Lutheran Church of the Cross 1945 - 1975
1946 the congregations' sixth son commissioned to serve in New Guinea, Mr. Henry Voss.
From 1930 to 1947, after 17 1/2 years, the longest term of any pastor at the Church of the Cross, Pastor Honebein accepted a call to Augusta, Wisconsin.
In May 1948, Rev. Wilfred K. Raths was installed. He was the sixth pastor to accept the charge.
In 1950 the congregation studied plans for expansion. In 1952, the church was renovated. The aging church property and a continuously growing congregation made it necessary to make extensive improvements and renovations. In the years 1948 to 1955, the congregation invested more than $27,000 to meet these needs. Debt free, the congregation had now a membership of over 850 communicants and over 1200 baptized souls, not counting adherents.
In 1953, a new parsonage was built. However, inspite of limited facilities, the congregation experienced continuous growth. Baptized membership grew from 560 to 1800 by 1965, of whom approximately 1150 were confirmed members.
1954, the congregations' seventh son was ordained, The Rev. Marat M. Holobow. The Sunday School had a staff over twenty teachers and officers, who worked diligently under extremely crowded conditions. Classes were held in German and English every Sunday. Enrollment at the end of 1954 was 319 pupils.
From 1930 to 1947, after 17 1/2 years, the longest term of any pastor at the Church of the Cross, Pastor Honebein accepted a call to Augusta, Wisconsin.
In May 1948, Rev. Wilfred K. Raths was installed. He was the sixth pastor to accept the charge.
In 1950 the congregation studied plans for expansion. In 1952, the church was renovated. The aging church property and a continuously growing congregation made it necessary to make extensive improvements and renovations. In the years 1948 to 1955, the congregation invested more than $27,000 to meet these needs. Debt free, the congregation had now a membership of over 850 communicants and over 1200 baptized souls, not counting adherents.
In 1953, a new parsonage was built. However, inspite of limited facilities, the congregation experienced continuous growth. Baptized membership grew from 560 to 1800 by 1965, of whom approximately 1150 were confirmed members.
1954, the congregations' seventh son was ordained, The Rev. Marat M. Holobow. The Sunday School had a staff over twenty teachers and officers, who worked diligently under extremely crowded conditions. Classes were held in German and English every Sunday. Enrollment at the end of 1954 was 319 pupils.
In 1955, the congregation celebrated the Golden Anniversary. Since 1955, four of the congregations' sons, the Rev. Ernest Bittner, the Rev. Donald King, the Rev. Roman Alksne and the Rev. David Raths, have entered the ministry. Daughters of the congregation, who shared in the work of the kingdom as pastor's wives were: Patricia Buchard (Mrs. D. King), Shirley Bukoske (Mrs. A. Eppler), Jeanette Bauch (Mrs. R. Markwart).
In 1958, the congregation engaged the first vicar, a seminary student to serve internship. Four students served as vicars for the next four years, namely: Robert Swanger, Robert Strobel, Robert Jacob and Reinhold Markwart. Since each student provided services for a short period, the congregation decided to call a full time assistant.
In 1958, the congregation engaged the first vicar, a seminary student to serve internship. Four students served as vicars for the next four years, namely: Robert Swanger, Robert Strobel, Robert Jacob and Reinhold Markwart. Since each student provided services for a short period, the congregation decided to call a full time assistant.
1959 the congregations' eight son was ordained. The Rev. Ernest B. Bittner. The Brotherhood formed a "Dart Ball League", following their studies and discussions with tournaments and trophies for the top players and teams.
1961 the congregations' ninth son was ordained, The Rev. Donald King.
Rev. Robert S. Jacob became the seventh pastor to serve Church of the Cross and was installed in June 1962.
1963, property on Arlington Street near Ellice was purchased for $102,000.OO.
In 1964 the Brotherhood donated $400.00 to the Building fund. In 1965 they purchased the pulpit for the new church as well as the drapery for the Auditorium.
Groundbreaking services were held on March 21, 1965, and construction began on March 31, 1965. The Cornerstone Laying Service was held on August 22, 1965, and the Church Dedication took place on October 17, 1965.
1965 the "Brotherhood" hosted the first Father and Son Banquet at the Ellice Inn. Many sporting functions were part of their undertaking such as bowling and organized baseball (for boys and girls). The group secured the annual Christmas trees and decorated them. The group also covered the cost of a new projector for the Luther League75.
1965 was the 60th year of the congregations' history and was declared as a Year of Jubilee. Each month, during 1965, a special service of Jubilee was held to honor those who served and who ministered at the Church of the Cross.
1966 the congregations' tenth son was ordained, The Rev. Roman Alksne.
A parsonage at 992 Ingersoll was bought.
1967, the church celebrated the 450th anniversary of Reformation.
1968 called the eight pastor assistant, The Rev. Norman Miller. The congregation
voted to change voting age of members from 21 to 18 years.
1969 the church commenced the Cross Golden Age Drop in Centre. The
congregations' eleventh son was ordained, The Rev. David Raths.
1970 a special meeting was held to purchase land for future sight of Senior
Citizens home. A ninth pastor assistant was called, The Rev. Marc Wermager.
In 1970 the "Brotherhood" purchased Wooden Crosses for every family in the
congregation.
1972 land was purchased on Burnell for building of Senior Home. On January 25,
1972, a motion was passed that the organization known as "Men of the Church" or
"Brotherhood", be disbanded due to dropping interest and attendance and all
remaining funds were turned over to the church treasury.
1974 the congregation passed motion to sell both parsonages and motioned to liquidate the loan on church building in year 1975.
1975 celebration 10 to 70 throughout the year. Retirement of church debt was celebrated October 19th. Sod turning for Senior Citizens Home, was celebrated December 19th. A tenth pastor assistant was called, The Rev. Terry Simonson.
1961 the congregations' ninth son was ordained, The Rev. Donald King.
Rev. Robert S. Jacob became the seventh pastor to serve Church of the Cross and was installed in June 1962.
1963, property on Arlington Street near Ellice was purchased for $102,000.OO.
In 1964 the Brotherhood donated $400.00 to the Building fund. In 1965 they purchased the pulpit for the new church as well as the drapery for the Auditorium.
Groundbreaking services were held on March 21, 1965, and construction began on March 31, 1965. The Cornerstone Laying Service was held on August 22, 1965, and the Church Dedication took place on October 17, 1965.
1965 the "Brotherhood" hosted the first Father and Son Banquet at the Ellice Inn. Many sporting functions were part of their undertaking such as bowling and organized baseball (for boys and girls). The group secured the annual Christmas trees and decorated them. The group also covered the cost of a new projector for the Luther League75.
1965 was the 60th year of the congregations' history and was declared as a Year of Jubilee. Each month, during 1965, a special service of Jubilee was held to honor those who served and who ministered at the Church of the Cross.
1966 the congregations' tenth son was ordained, The Rev. Roman Alksne.
A parsonage at 992 Ingersoll was bought.
1967, the church celebrated the 450th anniversary of Reformation.
1968 called the eight pastor assistant, The Rev. Norman Miller. The congregation
voted to change voting age of members from 21 to 18 years.
1969 the church commenced the Cross Golden Age Drop in Centre. The
congregations' eleventh son was ordained, The Rev. David Raths.
1970 a special meeting was held to purchase land for future sight of Senior
Citizens home. A ninth pastor assistant was called, The Rev. Marc Wermager.
In 1970 the "Brotherhood" purchased Wooden Crosses for every family in the
congregation.
1972 land was purchased on Burnell for building of Senior Home. On January 25,
1972, a motion was passed that the organization known as "Men of the Church" or
"Brotherhood", be disbanded due to dropping interest and attendance and all
remaining funds were turned over to the church treasury.
1974 the congregation passed motion to sell both parsonages and motioned to liquidate the loan on church building in year 1975.
1975 celebration 10 to 70 throughout the year. Retirement of church debt was celebrated October 19th. Sod turning for Senior Citizens Home, was celebrated December 19th. A tenth pastor assistant was called, The Rev. Terry Simonson.
