of the congregation built a parish hall on the south half of their new property. It contained a 30 by 60 foot auditorium, a twelve-foot stage, two classrooms, rest rooms and a fine kitchen. The men donated over 7,000 man hours of labor, and with the aid of one part-time carpenter and professional workmen for the masonry, wiring and heating, the hall was completed for use in September, 1951.

Encouraged by their success in building the parish hall, they erected a church building adjoining on the west with a modern-fold door connecting the two for the accommodation of large gatherings. The church is 32 by 80 feet with an additional 14 by 32 choir loft and robing room. The church will seat a total of 282. Henry Wessel was chairman of the building committee which included Arnold Gottel, Harry Punke, Otto Remmert, Walter Wessel, T. W. Wollenschlager and Louis F. Rippel.

The church was dedicated December 7, 1952 with the Reverend Alvin Mueller of Decatur as speaker. An electric organ was also dedicated later to the memory of Mrs. C. W. Bruggemann, wife of the pastor, and Mrs. Henry Wessel, wife of the building chairman, who were killed in an automobile accident May 14, 1952.

Reverend Bruggemann resigned in 1953 to accept a church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the Reverend Edward Schade was installed as pastor on November 7, 1953.

Each of the churches carries on programs through groups devoted to the special interests of men, women and youth, varying their activities to meet the need for information, worship and service.

A COUNCIL OF CHURCH WOMEN was organized in the fall of 1942 under the leadership of Mrs. Frank M. Rice who became its first president. This group sponsors the annual World Day of Prayer service on the first Friday of Lent, and World Community Day the first Friday in November.

A union Daily Vacation Bible School has been held for a number of years, as well as similar schools sponsored by the Lutheran and Catholic churches.

THE COMMUNITY NATIVITY SCENE was sponsored by the El Paso Chamber of Commerce in 1949, with Joe Pavesich the chairman of the committee which accepted donations for the project. Large figures of the Christ Child, Joseph, Mary, the three Wise Men and a shepherd with five sheep were originally displayed in a small stable built on the Illinois Central lawn and dedicated December 5, 1949. Additional funds were contributed in 1950 and were used to purchase an ox and ass, a camel and a camel boy, a kneeling shepherd and two angels. The entire scene is lighted by flood lights and has been displayed annually in December. The figurines are valued at more than $3,000 and are insured.

Page 203

Go to previous page

Go to next page

Go to El Paso Story gateway page