| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA |  |
|
| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA | |
Pg 99
Grandview, Iowa
Transcribed by Jackie Terry, August 13, 2016
In the summer of 1926, it so happened that both the Evangelical and the Methodist Episcopal church were without a resident pastor. This may have been fortunate or unfortunate, depending upon how the situation is viewed. Now it seems to have been providential.
Early in the month of September 1926, a discussion took place at the end of a High School Community meeting, in the music room of the school house, concerning the value of a Community or Union Church.
Mrs. Dr. Williams told of it in places she had known and various members of the group suggested advantages of this form or organization.
The general sentiment of those present was that this idea should be followed up and something done sometime toward accomplishing a Community Church in Grandview.
Another meeting was called for September 28, 1926, of the Officials of the Evangelical and Methodist churches. After much discussion, a committee was selected to secure information relative to the community type of churches. Another meeting to be called when such information was obtained.
Information was secured from “Successful Farming”, Piper’s Handbook, a letter from Rev. O.F. Jordan, and replies from questionnaires that had been sent out. An invitation was extended to Rev. OF. Jordan to come and speak at a general community meeting.
On October 26, 1926, Rev. O.F. Jordan met with the people in general community meeting at the Methodist church. He gave an address on the advantages of a Community church and of it success elsewhere. After a general discussion, it was moved and passed that the officials of the three churches meet bi-weekly for discussion until some decision be reached.
At the next regular meeting the following petition was adopted and circulated:
“In order to more adequately care for the religious needs of the community of Grandview and vicinity, and in order to do away with the present inadequate system of denominational control, we hereby affix our names as signifying that we are in favor of the formation of a single community church, to be formed as nearly as possible after one of the following systems of organization, all three of which are in common use today:
1. An Independent Community Church
2. A Federated Community Church
3. A Single Denominational Community Church”
During the month of November, this petition was passed around the community by a committee of the three official boards. After securing 170 signatures, a general meeting was held at the Methodist Church on November 24, 1926. The report of the canvass was made. Fifty-three Methodists, twenty-seven Evangelicals, and seven Congregationalists had signed the petition. Also eighty-three non-church members had signed. After a discussion, it was voted by a large majority to have the Independent type of organization. It was voted to ask Rev. Jordan to send a man to help organize such a church.
Rev. J.A. McGaughey came on February 20, 1927, and served the community, preaching, organizing, and visiting until the permanent organization was effected on March 2, 1972.
Rev. H.B. Gebhart was called as permanent pastor March 2, 1927, and served the church until April 1928.
Rev. D. Andrew Howey, began his work here July 1928.
The original statement of Belief of the Grandview Community Church was as follow:
“I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of ment.
Accepting Him as my Savior, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I promise to obey Him in all things according to the measure of my knowledge of His Will.
It is my purpose to the extent of my ability to co-operate with my brethren in the support of His church, and in the extension of its influence.”
The constitution was a simple as it could be made. It was worked out with the assistance of Rev. McGaughey. It provided for three governing boards, which with the usual officials of any organization form the Official Board. Four Stewards were to have general oversight of all things spiritual; five Deacons to have charge of the benevolences, assist with the ushering, and exercise care over the needy; five Trustees to exercise general oversight of all business matters of the church. There were 182 charter members.
| Original leadership – 1928 | Deacons |
| Dr. D.J. Highley, Pres. | A.R. Morledge, Pres. |
| Fred Wier, Vice Pres. | Clarence Graham |
| Carl Stocke, Sec. | Lester Wiele |
| George E Dunfrund, Treas. | A.j.S. Latta |
| C.R. Zimmerman, Chorister | Dr. O.A. Kabric |
| Mrs. A.R. Morledge, Pianist | Trustees |
| Stewards | Fred Wiele, Pres. |
| J.W. Benz, Pres. | J.J. Beik, Sec. |
| J.M. Buster, Sec. | George Young |
| C.A. Airhood | W.A. Baker |
| Guy Hardman | W.B. Shellabarger |
Pg 100
The Methodist church building proved inadequate after the merging of the three churches. The school house served as a meeting place for the church until Jun 1928. A new home was imperative. After consultation with an architect and investigation of the Methodist and Evangelical plants, it was decided to build an addition to and remodel the Methodist building. Its location seemed more desirable and the old building was in better condition.
An addition 30x40 feet with basement was built on the west side of the Methodist building. Also a new tower was placed in a front central position. As much material as possible was used from the old Evangelical building in the new addition.
The whole exterior was stuccoed. A Balcony was built over what was the south end of the old auditorium, and Sunday School rooms built beneath it. Folding windows opened from all these rooms into the auditorium. Three large doors, raised vertically, closed the opening into the new room to the west. It is hoped as some later date to divide this room more efficiently for Sunday School classrooms.
A kitchen and complete water system made the basement modern and adequate. A double furnace with an auxiliary fan system took care of the heating and ventilating needs.
The church could seat 500 people, when all the rooms were used in the new one. The pulpit and pulpit chairs were those used by the former Evangelical church. Both bells were in the new tower, and it was planned to ring them together with an electrical device.
The estimated cost was $10,000.00. Most of this had been paid or was pledged. However, there was need of more Sunday School equipment and church furnishings, to care for our enlarged activities and program.
| THE BUILDERS |
| Building Committee – Wm. B. Shellabarger, Chairman |
| J.J. Beik, Fred Wiele, C.R. Zimmerman, Guy Hardman, Lee Werner |
| Finance Committee – George Dunfrund, Chairman |
| J.M. Buster, San Latta, A.R. Morlede, Paul Connor, Fred Wier, N.E. McGill |
| Architect – Henry W. Zeidler |
| Cement Work – F.L. Bishop |
| Carpenters – C.R. Zimmerman, G.W. Cocklin, Willis McGrew, Herbert Gipple, Elmer Gochanour |
| Painting – Wm. Dickerson |
| Stucco and Plaster – L.E. Pulver |
| Wiring – Howard Cocklin and D.H. Carlisle |
| Furnace – National Heating & Sheet Metal Works |
| PASTORS |
| Rev. J.A. McGaughey came to help organize the church. |
| 1927 – 1928 Rev. H.B. Gebhart came in March ’27 and left in April ’28. Church was held in School House (Deceased) |
| 1928 – 1390 Rev. D. Andrew Howey |
| 1930 – 1936 Rev. O.G. Lewis (Deceased) |
| 1936 – 1947 Rev. Caleb Larson (Deceased) |
| 1947 – 1948 Rev. Gordon Smith |
| 1948 – 1951 Rev. Floyd McCague |
| 1951 – 1955 Rev. Ralph Priebe (Deceased) |
| 1955 – 1957 Rev. John Loggans |
| 1957 – 1960 Rev. W.H. Rockhill |
| 1961 – 1964 Rev. Clyde Record (Deceased) |
| 1965 – 1969 Rev. Walter Vesterfelt |
| 1970 – 1973 Rev. Larry Bishop |
| 1974 – 1979 Rev. E.C. Wolfe |
| 1980 – 1982 Rev. Paul Westcott |
| 1982 – 1984 Rev. Dwight Lehman |
| 1985 – Rev. Darryl Erickson |
Pg 101
…church. These are used today for classrooms with two for the nursery.
In 1973, new carpeting was installed and aluminum siding was put on the parsonage. The next year the west room of the basement was paneled and a new lighting installed there.
1975 brought many more improvements. It was decided to turn the main sanctuary around to make more seating capacity. The pews were changed to face the east and new platform was built the entire length of the east wall. New pews were added in the west wing to seat eight-five more people, and a new baptistery and two new restrooms were added.
In 1976, after many months of counsel and prayer, the board of Deacons rewrote the Constitution, and presented it to the church which voted upon it by an unanimous vote of those attending. The word Bible was added to the church name, thus identifying it more specially as a Bible believing Church. A new fifteen passenger van was purchased for the Sunday School and Church use. A New lighted, outside bulletin board was placed near the front entrance and the solid brass bell was removed from the tower and mounted alongside of the bulletin board.
In 1977, new light fixtures and a new public address system were added in the main sanctuary. Many new trees and shrubs were planted to enhance the outside structure. A 32x24 foot addition was added to the parsonage, giving two more bedrooms, a bath, family and Pullman kitchen.
In 1978 new wooden panel screens were placed in front of the organ and choir loft to match the pews already installed. Our Golden Anniversary celebration was a great day for all! Many former pastors returned and had a part in the all day praise and worship time, giving thanks to the Lord for the bountiful ways he lead and supplied through the first fifty years.
The Lord continues to do so. Since that time new upholstered choir chairs have been added, as well as a film projector and stand, various audio visual equipment, a lighted missionary curio cabinet and a lighted missionary bulletin board in the foyer, a large cross placed above the baptistery in the main sanctuary, and new carpeting extended into the rooms adjoining the main auditorium. The yearly missionary budget has gone from $900.00 in 1945 to $16,540.00 in 1988. We are now giving partial support to 14 missionaries, 7 of these having gone out from our own church.
In 1987 a new building was built and connected to the north side of the educational building. This $110,000.00 addition is 102x50 ft. and is called the “Friendship Center”. It is a gymnasium, has a full kitchen, Sunday school rooms and rest rooms. The building hosts the Awana program for Kindergarten-Junior Hi and Varsity. It is used for wedding receptions, anniversaries, pot luck dinners and other events. Money was donated for the purchase of a new 15 passenger van to be used along with the van purchased a few years ago.
In 1988 a summer intern your pastor was hired to help the pastor and youth leaders with the summer program.
In June 1990, Brent Hall came as an intern. In January 1991 he was hired as Associate Pastor and Minister of Youth and Family Service. He served in that capacity until September 1, 1992.
“TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE”
This material was taken from the 50th Anniversary book printed in 1978 and up-dated in 1992 for this publication.
| BOARD OF DEACONS | |
| Paul Kopf (Chm) | Harold Williams |
| Ted Stephens | John Wolfe |
| Leon Thompson | Charles Jones |
| OFFICIAL CHURCH BOARD | |
| Leon Thompson, Chairman | Myrtle Schlutz, Treasurer |
| Paul Kopf, Vice Chairman | Helen Thompson, Financial Treasurer |
| Mary Wallace, Clerk | Linda Wilson, Missionary Secretary |
| TRUSTEES | |
| Don Veach | Warren Stineman |
| Eric Bartelt | Harold Williams (chm) |
| Floyd Meeker | Mike Rust |
| HEAD STEWARD | |
| Mike Newman |
Picture: Rev. and Mrs. Darryl Erickson, Teresa, Duane, Jonathan
Pg 102
Picture: Grandview Community Bible Church 1988
Picture: Friendship Center of Grandview Community Bible Church. Dedicated, Feb 14, 1988
Picture: Board of Deacons 1988-1989
Left to Right: Charles Jones (Chm), Dale Schlutz, Leon Thompson, Harold Williams, Paul Kopt. Absent, John Wolfe.
Picture: Official Church Board 1988.
Front row: Left to right: Charles Jones, Merle Crumly, Dale Schlutz, Leon Thompson (Church Chm), Ernie Albers.
Second row: Russell Gast, Warrant Stineman, Helen Thompson, Mary M. Wallace, Harold Williams.
Third row: Linda Wilson, Don Veach, Myrtle Schlutz, Mike Rust, Paul Kopt. Absent, John Wolfe.
Picture: The Rev. Caleb Larson at the Grandview Community Church.
Picture: Greeters, Harold and Verlee Williams welcoming Eleanor Schneider.
Pg 103
Picture: Church Choir
Picture: Church pianist, Helen Thompson
Picture: Church Organist, Marillyn Schlutz
Picture: Assistant organist, Verla Kopf
Picture: Assistant organist, Ruth Newman
Picture: Sunday school secretary, Marjorie Knapp
Pg 104
Picture: Janice Brockett in charge of the nursery. Children, Kaziah Solomon and Jessie Polley
Picture: AWANA Recreation Time, Friendship Center
Picture: In the AWANA Nursery, Friendship Center
L-R: Jason Townsley, Chelsea Power, Janessia Townsley
Picture: AWANA – Practicing Bible quiz for contest.
L-R: Michelle Snyder, Jonathan Erickson, Ryan Power. Leader, Billie Stephens.
Picture: Happy Workers Sunday School Class.
Back for L-R: Leon Thompson, Edna Haschar, Myrtle Schlutz, Verda Marie Moon, Helen Thompson, Harriet Redwine, Herman Redwine, Verlee Williams, Harold Williams.
Front row L-R: Marie Lamb, Vivian Wiele, Ethel Phillips, Ernest Albers, Wm. Moon, Robert Schlutz, Bob Kanpp
Picture: Ladies Missionary, working on project is: L-R: Marguerite McGill, Verla Kopf, Lois Stineman.
Pg 105
Picture: Ladies Missionary, Estelle Bieri and Vivian Wiele.
Picture: 2nd Grade. Clockwise: Teach: Ruth Newman, Christian Stigge, Phillip Bartelt, Matthew Hagen, Katie Schneider.
Picture: 4th & 5th Graders. L-R: Michelle Snyder, Russ Wiley (teacher), visitor, Vaughn Stigge, Bret Sulzberger, Jed Brockert.
Picture: Choir Director – Darwin Lasiter
Picture: 3rd Grade Class. Clockwise: Mike Newman (teacher), Walter Shellabarger, Tyler Sulzberger, Ryan Power, Jonathan Erickson.
Picture: Primary Department
Seated on floor (L-R): Steven Hagen, Jasey Yotter, Nicole Yotter, Laura Stigge, Katie Schneider, Walter Shellarager, Mitchell Schweitzer.
Seated on floor (L-R): Steven Hagen, Jasey Yotter, Matthew Hagen, Tenille Sulzberger, Christian Stigge, Phillip Bartelt, Jason Townsley, Jennifer Janowski, Chelsey Power, Jonathan Erickson, Ryan Power, Tyler Sulzberger, Stefanie Kerr.
Teachers: Ruth Newman, Linda Wilson, Sharon Veach, Mike Newman.
Pg 106
Picture: 2 & 3 Year Olds
Clockwise: Teacher, Carol Meeker, Aaron Polley, Ben Janowski, Janessa Townsley, Keith Stigers
Picture: 1st Grade
Clockwise: Teacher Linda Wilson, Jasey Yotter, Laura Stigge, Mich Schweitzer, Stefanie Kerr.
Picture: Junior High
L-R: Sara Newman, Amber Lessenger, Brandon Sulzberger, Duane Erickson, Jeremy Brockert, (teacher) Janet Polley, Sarah Rust, Marisa Ash.
Picture: 4 & 5 Year Olds
Seated (L-r): Nichole Yotter, Tenille Sulzberger, Thias Polley, Chelsey Power, Phillip Hagen, Jonathan Solomon, Alex Miller, McKinsey Miller, Jennifer Janowski, Jason Townsley.