Arizona republican., 1915-02-24
CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY
 0F GRACE CHURCH
BY H. C. RAUB


 Before giving an account of the ac- complishments of this congregation during the year just closed let us look into her history for few minutes Five years ago this coming spring, mass meeting of all Lutherans in the city was called by MT. Dewitt Wise, prominent layman of First Lutheran church, Los Angeles in parlor' of the Ford Hotel to plan for the organiza- tion of parish here but nothing per manent was accomplished at this time, though it struck q spark which finally blazed into our present congregation.
 For couple of years nothing was done bat in the spring of 1912 the Rev. Jesse W Ball, D. D.. pastor of St. Marks Lutheran church, Los Angeles, at that time president of the California synod, spent a few days here canvas sing the field and holding services two Sundays. owing to unavoidable cir cumstances nothing was accomplished again though, through the persistent and untiring efforts of Messrs. J. F. Westberg, C. F.. Newcomer and the writer, the combined sparks of hope and faith were famed into flame again and communications were sent back and forth from them to the California synod regarding the opening of the work here.
 Finally in May 1913 the writer at tended the session of the General Syn cd. which convened in St. Marks
 h.,a ed by the clerical and lay delegates from California synod, he was finally successful in securing the promise of both a pastor on the field in the near future and financial aid in carrying on the work After several unaVOidabl ble delays. the present pastor, the Rev. John K. Reed arrived on the field and the first service was held June s. 1913, with fourteen in attendance at morning worship and g in the evening. The brother hood of Trinity Lutheran church, Milton, Pa. the home church of the writer, having presented us with books of worship these services were conducted according to our liturgy.
 The Bible school was opened July G. 1913 with an enrolment of fourteen During the summer and fall the at tendance increased gratifyingiy and the Bible school was formally organized Nov 2 1913 with d membership of 26. The following officers were elected and served until the recent congregational meeting in January: C. E. Newlcomer. superintendent; Pastor John K. Reed, assistant: H. Craig Raup. secretary; Mrs. J. H. Whitson. treasurer
 This brings us up to the organization of the parish on Feb 22 1914 with a charter membership of 25. It was a er-to- be forgotten day among these people who have had so faithfully kept the faith though deprived the privil- egc Of worshipping in their own way.
 In May the Rev. w. F. Crowser mis- sionary superintendent of California synod. in whose territory this parish is located. spent several days with us and on our Lords Day. May 10, 1914 in stalled Pastor Reed as pastor of this congregation.
 During the year just closed. the con- gregation though suffering some loss by removal from the city. etc. has in- creased it's membership to 43 with fine prospects for q greater increase in the near future It has raised and con tributed over half of it's apportionmeut since the converting synod of California last October besides caring for it's To- cal obligations The present officers of the congregation are, Pastor. John K. Reed president of council: J. F. WeS- berg secretary: C. F. Johnston, Erie Hanshon. treasurer: Albert $. Hanson financial secretary.
 The Bible school has also suffered some joss during the year but it still growing. It has an enrolled member ship of A with an average attendance Of 30 each Lords day
 The teaching force is composed of the following efficient teachers: Bible class Pastor Reed; Light Bearers, girls, Mrs. Jean Rosser; Scouts. C. F.. ficerS constitute the Bible school board: Superintendent. C. r.. Newcom CT: assistant, j. F. Westberg; secretary, H. Craig Raup. treasurer. Miss Adele Newcomer; organist. Mrs. Clara West berg: assistant Miss Margaret New conner
 Our history would not be complete without mentioning the work in our ladies aio society which also closes its first year of very successful work this month. Soon after the organization of the parish. this society was organized March 1913 with q membership of ten and the following officers were chosen to serve for the year: Mrs. C. F.. New conner. president; Mrs. E. NJ. Hanson, vice president; Mrs, Clara Westberg, treasurer: Mrs. Margaret Zimmerman, secretary.
 The ladies set to work with q will. as our ladies always do. with one aim, that of building up the congregation and assisting wherever possible. The ladies have raised almost $115 by making and selling fancy and use ful articles and it's membership has in creased to 25.
 All the committees. especially the calling committee. are rendering val uable and efficient service in carrying on the parish work.
 While each and every organization has had it's part in making this day one of which we will always be proud. the greater praise is due our faithful pastor without whose wise counsel un- tiring pastoral work and always inter esting and helpful sermons. we could not have accomplished what we have. Grace Ev. Lutheran church offers a
 
 church home to all Lutherans and oth- CTS not affiliated with some other con-