NEW GLARUS - In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in New Glarus on Sunday plans to re-enact some of the history from its first worship service.
On Oct. 16, 1966 folding chairs were moved into the sanctuary the day before the church's first service. The organ had arrived during the week and was stored in the parsonage garage until it was carried by hand to the church. The ground surrounding the new building was clay and mud. A path of cardboard from the packing surrounding the new chairs was salvaged and pegged into the ground to provide a walk across the empty lot to the east door of the church. The altar was a Monroe table skirted with brown paper and the candleholders were borrowed.
Both the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services will be traditional using some of the liturgy and hymns from the first service. The services are open to the public. Attendees are also encouraged to wear period clothing from 1966.
On Oct. 23, 1966 the first Sunday School classes began with members taking on the roles of leaders. Charter members Herb and Emma Jean Nelson and Lennys Luchsinger continue to devote many years as parish educators. A short program will be held during the fellowship brunch on Oct. 23 in honor of former superintendents and teachers. The brunch immediately follows the 8 a.m. service. Sunday School children will be playing the bells during both services; second service begins at 10:30 a.m. Past and present Sunday School leaders are encouraged to attend.
Shepherd of the Hills has more anniversary celebrations planned for the end of 2016 and through May of 2017 when there will be a special dedication service.
For more information or to share a memory or story, contact Linda Hiland, Donna Anderson, Sue Bonacker, Luchsinger or Conni Bigler.
On Oct. 16, 1966 folding chairs were moved into the sanctuary the day before the church's first service. The organ had arrived during the week and was stored in the parsonage garage until it was carried by hand to the church. The ground surrounding the new building was clay and mud. A path of cardboard from the packing surrounding the new chairs was salvaged and pegged into the ground to provide a walk across the empty lot to the east door of the church. The altar was a Monroe table skirted with brown paper and the candleholders were borrowed.
Both the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services will be traditional using some of the liturgy and hymns from the first service. The services are open to the public. Attendees are also encouraged to wear period clothing from 1966.
On Oct. 23, 1966 the first Sunday School classes began with members taking on the roles of leaders. Charter members Herb and Emma Jean Nelson and Lennys Luchsinger continue to devote many years as parish educators. A short program will be held during the fellowship brunch on Oct. 23 in honor of former superintendents and teachers. The brunch immediately follows the 8 a.m. service. Sunday School children will be playing the bells during both services; second service begins at 10:30 a.m. Past and present Sunday School leaders are encouraged to attend.
Shepherd of the Hills has more anniversary celebrations planned for the end of 2016 and through May of 2017 when there will be a special dedication service.
For more information or to share a memory or story, contact Linda Hiland, Donna Anderson, Sue Bonacker, Luchsinger or Conni Bigler.
