1930's
1930 - A few years later, in 1930, Rev. Field unfortunately passed away in April, the day after Easter. Rev. Stuart L Ritz was hired part time. Mr. Joseph Lynch was appointed Sunday School Superintendent and served for 34 years. The original sanctuary was named Lynch Hall. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 99 and 7 months. (So close!) Mr. Lynch’s tireless dedication to the church is another standing testament to the ability of our community to serve each other and help out when needed.
1932- The original pews for the church were purchased. Services were conducted for the entire year, for the first time.
1935 - Our first choir was organized under the supervision of Ms. Alice Lanning. (Personally, I’m partial to our current choir director but I may be biased. Hi mom!)
1937 - I’d like to share another small example of generosity within our community. There are several such examples each year and this is just a typical one that I read repeatedly in the old files. It’s an excerpt from a Trustees meeting after Church Services Nov 28, 1937, “The president advised the trustees that a Laurence Harbor family, members of our church, were in dire need of immediate assistance until such time that the relief authorities could act. After some discussion Mr. Kengetter made the following motion, seconded by Mr Miller: The president be hereby authorized to purchase groceries to the amount of $5.- and deliver them to the needy party. Unanimously adopted.” Again, something small but so important really exemplifies what this church has always been about.
1938 - Children’s choir initiated. Average attendance was 42 students per week. The average weekly Sunday School collection amounted to $1.75. As I’ve said, we’ve always been about coming together and figuring things out. Here’s yet another example of the amount of volunteering that went on when the church building itself was in need: Trustees meeting July 26th, 1938: “Mr. Winn, Nielson, and Hulton offered the use of ladders and services to help aide in fixing the leak in the tower roof, Mr. Massom purchased paint for the outside trim, Mr. Winn offered to donate paint for the shingles. Mr. Riker would trim the hedges. Mr. Kengetter offered to take care of painting the shingles on the east side. Mr. McComb repainted the church sign. Mr. Hulton offered to raise the front steps and if possible, cement the front entrance walk. Toilet and sinks will be repaired by Mr. Nielson and others. Mr. Riker suggested that the men arrange to serve clam stews during the coming season.” Wow! Those do-it-yourself repairs sound familiar.
