Plymouth Congrega~ional United Church of Christ Aberdeen, 'South Dakota

1990 Centennial History and Directory of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ W. Melgaard Road & S. 4th Street Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401

Rev. Allen C. Lang, Pastor Church Telephone 225-2557

4001 8 ..

DEDICATION Ten ministers and two associate ministers have led Plymouth Church through trying times from 1890 to 1990 and have sacrificed much in following Christ's example and in fulfilling the spiritual quest for home and mission. The ministerial profession is a most challenging one generating both frustrations and satisfactions as the pastor interacts with the members of the congregation. Patience, love, tact and a thick skin are required; it is difficult to please the many perceptions, expectations and personality types in any congregation even in prosperous times.

Those pastors who ministered during the critical founding decade served the shortest terms. Founder James Kyle was pastor for about a year before he entered politics. His successor Stephen Updyke lasted only one year, ten months before he resigned over a factional split. Thomas Dent in his first Aberdeen pastorate remained five years, nine months before he left to serve in North Yakima, Washington. His successor John Horner who served only nine months had the shortest pastorate of all the ministers.

At the beginning of the 20th Century Thomas Dent returned in March 1900 to serve an additional 23 years although some did not consider him vigorous enough in his later years. His successor Alfred James Haines had a three year, one month ministry. Of those who followed him, Arthur L. Curtis served the longest--23 years, one month. Vincent Crane remained seven years while Richard A. Kline served 10 1/2 years with two deacons pressing for his resignation in 1962. John Brooks ministered 14 years with some divisiveness appearing in his last year. Allen Lang, the present pastor, has served nine years. Associates Sharon Maddox and Mary Thompson had a combined service of about four years during Rev. Lang's ministry. Only two pastors served 20 years or more.

This book is dedicated to these "shepherds" who in leading the flock have endured pain, experienced rebuffs and joyful successes as they ministered in the less structured Congregational environment. It is also dedicated to those selfless men and women, who supported the ministry with money and time by serving as teachers, ushers, trustees, deacons/deaconesses, chairs and committee members. They were and continue to be crucial to the success of this church.

2 40018 - •.l "INHERIT THE SPIRITI FORWARD TO THE FUTUREI: A HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UCC, 1890-1990" FORWARD In his sermon of January 21, 1990, Rev. Allen Lang asserted that the "greatest challenge to be undertaken by either an individual or by a church" is "to be a disciple of Jesus Christ." He suggested that discipleship often embodies emotional decision-making and traversing uncomfortable paths. He asked the congregation, "Will you accept the greatest challenge that you can possibly face, will you follow Jesus Christ? That can bring you "all together and make you fi shers of human be,ings." Dr. David Seaman composed Plymouth's centennial hymn which recognized that our forefathers had taken up that challenge. Entitled "PLYMOUTH CENTURY," this hymn, set to the tune of an Austrian hymn by Frans J. Hayden, conveys goals and hopes for our second century and gives thanks for our past heritage: God we thank you for this century, For our mothers' faithfulness For our fathers' strength and courage Visions of your graciousness For their unity of spirit though of many backgrounds come Guide us as we now inherit this their spirit as our own. As we start this second century, give us courage to proclaim Peace and justice in your kingdom lives of fullness in your name Stay as rock of our salvation stay as cloud and pillar of fire Whose steadfast love endures forever be the breath of our desire. We of Plymouth ask your blessing on your church these special days Let your truth break forth upon us guide us in our future ways Glory be to God the Sovereign Glory be to Christ the Son Glory to their Holy Spirit always with us every-one. Continuity and change mark the history of Plymouth Church. In cooperation with the state conference Plymouth was in the forefront of the protestant ecumenical movement of the early 1960s when they accepted the merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the United Church of Christ. On a statewide basis Plymouth has cooperated with sister churches in regional associations since 1890. Plymouth linked in 1963 with the Prairie Lakes Association formerly known as the Northern Association.

4001 8 3 Plymouth has sought to exemplify its charter ideals formulated on January 12, 1890. The articles of faith recognized the constant need of individual regeneration and the all-embracing power of God. They pledged to share the toil and expense which church membership demanded and to support each other, using the power of example, counsel and prayer. Plymouth has not escaped the cyclical boom and busts that appear regionally and nationally due to depressed farm prices, market changes in supply and demand, higher energy costs and interest rates and natural disasters. National inflation, along with an enlarged church mission, has increased budgets. Such experiences affected fundraising and expenditures. The church has recognized its responsibilities to meet human needs as the result of wars and their aftermaths. Other forces have influenced Plymouth's development. Women's Fellowship meetings have felt the effect of more women in the work force. The Womens Rights' movement has resulted in more equalization of the sexes. Plymouth women may usher if they so desire. Women have served as associate pastors and moderators in the 1980s. Modern technology has impacted Plymouth with printing and computer advances. Laser printing has replaced the mimeograph and the computer word processor has superceded the typewriter. Plymouth is part of a more globally interdependent world. It recognizes the inequalities, poverty, hunger and homeless ness on spaceship earth and the need to share and care for others in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Over the decades a mighty team of God's servants have contributed to Plymouth's growth. From its 27 charter members of 1890, membership peaked in 1979 at 803, then declined gradually to over 600 active members by January 1990. Many are the unsung heroes and heroines who have served their church. It is impossible to recognize by name all contributors to Plymouth's success. However, this history pays tribute not only to the more vocal and visible church officers and leaders but also to such humble servants of God as quilters and cooks; communion preparers and servers; "share the ride" drivers; altar and landscape beautifiers; light bulb changers and wall painters; organists and pianists; choir directors, singers, and bell ringers; financial and church secretaries; Sunday school and lay leaders; conference delegates and those who share garden produce, money, time, and talents. An independent and spirited breed, Plymouth Congregationalists have doggedly and resourcefully built a family-oriented, friendly church for all ages. They have nurtured traditional Christian values. History reveals that cooperation and unity nourished by faith and love can accomplish the seemingly impossible dream. Present and future generations are challenged to carry the Faith forward and to remember our crusading slogan: "INHERIT THE SPIRIT! FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!"

4 40018 I. QUEST FOR A CHURCH HOME 1889-1970 "BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS" In Plymouth Church's founding decade of the 1890s 4 pastors--Kyle, Updyke, Dent, and Horner--shepherded their flock in the quest for a new church home or an enlarged house of worship. In the first 25 years of the 20th century two pastors, Dent and Haines, continued that quest for a more spacious church home. The sacrifices and challenges of the 1890s ~~arted in late 1889 with the opera house experience followed by occupation of the 4th Avenue Land Office structure fondly referred to as "our little church". In 1898 remodeling gave birth to the phrase "our new church" in October 'and what this history calls the "Tower Church." The stage was set for almost three decades of struggle to be an increasingly self-supporting church compared to the dependency on national congregational aid of the 1890s. In the 64 years from 1927 to 1990 Congregationalists occupied two additional church homes with the help of the national church and the leadership of five pastors and two associates. Therefore, the first century of congregational life in Aberdeen's Plymouth Church has been a partnership. Local, state and national Congregationalists conducted a mutual ministry whereby all have pooled time, talents and money to nurture Christian values and to help human kind. At almost every annual meeting well into the 1940s Plymouth members sang at least one verse of the hymn "Blest Be The Tie That Binds". The song stresses unity in Christian love and kindred minds, ardent prayer over common aims, hopes, fears and concerns, sharing of bu rdens and being sensitive to other's needs. The tradition was especially strong during the longer ministries of Thomas Dent and Allen Curtis and is symbolic of the Christian fellowsh ip so needed to surmount the challenges arising during much of the past century.

OPE RA HO USE OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1889 MI NISTRY OF JAMES KYLE October 1889-0ctober 1890 "A representative of the Congreg ational Home Mission Society with five years ministerial experience, Rev. James H. Kyle had graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and had served four years as pastor in Ipswich, South Dakota when the Home Society asked him in August 1889 to serve Aberdeen. When Kyle left Ipswich in October 1889, the IPSWICH TRIBUNE declared him able, influential and one who had "more warm friends in this vicinity than any man in the country." He moved to Aberdeen , rented Aberdeen 's Opera House, noted for its stage melodrama and roller skating, and held initial meetings October 20, 1889. Twenty-one persons sang, prayed and heard Rev. Kyle speak at 2:30 p.m . on objectives. Election of officers fo llowed. Kyle became superintendent of the Sunday School. At the first service that evening Kyle spoke to forty persons on "What Christianity has to Offer?" Church notices in the AB ERDEEN DAILY NEWS welcomed friends and strangers and advertised "Seats Free. " On Sunday December 1, 1889, fifteen members joined the Sunday School. That night Rev. Kyle Spoke on impure li terature--those vicious, sensational dime novels which so encouraged young people to "rash undertakings" and disobedience. With the approach of winter, heating costs

4001 8 5 mounted. The high rental of $30 a month further motivated the quest for a new church home. Rev. Kyle preached the last service in the Opera House on December 22, 1889. THE ERA OF THE FRAME CHURCH 1889-1926 THE "LITTLE CHURCH" 1889-1897 The Society of Congregationalists moved to the former Land Office building on 4th Avenue, two blocks east of Main Street. This Gothic roofed structure was 22'x40' with a 12'x12' extension to be used as a study, all resting on a solid stone foundation with no full basement. There was one main room with no separate rooms for Sunday School. Mrs. J.R. Beebe in 1891 recalled her initial impressions: "Home, but unhomelike, the four square, bare walls containing nothing pleasing to the eye or restful to the body, the only articles of furniture being a stove and a few chairs, the latter a loan from a sister church. With limited means, but great enthusiasm, we entered upon the work of furnishing and adornment."

They washed and cleaned in preparation for Christmas activities. On the evening of December 26 about sixty celebrated the first Christmas Festival of the Sunday School. Rev. Mills preached the first sermon in the new church on Sunday January 5, 1890. On Sunday, January 12, the Church Rev. James H. Kyle received its formal dedication. The Society of Congregationalists became Plymouth Congregational Church. There were 27 charter members; however, because of sickness and weather conditions thirteen of these were present for the confession of faith and adoption of constitutional by-laws. On January 26, 1890, the congregation empowered the trustees to purchase an additional lot--a crucial move in the church's future. In 1890 Plymouth disbursed $333 for property purchases. On March 25, 1890, the Council of Recognition met in Aberdeen where representatives from nine South Dakota Congregational churches assembled to review the work of the pastor and his parishioners. They welcomed Plymouth into their fellowship declaring that the city directory showed less than 2000 church seats in a town of 6000-7000 people indicating there was a viable future ahead for Plymouth Church. The next day the congregation authorized purchase of 120 chairs not to exceed $1 8 per dozen.

On July 4, 1890, the regular speaker failed to appear so Rev. Kyle spoke from the Sherman Hotel balcony to a Populist Alliance gathering. His stance on immigration restriction, liberty of the press, universal and compulsory education, universal suffrage, the secret ballot and prohibition met receptive ears. He made so profound an impression that a few hours later he was nominated for the State Senate and as a result became Brown County's senator in the

6 state legislature. He also accepted the financial secretaryship of Yankton College which required some travel and fundraising. Therefore, he suggested that Plymouth call Rev. Updyke of Brookings to assume the pastorship and on September 28, 1890, he assured the congregation that the Home Missionary Society would make up any deficiency in Updyke's salary of $1500. Kyle's pastorship concluded October 1, 1890. On January 11, 1891, Kyle joined fellow legislators in Pierre at a time when a vacancy for U.S. Senator opened on March 4. After 27 days of mixed business and politics, Kyle emerged winner of the U.S. Senate seat which he occupied until his death on July 1,1901, at age 47. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen. He was a rylodest man who worked for justice. The Alexander Mitchell Library came to Aberdeen as the result of Mr. Kyle's appeal to Andrew Carnegie. His outstanding career in Congress had many highlights, including the passage of his legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday. The National Encyclopedia of American Biograpy described him as he appeared in 1890-91: 6'4" tall and weighing 225 pounds, he was "an imposing presence." His broad shoulders, ruddy complexion, sandy hair and mustache and blue eyes coupled with a musical voice and winning smile added to his oratorical magnetism.

THE 1890s In the 1890s Plymouth church was in reality a frontier church dependent on frequent support from two agencies of the National Congregational Church--The Congregational Church Building Society (CCBS) and the Home Missionary Society (HMS). In order to pay their minister's salary Plymouth's Trustees had the pledge committee secure a maximum sum, which usually fell short of the full salary. Then they sought interest-free grants from the Home Missionary Society to make up the difference. In 1891 they asked for $200 to pay indebtedness for 1891 as well as $700 for 1892. Between 1892 and 1902 they applied yearly except for 1901 asking for sums ranging from a high of $600 to a low of $250 to cover a 12 month period. By 1900 the minutes spoke of these requests as "our annual grant."

When Plymouth applied to the Congregational Church Building Society for loans, they expected to pay interest, to pledge church property as collateral and to negotiate a mortgage. On November 15, 1893, the congregation authorized trustees to secure a loan of not over $300. During their church remodeling campaign of 1897-1898 the congregation authorized on May 12, 1897, the trustees to apply for a loan not to exceed $2000 and a grant not to exceed $3000. On March 23, 1898, the trustees were asked to seek a grant of $400 from the CBS and 7 days later Plymouth voted to build at once an addition and a tower. Later, on September 3, 1902, the congregation authorized a loan application for $900 to build a parsonage.

Worship patterns during the founding decade included Sunday morning and evening services with a noon Sunday School. Midweek prayer meetings were often followed by business meetings. Annual meetings began on January 5, 1891, and were held in early January each year thereafter. They usually opened or closed with a prayer and the hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds." A church Calendar of Benevolence highlighted specific giving opportunities.

40018 7 Figures indicated that for the 100 services in 1891 the average at each was 57 and for Sunday School 44. Annual meetings did not always get full attendance; the 6th meeting on January 6, 1898 had 29 members in attendance.

UPDYKE MINISTRY AND CRISIS OF 1892 In October 1890 Rev. Stephen Updyke came from Brookings, South Dakota to serve until early August 1892 at a salary of $1500. Membership during 1891 increased from an initial 45 to 56. In the spring and summer 1892 attendance and membership declined drastically. At the close of midweek prayer service on June 8, 1892, Rev. Updyke presented a letter of resignation to be effective July 1 and requested immediate action on letters of dismissal for himself, wife and daughter Nora. However, at the June 15 meeting the previous acceptance of his resignation was considered illegal as there had been too few members present and no public notice had been given. Not until July 20 did the trustees accept the resignation. Rev. Updyke's departure intensified the turmoil. Rev. Updyke had promoted campaigns for ten yearly benevolence offerings. Some sermon topics such as "Anarchical Socialism" dealt with current issues. Perhaps these and personality issues contributed to the crisis.

During July and August a church crisis became evident with a series of resignations and requests for letters of transferal. The treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, four trustees, the clerk and a deaconess resigned and 13 members, apparently supporters of Rev. Updyke, asked for dismissal forms to withdraw their membership. At this crucial junction Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Mason became members giving inspiration to those who remained. On September 21, 1892, some of the members were granted letters but without the requested recommendation; others were tabled due to technicalities. Trustees made an effort to collect delinquent pledges from those who desired to leave but finally accepted resignation when two men refused to pay.

The annual meeting of January 21, 1893, reflected the crisis of 1892. The Deacons reported that the year had begun in an upbeat manner. Then "interest died out." Attendance held up at regular services but "we simply drifted along." Pastor Updyke urged that both Deacons and Deaconesses unite in a Board of Deacons. This experiment had a short life due in part to difficulty in finding common meeting times. By June 1 Deacon Heasty felt "a storm brewing" and that one faction dominated discussion. The Deacons "wrestled with the question till the small hours of the night to no avaiL" Rev. Updyke refused to meet the Pastoral Committee. He insisted on resigning irrevocably. George Heasty called this a dark time in which about half the members deserted "our little church." Because of available speakers Plymouth missed only one evening service and two sabbaths during the crisis. George Heasty considered the arrival of lawyer W.F. Mason and his wife "a ray of light in thick darkness" and exclaimed "we all took new courage."

Church clerk Anna Beebe already referring to Rev. Dent as our new "beloved" pastor proudly claimed, "We have managed to keep alive all the various departments of church work.

8 40018 Each of us has voluntarily crawled out of his corner, and we find ourselves, all hands on deck and ready for action."

DENT'S FIRST MINISTRY 1892-98 At a congregational meeting on October 23, 1892, the trustees were authorized to call Thomas J. Dent at a salary of $1200. Plymouth anticipated HMS aid to supplement a pledged $564. In the call to Dent at $1200, they backdated the call to October 1 . Dent was present at the meeting and secured a leave of absence without salary for four Sundays in order to return to England for his family. Visiting ministers served the church until his return. Rev. Dent came from England for his first pastorate in ' this country. Born at Market Rousen in 1848,' he had been ordained in 1882 although preaching since the age of 21.

When 44 year old Thomas Dent returned in December 1892 Deacon George Heasty expressed great relief. This reunion of pastor and people elicited a prayer that: "We may continue to work together in harmony for many years to come, each trying to help the others." He urged all to be "faithful to the covenant we have made with the church and with God. " Church Clerk Florence Alley--the one who had resigned that position in 1892--was back on the job. At the annual meeting January 1, 1894, she wrote, "looking back over a year of service for our master many of us are astonished and pleased beyond measure to find how wonderfully he has led us into paths of usefulness and true spiritual enjoyment." In 1893 membership rose to 25 and Sunday School enrollment to 55. Thomas Dent labored for almost six years with "the little church" which boasted 60 members by January 1, 1894. Rev. Thomas J. Dent During the depression of 1893 Plymouth had been unable to pay their pastor full salary, falling short by $176. Rev. Dent in order to speed up payment offered to contribute $50 to reduce mortgage indebtedness if the tru stees paid the entire $176. Rev. Dent dreamed of a more spacious home for his congregation. In spring 1894 Plymouth paid $315 in cash for five lots. On March 30, 1898, the congregation authorized the trustees to plan and fund a 30' square addition to the "little church" and the erection of a tower. Members pledged $550. The Congregational Building SOCiety approved a $400 grant in June 1898. In March 1898 Rev. Dent had offered his reSignation but it was not accepted. On June 1,1898, at the close of a prayer meeting Thomas Dent again asked to be released and on June 8 the congregation granted that request. Their pastor had accepted a call to North Yakima, Washington , effective July 1, 1898. For five months Plymouth was without a pastor. Calls were extended in September to three ministers who rejected offers. John Horner accepted on October 26, 1898, the call offering $1000 and a house.

4001 8 9 THE NEW "TOWER

THE BRICK COLONIAL CHURCH 1927-1970

10 40018 THE "NEW" OR TOWER CHURCH 1898-1926 JOHN HORNER MINISTRY 1898-1899 During those five months without a shepherd the congregation decided to place their addition on the west side of "the little church". During July, August and September 1898 members worshipped in various places while the remodeled building took shape. At times members met in the Norwegian Lutheran Church on the corner of 4th Avenue and Jay. One of the visiting ministers was Rev. John W. Horner of Independence, Iowa. A noon hour Sunday School was held at different sites on and after August 28, 1898. More often worshippers met at the Main Street building formerly occupied by the DAILY NEWS. On October 16,1898, services were once again held in the newly remodeled church. Rev. John W. Horner began his pastorate December 1, 1898. Shortly six new members joined. The Ladies Society held a fair December 6 to help furnish the remodeled church . By December 21 the members were planning to paint the inside of the "new" church. A well known St. Paul pastor spoke at the dedication on January 8, 1899. In May Plymouth hosted its 1st state conference.

The new year 1899 found Plymouth church with 65 members, a new carpet and electric lights. The Horner ministry promoted music. The singing Congregationalists used a new song book on January 15, 1899. Rev. Horner's last advertised service seems to have been August 5, 1899. His resignation was accepted October 8, 1899.

DENT'S SECOND MINISTRY 1900-1923 Rev. John I. Sanford of Anoka, Minnesota, served as supply pastor from November 26, 1899, until the return of Rev. Dent from Yakima, Washington, in March, 1900. Rev. Dent's return triggered the need for a church parsonage. In 1902 Plymouth church borrowed from CCBS $900 to build a home for its pastor.

In 1904 there were 84 members and by 1916, 133 or 140 according to varied sources. In 1921 he urged his people to think about a new house of worship~ The "tower" church had become crowded. The frame church of 1898 had developed heating problems which lingered long in the memories of Mrs. Edith Drage and Mrs. Tina Lange who were interviewed in 1965. The church furnace funneled heat through a central register around which those nearby roasted while those far away froze. When it was too cold for choir rehearsals, refuge in a private home was the solution. Inadequate space for dinners handicapped the church. Lillian Zumm recalled her Sunday School days in the 1920s and the space shortage in the little church; "Most of the Sunday School classes were held in different parts of the sanctuary, though one lucky class got to use the little kitchen. I believe Tina Lange had a class of boys in a separate room, too." The kitchen did double duty. Church women in 1925 dreamed of a basement containing a dining room and a larger kitchen. Mrs. Zumm wrote, "I don't know how the women prepared dinners in the small kitchen they had, with the kind of equipment they had to use, but they did. I remember some dinners they cooked at our annual meetings. They were served from a long table set up in the front of the church."

4001 8 11 Members debated the idea of merging with the Presbyterians but voted it down in 1921 and 1922. In 1922 Rev . Dent was 73 years old. Described by some as a gentle, not too aggressive person, petitions asked for his resignation in 1922. He refused. In search of a "more aggressive pastor" 13 members voted to give him two months notice but were defeated by 30 opposition votes in late 1922. The Conference Minister suggested Emeritus status. By May 6, 1923, the vote favored retiring their pastor with Emeritus status requiring an occasional sermon and other church work at a salary of $600 per year effective August 1, 1923. Rev. Dent died August 17, 1923, at St. Luke's Hospital. Thomas Dent's obituary declared that "he developed a church of influence and established strength in the community." He had been the "oldest of Aberdeen's ministers" and in 1916 had expressed his rules for a long life which included "no tea or coffee, little meat, but a good cigar." His death truly broke ties between the older generation and the new. He had been persistent in the "cause of Christian growth" and a DAILY NEWS editorial of August 18, 1923, remembered him as a "Power for Good".

THE PASTORATE OF REV. ALFRED J. HAINES October 1923-December 1926 This short pastorate was distinguished by a decided increase in benevolence giving and by his dedicated work among young people. He came from Bowman, North Dakota on September 16, 1923. He received $2800 a year and four weeks vacation. Rev. Haines delivered his first sermon Sunday October 7, 1923. He resumed evening services which had been discontinued during Thomas Dent's declining vigor. He advertised evening services in the newspaper with topics such as "What are the terms of the Turco-American Treaty?" and "How many marriages and divorces were there in our country in 1922?" to increase attendance. Lillian Zumm, about nine or ten when Rev. Haines came, recalled that he restarted the youth program called Christian Endeavor. She attributed to him the first use of movies and slides in Plymouth Church.

With the support of Ladies Aid, he initiated the sale of the parsonage built in 1902 and the erection of the new "brick" church. The Ladies Aid sought at first a remodeling by digging a basement for a kitchen and dining room. The trustees did Rev. Alfred J. Haines not favor this so the ladies supported the drive for a new church. On May 7, 1925, they sought permission to sell the parsonage as a means to raise money for building or repairing. The Ladies Aid renewed a pledge of $1000 toward such a building and promised an additional $500 in 1926. On September 22, 1926, Rev. Haines resigned as of December 1, to answer a call to Kearney, Nebraska. However, he did speak at the dedication of the "Brick Colonial" church in January 1927 and saw the results of his initiative.

12 40018 THE BRICK COLONIAL CHURCH 1927-1970 The brick church 's frontal view differed from the facade of the previous frame tower church and its southeast entry. In the frontal approach to the colonial brick church, triangles attract the eye. One looks up to see an upper triangular area immediately below the roof which encompasses a rounded window eye and a triangular portico supported by two columns resting on cement blocks. The engraved church name announces Congregational identity on the entablature below the triangular portico facade. On each side of the portico three windows allow sunlight into the interior. On each side of the rectangular structure are four windows lighting the sanctuary. T0 seek entry the worshipper must walk up three steps. Once inside he must navigate stairs to go either to the basement or sanctuary.

The new church rested on a full basement which housed social and Sunday School rooms, a stage, a ladies' parlor, kitchen and furnace room . The main floor was 46' x 86' and contained the sanctuary, pastor's study, a young men's room with an open hearth fireplace, classrooms and a Ch ristian Endeavor room. A choir gallery was housed back of the rostrum. A classroom located above the pastor's study and an organ room over the young men's room completed the floor plan. A balcony provided additional seating. Three stained glass windows brightened the sanctuary. They were commemoration windows honoring Rev. Dent, Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Dent and Ira Lu m.

In 1927 when first occupied, the brick colonial church was a joy to behold compared to the inadequate frame church of the early 20th century. Alfred J. Haines, the former pastor, preached at the first service in the new church on January 9, 1927. John Mackness and Prof. J.C. Lindberg wrote a dedicatory hymn "In Memorian" for the dedication of the stained glass windows. The EVENING NEWS editorialized January 24, 1927, on "~he New Congregational Church": "Ever of pioneering spirit the Congregational Church came early to this city and the kind of a ch urch built indicates that it is to stay here long ... and this should be cause for city wide rejoicing ." For years the church at 4th Avenue and Washington had deSignated itself as the "Friendly Ch urch". Now it had more room to welcome friend and stranger. Plymouth's message on the 39th Christmas was, "We gladly share our Christmas Joy. Doors open here."

ALLEN L. CURTIS MINISTRY May 1927-June 1947 On March 8,1927, Plymouth voted to call Rev. Allen L. Curtis of Chamberlain, South Dakota. They offered four weeks summer vacation with pay and a salary of $2800. A graduate of Yankton College and ordained in 1909 he began May 1,1927. During Rev. Curtis's 20 year tenure Plymouth faced challenges resulting from Rev. Haines' successful quest for a new church home--the brick colonial church dedicated in January 1927. Two momentous events--the Great Depression of the 1930's and the 2nd World War--i ntensified ordinary problems facing a minister and his flock. Successes required teamwork of all church departments. The trustees tried to stimulate pledging and to

40018 13 MEMORIES

Interior of Old Church

Interior of New Church Balcony View In Old Church

14 40018 correct annual deficits. The benevolence quota competed with building debt payments, full or partial payment of the pastor's salary, the organ fund and payment of the paving tax amongst other demands.

Lillian Zumm in 1989 recalled that during Rev. Curtis time "the youth group began to pick up. It was usually held on Sundays often at the Curtis home. We had parties and other activities. One time we had an orchestra Sunday School. They played hymns while we sang, but it didri't last very long." To her, Children's Day the 2nd Sunday in June was "a big event": "We had skits, songs, recitations, etc. during the usual church time. We had a cradle ... in which the baby who was born closest to Children's Day, was rocked. It was decorated with either pink or blue ribbons, A lullaby was sung and a prayer said for the baby. Both my baby daughters were rocked in that cradle. We spent hours rehearsing these programs." Church clerk Maude Fites wrote in April 1947 to Betty Butler Hogan who had moved to Chicago about Betty's new baby girl: "How I wish she might be the baby to be "rocked" on Children 's Day." Attendance at Children's Day ranged from 120 in 1937 to a Rev. Allen L. Curtis peak of 169 in 1942. Lillian Zumm remembered Rev. Curtis as one who participated with young people in their skits and songs: "One we always wanted him to sing was ' Pink Pills for Pale People' and the way he sang it cracked us up."

During Rev. Curtis' tenure building improvements were maEle. The Ladies Union considered decorating the auditorium and partitioning the basement the outstanding achievements of 1938-39. By the 1940s the church was in need of an improved heating system. A coal stoker was needed as well as new roofing for the church. Throughout his ministry Rev. Cu rtis urged funding of a parsonage. After the death of his wife Caroline in 1935, he lived for a time in the church . Lillian Zumm, a friend of Rev. Curtis's daughter Ruth, recalled in 1989 that "at one ti me, after his wife passed away, he lived in an upper room in the church , above his office, and used the church kitchen to cook his meals. " In 1945 he remarried and insisted on a parsonage. His new wife had three sons and a daughter. The trustees purchased for $5500 a home south of the church at 108 8th Avenue, S.E. This move added $100 a month to the church budget. Since 1928 he had asked for housing only to find the matter postponed, investigated, tabled and subordinated to payment of other debts.

40018 15 The building of a new brick church on 4th Avenue and Washington was a momentous step forward for Plymouth. It came on the eve of the Great Depression. The shadow of building debt tested the resourcefulness and stamina for at least 20 years. On November 12, 1926, the Congregational Building Society issued a 100 year loan mortgage for $7500 at 3% interest to Plymouth Church for a new church . This loan was to be paid back at the rate of $750 plus interest every December 1. Two partial payments were made before the onslaught of the Great Depression. On February 4, 1927, the CBS issued a 100 year interest-free grant mortgage due March 1,2027. It incorporated earlier grants of February 1894, August and December 1898 and January 1899 along with the larger sum of $6550 needed to build the new church.

Pledging campaigns tested commitment and resourcefulness. From 1929 throughout 1933 a Penny a Day experiment helped reduce a local mortgage. Walter F. Mason burned that $5000 mortgage in the presence of 28 others at the annual meeting January 4, 1933. During the 1930s the CBS mortgage principal of $7300 remained and the interest grew. By January 1940 interest had accumulated to $1751.50 making the total debt slightly over $9000. By the 1942 annual meeting the interest had risen to $2,408.50.

At this point the CBS made an offer interpreted by Rev. Curtis as allowing Plymouth $3 credit for every dollar paid over a three-year period if Plymouth would institute quarterly payments. In 1945 the Church Building Society made another offer to settle the debt balance for $3500 if paid by December 1945. In order to get rid of a $4545.50 debt at a bargain for $3500 the congregation spontaneously pledged $2460 at the meeting. Treasurer Edwin Williamson reported on January 2, 1946, that the money had been paid with additional pledges and the help of $500 from the Ladies Union, and $102 from Sunday School Barrels. The ABERDEEN AMERICAN NEWS for January 3, 1946, announced, "TERMINATION OF TH E CHURCH BUILDING DEBT." Money designated for the Building Debt was thereafter used to pay parsonage debt or for the General Fund.

Rev. Curtis' daughter Ruth later told Lillian Zumm, "he had a difficult time getting enough money together to pay his insurance." He loved gardening, and had a big garden out on the edge of town--at Lange's place. Church ladies canned some of his produce during the depression.

Pastoral salary patterns reflect the precarious financial status of Plymouth Church in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Promised $2800 when he came to Aberdeen in 1927, Rev. Curtis' contractual salary in his last full year 1946 was $1575. This was after 20 years of service and during the inflationary postwar years. He had a new wife and family. No wonder the higher salary offered by the United Temperance League of South Dakota influenced his resignation effective June 1, 1947.

Not only had his salary decreased but also it was frequently not fully paid for the year in which it was earned. Back pay had to be awarded during the ensuing year. In 1938 for example,

16 40018 Plymouth paid Rev. Curtis $1070 of his $1500, owing $430. The trustees proudly announced at the an nual meeting January 6, 1943, "All the Pastor's salary had been paid for 1942. This is the first time in years that the Pastor has been paid in full by the close of the year." They even paid the victory tax on his salary. In 1945 the Trustees paid the full amount and in 1946 gave him a $75 raise per year which they paid in full. At the time of his departure the trustees allowed additional use of the parsonage for one month. Rev. Curtis received $300 and a radio at a reception on May 24, 1947.

Rev. Curtis could look back at the positive conclusion of his ministry. Plymouth had celebrated its 50th anniv.ersary in 1940 focusing on the ministry of James Kyle, hosted the State Conference in 1941 and paid off the church debt. He had secured a parsonage, a new wife and three chi ldren. The long-sought organ had materialized in 1941. Mrs. J.C. Lindberg and her daughters honored James Lindberg's memory with this gift. Lindberg had been a soloist and choir conductor, a well known poet and professor at Northern Normal. The rites of dedication paid tribute to the power of music to inspire, to sooth anxiety, to cheer, to comfort the sorrowing and to kindle courage.

Pastor Curtis at the 1947 annual meeting heard appreciative words on his "untiring efforts, fin e leadership" and his excellent reputation in the church and community. Plymouth honored hi m with Emeritus status on January 11, 1948, at the installation of Rev. Crane. Like Rev. Dent he enjoyed that honor only a short time. On September 30, 1948, he died at Mitchell, South Dakota. Words of Church Clerk Fites on October 9,1947, testify to the impression he had made during his 20 years: "We all miss Dr. and Mrs. Curtis and the boys. Mr. Curtis was greatly beloved by his church family and Mrs. Curtis fitted into the group as though she had been with us always ."

REV. JOHN VINCENT "PARSON" CRANE September 1947-0ctober 1954 A native of Topeka, Kansas, and a graduate of Washburn Coliege, Rev. Crane received his B.D. degree from Andover Newton Theological School. Ordained in 1942 he came from Rock Springs, Wyoming, on Sunday July 6,1947, as a pastoral candidate. He and his wife did not arrive in Aberdeen until September. Youth camp duties at Ogden, Utah, occupied the summer. Plymouth paid half his moving expenses, promised him a salary of $2700 and parsonage plus about $500 from the Barnard Church. The Ladies Union wall-papered and cleaned the parsonage and men worked on the pastor's church study. The members held a reception for the Cranes on September 30, 1947. His first Sunday as Plymouth's pastor was October 5, 1947. His sermon topic of October 12, "A Fighting Faith," set the tone for his seven years at Plymouth. On January 11, 1948, he was installed and at the same time the title of "Pastor Emeritus" was awarded to Plymouth's former minister Allen Curtis who delivered the installation sermon.

"Parson" Crane, a title conferred on him by parishioners as a term of endearment, arrived in an era of national and local economic expansion and a postwar baby boom. His ministry proved

40018 17 to be a watershed experience marking a new era in growth and youthful vitality for Plymouth Church. A major goal in the first three years was increased membership, and thereafter, the goal emphasized communication and fellowship within the congregation. He offered annual slogans to motivate his flock: "A Year of Expansion in Every Phase of the Work" was the 1948 theme and "Strength to Greater Strength" was that of 1949. He believed in advertising on radio and in the newspaper. One ad characterized Plymouth as "The Church for all the family, all the family for the Church."

Attempting to attract young parents, he initiated a nursery for two year olds through kindergarten so that parents might attend services without disturbing others. Twenty-one Rev. J. Vincent Crane mothers joined the mothers club. A couples club emerged in 1948. Initially the combined age of couples was to be no more than 80; but by 1950 it was open to older couples also. Mrs. Zumm recalled a program sponsored by two couples called "Country Night": "We popped a bushel of corn, bobbed for apples, used bales of straw for chairs and had a lot of fun."

"Parson" Crane dramatically increased youth group attendance. In 1989 Lillian Zumm remembered Rev. Crane as "very popular with young folks." They had a well attended youth group with varied programs. There were many younger people in the church at that time. She also credited him with starting confirmation. He extended Plymouth's outreach to Barnard and organized a student study group on the campus of N.S.T.C.

In August 1950 Rev. Crane requested formation of a Church Council. Representatives from each church group were to meet, discuss problems and become informed about church activities. They were to report back to their committees. "No group need ever go for want of knowing what is being proposed in our total church program from now on" declared the "Parson".

Membership grew from 249 in 1947 to 388 as of January 1954. By 1950 there were 173 families. With a larger church membership and Sunday School attendance it was possible to increase goals for benevolence and to payoff debts. The parsonage debt incurred in 1945 was liquidated by 1948 and an additional loan for parsonage remodeling done in 1948 was paid in 1950. Rev. Kyle's daughter Mrs. J.H. Weber helped to speed that payment with a $1000 gift in honor of her father, James H. Kyle. Salary increased from $2825 in 1948 to $4000 in 1951, plus Barnard's share which rose from $500 to $600.

18 40018 "Parson" Crane set high goals and took pride in their fulfillment. In his membership drive he promoted Visitation Evangelism in 1950 adding 69 new members oy more lay involvement in recruiting. He acquired a movie projector to promote visual aids and asked for funding to produce two newsletters a month. The "Parson" utilized his church study every week day and insisted the janitor not bother him. He asked for more frequent meetings of trustees in order to keep abreast of the financial situation. He introduced the "First Gift Service" at Christmas where members had the opportunity to give a first gift to Christ on his birthday. The money to be used for benevolence work gave new meaning to stewardship. He spoke of "small-scale Christians" in a world which needed "large-scale Christians" and stirred the consciousness of his listeners to be "large-scale Christians."

"Parson" Crane also stimulated the resignation blues amongst his parishioners in late 1952, 1953 and 1954. In September 1952 he announced he might go to Sioux Falls. In December 1952 he gave his resignation effective April 5, 1953. This decision was reaffirmed at the annual meeting in January 1953. The Trustees accepted the resignation in December. However, in early March he informed the Deacons that he might be willing to stay if the congregation wished. The congregation asked him to remain. Finally, he resigned to take a position at Forest Grove, Oregon.

On January 14, 1953, "Parson" Crane characterized Plymouth and advised his soon-to-be shepherd less flock as follows. He optimistically proclaimed that a strong foundation had been built in the years of his ministry. Plymouth "has taken its place among the truly strong churches of the state. This is a church with a program, with an alert and active membership, a group of people who respond to challenges with enthusiasm and vigor." He emphasized that Plymouth had granite-like features that promised strength in the years ahead. His last Sunday as pastor was October 3, 1954. For eight months Plymouth was again without a pastor.

THE DUTCHMAN COMES WEST; RICHARD A. KLINE June 1955-December 1965 The needs of both Plymouth Church and Richard A. Kline of Conneaut, Ohio meshed in 1955. To replace a popular minister as J. Vincent Crane was a tall order. Rev. Kline's letter of inquiry dated January 6, 1955, reflected his values. He sought a church within the "range of my abilities", with less pressure than that of his 900 member church. He wished to minister to people accordi ng to need, not wealth and wanted assurance that Plymouth was not a church run by the wealthy few. He inquired about the growth potential, indicating that his Ohio church had added 309 persons during his tenure. He considered himself "more a liberal conservative than a conservative liberal" and hoped he would fit in with their philosophy. He was especially interested in Aberdeen's educational system as he had five children. The size of the parsonage was also important. Plymouth's reply was that the majority wanted the Gospel expounded with biblical texts rather than newspaper headlines of socio-economic problems. Aberdeen had an excellent educational system. There were few racial problems, and the parsonage could

40018 19 accommodate his family. The church and parsonage were free of debt and Plymouth was active and growing. His salary of $4100 plus parsonage would be augmented by $600 if he served the Barnard church. These answers satisfied the Dutchman who packed his bags to go west.

Richard Kline was 49 years old and came with the highest recommendations and varied experience. A graduate of Mt. Airy Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, he had served churches in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio before coming to Aberdeen. After serving 16 years in the Lutheran Church he was re-ordained in New York in 1946 by the Congregationalists.

The Ohio Conference minister called Rev. Kline "one of Rev. Richard A. Kline our most able and fine ministers." Interested in athletics as well as academics, he had been an excellent communicator, planner and organizer. He was sincere, humble, friendly, possessed a sense of humor and was persuasive. He had been a strong, aggressive leader who at times might be "a little too direct, too blunt, too impatient, but not drastically so." He was a straight shooter, frank and open who had a record of doubling membership and financing. This "Dutch Plodder" as Kline called himself amazed Plymouth officers in the summer of 1955 when his sermons drew attendance of 300 at a time of vacation and "summer slump".

Rev. Kline's pastorate had two phases broken by a two month interval when he resigned to take a position in Hawaii. Finding the Hawaii situation unsatisfactory for his family, he returned in time to be rehired as Plymouth's minister. During the second phase of his ministry he directed his full energy to the Aberdeen congregation and the quest for a remodeled or new church.

During his ministry the membership grew from just under 400 to just over 700. In ten years average attendance nearly doubled. He had confirmed 168 youth into church membership and performed 368 baptisms. Important events during his tenure were: payment of grant mortgages to free the Church of debt for the first time in history, purchase of a new parsonage; purchase of land for future building; creation of a building committee and employment of an architect to draw plans for a new Church; began summer services at a drive-in theatre; started various Bible study groups; introduced "Minutes for Missions" and the tape recording of services for shut-ins; formulated new choirs; served Barnard Church until it yoked with Columbia. In 1965 Rev. Kline celebrated 35 years in the ministry. In December 1965 he accepted a call to "The Church of the Red Rocks" in Sedona, Arizona and ended his ministry in Neligh, Nebraska. He died in May 1979 in Waverly, Ohio.

20 40018 AN AGING & CROWDED CHURCH: SPACE, HEAT & DEBT PROBLEMS Nearly 26 years after the dedication of the brick colonial church, Rev. Crane, on the eve of his departure, referred to it in his 1953 annual report and compared the church to the 8 cylinder Ford replacing the old Model-T.: Plymouth was part Model-T and part ' 54 model. Its program was progressive but its plant was of Model-T vintage. A poorly heated, ventilated and arranged building suppressed program vitality. Since the public had been willing to pay a higher price for the new Ford, Plymouth should be wiling tu do the same. He called space arrangements "pitiful" and thanked the teachers and pupils who patiently endured such conditions . .

Motivated by the previous Sunday's "smoke screen and unpleasant odor," "Parson" Crane castigated the heating system which was "just about to give up the ghost." He asked "Would you like to be seated in a cold sanctuary some Sunday morning when it is below zero?" The congregation had recognized this problem for years and had done nothing. With a long cold winter season, Plymouth needed a modern heating plant which would result in a cleaner building, and lower heating costs. Continuing the comparison with automobile models, he concluded, "the more current our ecclesiastical model the greater the number of people who want it."

In June 1956 the coal-fired heating system was replaced with a fuel oil system at a cost of $3,147 to which Women's Fellowship gave $1000. Rev. Kline observed that in the winter of 1955-56 Plymouth spent $922 for coal. He estimated fuel oil in winter 1956-57 will be about $800. "We are using our building more; we have less dirt and more heat and no ashes to dispose of. Just don't expect any miracles! No system will heat every part of a room exactly the same temperature si nce the Lord passed a law that warm air rises and cold air falls. We will make you just as comfortable as possible."

LEST YOU FORGET Rev. Kline was pleased about the fact that he had acquired a parking place on the church's east side. However, it was about this time that he was dismayed to receive a letter from the Board of Home Missions regarding the grant mortgage held by the Ch urch Building Society. Budgeting and mortgage reduction highlight the history of Plymouth Ch urch. The psychological shock of sudden debt was one of the hardships Plymouth faced in its struggle to survive and grow. From 1942 to 1945 Plymouth paid $6389 in installments after a long period of no payments during depression years. In the church bulletin dated March 18, 1945 Rev. Curtis urged liquidation of building debt. He announced that the Congregational Bui lding Society had offered to "forgive" a $4,545.50 debt for a payment of $3500. A heroic effort resulted in raising that sum and ended indebtedness. Imagine the surprise when Rev. Kli ne read a letter in 1955 asking for some payment on a debt of $11 ,509. He was reminded that Plymouth should not forget the grant mortgage debt just because it was interest free. In a series of fran k letters Rev. Kline expressed his outrage at how this society's letter disillusioned those who had sacrificed in the 1940s to pay what they thought was a final settlement of church debt,

4001 8 21 now to be told that instead of "forgiving" the debt it had been transformed into a grant mortgage. Since the society refused to really forgive these debts, Rev. Kline reluctantly declared Plymouth would pay by diverting benevolence funds to do so. Sale of the parsonage . helped. In September 1958 Mrs. Henry Lange burned the Grant Mortgages. Rev. Kline proudly announced "We have no debt!"

A persistent problem facing popular preaching pastors was an expanding membership in a building that grew no larger. Ushering people in such limited space presented problems. Herschel Kemnitz, head usher in 1965, considered the highlights of that year the September experiment to usher persons out of the church in an orderly fashion. This was one way to avoid a stampede of 300 people out of a narrow hall entrance into which the balcony worshippers also entered. The Congregation voted after a six-week experiment in favor of being ushered out. However, the Church Council decided to terminate the experiment because of strong minority opposition. Yet concerns over balcony safety expressed as early as 1952 continued. According to usher Herschel one visitor remarked that he felt as if he were going to get run over after the service.

In recalling those first days at Plymouth Rev. Brooks in 1989 said: "When I was introduced to my study in the old church I could see why some kind of a building program was needed. The old study could more properly be called a 'cubby hole'." That small room scarcely 12' by 14' in size attempted to accommodate the secretary's office, which consisted totally of a small metal typewriter table, period! When the pastor was not using his gray metal desk she could claim tha as her temporary work area.

"I could understand why my secretary, Eileen Bauer, said that she would be willing to sta for a month until I could find another secretary. I confess I never looked for another secretary. How grateful I was over the years that the month she was willing to stay stretched into 14 wonderful years. If there were some successes in my ministry at Aberdeen, Eileen deserved her share of the credit. She brought to that position a sense of professionalism, knowledge of th congregation and a sense of dedication that went well beyond the call of duty. My ministry and the entire church both were made richer because of the quality of her 14 years labor of love. Somehow I got used to the crowded space. It didn't seem that important. There were too many exciting things afoot to be bothered by cramped office space."

From the Upper Room to the choir loft and sanctuary to the basement Sunday School classrooms were scattered as the enrollment skyrocketed. John Brooks on February 5, 1967, asked the congregation "Why not just stay right here forever?" He referred to a lady who said "we really don't need a new church; we can just go to two worship services and then we won't be so crowded." Thinking the lady had tunnel vision he asked, "Have you ever been in the Sunday school of our church?" She had not. "She did not know that to go to two services would

22 40018 Choir in Old Church Eileen Bauer III !1II1: I IlIIi

14 Years Church Secretary

Basement View in Old .Church 1968 God & Country Award Rev. Brooks Gloria Stauffer Carol Browning

40018 23 immediately cut out four classes that must meet in this sanctuary area. She had never been in the large basement where noise, as well as crowding of four large classes with no separate room, was the chief irritant down there. She had never been in my office to know how inconvenient it is for my secretary to get her work done when I am trying to study and do administrative tasks; or how if someone comes for private counseling we must go to the committee room, which may be cold."

The partitions placed in the basement in 1958 and the removal of the stage to make for more space had been only a temporary measure. He concluded that "those who built this church had no illusions about it lasting forever; perhaps their most ardent prayers were that Plymouth I Church would so grow that in time its people would out grow the present building. That day has come."

A VENTURE OF FAITH: THE QUEST RENEWED

To remodel, rebuild, build on or build new at another location, when and at what cost? These were the options facing Congregationalists in the early 1960s as their 4th Avenue church burst at the seams. In 1961 Plymouth owned six lots on Melody Lane, purchased at a cost of $1500 and had a building fund of $1200. Purchase of a new parsonage in 1961 when Rev. Kline returned from Hawaii created new debt that was extinguished in 1965. However, the church mortgage had been paid in 1958.

REV. KLINE'S ROLE: PLANNING & PRODDING In 1962 Rev. Kline dreamed of a new church, V shaped in design containing 11,000 square feet at a projected cost of $164,000. In that year the Finance Committee assumed charge of a Building Fund authorized at the annual meeting in January 1962. The initial goal was $60,000 to be secured through VOluntary and informal contributions. In May 1963 five committees--a sites, a needs, a costs, a renovation and add-on, and a fund raising survey--informed the congregation that a minimum of $80,000 could be raised over three years. A new one story, 12,000 ft. building seating 350-400 with at least 12 classrooms and a large fellowship hall might cost $182,000. On May 26, 1963, the congregation approved a building program to raise funds with no outside aid and set a target date for 1965. The congregation failed to act on the central issue to expand the present church or to build a new one at another site. The committee asked for a final decision at the annual meeting held in January 1964.

The indecisive, dilatory response reflected in this move aroused Rev. Kline who felt personally rebuffed. In his July-August 1963 newsletter he talked of seeking another church: "The vote on building was clearly a rejection of my ministry, no matter what other interpretations you may care to place on it. That vote said very loudly that I have failed miserably in leading the Church to a service of Christian stewardship--of the value of a Christian Education program--of

24 40018 a mission of the future--and faith in the God who blesses all who labor in his name. What so many others are doing all about us, we could be too, if we had the vision and the zeal. I blame myself that we do not have it and Plymouth will never have it until and unless there is a change of leadership. " In his annual report for 1963 he mused, "Some people make it almost imperative to go-but many make it almost a necessity to stay."

In September 1963 a Building Committee was elected to handle all but the financial matters. By the end of 1963 there was $10,599 in the Building Fund and 679 church members. In 1964 the Building Committee hired an architect. Almost $25,000 was then in the Building Fund. Durin g 1965, Pastor Kline's last year, eight lots on Third Avenue, SE and Harrison had been purchased from K.O. Lee Corp. for $21,750. When Rev. Brooks arrived in May 1966 he found a challenging task ahead.

Where to build proved to be a divisive issue and the new pastor had to be careful in stating his position . The Building Committee in 1965 had selected the Melody Lane site and ordered architectural plans. In a vote the Melody Lane site lost to the K. 0, Lee site on East 3rd and Harrison. However, Rev. Brooks perceived the Lee site as unsatisfactory environmentally and lacking space for future expansion. He thought the Melgaard site more spacious and appropriate if it could be secured but did not want to interfere with the momentum for a new church after the congregation had voted for the Lee site.

MONEY ON THE MIND

REV. BROOKS' ROLE: PLANNING, PLEDGING & MORTGAGING When Rev. Brooks reminisced about his arrival in Aberdeen, he commented: "One of the most exciting aspects of my new mi nistry at Plymouth was the prospect of building a modern. impressive new church. The model and blueprints of the new church, which the congregation had approved, were just a little short of awesome when I consider the small churches I had pastored. Little did I realize how much that model and those blueprints did not tell of endless details and changes that would have to be hammered out with myself, the able building committee and the architect. Many meetings to accomplish all of this ran well past midnight. The original plans estimated the cost of the church at $375,000. The necessary changes increased that cost to well over $400,000.

Education in pledging and overcoming the fear of huge interest payments and debt were ch allenges facing the new minister in the crucial years 1966 and 1967. A letter writer who favored re novation of debt-clear property and an addition wrote on May 10, 1966 to the Finance Chairman, James Edwards. He said he would do his bit although he was skeptical: "I do not believe we have had as much discussion and wrangling in the last 43 years we have been members here, as has taken place in the last two or three years." He feared that a new building and site would burden the congregation with increased maintenance costs and higher taxes at a

4001 8 25 time of high construction costs. It was "a big responsibility" for the Finance Committee to recommend to members that Plymouth would change from "a healthy debt-free" to a "debt burdened institution." He hoped "our people really can comprehend what they are getting themselves into."

Even the Conference Minister Ralph Hoffman and John Potts of the United Homeland Ministry were concerned about a projected $300,000 figure: "This is more than you will raise in a campaign with the kind of experience in giving which the Aberdeen people have had". Mr. Potts on July 20, 1966, advised setting a goal of $150,000. John Potts, whose role became increasingly important in building the new church, wrote to Rev. Brooks on December 19, 1966, that in implementing the upcoming Canvas Pledge Week, site selection was extremely important as well as concrete plans. Canvassers seeking pledges would undoubtedly encounter much misunderstanding and needed to be properly instructed.

The site problem was finally resolved with the availability of a former sale barn site on Melgaard Road in September 1967. On October 15, 1967, 226 members voted (158 yes, 68 no) to purchase it. In 1967 the Building Fund had $72,770. Trustees resold the K.O. Lee property and advertised the Melody Lane property for sale.

In 1967 the Building and Finance Committee considered $375,000 a realistic estimate for building a new church. John Potts, representing the National Church Building Advisory Council of the U.C.C., aided in fundraising. In January 1967, neighborhood meetings were held to prepare for Mr. Potts' February visit. Rev. Kline's son, Richard, presented slides showing inadequacies of the church structure. Pledge day was March 5,1967 . By March 27, members had pledged over $110,000. The fact that 350 children could be serviced in the new building instead of the 200 inadequately served in the present church was a powerful factor in securing support. A church with 700 members who had to be serviced in a building that had 300 seats was also a persuasive factor.

Pastor Brooks referred to 1967 as "the crucial year," and "the point of no return." While a goal of $375,000 seemed large, 700 members could handle it if they pledged properly and were future-oriented. They were paying for a sound functional attractive building. Getting into the pledging habit took a strong sense of responsibility and vision which he felt some of the members were lacking. John Potts and Don Balvin had given a clear picture of the dollars needed; yet "some with double income and others with lucrative savings have given very little, and alas, some have given nothing at all and are capable of giving much." Rev. Brooks emphasized that "this shortsightedness" will cost more in the long run through higher interest for a larger loan over a longer period of time. "Do not tell me you cannot give more, for you can," he admonished them in the annual report for 1967 but concluded on a positive note with the slogan "United Let Us Build for the Future."

26 40018 After a vote of the congregation on February 28, 1968, (1 78 for a loan and 12 against) the council on May 27, 1968, learned from Mr. Howard Levi that Plymouth would enter into an 18 month construction loan for $185,000 from Aberdeen Federal Savings and Loan. The rate of interest was not to exceed 7% for a term of not over 20 years. Also at the February meeting the trustees were authorized to negotiate a loan not over $50,000 at a rate of not over 6% for ten years, repayable in monthly payments to the Board of Homeland Ministries. They were to accept a grant of not over $10,000 from that Board.

GROUNDBREAKING DAY May 19, 1968 Rev. Brooks recently reminisced about May 19, 1968. "This was an exciting day for our congregation when we began our service in the down-town church and moved to the new site for the ground breaking ceremony. So that all could hear, a local radio station furnished, without charge, their sound truck, complete with mike and outdoor sound system." The Building committee made appropriate remarks. The pastor and congregation participated in a dedicatory litany. After the chairman of the building committee broke ground, anyone who wished--children and adults--shoveled dirt. Twenty-seven months of construction lay ahead. Those who participated in the planting of trees (furnished by Maris Taylor) on the southside of the lot find satisfaction in the appearance of those trees in 1990. They stand as tall as the church itself.

CONSTR UCTION In late June 1968 the contractors began construction. Rev. Brooks recalled "the original plans called for the entire church plant to be above ground. The final plans put the furn ace, boiler and fan rooms all in a partial basement allowing for another ground-level class room and an ample choir room and storage place for choir robes. Another change extended the chancel end of the sanctuary farther into the back hall, without changing the outside dimensions of the church. This allowed for an additional row of pews on each side of the church." Excavators encountered water during basement digging due-to a high water table and heavy spri ng rains. They decided to raise the basement floor by l ' to avoid future water problems. By the end of August 1968 most of the footings and foundation wall work had been completed. In September most of the interior fill work was finished and some tunneling. October saw more vi sible progress as bricklayers bricked the north, south and west walls. Problems arose when a second shipment of bricks were found off-color with non-uniformed faces and improper length. In November the remaining good brick was used and the floor poured. By mid-November work ceased with about 60% of the contractor's time elapsed and only about 28% of the work finished . The new target date of June 4, 1969 seemed improbable. At this point $118,732 had been paid to contractors, of which $42,629 had been borrowed from the Aberdeen Federal Savings and Loan Association.

CORNERSTONE DAY: November 30, 1969 Plymouth celebrated another milestone --"Cornerstone Day"--on the 1st Sunday in Advent. Asking God's blessing Pastor Brooks declared the Church had turned a new corner in serving God through new love and building

40018 27 growth. Church leaders placed cornerstone mementoes in a special vault. Included were: a copy of the building contract, a constitution and by-laws of the church, the building promotional brochure, the bulletin of the cornerstone ceremony, a church picture directory, a current issue of THE AMERICAN NEWS, and a Bible. The cornerstone was sealed in place by the contractors, Edwin and Don Nordling. Members toured the building, ate in fellowship, listened to speakers, and viewed a film "Our Church in the Making". The building committee asked people to use the church's south door to "watch it take on characteristics and strengths."

Rev. Brooks continued to seek more generous stewardship. He predicted real trouble ahead in 1970 unless people became more energetic givers. Meeting building needs posed a danger to payment of conference and mission obligations. Thrifty-minded trustees feared Plymouth would be a church without pews and purchased in the summer of 1969 chairs from the Billy Graham Crusade. However, donations and memorials paid for pews and carpeting in 1970.

The Pastor in 1969 exclaimed: "We have come closer to reaching our budget than at any other time in the history of our church at a time when it is the highest budget in the history of our church." Compared to the 1965 budget of $24,193 the 1969 one was almost 2 112 times greater at $61,432.

The Board of Homeland Missions advanced money as needed on receipt of bills. As of February 9, 1970, the church had paid $343,327 according to a progress report. On December 19, 1969, the federal government selected the downtown church site for their federal office building provided that soil tests were adequate. The Government had secured a 180 day option to buy at $40,000 through January 1970 with a renewal clause of 90 days. The Building Committee report of 1969 philosophized that the inability to sell the old church might prove to be a disguised blessing as the church had more time to accumulate building pledges. Delay in government funding forced Rev. Brooks and the trustees to ask BHLM for $18,000 to $20,000 to complete the building payments . .

Twelve years later, in June 1982, Plymouth Church paid off its mortgage to the Federal Savings and Loan. In 1978 the membership voted to use part of George Kutschke's bequest to payoff $11 ,087 remaining on the $50,000 borrowed from Homeland Ministry in the late 1960s. However, one debt of honor remained: the non-interest bearing grant of $10,000 dating from 1971 with a maturity date of ten years. In its instructions of March 1968, the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries stated, "The grant mortgage can be renewed at its maturity, if requested by the church, for a subsequent period of ten years provided the church abides by the covenants in the mortgage." They hoped that "when the church is financially able to do so, it will voluntarily repay the grant so that another church may benefit from use of the funds."

Repayment of that $10,000 became a lingering issue taking 15 years before finally resolved. Pressing financial needs, underpledged budgets, exhausted savings and inflation

28 40018 caused delay in fulfilling this obligation. A special congregational meeting on May 4, 1980, decided to extend the grant for another ten years. From time to time conscience moved some to speak about the ethics of non-payment. In 1981 Underwood Memorial money was used to pay $5000 on the grant, which left a balance of $5000. A payment that year of $1201 reduced the balance to $3799. In 1983 $1204 was taken from the Doris Ahler bequest to further reduce the balance to $2595. In 1985 Women's Fellowship phased out the debt. When payment was finally made, it was with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

II . BR ICK AND MORTAR: ERA OF BRICK MELGAARD CHURCH 1970-1990

DEDICATION DAYS: June 12 & September 13, 1970 Sunday, June 12, 1970, was to be a never-forgotten moment for members and friends of Plymouth church on the day that the congregation gathered for the last time in the downtown church. There was literally not even standing room for all who gathered at 10:30 before adjourning to dedicate the Melgaard Ch urch. Carrying the Christian Flag, Memorial Book, Guest Book, two candles, Bible, Baptismal Chalice and a wood cross, the members drove to the new church. Rev. Brooks' sermon entitled "The Old Church Valedictory" urged that they "make it a living church, not just an architectural monument." Each worshipper took his hymnal to the new sanctuary. Altar appOintments of the old church were placed in the new church. Amid songs and sermon Pastor Brooks characterized the church as a house of worShip, a place of consolation and guidance, a setting for mi nd-opening and brotherhood, a means of strengthening families, a base for recruitment of you th to Christian service and for world missionizing. As members concluded the 5th quest for a spiritual home, a feeling prevailed Plymouth was in a new era.

On September 13, 1970, the formal dedication of the new church took place, with Rev. Ralph J. Hoffman, South Dakota Conference minister, giving the sermon. Following the service, Women's Fellowship hosted an all church dinner. The Rev. Paul Opshal Jr., pastor in Redfield wh o grew up in Plymouth Church, was the speaker for the afternoon service.

DEMOLI TI ON DAY Pastor Brooks experienced joy as he moved into the functional and attracti ve Melgaard Church but also sadness when he later witnessed the Federal Urban Ren ewal demolition of the downtown church.

Rev. Brooks remembers the demolition day: "The pastor and a number of members were on hand to see the sad demise of the beloved building. The workmen, though strangers to the comm unity, seemed to feel the same sense of sadness we all felt. The foreman of the work-force personally removedthe cornerstone and handed to the pastor, almost with a sense of reverence, the sealed tarnished copper box with the contents. The box was opened, contents examined and then placed in the church safe. The box and its contents were symbolic of past struggles to build." John Brooks exclaimed, "May the downtown church, now gone,

40018 29 and the new one so very stately and visible to our community serve to remind us that the church is more than brick and mortar, however artistically and well structured it may be. The real church is always people--the people of God!"

OUTER SPACE: ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY Financial decisions over funding priorities faced the members in the new church as well as in former churches. Projects sometimes waited years between conception and completion. Trustee Gerald Miller in 1980 observed: "As the Church ages, more and more maintenance is required, and at times it becomes a burden as to where the money would come from to meet expenses." By 1980 with its large rugged cement cross looming skyward, Plymouth Church for 11 years had brightened the corner of Melgaard Road and 4th Avenue, SE. For 9112 years its members had parked on a dirt and graveled lot in front of the church. Certainly this was an advantage over the lack of parking space around the downtown church. It was not until 1978 that car owners proudly parked on a black topped lot.

In order to fulfill its mission described by Pastor Brooks on June 12, 1970, as a setting for missionizing, mind-opening and brotherhood, Plymouth's members strived to properly maintain and improve an inspirational environment. Women's Fellowship, special bequests, memorials, loans and the general treasury helped fund the many projects to maintain the brick and mortar aspects of Plymouth's Christian mission. Maintenance and upkeep including insurance coverage was a responsibility of the Trustees. To meet these needs in 1982 the Trustees suggested creation of a Building and Grounds Committee and established a building and maintenance repair reserve. This committee was responsible for accessibility, safety and security. Donated and contracted snow removal gave access to the parking lot and front sidewalks in winter. To ease entry for the handicapped the Trustees in 1982 spent $775 for a wheel chair ramp on the north side of the main entrance. Seven years later in 1989, the whole front entry sidewalk was restructured to an inclined plane allowing greater access fa wheelchairs. In 1988 no smoking signs were installed as fire safety and health measures.

In 1985 an outside light was installed in the front entrance area to improve visibility an safety during evening services and meetings. In August 1986 floodlights were installed at a cos of $21 0 to illuminate a large sign swinging between two posts highlighting the service schedul and Pastor Allen Lang's name. Thus the Trustees paved the way for the c'ongregation t implement the Narthex logos of "Enter to Worship" and "Leave to Serve".

INNER SPACE: HEATING AND COOLING Heating and cooling of the new church prove to be a major problem in decades of high energy costs. During the national energy crisis a 1973-74 trustees noted the cold drafts on the church's north side and the high cost of fuel Measures were taken to reduce those cold drafts but the problem lingered into the 1980's. In 1971 thermostats corrected perimeter heating problems in some rooms at a cost of $482. It\ 1980 Women's Fellowship financed ceiling fans for the sanctuary and Pilgrim Hall. Only the

30 40018 DO YOU REMEMBER THESE EVENTS?

40018 31 church office had the luxury of a window air conditioner. Better air circulation ensued in the sanctuary. However, many shirt-sleeved worshippers cast aside suit coats to defy hot summer Sundays.

By late 1984 the Trustees were studying alternate energy sources to resolve the problem of a poorly insulated church. The heating and utilities expenditures had mounted steadily from $9,802 in 1981 to $18,504 in 1984. Installation of styrofoam over northside windows proved to be only a temporary measure in 1980-1981. Using some memorial funds in the amount of $3,395 the Trustees in 1982 had storm windows installed on the north side. Several years later in September 1985, a congregational vote approved not only insulation but a new sanctuary roof. By 1985 a roof repair fund had accumulated $3694 but the roof replacement was at least a $10,000 item. A disbursement of $11,102 in 1986 improved the insulation and $10,785 provided roofing plus another $1880 for a skylite system. At a cost of $3185 a glass vestibule financed with money from the Ahlers estate helped keep chilly winds from entering the Narthex and sanctuary. The ensuing heating expenditures witnessed money well spent as the 1986 bill was $12,884 and the 1987 bill emerged well under budget at $11,301. Cooling in summer remained difficult. Ceiling fans and electric fans near windows and open sanctuary doors were the only solutions to the summer cooling problem. At least the budget did not have to shoulder added air conditioning costs.

THE SANCTUARY: HEARING THE WORD

A better heated sanctuary and circulatory system aided the important task of Hearing the Word. Proper Sanctuary carpeting and installation of a public address system aided acoustical capabilities. As usual Women's Fellowship financing was significant. They donated $5000 for the new carpet which was installed at a cost of $9,348 in 1987. Church members helped savE! money by removing the old carpet and pews to implement speedy installment.

Twice Women's Fellowship contributed to better amplification. In August 1985 th e ~ indicated willingness to purchase a new public address system and in 1986 spent $3000 tq provide a public address system in the sanctuary. In 1988 they purchased porta bl ~ microphones for the pastors. Testifying to the need for improvements were the occassion~ signal mixings by which we heard KSDN and Rev. Salem of the Baptist Church or other unrecognizable noises.

A change in the choir loft's orientation to face the congregation in a frontal fashio enhanced eye contact between the choir and the audience in 1989. Tape recordings of sermo and music also aided shut-ins to hear the word at a later time.

32 4001 VISUALIZING THE WORD Banners and stained glass windows helped to Visualize the Word. The Thomas Dent stained glass window "Come Unto Me" had been transferred from the old church to the new church and adorned the east end of the sanctuary. The choir and the minister viewed Jesus with outstretched hands but only upon leaving the sanctuary can members of the congregation confront this impressive window which came from the downtown church. However, in 1988-89 due to the inspiration and persistence of Anne Larson and the innovative planning of architect Terry Geisler, three additional stained glass windows from the old church were mounted and placed on the south side of the Sanctuary. The restored windows are "Dove of Peace" given as a memorial to Louisa and Alexander Turriff in June 1958; "Madonna" given in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Wi lliam Wallace in 1929 and "Christ in the Temple" in memory of Ira Lum. They were lighted from behind to mimic daylight. These additions were made possible through generous donations of Anne Larson and the Maria Klein estate. The window in memory of Mrs. W.F. Mason enti tled "Resurrection" now belongs to the Smithsonian and will be featured in a national display of ch urch windows.

A Banner Committee was activated in 1981. At least one, if not two banners adorn the sanctuary' s west side with such thoughts as those displayed on September 24, 1989: "Walk in Love as Christ Loved Us" and "Together We Walk in God's Love." In the Sanctuary Bibles assist th ose who wish to see the scriptures as they are read by the minister. Inside the hymnals, Confessions of Faith have been placed for use during worship.

THE MINISTRY OF TRANSITION 1966-1980 REV. JOHN J. BROOKS May 1966-July 1980 Indicating his willingness to be considered a successor to Rev. Kline, John Brooks on December 8,1965, wrote that his age and experience, his past pleasant association with the South Dakota Conference and most important, the challenging building program were factors in his readiness to be called. A committee of five went to Benson for a surprise visit on January 2, 1966. The congregation extended a call to Rev. Brooks on January 23 to be effective May 1, 1966. He was offered a salary of $5600, a parsonage, $1000 car allowance, $600 for utilities, $700 annuity, 28 days vacation and moving expenses. He was installed on May 22, 1966.

John Brooks grew up on a farm in northwestern Michigan. In the fall of 1949 he enrolled at Yan kton College in South Dakota where he received his B.A. in 1953 and his MTh in 1954. Whil e at Yankton he served as student pastor in the Letcher-Loomis parish. Ordained in the ministry in 1954, he married Ramona Brost of Parkston, a Yankton classmate. From 1958 to 1960 he was a graduate student at Andover Newton Theological School where he received his Master of Theology Degree in 1960. From 1960-1966 as pastor of the Benson, Minnesota UCC he was actively involved in community and conference affairs. While in Benson two daughters-Mary Jo and Deborah-were born.

4001 8 33

~~=------In his first sermon, "The Call of the Church" on May 1, 1966, Pastor Brooks spoke of the excitement and anticipation both for himself and the congregation as they embarked on a new venture. He posed a question that congregations usually ask upon securing a new minister: "Will he understand us and love us as our last ministers have done?"

Comparing his Aberdeen parish with the commitment of early Levites wandering in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land, he highlighted the Levite task of carrying the portable ark of the Covenant and setting up the tabernacle. He stressed voluntary commitment of those who carried the ark and the need for similar dedication by modern congregations who perform best without coercive or authoritative church Rev. John J. Brooks officials directing the work. "The Call of the Church" he asserted was above all "a call of right relationships. Right relationships between you and me-right relations between you and your fellow congregation--and a right relationship between all of us and God; and all of these relationships must be summed up in the word of Love."

During Rev. Brooks' tenure membership grew from 695 in 1966 to 803 in 1979. Generally the Brooks years continued the growth trend of the preceding ministry. It was these hundreds of members that he had in mind when he responded to the Aberdeen Kiwanians who asked him to introduce himself as a new member. He spoke of his occupation: "I am a farmer. I raise sheep" apparently thinking of Jesus' "I am the good Shepherd". In 1978 he characterized Plymouth as the fastest growing UCC in the South Dakota Conference 2nd only to Sioux Falls in size.

THE "INVISIBLE" MINISTRY

In his annual reports John Brooks stressed an invisible or behind-the-scenes ministry which supplemented the more visible preaching ministry. During the first five years at Plymouth Rev. Brooks carried out an energetic visitation policy. He had informed the pulpit committee in January 1966, when they visited at Benson, of his priority list in calling on members of the congregation. Since a minister's time is limited, bereavement and hospital calling had 1st priority. Those who requested a personal visit secured 2nd priority. Shut-ins confined by age and poor health were 3rd and families new to Aberdeen received next priority. Last were social calls to become better acquainted.

34 40018 Sometimes visiting the hospital twice a day he made 460 calls in 1966 and close to 1000 hospital calls in 1967 and over that number in 1968 and 1969. In 1967 he made over 400 home calls, 537 house calls in 1968 and 549 in 1969. Apparently the energy drain forced him to cease listing numbers of calls in the 1970s. Perhaps, he was taking Rev. Kline 's advice of 1964 "I simply refuse to take the time to compile statistics any more; I am too busy trying to be of some help to those who need a Pastor most." The interns assisted in calling during 1971-73. In 1974 Rev. Gackle for a compensation of $1917 served as Calling Pastor for hospital patients and shut-ins. In 1975 and after, Pastor Brooks placed more responsibility. on the Deacons and Deaconesses to share in the calling ministry. He observed: "I enjoy my work. I like being busy, and I can't think of a finer parish that I would like to pastor than the one where I am, but I am no longer going to feel guilty because I am not getting into every home. My family still likes me well enough to wish I could spend more time in my own home." However, in 1979 he reported 468 hospital calls, 508 house calls to shut-ins and new people or calls of special concerns and four jail calls. In addition to the calling component of the "invisible" or "behind the scenes" ministry, community involvement and conference service provided additional elements of that wider ministry within and beyond the parish boundaries. In 1968 and 1969 he was voluntary jail ch aplain and served as volunteer at two nursing homes and both St. Luke's and Dakota Midland hospitals. In 1970 he was President of the Aberdeen Ministerial Association and was an active member during his 14 years in Aberdeen. In 1972 he assumed leadership roles as PTA presi dent at Simmons Elementary School, a member of the Kiwanis Board of Directors and a participant on the senior citizens board. In 1975 he became president of Kiwanis.

He promoted the God and Country Scout ministry when some of the confirmation class boys asked his assistance. He described the program developed by the Scouting Association of America: "with the pastor's leadership the youth were guided into study and service projects. The entire course took from nine months to a year to complete. Those who received this coveted award during my ministry included: Robert Browning 1967; Carol Browning and Gloria Stauffer 1968; David Browning, Dan Krikac, David Carlson and Ken Krause 1969, and Reed Anderberg and Steven Sichterman 1979."

At the Conference level he served for 12 years as counselor or dean of at least one youth cam p and sometimes at the May work camp preceding summer camps. In 1979 he was dean of a pastor's family camp at Placerville. For ten years he served as Registrar-Treasurer of the Prairie Lakes Association as well as on conference committees and conference Board of Directors. He wrote two chapters in a History of the United Church of Christ in South Dakota Published in 1977. On May 20, 1979, celebrating Rev. Brook's 25 ministerial years and conference service, Yankton College awarded him an honorary Ph .D.

40018 35 MINISTRY OF MUTUALITY

Both in his annual reports and his reminiscences of 1989 John Brooks stressed what he I called a Ministry of Mutuality in which lay persons aided him in fulfilling Plymouth's Christian mission. Stairways and no elevators made access difficult in the 4th Avenue church. This and the summer slump in adult attendance resulted in the Drive-in Theater Experience 1960-1969. While one might snuggle up to his honey at the Saturday midnight show, Congregationalists and others in the 1960s secured bulletins upon entry to the Drive-in and listened to Rev. Kline (1960-65) and Rev. Brooks (1966-69) preach the gospel at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning services. Contributions were placed in a basket when the usher visited their car. Rev. Brooks credited Ruben Brost and other lay persons for making this new ministry functional. In 1989 he recalled:

"Ruben Brost ... taped ahead of time the organ music-prelude, offertory, hymn accompaniments, postlude, as well as the solo for that Sunday. Ruben functioned as the sound technician from the concession stand. I would lead the worship service from the flat roof of the concession stand. Sometimes the wind would blow so hard that I would have to tie my handkerchief around the mike to prevent it from making a sharp whistling sound. The podium was equipped with side vents and spring clips to keep the wind from whipping away my notes. It was sometimes with mixed feelings that I would view the sea of cars that filled the theater ground, each one with their speakers carefully placed inside the car window so they could hear the service. I always assumed that I had attentive listeners in those cars; but sometimes I wondered when I would see the Sunday Comics visible through the windshield . Were they actually reading the comics while I was giving them God's Holy Word, or were they simply using it as a sun shade? I would never know. I preferred to believe the latter."

When services began in the new church which had easy access for the handicapped, the drive-in service was discontinued in 1970 and the annual $100 for drive-in cleanup disappeared from the budget.

Rev. Brooks and those in charge of Christian Education looked forward to the occupation of the Melgaard Road Church. They recalled classrooms in the basement, choir loft, balcony, and other corners of the 4th Avenue church and even across the street in the YWCA building. The pastor considered this an opportunity for trial and experimentation, a willingness to try new approaches. Christian Education leaders talked of community centers for Day Care and fo young people. The 1970's, a time of tremendous growth, ushered in a decade of new initiative and resourcefulness by Plymouth's Congregationalists.

The congregation instructed Rev. Brooks to investigate the internship idea wherein seminary student from United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Minnesota, might secur field experience and at the same time provide leadership. In 1989 John Brooks recalled tha experiment, a highlight of the 1971 year: "The high hopes with which I approached the seminar

36 40018 campus were soon dashed to bits. There were plenty of young seminary students available; but when they hear of the location of the parish-Aberdeen, South Dakota!-they suddenly lost all interest. They were not interested in 'going to the boonies', as they put it."

"I was sure that the proposed intern program was a lost cause. But all of this was to change. It was on the morning that I was very busy helping to register delegates for our State UCC Conference, which we were hosting in May of 1971, when I received a long distance phone call from a Greg Flint. He called to say that he might be interested in seeking a year internsh ip at Plymouth. In the hasty phone conversation I arranged to meet him at a designated date at the Holiday Inn east of Aberdeen; from there I would show him where the church was located. I met with Greg and his wife Sue and I shall never forget the first conversation ... he said, grim-faced and looking me straight in the eye, 'I just want you to know that the only reason I have come out here to this God-forsaken country is to get this dumb notion out of my head that I should go into the Ministry. After a year out here I am quite sure it will be gone!' There was absolute si lence . I simply could not make a reply . I would have liked to believe that he was making an attempt of humor; but all of his stern dynamics, bordering on anger, seemed to contradict this. Finally, after I made no response, and trying desperately to mask the shock I felt, he said, 'I am dead serious. If you're not interested I'll understand and we'll just turn around and head back to the cities.' "I heard myself saying rather weakly and without conviction, 'Well, let's try it and see what happens.' Surely he will be better than nothing, I reasoned to myself. With that obscure and uncertain beginning, a year was to unfold that would turn out quite differently from Mr. Flint' s expectation. Instead of getting him out of the ministry, as he had initially hoped, it hooked him forever on the ministry to become his chosen profession.

"Greg was responsible for teaching the 1st year confirmation class which I had been teaching. (I conti nued to teach the second year class.) Greg also relieved me of being the youth leader for both the Sr. and Jr. high groups. Greg's youth ministry was innovative and well carried out . . . Under his leadership the youth fellowship grew significantly. It was with a great deal of sadness that our congregation bid Greg and Sue a fond farewell, as they returned to the Twin Cities where he would complete his last year in seminary."

Rev. Brooks sought a 2nd intern at United Theological Seminary. Bob Thaden, a personable young man with a strong faith in social concerns, became John Brooks' choice. He recalled in 1989 that "Bob's strong peace convictions in the face of the raging Vietnam war was a quality I admired greatly; yet I knew that it could have repercussions with some of the folks in my congregation. I knew also, that his long hair, bushy beard and casual dress would not go over well with all of the congregation; but there was so much more to this young man that I wanted the congregation to see and experience from him. "

The interviewing board of church officers concurred with Rev. Brooks and hired Mr. Thaden. In fall of 1972 his internship began. He and his wife Marilyn were popular with the

40018 37 church youth. He taught 1 st year confirmation class. Rev. Brooks evaluated the course of events: "Bob's relationship with the adults could be described as a "mixed review". Bob was effective in the pulpit, though some of the more conservative folks viewed his ideas on peace as unpatriotic in the light of the Vietnam War, which was being fought. Others were troubled with his long hair, shaggy beard and casual dress. Some allowed these externals to get in the way of developing meaningful relationships with him; and their animosity toward him caused me many extra hours of visits and counseling. My wife referred to these kind of visits with the disturbed folks of the congregation as "putting out beard-fires."

"When Bob's year was over he and I agreed that it was a year of conflict, but it had also been a year of growth for all of us. Some, I am sure were glad when Bob with his strange dress and 'liberal ideas', as some called them, was gone. But others of us knew that we had been privileged to have worked and lived in the presence of a young man of God who put his faith into action where it counted. For better or for worse the congregation decided that the last intern year had taken too much of a toll on the harmonious fellowship of the congregation; so it was decided to drop the intern program."

After the two year experiment with Seminary Interns, Rev. Brooks suggested in 1973 that Plymouth revive the old Hebrew custom of having lay worship leaders to assist in Sunday morning worship. Wendell Jahnke was the first to volunteer for a month's service. Others followed and this lay involvement become a trademark of the Brooks' ministry.

TEACHING THE WORD: THE EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY

Having experienced teaching in one large basement room where 200 young people were instructed, Christian Education teachers looked forward in 1969-70 to the more spacious new church: "At last we will have room for separate Sunday School classes and activities," declared a report for 1969. The new Sunday School rooms were filled; each class could "do their ow thing" in their own room. One mother blurted out "Now, since we've been in the new church, m children want to go to Sunday Schoo!."

Recruiting teachers and developing curriculum compatible with Congregational beliefs: proved to be high priority goals of the 1970s and 1980s. In 1974 Rev. Brooks reported ther was an average weekly Sunday attendance of 270 and drew attention to the fact that som men teachers had been recruited: "The addition of men teachers for our grades six and up ha added a significant new image of our church school ... The presence of these men and thei capable leadership gives witness to our youth that the faith is for both men and women, for th young and the old alike."

An innovation in the Sunday School experience came in 1972 when children attended th first 15 minutes of the 9:00 a.m. church service held in the sanctuary. After hearing Rev. Brook

38 40018 deliver the children's story they returned to their classes. As early as 1967 the Christian Education Committee had been asking for a Christian Education Director to coordinate the growing youth and Sunday School activities. However, not until 1977 did Plymouth have its first part-time Christian Education Director. Mrs. Howard (Van) Levi served in that position until February 1978. She had chaired the Christian Education Committee in 1975 at a time when an innovative tri-mester system was substituted for the two semester sequence above the 2nd grade. This move had been motivated by the desire to implement easier teacher recruitment. Van Levi reported in 1976 that "many are willing to teach for three months who could not do so for an entire year." Sixty ,church members were now involved in the program.

Rev. Brooks in his annual report for 1977 praised Van Levi's service as part-time director and urged continuance of that one-year experiment: "Mrs. Levi has fulfilled her role in a most adequate manner. Her strengths have been in such areas as organization, upgrading the church library, teacher training sequences, and in counseling the church school teachers when they have sought it, as to how best to teach the lesson. This has built confidence in the teachers and has been reflected in the quality of teaching ... It has resulted in a very significant increase' in the attendance of our Sunday School. She has displayed a remarkable skill in reconciliation by mediating in a most supportive and Christian way when differences have arisen."

In 1978 the Christian Education Committee selected Wanda Seydel, wife of a N.S.C. professor and mother of two small boys, to take Mrs. Levi's place as director. With a seminary background and a "gentle but assertive style" she made positive administrative contributions in her short tenure from March 1978 to June 1978. Linda Mazzie, a professional teacher and woman of deep faith, replaced her in January 1979 and became Plymouth's first full-time Chri stian Education Director at a salary of $8000.

Concern for choosing a curriculum continually reared its head in the late 1970's and into the 1980's. The Christian Education Committee of 1977 with the aid of Sunday School Teachers and Rev. Brooks had written curriculum which received favorable publicity and usage in 1978. However, a new curriculum "Living the Word" superseded this home-made version in 1978-1979 for students over two through high school.

Learning centers emerged in 1975 as a device to involve students in Bible School and in Ch urch School and continued thereafter. The curriculum prepared for grades three to twelve by the committee and teachers in 1976 revolved around activity-centered learning.

John Brooks had characterized Plymouth's entry into the 1970s in a new church as a time of growth and transition, a time of trial and experimentation. There was an effort to develop more involvement and interaction, to create a community of the concerned . Aside from the previously mentioned youth center 1970-72, the internship of 1971-73, the lay liturgists and the Christian Education Director, learning centers and tri-mesters of the Bible and Church School,

40018 39 other innovations appeared. To assist in hearing and spreading the word, taping of worship services for shut-ins began in 1973. After service coffee fellowship began in 1970. In 1971-73 Pastor Brooks shared confirmation instruction with his interns and later with the Christian Education Director Linda Mazzie.

"Talk Backs" after sermons were initiated in the early 1970s. Between 1975 and 1978 there were four years in which Midweek Lenten plays promoted involvement. "We the Jury" in 1978 had the congregation act as a jury in the trial of six acquaintances of Jesus.

In 1976 the Dent stained glass window from the old church was installed in the rear of the Sanctuary. In summer 1976 Congregationalists and Presbyterians began a tradition of joint summer worship while their pastors were on vacation. Encounter or Faith Exploration groups were formed during Lent as Rev. Brooks believed strongly in small group sensitivity meetings. This was the decade in which the church parsonage was sold and Pastor Brooks moved into his own home to build equity for his future.

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC

Rev. Brooks counted heavily on the power of music to strengthen sanctuary worShip. He recognized the importance of songs and singing. Organ and piano accompaniment added a dimension to the congregational singing as well as to the various choirs who had been aI tradition throughout the years. Membership in a choir required weekly rehearsals and played aI role in character building, development of cooperation, concentration and courage to perfor publicly.

Rev. Brooks later recalled, "We had not moved to the new church very long before it was apparent that the Hammond Organ which had served the church for 40 years was not adequate for the large facility, not to mention the depreciation that came by the sheer aging process. Thi Hammond Organ was given to the church in September 1941 as a memorial to Dr. James C Lindberg."

An organ committee was set up, and after much study a three manual Allen electri computer organ was purchased in 1974. This fine instrument so closely matched pipe orga quality music, that even the most trained ear could hardly tell the difference. Women's Fellowship Red Carpet Tours profits were donated towards its purchase price of $16,000 .. marked down from the original $25,000 price. The chimes that were given in memory of Mrs James C. Lindberg in January 1950 were then attached to the new Allen organ and are sti used.

In 1975 the ministry of music enlarged its sphere when Bell Choirs were organize following the gift of two octaves of Schulmerich hand bells by the family in memory of Keit

40 Krikac. These hand bells are made of cast bronze. As interest and support grew, additional memorials and gifts were given so that the 3rd and 4th octaves could be added. Many youth and adults became actively involved in addition to the voice choirs. Dr. Wilmer Kirschenmann took on the ambitious commitment of directing the bell choirs and often wrote and arranged his own music. Dr. Kirschenmann observed "Ringing elbow-to-elbow together develops an espirt de corps and a recognition of each player's distinct responsibility to each other and to the music." The groups perform for the worship services of the church, plus other church and community functions. Plymouth was the 1 st church in Aberdeen to organize hand bell choirs.

There were a number of musical innovations that took place after we moved into the new church. The Levi family gave the carillon steeple chimes in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs . E. M. Levi. As worshippers drive into the church parking lot appropriate sacred music prepares them for worShip.

A ch urch band was organized by Esther Thistle. Not only did the band provide a new qual ity of mu sic to our church, but a number of young people began taking a renewed interest in the church itself because of the band.

THE 1980S MINISTRY OF ALLEN LANG (JAN. 1981- ) On Sunday November 16, 1980 , thirty-three year old pastoral candidate Allen. C. Lang impressed the congregation with his articulate and dynamic preaching style. On that day he accepted Plymouth's offer to become its 10th and youngest pastor. However, Rev. Lang did not deliver his first official sermon until January 18, 1981. From September 4 thru January 11 Rev's. Jack Seville and David Sahr served as Sunday worship leaders. On Sunday March 15, 1981, Plymouth and the South Dakota Conference officially installed Rev. Lang as its pastor.

Born and rai sed in Manchester, New Hampshire, Allen Lang gradClated from the University of New Hampshire , and in 1973 from Andover-Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Mass . where pastors Curtis, Crane and Brooks had received training. He and his wife, the former Carol Newcombe, moved to South Dakota in 1973 where he served in a dual pastorate: Bethany Reform ed United Church of Christ at Delmont and Pilgrim UCC at Tripp. During that pastorate he developed a close association with the South Dakota Conference, and daughters Kath y and Beth were born.

Pastor Lang received a moving allowance of $1200 plus first year total compensation of $27 ,980 including a base salary of $16,000 and a housing allowance of $5500. Over the nine years of his ministry health, dental and family protection insurance experienced inflationary increases. In 1989 Pastor Lang 's total compensation was $37,456. To assist his move to Aberdeen , the Search Committee asked for an interest free loan of $7,000, later raised to $8 ,000, for his down payment on a house.

40018 41 Over the years Rev. Lang suggested varied organizational changes and urged identification and clarification of responsibilities through job descriptions and constitutional revisions. He also stressed Bible study, prayer, missions and adult education as gateways to God. One administrative change was creation of a Diaconate in which the previously separated Deacons and Deaconesses now coordinated efforts through joint meetings. Position descriptions were formulated defining the role and functions of the Board of Trustees, the Diaconate, the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and the Director of Christian Education.

Pastor Lang's ministry has been goal oriented since at least 1983. In his annual report for 1983 he called for challenging visionary, achievable goals which required maximum effort and generated greater satisfaction than aiming at easily achieved goals. He included as keystones of a church's foundation Christ, worship, prayer, study, visitation and administration. He emphasized the importance of group experience and regularity in church attendance. Clarifying God's word, generating the feeling that the Holy Spirit is in the sanctuary and an increased faith, hope and Christian love Rev. Allen C. Lang should be the pastoral aim in worship service. Apparently showing some frustration as to goal formulation and realization, he concluded his pastoral report in 1984 with a remark implying that the congregation and minister were not in agreement on "what God's intentions for us are, what our goals ought to be and how we will accomplish them." In his 1987 report he referred to a seven year dream that "all things are possible with God," but "I cannot dream this dream alone." At the conclusion of 1988 Pastor Lang commented on a "year of conflict" and the existing precariou relationship. He urged people to decide the church's purpose in community and the world. "W must have a vision of who we are and where we are going." If not he suggested that "01 Plymouth will die and a new one emerge with vision and purpose to carry out God's mission."

To achieve greater efficiency of time and energy, Pastor Lang suggested in 1984 tha Sunday afternoon be reserved as a common meeting time for boards and committees However, this presented difficulties and was not implemented. From time to time. Rev. Lan suggested a single Sunday worship service but time conflicts and other factors barre implementation. He urged a choir for the 9:00 a.m. service in addition to the traditional 10:3 service. In October 1988 this second choir materialized. At his urging a Plymouth Prayer Chai was formed in June 1987. In 1986 as a means to promote adult education he attended a tw week program in Wisconsin to prepare for use of the Bethel Bible Series. In 1987 a two yea

42 40018 teacher training class saw eight persons from Plymouth join persons from the United Methodist Church on the Bethel Bible Series. In fall 1988 a Bethel Bible class operated at Plymouth Church. He strongly supported programs like the Bethel Bible series in Congregational Churches where faith rests on scripture: "We have no system of dogma or doctrine to fall back on. It therefore becomes essential, even crucial, for each and every member to know as much as possible about what the Bible says, so that we have a common ground for our life and work together." He viewed congregationalism as relyin~ more on the Holy Spirit as a guide rather than bishops or Pope, and therefore church office holders might not only be chosen by a Nominating Task Force and the annual meeting but also be chosen by God, and thus·deserved full support.

Rev. Lang's community outreach involved membership in the Aberdeen Ministerial Association and served as president in 1987. In the Shrine he demonstrated musical talents and joined the Kiwanis Club of Aberdeen in 1989. A member of the Board of Directors of the Brown c ounty United Way 1987-89 he assumed the Publicity Committee chairmanship in 1989. In 1988 he served on the County Health Advisory Board and became involved in the Aberdeen School District Aids Curriculum Task Force. On various occasions Northern State and .the American Legion called upon him for invocations and benedictions.

During Pastor Lang's ministry five secretaries assisted him. Creativity and cheerfulness are prized secretarial qualities which marked all five. In 1980 Joyce Gadberry had taken the place of Eileen Bauer who had served Rev. Brooks for 14 years. Helen Mogen stepped in during 1981 followed by Donanne Fugman 1982-83, and Julie Sichterman in 1984-85. Since May 26, 1987 Myra Oswald has demonstrated efficiency and cheerfulness.

In a decade of growing dissent over leadership style, efforts to maintain unity and to communicate concerns became very important. Two picture directories were implemented, one in 1985 and another in 1989-90. They served as a bonding and identifying device to strengthen fellowship and to know your neighbor. Pew pads were introduced to fulfill the same purpose. The super greeter idea was implemented in 1986 where a greeter met you at the main entrance in addition to the greeters at the sanctuary door. A monthly newsletter was revived in 1987 as well as traditional printed minutes and reports of committees and the annual report. In 1989 the church bulletin was redesigned with a picture of the church on the cover appealing to pride in building faci lities. In August 1986 a church sign advertised church and ministerial identity. Weekly notices in the ABERDEEN AMERICAN NEWS called attention to Sunday Services. Pot- lucks, Easter Breakfasts and Thanksgiving dinners brought people together in addition to the Plymouth sponsored softball team.

A continuation of the neighborhood group idea sought to bridge gaps and the prayer chain served as a bonding device for those who used it. Rev. Batten on May 20, 1985, suggested the Pastor-Parish committee be set up as a standing committee when the Church Council expressed concerns about Christian Education, Sunday School, Confirmation and Youth Group activities and youth discipline. On June 25, 1985, the Council approved the committee. The

4C0 18 43 ministry of music and various choirs tend to serve as a bonding and inspirational device; however, their role did not receive priority. Communication problems and consequent misunderstandings resulted in the resignation of several choir leaders. Stewardship drives were aimed to reach out to people for their concerns and pledges, hopefully, to strengthen togetherness.

THE 1980S EXPANDING THE MINISTRY: ASSOCIATE PASTORS During Allen Lang's ministry the decision to seek an associate pastor proved to be a significant milestone in the church's development. By June 1982, the last monthly payment on Plymouth Church freed budget dollars to expand the ministry. Only a small debt remained to Homeland Board 0 Ministries. In January 1983, a Search Committee chaired by Richard Van Beek began its ques for an associate pastor to assist in confirmation and youth work, to help lighten the visitation load of the senior pastor and to continue spiritual connection with the neighboring Barnard rural congregation. In November 1983 Sharon K. Maddox, a graduate of Drury College and of Eden Seminary in Webstergrove, Missouri, became Plymouth's first associate minister holding tha position for about 2 112 years until July 16, 1986, at which time she accepted a call to St. Paul' Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

After an interlude of about 13 months in which profiles of prospective candidates wer reviewed, the Search Committee, formed in 1985 and chaired by Neal Price, presente candidate Mary Thompson for congregational approval. A graduate of Chicago Teacher College with teaching experience in Chicago schools and a graduate of Chicago Theologic Seminary, Mary Thompson received the call on July 19, 1987, to become Plymouth's secon associate pastor. She reported for duty in September 1987. A more detailed job description ha been formulated in 1986, contrasted to the guidelines of 1983. The congregation ha highlighted 12 strength areas for their associate pastor. They called for proficiency in such ski and human relationship areas as effective speaking and counseling, compassion and sensitivit to people in crisis. They sought an outgoing personality who would initiate active visitation t hospitals and homes. Above all, they desired a person demonstrating fine characte strengths--faith, maturity, emotional security and an ability to nurture spirituality. Education experience, commitment to be an effective youth leader in the educational ministry was paramount importance.

In April 1987 the Committee rated Mary high in all areas. During her one year and seve months tenure, Pastor Mary made positive contributions to church spirituality and to the yout ministry as well as earning respect and affection in the Aberdeen Community at large. Betwee April 1 , 1989, the effective date of her resignation and her departure on August 15 for Atlant Georgia, to undergo further training in hospital chaplaincy, she continued her role as Protesta Chaplain at St. Luke's Midland Regional Medical Center and expanded that experience from part-time to a nearly full time effort.

44 40018 PASTOR SHARI On February 12, 1984, Shari Maddox was ordained in St. Louis and was officially installed in Aberdeen as the 1 st Associate Pastor of Plymouth Church on February 26, 1984. When it became known in 1983 that Plymouth might embark on the quest for an associate pastor, the Barnard congregation in rural Brown County sought to revive their connection with Plymouth established with earlier pastors. Pastor Shari received 114 of her compensation from Barnard. In return Barnard expected her to service their Sunday worship hour and be available ten hours a week. In 1984 Plymouth paid Shari a total salary of $18,245. Rev. Lang's annual report for 1983 noted that Shari's "presence has lifted an enormous burden from my shoulders" and that she served as his "Conscience".

Pastor Lang assigned Shari a guidance role for the Missions and Finance Committees in January 1984. She and Allen Lang assumed additional responsibilities with the resignation of Christian Education Director Linda Mazzie on July 31, 1984. This continued until August 1, 1985 when Cheryl Price assumed directorship. The pastors shared recruiting and visitation duties .

During 1984 Shari expressed a desire to preach at least one Sunday in Plymouth Church and hoped Rev. Lang might take the Barnard Church one Sunday a month. Although the congregation did not approve such an arrangement, there were several exchanges between Shari and Allen.

However, her sense of frustration over not being present on Sundays in Aberdeen continued even to the time of her exit interview. She "felt no sense of belonging". This experience influenced the arrangements for the 2nd associate pastor and the Barnard Connection was severed. Mary Thompson did not serve Barnard and was free to share the pulpit on deSignated Sundays.

An innovative planner with high goals for missions, Pastor Shari focused on youth and adult education and missions. She taught her 1st confirmation class in 1984 and in 1985 . continued the 2nd year confirmation while Linda Mazzie handled the 8th grade class. She involved herself in youth fund Rev. Sharon K. Maddox raising. She made house calls to homes of Plymouth youth and solicited help for the youth sponsored all-church Halloween Party. She promoted a Northern State College connection and College Night. She became involved in the PIP Drug Abuse prevention retreat at Central High in 1984. She was active in recruiting Sunday School Teachers and visitation volunteers for financial drives. Pastor

40018 45 Shari developed a Conference Connection serving on its committees and helping out at Pastor's Camp.

While somewhat uncomfortable in the unfamiliar role of finances, Pastor Shari felt at home with the Missions Committee and called attention to the church's role as a voice for the poor and dispossessed. She exercised leadership in raising funds for the Help Campaign, Neighbors in Need, and One Great Hour of Sharing. For two years in a row One Great Hour of Sharing Drive topped $2000. In 1985 monthly payments were made to missions including $14,094 yearly to OCWM. The monthly payment idea was an attempt to meet procrastinating tendencies that shortchanged this aspect of Christian life. Her concerns were further revealed when she spoke to Women's Fellowship in March 1984 on "Women and Child Abuse in the Home", and conducted a Bible study on "Women of the Old and New Testament". She taught an excellent Estate Planning course which included participants writing their own obituaries.

While Shari's Barnard congregation loved and appreciated her services, frustrations with the Aberdeen experience and the opportunity to accept a call to an Iowa church, resulted in her: resignation letter of June 1, effective July 16, 1986. Plymouth provided speakers for Barnard through August 31.

PASTOR MARY About two months after her Chicago ordination, Plymouth Church and the South Dakota Conference installed Associate Pastor Mary Thompson on March 6, 1988. Rev. Jack Seville in his installation sermon "Ministry in the Land That Is!" stated that the ministry was a privileged profession requiring continual self-awareness and resourcefulness. Ministers were front line Christians in a real world not in a fanciful Land of Oz or in the studio setting of a TV evangelist. He urged Mary that in her ministry she let her light shine to enhance God's glor and make a difference in the lives of fellow humans.

In assessing achievement for 1987 Pastor Lang wrote "We have come a long distanc technologically, emotionally and sociologically as a white congregation in calling a black woma to minister in our midst". Between Woman's Fellowship's joint welcome and housewarmin shower September 10, 1987 and the farewell card shower of April 9, 1989 Mary Thompson' energetic and compassionate personality affected many lives in church and community. On August 11, 1987, the trustees approved changing the Mayflower Room into an office and counseling room for Rev. Lang so that Mary might be housed in the pastor's old office. Ne furnishings accompanied this change at a cost of $1500.

During her short tenure at Plymouth, Pastor Mary preached only 15 sermons including he candidate sermon. After her arrival sermon of September 6, 1987 Pastor Lang excused her from preaching until after Christmas so that she might devote more time to Christian Education and youth work. In 1988 her expected allotment of sermon time did not materialize. The senior pastor asked her to deliver only nine sermons. However, she assisted Rev. Lang from time to

46 time as liturgist. In 1989 she spoke eloquently and with evangelical fervor on three Sundays in February and March.

Mary acted as director of Christian Education. As a South Dakota Conference School c urriculum Advocate for the new United Church Curriculum, Mary encountered Sunday School Staff and Ch ristian Education Committee resistance to the new curriculum, "Discipleship Alive". They considered it too costly, too advanced for pre-schoolers and lacking craft activities and Jr. High lesson plan guidance. The Christian Education Committee returned to the Augsburg Curriculum. They also increased the responsibility of youth groups by requiring monthly minutes and annual written goals.

Mary Thompson's announced goal for 1988 was effective communication with the senior pastor and Church Council and to talk with those involved in Christian Education as to group goals. She perceived herself as an "enabler" to promote study and fellowship and to give youth greater decision-making role.

Pastor Mary contributed to Plymouth's community outreach and image by active involvement in public Rev. Mary E. Thompson ceremonies and programs, speaking at various churches and civic groups and rendering invocations and benedictions. She carried on the Northern State College Connection and attended conference workshops and sem inars as well as served as counsellor at Placerville. She served on toe Missions Committee, taug ht the 9th grade confirmation class in 1987-88 and 1988-89 and developed a strong bonding with the junior and senior high youth group. Her bubbling personality and com passionate concern proved to be a magnet for many who wished to share concerns. In her spare hours she served as hospital chaplain at St. Lukes which raised the question as to how this work might affect her church responsibilities.

Recognizing that communication between herself and the senior pastor had deteriorated and that the Christian Education Committee's independent and capable leadership disregarded her guidance role , Pastor Mary announced on December 28, 1989, her resignation to become effective April 1, 1989. Her exit interview was forthright, fervently delivered and concluded with appreciation for the many who made her life in Aberdeen a memorable experience.

40018 47 III. OUTREACH: SHARING AND SERVING

"REMEMBER ALL THE PEOPLE": MISSIONARY LIFELINES Plymouth Congregational­ ists have extended many missionary lifelines in order to alleviate human suffering and to build foundations for a better life. Missionary committees and pastors became the prime consciousness-awakening mechanism for missions. Some members favored homeland missions over foreign mission or were indifferent to both. Plymouth struggled over the years to establish and maintain a reputation within the conference as a church which meets its mission obligations. From the Calendar of Benevolences of the 1890's through the budgeted and non-budgeted mission goals of the 1980's competition for funds has sometimes hindered the missionary outreach. Rev. Brooks had to remind people in October 1977 "that humans far away have needs as real as those close to us. All are equally God's people."

FOR OTHERS: John Brooks in his innovative sermon "Money Talks" declared on November 1 0, 1974, that the dollar deserved pulpit attention. He gave the dollar a voice and had it speak of Church World Service and the uses of missionary giving even for such small items as funding for ladybugs who eat aphids infecting South African date palms. Mr. Dollar, viewed "church money as an extension of your body through which God's spirit works. Money is another pair of legs, it can go where otherwise you could never go, walking amid the needy of the Far East today and ministering in India ... Money is another pair of hands: it can carry burdens that your own fingers cannot touch." A special Benevolence treasurer existed before 1966 to disperse funds for such purposes. When constitutional revision of 1967 deleted that office, the Church Treasurer assumed dispersal of such funds.

Plymouth's Missions Committee served an educational and coordinating role to incre as~ awareness of missionary needs and to promote opportunities to share with others. At t h ~ Sunday services committee members alternated in presenting Minutes for Missions which Rev Kline had initiated in 1955. Beginning in 1986 Mission Fest, proposed by Allen Lang in 1982 proved to be a mechanism to promote missionary goals by speaker exchanges and visitations

BUDGETED GIVING: Two categories appear in Plymouth's annual report budgets: FO~ OURSELVES AND FOR OTHERS. Two budgeted items--the State Conference and OCWM--testified to Plymouth's mission commitment for others from the 1960s through the 1980s. Plymouth's quota for both was calculated on the basis of membership multiplied by a sel figure.

THE CHALLENGE OF OCWM Changes in the formula for payment of OCWM resulted i an increase from $7 to $11 in 1960 and to $25 per member by 1989. With growing membershi there came a corresponding increase in Conference obligations. In 1965 the OCWM payment was $7460. By 1980 that figure rose to $12,500. Some years Plymouth did not fulfill its goa within the budgeted year. Completion of the goal was sometimes done during the following

48 year. In 1969 only $6000 was paid out of a pledged $8400. From 1974 through 1978 there were short falls ranging from $350 to $1000.

John Brooks in 1967 challenged the congregation to meet its OCWM quota despite inflation. He urged a wider view of the church: "The ideal quota is that the church match for missions what it spends on itself. We have not met either of these goals. The church does not exi st alone . .. We have actually been pulling missionaries out of the field abroad and cutting down on services in home missions because there have not been sufficient funds to maintain a growing missionary outreach." .

Allen Lang assessed giving for 1981 and claimed the poor response to OCWM was the result of too broad a goal. Nationally, self-centered church members had in recent years produced an economic crisis. Stewardship reflects commitment. He predicted this would be the major question facing Plymouth in the ensuing five years. In his view Plymouth responded well to short-term mission appeals but lacked enthusiasm for general missions.

The trend of sizeable deficits in meeting the target for OCWM ceased in 1985 when monthly installments of $1000 and a reduced budget goal of $12,000 temporarily resolved the problem. In fact, Special Account funds of $2940.50 pushed the contribution to $14,940.50 well over budget. The OCWM budget has increased yearly from $14,000 in 1986, to $21,300 in 1988.

CAM P AND COLLEGE LIFELINES In addition to the Conference obligation to pay Conference Dues and meet the OCWM quota, Plymouth budgeted sums in the 1970s and 1980s for Placerville Youth in the Black Hills, and Yankton College. Placerville became a prime Character-bui lding instrument. It encouraged self-understanding, stimulated fellowship with God and man and nurtured Christian values for those who spent a we~k or two close to nature. Women's Fellowship sponsored camperships paying half of the costs for those who attended. After Mayflower Hall burned on August 23, 1977, Plymouth raised its contribution to help rebu il d the hall . Women's fellowship also donated $5,000 from 1979 to 1981 to help replace Mayfl ower Hall.

Plymouth extended a missionary lifeline to Christian Higher Education. In 1959 during Rev. Kline 's pastorship Plymouth committed itself to a three year goal of $3600 for that purpose. During John Brook's tenure budgeted figures for Yankton College scholarships and grants appeared in 1972 with $200. By 1980 the figure had risen to $300. With the closing of the college in the mid-1980s Plymouth's financial support ceased. Plymouth participated in a region al missionary outreach entitled CUE which supported theological seminaries. Support varied since 1982 with $680 given in 1988.

40018 49 NON-BUDGETED GIVING: THE RETIRED AND THE HANDICAPPED Non-budget items which required yearly or seasonal promotion secured varied amounts and testified to Plymouth's wider outreach as well as to the quality of missionary leadership and fellowship. The most enduring UCC sponsored causes in the 30 years between 1960 and 1990 were the VETERANS OF THE CROSS CHRISTMAS FUND to help needy retired ministers and their families. Gifts to the Redfield State Hospital by means of Christmas tree packages and Mitten Trees were solicited and delivered to those handicapped people.

GLOBAL GIVING Plymouth Church and the national United Church of Christ reacted to varied international conditions such as Third World hunger and natural disasters. ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING (OGHS), sponsored by the Stewardship Council of UCBWM, aims to assist globally those who experienced hunger and housing problems, and who needed resettlement, development and disaster aid. It has had a more enduring history in Plymouth Church than other global projects such as SOS or CROP.

Varied church groups such as the Christian Education Church School and Vacation Bible School, Second Mile club and Women's Fellowship aided the Missions Committee to help empoverished people who might live as far away as Biafra, which in 1968 received a $59.63 contribution or to the Philippines where in 1960 $110 was sent to help educate a trainee for the ministry. In 1960 on World Community Day, Plymouth contributed medical kits, clothing and layettes for Korea. Women's Fellowship made outstanding contributions to CHURCH WORLD SERVICE clothing and blanket drives. In 1963 they packed many large duffle bags. On World Community Day in 1965 they furnished sewing kits to missions in Chile and Haiti. The Vacation Bible Schools and Sunday Schools made positive contibutions and developed amongst the youth Christian concern for humankind. Over a seven year period 1978 to 1984 church youth supported the sewing school at India's Deenabanduporum Mission.

HOMELAND GIVING Several agencies coordinated distribution of offerings within the United States. SHARING OUR SUBSTANCE (SOS) received Plymouth's attention in the years 1961 to 1966. The contributions peaked in 1965 at $425. NEIGHBORS IN NEED (NIN) offerings assisted United Church of Christ conferences throughout the country in meeting needs within each Conference including instructional resources for Sunday Schools. The highes contribution was $749 in 1987. Generally solicitation raised $300 to $400 yearly betwee 1982-1989. The Sioux Indian Milk's Camp self-help project at Bonesteel, South Dakota, received aid in 1976 with a $500 donation and $357 in 1977. Rapid City Flood relief received small sum during their time of trial.

LOCAL GIVING At the city level Plymouth contributed to the HELP program during the 1980's. This was a cooperative effort of churches under sponsorship of the Aberdeen Ministerial Association. Plymouth supported it with a few hundred dollars to over $1000 in

50 1988. In September 1986 the Salvation Army used Help assistance for 250 persons in one month. HELP aimed to feed hungry or emergency cases and was administered by the Salvation Army through its Food Pantry. Plymouth collected money and food items many of which the youth obtai ned through scavenger hunts.

HELPING HAND was an occasionally used fund to assist needy families. In 1977 $30 was disbursed. In 1979 the Merlyn Aman family, former Plymouth choir director, received aid at a time of disabling illness. In the 1980s small contributions were mad~. In 1986 $250 was expended . It appears that the Pastor's Local Distress Fund was excluded from the budget after 1984 and the Helping Hand donations assumed that function. In 1987 a large distribution of $3672 took place out of $4,458 received for a cause. The balance of $2,064 was disbursed in 1988. During Associate Pastor Shari Maddox's tenure the missionary spirit manifested itself in a non-budgeted local PEACE project. In 1985 PEACE received $609. In May 1986 came another offering in which 25% remained with the church, 25% went to the conference and 50% to the United Church of Christ.

SERVING OTHERS: WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

Women's Fellowship had no recognition as an official body in Plymouth's constitution such as Christian Education or the Missions Committee. However, it can now send a voting representative to Church Council. Despite this legal invisibility, the Fellowship has had a pervading influence in church life. All church women have been considered members and were invited to have a more intimate fellowship by meeting in small circles at varied times. Between 1956 and 1970 past preSidents of Women's Fellowship continued the service function in a Second Mile Club.

On November 9, 1893, Plymouth women adopted a constitution which officially recognized their name as "Ladies Aid Society of Plymouth Congregational Church." Financial aid to the church was the stated reason for their existence. However, unity of purpose and fellowship were to be implemented by the injunction "henceforth we will speak no evil of one another." The first amendment to their constitution made sometime between 1900 and 1905 changed the name to "Congregational Ladies Union". In 1927 the Ladies Union divided into four Divisions (I , II , III , IV), each coordinated by a captain. Circle names replaced division numbers in 1945. Pilgrim, Puritan, Priscilla and Mayflower (originally called "Scrooby") designated those now familiar work and fellowship groups.

On November 8,1951 Mrs. Vincent Crane proposed a change of name from Ladies Union to Women 's Fellowship bri nging the local group into conformity with the name used by the

4001 8 51 ANNUAL BAZAAR COMBINES WORK AND FUN

BAZAARS OF PAST AND PRESENT

52 national society. At a general meeting in December 1951 this change was approved. As membership increased, annual reports stressed the Fellowship to be "a way to meet other women of the church or to know some of them better." In 1977 Priscilla and Prudence circles merged making four circles plus mother's club.

In 1948 a Mothers' club provided mothers of pre-school children the opportunity to serve in their special way. Informally considered a circle within Women's Fellowship, they requested a "cry room" in October 1952 and over the years worked to improve that s~ecial room.

Preparing and serving meals for weddings, funerals and anniversaries has strengthened the service image of Plymouth Women. In the 1960s such activities raised $2,002 and in 1970s $5,938. From 1980 through 1988 Women's Fellowship received $5,181 from this source. Three decades of work resulted in a total income of $13,121.

Before the era of the brick colonial church, Plymouth's ladies often held public dinners in a downtown bu ilding, advertised in the paper and by sign-carrying walkers. Planks on saw-h orses became tables; planks on boxes or kegs served as chairs. In order to prepare meals there , they had to install cooking stoves. The women were thankful to have running water at the site. However, in order to wash dishes, they had to carry softer water from a nearby home. On the 4th Avenue site and later the Melgaard site the Fellowship hosted and served many community groups as well as church members. Some had a fund-raising motivation but many were service oriented. They served welcoming and farewell receptions for pastors, post-ordination dinners, family night suppers, state Conference dinners, Mother-daughter banquets and Men 's Fellowship dinners. Fellowship also served coffee and cookies during building and stewardship drives, and hosted service clubs, veterans and teachers organizations as well as other denominations.

During the Tri-State Fair era in the 1920s, the Ladies' Union booth featured pie, hamburgers and coffee. In the 1920's "Jitney" suppers appealed to the pocketbook as diners paid only a nickel for individual food items. Inflation eliminated this revenue device. Cafeteria suppers and smorgasborgs followed. Plymouth's women pioneered these innovations in the city. In time, others adopted them. Competition made them less profitable as fund raisers. They also pioneered in serving the first public breakfasts and coffee breaks.

Taking advantage of the proximity to Main and Lincoln Street businesses and to the federal post office, Plymouth women served pie and coffee usually twice a year. They also sold aprons and other home-made items especially during Rev. Crane's pastorship when he discouraged church bazaars. In the 1960s these "breaks" averaged around $250 with a peak of $314 in 1969. Pie and coffee breaks continued at the Melgaard site far from downtown. In 1971 they

40018 53 earned $577. The practice was discontinued in 1972 through 1974. One final effort in 1975 raised $387. Thereafter, the annual bazaar filled that void. From 1960 through 1971, Women' Fellowship raised $3385 by this means.

The rummage sale emerged as a fund-raising activity from 1966 through 1976 with n sales in 1970 and 1974. During this period the fellowship received $1864, averaging sever hundred dollars per year. Between 1966 and 1970 they helped take up the slack when according to the annual financial report, no bazaars were held.

Plymouth women sponsored 13 annual Flower Shows from 1949 through 1961. They we r ~ held in the basement of the 4th Avenue Church. Gardeners were asked to register their flower in the morning for display during the afternoon and evening. The women served tea an solicited a silver offering. Of the five years 1955-61 that records are available, the peak incom was $130 in 1956. The lowest was $65 in 1959. In 1960, 52 people entered 230 flowe arrangements and over 300 persons attended.

Red Carpet Tours of five Aberdeen homes in April 1970, October 1971 and May 197J raised money for the new church organ. Pecans became the rage in the 1980's with $5 0 ~ secured in the initial effort. The profit from 1983 through 1988 was $3717.

Women's Fellowship's most enduring major money raising activity has evolved into th Harvest Festival Bazaar of the 1980s. The first minute book records women making sunbonnets which sold for 35 cents and aprons, a component of future bazaars. Income also resulted from ice cream socials and food sales, also a part of future bazaars. Moving to the Melgaard site marked a transitional period in fund-raising. A more spacious church enhanced the Bazaar idea. The new location far from Main Street's business district lessened incom~ from pie and coffee breaks. In 1971 the bazaar became a persistent money raiser with an init i ~ $834 in receipts. Increased receipts for the period 1972 through 1979 testify to its popularitj and success. Receipts in 1979 reached $6196. Bazaars of the 1980's raised in round number profits ranging from over $5800 in 1980 to $4,500 in 1988. The trend of the 1980's was a declining but substantial profit which the women spent and saved in ways that impacted aI aspects of Plymouth Church.

In 1986 Women's Fellowship updated its bylaws and changed the year of service f ~ officers and circle presidents from June through May to January through December in order t coincide with the terms of other church boards. Under the various names--Ladies Aid, Ladi Union or Women's Fellowship--they, along with the Second Mile Club, (1956-1970) hav extended church outreach in numerous ways. Their expenditures amounted to $19,569 in th 1960s, $90,314 in the 1970s and $133,803 in the 1980s. Their contributions for the peri 1960 through 1988 totaled $243,686.

54 women's Fellowship has funded physical improvements in both the 4th Avenue and Melgaard Churches. Kitchen efficiency improved with a new gas stove in 1957 and a new electric stove and refrigerator in 1985. In 1987 they spent $1000 for a hotwater booster for the dishwasher. To neutralize hot summer days they have purchased electric fans to cool the basement of the 4th Avenue church and an air conditioner to cool the pastor's office in the Melgaard church. They have contributed to Sanctuary comfort and acoustics through purchase of a voice leveler in 1979 as well as giving $2000 for sanctuary storm windows in 1982 and $3000 toward a new P.A. system in 1986. In 1988 they helped build a storage shed adjoining the Melgaard Church. Small items such as a nursery crib, narthex bulletin boards and books to enrich the church library may be attributed to the Women's Fellowship. They have assisted the ministry of music through purchase of new choir robes in 1957 and gold robes in 1979. In 1974 $900 and $2500 in 1975 went to the organ fund. They have strongly supported missions. The Ladies Union constitution provided for a Friendly Service and a Missionary Committee. Several hundred dollars annually went to OCWM. They contributed $700 to fund the Bethel Bible Series in the 1980's. Interest-fee loans have helped college students since 1982. Their $50 food gift certificates assist church familes at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Women' s Fellowship has been the backbone of the church in example and committment. Truly they have proven to be a fellowship of worShip, education, service and giving and exem plify one of their yearly themes: "Working Together in Love"!

SERVING OTHERS: THE LAY AND ORDAINED MINISTRY

BARNARD CONNECTION Three of Plymouth's ministers and one Associate Minister have extended Plymouth's outreach by serving the Barnard Church, 20 m.iles north of Aberdeen. Rev. Curtis established the connection and Rev's Crane and Kline maintained that relationship until 1961. From 1983 to July 1986 Shari Maddox served the Barnard church. The connection then ended.

In June 1955 in a letter to former parishioners in Conneaut, Ohio, Rev. Kline told them of excellent attendance at his Sunday sermons in Aberdeen and in Barnard: "I have a little church at Barnard, too, 20 miles away. They had their church packed, about 60 of them. Service there is at 9:20 ... " According to his eldest son, Richard, Barnard proved to be Rev. Kline's first "problem": "In the spring of 1955 when my father accepted the local pastorate, the Barnard Church was 'yoked' to Plymouth Congregational. He had never been to Barnard so when the time came for his first service there he asked Earl Klepfer how far it was. Earl replied, "Oh, it's just a short ways ." To my native Easterner father, a short ways was between one and five miles. He started north toward Barnard at 8:50 giving himself a half hour to get there, driving his usual 40 miles an hour. After driving five miles, he was concerned; after ten miles, he was very

40018 55 concerned; and after 15 miles he was in near panic, figuring that he had probably crossed ov into North Dakota. After 19 miles of increasing speed, he finally pulled into the church parki lot at 9:30, ten minutes after the service was to have started. Since it was a nice spring day, t entire congregation was standing outside, waiting to greet their new minister. They did so mo cordially, but they never let him forget that he was now a resident of the great and vast Dako prairie."

In June of 1961 the Klines accepted a call to Kahului Union Church on the island of Mau Because of family problems, they remained there just two months. In the meantime, Plymou sought a new minister and advertised the vacancy which included this statement: "Barn a~ Church. Associated with the Aberdeen church for many years, strong talk about severi relations with the Barnard Church. The present minister has been conducting one service month at Barnard. The minister's son three Sundays a month. Richard Kline Jr. will continue t serve the Barnard Church full time during the Summer." Plymouth had not found a pastor by t time Rev. Kline returned to Aberdeen. In September 1961 they recalled him. The church Coun asked that he spend full time in Aberdeen and at this time Barnard voted to yoke with Colum b·

MINISTERIAL SONS In the years 1960 to 1990 Plymouth has fulfilled the State Conference's goal of produci in each generation a ministerial candidate. Plymouth had not achieved that goal in the precedi 70 years. In the summer of 1958 Paul Opsahl served as an unofficial associate minister helpi Rev. Kline for $225. Ordained in 1960 at Plymouth Chur Paul Opsahl became the 1st from this congregation dedicate himself to the ministry. A graduate of Yankto College and Andover-Newton Seminary, his first parish was Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Robert Francis Dralle, a graduate Yankton College and Chicago Theological Seminary, WI Plymouth's 2nd ministerial son. Ordained at Plymouth Churc on May 16, 1965, he was called to serve at Green Str Congregational Church in Chicago. Carl Kline, son of R8I Richard and Evelyn Kline and a graduate of Northern Stll was ordained on June 5, 1966, at Plymouth Church. Presen he is based in Brookings, South Dakota. Timothy Fugman, 4th ministerial son, had been an energetiC leader in Ch rist~ Education and the Plymouth Club. He decided to leave security of his position as data processing manager at ABERDEEN AMERICAN NEWS in 1985 to train for Rev. Paul M. Opsahl

56 4001 ministry at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While there from 1986-1 988 he served the Winfred/Canova UCC parish. He was ordained at Plymouth church July 17, 1988, and installed as pastor at St. Paul's UCC in Eureka, South Dakota, November 27, 1988. Two others from Plymouth have chosen the ministry. Reed Anderberg, one of Rev. Brooks Boy Scout class, is attending Andover-Newton Seminary in Boston where Rev. Crane, Brooks and Lang had their training. Richard (Rick) Carroll, son of Bob and Beryl Carroll graduated from North Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls and was ordained in August 1979. presently he is pastor of a Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington. .

Rev. Robert F. Dralle Rev. Carl Kline Rev. Timothy A. Fugman

PULPIT SUPPLY Plymouth Church in the 1980s has supported a State Conference program, the Pu lpit Supply staffed by licensed lay ministers. Three Plymouth members, Phyllis and William Krikac and Fanny Seville, completed a six month course instructed by Rev. Jack Seville. Small churches in towns like Barnard, Brentford, Mansfield, Mellette, Clark, Athol, McLaughlin and Ipswich are some churches who have benefited.

The outreach of Plymouth has also been extended by the activities of Jean and Perry Hier as miSSion interpeters who have traveled widely over the state and nation and shared overseas experiences at mission stations of the United Church of Christ. Perry served in the late 1960s and 1970s on the Board of Directors of the United Church Board for World Missions.

400 18 57 INHERIT THE SPIRIT! Between 1890 and 1990 we have celebrated several anniversaries in Plymouth's history--the 50th year in 1940, the merger forming the United Church of Christ in 1957 and Plymouth's recognition of that in 1963, the 75th year in 1965. We have joined in celebrations of Aberdeen's centennial in 1981 with centennial minutes on "Congregationalists in Search of a Home", the nation's bicentennial in 1976 and the state's centennial in 1989. Now it is our turn! "Inherit the Spirit" is our theme to be found on the blue and white sign in the church yard and in logos on centennial memorbilia.

"Inherit the Spirit" of independent Congregationalism which works harmoniously within national church, state conference and the community.

"Inherit the Spirit" that dared to risk debt and financial sacrifice in the quest for new pastors and churches to better meet membership need.

"Inherit the Spirit" of a strong music ministry with power to activate the human spirit and strengthen spirituality.

"Inherit the Spirit" of Christian education which seeks to build foundations for youth in their quest for identity, life style and career.

"Inherit the Spirit" that recognizes the value of tradition and experience, yet pursues innovations and welcomes new ideas.

"Inherit the Spirit" that calls forth fellowship and group cooperation mixed with periods of democratic disagreement and dissent followed by the triumph of unity.

"Inherit the Spirit" of annual meetings where the dedicated join to review the past and set goals for the future.

"Inherit the Spirit" of benevolence and Christian outreach seeking to equalize concern for ourselves with concern for others.

FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

While this history has focused on the past, its purpose is to provide historical insight on what teamwork and leadership have accomplished and to inspire courageous movement for­ ward into the future. It will soon be 20 years since we moved into the present church. Rev Brooks' thoughts on that occasion have meaning for Plymouth as it enters into the 1990s. In his 1970 sermon "Missiles and Missions" John Brooks contrasted the propelling of missiles to the moon spanning outerspace to the missions of the church spanning innerspace. He perceived launching a new church as a "crossroads" experience which had increased

58 40018 involvement and giving. He noted the similarity between the preparation and support personnel necessary for a successful missile launching and landing and the launching of the church: "It isn't just the minister, or even the officers who are to be installed, it's a mighty team of all the congregation, with, as St. Paul put it, 'gifts differing' large or small, prominent or obscure. They are all needed, or Plymouth Church itself won't even get on the launching pad."

The innovation of the past 20 years testify to the fact that Plymouth Church has been sensitive to changing times and needs. We should not be satisfied to b~ anchored to our past only, but willing to propel ourselves into the uncharted innerspace of the future. In 1989-90 we are on the launching pad, just as we were in 1970. Inherit the Spirit! Commemorate the past! Then FORWARD TO THE FUTURE--the 1990s and the Twenty-First Century!!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: A very special "thank you" to all those who contributed money and materials to make this history possible; especially to Rev. Brooks for his narrative and pictures and Lillian Zumm for written memories; and to my wife Dee for typing and editorial help. Arthur Buntin, Church Historian

INHERIT THE SPIRIT!

FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!

40018 59 OUR STAFF AND COMMITTEES

Allen Lang Myra Oswald Minister Secretary & Christian Ed. Dir.

Centennial Committee

40018 60 Church Council

Trustees

Missions Committee

4001 8 61 Diaconate

Music Committee Pastor Parish Committee

Christian Ed. Committee

62 40018 Womens Fellowship Ex. Board Accompanists

1

Choirs

Bell Choirs

4001 8 63 64 40018 -- 65

-----~.... --- Julian Ackerman Stan & Lavonne Albrecht. Ryan & Scott

~~ Julius & Esther Aman Eloise Appletoft & Family

Scott Bader . Clara Badten Donald & Phyllis Balvin & Tammie Fredrickson

N. B. & Vi Bauer Robert & Eileen Bauer Tammy Beckler . & Jackie

Louie & Vi Benson Michael & Ann Benson. Magdalena Berbos Jennifer & Sara 2 40018 John & Alyce Berggren Steve & Cristy Biegler. Emma Biel Matthew & Michael

Ida Biel Ron Biel Gertrude Bitz & Barbara

Tom & Dee Blanchard. Craig Bohall Frank & Maureen Bohall Kent & JoDee & Renae

Florence Bohn Ed & Joan Bosanko. Kelly & Kristin

Glen & Margaret Bosanko James & Esther Boschee

40018 3 Jack & Leona Boub Norlyn & Cyndi Bratland, Joanne Brock Heidi & Eric

Ruben & Luella Brost Otto Brosy Craig & Sandra Brunson, Jason, Leigh, Sara & Kathryn

Penny & Peggy Buchanan Arthur & Dee Buntin & Julie

Robert & Beryl Carroll Alan & Corene Chapman

Neva Christensen Lydia Christman

4 Dayt on & Annette Cook, George Cross Marion Cross Sheri, Cindy & Billy

l ynn & laurie Cunningham Joe & Doris Daly Carl & Doreen Davis & DeWayne

Charles Davis Shirley Dennert lydia Dietz

Morris & Dorothy Dockter Delbert & Cleo Eddy Doug & Roberta Eisenbeisz & Derek

lydia Eisenbeisz Terry & linda Emery, Becky & Tammy 40018 5 Boyd & Gayle Erickson, Carroll & Gerry Erickson Clayton & Casey

Wayne & Virginia Felix Edward & Nelva Filegar

Larry & Sharon Fischer, Milbert & Linda Fix, Bob & Heidi Alicia & Angela Jo

Rod & Glenna Fouberg, Beulah French Robert & Daniel

Dannette Gibson, Bertha Goehring Marie, Connie & Katie & Bill Grate 6 ...

Junis & Adeline Goehring Dick & linda Gohn Russell & Marilyn Gramlow & Bryan

Gordon & Sherrie Gray, Byron Gross, Erna Gross Nichole, Haylee & Elliott Christopher, lisa & Michael

lynn & Candy Gross, Walter & Irene Grosz Terry & Suzi Grote Josh & Jared & lexi

Orville & Judy Gruebele, Wayne & loretta Gruenstein Erwin & Hulda Gruneich Ann, Amy & Jenna & Robert

James & Barbara Haar Bill & Pat Haigh & Janice & Jamie Dwight 400 18 7 Duane & Barbara Harms, R. Irene Harr Harvey & Luberta Harrington Jeff, Jason & Jennifer

Jerry & Marsha Harvey, Bertha Hehn Jeffrey Heiser Nathan, Brandon & ,6;ndrew

Marvin & Emma Heiser Drdean & Jeannie Heitmann, Jerry & Rita Heupel, Tara & Tiffany Tim & Doug

Perry & Jean Hier Scott & Julie Hier, Bryon & Carol Hilgemann, Shane, Claude, Matthew & Derron Lucas, Elizabeth, Emily & Ryan

Vera Hinds Irene Hofer Velma Hoff

8 40018 Walter & Margie Hoffman Sam & Jackie Holman Paul & Alice Hopfinger & Rita

...... :1' 1- .. Lorantina Hottman Robert & Sandra Hrabovsky. Loretta Huber Jonathan. Aaron & Stephen

Rudolph & Olivia Huber Glenn & Barbara Imberi. Maynard & Marydell Inman Michelle & Lisa

Andrew Jackson. Ruth Job David & Cheryl Johnson. Brian & ReNae Laura & Bryan

Ralph & Janice Johnson Ruth Johnson

4001 8 9 Robert & Sally Johnston L1QYd & Elaine Just. Herschel & Dolores Kemnitz Jeremy & Christa

Alice (Pritchard) Ketterling Julius & Mavis Kirschenman Allan & Lori Kirschenmann. Ryan. Bryan & Daniel

. Arthur & Alvina Kirschenmann Wilmer & Lorraine Kirschenmann Wes & Joyce Kjosa, Bryan & Sandra

Martha Klaudt Harold & Karen Klein Bertha Klepfer

-Henry & Gloria Kline. Richard & Nancy Kline Ed & Jayne Knutson Jeff. Andy & Stephanie & Joel 10 40018 Karen Kohnen, Louise Korupp Bill & Kathy Kriesel Jessica & Daniel & Sandy

Bill & Phyllis Krikac Larry & Vivian Kruger, Orrin & Lauretta Kuburz Chad & Stacey

Eddie & Brenda Kvasnicka, Martha Ladner Allen & Carol Lang, Randi & Tyler Kathy & Beth

Linda Lang Anne Larson Steve & Trish Larson, Erin & Grant

Joe & Dee Lauinger Gwyn Laustsen

4001 8 11 Robert & Delores Leach Opal LeDuc Howard & Van Levi

Herman & Esther Lier, Larry & Diane Ligtenberg, Jean Liston Dana & Lisa Tara & Tina

Earl & Lorena Lutz David & Betty Lynn Terry Lynn

.. Raymond Maisch Marjorie Maltby Gene & Karen Mastel & Kristi & Bruce

Bob & Donna Masters Dave & Linda Mazzie Neale & Maxine McDonald & Chad 12 40018 Bob & Miriam Melick M. J . & Ethel Mickelson Gerald & Evangeline Miller

Jerry & linda Miller, Dale & linda Mork Ray & Delores Mueller Amy & Amber & Todd

Karen Mulder Doug & Vicki Mundt Cal & Sharon Neuharth & Kimberly

Oscar & Delores Ochsner Stella O'Donnell Merrile & Verna Olsen

Ray & Ramona Olsen Doug & Cheryl Olson, Aubrey & Amanda 400 18 13 Gary & Berniece Olson Kleng & Shirley Olson Darold & Pamela Opp & Brian

Jerome & Wendy Opsahl, Kinnye Opsahl Roger & Marjorie Ormand, Pamela, Tracey, Jason & Kristi Travis, Hope & Heidi

Elmer & Helen Orth Don & Myra Oswald, Clifford & Lorraine Padley & Jason Kyle & Kendra

Priscilla Pfeifle Mary Pietz Joe & Janet Pistulka & Christopher

Emma Pleinis Raymond & Gladys Preszler Tom & Sonya Putzier

14 40018 Cecil & Virginia Ramsdell Roger & Forestta Remien George Rice

Stacy & Barbara Richards Deloyd Rieger Edmond & Vera Rieger

Toni Ristau Robert & Debora Ross Tom & Kathy Ruhnke, & Theresa Kristi, Michael, Chad & Craig

Faith Sampson Gary & Raeleen Schatz, Charles & Arlene Schaunaman Christopher & Matthew

Herb & Leone Schaunaman Rodney & Cindy Schick, Tyson & David 400 18 15 Nyle & Kathryn Schmidt Edward & Elsye Schnaidt Orville & Harriet Schuler

David & Marrelyce Seaman Jaci Seville Jack & Fanny Seville

Randy & Debbie Simdorn. Hazel Sletting Mark & Sarah Smith laura & leslie

Sue Smith Robert & Jeannette Sorge Helen Steele

Ella Strader Donald & Shirlee Suedmeier Albin & Bernice Swanson

16 40018 Larry & Cindy Swanston Dana Talamine, Barbara Tchida, & Jessica Whitney & Ashley Bryant, Darren & Jennifer

Mervin Tchida Melvin & Esther Thistle Dick & Susan (Hohm) Thomas, Vanessa & Eric

Robert & Mary Thompson Mike & Sandy Ullrich, Blake Urban Jamie & Brandon

Esther Urban Leslie Van Beek Richard & Lu Van Beek

Hazel Van Dover Cleo & Marge Vogele

17 Dennis & Janet Von Eschen. Ron & Joyce Wagner. Gary & Yvonne Warne. Darcy & Darren Angie & Becky Amy. David & Amanda

Keith Warne Walt & Gladys Weisser Todd & Valynda Weller & Kirby

John & Gladie Wells Erna Werre Leo & Bernice Wiederich

Ed & Joan Williams Vivian Williamson Aubrey & Norma Wolff

Delbert & May Wylie Merle & LoRayne Wylie Leslie & Lillian Zumm

18 40018 THOSE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICTURES

Bernice Anderson Louise Colahan John & Myrtis Daly Sara Dano & Jeanne Blume 'nt

I Emma Delker Lulu Drake Morgan Drake Nels & Joan Dyrdahl

Pam Dyrdahl Viola Flor Emanuel Gackle Mary Gibbons

4001 8 THOSE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICTURES

Charles & Kymberley Gift Bertha Hauck Joy (Seaman) Hauge Robert & Olivia House

Art & Freda Jones Kraig & Laurie Keller Laverta Knutson Lenette Kramer

Bill Kriesel Tina Lange Lydia Leicht Emanuel Liebelt

4001 8 THOSE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICTURES

Mary Losacker Joy Mashek Lillian Melcher Pearl Messerole & Donnie

Roger T. Ormand Karen Preszler Darcy Swanson Rev. Mary Thompson

Stuart & Barbara Twite Maurine Waller Jason Wylie

ROSTER B BENSON. Michael & Ann Jennifer & Sara A BADER. Clif & Connie 1842 Eisenhower Cir. Daniel Aberdeen. SD 57401 ACKERMAN. Julian 1015 7th Ave. S. W. 225-9175 1116 9th Ave. S. W. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-5640 BENSON. Teresa 225-3838 723 S. 9th St. BADER. Scott Aberdeen. SD 57401 ADERHOLD. Gary & Jill 701 S. 10th St. 225-1651 P. O. Bo)( 14A Aberdeen. SD 57401 Bath. SD 57427 229-3930 BERBOS. Magdalena 1006 N. Main ALBRECHT. Stanley & Lavonne BADTEN. Clara Aberdeen. SD 57401 Ryan & Scott 1002 N. Jay 225-3891 4250 Richmond Heights Dr. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 229-0550 BERGGREN. John & Alyce 225-7366 1015 S. Jay BALVIN. Donald & Phyllis Aberdeen. SD 57401 ALLMENDINGER. Brian 1620 S. 2nd #1 225-5437 1025 6th Ave. S. W. #4 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-7094 BIEGLER. Steve & Cristy 225-0604 Matthew & Michael BARTH. Mr. & Mrs. Walter 1227 Apollo Ave. AMAN. Julius & Esther 609 7th Ave. W. Aberdeen. SD 57401 23 S. Weber Mobridge. SD 57601 225-0498 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-3729 BAUER. Jackie BIEL. Emma 210 S. Boyd St. 411 4th Ave. S. E. AMAN. Peggy Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Christopher 226-1064 606 Park Village BIEl. Ida Aberdeen. SD 57401 BAUER. Norbert & Vi 1224 S. High St. 226-1217 1323 N. 3rd St. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-8739 ANDERSON. Bernice 225-8276 126 W. 12th Ave. BIEL. Ronald Redfield. SD 57469 BAUER. Robert & Eileen 610 17th Ave. N. E. 1739 Marshall Rd. Aberdeen. SD 57401 ANDREWS. Fred Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-9613 Skovly Mark 10 225-4891 . PK-2840 BITZ. Gerald & louise Holte. Denmark BEAN. Floyd & Clara Renae. Jeanne. Marc. 1117 S. State St. Amanda. Alicia ANDREWS. Sara Aberdeen. SD 57401 1003 N. Dakota #3 225-3128 BITZ. Gertrude Aberdeen. SD 57401 3 10th Ave. S. W. 226-0528 BECK. Alvin & Naomi Aberdeen. SD 57401 1014 S. 10th 226-2417 APPlETOFT. Ed & Eloise Aberdeen. SD 57401 Eric. Elisha. Evanie. 225-1054 BLANCHARD. JoDee Janey. Eliott & Eli 1007 9th Ave. N. E. 812 S. Cochrane BECK. Timothy Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Stephaine 226-2139 225-4348 111 8th Ave. N . E. Aberdeen, SD 57401 BLANCHARD. Kent APPlETOFT. Estelle 1007 9th Ave. N. E. 812 S. Cochrane BECKLER. Tammy Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 R. R. 1. Bo)( 74A 226-2139 225-4348 Bath. SD 57427 229-1412 BLANCHARD. Tom & Dee ATKINS. Millicent 1007 9th Ave. N. E. 414 1/2 7th Ave. S. E. BENSON, Louie & Viola Aberdeen, SD 57401 4berdeen, SD 57401 723 S. 9th St. 226-2139 229-0172 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-1651

40018 BLUME, Jeanne BOSCHEE, Lisa BUNTIN, Art & Oee 126 W. 12th Ave. 2900 70th Ave. N . W. 1901 Eisenhower Cir. Redfield, SO 57469 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-2411 225- 6380 BOHALL, Craig BOSCHEE, Rachelle BUNTIN, Julie BOHALL, Frank & Maureen 2900 70th Ave. N. W. 1901 Eisenhower Cir. Renae Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1003 S. Jay 225-2411 225- 6380 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0602 BOUB, Jack & Leona BUTTON, Ron & Mary Jo 1502 S. McCoy Katherine, Elizabeth & Sara BOHALL, Scott Aberdeen, SO 57401 1707 Oick Or. 11440 N. 42nd Ave. S. E. 226-2075 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Phoenix, AZ 85029 225-9066 BRATLANO, Norlyn & Cyndi BOHN, Florence Heidi & Eric C 1323 12th Ave. S. E. #26 515 18th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 CARLSON, Oavid 229-1222 225-3482 203 8th Ave. N . E. #1 Aberdeen, SO 57401 BOONE, Laura BROAOHURST, Kennon 225-4030 117 Church Or. 1117 18th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 CARLSON, Valoris 225-2024 225-4770 1423 S. 3rd St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 BORN, Jack BROCK, Joanne 225-6293 1756 S. 4th St. BORN, Kermit & Cynthia Aberdeen, SO 57401 CARROLL, Bob & Beryl 1303 S. Main 225-6843 920 S. Lloyd Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-2510 BROST, Linda 225-1814 Box 192 BORN, Tage Bridgewater, SO 57319 CHAPMAN, Alan & Corene 605 15th Ave. N . E. BOSANKO, Ed & Joan BROST, Ruben & Luella Aberdeen, SO 57401 1321 N. 4th St. 1011 S. Arch 229-5410 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225- 2176 225- 6905 CHRISTENSEN, Brian & Jane Justin & Amber BOSANKO, Glen BROSV, Otto 216 9th Ave. S. W. 207 N. Lloyd 223 S. Main St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-7653 225-6325 226-3642 CHRISTENSEN, Neva BOSANKO, Kelly BROSZ, Elsie 911 S. 1st St. 1321 N. 4th St. 705 5th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Windom, MN 56101 225-1624 225-2176 BRUNSON, Craig & Sandra CHRISTMAN, Lydia BOSANKO, Kristin Jason, Leigh, Sara & Kathryn 111 W. Melgaard #5 1321 N. 4th St. 6450 8th Ave. N. W. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3297 225-2176 229-5763 CLOSSET, Steve & Cindy BOSCHEE. ElRoy & Myrna BUCHANAN, Peggy Ann Kenneth & Oaniel Suzanne & Heather 2114 Crystal Rd. 2900 70th Ave. N. W. Aberdeen, SO 57401 COLAHAN, Louise Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-8705 1224 S. High St. 225-2411 Aberdeen, SO 57401 BUCHANAN, Penny Lynn 225-7580 BOSCHEE, James & Esther 2114 Crystal Rd. 809 12th Ave. S. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 COLEMAN, Leona Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-8705 604 S. Jay St. 229-1759 Aberdeen, SO 57401

2 40018 COOK, Dayton & Annette DENNERT, Shirley EMERY, Terry & Linda Cindy & Billy 2507 13th Ave. S. E. Becky & Tammy 1108 S. Penn St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 2802 N. W. 30th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-2620 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-6028 229-1139 DOCKTOR, Morris & Dorothy COOK, Sheri 213 2nd Ave. S. W . ENGER. Karen 1108 S. Penn St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0078 ERICKSON, Boyd & Gayle 225-6028 Clayton & Casey DRAKE, Morgan & Lulu 424 S. Harrison St. COOPER, Jim 1700 N. Hwy. 281 Aberdeen, SO 57401 817 N. High St. #2 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-9738 Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-1738 225-0631 ERICKSON, Carroll & Gerry DREES, Jerry & Carla 1620 12th Ave. S. E. CROSS, George F. Jordan & Jeremy Aberdeen, SO 57401 1721 S. 1st 2120 15th Ave. S. E. 225-5314 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3987 226-1738 EVANS, Brian 615 17th Ave. N. E. CROSS, Marion L. DWIGHT, Jamie Aberdeen, SO 57401 1721 S. 1st 1006 S. Kline 225-8447 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3987 EVANS, James & Darlene DWIGHT. Janice 615 17th Ave. N. E. CUNNINGHAM, Lynn & Laurie 1006 S. Kline Aberdeen, SO 57401 Shane Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-8447 1418 5th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 DWIGHT, Kori EVANS, James & Pamela 225-8098 23054th James & Jessica Selby, SO 57472 401 Park Village o 649-7744 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-7143 DALY, John & Murtis DWIGHT, P. Martin 823 N. lloyd 1217 Mitchell Blvd. EWING, James & Leola Aberdeen, SO 57401 Mitchell, SO 57301 1622 S. 1st 225-4233 996-5521 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0125 DALY, Tom & Doris DYRDAHL, Nels & Joan 1527 S. lloyd St. 3107 Simpson Dr. F Aberdeen, SO 57401 Rapid City, SO 57701 225-2426 FELIX, Wayne & Virginia E 1512 5th Ave. N . E. DANO, Eunice Aberdeen, SO 57401 1309 S. 3rd St. EDDY, Delbert & Cleo 225-1384 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Box 75, S. Shore Dr. 225-2583 Mina, SO 57462 FElLER, Paula 229-0549 1613 Cedar Dr. DAVIS, Carl & Doreen Aberdeen, SO 57401 DeWayne EISENBEISZ, Doug & Roberta 225-8470 115 14th Ave. S. E. Derek Aberdeen, SO 57401 1602 15th Ave. S. E. FELLER, Wayne 225-6364 Aberdeen. SO 57401 1621 Olive Dr. 225-0283 Aberdeen, SO 57401 DAVIS, Charles 229-6620 1609 S. Washington EISENBEISZ, Lydia Aberdeen, SO 57401 1424 10th Ave. S. E. #1 FILEGAR, Ed & Nelva 226-1290 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1516 S. Grant St. 225-3995 Aberdeen, SO 57401 DELKER, Emma 225-0948 1700 N. Hwy. 281 ElLIOTT, Burton & Elaine Aberdeen, SO 57401 4802 S. 5th St. FILLBACH, Kathryn 225-7315 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1423 S. 6th St. 225-7136 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-6248

40018 3 FISCHER, Larry & Sharon FRITZ, Earl & Laura GOHN, Richard & Linda Heidi 1606 N . Jay St. Bryan 1518 3rd Ave. S.E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 2103 14th Ave. S. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-3896 Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-1377 225-5658 G FISCHER, Robert GRAOBERG, Scott 1518 3rd Ave. S. E. GACKLE, Rev. Emmanuel 4200 Valhalla Blvd., #35 Aberdeen, SO 57401 305 8th Ave. N . E. Sioux Falls, SO 57106-3740 226-1377 Minot, NO 58701 GRAM LOW, Russell & Marilyn FIX, M ilbert & Linda GELLING, Curt 1526 Royal Rd. Alicia & Angela Jo 1901 Country Ln. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 810 7th Ave. N . E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-5673 Aberdeen, SO 5701 225- 2278 225-6025 GRATE, Clarence GELLING, Dennis & Wanda 606 1/ 2 S. 9th St. FLAAGN, Lea Ann Kelly Aberdeen, SO 57401 1123 9th Ave. S. W. 1901 Country Ln . E. 226-0216 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-3071 225-2278 GRA Y, Gordon & Sherrie Haylee & Elliott FLEMMER, Laura GESLlNG, Hattie 2605 3rd Ave. S. E. 827 S. Cochrane 1212 S. Lawson St. #C8 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225- 4980 225-8444 225-0497 GROSS, Byron FLOR, Viola GIBBONS, Mary Christopher, Lisa & Michael 1002 N . Jay St. 1224 S. High St. 1302 Northview Ln. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0550 225-7580 225-1082

FOUBERG, Daniel GIBSON, Loren & Dee GROSS, Erna 1869 Eisenhower Cir. Marie, Connie & Catherine 1023 N . Dakota St. #5 Aberdeen, SO 57401 606 1/2 S. 9th Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-1310 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-5537 226-0216 FOUBERG, Robert GROSS, Glenn & Cynthia 1869 Eisenhower Cir. GIFT, Kimberly Blair & Bradyn Aberdeen, SO 57401 4951 G Rose Terrace Country Village, Box 48, Lot 14 229-1310 Fort Knox, KY 40121 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0853 FOUBERG, Rod & Glenna GOEHRING, Bertha 1869 Eisenhower Cir. 1023 S. Jay GROSS, Lynn & Candy Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Joshua & Jared 229-1310 225-6569 4600 N . W . 30th Aberdeen, SO 57401 FRANZEN, Yvonne GOEHRING, Dale & Barbara 229-4037 Wayne & Jason Rt. 2, Box 78A 1201 8th Ave. N . E. Mina, SO 57462 GROSZ, Walter & Irene Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3472 703 S. 13th St. 225-8092 Aberdeen, SO 57401 GOEHRING, Junis & Adeline 225-5972 FREDRICKSON, Tammie P. O. Box 1857 701 S. 10th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 GROTE, Terry & Suzi Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-2565 Alexis 225-5930 1739 S. Lincoln GOEHRING, Lori Aberdeen, SO 57401 FRENCH, Beulah Rt. 2, Box 78A 225-0275 914 S. 3rd St. Mina, SO 57462 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3472 GRUEBELE, Orville & Judy 225-3232 Ann & Amy Kernan & Jenna GOEHRING, Sandra 1320 N. Washington Rt. 2, Box 78A Aberdeen, SO 57401 Mina, SO 57462 225-5136 225-3472

4 40018 GRUEN STEIN. Wayne & Loretta HARVEY. Jerry & Marsha HEYO. Henry Robert Brandon. Nathan & Andrew 415 3rd Ave. N . E. 919 S. 11th St. 515 22nd Ave. N.E. Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-8444 229-5115 226-0187 HIER. Perry & Jean GRUNEICH. Erwin & Hulda HASTINGS. Wally & Suzie 1514 S. lloyd 902 12th Ave. N. E. Sara & Emily Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 623 9th Ave. S. E. 229-0150 229-1455 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-2734 HIER. Scott & Julie GUSTAFSON. Theresa Matthew Spencer. Oerron & Claude 1601 Innsbruck Dr. N. HAUCK. Bertha R. R. 1. Box 80B Minneapolis. MN 55432 1224 S. High St. Bath. SO 57427 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-4384 H 225-7580 HILGEMANN. Bryon & Carol HAAR. Jim & Barb HAUGE. Joy Lucas. Elizabeth. Emily & Ryan 516 22nd Ave. N. E. 138 Nebraska 1013 9th Ave. S. W. Aberdeen. SO 57401 Rapid City. SO 57701 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-5334 226-2327 HEHN. Bertha HAIGH. Bill & Pat 19 7th Ave. S. E. #108 HIN~S. Vera 1006 S. Kline Aberdeen. SO 57401 1212 S. Lawson C4 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-8094 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-0899 225-2805 HEISER. Jeffrey HANSON. Robert & Lovila Matthew & Aaron HOFER. Irene 1706 S. 8th 1618 15th Ave. S. E. 1224 3rd Ave. N. E. #7 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 226-1211 226-1956 229-3947

HARMS. Duane & Barb HEISER. Marvin & Emma HOFF. Ruben & Esther Jennifer 921 18th Ave. N . E. 14 S. Boyd 4043 Willow Wood Dr. Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-5714 229-2281 229-1391 HEITMANN. Ordean & Jeannie HOFF. Velma HARMS. Jason Tara & Tiffany 416 1/2 S. 2nd St. 4043 Willow Wood Dr. 609 17th Ave. N. E. P. O. Box 884 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen.SO 57402 229-1391 229-4932 229-0035

HARMS. Jeffrey HENKE. Grace HOFFMAN. Emil & Elsie 4043 Willow Wood Dr. April. Austin. & Adam Nelson P. O. Box 232 Aberdeen. SO 57401 827 SRock #2 Ipswich. SO 57451 229-1391 Aberdeen. SO 57401 226-1249 HOFFMAN. Milo HARR. Earl & Mabel 1025 Willow Dr. 2723 Ashley Ct. HERMANN. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Aberdeen. SO 57401 Pharr. TX 78577 2217 Prospect Ave. 225-3378 Aberdeen. SO 57401 HARR. R. Irene 225-3811 HOFFMAN. Walter & Margie 404 9th Ave. S.E. Rita Aberdeen. SO 57401 HEUPEL. Jerry & Rita 1025 Willow Dr. 225-1627 Doug Aberdeen. SO 57401 6019 Country Ln. N. 225-3378 HARRINGTON. Harvey & Luberta Aberdeen. SO 57401 1715 Royal Rd. 226-0138 HOLMAN. Sam & Jackie Aberdeen. SO 57401 1210 2nd Ave. N. W. 225-3985 HEUPEL. Timothy Aberdeen. SO 57402-1434 6019 Country Ln. N. 225-2045 HART. Gloria Aberdeen. SO 57401 Heidi 226-0138

40018 5 HOPFINGER. Paul & Alice JOHNSON. Kevin KEELER. Lynette 122 S. Roosevelt Joshua 1224 S. High St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 906 S. 10th St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-2174 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-7580 225-1993 HOTTMAN. Lorantina KELLER. Laurie (Buntin) 920 S. 4th JOHNSON. Ralph & Janice 4753 Barnes Rd. Aberdeen. SO 57401 1745 S. 4th St. Colorado Springs. CO 80917 226-2697 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225- 6049 KEMNITZ. Dolores HOUSE. Robert & Olivia 1707 13th Ave. S. E. 9723 W. Kerry Ln. JOHNSON. Ruth Aberdeen. SO 57401 Peoria. AZ 85345 1702 S. 1 st St. 225-6917 Aberdeen. SO 57401 HRABOVSKY. Robert & Sandra 229-2809 KEMNITZ. Herschel Jonathan. Aaron & Stephen P. O. Box 1971 1517 N . Jackson JOHNSON. Tally Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1702 S. 1st 229- 4292 Aberdeen. SO 57401 KETTERLING. Alice 229-2809 815 S. State #13 HUBER. Loretta Aberdeen. SO 57401 605 15th Ave. N. E. #2 JOHNSTON. Robert & Sally 225-6313 Aberdeen. SO 57401 1416 N . Jay 229-4739 Aberdeen. SO 57401 KEYES. Kim 225-7193 HUBER. Rudolph & Olivia KIRSCHENMANN. Allan & Lori 715 16th Ave. N. E. JONES. Art & Freda Ryan. Bryan & Daniel Aberdeen. SO 57401 315 S. Marshall St. #2 P. O. Box 707 225-8826 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Summit. SO 57266 226-1870 KIRSCHENMANN, Art & Alvina JUNGWIRTH. Linda 1012 9th Ave. N. E. IMBERI. Glenn & Barbara 624 S. Lawson Aberdeen. SO 57401 Michelle & Lisa Aberdeen. SO 57401 225- 1998 1308 S. 6th St. 226-0864 Aberdeen. SO 57401 KIRSCHENMANN. Julius & Mavis 225-7408 JUST. Lloyd & Elaine 1205 N . 2nd St. Jeremy & Christa Aberdeen. SO 57401 INMAN. Maynard & Mary Dell 1303 S. 6th St. 225-0917 2900 S. E. 3rd Ave. Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-5092 KIRSCHENMANN. Wilmer & Lorraine 225-8127 1715 S. 8th St. K Aberdeen. SO 57401 J 229-4450 KATTAN. Christine JACKSON, Andrew 716 17th Ave. N. E. KJOSA. Bryan Brian & ReNae Aberdeen. SO 57401 1303 S. 7th St. 1411 S. 7th St. 229-2688 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-8027 226-0314 KATTAN. Lisa 716 17th Ave. N . E. KJOSA. Sandra JOB. Ruth Aberdeen. SO 57401 1303 S. 7th St. 1410 10th Ave. S. E. #4 229- 2688 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-8027 225-4979 KATTAN. Tuula Erik & Anna KJOSA. Wes & Joyce JOHNSON. David & Cheryl 716 17th Ave. N . E. 1303 S. 7th St. Laura & Bryan Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 715 Taylor Dr. 229- 2688 225-8027 Aberdeen. SO 57401 226-1840 KEELER. Hazel KLEIN. Craig 917 7th Ave. S. W. 910 6th Ave. N . E. JOHNSON. Jody Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 1702 S. 1st 225-8976 225-7969 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-2809

6 40018 KLEIN. Harold & Karen KORUPP. Louise LABAY. Richard & Chris 910 6th Ave. N. E. 24 12th Ave. S. E. P. O. Box 43 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Westport. SD 57481 225-7969 225-6349 225-9029

KLEIN. Mark KRAMER. Lenette LADNER. Martha 910 6th Ave. N. E. 5220 12th St. S. #208 324 Marshall #6 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Fargo. ND 58103 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-7969 225-0705 KRANZLER. Arlene KLEIN. Tina 1411 4th Ave. S. W. LANG. Rev. Allen & Carol 910 6th Ave. N.E. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Kathryn & Elizabeth Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-6148 1508 Dick Dr. 225-7969 Aberdeen. SD 57401 KRANZLER. Eva 229-0272 KLEPFER. Bertha G. 1700 N. Hwy. 281 1716 S. Lincoln Aberdeen. SD 57401 LANG. Linda Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-7315 902 S. Jay. #6 225-6575 Aberdeen. SD 57401 KRIESEL. Bill 229-0899 KLINE. Henry & Gloria 6753 Northshore Dr. Jeffrey. Andrew & Stephanie Aberdeen. SD 57401 LANGE. Christine 615 S. 11th St. 229-0526 1002 N. Jay Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 229-0875 KRIESEL. Bill & Kathy 229-0550 Sandy KLINE. Joel 6753 Northshore Dr. LARSON. Anne 1740 Marshall Rd. Aberdeen. SD 57401 214 S. Congress Aberdeen. SD 57401 229-0526 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-4920 225-6739 KRIKAC. Bill & Phyllis KLINE. Richard & Nancy 1744 S. 1st St. LARSON. Erin 1740 Marshall Rd. Aberdeen. SD 57401 1617 N. Jay St. Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-6109 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-4920 225-2833 KRUGER. Chadwick KLINE. Steven & Hallie R. R. 4. Box 340 LARSON. Steve & Trish Richard Aberdeen. SD 57401 Grant 1518 S. Dakota 225-1863 1617 N. Jay St. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-3153 KRUGER. Larry & Vivian 225-2833 Stacey KNUTSON. David R. R. 4. Box 340 LAUINGER. Dee 1511 7th St. Aberdeen. SD 57401 1817 N . Jay Rapid City. SD 57701 225-1863 Aberdeen. SD 57401 341-1245 229-0633 KVASNICKA. Eddie & Brenda KNUTSON. Ed & Jayne Randi & Tyler LAUSTSEN, Gwyn 1415 N. State St. 5431 N. Brown Co. 10 15 Campbell Rd. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 229-4219 226-2487 225-8644

KOHNEN. Karen KYBURZ. Orrin & Lauretta LEACH. Robert & Delores Daniel & Jessica 1001 7th Ave. S. W. 1003 N. lloyd 828 S. High St. Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-8246 225-6276 229-0983 L LEACH. Steve KOOPS. Karl & Kathy 1003 N . lloyd St. Zachary & Kaleb LABAY. Richard Aberdeen. SD 57401 501 Main St. 5409 N. County 10 225-6276 MyerSVille. MD 21773 Aberdeen. SD 57401 (301) 293-1428 229-1299 LEDUC. Opal 318 S. Harrison Aberdeen. SD 57401 225-5089

40018 7 LEE, Lori LYNN, Michael MCDOWELL, John & Ella 19355 Lever St. N. E. 219 S. 4th St. James, John & Peter Wyoming, MN 55092 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Box 90 Mina, SO 57462 LEICHT, Lydia LYNN, Terry 225-5364 1700 N. Hwy. 281 (C Wing) 1111 11th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 MELCHER, Lillian 225-7315 225-4900 1224 S. High St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 LEVI, Howard & Van M 225-7580 R. R. 2, Box 78 Mina, SO 57462 MAISCH, Mr. Raymond MELICK, Bob & Miriam 225-5310 R. R. 1, Box 49 1706 S. 4th St. Bath, SO 57427 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LlER, Aric 225-6735 225-3988 704 S. 4th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 MALTBY, Marjorie MERTZ, Robert & Ruth 225-6710 1015 S.E. 7th Ave. #23A 1009 S. Penn Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LlER, Herman & Esther 225-1208 229-0367 704 S. 4th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 MASHEK, Joy MESSEROLE, Pearl 225-6710 310 3rd Ave. S. E. 817 N. 1st Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LlER, Jay 225-6172 225-3824 704 S. 4th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 MASTEL, Bruce MICKELSON, Melvin & Ethel 225-6710 1708 9th Ave. S. W. 1522 Squire Ln. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LIER, Lisa 225-0125 225-3858 704 S. 4th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 MASTEL, Daniel MILLER, Gerald & Vangie 225-6710 1708 9th Ave. S. W. 1521 S. 8th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LlGTENBERG, Larry & Diane 225- 0125 225- 1405 Tara & Tina 1523 S. 3rd St. MASTEL, Gene & Karen MILLER, Jerry & Linda Aberdeen, SO 57401 1708 9th Ave. S. W. Amy & Amber 229- 4911 Aberdeen, SO 57401 623 N . 1st 225-0125 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LISTON, Ora Jean 226-0113 623 S. High #5 MASTERS, Robert & Donna Aberdeen, SO 57401 Chad MILLER, Karena 225-8719 1001 N. Lincoln 1521 S. 8th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 LOSACKER, Mary 225-3945 225-1405 1700 N . Hwy. 281 Aberdeen, SO 57401 MAZZIE, David & Linda MILLER, Keith 225-7315 1742 S. Lincoln 14645 Portland Ave. S. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Apt. 310 LUIT JENS, Mark & Diane 229-1285 Burnsville, MN 55337 Matthew & Amber 1303 3rd Ave. N. E. MCARTHUR, Grace MILLETT, Ron & Diana Aberdeen, SO 57401 2625 N. E. 13th Court 3663 Greensborough Dr. 229-4363 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 Eagan, MN 55123

LUTZ, Earl & Lorena MCDONALD, Jason MOGEN, Bryan & Ruth 108 9th Ave. S. W. 10375 Zuni St.. Apt. L201 R. R. 1, Box 140 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Federal Hts., CO 80221-6163 Big Stone City, SO 57216 225-8046 862-8101 MCDONALD, Maxine LYNN, David & Betty 4308 Ironwood Dr. MORK, Dale & Linda 1111 11th Ave. N . E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 903 3rd Ave. S. W. Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-2920 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-4900 229-1334

8 40018 J MORK, Todd O'DONNELL, Stella OPSAHL, Pamela 903 3rd Ave. S. W. 1023 N . 4th, Apt. 6 907 7th Ave. S. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-1334 225-3139 225-9119

MUELLER, Raymond & Delores OLSEN, Merrile & Verna OPSAHL, Tracey 1021 15th Ave. N. E. 1535 Dick Dr. 907 7th Ave. S. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-1417 225-5228 225-9119

MULDER, Mark & Karen OLSEN, Ray & Ramona ORMAND, Roger & Marjorie Kimberly 1311 3rd Ave. N. E. Tara, Travis, Hope & Heidi Box 72 Aberdeen, SO 57401 505 N. Lloyd Mina, SO 57462 225-8918 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-1376 225-6110 OLSON, Doug & Cheryl MUNDT, Doug & Vicki Aubrey & Amanda ORMAND, Roger T. 715 11th Ave. S. E. 710 19th Ave. N. E. 505 N . Lloyd Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-4727 229-5370 225-6110

MURPHY, Claudia OLSON, Gary & Berniece ORTH. Elmer & Helen 2923 22nd Ave. S R. R. 1 Steven & Jason Moline, IL 61265 Bath, SO 57427 301 7th Ave. N . E. 225-6525 Aberdeen, SO 57401 N 225-0569 OLSON, Kleng & Shirley NELSON, Bruce 510 20th Ave. N. E. OSWALD, Don & Myra April, Austin & Adam Aberdeen, SO 57401 Kyle & Kendra 225-5752 1323 McGovern Ave. NELSON, Melissa Aberdeen, SO 57401 708 S. 9th St. OLSON, Paul 229-5781 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Dallas, Scott & Christopher 229-3795 212 E. Archer Ave. OWENS, Jim Monmoth, IL 61462-1835 Jason NEUHARTH, Cal 818 3rd Ave. S. W. 607 S. 9th St. OLSON, Thad Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 R. R. 1 225-4667 226-1792 Bath, SO 57427 225-6525 OWENS, Wayne NIVA, Cleo 1110 S. Washington 315 10th Ave. S. W. OLSON. Travis Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 R. R. 1 225-4667 226-3482 Bath, SO 57427 225-6525 P NORQUIST, Brian Steven & Jonathan OPP, Darold & Pam PADLEY, Clifford & Lorraine 694 Morningside Ct. Brian 915 N. Jay Roselle, IL 60172 1225 N. Harrison Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 67401 225-0396 NORQUIST, Bruce 229-2523 4464 Starling Crt. PA YNE, Sandra Woodbridge, VA 22193 OPSAHL, Jerome & Wendy 3617 4th Ave. Jason & Kristi Council Bluffs, IA 51501-3233 NORQUIST, Richard & Joan 907 7th Ave. S. E. 516 '6th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 PFEIFLE, Priscilla Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-9119 1402 S. Wells 225-4908 Aberdeen, SO 57401 OPSAHL, Kinnye 229-0984 o P. O. Box 21 Aberdeen, SO 57401 PFEIFLE, Vance OCHSNER, Oscar & Delores 225-4642 18922 E. 37th Terrace #12 1875 Eisenhower Cir. Independence, MO 64057 Aberdeen, SO 57401 816-795-7514 225-2088

40018 9 PIETZ. Ardis PUTZIER. Tom & Sonya ROSS. Roderick 118 S. Park 6324 Country Ln. Ellendale Nursing Home Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Ellendale. NO 58436 229-1364 225-6600 RUHNKE. Tom & Kathy PIETZ. Emily R Kristi. Michael. Chad & Craig Ipswich. SO 57451 527 Willow Dr. RAMSDELL. Cecil & Virginia Aberdeen. SO 57401 PIETZ. John 1612 S. 2nd St. 225-0143 Senior Citizen's Home Aberdeen. SO 57401 Hosmer. SO 57448 225-3930 RUX. Robert & Dawn 524 N. 1st St. PIETZ. Jon REED. Susan Aberdeen. SO 57401 1223 11th Ave. N. E. P. O. Box 1 229-0198 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Clark. SO 57225 225-6754 S REID. Tom PIETZ. Lydia 905 N . Main SAMPSON. Faith 1007 N. 2nd St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 111 W. Melgaard Rd. #3 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-8042 REM lEN. Roger & Forestta 225-6712 1104 3rd Ave. S. W. PIETZ. Marcia Aberdeen. SO. 57401 SCEPANIAK. Schimayne 4002 S. 5th St. 225- 9542 1006 N . 2nd St. #8 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-0562 RHOADES. Richard & Beverly 124 Gorder Dr. SCHATZ. Gary & Raeleen PIETZ. Mary Aberdeen. SO 57401 Christopher & Matthew 909 N. State 225- 3221 424 S. 4th St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-2371 RICE. George 229-2221 1401 N . 4th St. PIETZ. Milbert & Esther Aberdeen. SO 57401 SCHAUNAMAN. Charles & Arlene 4002 S. 5th St. 225-6463 1505 S. Herret #3 Aberdeen. SO 57401 Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-0562 RICHARDS. Rev. Stacy 225-3402 1226 S. Lincoln PISTULKA. Joe & Janet Aberdeen. SO 57401 SCHAUNAMAN. Herb & Leone Christopher 229-2247 Box 25 1523 S. Lloyd St. Westport. SO 57481 Aberdeen. SO 57401 RIEGER. Oeloyd 329-2006 229-4592 607 10th Ave. S. E. #7 Aberdeen. SO 57402 SCHICK. Rodney & Cindy PLEINIS. Emma 229-4168 Tyson & David 1212 S. Lawson A-11 316 7th Ave. S. W. Aberdeen. SO 57401 RIEGER. Edmound & Vera Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-5557 R. R. 3 229-5419 Aberdeen. SO 57401 PRESZLER. Karen 225-4188 SCHMIDT. Nyle 505 N. Cleveland 316 S. 3rd Brookshire Apts. #7 RIEGER. lillian Aberdeen. SO 57401 Sioux Falls. SO 57103 915 N . Penn 225- 5275 Aberdeen. SO 57401 PRESZLER. Ray & Gladys 225-5140 SCHNAIOT. Edward & Elsye 1306 N. Penn 307 S. 4th St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 RISTAU. Antonia Aberdeen. SO 57401 229-0061 712 N . Washington 225-3305 Aberdeen. SO 57401 PRICE. Mr. & Mrs. Neal 225-1487 SCHNOOR. Modesta Randall 1006 N. 2nd St. 4820 Nightengale #0202 ROSS. Robert & Debora Aberdeen. SO 57401 Colorado Springs. CO 80918 Theresa 226-1575 719-260-1484 711 Park Village Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-1610

10 40018 J SCHULER, Orville & Harriet SORGE, Robert & Jeannette T 412 9th Ave. S. E. 1874 Eisenhower Cir. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 TALAMINE, Dana 225-1161 229-0573 Whitney & Ashley 709 Spencer Ave. SEAMAN, David & Marrelyce SPENCER, Shane Steubenville, OH 43952-3201 1410 S. 8th St. Rt. 1, Box 80 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Bath, SO 57427 TAYLOR, Dorothy 225-6904 229-4384 W . Melgaard Rd. Aberdeen, SO 57401 SEVILLE, Rev. Jack & Fanny SPITZER, Glenn & Dianne 225-7994 1226 Gemini Troy Aberdeen, SO 57401 824 14th Ave. S. E. TAYLOR, Rick 226-0228 Aberdeen, SO 57401 104 W. 6th St. 225-2561 Redfield, SO 57469-1024 SEVILLE, Jaclyn 225-4228 1226 Gemini Ave. STAUFER, Verdella Aberdeen, SO 57401 1006 N . Main TCHIDA, Barbara 226-0228 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Bryant, Darren & Jennifer 225-3891 503 15th Ave. N. E. SEVILLE, Paul Aberdeen, SO 57401 1226 Gemini Ave. STEELE, Helen Aberdeen, SO 57401 111 Melgaard Rd. W TCHIDA, Mervin 226-0228 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Bryant, Darren & Jennifer 225-0802 210 Berkshire Plaza SHILLAM, Lynn Aberdeen, SO 57401 CO A 293rd ECB(H) STOECKER, Glenn 225-3491 APO New York, NY 09034 513 S. State Aberdeen, SO 57401 THISTLE, Melvin & Esther SICHTERMAN, Donetta 225-3977 1848 Eisenhower Cir. 1930 Burns Ave., #310 Aberdeen, SO 57401 St. Paul, MN 55119 STRADER, Ella 225-6920 418 9th Ave. S. E. SICHTERMAN, Steven Aberdeen, SO 57401 THOMAS, Eric 483 W. Lynnhurst Ave. #25 225-1883 1609 S. 8th St. St. Paul, MN 55104 Aberdeen, SO 57401 STROUP, Lydia 225-9386 SIMDORN, Randy & Deb 515 4th Ave. N. E. Laura & Leslie Aberdeen, SO 57401 THOMAS, Richard & Susan (Hohm) 621 17th Ave. N. E. 225-2265 1609 S. 8th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-1349 SUEDMEIER, ShirLee 225-9S86 619 N . 3rd St. SLETTING, David Aberdeen, SO 57401 THOMAS, Vanessa 1224 N. Washington 229-2339 1609 S. 8th St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-1905 SWANSON, Albin 225-9386 812 S. E. 12th Ave. SLETTING, Hazel Aberdeen, SO 57401 THOMPSON, Rev. Mary 1323 5th Ave. S. E. 225-7976 Emory University Hospital Aberdeen, SO 57401 1364 Clifton Rd. N. E. 225-7013 SWANSON, Darcy Atlanta, GA 30322 McWelsh Hall - Box 93 SMITH, Sarah NSU THOMPSON, Robert & Mary R. R. 1, Box 16 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1714 Marshall Rd. Northville, SO 58465 622-2828 Aberdeen, SO 57401 887-3193 225-9694 SWANSTON, Cindy SMITH, Sue Box 119 TRAVIS, Rhodie Box 514 Bath, SO 57427 820 N. 1st St. 208A Bath, SO 57427 Riverton, WY 82501 225-5569 TWITE, Barbara 4410 N. Longview, #206 Phoenix, AZ 85014

40018 11 U W WIEOERICH, Leo & Bernice 2113 13th Ave. S. E. ULLRICH, Mike & Sandra WAGNER, Angela Aberdeen, SO 57401 Jamie & Brandon R. R. 4, Box 376 A 225-2976 1318 N. State Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0670 WILLIAMS, Ed & Joan 229-5196 1230 Gemini Ave. WAGNER, Ron & Joyce Aberdeen, SO 57401 URBAN, Blake Rebecca 229-4017 1710 Melody Ln. R. R. 4, Box 376A Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 WILLIAMSON, Vivian 229-0968 229-0670 1324 12th Ave. S. E. #24 Aberdeen. SO 57401 URBAN, Esther WALLER, Maurine 225-1569 1710 Melody Ln . 1224 S. High St. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 WILSON, Tom & Eva 229- 0968 225-7580 Box 1461 Rapid City, SO 57709 V WALTMAN, Grace 11 9th Ave. N . E. #2 WINTERBERG, Raylene VAN BEEK, Leslie Aberdeen, SO 57401 102 6th Curve, Lakeside Est. 1526 Dick Dr. 229- 4374 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-1526 WARNE, Gary & Yvonne WITTE, Georgina Amy, David & Amanda 1423 S. 3rd VAN BEEK, Richard & Lu 923 4th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 1526 Dick Dr. Aberdeen, SO 57401 225- 6293 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-1647 225-1526 WOLF, Laura WARNE, Keith VAN DOVER, Hazel 1223 S. Main #9 WOLFE, LaVonne 1015 7th Ave. S. E. #19 Aberdeen, SO 57401 1411 S. 3rd Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-0892 Aberdeen, SO 57401 226-0459 229-4189 WEISSER, Kevin VILHAUER, Janet 4414 Solar PI. WOLFF, Aubrey & Norma 1123 8th Ave. S. W. Columbus, NE69601-3960 1853 Eisenhower Cr. Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-5162 WEISSER, Walter & Gladys 225-5578 123 S. Weber VILHAUER, Robert Aberdeen, SO 57401 WOLNER, Alice 1123 8th Ave. S. W. 225-4295 903 N. 1st Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-5162 WELLER, Todd & Valynda 225- 6834 Kirby VOGELE, C.L. & Marjorie 607 Park Village WYLIE, Delbert & May 1719 N. Jay Aberdeen, SO 57401 1523 Royal Rd. Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-6973 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-3392 225-1955 WELLS, John & Gladys VON ESCHEN, Darcy 116 6th Ave. N. W. WYLIE, Jason 924 12th Ave. N. E. Aberdeen, SO 57401 1742 S. Lincoln Aberdeen, SO 57401 229-5425 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-8125 229-1285 WERRE, Erna VON ESCHEN, Dennis & Janet 1020 S. Lincoln WYLIE, Merle & LoRayne Oarrin Aberdeen, SO 57401 610 S. Wells St. 924 12th Ave. N . E. 225-8984 Aberdeen, SO 57401 Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-5535 225-8125 WHITES, Gene & June 204 21st Ave. N. E. WYSE, Philip Aberdeen, SO 57401 225-4468

12 40018 J Z

ZINTER. Nichole 2605 3rd Ave. S. E. Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-4980

ZUM BRUNN EN. Jeff Ashley 2605 3rd Ave. S. E. Aberdeen. SO 57401 226-3181

ZUMMo Leslie & Lillian 1524 S. Grant St. Aberdeen. SO 57401 225-1188

40018 13 Thank You for the Privilege of Making This Directory

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