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History of Friedens Church:
1925-1931

Read on April 16, 2000

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      The minutes did not give details how the 50th anniversary was celebrated except the notes on the purchase of meat for a "celebration meal" - however, the minutes of January 11, 1925 made motions to thank the Ladies Aid, Retiring Officers and the Sunday School Teachers for their services.
      After many discussions and votes, the addition of a bathroom was voted on by secret ballot and this time it carried 13 votes for and 6 against - but at the very next quarterly meeting on January 3, 1926, it was decided to table this undertaking and appoint a committee of two to solicit members for donations for this project. George Ottwein and Charles Bangert were appointed for this project.
      On May 9, 1926, Rev. Niedernhofer's resignation was accepted, and would allow him to leave June 1st. At this time, it was decided to use a student if necessary; the cost being $5.00 plus expenses. By June 1st, Rev. Gerhold had given a trial sermon and by secret ballot was chosen to serve Friedens and would be paid $1,300 plus house rent.
      In the fall of 1926, bids were being sought on a different furnace - steam heat was being considered, and on October 26, 1926 at a special meeting, there was a unanimous vote for it. The committee of five whom drew up specifications were George Wilhelm, Clarence Lory, Robert Bohnenstiehl, George Ottwein, and F. J. Michael - but, at a special meeting on November 10, 1925, all the bids were rejected by a vote of 25 to 1. A committee of three was appointed to purchase a pipeless furnace. August Schurman, William Weber, and John Feldmeier served on this committee.
      It was at that time the Ladies Aid was given permission to rent the basement. Rev. Gerhold turned in his resignation and asked for release by October 9, 1927. On October 16, 1927, Rev. William Wille received the required 2/3 majority vote after having lost the first election on October 9, 1927. He served until January 1928 when the congregation again had the task of choosing a new minister.
      Rev. Theodore Goebel from Marshall, Oklahoma served as minister until July 1928 when Rev. Albers began his ministerial services and did so until December 1, 1931.
      The search for a new minister to replace Rev. Albers started in October 1931 when it was moved to send delegates to Hookdale, Illinois to hear Rev. Richard Mornhinweg preach. There was a trial sermon on November 15, 1931 here in Troy. At a congregational meeting the same evening, it was voted 76 yes votes to 6 no votes to hire Rev. Mornhinweg as Friedens' pastor.