Celebrating 100 Years of Faith
Esther Sater & Stepmother
1922
1917 - 2018
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF FAITH
BY KARLA CHAMBERLAIN
Imagine a vast forest, split by a river, with an occasional marsh, a few log cabins, a dam, a woolen mill, several gristmills and small foundries. This was the settlement known as Lansing during the 1840’s. With a lumber boom and the location of facilities in Lower Town (now known as North Lansing) around the dam, this area was the primary business district until the time of the Civil War. When the lumber boom tapered off and the economy crashed in 1893, community life began to focus around Center Town (near the newly established state capitol) and, after the development of a mineral springs spa and resort, Upper Town (Washington Avenue and Main Street near the convergence of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers).
Around the turn of the century, shoppers had to visit a meat market, bakery, grocery and produce stand to buy things found in a one-stop modern supermarket. Lansing boasted 17 meat markets, 5 dairies, 51 grocers and 16 bakeries. The ice dealer was an essential part of city life. Without mechanical refrigeration, the icebox kept food cold in the home and chilled the beer in restaurants and saloons.
The Hotel Downey, located about three blocks from the Capitol, was recognized as Lansing’s finest. The Downey cost $2.00 - $3.50 per night when Lansing’s other hotels were charging $1.00 - $1.50 per night.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF FAITH
BY KARLA CHAMBERLAIN
Imagine a vast forest, split by a river, with an occasional marsh, a few log cabins, a dam, a woolen mill, several gristmills and small foundries. This was the settlement known as Lansing during the 1840’s. With a lumber boom and the location of facilities in Lower Town (now known as North Lansing) around the dam, this area was the primary business district until the time of the Civil War. When the lumber boom tapered off and the economy crashed in 1893, community life began to focus around Center Town (near the newly established state capitol) and, after the development of a mineral springs spa and resort, Upper Town (Washington Avenue and Main Street near the convergence of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers).
Around the turn of the century, shoppers had to visit a meat market, bakery, grocery and produce stand to buy things found in a one-stop modern supermarket. Lansing boasted 17 meat markets, 5 dairies, 51 grocers and 16 bakeries. The ice dealer was an essential part of city life. Without mechanical refrigeration, the icebox kept food cold in the home and chilled the beer in restaurants and saloons.
The Hotel Downey, located about three blocks from the Capitol, was recognized as Lansing’s finest. The Downey cost $2.00 - $3.50 per night when Lansing’s other hotels were charging $1.00 - $1.50 per night.
Rev. Sater with our first two confirmands from 1919
Baird’s Opera House, located at Washington Avenue and Ionia Street, presented opera, melodramas, rollicking Irish comedy and blackface minstrel shows. High school commencement took place at Baird’s. Seating capacity was 1,500. Lansing’s working class went to the Star Theater for entertainment. Tickets were $.10 - $.30 compared to $.25 to $1.00 at Baird’s. The Star could seat 800.
General clothing stores sold items for men, women and children. Tailors sold men’s clothing, milliners sold custom or ready-made hats, and dressmakers made custom frocks for women, many working out of their homes. Sewers could purchase fabrics and notions at local dry goods stores.
A man named Ransom Eli Olds built his first car in a Lansing garage in 1897. R.E. Olds built 4 vehicles in 1897. Skeptics thought his horseless carriage business would fail and friends even encouraged Olds’ wife, Metta, to leave him. After all, Lansing was a town built on agriculture. Most figured it would remain that way. In December, 1901, a new Olds auto factory opened. The Olds name, later changed to Oldsmobile, became the oldest in North America. The Olds Motor Company made about 2,500 cars per year in the early 1900’s. The Curved Dash, weighing 650 pounds and selling for $650.00, was the most popular model. By 1917, Oldsmobile was one of America’s top sellers - 21,800 cars. Workers made 50 cents per hour, compared to current times when workers make about 400,000 cars per year and the wage is about $22.00 per hour.
The United States continued to grow. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s many western states were admitted to the Union: Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma and Arizona. Although World War I had been raging for about 3 years, the United States remained neutral until April, 1917. Woodrow Wilson was sworn in for his second term as president. The Panama Canal was about three years old; the disaster of the sinking of the Titanic had happened 5 years previously. The Wright Brothers flight was written in history in 1903. In November, 1917, Lenin led the October Revolution, setting up a Communist organization in Russia. In December,1917, the 18th Amendment to the constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors, was approved by Congress. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I. As Lansing grew from a small dot in the vast wilderness to a manufacturing center, large open space was acquired for parks. One such acquisition was land for Potter Park Zoo and Park, founded in 1917. The REO Clubhouse was built in 1917 and became the cultural hub of Lansing, hosting free movies, wedding receptions, basketball games, dress balls and patriotic gatherings. It was home to Lansing’s first radio station, WREO, which went on the air in 1921. Known as the “Temple of Leisure”, the building comprised a 2,000 person capacity dining room, an auditorium, a library, four bowling alleys, a fireproof movie booth, and smoking lounge and billiard rooms.
During the period 1820-1920, over 1,000,000 people from Sweden emigrated to the United States. Danish immigrants numbered 300,00 and the Norwegians 730,000. Unemployment in Denmark resulted in the increase of immigration to the New World. The number of Norwegians in the United States amounted to a figure larger than 4/5 of the entire population of Norway. This meant that Norway had lost a larger proportion of her total population by immigration to America than any other European country except Ireland. Virtually all Swedes who arrived in the U.S. were members of the Lutheran Church. Swedes were legally born into the State church and could only leave by taking formal action. It is not surprising that early settlers in the United States soon began building Lutheran churches.
General clothing stores sold items for men, women and children. Tailors sold men’s clothing, milliners sold custom or ready-made hats, and dressmakers made custom frocks for women, many working out of their homes. Sewers could purchase fabrics and notions at local dry goods stores.
A man named Ransom Eli Olds built his first car in a Lansing garage in 1897. R.E. Olds built 4 vehicles in 1897. Skeptics thought his horseless carriage business would fail and friends even encouraged Olds’ wife, Metta, to leave him. After all, Lansing was a town built on agriculture. Most figured it would remain that way. In December, 1901, a new Olds auto factory opened. The Olds name, later changed to Oldsmobile, became the oldest in North America. The Olds Motor Company made about 2,500 cars per year in the early 1900’s. The Curved Dash, weighing 650 pounds and selling for $650.00, was the most popular model. By 1917, Oldsmobile was one of America’s top sellers - 21,800 cars. Workers made 50 cents per hour, compared to current times when workers make about 400,000 cars per year and the wage is about $22.00 per hour.
The United States continued to grow. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s many western states were admitted to the Union: Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma and Arizona. Although World War I had been raging for about 3 years, the United States remained neutral until April, 1917. Woodrow Wilson was sworn in for his second term as president. The Panama Canal was about three years old; the disaster of the sinking of the Titanic had happened 5 years previously. The Wright Brothers flight was written in history in 1903. In November, 1917, Lenin led the October Revolution, setting up a Communist organization in Russia. In December,1917, the 18th Amendment to the constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors, was approved by Congress. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I. As Lansing grew from a small dot in the vast wilderness to a manufacturing center, large open space was acquired for parks. One such acquisition was land for Potter Park Zoo and Park, founded in 1917. The REO Clubhouse was built in 1917 and became the cultural hub of Lansing, hosting free movies, wedding receptions, basketball games, dress balls and patriotic gatherings. It was home to Lansing’s first radio station, WREO, which went on the air in 1921. Known as the “Temple of Leisure”, the building comprised a 2,000 person capacity dining room, an auditorium, a library, four bowling alleys, a fireproof movie booth, and smoking lounge and billiard rooms.
During the period 1820-1920, over 1,000,000 people from Sweden emigrated to the United States. Danish immigrants numbered 300,00 and the Norwegians 730,000. Unemployment in Denmark resulted in the increase of immigration to the New World. The number of Norwegians in the United States amounted to a figure larger than 4/5 of the entire population of Norway. This meant that Norway had lost a larger proportion of her total population by immigration to America than any other European country except Ireland. Virtually all Swedes who arrived in the U.S. were members of the Lutheran Church. Swedes were legally born into the State church and could only leave by taking formal action. It is not surprising that early settlers in the United States soon began building Lutheran churches.
Esther Sater, daughter of Grace Lutheran Church’s founder and first pastor remembers…
…My father visited Lansing as early as January 1911, then in January 1915. Then off and on in the spring of 1917, he found some Scandinavian Lutherans and services were held in the homes. It was found that Lansing had the greatest number of Scandinavian people, so the Conference (Augustana) decided to start a mission field. Flint was organized the year previous and at Toledo a Norwegian pastor had gathered a group. Most of the flock was Swedish and those at Lansing were Norwegian, so father told Pastor Marvick “you keep the Swedes and I will take the Norwegians at Lansing.” The first Swedish service by an Augustana Lutheran pastor was held at Central Methodist Church on October 28, 1917…
The Luther League organized on November 23, 1917 with 18 members and 23 members organized the Ladies Aid Society on November 24th. On November 25, 1917, the congregation was officially organized as the Evangelical Lutheran Scandinavian Church and the articles filed with the State of Michigan for a $5.50 fee. The pages containing the record of charter members have column headings asking “Where Born”, “Arrived in America”, and “From place and country”. Most of the listings indicate that the new church members were of Scandinavian origin, arriving in the U.S. from the 1870’s to 1920’s.
The first marriage took place on September 25, 1918. The bride was 18 year old Tora Elge and the groom was 23 year old Harold LeClear. Three baptisms were performed in 1918.
Rev. Sater accepted the call from the Augustana Conference and began work as the resident pastor in August 1918. The Conference paid his salary, one half of which went for rent. Pastor Sater had no car. He walked or rode a bicycle. Additional members were sought throughout the city. Sunday morning services were held in the Seventh Day Adventist Church or at the Maccabees Hall; weekday services were held in the homes, many times with worshipers sitting on planks on boxes. Services were spoken in Swedish or Norwegian.
…My father visited Lansing as early as January 1911, then in January 1915. Then off and on in the spring of 1917, he found some Scandinavian Lutherans and services were held in the homes. It was found that Lansing had the greatest number of Scandinavian people, so the Conference (Augustana) decided to start a mission field. Flint was organized the year previous and at Toledo a Norwegian pastor had gathered a group. Most of the flock was Swedish and those at Lansing were Norwegian, so father told Pastor Marvick “you keep the Swedes and I will take the Norwegians at Lansing.” The first Swedish service by an Augustana Lutheran pastor was held at Central Methodist Church on October 28, 1917…
The Luther League organized on November 23, 1917 with 18 members and 23 members organized the Ladies Aid Society on November 24th. On November 25, 1917, the congregation was officially organized as the Evangelical Lutheran Scandinavian Church and the articles filed with the State of Michigan for a $5.50 fee. The pages containing the record of charter members have column headings asking “Where Born”, “Arrived in America”, and “From place and country”. Most of the listings indicate that the new church members were of Scandinavian origin, arriving in the U.S. from the 1870’s to 1920’s.
The first marriage took place on September 25, 1918. The bride was 18 year old Tora Elge and the groom was 23 year old Harold LeClear. Three baptisms were performed in 1918.
Rev. Sater accepted the call from the Augustana Conference and began work as the resident pastor in August 1918. The Conference paid his salary, one half of which went for rent. Pastor Sater had no car. He walked or rode a bicycle. Additional members were sought throughout the city. Sunday morning services were held in the Seventh Day Adventist Church or at the Maccabees Hall; weekday services were held in the homes, many times with worshipers sitting on planks on boxes. Services were spoken in Swedish or Norwegian.
The "Basement Church" from 1922-1949
Esther Sater remembers…
…The first confirmation was held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church with two girls being confirmed; they were Emily Hultberg and Anna Dahlgren. Margaret Hultberg (Mrs. Lloyd Hansen) was baptized the same day…
By July 1919, a meeting was held to consider purchasing property for a church building. The Ladies Aid made the down payment. In December, 1918, their first fall festival was held in a empty auto sales room on North Washtenaw that Mr. Lindell had vacated. The festival netted $90.00. Lunch was served for $.20 and handmade fancywork and baked goods were on sale. Each year thereafter, there was a fall supper and sale. Five lots, located at the corner of North Logan and West Lapeer Streets, were purchased for $6,000.00. Basement excavation began October 16, 1922. On August 12, 1923 the cornerstone was laid with the following contents: the name of President Warren Harding, his death and burial, President Calvin Coolidge, the name of the mayor and city officials of Lansing, the governor of the state of Michigan, a record of all members and officers of the congregation with a brief history of the church’s mission work and the steps taken with a view to build the church, the name of the contractor and the building committee, a copy of the 1922 minutes of the Augustana Synod, a copy of the Sunday School paper “The Olive Leaf”, the name of Rev. Gustav Andreen, president of Augustana College and Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL who officiated at the laying of the cornerstone, and a few new coins. The program included the singing of the hymns “I Need Thee Every Hour”, “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me” and “My Country “Tis of Thee”. By December, 1923, the dedication was held.
…The first confirmation was held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church with two girls being confirmed; they were Emily Hultberg and Anna Dahlgren. Margaret Hultberg (Mrs. Lloyd Hansen) was baptized the same day…
By July 1919, a meeting was held to consider purchasing property for a church building. The Ladies Aid made the down payment. In December, 1918, their first fall festival was held in a empty auto sales room on North Washtenaw that Mr. Lindell had vacated. The festival netted $90.00. Lunch was served for $.20 and handmade fancywork and baked goods were on sale. Each year thereafter, there was a fall supper and sale. Five lots, located at the corner of North Logan and West Lapeer Streets, were purchased for $6,000.00. Basement excavation began October 16, 1922. On August 12, 1923 the cornerstone was laid with the following contents: the name of President Warren Harding, his death and burial, President Calvin Coolidge, the name of the mayor and city officials of Lansing, the governor of the state of Michigan, a record of all members and officers of the congregation with a brief history of the church’s mission work and the steps taken with a view to build the church, the name of the contractor and the building committee, a copy of the 1922 minutes of the Augustana Synod, a copy of the Sunday School paper “The Olive Leaf”, the name of Rev. Gustav Andreen, president of Augustana College and Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL who officiated at the laying of the cornerstone, and a few new coins. The program included the singing of the hymns “I Need Thee Every Hour”, “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me” and “My Country “Tis of Thee”. By December, 1923, the dedication was held.
The Basement Church--Altar with Rev. Sater and others.
Esther Sater remembers…
…The Luther League paid for the windows, laid the hardwood floors, made the altar rail and painted it. A member made a pulpit out of an old organ. The girls did the cleaning up and the Ladies Aid finished the kitchen. A few members gave money donations; the total of outside labor was $1,000.00. One family gave a pulpit chair. The Luther League, Ladies Aid and the pastor gathered the rest of the money...
Through suppers, rummage sales, and membership dues, the Ladies Aid was able to give $491.65. The Luther League collected funds from waffle socials, dues and box socials and was able to give $125.00 to the building fund. The Sunday School was organized on December 29, 1918 with one pupil - Walter Lindell. The Sunday School bought the baptismal font in 1929.
With the end of World War I, the United States entered an era known as “The Roaring 20’s”. The 19th amendment to the constitution in 1920 gave women the right to vote. Women could actually swim in public in bathing suits, but strict rules prohibited white or flesh-colored suits, armpits had to be covered and the bathing suit skirt could not be shorter than four inches above the knee. A five day, 40 hour workweek for factory workers was adopted. Wonder Bread, Wheaties, Kool-Aid, Gerber baby foods and Milk Duds began to appear on store shelves. Popular songs included Tiger Rag, 12th Street Rag, For Me and My Gal and M-O-T-H-E-R. The Girl Scouts started the annual tradition of selling cookies.
The 1924 church directory lists 84 names. Married couples were listed as Mr. Anderson and wife or Mr. Johnson and wife, women rarely listed by their own name unless single or widowed.
Pastor Sater continued to serve the Lansing church. The congregation was finally able to pay him a salary of $300.00 per year and the janitor $5.00 per month. One member of the church was authorized, in July of 1929, to buy a scythe to cut grass on the lots around Grace if he could get it at a “reasonable price”. In 1930 at the age of 75, Pastor Sater retired.
…The Luther League paid for the windows, laid the hardwood floors, made the altar rail and painted it. A member made a pulpit out of an old organ. The girls did the cleaning up and the Ladies Aid finished the kitchen. A few members gave money donations; the total of outside labor was $1,000.00. One family gave a pulpit chair. The Luther League, Ladies Aid and the pastor gathered the rest of the money...
Through suppers, rummage sales, and membership dues, the Ladies Aid was able to give $491.65. The Luther League collected funds from waffle socials, dues and box socials and was able to give $125.00 to the building fund. The Sunday School was organized on December 29, 1918 with one pupil - Walter Lindell. The Sunday School bought the baptismal font in 1929.
With the end of World War I, the United States entered an era known as “The Roaring 20’s”. The 19th amendment to the constitution in 1920 gave women the right to vote. Women could actually swim in public in bathing suits, but strict rules prohibited white or flesh-colored suits, armpits had to be covered and the bathing suit skirt could not be shorter than four inches above the knee. A five day, 40 hour workweek for factory workers was adopted. Wonder Bread, Wheaties, Kool-Aid, Gerber baby foods and Milk Duds began to appear on store shelves. Popular songs included Tiger Rag, 12th Street Rag, For Me and My Gal and M-O-T-H-E-R. The Girl Scouts started the annual tradition of selling cookies.
The 1924 church directory lists 84 names. Married couples were listed as Mr. Anderson and wife or Mr. Johnson and wife, women rarely listed by their own name unless single or widowed.
Pastor Sater continued to serve the Lansing church. The congregation was finally able to pay him a salary of $300.00 per year and the janitor $5.00 per month. One member of the church was authorized, in July of 1929, to buy a scythe to cut grass on the lots around Grace if he could get it at a “reasonable price”. In 1930 at the age of 75, Pastor Sater retired.
The Reverend Reuben Kron
With the year 1929 drawing to a close, the Great Depression hit the United States. A woman’s winter coat cost $28.00, a man’s shirt $1.00, a child’s doll $1.95 and a gas stove $19.95. Many people were jobless. A production worker earned $16.89 per week, a doctor $61.11 per week and a cook $15.00 per week, if you were fortunate enough to be employed.
May 19, 1930 was a bright day in the bleakness of the Depression and put Lansing in the spotlight. The famous Morlok quadruplets were born at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital. Their names came from the initials of the hospital: Edna, Wilma, Sarah, Helen. They were listed several times in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest identical quadruplets.
Grace’s second pastor, Reuben Kron, arrived. Pastor Kron served from 1930 - 1937.
Edna Mathiasen remembers…
… Around 1934 or 1935, before my husband Chris and I were married, he invited me to accompany him to a “Penny Supper” at the church. People would pay a penny for a fork, a penny for a knife, a penny for a plate, etc. and a penny for a serving of each type of food that you wanted. The menu was a smorgasbord of Scandinavian foods that were totally unfamiliar to me. Chris’s aunt, Inga Jacobsen, would encourage me to “try it"...
The third pastor was Amos T. Lundquist who served from 1938 - 1942. While he was pastor, the name of the church was changed to Grace Lutheran Church. As early as 1925, thought was given to building a parsonage. With Pastor Lundquist as the architect, building supervisor and solicitor, the church parsonage was finally built by church members during the summer of 1938 at 1017 West Lapeer
May 19, 1930 was a bright day in the bleakness of the Depression and put Lansing in the spotlight. The famous Morlok quadruplets were born at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital. Their names came from the initials of the hospital: Edna, Wilma, Sarah, Helen. They were listed several times in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest identical quadruplets.
Grace’s second pastor, Reuben Kron, arrived. Pastor Kron served from 1930 - 1937.
Edna Mathiasen remembers…
… Around 1934 or 1935, before my husband Chris and I were married, he invited me to accompany him to a “Penny Supper” at the church. People would pay a penny for a fork, a penny for a knife, a penny for a plate, etc. and a penny for a serving of each type of food that you wanted. The menu was a smorgasbord of Scandinavian foods that were totally unfamiliar to me. Chris’s aunt, Inga Jacobsen, would encourage me to “try it"...
The third pastor was Amos T. Lundquist who served from 1938 - 1942. While he was pastor, the name of the church was changed to Grace Lutheran Church. As early as 1925, thought was given to building a parsonage. With Pastor Lundquist as the architect, building supervisor and solicitor, the church parsonage was finally built by church members during the summer of 1938 at 1017 West Lapeer
Pastor Amos Lundquist, 1938-1942
Esther Sater remembers…
…the parsonage was built very reasonable as much free labor was donated. A river used to run through this property several years ago so they ran into difficulty in digging…
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…My mother wanted me baptized by a Lutheran minister. She found Pastor Sater at the church although it was not known as Grace Lutheran at that time. Pastor Lundquist confirmed me…
Pastor Lundquist served Grace Church for 4 years and left to enlist as a chaplain in the Navy.
In 1940, church membership was composed of 54 men, 66 women and 36 children.
Grace Church was without a resident pastor. During the Christmas holidays, Rev. Olaf Nelsen and his son helped for one year. Pastor Sater helped out as well. Then a theological student, John E. Johnson, was appointed on February 18, 1943 to serve until a regular pastor came. He left Lansing in the fall to finish his studies at the seminary. Student Arnold Olson served during this time. The Sunday School was reorganized. And John E. Johnson was called to be the fourth resident pastor. John E. Johnson had changed his name and returned to Grace Lutheran as Pastor John E. Breck on August 12, 1944. He served until 1959.
…the parsonage was built very reasonable as much free labor was donated. A river used to run through this property several years ago so they ran into difficulty in digging…
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…My mother wanted me baptized by a Lutheran minister. She found Pastor Sater at the church although it was not known as Grace Lutheran at that time. Pastor Lundquist confirmed me…
Pastor Lundquist served Grace Church for 4 years and left to enlist as a chaplain in the Navy.
In 1940, church membership was composed of 54 men, 66 women and 36 children.
Grace Church was without a resident pastor. During the Christmas holidays, Rev. Olaf Nelsen and his son helped for one year. Pastor Sater helped out as well. Then a theological student, John E. Johnson, was appointed on February 18, 1943 to serve until a regular pastor came. He left Lansing in the fall to finish his studies at the seminary. Student Arnold Olson served during this time. The Sunday School was reorganized. And John E. Johnson was called to be the fourth resident pastor. John E. Johnson had changed his name and returned to Grace Lutheran as Pastor John E. Breck on August 12, 1944. He served until 1959.
Pastor John E. Breck 1944-1959
The United States entry into World War II began after December 7, 1941, the day that Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Oldsmobile detoured from the auto industry. The company’s wartime workforce of 11,000 made artillery shells, rockets, guns and parts for aircraft engines. On November 15, 1942, the church’s 25th anniversary, 5 members were in the armed forces: Kenneth Bennetts, Robert Leaf, Jr., Kenneth Mattson, Howard Sandin, Carl Smith, Jr.
Esther Sater remembers…
…Two young lads baptized and confirmed in our church laid down their lives for this country during World War II. They were: Captain C. Jessen and Peter Rockstad…
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…We each have unique experiences and while I don’t remember it, my first experience with Grace Lutheran Church was in 1945. I was born during World War II and my mother’s sister was to be my sponsor but she was an Army nurse in England so I was told my baptism “sponsor” was Grace Lutheran Church….
During the years that Pastor Breck served Grace Lutheran, the Daniel Boone Patrol of Grace Lutheran Troop 89, Explorer Post 389, a young married couples club called The Two - Or - One Club, and a choir for grade school youth were organized, helping the church achieve the goal “every member in some organization”.
Esther Sater remembers…
…Two young lads baptized and confirmed in our church laid down their lives for this country during World War II. They were: Captain C. Jessen and Peter Rockstad…
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…We each have unique experiences and while I don’t remember it, my first experience with Grace Lutheran Church was in 1945. I was born during World War II and my mother’s sister was to be my sponsor but she was an Army nurse in England so I was told my baptism “sponsor” was Grace Lutheran Church….
During the years that Pastor Breck served Grace Lutheran, the Daniel Boone Patrol of Grace Lutheran Troop 89, Explorer Post 389, a young married couples club called The Two - Or - One Club, and a choir for grade school youth were organized, helping the church achieve the goal “every member in some organization”.
The mortgage for the basement church was burned on December 30, 1945 and the congregation approved a $40,000.00 expansion plan for a building program to erect a sanctuary above the existing basement. Plans for the new church were drawn by Elmer J. Manson. An article in the Lansing State Journal dated September 26, 1948 stated “ the new sanctuary will provide seating for 152 persons and another 50 will be accommodated in the choir loft and in auxiliary seating. The steeply pitched roof supported by laminated wood scissors trusses suggests a spirit of worship. The sanctuary is designed so that the main lines will converge at the altar. A large dossal hanging will provide a restful background which will receive special lighting.” Since construction would begin at least 6 feet off the ground, it was impossible to have a groundbreaking ceremony. Some consideration was given to a ceremony of “raising the roof”, but that was ruled out as well as the contractor planned to leave the present roof intact until the new walls and roof were built. Celebrating the laying of the first brick was the congregation’s only choice. And the Ladies Aid provided refreshments.
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…Pastor Breck was the one that put the top on the church…The Ladies Aid Society immediately made plans to earn money. And those plans involved food, a smorgasbord featuring 25 varieties of typically Swedish dishes presented on two large tables. Diners were invited to take as many varieties of the delicacies as they desired. Menu items included: Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, herring salad, anchovies, baked ham, goat cheese, mashed rutabagas mixed with mashed Irish potatoes, potato salad, pickled beets, lingon berries, rice pudding, cheesecake with raspberry jam, spice cookies, spritz, home-made rye bread, rye krisp, white bread and, of course, coffee. Plans were made to serve 300 people; tickets were $.75 each. Church women dressed in Swedish costumes...
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…Pastor Breck was the one that put the top on the church…The Ladies Aid Society immediately made plans to earn money. And those plans involved food, a smorgasbord featuring 25 varieties of typically Swedish dishes presented on two large tables. Diners were invited to take as many varieties of the delicacies as they desired. Menu items included: Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, herring salad, anchovies, baked ham, goat cheese, mashed rutabagas mixed with mashed Irish potatoes, potato salad, pickled beets, lingon berries, rice pudding, cheesecake with raspberry jam, spice cookies, spritz, home-made rye bread, rye krisp, white bread and, of course, coffee. Plans were made to serve 300 people; tickets were $.75 each. Church women dressed in Swedish costumes...
The Lansing State Journal happily reported that more guests showed up than could be accommodated. Those who came late were told of another and larger supper of this kind in the spring. The Journal also included the recipes for three of the desserts featured at the smorgasbord. The first was Ostkaka, baked by Mrs. Harold House and Mrs. George Lutey, sisters, and Mrs. Chester Helgemo, sister-in-law, from their mother’s recipe:
Ostkaka (Cheesecake); Mrs. Amos Lundquist made spritz cookies using this Swedish recipe: Spritz; The last featured recipe was for Pepparkakar by Mrs. Mary Binder: Pepparkakar.
With the help of a 100 foot boom crane used to support the trusses, the new sanctuary construction was completed by October 15, 1949. Moving in was delayed several weeks as the congregation waited for the delivery of pews and chancel furniture and a special carved stone above the entrance, bearing the symbols of the four evangelists gathered around a Maltese cross.
The sanctuary was dedicated on Palm Sunday April 2, 1950 after worshiping in the basement for 27 years. Total cost of the project was $35,000 plus $10,000 for furnishings and a newly installed Wurlitzer electronic organ. The chancel was dedicated to the memory of August P. Sater.
18 living charter members still on the church rolls were honored during the church’s 33rd anniversary on November 26, 1950.
A booklet from the 1947-1948 Two-or-One Club shows that the purpose was to promote Christian faith and fellowship, to help assimilate new members into the life of the parish and to support and encourage the general program of the church. Members had to be at least 18 years old. Dues were $1.00 per year. Some of the planned events were: a steak fry, progressive dinner, Valentine dinner, Easter party, potluck dinner, guest night, Christian parenthood night, and scavenger hunt.
Ostkaka (Cheesecake); Mrs. Amos Lundquist made spritz cookies using this Swedish recipe: Spritz; The last featured recipe was for Pepparkakar by Mrs. Mary Binder: Pepparkakar.
With the help of a 100 foot boom crane used to support the trusses, the new sanctuary construction was completed by October 15, 1949. Moving in was delayed several weeks as the congregation waited for the delivery of pews and chancel furniture and a special carved stone above the entrance, bearing the symbols of the four evangelists gathered around a Maltese cross.
The sanctuary was dedicated on Palm Sunday April 2, 1950 after worshiping in the basement for 27 years. Total cost of the project was $35,000 plus $10,000 for furnishings and a newly installed Wurlitzer electronic organ. The chancel was dedicated to the memory of August P. Sater.
18 living charter members still on the church rolls were honored during the church’s 33rd anniversary on November 26, 1950.
A booklet from the 1947-1948 Two-or-One Club shows that the purpose was to promote Christian faith and fellowship, to help assimilate new members into the life of the parish and to support and encourage the general program of the church. Members had to be at least 18 years old. Dues were $1.00 per year. Some of the planned events were: a steak fry, progressive dinner, Valentine dinner, Easter party, potluck dinner, guest night, Christian parenthood night, and scavenger hunt.
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…The first time we came to Grace was Easter 1952. Everyone seemed friendly and back in those days Mrs. Breck baked Swedish rye bread and Pastor came by with a loaf of delicious bread and invited us to attend Grace Lutheran, which we did, having Carleen baptized shortly thereafter. Back in those days there was a once a month Sunday night group, I believe called Two Or One Club. When we joined the club we then formed many close friendships and were encouraged to invite friends from church to our homes, for dinner or to play cards, discuss movies or books, etc. In December we always had a traveling dinner, with one course of the meal at someone’s home ending with a big turkey dinner at church…
If you look at the “No Parking” signs on Lapeer Street, you will notice that they have a smaller sign on top that exempts the no parking ordinance on Sundays. In a Lansing State Journal article of March 22, 1955, it was reported that Grace Lutheran Church members were receiving parking tickets while parked on the street to attend church. When the alderman for the area brought up the issue at the next city council meeting and suggested that the police be directed to be lenient on Sunday mornings in that area, or perhaps the tickets themselves could be fixed, the alderman from the St. Mary’s Catholic Church district asked that the same courtesy be extended to his constituents, who also were receiving tickets on Sunday mornings while at church. An alderwoman spoke up and said that she would expect the police to enforce the laws of the city. After some verbal wrangling, Judge McDonald, local magistrate, spoke and said that if he was expected to fix parking tickets, he wanted it in writing so his “skirts would be clean”.
Mother-Daughter Banquets were popular events. Themes varied from “Lullabies Around The World” to “Our North American Neighbors and Alaska and Hawaii” to a series of tableaus on the theme of “Seven Ages of Women”. The men of the church worked the kitchen detail that evening. Menus were carefully worked out by the committee and varied from Swiss Steak with mashed or whipped potatoes and gravy to ham with scalloped potatoes, accompanied by rolls, coffee and milk, and the Lutheran stand-by - molded salad. Lutherans found the joys of Jell-O to be irresistible and included it frequently on any menu.
…The first time we came to Grace was Easter 1952. Everyone seemed friendly and back in those days Mrs. Breck baked Swedish rye bread and Pastor came by with a loaf of delicious bread and invited us to attend Grace Lutheran, which we did, having Carleen baptized shortly thereafter. Back in those days there was a once a month Sunday night group, I believe called Two Or One Club. When we joined the club we then formed many close friendships and were encouraged to invite friends from church to our homes, for dinner or to play cards, discuss movies or books, etc. In December we always had a traveling dinner, with one course of the meal at someone’s home ending with a big turkey dinner at church…
If you look at the “No Parking” signs on Lapeer Street, you will notice that they have a smaller sign on top that exempts the no parking ordinance on Sundays. In a Lansing State Journal article of March 22, 1955, it was reported that Grace Lutheran Church members were receiving parking tickets while parked on the street to attend church. When the alderman for the area brought up the issue at the next city council meeting and suggested that the police be directed to be lenient on Sunday mornings in that area, or perhaps the tickets themselves could be fixed, the alderman from the St. Mary’s Catholic Church district asked that the same courtesy be extended to his constituents, who also were receiving tickets on Sunday mornings while at church. An alderwoman spoke up and said that she would expect the police to enforce the laws of the city. After some verbal wrangling, Judge McDonald, local magistrate, spoke and said that if he was expected to fix parking tickets, he wanted it in writing so his “skirts would be clean”.
Mother-Daughter Banquets were popular events. Themes varied from “Lullabies Around The World” to “Our North American Neighbors and Alaska and Hawaii” to a series of tableaus on the theme of “Seven Ages of Women”. The men of the church worked the kitchen detail that evening. Menus were carefully worked out by the committee and varied from Swiss Steak with mashed or whipped potatoes and gravy to ham with scalloped potatoes, accompanied by rolls, coffee and milk, and the Lutheran stand-by - molded salad. Lutherans found the joys of Jell-O to be irresistible and included it frequently on any menu.
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…I remember the Mother and Daughter banquets very well. Crystal Sturk and I presented two programs different years. Once we had the women who still had their wedding gowns wear them for the program, or if they didn’t fit into them any longer, perhaps have their daughter wear them. That was really sentimental. Another year Crystal and I recruited women and daughters to present a fashion show with the garments from a shop in Frandor located where Krogers is now. There was always a group that worked together to make table decorations that worked with the theme of the year’s program. I remember some real treasures. The year my daughter lost her life in a plane crash, the women contacted everyone who had purchased tickets for the Mother and Daughter banquet to see if they were willing to have the money be used to purchase a ticket to bring my other daughter from Alaska, something we were not aware of at first. The dinner was cancelled that year with funerals for three of our young people from the crash held that week, including the son of Pastor and Mrs. Leonardson...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…My mind also remembers some of the Mother-Daughter banquets that were held in the 1970’s as I organized the “This is Your Life, Dorothy Young” as a surprise for her as she and George were leaving for the Traverse City area. I remember cutting up vegetables with Nancy Hunt for pasties one year and another year when the theme was weddings and some of the daughters modeled their mother’s gowns. It was a somber moment one year when there was a meeting in the church office to discuss canceling the banquet. They decided to use the funds for a plane ticket for Carol Hallman Wood to fly from Alaska to Michigan for her sister’s funeral…
The church men organized on February 28, 1957. As you can guess, they had banquets, too.
By January, 1955 the church was able to burn the mortgage on the sanctuary and approved an $85,000.00 Parish Center addition to provide Sunday School classrooms, nursery, administrative offices, library-classroom, organization room, choir rehearsal room, storage and restroom facilities. Groundbreaking for the new center was held on May 22, 1955. And by May 6, 1956, the dedication for the new parish center was held.
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…The men also had Father and Son dinners as well. I remember my husband teaching me how to make fishing flies for each table setting. That took both of us a couple of weeks. Their programs I am sort of blank on but I bet there are men who do remember. There was a men’s club that met every month and in December they had a big venison dinner (all venison donated by our hunters and cooked by their wives) for the men and their wives. I forget who always got their deer, but Clifford Klefstad and Phil Rosenquist were two I remember and their wives made that venison taste like the best beef with gravy and mashed potatoes. The men also had a bowling club that they loved. Back in those days the members were not so committed to outside organizations and due to the economy, most of the wives didn’t have jobs as well, so there was more time for church activities…
On January 23, 1956, the Women’s Guild reorganized with four circles and the Ladies Aid Society and Women’s Missionary Society passed out of existence.
Ruth Hallman remembers...
…I think there were four women’s circle groups. I forget all the names, Ruth, Dorcas, and Martha are the ones I remember. We met once a month and worked on projects in the church and were also active in the Synod…
The women’s groups continued with a successful plan for raising money and… you guessed it, it involved food. “Salad luncheons” were hosted each spring and fall.
Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson 1960-1970
Edna Mathiasen remembers…
…Preparation would begin two days before. I can remember the hours that Roberta Aho and I would spend shredding cabbage for coleslaw. Ethel Ungren always cooked the meatballs along with Eva Bergman and Leila Ohman. Our reputation for good food got around and the state workers always had a big contingent that would come. I don’t know why they were called salad luncheons as the menu included meatballs, potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, apple pie and coffee...
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…I remember that we had business lunches for the public, as fund raisers. They were so successful that we could have served twice the number we had room for. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, some of what I remember, we all worked to prepare…
A Saturday evening banquet was a part of the celebration for the church’s 40th anniversary on November 23, 1957. Some of the charter members dressed in clothing styles popular about 1917. Esther Sater was driven to the church in a REO Touring car; others came in 1906 and 1932 vintage cars and a brand new Olds, representing present and future opportunities.
…Preparation would begin two days before. I can remember the hours that Roberta Aho and I would spend shredding cabbage for coleslaw. Ethel Ungren always cooked the meatballs along with Eva Bergman and Leila Ohman. Our reputation for good food got around and the state workers always had a big contingent that would come. I don’t know why they were called salad luncheons as the menu included meatballs, potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, apple pie and coffee...
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…I remember that we had business lunches for the public, as fund raisers. They were so successful that we could have served twice the number we had room for. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, some of what I remember, we all worked to prepare…
A Saturday evening banquet was a part of the celebration for the church’s 40th anniversary on November 23, 1957. Some of the charter members dressed in clothing styles popular about 1917. Esther Sater was driven to the church in a REO Touring car; others came in 1906 and 1932 vintage cars and a brand new Olds, representing present and future opportunities.
40th Anniversary Celebration, with Esther Sater and Pastor Breck
Helen Lott remembers…
…Our life in the church began in 1958/59. We had moved from Jacksonville, Florida to East Lansing in order to be closer to our relatives in the U.P. As I was raised Lutheran, we wanted to find a Lutheran church that was affiliated with Augustana Synod. We found Grace Church listed in the telephone directory and enrolled our four oldest children (Lester, Jim, Jane and Carolyn) in Sunday School. We would drop them off and pick them up afterward. Pastor Leonardson was just starting his first year as presiding minister. It was his wondering whose children were being dropped off and picked up that prompted my husband, Charles, and me to decide to attend services with our children after Sunday School. Charles and I eventually were recruited to be Sunday School teachers, which enabled us to get acquainted with more people, and led us to become more active in the church. We became members in 1961, and we feel that it was and is the church for us…
In the mid-1960’s, under the sponsorship of the Women’s Guild, Barbara Klefstad, Edna Mathiasen and Karla Chamberlain (then Mathiasen) compiled, printed and sold a recipe book entitled “Eating With Grace”. The price was $5.00.
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…I was still in high school and only had one semester of typing, but I was a willing partner in the venture. Church members submitted favorite recipes. I typed all the recipes on the long blue mimeograph masters. Any mistakes had to be fixed with a smelly blue liquid. After the typing was completed, the masters were turned into the church office to be run off on the machine by church secretary Lois Liebold. We compiled them, punched holes, and put in notebook rings. The cover was a light blue cardstock printed with dark blue ink. I can remember thinking how clever we were with the creative play on the words of the title - Eating With Grace…
The recipe book was a big success and later additional recipes were printed and sold.
Each circle also had it’s own rummage sale to earn money for church projects. $2,450.00 worth of kitchen alterations, funded by circle projects, were completed in September, 1958.
The youth in the church were not forgotten. The Luther League continued to be very active in Grace Lutheran Church activities.
…Our life in the church began in 1958/59. We had moved from Jacksonville, Florida to East Lansing in order to be closer to our relatives in the U.P. As I was raised Lutheran, we wanted to find a Lutheran church that was affiliated with Augustana Synod. We found Grace Church listed in the telephone directory and enrolled our four oldest children (Lester, Jim, Jane and Carolyn) in Sunday School. We would drop them off and pick them up afterward. Pastor Leonardson was just starting his first year as presiding minister. It was his wondering whose children were being dropped off and picked up that prompted my husband, Charles, and me to decide to attend services with our children after Sunday School. Charles and I eventually were recruited to be Sunday School teachers, which enabled us to get acquainted with more people, and led us to become more active in the church. We became members in 1961, and we feel that it was and is the church for us…
In the mid-1960’s, under the sponsorship of the Women’s Guild, Barbara Klefstad, Edna Mathiasen and Karla Chamberlain (then Mathiasen) compiled, printed and sold a recipe book entitled “Eating With Grace”. The price was $5.00.
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…I was still in high school and only had one semester of typing, but I was a willing partner in the venture. Church members submitted favorite recipes. I typed all the recipes on the long blue mimeograph masters. Any mistakes had to be fixed with a smelly blue liquid. After the typing was completed, the masters were turned into the church office to be run off on the machine by church secretary Lois Liebold. We compiled them, punched holes, and put in notebook rings. The cover was a light blue cardstock printed with dark blue ink. I can remember thinking how clever we were with the creative play on the words of the title - Eating With Grace…
The recipe book was a big success and later additional recipes were printed and sold.
Each circle also had it’s own rummage sale to earn money for church projects. $2,450.00 worth of kitchen alterations, funded by circle projects, were completed in September, 1958.
The youth in the church were not forgotten. The Luther League continued to be very active in Grace Lutheran Church activities.
Confirmation Class from 1961 with Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…The teens belonged to Luther League and met every month also. They were very active in amusement programs as well as church. They also went to the National League Conferences held in other states. I remember early years in the Luther League some of our young men and women later in life married those they associated with in the league and church…
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…One Sunday every year, the youth of the church, usually those in Luther League, would plan and carry out a Youth Sunday. We would “take over” the entire Sunday service, doing everything from the liturgy to the sermon to singing in the choir to ushering to passing out bulletins. We looked forward to participating in the liturgical church (there was not the lay participation that there is now), even though we were scared. Little did we realize that the people in the pews were our friends and family and were just as nervous for us to do well in our efforts…
On Saturday, May 3, 1958 Grace Lutheran Church hosted more than 200 Luther Leaguers from Augustana Lutheran Churches in lower Michigan. The afternoon sessions included Bible study and a study of the new and recently introduced hymn books and liturgy. President of the Eastern district Luther League was Larry Foster. President of the Grace Lutheran Luther League was Diane Tullos, Ethel Luoto was in charge of the book table, Jim Shutes took care of the physical arrangements and Milton Bloomquist handled registration.
Sunday School was a vital part of life in the church for youth.
…The teens belonged to Luther League and met every month also. They were very active in amusement programs as well as church. They also went to the National League Conferences held in other states. I remember early years in the Luther League some of our young men and women later in life married those they associated with in the league and church…
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…One Sunday every year, the youth of the church, usually those in Luther League, would plan and carry out a Youth Sunday. We would “take over” the entire Sunday service, doing everything from the liturgy to the sermon to singing in the choir to ushering to passing out bulletins. We looked forward to participating in the liturgical church (there was not the lay participation that there is now), even though we were scared. Little did we realize that the people in the pews were our friends and family and were just as nervous for us to do well in our efforts…
On Saturday, May 3, 1958 Grace Lutheran Church hosted more than 200 Luther Leaguers from Augustana Lutheran Churches in lower Michigan. The afternoon sessions included Bible study and a study of the new and recently introduced hymn books and liturgy. President of the Eastern district Luther League was Larry Foster. President of the Grace Lutheran Luther League was Diane Tullos, Ethel Luoto was in charge of the book table, Jim Shutes took care of the physical arrangements and Milton Bloomquist handled registration.
Sunday School was a vital part of life in the church for youth.
Confirmation Class 1959 with Pastor Breck
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…Mr. Rasmussen owned an apple orchard. At Christmas, he would bring in apples to give to the children in the church. The children would also get a box of hard candy...
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…Until the educational wing was built, I can remember sitting on the basement steps for my Sunday School class because there was no other empty place. The Social Room, with it’s brown tile floors and green curtains that opened and closed on tracks in the ceilings, was full. My teacher was Wanda Singleton...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…I remember one year they offered Sunday School during worship time. I was blessed with a humble servant, Denise Swanson, as my teacher...
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…The children in Sunday School did beautiful pageants every year for Christmas. I think Gary Jackson has many of those on video...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers...
…Our confirmation class was the last one led by Pastor John E. Breck and we were confirmed on August 23, 1959. Some in that class were Patsy Carr, Karen Mathiasen, Dorothy (Luoto) Harney and Tom Struble…
Pastor Breck accepted a call to Rock Island, IL in 1959. Once again, Grace Lutheran was without a pastor.
Dr. Joseph Anderson served as supply pastor. During this time, congregational participation in the worship service increased. Hawaii and Alaska were admitted to the United States in 1959. Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson arrived in 1960 and served until 1970. In January, 1961, Grace Lutheran Church hosted the newly elected 40th state governor John B. Swainson at a 7:30 AM service before he and his family attended inauguration festivities later in the day. Also attending that service was G. Mennon “Soapy” Williams, outgoing governor.
…Mr. Rasmussen owned an apple orchard. At Christmas, he would bring in apples to give to the children in the church. The children would also get a box of hard candy...
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…Until the educational wing was built, I can remember sitting on the basement steps for my Sunday School class because there was no other empty place. The Social Room, with it’s brown tile floors and green curtains that opened and closed on tracks in the ceilings, was full. My teacher was Wanda Singleton...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…I remember one year they offered Sunday School during worship time. I was blessed with a humble servant, Denise Swanson, as my teacher...
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…The children in Sunday School did beautiful pageants every year for Christmas. I think Gary Jackson has many of those on video...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers...
…Our confirmation class was the last one led by Pastor John E. Breck and we were confirmed on August 23, 1959. Some in that class were Patsy Carr, Karen Mathiasen, Dorothy (Luoto) Harney and Tom Struble…
Pastor Breck accepted a call to Rock Island, IL in 1959. Once again, Grace Lutheran was without a pastor.
Dr. Joseph Anderson served as supply pastor. During this time, congregational participation in the worship service increased. Hawaii and Alaska were admitted to the United States in 1959. Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson arrived in 1960 and served until 1970. In January, 1961, Grace Lutheran Church hosted the newly elected 40th state governor John B. Swainson at a 7:30 AM service before he and his family attended inauguration festivities later in the day. Also attending that service was G. Mennon “Soapy” Williams, outgoing governor.
Karla Chamberlain remembers…
…It was exciting to have Gov. Swainson and Gov. Williams attend our church. Both very graciously signed my autograph book, which I still have. Yes, Gov. Williams wore his trademark green and white dotted bowtie…
The Augustana Lutheran Church went out of existence on December 31, 1962, merging with three other national churches to form the new Lutheran Church in America.
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…I was before the altar with Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson as he united John Truax and me in marriage. Ruth Brunke was the organist, Esther Sater decorated the table at the reception in the fellowship hall and the ladies from Grace helped in the kitchen...
Jim Lott remembers…
…I liked Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson’s sermons. Not as much as the “Fire and Brimstone” procedure, but the significance or consequence of the content. Sermons that also warned you concerning your conduct or going astray…
The 1960’s were busy times for the church. Property south of the church was acquired and landscaped, property at 1003 W. Lapeer acquired, the parking lot east of the parsonage refurbished, new carpeting and dossal curtain installed, and improvements made to the Audio-Visual, Social and Fireside Rooms.
The 50th anniversary of Grace Church was in 1967. The festivities began with a banquet on December 1st at Central United Methodist. The speaker was Dr. Harold E. Sponberg, president of Eastern Michigan University and a former member of Grace Lutheran while on the faculty at MSU. At the Sunday services on December 3rd, special guests were Pastor and Mrs. Kron, Pastor and Mrs. Lundquist and Pastor and Mrs. Breck and sons. Holy Communion was celebrated at the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM services, with coffee between services. A special afternoon program at the church at 4:30 PM featured guest speaker Rev. Dr. Frank Madsen, president of the Michigan Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, speaking on the theme “Thanksgiving and Courage”. There was reminiscing about the church and a piano solo by Karla Mathiasen, with a light supper and fellowship following in the social parlor.
On July 24, 1969 Neil Armstrong reached the moon.
…It was exciting to have Gov. Swainson and Gov. Williams attend our church. Both very graciously signed my autograph book, which I still have. Yes, Gov. Williams wore his trademark green and white dotted bowtie…
The Augustana Lutheran Church went out of existence on December 31, 1962, merging with three other national churches to form the new Lutheran Church in America.
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…I was before the altar with Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson as he united John Truax and me in marriage. Ruth Brunke was the organist, Esther Sater decorated the table at the reception in the fellowship hall and the ladies from Grace helped in the kitchen...
Jim Lott remembers…
…I liked Pastor C. Oscar Leonardson’s sermons. Not as much as the “Fire and Brimstone” procedure, but the significance or consequence of the content. Sermons that also warned you concerning your conduct or going astray…
The 1960’s were busy times for the church. Property south of the church was acquired and landscaped, property at 1003 W. Lapeer acquired, the parking lot east of the parsonage refurbished, new carpeting and dossal curtain installed, and improvements made to the Audio-Visual, Social and Fireside Rooms.
The 50th anniversary of Grace Church was in 1967. The festivities began with a banquet on December 1st at Central United Methodist. The speaker was Dr. Harold E. Sponberg, president of Eastern Michigan University and a former member of Grace Lutheran while on the faculty at MSU. At the Sunday services on December 3rd, special guests were Pastor and Mrs. Kron, Pastor and Mrs. Lundquist and Pastor and Mrs. Breck and sons. Holy Communion was celebrated at the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM services, with coffee between services. A special afternoon program at the church at 4:30 PM featured guest speaker Rev. Dr. Frank Madsen, president of the Michigan Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, speaking on the theme “Thanksgiving and Courage”. There was reminiscing about the church and a piano solo by Karla Mathiasen, with a light supper and fellowship following in the social parlor.
On July 24, 1969 Neil Armstrong reached the moon.
Pastor Larry Foster in 1975
Edward Baker and Roger Bergh were installed as deacons in 1969. They were the first to be elected while still in their teens. This was an effort by the congregation to become more youth conscious in its approach to the problems of the day.
On April 13, 1969, Grace Church issued a call for an assistant pastor. One of Grace’s own, Larry Foster, was ordained May 20th and began serving Grace Lutheran on July 1, 1969 as an assistant pastor. Larry entered the ministry after a career with the Detroit Tigers.
Jim Lott remembers…
…Pastor Larry Foster’s sermons were by far “Fire and Brimstone”. Yet his were directed to all, but emphasized toward youth and the era…
A pipe organ, with seven ranks and 450 pipes, was ordered from the Temple Pipe Organ Company in Burlington, Iowa. A dedication on February 8, 1970 accompanied a recital by organist and choir director Claire Lauchner.
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…I did lead Bible Study for a few years, when Pastor Foster was here and during the time he left before Pastor Kamens arrived...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers...
…My experience with people at Grace became more personal in the 1970’s when church secretary Joan Nolff and Pastor Larry Foster started a group of “Volunteers”. We would meet on Thursday mornings for various activities and this is where I became acquainted with Myrna Kangas, Elaine Gustafson, Roberta Aho and still recall memories of Helen Stemwedel singing “Good Morning to You” on the intercom. In the early 1970’s I was invited to the women’s circle Christmas party at Helen Stemwedel’s. The women would share their Christmas memories and I remember especially what was shared by Mary Dropping about a really great Christmas as a child when she received an orange. I was thinking of all the shopping I had to do and what I might anticipate receiving and here Mary was telling how thrilled she had been to receive an orange. Ever since that time, each Christmas I have placed an orange in our Christmas stockings to remind me of Mary’s humble story and of God’s generosity. Another event, I believe it was January of 1973, was the weekend that Dave Peterson’s father passed away. The funeral home was in Grand Ledge near our home and that weekend there was a large snowstorm. Saturday night Dave and his wife Pat, his mother, his sister and brother stayed the night in our small home and the next morning we headed for church. It seems like there are times that you just want to be surrounded with people that love and care for you and we knew this was such a time for the Petersons. There was still a lot of snow and we made it to church to discover the services had been cancelled. Pastor Larry Foster had made it there and also Mr. Lott so we all sat in the Fireside Room and had “church”. Even without the organ, choir or a large crowd, you can still worship and fellowship. (When my father passed away in 1984, Dave Peterson was on crutches and attended the funeral. I told him it wasn’t necessary because of his injury and he said he wanted to be there for us as we had been there for him.)...
On April 13, 1969, Grace Church issued a call for an assistant pastor. One of Grace’s own, Larry Foster, was ordained May 20th and began serving Grace Lutheran on July 1, 1969 as an assistant pastor. Larry entered the ministry after a career with the Detroit Tigers.
Jim Lott remembers…
…Pastor Larry Foster’s sermons were by far “Fire and Brimstone”. Yet his were directed to all, but emphasized toward youth and the era…
A pipe organ, with seven ranks and 450 pipes, was ordered from the Temple Pipe Organ Company in Burlington, Iowa. A dedication on February 8, 1970 accompanied a recital by organist and choir director Claire Lauchner.
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…I did lead Bible Study for a few years, when Pastor Foster was here and during the time he left before Pastor Kamens arrived...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers...
…My experience with people at Grace became more personal in the 1970’s when church secretary Joan Nolff and Pastor Larry Foster started a group of “Volunteers”. We would meet on Thursday mornings for various activities and this is where I became acquainted with Myrna Kangas, Elaine Gustafson, Roberta Aho and still recall memories of Helen Stemwedel singing “Good Morning to You” on the intercom. In the early 1970’s I was invited to the women’s circle Christmas party at Helen Stemwedel’s. The women would share their Christmas memories and I remember especially what was shared by Mary Dropping about a really great Christmas as a child when she received an orange. I was thinking of all the shopping I had to do and what I might anticipate receiving and here Mary was telling how thrilled she had been to receive an orange. Ever since that time, each Christmas I have placed an orange in our Christmas stockings to remind me of Mary’s humble story and of God’s generosity. Another event, I believe it was January of 1973, was the weekend that Dave Peterson’s father passed away. The funeral home was in Grand Ledge near our home and that weekend there was a large snowstorm. Saturday night Dave and his wife Pat, his mother, his sister and brother stayed the night in our small home and the next morning we headed for church. It seems like there are times that you just want to be surrounded with people that love and care for you and we knew this was such a time for the Petersons. There was still a lot of snow and we made it to church to discover the services had been cancelled. Pastor Larry Foster had made it there and also Mr. Lott so we all sat in the Fireside Room and had “church”. Even without the organ, choir or a large crowd, you can still worship and fellowship. (When my father passed away in 1984, Dave Peterson was on crutches and attended the funeral. I told him it wasn’t necessary because of his injury and he said he wanted to be there for us as we had been there for him.)...
Jim Lott remembers…
…Among the things I liked about Grace Lutheran Church was when my brother Lester and I participated in the youth group during the late 1960’s and early 70’s. We helped organize camp-canoe trips. It was a great time! Rev. Larry and Ginny Foster chaperoned, along with other parents who could make the trip. We always chose the Pine River, but I don’t remember where our camps along there were. Anyway, I believe that they were always planned to leave on Friday and return on Sunday. Those of us of the youth group who I remember that usually made it to the camp were: Cary (Gus) Gustafson, a friend of his Jim Jenkins, Donna Kangas, Connie or Deborah Olsen, Pete Govorchin, Janet or Valerie (and maybe) Julie? Nemetz, John Young, Nancy (maybe Steve and Julie?) Rieger and Debra Mitchell. Dale Stanaway, Jim Breck and his wife were among those who chaperoned. Again, it was a great time!...
Jan Kadlub remembers…
…We had the wonderful opportunity to join a “Movie Night” with fellow Grace members when Jessica was little. Being homebound with a 3 year old, we didn’t get out much. It was alota fun and we looked forward to going to Sam and Carol Johnson’s house those Friday nights. Jessica was welcomed with open arms and a warm place to sleep while we watched and discussed a particular movie for that evening...
Jim Lott remembers…
…Picnics at Francis Park were fun! Getting a ball game going, a sack race, or some other sport or game seemed to be very active and it also seemed like most of the congregation was there!…
The 1970’s were a time of unrest in society. Protests against US involvement in Vietnam were reported almost daily on the television. One of Grace’s own - John Cotter - was killed in Vietnam and the sanctuary light was given to the church in his memory.
In 1973, the church council borrowed $6,300.00 to raze the house near the parking lot and to refurbish the Social Room. Grace Lutheran voted in 1975 to participate in the newly established Capital Area Lutheran Cluster (CALC). One of the projects of this group was the establishment of the Food Bank.
Pastor Foster accepted a call to Lebanon Church and left in 1975 for Whitehall, Michigan.
Pastor Alan Kamens in 1976
Pastor Alan W. Kamens was called to Grace Church and arrived February 8, 1976.
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…Our first son, James, was born February of 1976 and was the first baptism for Pastor Alan Kamens in June of that year. Baptisms of our sons, Joel, in 1977 and Jason, in 1980, were also held at Grace by Pastor Kamens. It was shortly after Jason’s baptism that our family moved and our membership was transferred to Advent Lutheran in Arlington, Texas….
Grace Lutheran members and friends have remained busy and involved from the late 1970’s to the present, from a successful effort to preserve the neighborhood from a highway development that would have displaced many families and divided the community to a tutoring program for neighborhood children, still running presently, started by Pastor Kamens and Karla Chamberlain in the mid 1980’s. Grace supports a summer day camp for church and community youth for one week each summer. Themes have included studying people and cultures from Scandinavian countries and Australia. Participants also are involved in art activities, field trips and swimming events. Each day closes with a meal.
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…When the Kamens family came to Grace Church, you could not have found a more loving family. They had two beautiful daughters, but I especially remember all the many hours of care that they gave to Alison…
Renovations to the building, an addition of an elevator, barrier-free restrooms, and a re-designed chancel to make the communion rail accessible to those with physical challenges culminated on September 14, 1986 with the dedication of our barrier-free building.
Advent House Ministries, located at nearby Westminster Presbyterian Church, is a program to serve homeless people in the area. It also provides a week-end meal program. Grace Lutheran members prepare and serve food once a month.
Grace Lutheran Church was and remains an active participant in the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition and Habitat for Humanity, serving the neighborhood of the church by participating in building or rehabilitating existing homes for a lease to purchase program serving lower income families.
Members of Grace Lutheran helped organize and remain active in the Neighborhood Watch program, helping to combat crime in the area.
Kurt Peterson and Eric Miller, two young men from Grace Lutheran, completed seminary studies, became ordained ministers and serve Lutheran churches.
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…Our first son, James, was born February of 1976 and was the first baptism for Pastor Alan Kamens in June of that year. Baptisms of our sons, Joel, in 1977 and Jason, in 1980, were also held at Grace by Pastor Kamens. It was shortly after Jason’s baptism that our family moved and our membership was transferred to Advent Lutheran in Arlington, Texas….
Grace Lutheran members and friends have remained busy and involved from the late 1970’s to the present, from a successful effort to preserve the neighborhood from a highway development that would have displaced many families and divided the community to a tutoring program for neighborhood children, still running presently, started by Pastor Kamens and Karla Chamberlain in the mid 1980’s. Grace supports a summer day camp for church and community youth for one week each summer. Themes have included studying people and cultures from Scandinavian countries and Australia. Participants also are involved in art activities, field trips and swimming events. Each day closes with a meal.
Phyllis Gottschalk remembers…
…When the Kamens family came to Grace Church, you could not have found a more loving family. They had two beautiful daughters, but I especially remember all the many hours of care that they gave to Alison…
Renovations to the building, an addition of an elevator, barrier-free restrooms, and a re-designed chancel to make the communion rail accessible to those with physical challenges culminated on September 14, 1986 with the dedication of our barrier-free building.
Advent House Ministries, located at nearby Westminster Presbyterian Church, is a program to serve homeless people in the area. It also provides a week-end meal program. Grace Lutheran members prepare and serve food once a month.
Grace Lutheran Church was and remains an active participant in the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition and Habitat for Humanity, serving the neighborhood of the church by participating in building or rehabilitating existing homes for a lease to purchase program serving lower income families.
Members of Grace Lutheran helped organize and remain active in the Neighborhood Watch program, helping to combat crime in the area.
Kurt Peterson and Eric Miller, two young men from Grace Lutheran, completed seminary studies, became ordained ministers and serve Lutheran churches.
Pastor Kamens and confirmands from 1981
Ruth Hallman remembers…
…Grace Lutheran was my lifeline. It was here for all my happy days and it strengthened my faith in the days of sorrow when I lost my daughter and my husband. Nothing is the same as it was years ago, but Pastor is the same helpful man he was when he came here, encouraging us in our faith, counseling with us when necessary and celebrating with us the significant events in our lives...
Lynn Cotter Truax remembers…
…I have had many blessings in my life and among them I count the friendships of Sharon Rozell, Judy Foote and Helen Stemwedel. When we would return to Michigan from Texas, Oklahoma, or South Carolina, there were many luncheons with these women that have blessed my heart. I am especially grateful for the impact that Helen made in my life as her testimony and faith were in evidence in her letters, calls and conversations. It was difficult for our family when we returned to Michigan in 1991 after John lost his job but there was still lunch with the “girls” as Helen said she wanted to treat me as she missed my birthday. Helen was a joy and generous person as one year I think she paid three times for my birthday! I don’t think she ever knew I wouldn’t have had the extra money to join them without her generosity. When I think back on that difficult time, I think of the prayers and support that they provided my family and myself and realize how God used them to bless us. Although we have not been members on the church roll since 1980, we have visited on occasion and continue to receive the church newsletter. We have and always will feel a part of the family at Grace…
Grace Lutheran Church recently and successfully completed a pledge drive for funds to replace the original roof over the Parish wing and to reconfigure the entry stairs at the front entrance. The roof replacement is complete. The stairway is in the near future.
On November 24, 2002, Grace Lutheran Church members and friends joined together to celebrate 85 years of faithful service. Now we are more than 95 years of singing and service. We have accomplished many things in the past, but the future is yet to be written.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie ten Boom
The writing of the history of Grace Lutheran Church has been successful because of the efforts of many people. Thanks to those who submitted remembrances in writing, by e-mail, tape or interview. Thanks to the members who compiled scrapbooks of pictures, programs and newspaper articles. Thanks to photographers who visually recorded important events in our past. Thanks to those who offered encouragement.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie ten Boom
The writing of the history of Grace Lutheran Church has been successful because of the efforts of many people. Thanks to those who submitted remembrances in writing, by e-mail, tape or interview. Thanks to the members who compiled scrapbooks of pictures, programs and newspaper articles. Thanks to photographers who visually recorded important events in our past. Thanks to those who offered encouragement.