteers are required to help in the
nursery on Sunday mornings. Contact Mrs.
E. Horman (LE7—8947) or Mrs. A. Ritter ( LE7—8487). ...”
“On radio, on each Sunday
morning at 11:00 A.M. Golden Hours, the
broadcast of the service from St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Kitchener. (Dr.
John Schneider, Pastor) in station CKCR, Kitchener.”
Bulletin of October 26,
1958. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Baptism: Gerald Kleiner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos.
Kleiner, 746 Elm St.”
“Stratford District
Conference:
The clergy of the Stratford Conference of the
Canada Synod will hold their fall meeting in our Bethany church on Wednesday,
Oct. 29th. The ladies of the
congregation will provide the dinner and supper. This is the first time we have had the
opportunity to be host to this conference.
We bid them welcome!”
“This Bulletin is now
mailed to 130 homes, and the cost of publication and mailing is $3.50 per
week. The bulletin may be sponsored by
individuals or groups. If you wish to
sponsor a future bulletin, please contact Mr. Art Young, LE9—9497.”
*this bulletin had a 2-cent
stamp
“Reformation Sunday, 1958”
“Luther League -This
is a big weekend for the Luther Leaguers--... a Help-Team composed of Luther
Leaguers from other congregations is coming to train and instruct our Bethany
Leaguers...
An active member of the Luther League is a young
person who has committed himself to Jesus Christ, has joined a local Luther
League, contributes to its causes, and participates in at least one-half of its
activities.”
Nov. 2, 1958. “Our congregation has purchased 125 copies of
the New Hymnal at $3.85 per copy. It is
planned to introduce this new Hymnal for congregational use the first Sunday in
Advent. ... ...speak to Messrs. A.
Campbell, C. Beisell, I. Benneweis or E. Horman.
Nov. 16, 1958. “November 30th. This is the date set for our Every Member
Visit. At its September meeting your church
council named several men to select a committee to prepare for this most vital
event. ... fifteen teams of visitors will be making the calls this year.”
“Television On the CBC network on Sunday
afternoons—3:30 ‘Heritage”
This is a presentation of the story of the Church
in action in Canada. On November 30, the
story will be entitled “We are the Lutherans.”
Nov. 23, 1958. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor
“At Our Service: The ushers will be directing us to the front
seats of the church first, so that there will be space near the rear of the
church for any who may come late, or for visitors who may not wish to sit near
the front.”
“Traditionally and
customarily most Lutherans remain seated during Hymn singing, and in order to
eliminate possible confusion here, our congregation will REMAIN SEATED for all
Hymns, including the Hymn before the service.”
Dec. 14, 1958. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Announcements: Senior Choir: Rehearses Tuesday
evenings. Junior Choir: Rehearses
Thursday evenings. Sunday School
Teachers: The regular monthly meetings
of the teachers and officers will be held at the home of Norm Vollmershausen on
Thurs. Dec. 18.
“Sunday School Christmas
Program
The program for the Senior classes will be held on
Sunday, December 21st, at 7 p.m.
There will be a rehearsal for this
program on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 20th at 2:30. All pupils in the classes taught by Mr. &
Mrs. Riffel, Mr. Durichen, Mr. Leis,
Mrs. Leis, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Vollmershausen, Miss Stock and Mr. Riehl
are expected to be present at the rehearsal.”
“In order that no one will
be unable to attend worship because of transportation, the following have
volunteered to pick up and return anyone who calls them direct:
Sun. Dec. 21—11 a.m. Carl Beisl
LE7—7546, Ken Bond LE7—6357
Christmas Day --7 a.m.
Herbert Wittig LE7—3282
Christmas Day—11a.m. N. Vollmershausen LE7—2634, Harold Riffel LE9—9181.
“New Members: We welcome into our fellowship, and to all
that is ours in Christ, the following:
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hucsko, 313 Hay St.”
Jan. 18th,
1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“1959 Executives:
Ladies Aid: Pres. Mrs. Stan Brabyn, Vice Pres. Mrs. H. Wittig, Sec. Mrs. R. Forrest, Treas.
Mrs. K. Bond
Lutheran Men: Pres. Norm
Volllmershausen, Vice Pres. Irwin
Bennewies, Sec. Phil Manuel,
Treas. Harold Riffel
Luther League: Pres. Harvey
Leis, Vice Pres. Alfred Durichen, Sec. RuthAnn Meckbach, Treas. Dennis Vollmershausen “
Feb 1, 1959.
“At the Font: Christine Louise Mortimer, infant daughter of
Mr. & Mrs. Morris Mortimer...was baptized on Sun. Jan. 25, 1959.”
“At our Annual Meeting the
following men were elected to serve a three-year term on the council: Ken Bond, Philip Manuel, Tom Sneyd and Morris
Mortimer.”
“Our parish became
self-supporting at the end of 1958. This
means we no longer receive Salary Aid from the Board of American Missions...”
“The congregation
authorized the 1959 council to investigate the possibilities regarding type of
structure and cost of a Parish Education Building to house our rapidly growing
Sunday School. ...”
Feb. 15th,
1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“The fast of Lent was
originally 40 hours in duration—the length of time it was supposed that Christ
was in the grave, and its observance was voluntary. In the 2nd century it was made
obligatory, and in the 6th century was increased to 40 days—in
commemoration of Christ’s 40 day fast and His temptation in the wilderness.”
March 1st, 1959.
“The week of March 1st
–7th is Education Week in Woodstock.
In connection with this a member of the Woodstock Board of Education
will participate in the services at each of the churches. Mr. Earl Steinback will represent the Board
of Education at Bethany, and will read the lesson.”
“The ladies report that nearly
all of the tea towels which belong in the kitchen are apparently being
laundered. They ask that those concerned
please return them.”
“The March 1st,
1959 bulletin was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sneyd in loving memory of Mrs.
Sneyd’s father, Mr. J.W. Otto.”
March 15,1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Radio Morning
Devotions: CKOX, 9:05 A.M., Mon. through Sat.
The Pastor will be conducting the devotion during
this week. Tune in and invite your
friends to do the same.”
April 12th,
1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“At the April Meeting of
the Ladies Aid the name of this organization was changed to Lutheran Church
Women ...”
April 19, 1959.
“Why Does Your Pastor Turn
to Face the Congregation for Part of the
Service and to Face the Altar For the Other Part?
(This is called
Orientation.)
Your pastor turns at the altar because of his
two-fold position. First he is a
worshipper along with his people. As
such, he turns to face the same way that they do. He worships along with them and leads them in
worship. Secondly he is God’s
messenger. He proclaims God’s message to
his people. As such, he turns to face
the congregation.”
April 26th,
1959.
“Nursery: In charge for this week, Mrs. Marian
Schneider and Miss Meckbach.”
May 17th, 1959.
“The Festival of
Pentcost: Our ushers for May 17th
will be Gordon Matthies and Ed Horman.”
June 7th, 1959.
“The congregation was
invited to attend the Annual Spring Lutheran Rally to be held at Edgewood Park, ‘now comprising
56 acres of camp ground and wooded area ... and used as a permanent summer camp
site ... .”
Bulletin for the month of
July, 1959.
“Baptized: Betty Hucsko, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
Steve Hucsko.”
“Pastoral Visiting and
Counselling: In view of the fact that so
many of our people are working, visiting or shopping during the afternoon when
the pastor visits, he will no longer be visiting at that time. Instead, he will usually be visiting by
appointment in the evenings. If you wish
pastoral counselling or visiting, do not wait for the pastor to phone, but
phone him. If you know of someone who is
sick, or in need of assistance, in Christian concern inform your minister. Your minister is not a mind—reader.”
Sept. 13th,
1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“During this school term,
your Pastor will be teaching a religious knowledge class for grade 11 at the
Collegiate. There are 7 such classes at
the high schools, each taught by a member of the Woodstock Ministerial
Association.”
“While investigating this
matter [overcrowding in Sunday School],
council also concluded that we are outgrowing our church. There is a potential today of over 300, and
even now we have to seat people in the aisle.”
October 11th,
1959.
“Mr. Ken Riehl...has been
appointed by Council to be the Chairman of the Evangelism Committee of our
church this year... .
Mr. Ed Horman ... has
volunteered to serve as Editor—Publisher of our weekly bulletin. His work of last year was greatly
appreciated, and we look forward to receiving informative, well-written bulletins
for another year.”
**Annual meeting a
duty --Editorial Viewpoint [not included here]
November 1st,
1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Go break to the needy
sweet charity’s bread;
For giving is living”, the
angel said.
“And must I be giving again and again?”
My peevish and foolish answer ran.”
“Oh, no”, said the angel,
piercing me through,
“Just give till the Lord
stops giving to you.”
--quoted from the Canada Lutheran.
November 15th,1959. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“Our attendance for the
past 5 weeks:
-at Sunday School 104 105 108 115 100
-at Worship Service 140 135 11 135 125
“
“As most of you will have
heard at our Every Member Visit, our congregation has made the final payment on
our Second Mortgage on the church building.
The first mortgage was retired late in 1957, and now, this past month,
we have retired the second mortgage.
These mortgages were originally to have seen 20 years, and by prepayment
our congregation has saved #2,550.00 in interest.”
Christmas, 1959.
“Received into the Church
of Christ through infant baptism: Susan
Marie Riffel, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Harold Riffel.”
“Welcome to new
Members: Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Mueller
Bulletin of January 10th,
1960. Rev. Norman L. Lange, Pastor.
“TV—Heritage Series: CBC network and local stations, Sundays
3:30—4 p.m. This is a series of films,
depicting in drama and documentary forms the work of Canadian churches.
January 10th,
Anglican—entitled ‘The Saints.’
January 17th,
Lutheran—entitled ‘A Critical Choice.’
Be sure to tune in.”
*another heavy note from Pastor Lange , about leaving before Communion --Not included here.
February 7th,
1960.
“We express our
appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Brenneman and family of Embro who are
sponsoring this issue of our Parish Bulletin.”
April 3rd, 1960.
“The Lutheran
Hour—CKOX—8:30 a.m. Sundays, beginning April 10th. The internationally famous Lutheran Hour
will be carried by our local station for a trial period of 13 weeks. Tune in regularly, and if you find the
time, phone or drop a card to your local
station stating that you appreciate the service.
Included in this broadcast will be a spot
announcement for our Bethany Lutheran Church.
We think this is a marvellous opportunity! To help us carry this broadcast, we are
looking for sponsors. Each Sunday will
cost us $6.85, and the remainder will be taken care of by The Lutheran Hour.”
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