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History of Friedens Church:
1932-1952

Read during May, 2000

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      Today, we start our Anniversary Remembered moment in the year 1932 and continues into 1952.
      In 1932, Congregational Meetings got shorter and it is interesting to note that the organist and janitor positions were voted on yearly until January 1939 when a motion was made and passed that Alma Gebauer and Marie Dollinger could be the organists as long as they chose to do so. Val Ottwein could also have the janitor position on the same terms, and the yearly voting to fill these positions discontinued.
      Bertha Weber Loyet had been the organist from the very beginning until this time. Alma Gebauer had assisted Bertha since 1923 and in 1930 Marie Dollinger also served as organist.
      In July 1943, after having the middle section of the cemetery under Perpetual Care, there was a proposal 3 months later to have all of the cemetery under Perpetual Care. This vote carried 30 yes to zero no votes. This was the first time this had happened on any voting!
      Rev. Mornhinweg's 20th Anniversary celebration on January 13, 1952 was a joyful milestone. One reason being, the first clergy to serve more than eight years.
      Two hundred guests attended the well-known "potluck" dinner. The Mornhinweg family received a television, a new and modern sign of the times!
      During this pastorate, the congregation had increased to 300, the church auditorium had been redecorated two times, the kitchen had been remodeled and rest room facilities added.
      Also during this twenty-year period, there were 179 baptisms, 85 weddings and 126 confirmands.