A HALF CENTURY OF BLESSINGS

(Originally written for the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1967. Please click here to view the original document.)

Prologue

The half century between 1917 and 1967 has seen a great many changes take place in our world. In communications early radio has been succeeded by color television. In travel we have gone from the single engine airplane to space flights around the earth. In politics we have seen our nation emerge from its isolation to become the leading nation of the world. And in the Christian Church we have moved from the battlefields of polemics to the exciting frontiers of spiritual unity.

During this period, God raised up and guided our congregation - Peace Lutheran Church. The following is an attempt to record some of the highlights of God's activity in our midst during this half century.

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For the beginnings of Peace congregation we must go back to the year 1916 and our "mother" congregation...Immanuel Lutheran Church on Reese Street and Mulley Avenue. A number of Germans in this predominantly Polish speaking congregation wanted to withdraw and begin a parish of their own. When the collapse of a business venture involving the Pastor and several members lead to the resignation of the Rev. Adolph Dasler, these men saw their opportunity to begin their new congregation.

On December 31, 1916 the congregation was organized and called the Rev. Dasler to be its first Pastor. Because it had begun in the midst of a controversy, the name of "Peace" was chosen to symbolize the congregation's hopes. Fourteen men signed the original charter. They were: John Schweitzer, William Schweitzer, Philip Schweitzen, Fred Schack, Matt Klees, Jacob Penzek, August Eidinger, Matt Rudat, Richard Breswitz, Jacob Korban, August Schlesser, Gustav Monske, Fred Eidinger, William Schmidt.




THE REV. ADOLPH DASLER

The Rev. Adolph Dasler led the congregation during its first three months of existence. At first, services were held in the homes of the members. Then the Welsh Congregational Church building on Wells Street was rented at $8.00 a month for regular worship. The first English service was held on February 11, and the following Sunday the Sunday School was begun.

Meanwhile, the search for a permanent home for the congregation had begun. It was completed with the decision to purchase the Benjamin Estate on the corner of Parker and North Main Avenue. Much work would be needed to put the building in shape for services, but by April 2nd Peace congregation had a home.

At this point, Pastor Dasler, who had received a call to Westfield, Mass., left the congregation to the care of a neighboring pastor, the Rev. Edward Kraus. During the supply services of Pastor Kraus (April 9 to June 3) the congregation adopted its constitution (April 18) and joined the "Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states."




THE REV. JOHN BEFUS

June 3, 1917 was a big Sunday at Peace. The Rev. John Befus was ordained into the Holy Ministry and installed as the second Pastor of Peace. In addition, the newly renovated church facilities were dedicated to the Glory of God.

A month later the Ladies Aid Society was organized. And in August the Church Extension Board of the Eastern District granted the congregation a load of $2,000.00 to pay for the church renovations.

Pastor Befus accepted a call to Ridgeway, North Carolina on July 29, 1918, and took with him not only the love of the congregation, but also one of its daughters, Christine Schweitzer, as his wife.




THE REV. PAUL ENGELBERT

The third pastor of Peace was the Rev. Paul J. Engelbert. He was installed by the Rev. W. Obermeyer on September 29, 1918. The young congregation was growing rapidly as can be seen from the fact that during the three years of his ministry at Peace, Pastor Engelbert baptized 26 infants.

Pastor Engelbert accepted a call to Archbald, PA on August 17, 1921.




THE REV. HENRY CAMIN

In his letter accepting the call to Peace dated October 28, 1921, Pastor Camin wrote, I pray that the Lord of the Church may bless my labors in my new field and make the hearts of the members willing to hear the Word of God from my lips." For forty-three of the first fifty years of Peace his lips proclaimed the Gospel of Christ in this congregation, and the rich fruit of those years are ample evidence of God's benediction upon his labors.

Pastor Camin was installed on November 27, 1921. His wife, Helen, and their young family quickly endeared themselves to the congregation.

The congregation on its 10th anniversary began to make plans for the construction of a new church. The actual work began the enxt year, 1928. The cost was $16,800. A gift of $10,000.00 from John P. Shaffer, a Lutheran in Pittsburgh, greatly helped at this critical point. Since the new church was built on the site of the old, the congregation had to move out during the demolition and construction process. A temporary home was found again in the Welsh Congregational Chapel. The cornerstone for the new church - our present edifice - was set on June 17 and the service of dedication was conducted December 2, 1918. (Click Here to see the Cornerstone Laying Service)

The twentieth anniversary of the congregation was celebrated with the installation of a new church bell donated through the efforts of the Young People's Society at a cost of $350.00. The society had been organized the year before, 1936 with a total of 50 members.

Our church organ came to us from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Athens, PA. It was dedicated on December 18, 1938.

The Second World War found fourty-seven young men and women of Peace serving with the military. Those who returned from the war did not necessarily return to Scranton. The production of Anthracite coal - the city's major industry - had been cut back drastically and there was increasing unemployment in the area.

Nevertheless, in 1946 the congregation decided to leave the control of the Eastern District Mission Board after nearly 30 years and become self supporting. The next year, on our 30th anniversary the congregation burned its mortgage and was debt free.

A near disaster was averted by the early discovery of a fire in the church during October, 1952. Damage amounted to $2,000.00. On the brighter side, the Ladies Guild and Young Adults presented the congregation with a sterling silver Communion set in March of 1953.

Our present parsonage was constructed behind the church in 1954. Mr. Gus Mueller built it at a cost of $21,000. It was dedicated on December 12 and has been thoroughly enjoyed by the pastors since then.

A lot of man-hours went into the renovation of the church hall in 1958. The enlarged and greatly improved facilities were dedicated in June of that year.

On January 1, 1964 Pastor Camin officially "retired". In forty-three years of ministry at Peace, he had shepherded this congregation through 106 funerals, 138 weddings, 370 confirmation, and 357 baptisms. For these and all the un-counted Christ-filled acts of love he performed in his amazing ministry here, he rightly deserves the title of "Father of Peace".

In April of 1964, the call to become Pastor of this congregation was extended to Seminarian Theodore R. Hanus through the Synodical Board of Assignments. He accepted and was ordained into the Holy Ministry and installed as Pastor on July 5, 1964.

In preparation for the 50th anniversary of the congregation in 1967, a number of major projects were planned. A parking lot was purchased, Sunday School rooms were built, and a new heating system installed. Still to be completed is a major reconstruction of our church organ.


IN CONCLUSION

These highlights form the annals of the congregation are a record of God at work in and through his people at Peace. They are a witness of the blessings of His love, and a tribute to the sacrifices of faithful Christians.



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HISTORICAL EVENTS OF PEACE LUTHERAN AS RECORDED IN THE 1991 75th ANNIVERSARY BOOK OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

1916
Dec. 31 - Beginning of Peace congregation. First service held in- John Schweitzer's home, 610 Florin St. by Rev. Adolph Dasler and held at homes and organized a charter signed fourteen members: John Schweitzer, William Schweitzer, Phillip Schweitzer, Fred Schack, Matt Klees, Jacob Pensak, August Eidinger, Matt Rudat, Richard Breswitz, Jacob Korban, August Schlesser, Gustav Monske, Fred Eidinger, and William Schmidt.

1917
Feb. 11 - First English service held at Welsh Congregational church building, Wells St.,
Scranton. Rent $8.00 a month.
Feb. 18 - Sunday School began.
Apr.2 - Permanent home for the congregation. Purchase of Benjamin Estate at Parker St. and N. Main Ave. Held its first service on this date also Pastor Dasler preached his farewell sermon.
Our church building is on the original site of what was once a popular coach stop and hotel during the frontier days of our valley.
Apr. 9 -- Pastor Edward Kraus installed.
Apr.18 - Congregation adopted its constitution and joined "Synod of Missouri" in Ohio.
May 26 - Pastor Edward Kraus delivered his farewell sermon.
June 3 - Pastor J ohri C. Befus ordained and installed. In addition new renovated facilities were dedicated to the Glory of God.
June 17 - Cornerstone set on our present edifice.
July - Ladies Aid Society organized.
August - Church Extension Board of the Eastern District granted the congregation a loan of $2,000.00 for church renovations.

1918
July 29 - Pastor John C. Befus delivered his farewell sermon.
Sept. 29 - Pastor Paul J. Englebert installed as our fourth Pastor.
Dec. 2 - Church service dedicated. (Corner stone)

1921
Aug. 17 - Pastor Paul J. Englebert delivered his farewell sermon.
Oct. 28 - Pastor Henry E. Camin installed.
Feb. - Congregation began to make plans for construction of a new church at the same site. Construction began. Cost $16,800.00. A gift of$l 0,000.00 was received from John Shaffer. A Lutheran at Pittsburgh, Pa. During demolition and construction a new church was built on the old site, services found a temporary home again at the Welsh Congregation Church on Wells St.
- Dr. Gustave Monske presented Baptismal font.
- Stained glass windows ... When we look at our beautiful ones the following were
presented over a period of years by:
Rev. Henry E. Camin Emil H. Leja
The Sunday School Jr. Aid Society
Young Adult Society Ladies Aid Society
- Those in memory of:
Rev. John Befus
Henry Griwatz
Edward & Minnie Mikolon
August Schlesser
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Misch
Rev. Adolph Dasler Rev. Paul Englebert
Joseph & Elizabeth Kline Jacob Korban
Gottlieb Savage Fred & Minnie Schack
Daniel Schlesser Jr. Karl & Mary Smith
John & Caroline Schweitzer

1936
Dec. 13 - Walther League a Young Adult People Society organized with fifty members.

1937
Dec. - Walther League presented the bell for the church tower at a cost of $350.00.

1938
Dec. 18 - Our first pipe organ came from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Athens, Pa. and dedicated on this date.

1942
Flags and stands - Presented by Albert Schweitzer Son of William & Lena Schweitzer.

1946
- Left Eastern District Mission Board and became self-supporting.

1947
On our thirtieth anniversary we burned our mortgage and became debt-free.

1952
Oct. - A near disaster was averted by an early discovery of a fire in the church. Damage of $2,000.00.

1953
March - Ladies Guild and Young People's Society presented the congregation with a sterling silver communion set.
- Lutheran Women's Missionary League became organized at Peace. Also known as LWML.

1954
- Present parsonage was constructed behind the church. Mr. Gus Mueller built it at a cost
of $21,000.00.
Dec. 12 - Dedication took place and has been an enjoyable place for Pastor's to date.

1956
- Two walnut stands for altar flowers built by Gus Mueller.

1957
April 1957 to 1958 - Renovation of churc.h hall. A lot of dedicated, donated time of our men. Many volunteer hours went into this renovation. The enlarged and· greatly improved facilities built by Gus Mueller which included kitchen and rest rooms.

1958
June - Church hall dedication took place.
Aug. - Small wooden cross with stand in memory of August Schlesser by his wife Mrs. Tillie Schlesser.

1960
- Original speaker system presented by Miss Freda Monske in memory of her Mother Mrs. Helen Savage.

1961
- A Men's Club was formed.

1963
Dec. 9 - Lutheran Laymen's League became organized. Also known as LLL.

1964
Jan. 1 - Pastor Henry Camin "retired". For all the countless Christ-filled acts he performed. He rightly deserves the title as "Father of Peace."
May - A 15 ft. ladder purchased.
July 5 - Pastor Theodore R. Hanus ordained and installed.

1965
April - Ladies Guild donated Black altar paramounts.
New bulletin board (outside) by Mrs. Elsie Griwatz in memory of her husband Henry.

1966
March - Piano in church basement for the Sunday School was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Julius Pensak.
May - Lights installed between driveway and parsonage and regulated by a time clock.
June - New Gas heat installed in church and parsonage. Cost $2,500.00.
Sept. - Converted three rooms in basement of parsonage to be used for Sunday School. Rooms primarily for the young children. Work completed by Gus Mueller.
Nov. - New roof on church. Old Material removed after approx. 39 years old. Cost $1,200.00.
Dec. - Parking lot at E. Parket St. & Hermans Ave. purchased from D & H Railroad for
parking cars or building growth. Cost $1,600.00.

1967
June - Repaired and restored a church window: Cost $500.00.
- Oil painting of Rev. Henry Camin who served Peace congregation Oct. 28, 1921 - Jan.
I, 1964. This was presented by the Young People of Peace.

1968
Jan. 16 - Collection offering plates were replaced from the wooden style to gold. Presented by Phillip and Elsie K. Schweitzer in honor of their golden wedding anniversary .
Jan. - Two pictures by Hook placed in the new church hall "The Good Shepherd" and "Jesus with the little children". Presented by Al Leja ahd Freda Monske.
Mar. - A major reconstruction of the pipe organ and choir loft renovation which was done by Gus Mueller and completed in the Fall. Cost $7,600.00
May - Basketball backboard, post and net in parking lot presented by Ernest Schweitzer.
Oct. - Rear stairwell of church entrance. A wall constructed to keep dirt and snow off
stairway.
Oct. - Light and handrail for rear stairwell was presented by Freda Monske and Ethel
Schweitzer.
Nov. - Red carpet installed throughout the church by Mrs. Jacob Korban in memory of her son William.

1969
Jan 12 - Pastor Hanus addressed his farewell sermon.
June 21 - Pastor Rolf Buchmann. installed.

1970
May 14 - Receiving basin which stacks the offering plates presented by Mr. and Mrs. Gus Kopatz in memory of Donald Colbert.

1971
May - Sanctuary light by Mrs. Marie Colbert in memory of her husband Fred and son
Donald.
- Library shelves in church basement built by Gus Mueller. Wall-to-wall carpeting in parsonage study office by the Ladies Guild.
June - New steps to the sacristy by Daniel Jierski.
Nov. - Porch awnings and storm windows, dehumidifier in basement and humidifier for upper
level. These items applied to the parsonage.

1972
Feb. –
(l) Storm door for sacristy and a new awning for sacristy door entrance. (Former one transferred to rear door of parsonage).
(2) Carpet for basement entrance.
(3) Fibre glass installed at rear stairwell.
(4) Purchased two cassette tape recorders for church services to enable our shut-in / s to hear God's word. Each cassette cost $125.00.
Feb. - Kneelers installed. A gift from the Ladies Guild.
Feb. - Six "Reserved" Pew markers presented by Dan & Dora Jierski.
Dec. - Storage shelves installed in room adjacent to the boiler area.

1973
Apr. - Deed of church has been found and recorded as "Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church". Original deed was in German. Atty. Jones handled this transaction.
Apr. - Pastor Rolf Buchmann addressed his farewell sermon .
- Modification on speaker system installed and presented by Elsie Griwatz and Freda Monske.
- Front pew screens (2). One of them was presented by the church.
- The other one by Mrs. Lillian Koptazin memory of her husband Gus.
- A clergy pew was presented by Mrs. Lillian· Kopatz in memory of Gus by loved ones and friends.
Sept. 2 - Pastor Richard Drankwalter was installed as our eighth Pastor.

Dec. - Rack for tables in the basement presented by Ken and Eleanor Mercer.
Dec. - Dish cart in the basement was presented by Dan and Dora Jierski.

1974
Mar. - Two adding machines presented by Ken and Eleanor Mercer.
- Portable sound system purchased by the church and used by "Sounds of Peace". A singing group spreading the Gospel in nursing homes, hospitals, etc.

1975
- New concrete steps, platform and railings were replaced in the front entrance of the
church.
June - Pastor Richard Drankwalter addressed his farewell sermon.
Nov. 23 - Pastor Timothy M. Nickel installed.

1976
- Acolyte pew installed in memory of William and Lena Schweitzer by their family.
Oct. - New roof on parsonage and garage. Also church roof by the Bell tower tarred and
sealed.
New carpet placed on the front steps of the church.
Dec. - New filing cabinet for the Pastor's study.

1977
Sept. - New entrance doors installed in memory of Rev. Henry Carnin -1921-1964. $500.00 transferred from memorial fund, special envelopes provided in the news letter with additional envelopes in church narthex and monetary donation from the Camin family. Cost including installation $3115.00.

1978
- Piano and lamp presented by Mrs. Betty Byers in memory of her husband George.

1979
Sept. - Pastor Timothy Nickel addressed his farewell sermon.
Dec. 16 - Pastor Eduard Vajda installed.

1981
Nov. 1 - Rededication of newly remodeled, Sunday School.
(1) Wall mural "Faith''''Hope'' "Love" designed by Mrs. Barbara Vajda and painted by our youth Group. _
(2) Altar, backdrop, and candle holders were made by Rev. Eduard Vajda and Albert Corbin in the rear of the Fellowship Hall.

1982
- Oct. Living Window - In memory of Michele Marie Cizik by Ron and Joan Cizik. Also in memory of Jodie Marie Hafich by Joe and Charlotte Hafich. In addition the
- Slide Projector And Recorder - In memory of Elmer Kriger by Mrs. Mary Kriger.

1984
- Piano in the Fellowship Hall was donated by Ladies Guild.
- Altar Paramounts-
Purple-In memory of loved ones by F.red and Norma Duddek also Mrs. Elsie Erkow
Pesut. ; Green-In memory of Betty Rudat wife of. Fred Rudat.

1985
- Altar Paramounts- Red-In memory of Howard Schack by his wife Mrs. Mildred Schack and family.
- Stained Glass Window - Insert in door of the Fellowship Hall made and presented by David M. Morris.

1986
Mar. 23 - Individual communion trays and cups also on-
July 2 - Casket Pall. Each of these were presented by Mr. and Mrs. Victor Mentz in memory of their son Richard.

1987
- Ceiling fans - Two were presented by Ken and Eleanor Mercer.
- White Nativity Figurines - Presented by Rev. Eduard Vajda.

1988
- Plaque - Depicting the "Ten Commandments" - Made by Rev. Eduard Vajda.
- Processional Cross - Made by Rev. Eduard Vajda and Albert Corbin ..
Apr. - Altar candleabra and candles in memory of Qlscar Pensak by bis wife Lorraine and
children.
May 9 - Hand Bells (3 Octave) The following names which appear on the wall plaque are in memory or honor of and have been presented by: (see original pdf file to see the names)
Nov. - Three steel crosses were presented to the Glory of God by Paul E. Holzman.
Nov. 28 - Pastor Eduard Vajda was called home to his eternal rest.
Dec. - Baptismal candle and stand in memory of William Gedrimas by the Gedrimas family.

Due to a prolonged vacancy (Pastor Vajda's death) the following Pastor's served Peace:
Dec. 4, 1988 - May 30, 1990 Rev. Robert Morris
June 6, 1990 - Apr. 30, 1991 Rev. Russell Kerns Sr.
"Thanks be to the living God for all ministry who have served us".

1990
May - VCR and TV in Fellowship Hall was presented by members of Peace.
June - Young Adults organized.
July 17 - Church amplifier replaced. Presented by Elsie I. S-chweitzer.

1991
March 24 - Kneeler cushions at altar were presented by Albert, Ernest, and Ethel Schweitzer in memory of their sister Mrs. Hilda Borowski. - -
March 24 - Altar linens presented by Bernard and ML & Mrs. John Rohmann in memory of their sister Mrs. Erna Stern.
May 5 - Pastor Charles F. Bunzel installed.

Aug. - Replaced gas stove in kitchen by the Ladies Guild.

Aug. 20 - Two speakers installed in the rear of church., Presented by Elsie I. Schweitzer.
Dec. 1 - Nativity stand presented and made by Albert" Corbin. The stand is made from wood that is approximately 150 years old and was once a part of a Presbyterian Church in
Brooklyn, Pa.

1992
Jan 5 - A new chair in the Chancel area was presented ~y Mr. and Mrs. Harold ("Mac'')
McKeen. "
Jan. 19 - Microwave oven in kitchen was presented by Dan Jierski.
Mar. - Church completely rewired. Cost $17,500 ~ Frank Purcell- Scranton, Pa.
Mayy - Replaced storm door - sacristy entrance - Presented by Dan Jierski.
Aug. - New Church Roof over the present one - 25year warranty - $6,298.00
- Replace Present Gutters with aluminum, screened - $575.00 - $6,873.00 by JAB Const.,
Clarks Summit -
Oct. - Ladies Guild installed Ladies & Mens new vanity sinks, stalls & handicap grab bars
- Platform for VCR Unit
- Stained glass windows - wood frames repaired and replaced with aluminum - $25,715.00
- Add 3 ventilators to balcony window $1200.00 - $26,915.00 by Kasmark-Marshall,
Luzerne, Pa.


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HISTORICAL NOTES FROM 1992 TO 2007
written by Charles Mercer

Peace Lutheran Church celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Church in May of 1992. Rev. David Belasic, President of the Eastern District LCMS, was the guest preacher at the May 3rd anniversary service. A wonderful memory booklet was created for this occasion. A dinner followed at a local dining hall.

The congregation experienced declining membership during the next few years. Rev. Bunzel , due to health problems, stepped down as pastor in November of 1994. The Church was struggling at this time and reached out to Rev. Russell Kerns of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Pittston, PA. He had previously served our congregation as a vacancy pastor from June 6, 1990- April 30, 1991. After reaching an agreement with St. John’s, Pastor Kerns began serving our congregation on December 8, 1994. He would continue as vacancy pastor for the next 5 ½ years.

The congregation, under the direction of the dynamic Pastor Kerns, experienced growth and revitalization. A puzzle fundraiser, featuring North Scranton and other area businesses, was the first of many projects initiated by Pastor Kerns. A new heating and cooling system was soon installed in the Church. A dream vacation to Disney World for the youth and their families was proposed by Pastor Kerns. After many fundraising garage sales, recycling events, dinners etc. that seemingly impossible dream was realized. The children of Peace were able to enjoy a free trip to Disney World in October of 1996.

The church decided to purchase “Sing Joyfully” hymnals in order to supplement our existing Lutheran Hymnals. A new handicap ramp was constructed, new carpeting was installed, and the Church interior was repainted. A new processional cross was presented by the Schweitzer family. A narthex table and stand was presented in memory of Marie Colbert. A new sound system was installed in November of 1999. Pastor Kerns stepped down as vacancy pastor on May 7, 2000. God had blessed our congregation immensely under the guidance of Pastor Kerns. Rev. Keith Blom of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tunkhannock, PA took over as vacancy pastor in July of 2000.

Our Call committee had been active throughout our vacancy status. We had called a few pastors during our vacancy, but we were unable to secure a new pastor to call our own. Pastor Blom suggested that we contact a young pastor with whom he was acquainted. The Call Committee contacted Rev. Kristian Bjornstad , who was serving congregations in rural Ontario, Canada. A call was issued to Pastor Bjornstad. Pastor did accept the call to become our minister and was installed on October 15, 2000.

Peace Lutheran Church finally had a full time minister after a rather lengthy vacancy. Pastor Bjornstad brought many new ideas to our congregation. He developed our first Church website. We were soon designated an Apostolic Mission Congregation, which helped us focus on the mission of the Church and our mission as children of God. A new emphasis on our youth and on our community was initiated. A partial list of the many initiatives begun under the direction of Pastor Bjornstad include a youth lock in and “banana cram”, “Captive Free” musical concerts, other spiritual concerts, and musical presentations by the youth. Youth retreats at Concordia College in Bronxville, N.Y. and youth rafting and camping trips as well as a canoe building project were other events experienced by our youth. The youth of the Church participated in YIELD events, which involve community service. A Live Nativity with a donkey and sheep was begun, and a Palm Sunday parade throughout the neighborhood was held.

Our congregational members participated in the Marriage Encounter Weekends and the church hosted a special Marriage Enrichment retreat. It also to form a group of Tender Lutheran Caregivers that trained members in giving care to loved ones in their daily lives as well as in the congregation. A Peace Prayer Chain was established. A new member and worshiper dinner was instituted. A Saturday Children’s Hour with God was begun in September of 2002. A Sunday in February was designated Friendship Sunday, where members are asked to invite others to Church on that Sunday. Members were invited to participate in “The March for Life” in Washington, D.C., held in January. Two mission trips to hurricane damaged New Orleans, LA were conducted. Sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Friends, the mission became a focus of the newly formed N.E.P.A. Lutheran Mission Partnership.

In an attempt to reach people in our community, CHAIN (Community, Health, Action In our Neighborhood) was begun as a summer project in the summer of 2004. Susan Crosbie was appointed as our Parish Nurse and led a healing retreat in Dalton, PA as well as a health fair at Bangor Heights in North Scranton. CHAIN became a full time ministry under the direction of Meredith Woolverton and did active ministry for 14 months before having to close down due to lack of funds in August 2006. C.H.A.I.N. and the North Scranton Rotary Club combined to hold a free dinner for members of the community at Immanuel Lutheran Church in April of 2006.

Church improvements of note throughout this period include a wireless hearing system, a new roof for the Church, parsonage and garage, a new lawn with sprinkler system, and a newly paved parking lot with landscaping. Items of note to beautify our Church interior include a new baptismal font cover which was donated by Ernie Kent in memory of his mother; Lona Liskowski, Tone chimes were donated by the Schweitzer family. A lectern was donated by the Davis family. Future plans include the remodeling of our kitchen and the installation of a handicap access chair to the Church basement.

God has indeed blessed the members of the congregation that makes up Peace Lutheran Church. As we celebrate our past 90 years, we look forward to our future. We remember the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Matthew 28; v 19-20 “ Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

© 2006 Peace Lutheran Church Rev. Kristian Bjornstad