*WWd SfnlHiftWiirj >'. ^\ii . fig ■ -*. , ,«-iv- ■ -\ #=t L I B RARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 284,1 F61o ILL. HIST. SURV. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/ourdiamondjubileOOimma OUR DIAMOMD JUBILEE 1874 to 1949 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH FLATVILLE. ILLINOIS OUR RECORD "(Behold H&h&t (jod Siath brought" lo lim Lie All lonop and OHorij 75 \j[eat£ of the Pteaching, of the Cloii of CntiH "Christ sent me ... to preach the gospel : not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect, v. 17 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. v. 18. For it is written. 1 will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. v.19 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom : v. 22 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks f oolishnesss ; v. 23 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. v. 24 — from I.Cor.l. For I determined not to know any thing among you. save JESUS CHRIST AMD HIM CRUCIFIED, v.2 from Chapter 2 of St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. \ Erna Moehl, together with a picture of the church heading it: yi Qountry Qhurch of ^are ^Beauty ll was in the early 1870's when a group of fanners from Golden, Illinois, came to Compromise Township in Champaign County, Illinois. The land they settled seemed a dismal swamp. In moist years the greater part of the country- side was under water. Many a wild goose and duck did hunters shoot in the very place where the church now stands. However, the new settlers were undaunted. Mail they not come from Kast Friesia where hard work had always been their share and where they had gained ample experience in draining Mat lands by means of ditches. After every little town had its tile kiln and the excess moisture could easily be drained by tiles, the vast swamp lands were transformed into marvelously rich soil, which never since its first tilling has failed to yield a crop. Lutheran church services were first held in this region in May, 1872, when the Reverend Grupe would now and then traverse the eighteen miles from Champaign to preach in some public school house. ORGANIZED IX 1874 The twentieth of April. 1874 was an important occasion in the history of the Flatville church, for on that date the rugged East Friesian settlers who re- spected God's Word and the Holy Sacraments held a meeting in which they de- cided to build their own place of worship and to have divine services every Sunday. So they agreed to build a church, forty feet long, twenty-eight feet wide, and fourteen feet high. Moreover, they wished to become an independent con- gregation with a pastor of their own. Accordingly, and almost unanimously, they called the Reverend Fischer, a member of the General Synod, who had studied in Germany and who was staying with friends in this community as a candidate of theology. He accepted the call and served the congregation very faithfully until September, 1879, when he asked to be released in order to accept another charge. Pastor Fischer's successor was the Rev. Abe Lallemant of the Wisconsin Synod, who remained only until May of 1880. His successor, Rev. John Heiniger of the General Synod, served for almost two years, to October 1, 1882. From that date until February, 1883 the congregation was without a pastor. There was church off and on, however, for various ministers of the former Iowa Synod and instructors from the Theological Seminary, then located at Mendota, Illinois,, were invited to conduct services. In February, 1883 the Rev. L. Seehase was unanimously' called as pastor. Having accepted this call, he served the congregation for about twelve > r ears. Dur- ing this time it grew markedly, chiefly because more people, coming directly from East Friesia, settled in this region. The day after Easter of 1886 a special meeting of the voting members of the church was called. They concluded that the church had become too small and that its style of architecture made an addition impracticable. Accordingly they de- cided to erect a new building, work on which was not to begin until three thou- sand dollars had definitely been pledged. The money must have been forthcoming, for in 1887 there was dedicated to the service of the Lord a stately and dignified frame building, equipped with a good pipe organ and church bell, costing almost six thousand dollars. In an extraordinary meeting on September 15, 1895, the. [4 THE CATHEDRAL IX THE C< iRNFIELD / was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord Psalm 122:1 [5] congregation reluctantly consented to let Pastor Seehase, who was universally respected, accept another call. Since November, 1895, the Rev. E. Moehl has been pastor at Flatville. The present i third I church of this congregation, was build in 1 ( >14. Since the cost of building material and labor was relatively low at that time, a beautiful edifice could be erected for the fifty thousand dollars contributed by the mem- bers of the congregation — an edifice that strangers sometimes call the most beauti- ful country church in the United States. The Emmanuel Congregation of Klatville has always considered its mission festivals of vital importance. That was an attitude that the forefathers had brought with them from East Friesia. The mission festival at Strackhold in the old world was an inspiration to all those who know East Friesian church history. The man who aroused an interest in Missions not only in his own congregation in Strackhold but also throughout all of East Friesia, yes even in far away Flatville, was the Rev. Remmer Jannsen. And that is probably why the congregation at Flatville, even when it was without a pastor, invited ministers to preach at its mission festivals ; and why, during the years that it has been served by ministers of the former Iowa Synod and the present A.L.C., from 1883 to 1937, it has raised approximately thirty-seven thousand dollars for the cause of Missions by means of its mission festivals alone. Signature — Rev. E. Moehl The following article appeared in the September 29, 1929 issue of the Cham- paign News-Gazette. A tall church steeple rises solemnly skyward, mounted at the top with a golden cross which shines and glistens in the sunlight as a halo to the massive brown stone church below, a church which with its Gothic windows and castle- like walls seems a bit of old Germany. Around it stretches the picturesque lawn which forms the churchyard. Typical ot the community which it serves is this unusual church — the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel — standing as a sort of indicator of the people one can expect to tind there. No ordinary country church this — it was built at a cost of $50,000, and today it would cost much more than that (perhaps $250,000) to pro- duce it with its mural paintings, its remarkable altar — all made possible by the con- tributions of the German families who comprise the Flatville community. The church is all that people notice as they drive through this extraordinary little (this little German settlement now occupies 100 square miles) German settle- ment, for the church is just about all there is outwardly, to attract the attention of the motorist. And, after all, this is probably as it should be, for the church is about the most important single factor in the lives of these people — it is perhaps safe to say that it is much more influential in their lives than is the usual American church. This imposing edifice, rising as it does out of the very prairies to form as picturesque a sight as one will find in these parts, is indicative of the character, the type of people who compose the little community of Flatville. For this is a settlement of Germans who have become a valuable component in American civilization — Americans through and through in their loyalty to the stars and stripes — but a component which is a bit different, perhaps a bit more steady and dependable than the ordinary run of settlements. Most of the people now living in this settlement are the third generation of the German Lutherans who emigrated from East Friesia sometime before the Civil war to the vicinity of New ( Means. Later this group of thrifty Germans, seeking a good agricultural section somewhat akin to conditions in their own [6] fl F **^Gi^ ■Hi FLATVILLE ON A SUNDAY MORNING VISITING WITH THE NEIGHBI IRS 17] country, moved on to Golden, Adams County, Illinois. Then in 1870, the little group of German families collected their belongings and started for this part of Illinois, which they had heard considerable about in their talks with people who came through Adams county. , Even a journey across the state took on great proportions in those days, and such a trek as that attempted by these Germans was one which required no small amount of courage. But finally they arrived in this part of the country, which certainly was no "promised land" in those days with its swampy plains which presented a rather dismal looking sight. Undaunted, the people settled down to work, and before very long, they had constructed their drainage ditches and had the water flowing from their lands in such as efficient manner that Spoon river — which just naturally had not existed before — found sufficient water to flow, and so it is found today. ( )f course they had a rather difficult time at first, hut by hard work and plentj of courage, they went on until today they are prosperous enough, and happier than they would have been, probably, if they had remained in the Old Country. While they are not necessarily wealth)', they have accumulated enough by thrift}- practices to have many of the conveniences which the modern world affords, to live comfortably, and to educate their children. While the latter become more and more Americanized each day, their parents still remain some of their old German customs and habits — though their hearts and souls are all in America, as was shown by their patriotic attitude during the war. The people of the German Lutheran Church, and particularly those in the vicinity of Flatville, try to follow the principles which are held ever before them as goals toward which to strive — the principle of "justification by faith" and that of recognizing the Scriptures as the only word of faith and life. Naturallv they are human, and fall short of their mark at times, but in striving to attain such a goal as this they are attaining a community spirit which is surprising to most Americans who are not bothered — or at least who are not bothered as much as they used to he by what their church principles decree in respect to certain aspects of their conduct. Not that these people are a bunch of "goody-goodies" who never do anything they shouldn't — there are always the black sheep no matter how pure the flock — ■ hut taken on the whole, they are an exceptional lot, striving to do as their respec- tive consciences dictate. Not that they are any more loyal to America than purebred Americans are — hut they are probably just as loyal, and more attached to their farm lands than a vast majority of us. And so, when a crisis such as the Great war came, they were ready to meet it w ilh the right decision, for their love was deeply rooted. This is the reason given by Rev. Moehl for the fact that these German people have been able to build and support such a church as that found in Flat- ville- -they liked their own property and farms so well that they stuck to them, until finally they reached something approaching financial stability. Though they have given up many of their German practices in favor of American customs and ideas, some of the families still follow the habits of their forebears. There are still families there, it is said, who eat their live meals a day — breakfast, early morning lunch, noon meal, late afternoon repast and then supper about 7 or 8 o'clock. Hand-workers that they are, they require lots of food, and have adopted this means of getting it in sufficient quantities. Modern bakeries, which have succeeded in causing breadmaking and other similar arts to be a thing of the past for the city housewife, have not extended their influence to the homes of these German people, and today they still bake their bread, their coffee cake, and other delicacies in the "good, old German manner*' which would be the delight of many a hungry, or even slightly hungry American liny. Then. 1(H), the people are encouraged by the church to have their morning and evening devotionals, at which time the little family group pauses in its day's routine to read from the Scriptures and pray. It is a solemn occasion, with all the sincerity and effectiveness of a dignified church service, when these farmer folk gather in the living room to give thanks for their prosperity. ACC( >MMODATES 800 A country church with a seating capacity of 800! The Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church at Flatville will seat this many when the most efficient seating arrangement is adopted, and often the church is filled to this limit when special church ceremonies, funerals, or other smiliar events are scheduled. This cross-road at which the church is situated is a busy corner on Sundays, when the people come from miles around to these services. WINDOW PAINTINGS Window paintings which are copies of the works by old German masters adorn the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church at Flatville. Placed there at a great cost, they serve to give the interior of the church a sacred atmosphere which must be tremendously influential on the spirit of these people who come there every Sunday for the services. From an article written in the News Gazette, Sunday, March 29, 1942 by Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs we reprint in part : In this part of the country, the word Flatville represents a rural church com- munity with the church, a rural school and a small store as its central point. It is located on a state aid route seven miles east of Thomasboro in Compromise Township of Champaign County. After Reverend Moehl's resignation in 1938, a young minister, Reverend Herbert Hafermann, was called. He has built the membership to 757 most of whom are farm residents. He conducts a Sunday school, a Women's Missionary Society, Young People's Society, a Men's Brotherhood, and Junior and Senior Choirs. In the summer, he conducts a six-weeks Bible school; and in the winter he busies himself with catechetical classes for children preparatory to confirma- tion, and church workers training classes for adults. He was appointed chairman of the Red Cross chapter for this community and was the first to report an exceeded quota for the recent special war relief fund. Seven men from the Flatville community are now serving in the nation's armed forces — Edolph C. Johnson, Chris Flesner, John Goldenstein, Reemt Uden, Albert Ehmen, John Loeschen and Reiner Peters. (I was glad that others wrote the above and 1 would be still happier, if all the pastors of Immanuel's Flatville would have recorded the history of the con- gregation. — Editor) •fr**. '*~+* ^«* .' VI u *y* **4# w < - w X S I ■ i*s *si w Q C o •13 s Left to right: Rev. H. H. Diers, John H. Grussing, Eibe A. Hinrichs, Fred Ideus, Harm B. Schlueter We have given you the picture of the present Trustees. Of these Mr. Harm Schlueter serves as Elder and Secretary, Mr. Eibe A. Hinrichs as General Treasurer, Mr. John H. Grussing as Treasurer for Benevolences and special offerings and Mr. Fred Ideus has complete charge of Memorials. Only four men elected by the congregation and the pastor compose the Church Council. The four are usually referred to as the trustees, although they till the offices and do the work of officers, deacons and trustees. Besides their work as officers and looking after the property (especially the church) of the congregation and wrestling with the spiritual problems these men do a good deal of physical labor in and around the church. They give liberally of their time and their energy. For this reason I decided to publish the complete list of all who served as Trustees at Immanuel Lutheran Flat- ville. I believe, all of you, who have served in this capacity agree with me, that they well deserve the honor. H. H. Diers P.S. It is hard to know where to begin and where to end when you publish names. I included the names of the building committees for the three churches. Of this too, I am sure you will approve and say: "They earned it." If I have left out any committees, groups or individuals who should have received recognition, I ask your pardon. P.S. 2. The Trustees have asked me to write, that in their estimation Mr. Wm. Loeschen, Our Sexton and "all around handy man around the church" has done as much and perhaps more than any one of the trustees. (This means above the labors for which he is paid). i. I gladly record this testimony and like to add, that if we all do a little boosting all «..d ( including friend husband and the good wife, children, when they behave, parents when they try hard to make them happy, neighbors and friends) this world would be a much happier place to live in. Ed. P.S. 3 aroun [14 1 Cnutcn Vtu£tee£ MEN WHO SERVED AS TRUSTEES (VORSTEHER i \T IMM.WIT.I. LUTHERAN CHURCH. 1872? 1873 Peter Cornelius, Treas. Ontke Ihnen Heinrich C>. Flesner Fritz Kiel John \Y. Duitsman, Sec. Heinrich Baeker Ontke Ihnen for Heinrich Flesner (During this time Rev. Tjaden baptized four children of the congregation and Rev. Grupe served the congregation fairly reg- ularly from Champaign.) 1874 Rev. G. H. Fischer called as pastor Jan. IS, Baehrend M. Baehrends, Ontke. Ihnen. Auditing Committee: Pastor Fischer, Jann P>. Janshen, Johann Gruessing, Ekke Flesner, Thees Wilken ; Building Committee : Gaerdt H. Flesner, Hinrich L. Ger- bers, W'attje Ehler, John Fritzen. 1875 Reelected for one year: J. W. Duitsman, Sec. Baehr M. Baehrends, Treas. Heinrich Baeker Ontke Ihnen Jans Behrends Janhsenf or J. W. Duitsman 1876 J. B. Janshen, Sec. Jann Buhr, Treas. Ontke Ihnen Heye Albers . Ekke E. Flesner Jann Grussing Jann Buhr (On the 19th of January Heye C. Albers became Treas. and Jann Buhr, Trustee.) 1876 (December) Ehme W. Gronewold, Sec. Weert Janshen Wilke Duchman i Duitsman. I Heye E. Albers Ehme Gronewold, Sec. Weert Janshen Ekke Flesner, Treas. W. Duitsman William G. Fleshlier for W. Janshen Jann B. Janshen. Sec. Remmer Busboom Gerhard Barrelt for W. (i. Fleshner 1882 Fredrich Bartells French I'luluu 1878 1879 1880 1881 1883 I lerman 1 )uden Willm Schluter Pastor L. Seehase, called as Pastor on Feb. 5th. 1883. 1884 W. Duitsman 1 1. Busboom W. Gronewold for W. Duitsman 1885 II. Duden W. Schluter 1886 Heye Rusoom Willm Gronewold 1887 Remmer ilusboom G. U Ideus i III). 28, Building Committee: B. M. Behrens, H. Beckman. and the Pastor Rev. Seehase | 1888 Herman Ackerman John Buhr, Sr. Auditing Committee: J. B. Janssen, Wilke Emkes, John Heyen 1889 R. Busboom G. U. Ideus 1890 H. Ackerman J. Ruhr 1891 John Duitsman Tjark Ihnen 1892 Eibe Hinrichs Jasper Huls 1803 Tjark Ihnen John Duitsman 1894 Eibe Hinrichs Poppe Huls 1895 Jann B. Johnson Gerhard Huls 1896 Poppe Huls lann Ihnen 18 ( >7 Jann B. Johnson Garrell Huels 1898 Jann Ihnen II. Duitsman Building Committee : Jann Duitsman, Gerd Ideus (Parsonage), Rev. E. Moehl. 1899 Gerd bleu-, Ehme Schmidt 1000 I lenrich I hiitsman Albert Ehmen [15 1 1901 G. U. [deus I-'.. Sch mil li 1902 Albert Ehmen 1". Kopoman 1903 Jann Huels Martin Hinrichs 1904 F. Kopmann 1 feinrich C. Saathoff 1905 Martin I [inrichs Jann Huels 1 : :!n Heinrich Saathoff Daniel Duitsman 1907 II abbe Ackerman Ulfert Hinrichs .Martin Huls 1908 Martin Huls Fritz Mennenga 10(39 Habbe Ackerman Ulfert Hinrichs 1910 Fritz Mennenga Arnd Hinrichs 191 1 John Schlueter Ufke Bergman I'M 2 Arnd Hinrichs Thees R. Busboom Building Committee third church, June 23, 1913. Chairman, E. Moehl, Pastor; Oltman Busboom, Habbe Ackerman, Martin Hinrichs, Ulfert Ideus, and Fritz Mennenga. 1913 John Schlueter Uffie Bergman 1914 Thees R. Busboom Bernhard Duitsman 1915 Heitje Ideus Rolf Loeschen 1916 B. J. Duitsman Jasper G. Huls 1917 Rolf Loeschen Heye Ideus 1918 John Duden Jasper Huls 1919 Gerd Ihnen Ulfert Ideus 1920 John Duden Rolf Schmidt 1921 Gerd Ihnen Ulfert Ideus 1922 Rolf Schmidt Albrecht Roelfs 1923 Claris Hoveln Behrnd Sjuts 1924 Albrecht Roelfs Henry Franzen 1925 Barney Sjuts Claus I ld\ eln 1926 Henry Franzen Louis Huls 1927 Garrelt Hubs Bart Bartell 1928 Louis Huls Gerd 1 )uitsman 1929 Garrelt Buhs Bart Bartell 1930 George Duitsman George W. Johnson 1931 John Wolken William Albers 1932 George W. Johnson John A. Ehmen 1933 John Wolken William Albers 1934 John A. Ehmen Martin Harms 1935 George Busboom Reak Albers 1936 Martin Harms Ehme Franzen 1937 Reak Albers George Busboom 1038 Ehme Franzen Eibe II. Hinrichs 1939 Henry Schmidt Henry Busboom 1940 Eibe H. Hinrichs John Ehler 1041 Henry Schmidt Henry Busboom 1042 John Ehler Andrew Flessner 1043 Henry Wolken Wm. M. Ehmen 1044 Dirk Ehmen Andrew Flessner 1045 Henry Wolken Wm. M. Ehmen 1046 Dirk J. Ehmen Harm B. Schlueter 1947 Fred Ideus Eibe A. Hinrichs 1948 Harm B. Schlueter John H. Grussing 1949 Fred Ideus Eibe A. Hinrichs [16 Preach the word; be instant in season ami out of season. II Timothj 4:2. :} ) / ",■ *-» t^lRi ■ ... . .._ . auto. '.' -^ Vra :l> OY 4J j i j X v 1 ► < ^ -f ► J 11 ft Aj I— "- mmy |" my* «sma ^y j*tt4„ v H> ** " '''i v " r~ ** A A "1 ▼ T >• ^ /■ ~\ /• ""\ 'A' P : C^ 1 pn 1 LO I b 'mt^f 77a- .!//<;;' o/ //;r Lord "Christ our sacrifice" ( Passover) I Cor. 5 :7. A Marriage Ceremony: Robert Hinrichs and Bernice Roelfs. What therefore God hath joined to- gether, let not man put asunder. Mat- thew 19:6 A Baptism Ceremony: Melvin IIuls and Mildn-d Olson sponsoring Vernon Ernesl liul-. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14 I I'M (ration Education "Feed-My-Lambs," Jesus. WE HONOR THE TEACHERS WHO TAUGHT PARISH SCHOOL AT FLATVILLE [mmanuel Lutherna tried hard to preserve the German language and at the same time give their children a thorough training in the teachings of the Bible and the Christian religion. At times there were four teachers, one in each district; then the congregation was divided into two districts taught by Master John Rankin and Master Gerhardt Miller. Other teachers employed partly as public school teachers and partly as parochial school teachers were: Master Henry Martin, Dester, Hilda Kuethe, Emil Hertze, Anna Baranthien, Henry Dirks, Gerrit Memming, Ludwig Seehase, Emma Moehl, Hedwig Moehl, Fred Wittig, Siegfried Siefkes, Henry Hafer- man, Meta Haferman, Albrecht Haferman, Carl Gerdes, August Blobaum, John Haferman, Master Henning, Peter Hinrichs, Evelyn Ackerman Duden, Frances Fruhling Olson, Ella Emkes ( >sterbur, Thea Osterbur Collins, Anna Osterbur Gronewold, Emma Groth Hinrichs, Bertha Haferman Meinen, Helen Becker Baethke, Marie E. Duden, Hiemke Huls, Sophia Lomiller Busboom, Martha Graening Wente, Rebecca Harms, Master Kussman, Master Hanselman, Ida Staehling, E. Braulich, O. Dieter, Ed. Wagner, Enzer, Meier, Elling, Koennicke, Fritz Lutz, and Oester. Since the congregation did not employ the teachers, but the districts there is no record of the names and the time of service. Most of the names were given us by members. Of some we were unable to obtain the first names. To all, however, we want to express our sincere apprecia- tion and thanks for their part in building our Lutheran Zion — Immanuel Lutheran — here in Flatville through their teaching service. Thank you again. ^fte faithful Shepherd's Gare Confirmation Instruction by the Pastor. Here we must also remember, that the pastors of former days (before 1939) gave a good deal more hours to the indoctrination and preparation of the children for confirmation. There were two reasons for this. One was the language ( High German) with which most of the chil- dren were not familiar. The other was the fact, that generally speaking the parents were willing to sacrifice other schooling for the thorough training in the wisdom of Good and the Gospel of Salvation. 1 know that this is a point, that can be argued, but let me first of all give due credit to the pastors who spent long hours, (often all day, whole weeks and months) in teaching chil- dren the fundamentals of the Christian faith. And secondly let me say, that when I as pastor have ministered to the aged, when sick and dying, and found them well grounded in the Holy Truths of the Bible especially the way of salvation in Jesus Christ, and having a rich store of spiritual hymns to comfort and inspire them, 1 have wondered of how much value our present day emphasis on Grade, High School and University education will be when the younger genera- tion faces the end of their earthly life. Let us well ponder and carefully consider this problem and do all in our power to give our children the best we can offer in religious training, so that they may be enabled to say with us: T know whom I believe in, I know what firm abides, When all around me fading, Away like vapor glides. T know what lasts forever, When all things shake and fall When wit the wise forsaketh, And craft doeth craft forestall. It is the light of glory; It is my Savior King; It is the Rock I stand on; It is of this I sing. He nevermore shall fail me, Deliv'rer, Shepherd mine, He lighteth all my darkness, He makes my path to shine. Tn order to accomplish this we must make the most of our Sunday School, our Daily Vaca- tion Bible School, our confirmation instruction, the religious programs in our societies, special courses offered by our church and above all the pulpit. I am glad to say, that the members of Immanuel Lutheran are in hearty accord with this aim and will gladly support a program of progressive improvement. [20] s. — I - : -•-.i- C K > -| : _ 3 cS Q 5 «5 .a ~ U -^ «j F ^ z> « — X U- - r- 0\ _ O -I- — - O z c/3 ►4 "3 £ U / •_• ■— - - 5 - - i — ~ X /. - (parish Education Since 19o9 The Sunday School of our church was reorganized in 1939 by the Rev. Herbert llaferman. Since thai time its enrollment has continually increased. The present enrollment including the Bible Classes is 293. It is divided in the usual departments. Beginners, Primary, Junior, Inter- mediate, Senior and a Junior and Senior Bible Class. The last is for the married folks. The Sun- ol Teaching and Music. .Members of the various societies attend group, state and national conventions whenever it is possible; Luther Leaguers attend "Leadership Training Schools" and the "East Lay Bible Camp" at Bloomington, Illinois. Two of our organists took short courses at Wartburg College. Waverly, last summer and several of our Sunday School teachers enrolled in the Sunday School Teacher-- Institute at Mayw 1 Lutheran Seminarv. JUNIOR BIBLE CL ^SS— Group XIII : John Duitsman, teacher First Row From Left to Right : Velma Sjoken, Bett} Diers, Jo \nn< Diers, Lucille Frahzen. Second Row: Ernest Sjuits, Fredrick Martin, Earl [deus, Vernon Ehler, liar,, 1,1 Hoveln, Melvin Schlueter, John Duitsman. ;j. m £ 1 w ■r < iioi fc£J SENIOR BIBLE CLASS, Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs, teacher First Row : Lela Buhs, Viola Wolken, Doris Suits, Lorene Wolken, Marie Wolken, Esther Locschen, Alildred Gronewold. Second Row : Herbert Hinrichs, Herman Diers, Marvin Flessner, Henry Martin, Alvin Ackerman, Dale Busboom, Alvin Fruhling, Marvin Roelfs, Donald Sjoken, Melvin Huls, Heye Mennenga, Albert Uken, Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs. ADULT BIBLE CLASS— Group XV: Mrs. Diers, teacher. First Row From Left to Right: Mrs. Reiner Sieberns, Mrs. John Ehler, Mrs. Ehme Schmidt, Mrs. Harm Ackerman, Airs. Antje Osterbur, Mrs. Diers (teacher). Second Row: Mrs. William Ehmen, Visitor, Airs. Martin Frerichs, Airs. Henry Loeschen, Airs. Henry Wolken, Airs. William Kopmann, Mrs. John Johnson. Third Row: Airs. Ehme Gronewold, Airs. William Loeschen, Airs. William Harms, Airs. George Sage, Airs. Albert Wolken, Airs. Harm Schlueter, Hildegard Moehl. Fourth Row : Air. Harm Ackerman, Ehme Grone- wold, Henry Wolken, Wilke Harms, Albert Wolken, Martin Flessner, John Johnson, Hie R. Busboom, Jahii Ehler, John Duden, Harm Schlueter, Reiner Sieberns. |32] Here is the picture of a man well known in [mmanuel Lutheran especially by the trustees. His official title is Sexton. He might be called a trouble shooter, be- cause whenever some of the complicated machinery of the church is oul of order he is called upon to re- pair it. Ik- serves as electrician, steamfitter, plumber, looks after the public address system and the property in general and in addition does the janitor work. At the celebration of the 75th anniversary when we as the present and past trustees to take a bow, because of their work done for [mmanuel, the present trustees asked that "Bill" Loeschen, as he is affectionatelj known be recognized as the man who has done more for the church than any trustee. Pas1 trustees gladly agreed. And we want to add thai this is for work for which he has not been paid. And as I write this 1 think of Mrs. I.oesclien and the wives of the trustees and the husband of the organist and wonder how they feel when their partners "are -one so much." But it's a labor of love and a labor for die Lord and we are glad there are men and women whose hearts the Lord makes willing. This picture portrays the men who for the first lime in the history of Im- manuel Lutheran have been elected to look after the interests of the Daily Vaca- tion Bible School. They have done this very faithfully and \er\ conscientiously. In consultation with the pastor they have secured teachers, provided needed equipment, collected the offering to meet the expenses and in a general way looked after the affairs of the school. From left to right: Wilke Harms, William Loeschen, and Ekke Flessner. [ 33 ] ^Daily Vacation ^Bible School (Summer School) "VACATION-DAYS WITH JESUS" At first students from our Theological Seminary taught our Daily Vacation Bible School, however the gradual increase in pupils made it necessary to engage additional teachers. For those otherwise engaged in household duties, especially to housewives it entails considerable sacrifice to teach for four weeks and prepare for the lessons. That we were able to secure teachers for our children from age 6 to 13 is a credit to the sacrificing spirit of our people. Should we be able to secure more teachers we shall also receive children from age 4 to 6. This is a very impressionable age and well suited for religious instruction. We aim to make our Daily Vacation Bible School "Vacation Days with Jesus." We are thankful to the parents for their cooperation (nearly 100 per cent attended) ; we appreciate the happy spirit of children and teachers and the loyal support of the congregation. We now append the names of teachers who have taught since 1943. HONOR ROLL OF DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS 1943 Bernard Loeschen Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs Emma Cornelius 1944 Rev. Hafermann Bernice Duitsman Mrs. Dirk Eh men Bertha Flessner Mrs. Jerry Meier 1945 Rev. H. Haferman Mrs. H. Haferman Bernice Duitsman Bertha Flessner 1946 Bernard Loeschen Erna Hinrichs Mrs. Henry Flessner Rev. Haferman 1947 Bernard Loeschen Arthur Albers Mrs. John L. Grussing Mrs. H. Haferman Rev. H. Haferman 1948 Mildred Ehmen Mrs. Karl Loeschen Ruth Loeschen Mrs. Chas. Huls Mrs. John L. Grussing Helen Hinrichs 1949 Rev. H. H. Diers Mrs. Diers Mildred Gronewold Doris Suits Helen Hinrichs Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs Bernice Busboom Mrs. John L. Grussing Loretta Gronewold BIBLE SCHOOL: First Row Left to Right: Dolonna Wolken, Marlys Harms, Eunice Osterbur, Phyllis Uden, Elaine Busboom, Darlene Fruhling, Linda Loeschen, Mary Hinrichs, Judy Flessner, Murray Franzen, Larry Frerichs, Kenneth Patterson, Kenneth Loeschen, Delmar Schmidt, Gayle Duitsman, Clarence Flessner. Second Row : Dale Meier, Dorothy Sjuts, Carol Huls, Rita Huls, Judy Wrathers, Norine Buhs, Wayne Wilken, Elaine Wilken, Sylvia Uden, Joyce Sage, Marless Peters, Lois Sieberns, Virion Suits, Diane Ackerman, Virgil Suits, Norman Uken, Delores Huls. Third Row: Joane Flessner, Lester Wolken, Dennis Duden, Darrell Meier, Donald Ehmen, John Reitmeier, Gayle Bartell, Raymond Uken, Lester Frerichs, Lester Loeschen, Wanda Goldenstein, Catherine Schmidt, Shelbya Thompson, Marilyn Johnson, Geraldine Lubben, Norma Sjuts, Leon Busboom, Merle Schmidt, Kenneth Hinrichs, Allan Harms. Fourth Row : 'Marvin Mennenga, Cecil Busboom, Eugene Schmidt, Kenneth Suits, Donald Flessner, Marian Buenting, Norman Hinrichs, Gladys Ideus, Marlene Huls, Shirley Loeschen, Wilma Hinrichs, Carolyn Hinrichs, Sylvia Flessner, Evelyn Blue, Carlene Wilken, Beulah Huls, Lois Huls, Marlene Johnson. Fifth Row : Henry Raup, Kenneth Meier, Lorence Kopmann, Darius Harms, Herbert Sage, Ray Raup, Norman Duitsman, John Duitsman, Dennis Ihnen, Raymond Grussing, Anna Martin, Alice Sieberns, Rosetta Fruhling, Sylvia Albers, Corrine Duitsman. Sixth Row: Shirley Wolken, Alice Roelfs, Erna Schlueter, Dorothy Uken, Shirley Roelfs, Dorothy Loeschen, Joan Buenting, Loretta Frerichs, Joan Fruhling, Eileen Wolken, Melvina Peters, _ Delores Sjuts, Clara Grussing (teacher), Carolyn Harms, Mildred Gronewold (organist), Janice Hinrichs, Seventh Row: Rev. Diers, Bernice Busboom (teacher), Doris Suits (teacher), Helen Hinrichs (teacher), Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs (teacher). Eighth Row: Merle Ackerman, Roy Mennenga, Robert Flessner, Raymond Busboom, William Reitmeier, Herman Buenting, Dean Busboom, Lewis Roelfs, Norman Franzen, Delmar Grussing, Dennis Huls, Louis Cornelius, Norman Busboom. 34 : c c X o V. X '^ SING UNT< ) '1 MIXED CHOIR— First Row: From Left to Right: Mrs. Ernest Huls, Mrs. Mike Franzen, Mrs. Martin Huls, (Director) Mrs. John Ehler, Mrs. Roliert Hinrichs, Mrs. Ehme Franzen, Mrs. Dirk Ehmen, Mrs. John L. Grussing. SECOND Row: Arnold Hinrichs, Mrs. Sigfried Buhr, (organist) Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs, Mrs. Gerd Duitsman, Mrs. Gerhard Huls, Mrs. George Roelfs, Mrs. Ekke Flessner, Mrs. Albert Wolken, Ehme Grone- wold. Third Row: Robert Hinrichs, John Johnson, Gerd Duitsman, Dirk Ehmen, Wilber Flessner, Albert Loeschen, and E. H. Hinrichs. 1.1 THKR LEAGUE CHOIR— First Row: From Left to Right: Joanne Diers, Loretta Gronewold, Mildred Gronewold, (organist) Mrs. Martin Huls (director), Lorene Wolken, Hetty Diers, Donald Sjoken. Second Row: Heye Mennenga, Esther Loeschen, Viola Wolken, Louise Mennenga, Bernice Busboom, Doris Suits, Helen Hinrichs, Phyllis Hinrichs. Third Row: Uvin Fruhling, Herbert Hinrichs, Ernest Hinrichs, Marvin Flessner, Oscar Busboom, Hale Busboom, Melvin Huls, and Reiner Flessner. [36 1 LUTHER LEAGUE CHOIR — Arlene Bergman, Velma Sjoken, Joan Diers, Viola Wolken, Marcella Grussing. Second Row: Geneva Grussing, Doris Suits, Lorene Wolken, Helen Hinrichs, Evelyn Franzen. Thikk Row: Betty Diers, Lucille Franzen, Esther Loeschen, Bernice Busboom. Fourth Row: Donald Sjoken, Melvin Huls, Reiner Flessner, Dale Busboom, Herbert Hinrichs, Oscar Busboon. Fifth Row: Heye Mennenga, Alvin Fruhl- ing, Robert Hinrichs, Herman Diers, Marvin Flessner, Ernest Hinrichs. Organist, Mildred Gronewold; Choir Director, Mrs. Martin Huls. MEN'S CHOIR- E. II. Hinrichs, Henry Hinrichs, Alberl Loeschen, Martin Mennenga, Hie Franzen, George Duitsman, Onke ihnen, Ehme Gronewold. Organist, Mrs. fern Meiei ;/ /* ~ First Row: William Ehmen, John Heye Grussing, Ehmne Franzen, John L. Huls, Jerry Mier, Rev. H. H. Diers, Ralph Johnson, John Sage, Fred Ideaus, Henry Hinrichs. Second Row: John L. Grussing, Martin Flessner, Mayne Thompson, Wilke Harms, Ehmne Gronwold, Harm Schlutcr, Heye Wolken, John Huls, Jr., W'm. H. Loeschen, Charles Loeschen. Third Row: John H. Grussing, Alike Franzen, George Huls, John Duits- man, Martin Mennenga, Ehmne Franzen, Dick Franzen, Fred Kientz, Andrew Flessner, Hie R. Busboom. Fourth Row: Herman Ackerman, Elmer Ehmen, Bart Bartell, George Duitsman, Klaus Hinrichs, Ed. Harms, Ehmne Schmidt, Heye Hinrichs. Fifth Row: E. H. Hinrichs, Dirk Ehmen, Albert Loeschen, Heye Franzen, Albert Ehmen, Kkke Flessner, Mike Franzen, Heye P. Busboom, Wilke Ihnen. ^he brotherhood of Immanuel Jtutheran The Brotherhood of Immanuel Lutheran was organized March 26th, 1942 under the direction of Pastor Herbert Hafermann. There were 19 charter members. This organization has con- tinued to grow until at present there are 63 active members. The membership has been faithful in attending regularly scheduled meetings. ACTIVITIES The Brotherhood has been instrumental in purchasing a movie projector for our church. It lias also purchased hymnals and religious tracts for the use of the congregation. It has worked hand in hand with the pastor and the congregation in furthering the interests of the Kingdom of God and promoting Christian fellowship in the congregation. Its members have also greatly en- joyed the fellowship with the Brotherhoods of neighboring congregations. Other activities include the sponsoring and sending of young people to the Leadership Training School of our synod, aiding students of Theology attending Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, fostering a warm interest in the Home Mission program of our Illinois District and particularly in the Urbana .Mission, St. Matthew's Lutheran. A new mission lately formed in Kankakee and staffed by Pastor Bernard Loeschen, a son of Immanuel Lutheran is now an added interest. MEMBER OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATK >N The Brotherhood has been a member of the National and State ( >rganization for the past several years. In 194/i Immanuel, Flatville; St. Paul's Gifford ; and St. John's, Royal formed the Champaign County Area. St. Matthew's Urbana joined in 1949. In 1948 our Brotherhood took an active part in the promotion of the Christian Rural Over- seas Program (CROP). In 1949, it joined, with the Champaign County Area in excavating the basement of St. Matthew's Lutheran new church at Urbana. The present Area president, Heye O. Franzen, is a native son of Immanuel. The present officers are : Ehme W. Franzen, President ; Wilke M. Harms, Vice-President ; Ralph Uken, Secretary ; and John L. Huls, Treasurer. We append the names of former officers of the society. HONOR ROLL OF BROTHERHOOD OFFICERS 1942 President — Karl W. Loeschen Vice-President — Mayne Thompson Secretary — Martin Flessner Treasurer — I-'.kkc Flessner, Jr. 1943 President — Heye O. Franzen Vice-President — Mayne Thompson Secretary — Hie R. Busboom Treasurer — Kkke Flessner, Jr. 1944 President — Heye O. Franzen Vice-President — Mike H. Franzen Secretary — George Duitsman Treasurer — Herman B. Duitsman 1945 President — Menke H. Franzen Vice-President — John H. Grussing Secretary — Heye Hinrichs T reasurer — Mike Flessner 1948 President — Jerry F. Meier Secretary — Ralph Uken Vice-President — Ralph Johnson Treasurer — John L. Huls 1946 President — Menke H. Franzen Vice-President — John H. Grussing Secretary — Heye Hinrichs Treasurer — Heye P. Busboom 1947 President — Jerry F. Meier Vice-President — Ralph Johnson Secretary — Ehme Gronewold Treasurer — Heye P. Busboom LUTHER LEAGUE — First Row: Erwin Ehmen, Herbert Hinrichs, Donald Sjoken, Herman Diers, Marvin Flessner, Dale Busboom, Oscar Busboom, Melvin Huls, Vernon Busboom. Second Row: Marie Wolken, Ruth Loeschen, Lorine Flessner, Esther Loeschen, Doris Suits, .Arlene Bergman, Geneva Grussing, Velma Sjoken, Lucille Franzen, Lela Buhs, Betty Dicrs, Joan Diers. Third Row: Mildred Gronewold, Helen Hinrichs, Bernicc Busboom, Viola Wolken, Dora Roelfs, Lorene Wolken, Junior Duitsman, Evelyn Franzen, Mrs. Diers, Marcella Grussing. Fourth Row: Walter Wolken, Raymond Busboom, Earl Ideaus, Marvin Harms, Malvin Schluter, Johnny Fruhling, Ernest Sjuts, Reiner Flessner, Arnold Johnson, Alvin Wolken. Finn Row: Rev. Diers, Alvin Ackerman, \ T ernon Wolken, Alvin Sage, Ted Schmidt, Robert S.itiits, Heye Mennenga, Alvin Fruhling, Marvin Busboom, Ernest Hinrichs. cGuther £ea,gue (project "BOXBS T( ) GERMANY" I li:u:.\ 1 1 1 nrichs. President 39 ^Cofie £uther J^eague The Luther League oi our church was organized in 1 ( >.V. The young people were very enthusiastic and more than 50 signed as charter members, so Pastor Hafermann related. It holds regular monthly meetings, designed to further the spiritual, educational and social interest of the young people. Since they are young people a good deal of time at the monthly meetings is devoted to social fellow- ship. Ha\ rides are very popular. At one time nearly 100 young people took part. ( )f late several CamphTe meetings have been held outdoors. The League, however, also is active in church work and sponsors Youth Services. Since the Fall of 1948 the young people have made the issuing of the Church Bulletin a Luther League Project, they have organized a L. L. Choir which now has 29 members. With the help of the congregation they have secured very attractive vestments. They also have a band which plays for special entertainments. At Christmas time they went out caroling for the aged and shut-ins. Luther Leaguers attend the East Bay Bible Camp on Lake Bloomington (One leaguer is sent by the society) and are chosen for the Leadership Training Schools. The leaguers have been enthusiastic ping pong, and soft ball players. Both boys and girls had a team last summer. They would like to have a court on the church grounds that would serve as a tennis, volley and basketball court. Of course, we still dream and hope for a gym, for athletics and music are the clean sports, so helpful to young people. Recently the League has also bought a steel cabinet for the gowns and a mimioscope for the printing of the bulletin. It is also now organized after the pattern of the "Every Member Active" set up recom- mended by the International organization. Each leaguer is a member of one of the standing committees and each committee or department is responsible for the program and entertainment for a monthly meeting. The following are the depart- ments and their chairmen : Social Hermann Diers, Jr. Christian Service Betty Diers Educational Viola Wolken Literature ...Lorene Wolken Stewardship Oscar Busboom Cruiser Reporter Dale Busboom Spiritual The Pastor The League is active in Federation work. Tn 1945 it entertained the Eastern Illinois Federation. The Federation Division will again meet in Flatville in 1950. At present it is issuing the Federation paper. Helen Hinrichs is Vice-President and Melvin Huls, Treasurer of the Federa- tion. We append the names who are either now serving or have served as officers of our Luther League. 40 LUTHER LEAGUE OFFICERS 1939 I 'resident Lorenz Busboom Vice-President 1 leye Franzen Secretary Margaret Albers Treasurer Esther Ehmen 1940 President Menke H. Franzen Vice-President I lilda Ackerman Secretary \nnetta Franzen Treasurer Robert Schmidt Hospice Secretary John Loeschen 1041 1 'resident I lenrv Flessner Vice-President Albert Ehmen Secretary Marie Frerichs Treasurer.... Bernice Duitsman 1942 President Roy Ehler Vice-President Ted Franzen Secretary Lorene Ehler Treasurer Bernice Duitsman Hospice Secretary Dorothy Ehler Pocket Testament Sec. Ralph Loeschen 1943 President ..Ralph Loeschen Vice-President Jerrold Harsha Secretary Bertha Flessner Treasurer Trene Kienitz Pocket Testament Sec. William Ackerman 1044 President Ralph Loeschen \ 'iced 'resident John Duitsman Secretary Irene Kienitz Treasurer Erna I linrichs Transfer Secretary \nnetta Franzen Pocket Testament Sec. \rnold 1 linrichs 1945 1 'resident \nnetta I ''ran /en Vice-President Ray Ehler Secretary Evelj n Franzen Treasurer Betty Duitsman Literature Sec Bernice Franzen Pocket Testament Sec Edgar I'.ulir 1946 I 'resident Wilbur Flessner Vice-President Arnold I linrichs Secretary Mildred Ehmen Treasurer Mildred Ilmen Literature Sec Rosie Cornelius Pocket Testament Sec. John Ackerman Service Sec... Petty Duitsman 1047 President Oscar Busbi m im V ice-President Reiner Flessner Secretary Norma Duitsman Treasurer Bernice Roelfs Service Secretary Evelyn Franzen Literature Secretary.... Hilda Busboom Pocket Testament Sec. Elvin Ackerman 1948 President 1 Men I linrichs Vice-President Clarence Busboom Secretary Mildred llmen Treasurer I 'oris Suits Literautre Sec \rlene Bergman Pocket Testament Sec. Ronald 1 larsha Cruiser Reporter ...Marvin Flessner 1949 President MeK in 1 luls Vice-President Herman 1 Hers Secretary Viola \\ oik en Treasurer Oscar Bus' m Literature Secretary.... Lorene \\ olken Cruiser Reporter Dak' Busboom Spiritual Growth Sec Rev. Diers Service Secretary Betty Diers [41] ORGANISTS: left to fright, Mrs. Siefried Buhr, Mrs. Martin TTuls. Miss Mildred Gronewold, Mrs. Jerry Meier. LUTHER LEAGUE BAND: Oscar Busboom, Dale Busboom, Herman Diers, Melvin Huls, Mildred Gronewold, Herbert Hinrichs, Bernice Busboom, Marvin P'lessner, Lucille Franzen. [42] WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY— First Row, From Left to Right: The Msdms. Dick Wolken, Henry Busboom, Reak Albers, Heye Wolken, John Ehler, Andrew Flessner, I!. AT. Bohr, Nanke Bergman, Lena Busboom. Second Row: Mike Franzen, Menke Franzen, Hiske Franzen, Dirk Ehmen, Gerd Duitsman, Albert Wolken, Heye P. Busboom, Mary Roelfs, H. H. Diers, Jasper Huls. Third Row : Martin Flessner, George Huls, Ekke Flessner, John L. Grossing, Henry Wolken, Harm Ackerman, Andrew Fruhling, John Cornelius, Fred Fruhling, Reka Fruhling, Martin Mennenga. Fourth Row: Klass Hinrichs, Herman Ackerman, Onke Mennenga, Henry Hinrichs, Fred Ideus, John Sage, Ehme Gronewold, John Heye Grossing, Heye Hinrichs, Harm Schlnetcr, Heye R. Busboom, Wilkc Harms, John H. Grossing, and George Lubben. c (Dpie R&omen's ^Y(issionary Society ".hid certain women, which had been healed and many others which ministered unto Him of their substance were with Him." Luke 8:2-3. The Women's .Missionary Society of our church was organized ten rears ago, June 7tli, 1939 with 14 charter members. Our Society is affiliated with the national society of our synod, The Women's Missionary Federation and supports the full program of the Federation. The work of the federation and the home society is carried on through local chairmen and committee's. The following were appointed for this year: Thank Offering — .Mrs. Alanke II. Franzen, Literature Airs. Henry Wolken. Special Needs- Mr-. John Sage, India Women's Work- Mr-. John Franzen, Life Membership and Memorials — Mrs. George Lubben, Courtesy — Mrs. Jasper M. link. Dept. of Christian Service -.Airs. II. II. Diers, Auditing Committee — Airs. John Franzen and Airs. Wilkc Raup, Changing Altar Cloth— Airs. Henry Busboom and Airs. II. II. Diers. Special programs have been held for Thank Offering Day and the Women's Work in India has been presented at the Mother and Daughter night. The building of hospitals in India and New Guinea, the Parsonage Building Fund for Mission congregations, .Mexican and Colored Mission work and the building of chapels, aid to colleges, especially girls dormitories anil the building oi a girls' dormitory, for our college in Regina, Saskatchewan, Can., and other 43] projects too numerous to mention and together costing more than a million dol- lars have been accomplished through the money given in Thank Offering boxes. In this too our society ranks high and is known for its liberality. In addition Christmas Cheer boxes are sent every year through the New Guinea Commissary, boxes of clothing and food have been shipped for European Relief, quilts base been sewed and given to homes of mercy, while over 1000 quarts of fruit were canned for the Lutheran Homes at Muscatine. A courtesy chairman remembers the sick and shut-ins and the society has remembered the orphaned children of the congregation. The society has also purchased the beautiful Altar and Pulpit coverings of our church. All of which may be summed up in words: "For the love of Christ con- straineth us .... that they which live should not henceforth live unto them- selves hut unto Christ -which died for them." 11 Cor. 5:14, 15. We give recognition to the past and present officers of the society for their labors of love and append their names : OFFICERS OF WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 1939 President Mrs. Henry Schmidt Vice-President Mrs. J. M. Huls Secretary Mrs. Ontke Mennenga Treasurer Mrs. Heye Franzen 1940 President Mrs. Herman Bergman Vice-President .Mrs. John Elder Treasurer... ....Miss Hedwig Moehl Secretary.... Mrs. Heye Franzen 1041 President ...Mrs. Henry Wolken Vice-President Mrs. John Elder Secretary Mrs. Heye Franzen Treasurer Miss Hedwig Moehl 1942 President Mrs. Henry Wolken Vice-President .Mrs. John Raup Secretary ...Mrs. Heye Franzen Treasurer Miss Hedwig Moehl 1943 President Mrs. Gerd Duitsman Vice-President Mrs. Ekke Flessner Secretary Mrs. Bill Eoeschen Treasurer Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs 1944 President Mrs. Heye Hinrichs Vice-President. ...Mrs. Reka Fruhling Secretary Mrs. John Raup Treasurer ..Mrs. Ekke Fdessner 1945 President.. Mrs. Heye Hinrichs Vice-President Mrs. Dirk Ehmen Secretary .Mrs. Menke J. Franzen Treasurer Mrs. Albert Wolken 1946 President -Mrs. kleye Hinrichs Yice-Pres Mrs. Andrew Flessner Secretary Mrs. Menke J. Franzen Treasurer Mrs. Albert Wolken 1947 President ...Mrs. John Elder Vice-Pres Mrs. Andrew Flessner Secretary Mrs. Ben Buhr Treasurer Mrs. Heye Wolken 1948 President Mrs. John Elder Vice-Pres Mrs. John E. Grussing Secretary.. Mrs. Ben Buhr Treasurer Mrs. Heye Wolken 44] SPECIAL NEEDS BOXES TO GERMANY: (Mr. and Mrs. Herman Duits- man.) Project of Women's .Missionary Society. FRUIT FOR MUSCATINE ORPHAN AND OLD FOLKS HOME. Sponsored by Missionary Society. Mrs. John K. Sage, Chairman. or py ^ '-' j . d Ffry/ Clutrch of Immanuel Lutheran, Flatvllle Out Jixzt Cltutclt Article and Sketch by Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs We were unable to obtain a picture of this our first church. Whether a picture of this church was ever taken is doubtful. We have the description in the minutes, and Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs drew a sketch from that description and from what older members remembered. All of which is unimportant. What is important, is that a group of settlers longed for a church, for God and for His grace and mercy. Those were days when men and women struggled to make a living from a few acres of tillable land, days when money was scarce and days when it took plenfy of plain, hard labor to improve the land. Still these new settlers wanted a church. When that church was built some felt like the children of Israel who had seen the Grand Old Temple and now they saw one built by Ezra without that glory. The settlers had come from the Old Coun- try where they worshipped in stately churches, now they saw a church that was not stately, but it was a church in which God could be worshipped and the gospel be preached. Here their children could be baptized, the young people confirmed, and here too the last services could be held for their dead. The church didn't have the trimmings, that many churches have, but it might be that the old settlers were much more sincere than the people who worship in stately churches. God knows. So far the Lord has helped, they sang in German (Bis hieher hat mich Gotf gebrachO and so the pastor read when he dedicated the church to be God's house. Hymns of praise and thanksgiving went up to heaven and the old settlers meant it. They are all gone. We hope they are in heaven and can look down upon us. The church showed them the way. [46] JvoteA on the JvUtoty, of 3mmanuel J^utnetan Cnutcn 3latville y 3llinoi£ By Riv. ! I. i I. I )irrs, Pastor In giving you the history of Immanuel Lutheran we have first of all reprinted churchpaper and newspaper articles written by Rev. I'.. Moehl, pastor of Im- manuel for 43 years, his daughter Erna and Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs. To this we might have added, the history of Emmanuel as Pastor Moehl recorded it in our church book. I have also gone to the trouble of translating all the minute- of the congregation since its beginning. In this work 1 was assisted in the translation and Mrs. E. H. Hinrichs and in the typing by the Misses Helen Hinrichs. Doris Suits and Viola Wolken. Since this might he the last time that some one familiar with the German language and its oddities will concern himself with the correct- ness of records I like to tell you of the problems which the early minute- of the congregation present. The date of April 20th, 1874 is usually given as the date on which the congregation organized and decided to build a church. We believe these minutes were not written at the time of the meetings ami that the date of the year is an error, because in regard to the subscriptions to the church it i- stated that one half must be paid by Christmas, 1873. and the other half by Christmas, 1874. Furthermore in a meeting held Jan. 15th, 1874 it was decided to have the church insured and painted. That the church was organized earlier is proven by minute- of a meeting on July 12th, 1873 when new trustees were elected. This would indicate that the congregation had been previously or- ganized, perhaps in 1872. This is also indicated by the title page of the first book : Kirchenbuch der Ev. Luth. Immanuels Gemeinde zu Compromise, Illinois, 1872. (Church Record-book of the Ev. Luth. Congregation at Compromise, Illinois, 1872. i We hoped that the newspapers of that day would tell us of the church that was built in the "Dutch Flats" but the old papers, kept in the files of the Univer- sity were silent on anything Lutheran. We did read the name of Flesner under Compromise Tp. in 1874. Mr. Arnd Hinrichs told us. that Rev. Tjaden was the pastor who baptized him and three others, and since the handwriting in which the constitution is writ- ten and the record of the baptism, seem the same, he may have served the con- gregation in 1872, but whether he was a traveling missionary or a pastor in the neighborhood, we don't know. Since the record of these baptisms are the earliest we publish them here. No. 1. To Mr. Eibe Hinrichs and his wife, Gretje, nee was born a son on Dec. 31st, 1871. this son was baptized on the 4th day of May, 1872, and received the name. Arend Albers Hinrichs. The witnesses were the parent-. No. 2. To Mr. Peter Anton Cornelius and his wife. Tuetter, nee Gronewold, was born a daughter on Jan. 21st. 1871, this daughter was baptized May 4th. 1872. and received the name Catharina Maria Cornelius. Witnesses: The parents. No. 3. To Mr. Poppe Janshen Huels and his wife, Tina, nee Schlueter, was horn a son on April 11th, 1872, this son was baptized on the 4th day of May, 1872, and received the name Johan Poppen Huels. Witnesses : The parents. No. 4. To Mr. John Gruessing and his wife, Trientje, nee Osterman, was born a son on April 16th, 1X72. this son was baptized on the 4th day of May, 1872. He received the name Ludwig, Janshen Gruessing. Witnesses were: Gerhard I'.arthels and Magretha H. Osterman. No. 5. To Mr. Albert Roolfs Loeschen and his wife, Ebel, nee Schoon, was born a son, May 9th. 1872, this son was baptized on the 30th day of [une, 1872. He received the name: Roolf, Albers Loeschen. Witnesses: The parents. No. 6. To Mr. Christian Wolter and his wife, Dina, nee Schepelman, was born a daughter on June 17th. 1X72. this daughter was baptized on the 14th day [47] of July 1872. She received the name: Maria. Auguste, Dina Wolter. Witnesses were: Maria Baker, Auguste Schepelmann and Dina Schepelman. The name of Rev. Tjaden does not appear in the book, but Mr. Hinrichs told us, that his name was frequentl) mentioned to him. There is no record of die organization of the congregation. Under the heading of Congregational Meetings die first recorded meeting was held on July 12th, 1873. It simply states, that "To Yorstehcr" (Trustees) were elected: John W. Duitsman, secretary; Heinrich Baker, two years and Baehrend M. Baehrend as treasurer instead of Peter Cor- nelius, and (hike Ihnen and llinrich G. Idesner. The name of Fritz Kiel is also recorded as a former trustee. The next record states, that a congregational meeting was held April 20th, 1874. ( disputed date I The secretary writes: It was decided to build a new church, long 40 and wide 28 feet, 14 feet in the "Stoettings," six windows, the ceiling curved and portal before the church, and 26 benches. The "Bauverwalter" { Building Committee) must give the contract to the lowest bidder. Elected to the building committee were: Gaerdt H. Flesner, Hinrich Lenerts Gerbers, Wattje Ihler and John Fritzen. Signed: J. W. Duitsman, secretary. (The secretary, who was also the blacksmith at Flatville surely was a man of few words. Ed.) The next minutes are dated: Jan. 15th, 1874. It is decided to notify Rev. Grupe that the congregation will no longer need his services since they have called a pastor of their own, the Rev. G. H. Fischer. The building committee is to have the new church painted and also plastered. The job to be given to the lowest bidder. A year later the secretary reports, that the officers were reelected. There was also elected an auditing committee consisting of the following: Pastor Fischer, Jann F>. Janshen, Johann Gruessing, Ekke Flesner and Thees Wilken. Signed : J. W. Duitsman, Secretary. We have given you the names of the officers who served in 1874 and 1875. Perhaps you would also like to know who were the people who supported the church. For this reason we give you the list of subscriptions to the first church, to the parsonage and a list of those who paid Pew-Rent. (Yes folks, there was a time when Flatville folks had their own pews. They were rented by the year, but it seemed there were some people who didn't like it. It came up in several meet- ings and the votes to continue pew rent weer almost unanmious, but the objectors continued to object and the renting of pews was abolished.) Subscriptions to the first church built in 1873, subscriptions to be paid l / 2 at Christmas 1873, and the next Yi Christmas, 1874. John W. Duitsman. Peter Cornelius Friedrich Kiel Hinrich Idesner Eibe Hinrichs ....$75 .... 40 .... 40 .... 60 .... 30 1 linrich Bartelts 50 Gerhard Bartelts 25 Poppe Hulls 40 Johann Weerts 30 Gerd H. Flesner 50 Cashen Duis 5 Harm G. Rolfs 40 Reiner Hunting 25 Behrend M. Behrends 30 Mimke klesner 25 Jelde J. Ruhr 40 John Buhr 35 Albert Loschen 10 Tohn R. Loschen 5 Rolf Loschen 10 John Sage 40 Jurgen Neuland 25 Louis Rupp 5 Harm M. Hinrichs 5 Harm R. Loschen 10 Hinrich L. Gerbers 30 Adolph Kuhlmann 40 Heve C. Albers 10 Ontke Ihnen 30 John H. Fritzen 30 Reent Saathoff 10 Mimke G. Saathoff 10 Christian Wolter 50 Henry Baker 40 Lubinus Tilemann 15 John B. Janshen 20 Edward Hofeling 10 Harm Franzen 10 Bernhard Muller 10 Wilm H. Gerdes 15 Tohn Grushing $15 Ekke E. Flessner 40 Weert Janshen 40 Tohn Hegen 20 Klaas Saathoff 10 Coord Saathoff 5 Wilke A. Emkes 10 Johann Schroder 5 Hinrich Behrends 5 Marten H. Fecht 5 John Kuhlmann 5 Menne J. Ehmen . 10 Siebelt G. Siemerine.... .. 10 Tjark Rew r erts 15 Johann Sage 5 Ehme W. Gronewold 10 Jasper Hulls 25 John Thomsen 5 O. R. Williams & Son 5 Munns West 5 [48] A. Darnell 2 Lot Meyer 10 William Cloyd 5 Theodore Easter 2 Morris & Son - 5 A. Fromlit 2 lohn A. Young 1 D. P. M. Blue 5 T. Tinlinsar 2 P. Estep 3 F. M. Aoev 1 J. H. Huse 1 I. M. Homelton 1 Dietrich Meyer 5 Wolton & Friezeir. 10 W. B. Tony 5 I'. R. Friesener & Co 5 Theodor Arnold 10 P. A. Rusk 3 Gerd 11. Behrends 10 Willm H. Gronewold 10 Mniit Janshen S Luppe R. Albers Thees Klover 20 Total $1464.00 PEW RENT (MARCH 1877 UNTIL MARCH 1878) Adolph Kuhlmann..~$13 Willm II. Gerdes 4 Weert Janssen 8 Edward Hofeling.... 2 Friedrich C. Albers.. 2 Wilke Emkes 8 Herman I )uden 13 Gerd Lifers 5 Willm G. Flessner.... 10 Jann W. Duitsman.. 5 Weert Janssen 5 Ehme W. Gronewold 5 Jasper Huls 5 John E. Franzen 2 Harm G. Rolfs 6 Hinrich S. Gerbers . 10 Johann S. Janssen.... 9 Gerhard Bartel 8 Heie T. Busboom.... 8 John Grassing 5 Heie T. Rusboom.... 1 Harm Franzen 2 Klaas W. Saathoff.... 5 Stofer W. Frerichs . 5 Stofer W. Frerichs.. 1 80 .50 00 25 25 .00 .50 .20 .00 .50 .40 .10 .20 .55 .90 .80 .30 .10 .10 .50 .55 .60 .00 .30 .75 Menne J. Ehmen John I'.. Loschen Meenke 1 1. Gerbers. Harm Janssen Siebelt Siemering.... I lein Muins Harm J. Janssen Menne J. Ehmen Willm II. Gronewold Coord Saathoff Fokke II. Rartels Menne T- Ehmen Heie T. Busboom.*.. Albert R. Loschen.... 1 lennan I hiden Poppe Huls Meint Janssen Eibe 1 linrichs Edward I loffling Gerd FT. Perns. I finrich Barthel Cord Saathoff Harm J. Ihnen... Beenke FT. Gerbers.. Gerd H. Behrens— . 5.20 2.55 5.10 1 .7? 3.60 3.60 2.50 4.80 3.00 .7? 3.90 .60 l.oo 1.00 .50 1.00 .50 2.10 1.00 1.00 1.10 4.50 2.05 LOO 525 Felde Ruhr 5.15 Gerd Flessner 1.00 Fokke II. Bartel 1.10 lelde Ruhr 1.00 bide Ruhr 2.50 Bohle Saathoff 6.20 Fooke < >sterbur 2.20 1 Farm Christian-- 2.00 Rohlf R. Loschen 2.00 Reenl Saathoff. . 9.60 John Ruhr 3.10 4 Otje Meyer 7.20 1 Menne Ruhr 5.30 Poppe Huls 7.00 Gerd 1 1. Behrens 5.60 lohn Kamm 7.00 Harm M. FTinrichs.. 6.10 Albert R. Loschen.... 2.00 Wilke Duitsman 6.00 Mimke Flessner 5.20 Turgen Neuland 2.55 ( Intke Ihnen 13.75 Friedrich C. Albers.. 4.80 Adolph A. Kuhlman 4.80 Heie C. Albers 4.80 Meint Janshen S 5 Lubbe Alberts 5 Harm Franzen 4 Claas Saathoff 4 Henry Bartelts 7 Onke Ihnen 10 fohn W. Duitsman . 10 Elbe 1 linrichs 5 Reiner Bunting 5 Tjark Rewcrts 7 John Sage 7 Jann Rahr Janshen 5 Jasper G. Hulls 8 Jann Ehmen Franzen 3 FTeye Classen Alberts 5 Mimke Flesner 3 Jelde Ruhr 7 Hinrich Lenerts Gerbert.. 2 Edward FTofeling 4 Menne Ehmen 3 PARSONLAGE Willm Hinrichs 4 Jurgen Neuland 4 Behrend M. Behrends 5 Peter A. Cornelius 5 Poppe Hulls 5 Marten Fechl 4 Albert R. Loschen 3 Coorl Saathoff 4 Hinrich 11. Gerbers ... 3 Ehme Gronewold 4 Ekke E. Flesner 3 FTeinrich Erdwien 4 Garhardt Bartelts 4 lohnnn Kuhlmann 4 Johann Jalfs 4 Gardt Harms Behrends 3 Tina's Busboom 2 Gerdt I Ic\ en I ,enerts 2 I !e\ e Busboom 2 Remmer Busboom 2 FTeye Grussing 2 Hinrich Erdwin lohn R. Loschen Fridrich Bartelts I >ick Grussing ( Htjc Mayer Adolph Kuhlmann. Sr... Johann I Feyen Willm I Farms ( in tnew i 41 Reinrich I 'acker Lubbe I 'sterbuhr Wilke Emkes Harm G. Rohlfs Adolph A. Kuhlmann 1 Farm M. 1 linrichs Jann Thomsen. Farm Ihnen Thees Klover Jann 1 1. Fritsen Fridrich Kiel lann I'.uhr [49] Our Second Church And there was another day. And the old settlers now a bit more settled came together again. Their church was getting too small. They needed room and the carpenters said you couldn't very well make it larger unless you spent a lot of money and still didn't have anything. Why don't you build a new church? That would cost money. Prices had gone up. To borrow was expensive, too. Those who had money wanted 10% interest. (So the adds ran in the Champaign Gazette of that day). But what else could they do. They had a fine new preacher who was pretty well liked. They decided to send him from house to house and see how much people would subscribe. The preacher, the Rev. L. Seehase came back with a good report. Nearly $3,000 had been subscribed. They felt the)- could go ahead. The church was built, and what a tine church it was. Look at that artistic entrance, that stately tower and it had lots of room. But Flatville became known not only in Golden or New Orleans where the first settlers had come from, but also in the Old Country. More settlers came and again the church began to be full. And again people talked about a new church — but that's another story. [50] And there was a synod in Flatville. So main ministers and delegates. The church was almost full when they met. The members were invited. The women were too busy to listen in, because they had to cook for all these people, bu1 the fathers of the congregation came and attended. They listened to those learned papers with its Greek and Hebrew quotations, "No dat is to hoch fuer me" (No that's too dee]) for me). But then the preachers started to argue. "Dat wuerd interessant" (it's getting interesting). In the evening there were services. Good sermons, too. But not any better than what their own preacher preached. And one evening they met for social fellowship. You should have been here. Those preach- ers surely knew a lot of funny stories. And then it was all over. They all said Goodbye (Adjues und Auf Wiedersehn | and the Flatville folks felt kind a lone- some. It had been nice to meet all these Folks. The delegates were also mostly farmers and a person could find out how things were in other places, for in those davs people didn't travel much. They talked about the synod a long time. The Building Committee for the third (our present) church, the speakers for the day of dedication, the special organist from Chicago and neighbor Rev. F. Mutchman. Bottom Row: Rev. E. Moehl, Rev. Krehs, Rev. Lutz, and Rev. F. Mutchman. Middle Row: Mr. Habbe Acker- man, Rev. Seehase, Prof. Max Fritschel, Mr. Kroneman, organist from Chicago, and Ulfert Ideus. Top Row: Oltman Busboom, Gus Kuhne, Fred Mennenga, Bill Kuhne, Martin Hinrichs. This picture is one of the historic documents, that seals a record of work well done for the kingdom of God — and also reminds of the celebration of thanks- giving to almighty God when the task was completed. A sad note creeps into the record when we write: As far as we know only Mr. Ulfert Ideus and the Kuhne's, of Rantoul, who were the contractors are still living. These men of the building committee and the contractor performed a task, that can be called tremendous and colossal. Rev. E. Moehl has written about it in another part of this book. All we intend to do here is to give them proper recognition at this anniversary. These men had the confidence of the congregation. They were solidly backed by the members who did the work of hauling materials from the railroad depots of Gifford and Thomasboro. The building committee engaged an architect for the drawing of plans and also for the supervision, but I can assure you, that they did a good deal of inspecting themselves. Then there were ever so many angles that hadn't been thought of and were neither in the contract nor in the architects drawing, and the committee was called upon to make the decision. When the w r ork was done a good many gray hairs had been added to the others, and Pastor Moehl, who had spent most of his waking hours — watching the work must have had some extra ones. In those days the wives of the men on the "Bau Kommittee" (Building committee) used to say, that their husbands talked nothing, but that big church they were building in Flatville. Some even dreamt about it. It was a labor of love for the Lord and for their brethren, and may this little write up help to honor their memory. [52] A ri3iwe % It i ".rk.ii It's Ghristmas ^oime In (Jlatville In Flatville the weather is fine. It is almost too mild for Christmas, but the Christmas spirit is everywhere. The Sunday School is preparing their program. The church is going to have the biggest Christmas tree they ever had. Albert and Ralph L^oeschen are going to donate a big Blue Spruce thai lias grown too big for their garden. The church will have a public address system. Christmas carols will be played from the tower. The L,uther Leaguers are going to sing carols to the aged and shut ins and oh, there will be si) main- Christmas parties and famil) gel togethers that nobody has time for anything else. The church will be packed on Christmas eve for the Children's Christinas Program, but on Christinas Day it isn't quite as it used to be. City in- fluences, not always good, find their \\a\ even into rural Flatville, hut on Sunday they will all be there again. Merry Christmas, a blessed Christinas are the greetings at the parsonage. Even the strange new pastor's famil) is remem- bered by some. They read the age old gospel message, they think of the Babe in the Manger — and their home sickness is gone. Merrx Christ- inas a blessed Christmas. [53 ^ev. and yY(rs. Fischer 1 1 was on January 15th, 1874, that Inimanucl Lutheran Church decided to have their own pastor (so far they had been supplied by traveling missionaries and Rev. drupe of Champaign.) And ii was also on this day, thai the con- gregation extended a call to a young man who had lately come from Germany. He was a Candidate of Theology, which meant thai lie had been will prepared to he a pastor. Rev. E. Moehl writes of him: "Accordingly and almost unani- mously they called the Reverend G. II. Fischer, who had studied in Germany and who was staying with friends in this community. He accepted the call and served the congregation very faithfully until .September, 1879, when he asked to be released to accept another charge." We would like to know a little more about him. Was he single? I 'id he marry while in Idatville. There is no record of it and folks don't remember that far hack, but for your information let me tell you, that he married the daughter of Rev. Kopmann, Golden, 111., who is also the grandfather of Mrs. E. A. Hinrichs, Mrs. Reiner Ehler. and Bart Bartell of our congregation i I'll let you figure out the relationship). Ed. 154] The Rev. L. Seehase and his wife and daughter, Dora. We extended a most cordial invitation to Dora who lives in Clinton, but she was unable to come. Wasn't feeling any too well either for which we are sorry. Her father was the first pastor of the Iowa synod who served Immanuel at Flatville. On February 5, 1883, the congregation decided unanimously to extend a call to Rev. k. Seehase. He accepted the call and labored in Flatville conscientiously and successfully. He had a friendly personality, was a very fine speaker, and an untiring worker. He had keen recommended by the Professor Fritschel of the Wartburg Seminary and from now on the relationship between Immanuel Lutheran Flatville, and the Professors of the Theological Seminar}, then located in Mendota, became very friendly. There was hardly a missiuii festival at which not at least one professor preached. Rev. Seehase .started services in Clifford on Sun- day afternoon. Under his guiding hands, debts which had accumulated were paid off. During his time the first church became too small, it was decided that the pastor secure subscriptions to the amount of $3,000.00. The subscriptions were secured, the cornerstone was laid, and the dedication was to be combined with the mission festival. Since no dates are given we can only say that the second church was erected and dedicated in 1887. 'Ike new church also had a bell and rules were adopted as to the ringing. The congregation wen- desirous of having a pipe organ and this too was secured. In 1895 Rev. Seehase received a call from /.ion I.ulkeran Church. Clinton, Iowa, and lie asked to be released. This release was reluctantly granted because the pastor was verj popular and a very able speaker. He returned many times to speak at the annual mission festivals. [55] ( T(ev. &. y)(oelil and family The Reverend Mr. Ernest E. Moehl, who would not remember him if you had once met him. But, oh, how different. How forceful in his younger days and even later, whenever he was challenged by those who did not appreciate his parishioners or by one of his own who was not following the Christ? He was a man of iron, and yet how gentle and consoling at the sickbed, a character without a blemish, humanly speaking : forceful as a speaker, deep as a placid lake ; a man who spent much time in studying; who knew his Greek and Hebrew, but who knew hu- man nature even better. ( But not so well girls and young men). He was universally respected by the community and his fellow pastors; honored for his wisdom and learning — he de- serves to be honored and remembered and Flat- ville has done both. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of many and his memory is preserved on the bronze plaque in the church vestibule bearing the simple inscription: "a memorial to The Rev. E. Moehl, our pastor for 43 years (1895 to 1938) during whose pastorate this church edifice was erected." We could say some- thing of his fine family, his beloved wife, the daughters who grew up in Flatville, who lived here, taughl here and are remembered for their fine personalities. Even his relatives, the Frits- chels, Rev. I.. Seehase his predecessor and his friends were c\er welcome guests and guest speakers at the Flatville Mission Festivals. His greatest task was the building of Flatville's 3rd church. It is written up in other parts of the hook. \\'e shall only briefly refer to it. Mis was fhe job to solicit the subscriptions and to preside as chairman of the building committee. In regard to the architectural structure of the church the congregation looked to him. Fittingly, his grave and the family burial place are in Flatville. It is tenderly cared for by members of our church. (Rev. .Mr. Fischer and Mrs. Fischer are also resting in the same cemetery). We promised some stories, here they are: When Mrs. Mutchman, wife of Pastor Mutch- man had died, Gifford was buillding its church. It was finished, but not dedicated. The Gifford trustees ruled that Mrs. Mutchman could not be buried from the new church, because it was not yet dedicated. Pastor Mutchman was heartbroken, lie went to his good friend and neighbor, Pastor Moehl, and told him his troubles. Moehl sug- gested that she be buried from the Flatville church, but he also wanted to talk to the Gifford trustees. When he met them he said : The mem- bers of Flatville consider it a high honor to have Mrs. Mutchman buried from their church. The trustees listened. If there was any high honor it was to go to Gifford not to Flatville. Dedicated or not dedicated the funeral was to be held at the Gifford church. The other story: The Rev. Otto Dieter, now a Dr. of Philosophy and teacher at the Univer- sity, as a student was teaching in a Flatville School. On Sunday afternoon he decided to call on the Moehl girls. At the house Rev. Moehl was happy to see him and invited him to the study in the church. Pastor Moehl was a student of Hebrew and Student Dieter had indulged in that study, too. To translate a Psalm from the original Hebrew was a joy for Pastor Moehl. [56] REV. HERBERT HAFERMANN 1 [e thought Student Dieter would share that delicate pleasure. Well, they translated the Psalm, but Student Dieter missed the pleasure of spend- ing an afternoon with the lovely daughters. And we expressed our sympathy to him when he told the story. And where are these daughter of Immanuel now : Miss Erna Moehl is teaching at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. Her sister. Hedwig, is assistant to the Parish Worker at St. Paul's Lutheran, Waverlv's large Lutheran Church. And Miss Hildegard Moehl is a R.N. (Reg- istered Nurse) employed as supervisor in Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. All three assisted their father in his work and all have many friends in llalville. who wish them well. May God Mess them in their chosen callings. ()n September 11th, 1938 the venerable Rev. E. .Moehl, who had been pastor of linmanual Lutheran Halville for 13 wars presented his resignation. It was accepted on the condition that he remain pastor until a successor had been se cured. The congregation called the Rev. Herbert Hafermann, a young pastor who served the con- gregation at I'hilo. Rev. Hafermann accepted the call and began his labors in a community fairly well known to him since his lather had served the congregation at Royal. Pastor Hafer- mann came to Immanuel well equipped. He had a stron- voice that thted the large auditorium of the church; he understood the customs and feel- ings of the people among whom he had grown up: he was talented in organizing and had the ability to handle delicate situations, l'ut all these qualifications were taxed In tin- limit in the task that was before him. So far the congregation had had only German services. Now came the request for services in the American language, and in a comparatively short time the majority of the congregation preferred to attend the American services. The younger people were happy, but for the older people who were used to a full church and now constituted a small minority it was a heartache. We sympathize with them, hut the wheel of time goes "li relentlessly. Pastor Hafermann organized the Women's Missionary Society, the Brotherhood, the Luther League and two choirs. He was a good organizer, an able preacher ami a conscientious pastor. He had accomplished much: he fell, that much more should he done, hut that it was not for him s,, he asked to he released in order to accept a call to Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago. His release was reluctantly -ranted. The congregation felt that they were losing a good man. Tim lay many go to * >ak Lawn to hear him and visil with his family. He spoke at our 75th anniversary and many were happy to see him again. Perhaps he should have stayed, but even Rev. Moehl at the end of his 43 questioned whether the spiritual life matched the external success? The responsi- bilities of souls lie heavy upon the heart of faithful pastors. Pray for your pastor, he nee. Is your prayers. In the arduous labors of organizing the va- rious societies he was able assisted by his charm- ing wife, who taught Sunday School and Vaca- tion Bible School and was active in the Mis- sionary Society. The Hafermanns have two chil- dren, Sonia and Herbert, Jr., who are missed much by their pals in Flatville. The Diers family. Because the picture of the pastor appears more often in the book than he would desire, Mrs. Diers with the IUble class as teacher and in the Missionary Society, and Herman and the girls in choir and Luther League, we had not planned to have this special picture of the members of the present par- sonage family, but the trustees insisted. So we hurried to have this picture taken and here we are. |58| Out ^Aih^ion JetfivaU The Mission Festival.- of Flatville were inspired by people who had attended the mission festivals in Strackholt, East Friesia. There Pastor Remmer Janssen drew large crowds who were inspired by the Gospel messages of the speakers. Our first Mission Festival was held in 1881. The offering was $100.00. The offering had risen to §213.04 by 1885. Occasionally it was held in connection with an anni- versary or church dedication ceremony. In 1894 it reached $315.00. In 1901 it passed the $400.00 mark. In 1908 the sum reported is an even $1000.00. There were years in which this amount was not reached, but in 1919 another high record was set. $1764.12. Again there was a long period when the offerings slumped, but in 1942 it passed the $2000.00 mark when the offering stood at $2178.42: in '43 it rose to $3065.80; in '44 to $3885.68: in '45 to $4367.82; in '46 we reached the highest peak, $5688.73 : in '47 it fell to S4900.34 ; in '48 it rose to $5237.63 : and this year we had $4622.79. We do not publish these figures boastingly. We know that God had to give first in order that we were enabled to give to Him. and we also know that it is God who must make hearts and minds willing to give. For this reason we prav, that God will keep us humble to remember, that all good things come from Him, but we also want to pray that God will keep us thankful. To Him be all honor and glory, for He brought the great sacrifice that redeemed us, Jesus Christ. His only Son. Our gifts to missions show that we appreciate our own salvation and that we want others to have the same blessed salvation. While the offerings of earlier years may look small in comparison with later figures let us not forget, that the people of that day were not well to do, that money was scarce, that a dollar would buy much more then, and that their gifts were as much of a sacrifice as are ours today. May the Holy Spirit kindle within our hearts an even greater love for the blessed Savior and His Kingdom. MEMORIALS What are Memorials? W'e ask this question, because some of our readers might not be acquainted with memorials. Memorials are gifts of love given for some good cause, usually at the death of some person, instead of or in addition to flowers. The giver gives the money to the Special Treasurer for Memorials or his representative. He receives a folder which may be given to the family. In our congregation the Memorials are published in the bulletin. Mr. Fred Ideus, one of our trustees is in complete charge of Memorials. For what do people give? Here are a few of the many causes for which Memorials are given : The Jamestown Home for Crippled Children which offers grade and high school education for crippled children and also prepares them for making a living. The Muscatine Homes for orphans and children from broken homes and for the aged. An institution of the American Lutheran Church. The Urbana Mission, one of the American Lutheran Church extension projects. Jewish Missions, Colored Missions. Mexican Missions, some project in our own church i choir gowns, lecturn, etc. > Do you object to flowers at funeral-? No, we love flowers and certainly would not like to see a casket without (lowers, but we have seen funerals where not only hundreds, but even more than a thousand dollars worth of flowers only served for a few hour-. For this reason our people prefer to give for Memorial-. The Memorial honor- the departed and serves the living. (We might suggest: Give flowers to the living). [59] Sons of Immanuel in the Office of the 3ioly jYfinistry Give of thy sons to hear the message glorious; Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious And all thou spendest Jesus will repay. Publish glad tidings, Tidings of peace Tidings of Jesus, Redemption and release. This is the chapter we are happy to publish. Immanuel Lutheran has not only given of her wealth, as the offerings for the church buildings, missions and charitable causes testify, but Im- manuel has also given of her sons, and we might add her daughters, too. Five young men prepared for the ministry, one daughter is an instructor at our church College, Wartburg, Waverly and another does parish work in the office of St. Paul's Lutheran, Waverly, Iowa. I if ths sons, the first we record is Peter Hin- richs, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ulfert Hinrichs. Peter Anton Hinrichs, born Jan. 8th, 1897, in Rantoul Tp. left Flatville for Wartburg College, Clinton, to prepare for the Ministry. There he remained for six years graduating in 1919. From 1919 to 1922 he studied at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. After his graduation in 1922 he was ordained to the Office of the Holy Ministry by the pastors E. Moehl and F. Mutchman. Pie followed a call to the Arlington Parish, South Dakota. Here he served several congregations. After 15 years of faithful service, years which included the trying times of the depression and the drouth he resigned to accept a call to Zion Lutheran congregation at Eureka, South Dak. Here again the Lord has greatly blessed his labors. lie is beloved and honored in the com- munity. He has enjoyed Offices of honor and re- sponsibility not only in his church district, but he is a member of the Youth Board of the American Lutheran Church, and also of the Home and School for Crippled Children in Jamestown, North Dakota. He is married to Miss Emma Groth. They have two children, Peter, Jr., who is a senior student of Theology at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa; and Mary the wife of Rev. Armin Reitz, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Cornelius, Oregon. Rev. Bernhard Arthur Loeschen, B.A., B.D., A.M. The second son we record is: Bernhard, Arthur ( Jimmy) Loeschen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert A. Loeschen. Born Nov. 25th, 1923 in Com- promise Tp. he attended Rantoul Township High School for four years, 1937-41 ; then finished Waverly College in three years, 1941-43. At- tended Wartburg Seminary for three years, served one year as intern at Immanuel Lutheran, Golden, 111., worked for his Masters degree dur- ing the summers at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1948. He received a call from Zion Lutheran at Ashkum, 111., and was ordained by Rev. H. Haf- erman. Blessings were pronounced by the pas- tors, F. Lutz of Philo, Wm. Feme of Gifford, E. Nelson of Rantoul, O. Dieter of Urbana, Geo. E. Baseler of Mason City. Mr. Henry Flessner and Arthur Alberts, students of Theol- ogy, acted as Liturgists and Rev. K. S. Meyer of Royal preached the sermon. While pastor in Ashkum, Rev. Loeschen, started the Mission in Kankakee to which he has now been called for full time service. He was installed on Oct. 9th, 1949. The Rev. Mr. Loeschen is a fine pastor, a good speaker and a student. He is at present taking work at May wood Seminary one day a week. Pie is interested in youth work and has served as advisory pastor of the Eastern Illinois District of the Luther League. [60] Arthur Libby Albers, B.A. Arthur Libby Albers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reak Albers of St. Joseph, 111. was born on Aug. 20th, 1925 in Compromise Tp. He attended Rantoul Township High School for four years, graduating in 1943. In the sum- mer of 1943 he enrolled at Wartburg College, Waverly and remained there during the fall and winter term. In the fall of 1944 he enrolled in Capital University, Columbus, Ohio from which he graduated with the B.A. degree in 1946. In the fall of 1946 he entered the Lutheran Sem- inary connected with Capital University. He served one year of internship with Rev. C. H. Lange at Faith Lutheran Church, Detroit, Michi- gan. He is now a Senior at our Luther Seminary, Columbus. D.v. He will complete his studies and enter the ministry at the end of the school year in 1950. Henry Andrew Flessner Henry Flessner. the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Flessner was born on April 12th, 1922. He attended the St. Joseph High School for four years graduating in 1942. He immediately en- tered Wartburg College, Waverly to take the summer term. He continued during the fall term, but later decided to join the armed forces, lb- came home for a farewell celebration on March 12th, 1943. During his stay in the armed forces he served in Texas, Maryland, Virginia. He was assigned to the services of prisoners of war assisting the chaplains. Upon his return to pri- vate life he become united in holy wedlock to Miss Martha Schmaidt of Beulah, North Dakota in 1946. He again entered Waverly, Wartburg College, Waverly and since then has continued his studies during the regular and summer terms. He entered Wartburg Seminary in the fall of 1947 but continued to do college work during the summer terms. D.v. lie will complete his studies and enter the ministry at the end of the school vear in 1950. Tq)Iio will follow? ^(Dho will let his son follow? These are questions for hoys, young men and parents. There are many excuses, hut the call of the Lord: Whom shall I send and who will he my messenger must be answered in all sincerity. Who will answer: Here am 1 Lord, send me? And who will give a father's and mother's blessing when a young man i- ready to go? (Lord fur this child 1 prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him. Therefore also I have lent him unto the I. or. I; as long as he livcth he shall he lent to the l.onl. Hannah. I Sam. 1 :27 , 2X. 61 REV. HENRY DIRKS In answer to a letter from me requesting in- formation concerning him Rev. Henry Dirks writes : I am a native of Ardorf , Ostfriesland and came to this country in 1924. I entered Wart- burg College at Clinton in the fall of 1926 and graduated from the Seminary at Dubuque in 1933. I was ordained in the Flatville church on July 26th, 1934 after having accepted a call to my first congregation, the St. Paul's Church at Ramona, Kansas. I believe it was in the summers of 1927, 1928 and 1930 when I taught in some of the schools in the Flatville congregation ; two summers in the so-called Ehlers school and the last time in the Kopmann school located two miles south of Gifford. Have been pastor in con- gregations in Kansas and North Dakota and since May 1st, 1949 I am pastor of St. John's church here near Plainfield, Iowa. With kindest greetings, fraternally yours, Henry J. Dirks. Services for the Rev. Reiner H. Benting, 54, former president of the Indiana synod of the United Lutheran church and pastor of St. Mark's United Lutheran church twenty-five years, who died at his home, 1121 Linden street, after an illness of three weeks, were held in St. Mark's church. Dr. H. E. Turney, synod president, and the Rev. Ellis Albert officiated. Burial was in Washington Park cemetery. Dr. Renting was president of the Indiana synod from 1928 to 1931, was a director of Wittenberg College and Hamma Divinity School, Springfield, Ohio, two years, a member of the examining committee of the Indiana synod four years and a member of the mission board of the synod until last year. Elected as delegate to the con- vention of the church in Minneapolis, October 11-18, he was unable to attend. A native of Thomasboro, Illinois, Dr. Benting was reared in Illinois and North Dakota. He entered the ministry at Toledo in 1913 after graduation from the Theological Seminary, Dubu- que, Iowa, receiving the honorary Doctor of Theology degree from Wittenberg College in 1930. He was instrumental in organizing the campaign to construct the present building started in 1922 and completed in 1927' at a cost of $150,000. Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Olga Benting; two sister, Mrs. Arthur Mergenthal, Hillsboro, North Dakota, and Mrs. Otto Bohlen, Corona, South Dakota, and six brothers, John Benting, Minneapolis ; Herman Benting and Martin Bent- ing, Hillsboro, North Dakota, and Ben Benting, Henry Benting and Simon Benting, Corona. While we have recorded the names of the living sons of Immanuel it becomes also our duty to record one who has passed on into the rest of the children of God. Rev. Reiner H. Benting, the son of Herman Benting, Flatville was born on Feb. 20th, 1889 in the community of Flatville, Compromise Tp. He prepared for the Holy ministry at Wartburg College, Waverly and Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque. We are quot- ing his obituary to give you a glimpse of his driving dynamic spirit and the work he accom- plished in the 31 vears of his ministry. He died October 29th, 1944. ^ [62] uhe J4htoty, of CaH 3%ieHa INTRODUCTION For the occasion of the 75th anniversary of our congregation it seemed to be the wish of our members to issue an anniversary booklet. Such a booklet usually contains a brief history of the congregation. Ordinarily this would extend backward for 75 years, but since this congregation is to a large extent (almost entirely) composed of people whose parents, grandparents or ancestors came from East Friesia, a brief history oi the people of that country should be included. There are two reasons for this. When I visited older members of this community who had received their public school education in Last Friesia, 1 was told that they were taught the history of the Friesian people and I can see no good reason why it should be withheld from their grandchildren and descendants. America has received the heritage of many nations. One of these is that of Friesland. The background of these people, as it is recorded in the history of Friesland is something that tits into the picture of American democracy, and of which her sons and daughters can justly be proud. ANCIENT BACKGROUND We have people in America who pride themselves, because their ancestors came over on the Mayflower, and still others, because they can trace their family tree even farther than that historical incident. If such a pride is justified, then a large part of the members of Immanucl Lutheran can justly claim an ancestry, that goes Ear beyound the Mayflower and at least as far as any history of England and the surrounding countries of Europe. Of course, all people have ancestors in remote ages, but they mingled with other people or were absorbed by them, and their history cannot be traced. It is the peculiarity of the Friesian people to cling together and to keep intact the solidarity of their race. Even here in the U.S.A. the Middle West is dotted with communities in which the tongue of "Ost Friesland" ( Last Friesia) is still spoken. This is not accidental and we shall see why. TACITUS TELLS OF FRIESIANS The earliest written history of the Friesian people is recorded by Tacitus, a Roman Historian, who lived in the middle of the first century (50 A.D.). lie describes the geographical location of the Friesians minutely, but for our pin-puses it is enough to say, that they lived on the seacoast of Holland and Northern Germany. (The North Friesians lived along the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein). (Interested students may go to the library and gel further information. In addition I bad access to "Ostfriesland, Heimatkunde" von Dr. Rudolph Bielefeld which was loaned to me by the Rev. K. C. Meyer Formerly of Royal. This book deals exclusively with thai part of East Friesia from which the grandparents of our people emigrated, Other I ks were Reden- bachers Illustrierte Weltgeschichts," and Vol. \ I, "Meyers [Conversations Lexikon.") WHO WERE THE FRIESIANS? Many of the writers surmise that Friesland was inhabited long before Christ was born, that the in- habitants emigrated from the sea and from the land. From the sea, they believe, came people who were natives of Denmark, Norway, and the north coast of Germany, and perhaps even oi Sweden, \ proof in their favor are the similarities in the languages. These emigrants from the sea were mostlj fishermen and hunters. From the South, the mainland, of what was then called "Germanien" (Germany) came the Saxons, also called the Vnglo Saxon, and pushed north. FRIESLAND The emigrants were not as lucky as the emigrants that came from Europe into our Middle West, for the emigrants into Friesland found neither the Forests of Wisconsin or the Prairies of Illinois and Iowa. Friesland, as the land was later called, was a land of seas, lowlands, and bogs. There were few trees and little land high enough to keep dry during certain seasons and the sea also would occasionally bite off a good sized chunck and swallow it during a violent storm. The land which was strong enough to resist such onslaughts of the sea remained as islands. Fries- land has many such islands. COOPERATION For the people who had come to live here it was first of all a question of saving their lives during storms and storm floods. They came together to meet the em- ergency. They felt that they could not meet it alone as individuals, and here was horn the trait of "clinging together," an outstanding trait of the Friesian people to this day. Born of dire necessity it has preserved the identity of these people for some 2,000 years. The new settlers decided, that they must raise the land so that the house or hut built upon it would not be endangered even if a flood came inland or great downpours turned all the lowlands into a sea. Rut how? There is no written record on how it was done. Your guess is as good as mine, 1ml the fact, thai these manmade hills are there, with buidlings on them, testify to the fact, that the settlers accomplished their purpose. Can you sec from 25 to 100 neighbors, men, women, and children all carrying dirt to make a safe place to build a house? Now there was one safe place to which they could tlee in the hour of danger. Rut they did not stop with one; when the first was finished they started on the second. Finally all were living safely except those who lived near the sea. What bad been started as a good neighbor policy had to be ex- panded later. The number of people increased. Land was needed for grain-raising, pasture and havland, and it became necessary to protect the land as they had protected the homesteads. Greal dykes were raised to keep the sea out. To do this thej needed gn operation. Rut the people of Friesland had learned, that they must stick together, if the\ wanted to protect themselves from tin sea, and when their leaders c: the\ came, The} brought spades and shovels; the first dykes were made bj band Tin dirt was hauled h\ oxen and horses. Tin land behind the dykes was and the Friesians became ambitious. Tin sea had taken a lot from them in its angrv mood. Now they went out and built new dykes, almost OUl in tin and thousands of acres oi land were reclaimed Farther inland there were many lowlands which filled easilj with water during the rainy season. Mere drai ditches were needed and again thi hbor policj was brought into play, at this time' to make the' land dry, sei that crops could he planted and harvested in spite of the heavj rains The good neighbor policj was still needed at the coast for the dykes needed continual inspection, guarding, protection, and repair. [ 63 1 COOPEK \'l [( IN M \KKS FRIENDS The good neighbors policy, for which there was a continual need seems to have eliminated struggles be- tween tin two i ini-i. itious. Though they were unlike each other and spoke somewhat different languages, they gol along. They itermarried and their languages blended into each other except in remote parts where 11 remained more like that of the original emigrants. There are islands and parts on the sea separated from other villages h\ deep moors, where the original language of those coming from the north is quite well preserved, and there are districts on the mainland, where the language of the Anglo-Saxons, now called l.ou German, is more or less preserved; but both are at least to some extent blended into each other. All is now called the Friesian dialect, and whether they came from the islands or from the mainland, all claim to be Friesians and to speak the Friesian tongue, although, it the two extremes would meet they would hardly understand each other. Both are extremely loyal to Friesland. And to this 1 want to add, that although many oi the people of our Emmanuel congregation comprise the third generation, many are still speaking the language of Friesland in their homes and in con- versations with their fellow Friesians. I am sorry, that this language never came to he the language of the pulpit, as it did in Holland, because if it had, the gospel and Bible truths would have come much closer to our people. FRIESLAND MEANS "LAND OF THE FREE" Since we have little interest in the political history of the Friesian people as a church we shall only occa- sionally mention some of their rulers, but there is something which I believe should he mentioned. During World War I when it was style to question the loyalty of all who spoke the German tongue or had a German name, some Champaign County Super-patriots were scheming to get that German preacher from the Dutch Flats, the Rev. E. Moehl, then pastor of Immanuel Luthern. He was called upon to make a speech, but that speech was so good, and it was hacked up with the buying of such a high amount of Liberty Bonds, that no further attempts to question the loyalty of our pastor and our people were made. We don't know what Pastor Moehl said, but he might have said: "I represent the people who during 2,000 years of history have often been invaded and oppressed but who have never in- vaded and oppressed other people. They were over- come by the Romans, but fought for their freedom with the other German tribes under Armin (Harm) the liberator of ancient Germany." (This reminds me: It was Tacitus who said the Cheruskians were the tribe who because they loved peace had quit the practice and preparation of war, but whose prince Harm led his tribe in that fateful battle in the Teuto- burger Forest.) Later the Franks fought endless wars to subjugate the Saxons and the Friesians. Finally a compromise in which both nations retained a good deal of independence was agreed upon. W : ith the Franks, under Charles Martell, they fought the Turks in Spain, to protect Christendom from Mohammedanism Still later the ruling prices of Holland and the Emperors of Germany brought them under the control of the Empire, but though they could not hold out against the superior forces, they maintained their love for freedom and independence. The Friesians were born with a love for democracy. Their good neighbor policy developed a love for meet- ing together, taking things over, and submitting to the decision of the majority. The Friesians developed their own corle of law. It was the community which met to elect judges and speakers. These, as in England, where our law originated in the same way, first of all remembered the various cases and decided them similarly. Later these laws were codified and written down. The first written record of these laws was made by Charlemagne (800 A.D.). Tt was called "Lex Frisionum." (See Meyers (Conversations Lexicon Vol. 6, page 7J>?<.) Before the judges went out into their various districts with their speakers (Tallemannen), they were required to swear, to St. James that they would not favor their friends nor take money as a bribe, but pronounce judgment alike to rich and poor, friend and enemy. This law was enforced throughout the ages and is today embodied in their local laws. These judges did not allow fortresses or walled build- ings— "to do right" was to be the protection of the Friesian people. Such is the past and ancient history of these people. Don't you think they are eminently qualified to be good citizens in a democracy?" And he might have added: Even today in their meetings they are most careful to respect the wishes and de- sires of their neighbors and fellow members. Often they are silent in a meeting, because they are not sure of how the other members feel. Then it is best to adjourn the meeting so that they may talk it over among themselves. No minority can railroad anything through. Even in committee or council meetings they continue to talk until all have reached the same deci- sion. And when that decision is reached either by the whole group or by the elected leaders it will be carried out without fail. Is not this democracy developed to a high degree? RELIGION OF THE ANCIENTS We wrote more about civil matters than we had intended, but hope that it will inspire the young to hold to the ideals of their forebearers. As a church we are naturally first of all interested in the religious influences which took place. There are few records of religious practices and we must again turn to Tacitus, the Roman, who, although he mentions some of the German tribes by name, usually writes in general, be- cause their practices were much alike. Speaking then of the Friesians as part of them we can say: They worshipped no idols, they had no temples, but their sacred places were in groves or under great trees. Often women served as priestesses. They were looked upon as prophetesses who could foretell the future by watching the flight of birds, listening to the neighing of milk-white horses, sacred to the God's, and looking at entrails. They believed in numerous Gods, some good and some bad. Just to mention a few, Wotan was the name of the father of the Gods; Thor, the God of thunder and lightening, and Frya, the Godess of the home. They also believed in giants who were in con- tinual warfare with the higher Gods. The ancient Friesians believed in heaven and hell. The higest place in heaven was Walhalla, a large castle to which only brave warriors who fell in battle were admitted. Here they fought and feasted forever. Good women, children, and men who were fit to be admitted to heaven were also received, but not to the higher honors. Considering that the ancients were heathen, they had a remarkable senee of clean morals; neither was there a double standard for the sexes. Unnatural sex practices (so prevalent in many heathen nations), adultery and fornication were punished with death. Usually the ex- ecution was preceded by terrible tortures, in order to make a horrible example of the culprit. Love of family -was one of the strongest traits of the Friesian people Women were held in high esteem and exerted a great influence oner the men even in -war. The lives of children was sacred (in Greece and Rome the father decided 'whether a baby should live.) The weakness of these people was their love of feasting (gluttony) and their inordinate drinking (drunkenness). The worst of their vices was gambling. Men gambled away all their possessions, then their family and finally themselves (as slaves). (And Tacitus says, "That's what they call honor." Is this where the gamblers get the expression "A debt of honor?") Many German tribes did not allow land to be owned, it was parceled out each year. War was their profes- sion and agriculture might lessen their zeal for battle. f64] When no war was in progress the men held meetings, feasted, hunted, and loafed Indian fashion. Women and slaves did the work around the house and in the fields. CHRISTIANITY COMES TO THE FRIES] \XS To these warring, drinking, gambling, but morally clean barbarians the missionaries came. What would these warriors think of the gospel of peace, what of the Biblical pronouncements, that no drunkard shall enter the kingdom of heaven? What would they say when they beard that Jesus forgave the woman who sinned when they were accustomed to torture and to kill the sinners. Someone has said that the ancient Friesians and the Saxons were "dead set against the Gospel." This is not true. When Wilfried, a bishop of York, England, was forced to land on the Friesian coast be- cause of a storm, he was favorably received by King Aldgild and permitted to preach the gospel. Humanly speaking, it would have been of great help to the Christianizing of the Friesians if he bad stayed or if the missionary work has been carried on from England instead of from the Frankish Empire. The Friesians bad no quarrel with the people from the British [sles, and English, Scotch, and Irish missionaries would have been treated as friends; but the missionaries came to them from the hated Franks. The Franks were hated because they sought to sujgate them and to take away their freedom. The Franks contended that it was necessary for them to subjugate them, because the Saxons were always warning and disturbed the peace of Germany. If we look at mission work among the Friesians from this angle, and if we remember that they were freedom loving people, we can understand that missionaries coming from the country of their enemies were not welcome. On the other hand we must admire the missionaries who in spite of these difficulties and dangers, still labored to bring the gospel to the Friesians. And it was the Christ of the gospel, who died to make men free, who zvon the hearts of the Friesians. Men who labored in Friesland were W'illibrord who had come from England with eleven helpers. When he found that the times were not favorable he went south. The missionaries who labored in East Friesia were W illihad and Luidger; W'illihad was a Friesian himself and Luidger was so beloved that the church in Norden is named after him. We also must mention Winfred, later called St. Boniface, who in his youth had labored in Friesland, but in the meantime had become Arch- bishop of all Germany. He resigned his office in order to go back to the Friesians. He labored very successfully in that part of Friesia which is now called Holland; but an organized group <>i beaten warriors killed him, his helpers, and fifty-two newly baptized Christian- on June 5th. 755 A.D. He refused to be defended and said: "For this day of my redemption, I have waited, lie strong in the Lord. It will be but a shorl momenl and we will be with Christ and rule with him." The place was Dokkum, Holland. Luring the war between the Saxons and the Franks, the Friesians were on the side of the Saxons fighting for their freedom, and the work of missionaries suffered. However when the war was over, many who had secretly believed, confessed Christ and labored to win others. W'c mention a famous Friesian singer Bernlef who lived at this time and by his singing drew many to hear him. Then he would sing songs of the glorious Christ. He did much to advance the cause of the gospel. It took a long time to win the Friesians and the Saxons for Christ, but the historian Redenbacher writes: "Those who had been the bloodiest of heathen became the must pious of Christians." (Because our congregation has shown such a bat for mission work and has so consistently and liberally supported the work of missions I felt, that I could be liberal in this chapter on missions.) THE REFORM VTION It was during the time of Edzard the Great, who ruled over Easl Friesia (1494-1528) that East Friesia became protestant Edzard who might have been called "The Wise," gave free course to the Reformation. The le were to decide whether they wanted the gospel. Hi- people, who had always resented the rule of the Roman Catholic church, were anxious to have the freedom of the gospel. Much of this was due to noble souls who, while they were Roman Catholics in name, subscribed to those teachings which Luther again brought to light. A Friesian monk, Thomas A. Kempis, who wrote "The Imitation of Christ" and many similar books, was on. of lb.-., .uid here again it was Christ the crucified the all sufficient savior from sin, who won. The ruling family of East Friesia became Lutheran but reformers from Holland came to Emden and i inlluence in behalf of the reformed church. For awhile it seemed as if the Lutheran church would win all of Friesland. Supt. Ondermark of Celle had called in to help with the work. The excellent con- stitution (Kirchenordnung) of Luei to be adopted. Then a certain Pole a Lasco, who had been driven from England with many others of the re- tned church, returned to Emden and gained much influence. From now on there is a Lutheran and a Reformed church in East Friesia. The Lutheran con- ations are in East and Northeast Friesia, while the Reformed are in the South and Southwest. Both are governed by the same consistery, an arrangement that has seldom worked for the benefit of the Lutheran church. Here as in Prussia (and Last Friesia bad be- come part of Prussia) where the 7(10 Reformed con- gregations exerted a much greater inlluence that the .\i ii mi Lutheran congregations, because the king be- longed to the reformed church, the Lutherans from a lack of freedom. THE 30 YEAR \\ \R After the Reformation came the "Thirty year war." The East Friesians were saved from the army of the Emperor which represented the Pope and Roman Catholicism, by Duke Georges victorious battle at Oldendorf on the Weser, but during the later part the war they suffered a good deal from the Swedish soldiers who now roamed the country without dis- cipline. To obtain money and valuables citizens were brutally tortured and whole villages and towns were burned down. To this came epidemics, especially the black plaque, which took the lives of many. When finally peace came, the population of Germany was reduced from thirty-six million to six million. Of this Easl Friesia also bore its share. AGE OF ILLUMINATION AND REASON FOLLOWS PERIOD OF PIETY \XI) DEVOTION It took a long time for the devastated countries to rebuild their destroyed homes and cities. Spiritualh il was a period in which the Bible was highly valued and diligently read. The churches were well attended and the pious lived a truly Christian life. As the j went by conditions improved and prosperity returned to the impoverished countries. But instead of ap- preciating the material blessings the people became careless and indifferent in regard to Cod and the Christian religion. This time the destructivi came from the Universities and nun of high intelligence. I Mi. of the men who brazenly ridiculed and mocked the Christian religion was tin- Frenchman, Voltaire, but he was not alone He bad bis imitators in n. ,u \\ . principality of Europe. Luring the French Revolution the age of reason was proclaimed and a young woman was placed upon the altar as the goddess of reason. From the universities came pastors who wen affected by these teachings Thej no longer preached th< gospel. h is recorded that one pastoi preached or Christmas [65] on the theme "The benefit of Eeeding cattle in barns" and another had as his theme on Easter day "The awakening of spring." The churches were empty but the pious read their luniks of devotion and their Bibles. Stark's Gebetbuch, Arndt's wahres Christentum (True Christianity by John Arndt), Sermons by Brastberger, and similar hooks were greatly valued. Stark's book of prayer is even today a fortress of a rugged faith in the crucified savior. In its prayers a repenting and believing sinner speaks to God. TIME OF AWAKENING While the leaders had lost touch with God and the gospel, God raised up nun who preached the Word of God with power and stimulated interest in missions. Christ the savior was to he brought to all. Among these are Pastor Win. Loehe of Neuendettelsau, Bavaria; Pastor Louis Harms of Hermansburg, Lueneburg; Pastor Paulsen of Kropp; Pastor Jennsen of Breklum ; and Pastor Remmert Jannsen of Strackholt, Ostfries- land. All of these exerted great influence. They also founded institutions for the preparation of foreign missionaries and pastors in America. Students from these institutions came to America and were either ordained as Lutheran pastors or finished their courses in the Lutheran Seminaries. They also developed great annual gatherings called ".Mission Festivals." Older members of our congregation still remember those held at Strackholt. Great sums of money were raised at these festivals for the cause of missions. The money was needed, but the greater blessing came from the seed sown at these occasions. The Word of God was preached by men of faith and the love of missions was kindled in many hearts. Hundreds, sometimes e\ en thousands would come from distant places to attend these mission festivals. This love of missions came with the emigrants to America and to Flatville. It was not long after our congregation had been formed, that regular mission festivals were held. These have continued until today. Rev. E. Moehl writes, that from 1883 to 1937 approximately $37,000.00 had been raised for missions, and we might add, that from 1937 to and including 1949 another $35,000.00 were raised at our mission festivals at Immanuel, Flatville. However, while we felt, that this little report completed a thought, we realize that we went from what we called the historical background into the history of the con- gregation. Let us consider it the bridge, that spans the Atlantic and reaches from Strackholt, East Friesia to Flatville, Illinois. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. X We should say a little about the windows in our church. They are all very comforting. We see Peter sinking. He prays to Christ: Lord Help! If we would only turn to Him when our faith becomes weak. There is the picture of Jesus calling: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. That picture needs no explanation. Christ the Shepherd carrying the lamb is also well known and illustrates Christ's care for the weak and little ones. L-uther is also portrayed. He is the instrument which God used to call His church back to the Spring of Living Water, the Word of God. The twelve year old Jesus is for the children, so is also the large Mural which depicts Christ and the children. In another window we have the well known picture: Behold I stand at the door and knock. Oh, that all would open the door of their hearts and let Him in. Paul with the sword of the Spirit. The picture that we chose for the book depicts the scene in tlte home of Martha and Mary when Jesus says: One thing is needful, Mary has chosen that Good part and it shall not be taken from her. One thing is needful, for you and for us — to listen to Jesus as He speaks in Holy Scripture ; to believe in Him as our Savior from Sin; and to follow Him. Is he your Savior? He is still calling Come unto me ! He is still knocking at the door of vour heart. Let Him In. Tomorrow may be too late. [66] ^H iSil i •'► ii I few ^ 8 1 1 g Pi 1 z*3£a m«S! ■ ~/v« k 1 i # 1 Ilk w E* ,.».'■■ ■ 1 El W£ ^M'~ 1 ~~ - It 1— — frtm *'• 1 Wgj ,L»— *- ^ W ^^Sl m 1 JP P ""*! ^^ ^mI ■^Jd^^SB ^^ _3- ■ -z$~T~ ■Kft Jff SrvTi i 7T" i »' m — ~^~~~ _ ■ * 1 « 1 JJi 1 1 •.t/ 4A. Xiir < 1 t . [ ir\ t - r-' 1 ■ WMAr I 1 B sisLi..- _L ■ TT *£[) III ^ tmarM $ Ui '• J 1 1 KeI ■ .^■■■iiii «j; ■■!2iS«iil i ^n ■ l^ ^ & >■ ■ 1 ^^^^^ \ Icl— i— —^" ^rr^rr--^ ?>< 1 L "~~ *^*"^B ^r~~ i 1 r ^^^B ■ ■ ' ■— r"""^! 1 [W, /z r" t- J 1 cfc 1 ■T f";'. ^J J ^1- J" i ^ ■ IS 5^r ~ ;!5«r II I 5 1 ■•#•■# , il 1 «J»v Hf II V i iw /•3;^3I ii ^HafflfrC S iFiV'^WN - ■*^ T S»* m W V=T*«L " ■ 1 i ii i*"»j *w iVs' A * *2i | ;M»^ ■»—» - ■W 1 "^ 1 * S ^^^4 J { 1 1 ! 1 - 1 H^l ^1 Bi^l IB^B IB^I -^-, . * j L; | . i .J|U — - 1 _u — i. -■ ■ - : : * ■!" ii. : ins3b(UlP.olh j 41 3E 1 'n' ' F 'Hi I ■ t- - * ■ '. ! 1 I Smtnanuel Jjithetan Cku%ck } 1949 Air. and Mrs. Arnold Ackerman I )erald, 1 •< mna, I >elmar Mr. ami Mrs. Carl Ackerman 1 )ick Mr. and Mrs. Klvin Ackerman Linda Mrs. Eilert (Toenna) Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. 1 1 arm 1'.. Ackerman Alvin, Merle Mr. and Airs. Henry l\. \ckcrinan Robert, 1 )iane Air. and Mrs. Henry F, Ackerman Frederick Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ackerman William Air. and Mrs. John Ackerman Mrs. Alma Alters Carl, Dick Mr. and Airs. Herman Albers Herman, Gary Air. and Mrs. L. W. Albers Sylvia Mr. and Airs. Reak Albers Arthur Mr. John Ackerman Air. and Airs. Bart H. Bartell Mr. and Airs. Heye Bartell Gayle, Karen, Christine Air. and Mrs. Harm Bergman Berneta, Errol, Loren Air. and Airs. Herman Bergman Arlene Air. and Airs. Eldred Bergman Airs. Nancy Bergman Mr. and Airs. John Blue Evelyn, John Mr. and Airs. Oltman Blue Mr. and Airs. Harm Blue Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buenting Alarie, Joan, Herman, Henry, Marion, Richard Mr. B. J. Buhr Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Buhr Mr. and Airs. Siegfried Buhr Marcia Mr. and Mrs. Eilert Buhs Lela, Norine Air. and Airs. Jelde Buhr Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Buhr Air. and Airs. Charley Buhs Alenne, Anna, Heye Airs. Johanna Buhs Mrs. Annie Busboom Mr. and Mrs. Claus Busboom Raymond Mr. and Airs. Edwin Busboom Elaine, Elroy Mr. and Mrs. George O. Busboom Oscar Busboom Mr. and Mrs. Henry Busboom Air. and Mrs. Hie R. Busboom Dale, Dean, Cecil Mr. and ATrs. Heye P. Busboom Bernice Busboom Mrs. Lena Busboom Air. Rankin G. Busboom Clarence, Marvin, Vernon Norman, Leon Mr. and Mrs. Rankin T. Busboom Raymond Air. and Mrs. Edward Busboom Air. and Mrs. John Buss Diane, Lucille Air. and Airs. Henry Carmien Wayne M r. and M rs. John I. Cornelius Louis M r. and M rs. Rudolph I )< ■mien Ellen Mr. and Mrs. John Duden Mr. and Mrs. John I I. Duden I lennis, Marvin Mr. and Mrs. Gerd J. Duitsman Mr. and Airs. Herman Duitsman Yvonne, Norman Air. and Mrs. John A. Duitsman Vaughn, Marc Air. and Mrs. John B. Duitsman John Mr. and Airs. Peter Duitsman Junior, Corrine, Gayle Rev. and Airs. Hermann H. Diers Herman, Joanne, Betty Airs. Annie Edenburn Air. and Airs. John Ehler Ray, Vernon Mr. and Airs. Reiner Ehler Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ehler Daniel Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ehmen Leon Air. and Airs. Dirk Ehmen Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Ehmen Ronald, Allen Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Ehmen Eunice, Eldred Mr. and Mrs. John A. Ehmen Erwin Air. and Airs. John L. Ehmen Air. and Mrs. Alenne Ehmen John, Dennis Mr. and Mrs. William J. Ehmen Donald Mr. and Airs. William M. Ehmen Antke ATr. and Airs. Elvin Ehmen Mr. and Airs. Elmer Emkes Steven Air. and Mrs. Vernon Evans Phyllis Mr. and Airs. Frank Flesner Albert Mr. and Airs. Henry A. Flesner Paula Air. Martin J. Flessner Sylvia, Judith Air. and Mrs. Alartin W. Flesner William, Hattie, George, Elizabeth, Annetta Air. and Mrs. Chris Flesner Airs. Alarie Flesner Harm, Annetta Mr. and Mrs. John M. Flesner Reiner, Gesina Air. and ATrs. Andrew Flessner Mr. and Airs. Ekke Flessner, Jr. ■Marvin, Donald Air. and Airs. Ekke F. Flessner Robert, Clarence, Joane Mr. and Airs. Fred Flessner Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Flessner Mr. and Airs. John Flessner ATr. and Mrs. Wilbur Flessner Bonita Mr. and Airs. Meenke Flessner James, Sharon Air. and Airs. Dick Franzen Sandra, Richard Air. E. J. Franzen [68] Mr. and Mrs. Ehm W. Franzen Murray, Norbert, Darren Mr. and Mrs. I [ugh ( >. Franzen Don, Barbara Mr. and Airs. John II. Franzen Evelyn, Norman, Lucille Air. and Airs. Alenke H. Franzen Gary, Gayle, Kathleen Mr. and Mrs. Alenke J. Franzen Dennis Mr. and Airs. Wilbur Franzen Glenna Mr. and Mrs. John G. Freese Donna Mr. and Mrs. Otto Freese Raymond Mr. and Airs. Wilbert Freese Leon Mr. and Mrs. Harm Frerichs Donna, Keith Mr. and Airs. Alartin Frerichs Loretta, Lester, Larry Mr. Harm Frerichs Aliss Verna Frerichs Mr. and Airs. Andrew Fruhling Alvin Mr. and Mrs. Eilert Fruhling Air. and Airs. Fred Fruhling Joan, Darlene Mr. and Mrs. John G. Fruhling Wanda Air. and Airs. Mane Fruhling Rosetta, Florene Mrs. Reka Fruhling Clarence, John Mr. Jerry Gerbers Mr. Chris Goldenstein Air. and Airs. John Goldenstein John ATr. and Airs. William Goldenstein Wanda, Marcetti Mr. and Mrs. William Goldenstein Mr. and Airs. William Granger Air. and Airs. Ehme Gronewold Mildred, Loretta Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Gronewold Mr. and Airs. Henry F. Gronewold Roger, Sandra Mrs. Louis (Engel) Grussing Elsie, Elmer (grandson) ATr. and Airs. John H. Grussing Delmar Air. and Airs. John Heye Grussing Mr. and Airs. John L. Grussing Raymond Mr. and Mrs. Dick Harms Alarvin Mr. and Airs. Ed L Harms Carolyn, Allan Mr. and Mrs. John Harms Barbara, Leon Air. and Airs. Wilke Harms Darius, Alarlys Mr. and Airs. Jerrold Harsha Karen, Jerilyn, Kay, Richard Air. and Mrs. Robert Harsha Daryl Eugene ATr. and Airs. Ronald Harsha Air. and Airs. Ralph Hennis Dixie Air. and Airs. Albert Hinrichs Louise, Alvin Mr. and Mrs. Arnd Hinrichs Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hinrichs Rodney Air. and Airs. Eibe A. Hinrichs Ernest, Wilma, Helen Air. and Mrs. Eibe H. Hinrichs Erna, Herbert, Han. Id Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hinrichs Norman, Randall M r. and Mrs. I [eye I finrichs Mr. and M is. John I finrichs Carolyn, Kenneth, Mary, Kathleen, Gary Mr. and Mrs. Klass Hinrichs Phyllis Mr and Mrs. Martin A. Hinrichs Janice, Arlan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hinrichs Mr. I licit 1 finrichs Mrs. Claus Hoveln M r. and M rs. Claas I [oveln Gary, Diana Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoveln Harold, Edgar Mr. and Mrs. George Hoveln Mr. and Mrs. Charles I [uls Nancy Mi and Mrs. Dick link Beulah Mrs. Engel link Tina Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Huls Vernon Mr. and Mrs. George J. Hnls Rita, Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Hnls I H'tinis, Lois, Karen Mr. and Mrs. I lerman Hnls John, Ernest, Elmer Mr. and Mrs. Jasper G. Hnls Mr. and Mrs. jasper M. Huls Melvin Mr. and Mrs. John G. Huls Mr. and Mrs. John J. Huls, Jr. Marlene, Carol, Lorinda Mr. and Mrs. John I.. Huls Delores, Sharon Air. and Mrs. Martin Huls Air. and Mrs. Martin E. Huls Patricia Mr. and Mrs. Ufred Ideus Mr. and Mrs. Fred tdeus Earl, Gladys Mr. and Mrs. Heye Ideus Delores, Ray Mr. and Mrs. Ulfert Ideus Mr. and Mrs. Anton Ihuen I >ennis, Ri iger Mis lohanna Ihnen Ontke Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Ihncn Mr. and Mrs. Tiark Ihncn Verna Mr. and M rs. Wilke linn n M r. and Mrs. Dick Johnson Delmar, Alvin Mr. and M rs. John I). Johnson \inold. Marilyn Air. ami Mrs. |.,w is Johnson l.inda M r. ami M t s. Ralph Johnson I )elbert, Mai hue, Lowi " Mr. Fred Kienietz M r. and M rs. Ji ihn Kopmann Stanley, Dale, Colin \l rs, I irace Kopmann I ,i i] em e Mr. and Mrs. Wilberl Kopmann Be\ iil\ Mis licit \. Loeschen Man Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Loeschen Esther Mr. and Mrs. Henry Loeschen Shirley Mr. ami Mrs. Karl W. Loeschen I. ester, l.inda Mr. and Mrs. William F. Loeschen Mr. and Mrs. William PI. Loeschen \ erm m M r. and M rs, Albert l,i ieschen Dorothy. Kenneth Mr. and Airs. Ralph Loeschen Norlyn M r. and Airs. Fred l.ubben Irene, Beverly, Jo Paine, Rodger Miss Frieda Pubbcn Air. and M rs. I Jeorge Pubbeii Ronald Mr. and Mrs. Heye Pubbcn Geraldine, Leonard, Rosemary Air. ami M rs. Carl Ludwig I I arm Mrs. Anna Martin Air. and M rs. Eilerl Martin Eileen, Linda, Wilma Air. and M rs. John Martin I lenry, Anna, Carol, Frederick, Byron Air. and Mrs. Jerry F. Afeier Kenneth, Herald, Dale, Virgil Mr. and Airs. Jerry W. Meier Charlene Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mcnncnga I tarrell M r. and Mrs. John Mennenga Roy Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Mennenga Parry, Ronda, .Sharon, Denice Air. and Mrs. Ernest Mennenga Pester, Powell Mrs. Bertha Mennenga Heye, Marx in Air. and Mrs. Ontke Mennenga Alvin, Louise Airs. Tena Aliller George Air. and Mrs. John Munning Erna, Edgar Mr. and Mrs. Trucman Nelson Air. and Mrs. Albert ( >lson Mr. and Mrs. Rolf ( )nnen Mr. ami Mrs, Theodore Osterbur Eunice, Shirley Mr. and Mrs. Henry Patterson Kenneth, Karen, Keith Mr. and Mrs. |ohn Petei S Dick Mr. and Mrs. Herman Peters Melvina, Marless, Mervin Mr. Perl Peavler Miss Vina Raup Mr. and Mis. Dick Raup Mr. and M is. John Raup, Jr. Ray, \\ ihna, Mary Mi. .Mid \1 rs. Wilke Raup Henry, Ronald Mr. and M rs, John Raup, Sr. Mr. ami M rs, Chi is Reitmeier Clara, W illiain, John, Raym 1, Melvin Mi and Mrs. George V Roelfs I )uane Mr. and Mrs i ii orge H. Roelfs Grace, Di ira, b fin Mrs. Mar) Roi h 3 M r. and M rs. Ralph R< k I is Mir, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Roil is l\, 'licit Marvin and Arlene Roelfs Norman, la v. is am! Shirley Mr. and Mis. B R i M r. ami Mrs | [arm P. Saathoff Dennis, Gary Mr. Peter Saatl Miss Bertha Saathoff Mrs, Ed. S: Air. and M I s. • J( i n g< S Merle, .1 \l i and Mrs. John E. Sage Louise, \1\ ill, Herbert Mr. and M rs. John 1 I Sage Mr. and M rs. I [arm B. Schh i Melvin, Erna, Delmar Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schmidt M r. and M rs Ehme Schmidt Eugene, Merle, Delmar M r. and M rs. Pldi c d Schmidt Leon M r. and M rs. 1 [enrj Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Ko, If A Schmidt Uberta, Cathi rine, Bettj Mr. Rolf I. Schmidt M rs. Frank I >a 1 1 Air. and Mrs. Theodore Schmidt Kenneth Mr. and Mrs. Reiner Sieberns Alice, Lois Mr. and Mrs. Herman Suits Carol, Lowell ATr. and M rs. I lcnr\ Suits 1 )oris, Kenneth, \ irgil Air. and M rs. I b\ e Suits Lavonne Mr. and Mrs. John Suits Virion, Ronald, 1 )uane Mrs. Octja Suits Mr. and Mrs. Richard Suits Robert, Lorenz, Florence Mrs. Tena Sjokcn Donald, Velma Al r. and M rs. \nioii Sjuts Ernest, I lelores, Ni irma Air. and Mis. Ileum S. Suits Louise, Dorothy, Darlene ATr. and Mrs. Herman Suits LeRi 13 Mis. Marj Theesfeld Air. and Mrs. Mavnc Thompson Shelbya, Wendell M r. and M is. I lenr; I Men I. eland, Pamela. * !i lii Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Pdcn Sylvia, Phyllis, Raymond, Melvin M r. and M is. I bin \ I Ten \lbcrt Mr. and Mrs. Ralph I ken I lorothj . Raj mone, V n man, Dan. 11 Mrs. Wienke I \b William Mi and M rs, I [enrj W ii I liana Mr. and Mm. \\ ,11,, \\ ,lken Chat l' He, W a\ nc, Elaine Mi and Mrs. Ml,,,, W olkcn l.oreni. Shirley, ' >ter \l, and Mm. \K, ; , Wolken lm bth Mi and Mrs. Dick Wolken I I, ill .una, I. eland. M J I Mi and Mrs Henrj W< ilken Waller. Mai till, b'.ilecn Mr and Mrs Hi m Wolken \ , i ii, oi Mm, \mi.i \\ i ilken 69] UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA 284 1F610 C001 OUR DIAMOND JUBILEE