Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 109, Number 19, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 2 October 1985 — Page 5

First Mennonite history recalled

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Dedication Sunday at Missionary Church

The Nappanee Missionary Church invites the public to attend an open house. Sunday, October 6. from 25p.m., of the newly-expanded tyThe church has recently completed a sanctuary and foyer addi-

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RICHARD REILLY 0 ' Dedication Speaker tion. The new sanctuary will seat 550 persons, and the expanded foyer will tie into the church’s proposed Family Life Center. At 7p.m., Sunday, October 6, the church will have a dedication service for the new facility. The speaker for the service will be the Rev. Richard Reilly, former pastor of the church, who is now the presi-

Presbyterian history t01d....

The September 28, 1910 issue of The Advance-News carried an article about the anniversary celebration of the Presbyterian Church, Sunday, October 2. The headline read "Anniversary Sunday of the dedication of the little church on the comer four years ago. ” At that time, the Presbyterian Church was located at the southwest comer of Market and Clark Streets (present site of the mini-park and parking lot). Portions of the 1910 article follow. "The First Presbyterian church people of Nappanee and their minister, the Rev Alexander R Evans, are now formulating a special program of services for Sunday, October 2. “The little church on the corner was dedicated Sunday, September 30,1906, and this special service is to be an anniversary celebration of

Mail Order Ticket Sales Now accepted for the , Nappanee Noon Kiwanis Travel-Adventure Film Series Three all-color presentations narrated in person by world travelers. Writ* 110 W. Market,-Nappanee Att: Jim Manhart or phone 773-4115 Also Phil Hahn - Phone 773-4184

dent of Fellowship Tours, Phoenix. Arizona. Former pastors will join in the dedication, as well as the Rev. G. G. Waun. District Supt. of the North Central District of The Missionary Church. Pastor Dave Engbrecht invites the public to attend this open house and dedication service. The church is located two miles north of Nappanee. onSRI9 Commercial pilot. Youth for Christ Director, pastor, missionary, evangelist, travel agent-all of these titles and more could be used to describe the varied ministries and experiences of the Rev. Richard S. Reilly. His travels have taken him into more than 85 countries, of both the free and Communist world, and he speaks knowledgeably on both the political and secular problems of many lands. Asa travel agent, he has visited the Holy Lands on many occasions, spending weeks at a time living in Jerusalem. He taught high school in Beirut, Lebanon, and is familiar with the Middle East and its people A concentratedstudy of the Bible, deep spiritual extensive reading and frequent world travel gives him authoritative knowledge of the subjects on which he speaks. This, combined with a dramatic, dynamic and expressive speaking ability, enable Reilly to expound the Bible as it relates to the world today.

that event. " There will be a gram of music by the choir and orchestra at each service, morning and evening. There will be a male chorus, and Miss Ruth Thomas, teacher of music in the public schools, will sing “Here is a bit of interesting history of the church and the accomplishments of its members: ‘‘Sept 28. 1899, the First Presbyterian Church was organized April 8, 1900, the first baptism administered April 8, 1900, first Sunday School organized. S. W. Craige being the superintendent July 1904, first Sunday School picnic was held March 1900, the Ladies Church Society organized. September 19, 1905. cornerstone of building (Market and Clark) laid. September 30, 1906, church dedicated Estimated total cost of lot and building, $6,200.

110th anniversary I Structural changes have occured at First Mennonite, but the original structure was always considered. This Sunday, First Mennonite Church, 900 W. Market St., celebrates Its 110th anniversary. There are special services and speakers planned for this special occasion. Robin Laßue is the pastor. (AN photos)

Relief Sale fbtals

Abe Wiebe, Nappanee, a member of the sale board for this year’s Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, held Saturday, at the Goshen Fairgrounds, has released the following sale totals: Friday's receipts totaled $42,193, and Saturday’s, $360,324, for the biggest total in the 18-year history of the sale. Receipts were up $23,000 from last year. The quilt auction netted $140,035, with the special commemorative quilting bringing a price of $10,500. Mr. Wiebe estimated that the crowd Was in excess of the 50,000 record from previous years, but stated that it was impossible to get an exact figure. Genealogy seminar announced

The Genealogy Section of the Kosciusko County Historical Society will sponsor its annual Genealogy Seminar on Saturday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw, just off of Highway 15. Ye Olde Genealogie Shoppe will feature session on migration, land records, church records, and what to do if there are no vital records available. Maps, books, forms and charts will be available. Pre-registration by October 15 is 16, and $7 at the door. For registration and further information, contact Genealogy Section, Kosciusko County Historical Society, RRI Box 1648, Pierceton, Indiana 46562.

COMFORT when you need it most

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We assist the bereaved family during thiS'Unhappy time by respecting their feelings and offering the proper arrangements for funerals and burials in the manner they prefer. Thompson & Yoder Funeral Home “Personalized Service for You and Your FAmily" 950 N. Main ST. Nappanee 773-3173

(Most of the material for this article cranes from a written history compiled by Elden Schrock, who passed away August 30,1965). The history of First Mennonite Churcb really goes back to early settlers who first into Elkhart County. Names like Henry Stahly, Sr., and John Ringenberg are important as the seeds of the church were planted. As early as 1852 a small fellowship was started. In 1875, a young preacher, Jonathan P. Smucker, came to Nappanee and for the next 28 years had a profound influence on the growth and development of the church. The 13 charter members of the church were Jonathan Smucker and wife Salome, Mr. and Mrs. Ulery Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Hershberger, Henry Stahly, Sr., and wife Magdalene , his son Christian and wife Mary, his daughter Magdalene (Mrs. Andrew Bleile), and his stepson John Johnson and wife Catherine. The church grew and new settlers with non-Mennonite background were attracted to the church because of the use of the German language. The church worshipped in a frame schoolhouse until in 1878 the town of Nappanee authorized the building of

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Celebrate with balloons

Memorial carillon dedicated

Dedication ceremonies for the Schulmerich Quadrabell Carillon recently installed at tfif Nappanee United Methodist Church, will be- - October 6, during the 9:30a.m. worship service. Pastor Jay Morris has reported that the bell instrument is the gift of Cecil E. Stalnaker, in loving memory of his wife, Annie Laurie Stalnaker. The Quadrabell is an exclusive development of Schulmerich Carillons of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, known as the largest producer of chimes, bells, carillons and handbells. Featuring space-age technology and components, the Quadrabell carries on the centuriesold tradition of the ringing and playing of tower bells. This instrument is set to automatically perform tower bell functions at pre-determined times of the day throughout the week. It sounds the familiar Westminster Chime, and strikes the hours each day-in a fashion similar to that which has made "Big Ben’’ famous. The Carillon is capable of carrying

Nappanee Advance News Wednesday, October 2,19661

anew schoolhouse and the old schoolhouse was sold at a public auction. Faced with an expanding membership and a loss of a worship place, a decision was made to build a new meetinghouse. A half-acre of ground was donated by John and Lydia Ailers one-half mile west of town, the present site, and a building was erected. There were swamp lands between the new building and the center of Nappanee, thus at certain times of the year access to the church was nearly impossible. Members walked west on the 840 railroad tracks and then cut across a meadow to attend services. The building extensively was remodeled in 1910,1925, and 1954, but the original structure was always incorporated in each remodeling. The rough sawn joists and rafters and the sheathing can still be seen today in the pfesent attic. Early records reveal interesting facts on early church life: a fee of from 25 cents to $1 levied semiannually on each member; 25 cents for oiling and cleaning the clock; $2 for scrubbing the floor; sl3 for “tending house" With the 1900’s many changes came. Changes that affected the customs and traditions of belief. Parents felt there was need for more Bible teaching and organized a

Students at North Main Nursery School could really celebrate during the Apple Festival with balloons donated to the children by Steve and Robin Sitek. The director at the school, Edith King, says that the children really enjoy them. Teachers at the school are Carol Phipps and Nancy Miller. (AN photo)

the sound in a 360-degree area from the church, as well as in the sanctuary of the church. The inside and outside speakers have separate volume controls, and can be used together, or can play the bells inside only, for services. The bells which can be pre-set, or played manually, Include calls to worship, church school, peals for weddings and other celebrations and tolls for solemn occasions. One of the most enjoyable features of the Quadrabell Carillon is its ability to play one or several hymns as well as other music, both inside and outside, for the enjoyment of the

Roast beef supper fanned

Members of the NappaneC Church of the Brethren will sponsor a roast beef supper, Saturday, October 12, from 4-Bp.m., in the church fellowship hall. The church is located on Mack Drive. Included with the roast beef supper will be a salad bar, baked potato and beverage. Tickets are priced at

Church Chuckles by CARTWRIGHT

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children's department. By 1926, significant mission projects were started For many years the church was known as the West Market Street Mennonite Church/ but by 1926 upon becoming a part of the General Conference it was to be known as First Mennonite Church. In 1944. the congregation purchased a house at 558 W. Centennial for a parsonage. This is the home for the present pastor and family, Robin and Rosemary Laßue. The church has a close association with the Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart) and has often found pastoral leadership from the Seminary. The church has a history, but also has a good future. Growth has been realized in the last four years. Through a committment of faithfulness, the membership is seeking to expand and reach out in new ways to serve the community. The congregation remembers its past, but moves forward with God’s guidance. On October 6, beginning in the worship service at 10:30 a.m., the congregation will celebrate her history. At noon, a carry-in dinner is planned, followed by a program. Former pastors and a conference minister are planning to participate in the days activities.

Nappanee community. This welcome feature provides the possibility of bringing seasonal music as well as old favorites for the listening enjoyment of persons. Through this gift by Mr. Stalnaker, persons in the Nappanee United Methodist Church, and Nappanee as a whole, will be reminded daily of a shared Christian faith and musical heritage. The congregation and pastors of the church invite the public to join in the dedication of this memorial gift, at 9:30a.m. Pastor Morris stated, “May it always be used to the glory of God.”

$5.00 for persons ages 12 and over; $3.00 for those ages 6-12, and children under age six may eat free. Tickets are available now from members of the church family, and will also be offered at the door the evening of the supper. Proceeds are being used to help repair the church roof.

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