HISTORY OF THE VARINA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Written by Mrs. Chris Knack, 1970

The present United Methodist Church in Varina is the out-growth of three churches, the Varina Methodist, the Varina Presbyterian, and Salems Methodist two miles west of town. These three churches had their beginnings when circuit riders came to seek out the people and to hold religious services in the private homes.

Presbyterian services were held in the Sunken Grove schoolhouse as early as 1871. This schoolhouse is a part of the house in which Mr. and Mrs. Louis Voss and family now reside. In 1887 the Rev. R. E. Flickenger of Fonda began to hold occasional services in the Pinneo schoolhouse. In May 1889 a Sunday School was organized with George Pinneo as Superintendent. In January 1901, the services were transferred to Pilkington's Hall in Varina, and on January 29th, the Presbyterian Church was organized with seven members, with Carlos Pinneo and Al Watts elders, George Watts, President, Hattie Pinneo, Secretary, Al Watts Treasurer, C. B. Pinneo, E, R. Fox, and Mrs. B. B. Wells Trustees, a church was built on three lots (now vacant) secured by the pastor and donated by him. It was dedicated Dec. 8, 1901.

In the early twenties, the church closed and most of the members joined the Methodist Episcopal Church across the street.

A German settlement west of town in Coon Township was for a number of years a mission the Storm Lake Methodist Church. In 1871, just 100 years ago, the Rev. P. W. Henke sought out these German families. Among them were: J. Ernst, H. Backebery, C. Jannerthal, Chris Nitzke, and others. They were very poor and lived in sod houses or small huts. Rev. Henke held religious services in the J. Ernst home and later in a schoolhouse built nearby. These families were all Lutherans.

In about 1874-75 Phil Hummel met with these families for religious services. From 1875-76 the Rev. Gottfried Hefner, who lived in Storm Lake, rode out to preach in homes and the school house.

The first members to join the German Methodist Church were: Chris Nitzke, August Porath, Carl Schumann, H. Bakeberry, C. Jammathal and their families. Soon the following families noved into the area and also joined the church, Carl Splittgeber, Carl Manske, Carl Porath, Will and Fred Degner, Jacob Hauser and others. August Porath for many years was a local preacher and Carl Schumann a dedicated class leader. The others were also devout and served in various capacities.

It was during the pastorate of Friedrich Rohrich (1386-1887) that a small church was built on land acquired from August Porath for $25.00 for a little over two acres. Through the following leadership of Rev. B. W. Henke, the church building was enlarged.

Until 1904, the church was affiliated with the Storm Lake Methodist Episcopal church.

As early as 1871 occasional services were held in the Sunk Grove School-house by the M. E. Pastor of Newell, the Rev. L. C. Woodward. Two years later an aged resident of Buena Vista County by the name of Clothier, assisted by the Rev. M. Johnson endeavered to organize an M. E. Class after one week of special meetings. In 1876 these occasional services were transferred to the Pineo Schoolhouse by the Rev. A. J. Whitfield of Fonda. Kate Farrell, resident at Friendship Haven, tells that she attended M. E. services in the Pinneo schoolhouse.

In 1899 the C. M. and St. Paul Railroad built a depot and the town of Varina was founded. Many settlers arrived and men started businesses. Now there was a real need for English services; so Arthur Henke of Storm Lake served the country church and worked with the Varina residents. In 1901 a young student, Herbert J. Calkins, located in the town and held services in a schoolhouse or Pilkington Hall. A class was organized and a few months later a church building was erected and on September 22, 1901 it was dedicated.

A.W. Henke, Jr. served the church during 1904-1905.

The first board of trustees consisted of Jacob Hauser, who gave the land, Thomas Logan, L. A. Robbins, and George Secord.

During the pastorate of the Rev. Otto Johnson (1905-1907) there was no parsonage. He was a single man, so he roomed in the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nitzke. He courted our country school teacher, Irma Chamberlain, and Charlotte Porath (Wirkus) but he left unmarried. He was a familiar caller in the home of his parishioners always witnessing for Christ. He later was appointed to serve as our District Superintendent.

The Rev. B. J. Lewandowski, also a single man served only one year before being transferred. During his pastorate a parsonage was bought in 1908 from Mrs. Carl Schumann and her daughters, Mrs. Wm. Splittgerber and Mrs. Fred Weber.

The Rev. W. P. Kramer with wife and family came in 1908 and served 4 years. He started German School in the Porath Schoolhouse and taught the children to read and write German and the catechism. At this time extra sessions for mission study for children were initiated. There were two groups, the King's Heralds, the older children, and the Jewels, the little ones, Each child kept a mite box for making contributions to the mission work.

The Rev. and Mrs. G. C. Clausen came to Varina in 1912 and served until 1917. During this time the parsonage was remodeled into a two story home, Rev. Clausen continued the German school. He was an emphatic preacher, preaching loud and emphasizing his ideas with stamping and pulpit pounding. No one went to sleep when he preached! Mrs. Clausen was a fine musician and worked with the youth and children to train them for chorus and solo work. She worked diligently with the junior mission groups and prepared fine programs.

1917 finds the Rev. W. J. Loeck with his wife and family assigned to our church and they served until 1924. During his pastorate the church was remodeled and enlarged with the pastor, who was an expert carpenter, doing much of the work. When it was completed there was a dedication service with the President Frank Mossman of Morningside College the principal speaker. Rev. Loeck was a truly dedicated and compassionate man and was quite emotional. He felt the sufferings and death of the Christ so keenly that he could not speak of Christ's life and love without tears. His fine family were a credit to their parents and to their faith. In appreciation, the congregation gave the pastor a Model A Ford Touring car.

This was a critical time for Gernan speaking people. World War I was raging with Germany so the use of the German language was curtailed.

The Rev. and Mrs. E. E. Witter came to us in 1924 and served for 9 years. It was a transitional period and finally German was discontinued entirely. It must have been difficult for these early preachers whose training was chiefly in the German to have to preach in both languages each Sunday.

It was during Rev. Witter's pastorate that we observed the 60th anniversary of the west church. The church was redecorated and the pews refinished.

The Varina church and Salems German M. E Church remained one pastoral charge in the Upper Iowa District of the northwest German Conference until January 1932, when the German church closed and nearly every family transferred to the town church. On January 17, 1932 the charge officially became one church.

In 1933 the Rev. and Mrs. W. J. Loeck returned to Varina for 2 more years of service. Then they bought the W. C. Porath house and retired here. Rev. Loeck became a hard working layman. He helped in the church where ever needed and turned to the carpentry trade for a livelihood. In January 1941 Mr. Loeck passed away and both he and Mrs. Loeck are buried in the Varina Cemetery west of town.

1935 saw the arrival of Rev. and Mrs. O. P. Mueller, who worked with us for five years. During his pastorate the Methodist Episcopal, the Methodist Episcopal South and the Methodist Protestant churches merged to form the Methodist Church. The three women's organizations, the Foreign Missionary Society, the Home Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid now became one organization, the Woman's Society of Christian Service. Under the fine leadership of the Rev. Mueller we had no problems in reorganization. Our Charter meeting was held September 4, 1940. The youth group, Epworth League became Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Rev. Mueller brought drama into our little church. Pageants and plays ere used extensively to compliment his preaching and teaching. He had many colorful costumes similar to those worn by people in Bible lands. Mrs. Mueller was an able helpmate in these dramatic undertakings which were truly fine presentations.

In 1940 a young family came to the parsonage, the Reverend and Mrs. M. E. Dorr and David. Larry and Jinny arrived while they lived here. In 1940 the parsonage was reshingled with W. Splittgerber, August Blado and Robert Neitzel the committee to oversee the work. Mrs. Dorr served meals for the workmen. 75 new hymnals were purchased and the WSCS purchased some chairs to be used in the dining room instead of the benches. In 1941 the church was painted with August Blado, C. F. Porath and E. D. Hauser appointed to buy the paint and hire a painter. The interior was also redecorated before the 40th anniversary. Anniversary planning committee was E. D. Hauser, Mr. Manning, Mrs. James Smith, Mrs. Walter Franzmeier and the pastor. Observance of the 40th anniversary was held on Sunday, Nov. 23, 1941. Dr. Charles E. Schofield, President of the Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, preached the morning sermon. In the afternoon there was a service of dedication of memorials, a solo by Miss Edith Arendt, Historical Retrospect prepared by Mrs. Claude Horner and read by Marlyn Schulz, greetings from former pastors and members, a sermon by District Supt. J. J. Davies and a vocal duet by Misses Agnes Porath and June Haag.

During Rev. Dorr's pastorate 23 of our young men served in the armed forces. 4 lost their lives and menorial services with the American Legion participating were held. William Schumann was killed in action in Burma; Herbert Schrader died in a prisoner's camp in the Phillipines; Marvin Thomas's plane was shot down while in active duty; and Gene Pearson lost his life in an automobile accident while in the United States. In 1943 city water was installed in the church and parsonage with Kenneth Porath, W. C. Splittgerber and LuVern Schumann the acting committee. A new furnace was also installed in the church about this time.

Lyle Schossow reported that he felt called to the Christian ministry. The church sent a small gift of money to help with the expense of education.

Rev. Dorr said, "The ladies must come out of the kitchen" so the monthly suppers were discontinued and members now make pledges to support the work of the WSCS.

Rev. and Mrs. L. W. Rowse and 2 little boys came to the parsonage in 1944 and remained until 1947. Rev. Rowse was instrumental in organizing a social service club for the young adults. A fire damaged the interior of the downstairs of the parsonage so the house was repaired and slightly remodeled. Baby Colleen decided to enter this world on a Sunday so Chris Knack took Mrs. Rowse to the hospital and Rev. Rowse nervously conducted the morning service. At Rev. Rowse's suggestion, choir robes were purchased to add to the dignity of the service.

The Rev. A. E. Gedye, an aged minister and widower, came to serve from 1947- 48. During his pastorate the parsonage was sided with a shingle. Rev. Gedye could give most of the rituals from memory. This made the service very impressive as he directed the words of the ritual to the participants. He taught the youth how to make plaster of Paris animals. They used rubber molds.

The Rev. and Mrs. Milton Schaper and David served the church from 1940- 1950. Rev. Schaper was a naval Chaplain so was granted a two weeks leave to attend naval training at the Great Lakes naval academy. Rev. E. E. Witter and Dr. Schuldt delivered the sermons on the two Sundays. He also went to Fonda as a supply pastor until a minister was supplied to their church.

The Schapers were very effective leaders of the IMF. At the close of a study on Japan the Youth presented a colorful Japanese festival and sent missionary aid to Japan. Mrs. Schaper was a talented artist so our young people not only learned of Jesus and of our Missionary work, but learned to entertain graciously and festively. Under their leadership the youth purchased a projector and films, bought gifts for shut-ins, participated in District and sub-district activities, Camp Methoji Institute, wrote letters to pen pals in foreign countries, bought new recreational equipment and cooperated in church activities.

In 1950 we again had children in the parsonage. The Rev. and Mrs. Clifford Ott, Frances and Paula came in 1950 and served until 1956. Rae joined the family during their time in Varina. During Rev. Ott's pastorate the church cupboards were built in the kitchen, two new church school rooms were added to the church, new sewer tile were put in at the parsonage and a few minor repairs made in the house.

The 50th anniversary of the church was held on November 18, 1951. At the morning service Dr. Cecil J. Seamans preached the sermon and Pricilla Hornor sang solo. In the afternoon there was a program of music by the young people and the historical review. At the evening service Bishop Charles W. Brashares gave the address, Rev. Robert Stenne the evening prayer and Ted Ontvedt sang a solo. An offering for an Advance Project was taken.

The over all planning committee for the Golden Anniversary was the pastor, Mrs. W. L. Hanke, Herbert Hammer, Fred Degner and Mrs. Walter Franzmeier. Entertainment: Mrs. A. R. Ontvedt, Mrs. Robert Tevepaugh; Publicity: Mrs. Claude Hornor, Mrs. Kenneth Higgins, Edgar Beckfield, Mrs. B. D. Hauser, Frederick Schumann; Programme: Mrs. Homer Putnam, Charles Porath, Jr.; History, Mrs. Chris Knack, Mrs. Hugh Baughnan and Marlyn Schulz.

It was also during Rev. Ott's pastorate that a Methodist Church was started in Albert City and it became a part of our charge. In 1956 Rev. Dick Major was assigned to this charge. Since he was a student in Europe his brother and wife, Rev. and Mrs. Gordon Major served during the summer. A stoker was purchased for the church. Because of the drouth no major improvements were made.

Rev. Major was not happy with the attempt to foster the Methodist Church at Albert City. He took a census and learned that so few people were unchurched so he did not feel the need for another church there. He was offered the position as pastor of a Presbyterian church, which he accepted and has been happy and very dedicated in his new denomination. He and Mrs. Major have been successful working with the young people at the University at Stillwater, Oklahoma. He returned to Ireland to get married. They now have two daughters.

The Rev. George Brighton came to us in 1957 full of zest, zest for living, zest for preaching the word of God, and zest for young people. He was youth dire]ctor of recreation in the District so he assisted in the summer camps, a district training weekend for high school youth and other events. He also had a zest for hard physical labor which he displayed in the many hours of hard work in the Albert City church.

It was during his pastorate that we elected a financial Sec., Marlyn Schumann, whose duty it was to periodically let each family know what contributions they have made. This did cut down on the work of the stewards.

In the fall of 1953 the furnace at the church was converted to an oil burning furnace. Darrell Schumann, Melville Welty and Jim Shipley acted as a committee to see about all necessary repairs etc.

On April 20, 1953 Rev. Brighton was married to Norma Johnson of Newell. During their honeymoon the Rev. Allison of Newell had charge of the worship services.

In 1968, through the merger with the Evangelical United Brethern Church, we became the United Methodist Church and the women's organization, the Women's Society of Christian Service with the Charter meeting held October 10, 1963.

1970 the Lenten Services were a highlight of the year. Plans under the leadership of Rev. Brockmeyer were made for the entire family to have a meaningful experience.

The Pastor also directed a "Nativity" or Christmas program which was effectively presented by the young people of the Varina and Newell United Methodist Churches in a perfect setting--the barn on the Carl Bellows farm.

Our ministers through the years have felt they were called by God to the ministry. They have worked hard to bring the unchurched into the church and to encourage each one to a vital and meaningful experience in the Christian life. The torch of faith, service, hope and love has been handed from one to another. There may have been times when there was only a glimmer but it was never let to go out. The Rev. Lloyd Brockmeyer is the present torch bearer. At the close of each service he calls us to work and witness for the coming week.

The history of a church is really the history of the leadership and the people actively involved. This anateur historian fears that she may have left out activities that should have been included and overlooked names of persons who made cntribution by personal involvement. She hopes no ill feelings will result.


Bits and Pieces

One of the circuit riders often stayed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schumann and daughters. One winter he built a cutter in the house. When it was nearly completed, Augusta said, "How will you get it out? It won't go through the door." Mother Schumann measured the cutter and the door with the hem of her apron. Augusta was right.


Officers and Teachers, 1904 Sunday School Class:

Superintendent - F. E. Porath Ass't.
Superintendent - Wiley Baldwin
Secretary - Mrs. Harper and Mrs. W. C. Porath
Teachers - Mrs. Pinneo, Mrs. W. Peters, Mrs. F. B. Porath, W. C. Porath and Mrs. Calkins
Treasurer - B. H. Lamb
Choristors - Mrs. W. Peters and Mrs. Secord
Organist - Mrs. M. Peters

Reverend Otto Johnson was inamoured with a country school teacher, Irma Chamberlain. At a box supper the other men bid up her box so he had to pay a high price for it.

When Rev. W. P. Kramer went to Conference or convention, his wife hitched the horse to the buggy, piled the children in and tied the cow alongside the and drove out to the William Splittgerber farm home to stay during his absence. Many of us remember that Rev. Kramer played the organ well but with many actions that to the young folks were very funny.

In the early days revival neetings were held each winter for one or two weeks with a visiting evangelist. Many will recall riding home in the bob-sled and being awed by Haley's Comet in 1910.

Gleaned from the minutes of the Ladies Aid in 1925: A wedding gift was given Orabelle Loomis, a baby shower for Mrs. Lee Ziegler, a going away gift to Mrs. Strodman. Flowers were given for the funerals of Mr. Al Hocum and the Lee Ziegler infant. An ice cream social was held on the vacant lot between the Fitzgerald Hardware and the Butler Furniture store. Committees for the social appointed by Mrs. Jacob Hauser, President, were: Mrs. Haas, Mrs. Woodberry, Mrs. B. A. Hauser, Mrs. Lee Ziegler, Mrs. Edmund Hauser, Mrs. Chris Knack, Anna and Edna Hanke and Mrs. Reineking to cook the coffee. The annual supper was held in October. Tickets were 50¢ and 25¢.

The parsonage was wired for electricity in 1927.

Mrs. Jacob Ziegler and Mrs. Ed Hanke were often appointed as cooking committee for the early annual suppers and Mrs. Louise Reineking to make the coffee.

For many years the ministers and their families did the janitor work and mowed the lawn without extra pay. In 1940 Jim Smith was hired as custodian. Since then we have hired a custodian, who was sometimes the minister but with supplementary pay. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cole kept the church clean and Chris Knack took care of the heating for 10 years. At present Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reineking are custodians. We began using envelopes for regular giving in 1940 at the encouragement of the Rev. M. B. Dorr.

Our W.S.C.S. became a member of the Newell United Church Women. Members serve on the various committees to observe May Fellowship, World Community Day and World Day of Prayer.

In 1943 the Lay Leader, Charles Zemke, received a letter of congratulation from the business manager of The Christian Advocate for securing 100% of the Official Board as subscribers. He was given a certificate of excellence signed by the Bishop.

Several Mother-Daughter, Father-Son and Father-Child banquets have been successfully held. Home talent plays were given for specific projects.

W.S.C.S. used to have 2 meetings per month. At one the lesson or study was taken up. At the General Meeting the business was conducted followed by a social time with the ladies often doing hand work. 25¢ supper was served after the general meeting. Grandmas Reineking and Splittgerber specilized in creamed chicken on mashed potatoes.

M.Y.F.--A few attend summer camp and winter retreat, usually have a wiener roast and rake the church lawn. Several have attended the U. N. trip sponsored by the District. They used to have big rallies, in March 1952 seventy-nine attended.

Many memorials for loved ones have been given to the church. These enhance the beauty of the sanctuary and the practical ones help in various ways to make the work or service more efficient.

Our mission giving above the annual apportionments include; financial aid to help educate youth in India, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dodge missionaries in Africa, Mr. and Mrs. Don Campbell in Puerto Rico, Mission of the Valley in Fort Dodge and others.

M.Y.A. report a lot of fun at their meetings but they have contributed as a Christmas project to the Navajo Indian Mission in Farmington, New Mexico and to Hillcrest Baby Fold, and make contributions to local needs as they arise. They sponsored the drive for funds to buy folding chairs for fellowship hall. They have purchased 12 hymnals for the nursing home at Fonda. They have canned goods showers for newlyweds. They are a fine group of (young?) couples who are willing to work as projects are promoted. Most of them are grand-parents but young at heart.

In 1965 seventy-five new hymnals and five Books of Worship were purchased with memorial funds and were dedicated as menorials for Irma Baughman (Mrs. Hugh), Minnie Beckfield (Mrs. Henry), Marie Hanke (Mrs. Ed), Ida Franzmeier (Mrs. Conrad).

Matilda Hauser (Mrs. B. A.) was chairman of a committee to make 2 freezers of ice crean for a church party. One other member came early so they began freezing the ice cream. Surely some one else would come and relieve them, but alas, no one came. They were ready to collapse when Rev. Witter came and relieved then.

We were fortunate to have the help of some of our public school teachers in the Sunday School. Supt. H. R. Reasoner had a fine Boy Scout Troop and he taught their class. Others were; Donald Hunter, J. H. Potter, Glen Nixon, Charles Derby, Miss Marty, Edith Arendt, and Esther Knack.

In 1945 the barn at the parsonage was sold to be torn down and the garage was completed. In 1956 the shed was sold and removed.

During the second World War when fuel was hard to get, Mr. Merle Rubendahl of Fonda gave the church 2 tons of coal.

May 14, 1944 Mrs. Chris Knack because of ill health resigned as treasurer after 17 years of service. In appreciation she was given a desk chair. She served as recording secretary at different intervals but at present is serving her 16th consecutive year.

Mrs. Homer Putman and Mrs. Walter Franzmeier served as secretaries for shorter periods.

Mrs. Arthur Ontvedt was treasurer of the church for 22 years. She was given a book in appreciation for her fine service. Mrs. Robert Degner succeeded her.

When our lay leader, Will Franzmeier, was called to serve his country, he was given a toilet kit by the Official Board as a parting gift and Rev. Dorr expressed best wishes for him and thanks for his services as lay leader and steward.

The W. S. C. S. in addition to the many local activities contributes to the Goodwill Industries Christmas Shoe Party and Camp Fund, contributes to the calls from Rust College, helps Shesler Hall regularly. Records show that at various times they've given a cash gift to Bethlehem Center, Nashville, Tenn.; Navajo Methodist Mission School; Sarowak, Iban Home Making School; Paine College, Augusta, Ga.; Frontier Program Japan and Korea; Newberry Avenue Center, Chicago, Illinois; Mayla Methodist Girls' School, Teaping and others. The society also gives honorary membership to active members.

Three of our W. S. C. S. members have served on the District level, Mrs. W. L. Hanke, Secretary of Status of Women; Mrs. Chris Knack and Mrs. Ine Krogstad, Secretary of Christian Social Activities.

The Esther Circle is made up of young wonen. It is active in local activities and each year the children who enter kindergarten are presented a Child's Honorary Membership. They honor the Golden Agers several times a year, and etc.


1945-1946 Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) Class:

Herbert Allen; Gladys Allen; Gene Allen; Joan Archer

Inez Bohanan; Patsy Bohanan; Josephine Bohanan

Delores Challand

Barbara Degner; Betty Degner; Billy Degner

Frances Franzmeier; Dorothy Franzmeier; Gladys Franzmeier

Danny Holdman; Bonnie Holdman; Charles Holdman; Priscilla Hornor

Velma Johnson; Verlyn Johnson; Gerald Jackson

Betty Knights

Jim McLuen

Victor Nafziger; Verna Belle Neitzel

Alois Omtvedt; Ted Ontvedt; Bonnie Omtvedt

Betty Perkins; Yvonne Perkins; Maxine Perkins; Donald Perkins; Dean Porath

Arthur Schrader; Fred Schossow; Lyle Schossow; Laverne Schossow; Darlene Schossow; Merlyn Smith; Harold Smith; Shirley Smith; Marjorie Splittgerber; Betty Splittgerber; Lillian Sporleader; Charles Sporleader

Patricia Welty

Leslie Zemke


No Christmas program was complete without the angels in flowing gowns and tresses. The girls would wet their hair, then braid it firmly so that when it was combed out the hair was very wavy. Almost 1/3 of our members are descendants of the members of the country church.

Edna Hornor recalls that as a small child she watched her mother, Mrs. Edward Hanke and Mrs. Ziegler and Mrs. Butler decorate a window downtown with colored crepe paper streamers to advertize the supper and bazaar of the Ladies Aid. Mrs. B. D. Hauser tells that when she taught the Sunday School class of little folks, one little boy would snuggle up to her affectionately, then pinch her arm.

Many a worship service has been enhanced by the beautiful flower arrangements that Mrs. Claude Hornor shared with us from her garden.

Worship through music has always been a part of a worship service. During the earlier years Edna and Anna Hanke sang duets with their sister, Eleanor, at the piano. Others were the Porath Quartette: Agnes, Minnie, Charlotte, and August with sister, Gustie, at the organ; The Nitzke Brothers, H. R. Reasoner, George Butler, Henry Bierworth, Ella Marie Dyer, Esther Knack and Edith Arendt, a very fine soloist. Later we have the Franzmeier girls, the Allen children and the Ontvedt children, Verna Belle Neitzel, the Hornor girls, LeDonna Knack, Barbara Baughman, Eldona Krogstad, Marie Voss, Janice Reineking, Hammer girls, and the F. At present the Eisenhauer children, Rassler children, Henrich children, Lori Schumann and Paige Beckfield aid in the worship with music.

Organists in the country church were: Agnes Porath, Edla Porath and Augusta (Porath) Nitzke, and in Varina, Mrs. W. Peters, Mrs. F. B. Porath, Anna and Elnora Hanke, Estella Hauser, Viola Porath, Alois Eisenhauer, Myrtle Krogstad. At one time we had a fine orchestra under the direction of a high school student, VanNess Stiles.

B. D. Hauser for many years was a steward and took up the morning offering, in the early years with a long handled wicker basket.

Little Michelle Conlon is a sixth generation member.

The children of the Louis Vosses, the Frederick Schumanns, Darrell Schumanns, Marlyn Schumanns, and Robert Degners are fifth generation menbers.

The following family nanes appear again and again in the records thus' evidencing that they were willing workers in various areas: Porath, Pinneo, Wright, Butler, Funk, Hauser, Hanke, Schumann, Splittgerber, Blado, Weitzel, Witzke, Wirkus, Franzmeier, Beckfield, Dallenbach, Hammer, Welty, Ontvedt, Knack, Krogstad, Eisenhauer, Schissel, Bass, Reineking, Baughman, Tevepaugh, Schrader, Degner, Wiggins, Schulz, Kinkade, Henrich, Zemke, Voss, Schumacher, Breon, Stoerner, Allen, Johansen.

Source:  Volunteer Sheryl M. Oct 2023  Thank you Sheryl!