HISTORICAL REVIEW, SHARON LUTHERAN CHURCH

As written for the 100th anniversary of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sharon Springs, Kansas

This year 1988 is one of special significance in the life of our congregation.  This is the year that Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church enters the ranks of notable endurance.  We have survived as an earthly extension of God’s majestic design for one hundred years.  This year of commemoration and celebration serves as a time for us to rededicate ourselves to the commitment the founders of this congregation accepted those many years ago.  It is an open-ended commitment because God’s call for us to spread His word does not have an ending.

The Rev. Dr. Martin’s devotional at the 1924 Congregational Meeting pointedly reaffirmed the mission of the church. He said,

“Quite often did that fear strike us:  our little church will not last very long, it will die.  But, my friends, our church is not going to die. Our little congregation is going to live and go forward unto victory.  What does Jesus say about His church?  Has He not said:  ‘I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’ It is necessary for us to believe in Him, to confess His name, and to translate our creed into holy life and Christian service.  If our members will follow this precept, then our church will prevail and gradually become a power in the community.”

Rev. Martin’s words ring true for our congregation today as well.  Let us use our celebration as a call for reaffirmation of our commitment to God and His word.

The Swedish Colonization Company of Lindsborg, Kansas, was responsible for convincing Swedish pioneers to settle in Sharon Springs shortly after the town was founded.  The Swedes immediately felt the need for spiritual leadership in their Lutheran faith.  It did not take them long to organize themselves into a congregation following their arrival on the plains of the West.

An interesting chronicle of events has taken place following the foundation of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church.  The Centennial Planning Committee determined that the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of our congregation would be an appropriate time to write an exhaustive history of our church and its earthly functions.  It is understood that there is a substantial part of the history which cannot be recorded on paper.  Those who served the Lord our God through the Lutheran Church in Sharon Springs have made an undeterminable contribution to His Kingdom with their very lives.  To God be all praise and glory, now and forever.  (table of contents)

SYNODICAL AFFILIATION

On Christmas Eve, 1619, a small group of Scandinavians held the first Lutheran Communion service in the New World near the Hudson Bay in Canada.  Since then Lutheranism has spread across the entire North American Continent.  The early congregations organized many independent synods, based largely on ethnic heritage and geographical location.

Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America which had been organized in 1860.  The new congregation became a part of the Salina District of the Kansas Conference.  In 1958, the Plains States were geographically reorganized and Sharon became part of what was known as the Western District of the West Central Conference.

Churches affiliated with the Augustana Synod were primarily of Scandinavian background.  Sharon Lutheran Church was no exception, and for many years remained deeply rooted in the Swedish traditions of the founding members of the congregation.

The E. H. DeBeer family arrived in Sharon Springs from Nebraska in 1922. Rev. Martin quickly identified them as members of the Lutheran faith and invited them to attend church.  However, the DeBeer’s were of German descent and could not understand the service which was conducted in Swedish.  Rev. Martin began preaching in English and the process was begun for conversion of the entire service into English.  Official church records were kept in Swedish through 1923.  At the 1924 annual meeting of the congregation held on January 10, all proceedings were recorded in English and have been since that date.

Swedish was the language of religious instruction well into the twentieth century.  From the available records, it is not evident exactly when the change was made to English although indications are that it was before the official language change in 1924.

By the early 1960s, the membership of the Augustana Synod, like that of Sharon Lutheran Church, had become quite ethnically diversified. The Augustana Synod merged with the United Lutheran Church in America, the American Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church.  The result was the formation of The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) in July 1962.  Within the LCA, Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church was a congregation of the Western District of the Central States Synod, which had its headquarters in Overland Park. Kansas.  The Central States Synod was composed of Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and western Missouri.

Beginning on 1 January 1988, as Sharon Lutheran entered its centennial year, another merger took place uniting the LCA with The American Lutheran Church and The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches.  The new name chosen to represent this reorganization is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  Sharon Lutheran Church is part of what has been designated as the Missouri-Kansas Synod within the ELCA.

Our congregation begins its second century filled with renewed vitality for spreading the word of Christ through its association with the ELCA. (table of contents)

PASTORS

Through the years, Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church has been blessed with a number of fine ministers, bringing to the members of our congregation the work of God as well as administering the Holy Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.  There have been hard times, when pastors were not available and when monies to pay them for their services were virtually non-existent.  However, they have served us faithfully and diligently in both good and not-so-good times.

The Augustana Synod sent Rev. John A. Stamline as the organizational missionary in our field.  He served the congregation in 1888 and 1889.  It was not until Rev. Erik Glad arrived in 1893 that our congregation, together with Bethesda (Page City) and Bethany (at that time located in the Stockholm Community), had a resident pastor. Rev. Glad served until 1896.

Rev. John Holcomb served from 1899 to 1904.  Rev. Dr. A. P. Martin arrived in Western Kansas in 1907 and faithfully served our congregation for almost 27 years.  Rev. August Nordin arrived in Sharon Springs in 1934 and died suddenly later that year.

Rev. Charles A. Strandberg served as minister of our congregation for 14 years from 1938 to 1952.  Rev. Jacob P. Langsjoen arrived at the beginning of 1953 and served until 1956.  Rev. Stanley Leaf came to serve and lead us in 1958 and remained until 1963.

On 1 January 1962, Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church joined together with Bethany, Bethesda, and St. Paul’s (Tribune) to form the Lutheran Quad Parish of Western Kansas.  Since that time, our churches have been served jointly by the following faithful servants of God (including Rev. Leaf): Rev. Lorenze P. Larson (1962-1974), Rev. Karl David Nordstrom (1964-1966), Rev. Virgil R. Lundquist (1966-1976), Rev. David Thies (1974-1978), Rev. Lester Kenneth Larson (1977-1984), Rev. Clifford K. Swanson (1979-1983), Rev. Cristy Claus Schoob and Rev. David William Schoob (both 1984-1987).  Currently our pastors are the Revs. Norma K. and Wayne J. Pouppirt who arrived in the fall of 1987.

Our congregation has also been served by numerous ministers and students who have filled our pulpit during times of pastoral vacancy.  Sharon Lutheran Church is deeply indebted to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, for supplying many of the student pastors who came to our community to share the Gospel of Salvation with us. Those pastors and ministerial students who have served our congregation through the years, as identified from available records, are listed here: Rev. L. J. Sanden (1889-1890), Rev. C. G. Olson (1892), Rev. Dr. Julius Lincoln (1894), Rev. Dr. G. A. Dorf (1894. as a student), Rev. P. A. Malm (1896), Rev. John Wickstrand (1896-1899, occasionally), Rev. Dr. Ernst F. Philblad (1896-1899, occasionally), Rev. Dr. G. A. Brandelle (1896-1899, occasionally), Rev. C. Wallen (1898), Rev. Dr. John Ekholm (1899), Rev. F. Swensson (1904), Rev. Ferdinand Johnson (1904 & 1905, as a student), Rev. John Florentine Anderson (1934-1937, as a student), Rev. Perry Carlson (1937-1938, as a student), Rev. Dean Lindquist (1952), Rev. Dr. Stanley H. Swanson (1957), Rev. Barry Olsson (1957 & 1958, as a student), Rev. Carl Fredrickson (1957 & 1958, as a student), Rev. Dr. Carl Hanson (1957 & 1958, as a student), Rev. J. R. Nordlander (1957-1958, occasionally), Rev. Dr. Carl A. B. Swanson (1957-1958), Rev. John C. Jahren (1958. as a student), Rev. Dennis Marcus (1958, as a student), Rev. Richard Novotne (1958, as a student), Dr. Gene Muller (1974), Rev. Michael Fleming (1977), Rev. John R. Binder Jr. (1978). Rev. Timothy Ohlman (1978 & 1981, as a student), Rev. Stanley A. Larson (1983, as a student), and Rev. William D. Hall (1984, as a student).

Several children and former members of our congregation have also entered full-time service of the Lutheran Church as ministers and minister’s wives.  They are: Rev. Armor Edberg (‘10), Rev. Daniel Martin (‘10), Ruby Martin Leaf (‘19), Lily Nelson Dahlgren (‘19), Edna Nelson Leaf (‘22), Doris Strandberg Swenson (‘39), Rev. Raymond Mai (‘43). Bertha Anderson Williams, a missionary to Africa, and Rev. Stanley Larson. (table of contents)

JOINT PARISHES

Because of the small size of our congregation through the years, Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church has united in various configurations with the neighboring parishes of Bethany (formerly located in the Stockholm Community, now in Weskan), Bethesda (Page City), and Saint Paul’s (Tribune).  These alliances have met the needs of the member churches for many years. The willingness of pastors to serve such diverse geographical congregations has been greatly appreciated by all those concerned.

The first union took place on 8 January 1892 when Sharon joined with Bethany and Bethesda to call a minister.  The Rev. Erik Glad was the first to accept the call to this grouping.  He and subsequent ministers held services in each church once a month, traveling between towns by train.  For the most part the early-day ministers set up their principal residence in Sharon Springs.

When Saint Paul’s was organized in 1934, Bethany joined with them.  On 1 January 1942, Bethesda had grown large enough to call its own pastor and under the leadership of Rev. Strandberg, Sharon Lutheran Church became an independent parish.

Sharon once again united with Bethany early in 1952 and issued a call to Rev. Langsioen who arrived early in 1953.  He took up residence in the parsonage in Weskan.  Following Rev. Langsjoen’s departure, Sharon joined for the first time with Saint Paul’s and called Rev. Leaf.  He lived in the Tribune parsonage while serving the two parishes.

Under the leadership of Rev. Leaf, Bethany, Bethesda, Saint Paul’s, and Sharon joined to form a four-point parish on 1 January 1962.  The pastors serving the Quad Parish have lived in various locations, most recently settling in the Tribune and Sharon Springs parsonages.  When Revs. Cristy and David Schoob arrived in 1984, they took up residence at the Sharon Springs parsonage, serving the four congregations from its central location. Revs. Norma and Wayne Pouppirt and their family now occupy the parsonage.  Sunday morning worship services are currently held each week in all four churches with our pastors alternating between congregations.

The Quad Parish of Western Kansas enters its 26th year as Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrates its 100th.  It has been a good and prosperous union and we ask that God continue to bless it in the years to come. (table of contents)

“CHARTER” MEMBERS

The topic of charter membership in the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church is not a subject easily breached.  Sharon Lutheran does not have an original charter in its own right.  Our charter was obtained when the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Sharon Church in Gove County disbanded in 1916.  According to the History and Heritage of Gove County, Kansas, this church was located in southwest Gove County, in the heart of the Swedish community that had been established there in 1885-1886.  The congregation in rural Gove County and our congregation may have officially functioned under the same charter during the early years.  Both congregations were served by the same pastors at many times.

The founders selected the Biblical name “Sharon” for their new church and congregation.  Sharon was a fertile plain on the west coast of Palestine.  It extended from Jappa to Mount Carmel and was renowned for its richness and beauty.  In Swedish, the name is “Saron.”

The original name of our congregation, according to the records of the organizational meeting, was the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Sharon Congregation of Sharon Springs.  It remained that way until 28 October 1931 (filing date: 12 November 1931), when the name on the “borrowed” charter was changed to the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sharon Springs, Wallace County, Kansas.

The “borrowed” charter was signed by Charles 0. Tilberg, Nils Larson, and Olaf Pearson, all of Jerome, and Charles P. Nordell and Olaf A. Osberg, both of Gove.  None of these men were ever carried on the rolls of our church.  This charter is dated 10 July 1888 and was filed on the 14th of the same month.

We, therefore, do not seem to have bonafide “charter” members.  According to the original church minutes, the founding members of our church met at the Sharon Springs school house on 8 April 1888 to form a congregation.  Rev. John A. Stamline was present as presiding representative of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod’s Mission Board.  A constitution was adopted and officers were elected. The following were to serve as Deacons:  John Peterson, John Holcomb, and Olof Engstrom.  The following were elected as Trustees: J. M. Erickson, F. Nelander, and John H. Edberg.  John S. Holland served as secretary.  The women of the congregation were not present at this meeting.

Exactly who was at the meeting has become quite confusing through the years.  The minutes indicate that the following men attended the organizational meeting:  John S. Holland, J. H. Erickson, J. H. Edberg, A. Peterson, F. Nelander, S. Nelson, J. P. Peterson, Olof Engstrom, John Mattson, and John Holcomb.  The 40th and 50th Anniversary histories list the same men.

However, by the 65th Anniversary Celebration, held in conjunction with the dedication of the new church building in 1953, the founding member list had changed. Each man was listed as “Mr. and Mrs.” despite the fact that John Holland and Fredrick Nelander were not married.  Also Samuel Nelson, J. P. Peterson, and Andrew Peterson (all of whom were married) were not even mentioned. The 85th Anniversary Historical Sketch only mentions that there were 14 “charter” members and does not give them by name.

Confusion about the identification of the founding members of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church does not end with the misinformation provided and perpetuated in the Anniversary Historical Sketches.  J. H. Erickson is recorded as both a “charter” member and an original trustee. According to the church registry, however, Mr. Erickson and his family never had their membership transferred from central Kansas to Sharon Springs.  He must have been active in the congregation because his name is mentioned on several occasions over a period of years.  However, he has never been on the rolls of the church.

At this point it may never be settled.  According to the church registry, whose first entries were made sometime in late 1888 or early 1889, the following people had their membership transfered to Sharon Springs during 1888.  These prairie pioneers came from Lindsborg, Salina, Freemont, Salemsborg, and Stockholm, Kansas, and Carver, Minnesota.  It appears that the Mattsons came to Sharon Springs directly from Sweden.  They are all “founding” members and each reader can make an independent decision about the role of J. H. Erickson.  The approximate age of each individual is given in parenthesis.

 

Transfer effective 25 February 1888

1.          John Holcomb (47)

            Hanna Johnson Holcomb (37)

            children:            Nils Albert Holcomb (131

                                    Esther Olivia Holcomb (11)

                                    Josephine Mathilda Holcomb (7)

 

Transfer effective 1 March 1888

2.          Johan Mattson (31)

            Maria Persdotter Mattson (31)

            child:                 Esther Justina Mattson (1)

 

Transfer effective 5 March 1888

3.          Olof Engstrom (42)

            Maria Christina Peterson Engstrom (27)

            child:                 Edith Ananda Olivia Engstrom (2)

 

4.          Johan Peter Peterson (67)

            Anna Stina Johanson Peterson (56)

 

Transfer effective 8 April 1888

5.                  John S. Holland (31)

 

6.          Anders Peterson (60)

            Anna Charlotta Mathilda Peterson (53)

 

 

Transfer effective 6 July 1888

7.          Johan 0. Linn (45)

            Ingrid Peterson Linn (33)

            children:           Gustaf Adolf Linn (9)

                                    Esther Wilhelmina Linn (7)

                                    Axel Ansgarius Linn (4)

                                    Carl Oscar Linn (2)

 

Transfer effective 8 July 1888

8.          John S. Gustafson (27)

 

Transfer effective 10 August 1888

9.          Johan Henry Edberg (34)

            Maria Carlotta Edberg (34)

            children:             Maurice Valerian Edberg (10)

                                    Cora Henrietta Edberg (8)

                                    Lillie Victoria Edberg (4)

                                    Mable Urcellica Edberg (3)

                                    Laura Edith Edberg (2)

 

Transfer effective 30 August 1888

10.        O. C. Nelson (64)

            Christina Nelson (52)

 

11.               11.        Fredrick (Nelson) Nelander (26)

 

12.        Henry Oscar Ignatius Nelson (18)

 

Transfer effective B September 1888

13.        Samuel N. Nelson (29)

            Emma Carolina Anderson Nelson (27)

            children:            Mable Lillian Alfrida Nelson (5)

                                    Lula Hilma Eleanora Nelson (2)

 

For those identified as founding members of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church, the first two decades were very difficult.  Hard times fell on the community as a whole and particularly upon several members of our fledgling congregation.

Before the end of the first year, three of the founding members had lost their wives.  Mrs. John Peter Peterson, Mrs. John Mattson, and Mrs. Olof Engstrom died during 1888.  According to the church records, Mrs. Mattson and Mrs. Engstrom probably passed away before the organizational meeting in April of that year.  Therefore, the funeral of Mrs. Peterson who died in August was most likely the first one of the new congregation.

There is some confusion as to who was the first baptism in our congregation. The first more or less official entry in the church registry indicates that Anna Maria Linn, daughter of John 0. and Ingrid Peterson Linn, was born 30 November 1890 in Sharon Springs and baptized 15 April 1891 also in Sharon Springs.  By whom this baptism was performed is not noted and there was no full time resident pastor at the time.  However, the Linns also had a son born 10 February 1888 in Sharon Springs.  Although no baptism date is given in the registry, conceivably this child would have been baptized by Rev. Stamline who was in the area during this time.

Another child, Norman Edward Edberg, the son of Johan Henry and Maria Charlotta Edberg, was born 3 June 1888 in Sharon Springs.  The registry records his baptism on 20 July of that same year, but once again does not provide the name or residence of the officiating minister.

The first confirmands of the congregation were Esther Holcomb Erickson and Josephine Holcomb Quick.  They were confirmed on 24 May 1896 in Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Stockholm Community with the class there.  Rev. P. A. Malm was the officiating minister.

The registry records the first marriage held in our church in 1924 (no date given) when George M. Frantz and Blanche K. Kessler were united in Holy Matrimony by Rev. Dr. A. P. Martin.

There are no longer any descendants of the founding members who are a part of our congregation. John Holland moved to Omaha on 6 May 1889.  The last of Johan Henry Edberg family left in 1917. Fredrick Nelander moved away.  The Samuel Nelson family left on 3 December 1899 and returned in 1902, but their children have all moved away.  John Peter Peterson and the John Linn family left for Lindsborg on 17 July 1896.  Mr. and Mrs. Anders Peterson left on 24 June 1900.

The Johan Mattson family is gone.  The Olof Engstroms moved to Marquette on 4 December 1896.  Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Nelson, Henry Nelson, and John Gustafson left the community.  The members of the original Holcomb family have either passed on or moved from our community. (table of contents) 

THE ORIGINAL CHURCH BUILDING AND ITS FURNISHINGS

It is believed that the congregation met during the early years of its existence at the Sharon Springs school and at the homes of its members.  At a special meeting held on 8 December 1899, it was decided to purchase the Monotony schoolhouse to be used as a house of worship.  Rev. Holcomb and O. C. Nelson were designated to be responsible for moving the building to Sharon Springs from its location west of town.

John A. Johnson purchased the schoolhouse for $100.  The Women’s Missionary Society (W.K.S.) paid part of the sum and Mr. Johnson donated the remainder.  Early in 1900, William Westerlund of Chicago, Illinois, donated to the congregation Lots 1-4 in Block 59 of the Ericson & Ferlen Second Addition in Sharon Springs.  The former school house was moved to this sight at the southwest corner of Pine and Gardner Streets.  This is also the site of the present church building.

Not much is known about the interior of the church building during the early years.  In 1901. the W.M.S. paid Axel Larson $16.00 to paint the church after it had been moved to town.  The W.M.S. also provided oil for the buildings wooden floor.  The first pulpit and altar were donated by Mattis Holcomb several years after the congregation began to use the building.  In 1924, the Luther League purchased a Vose and Sons piano for $495.  This was quite an extraordinary feat, particularly during these times in our congregation’s history.  This piano, along with the pulpit and the altar from the original church building are located today in the Fellowship Hall in the basement of the current building.

In 1935, Carl Swedlund donated trees which he planted around the church and parsonage.  These trees have been removed from around the new church building.  During the past five years Hackberry, Green Ash, and - Locust trees have been donated by William V. Mai (‘50) and Eldon Rohn (‘54). Bill took care of transplanting them.

The last service held in the first building was on 28 December 1952.  This was also the Sunday Rev. Strandberg rendered his last sermon as the regular pastor of our congregation.  The original building was sold to the contractor Gerald A. Swanson for $1,000. On 5 January 1953, it was moved to Lake Street on Eagle Tail Creek near the bridge.  The congregation continued to meet in the old building until the dedication of the new building. Since then, the former church has been used for storage. (table of contents)

THE CURRENT CHURCH BUILDING AND GROUNDS

On 27 July 1952, following much discussion, it was decided to make the church’s current location the permanent location of the congregation’s church building. That decision set the scene for plans to build a new church to accommodate the needs of the growing congregation.

The Building Committee consisting of John Larson, chairman; H. F. Schemm, vice-chairman; Carl Forsbeck (‘23), treasurer; Daniel Keister, secretary; and Julius Deines met for the first time on 17 November 1952. Early in December of that same year, Gerald A. Swanson of Sharon Springs was hired as the contractor to build the new church.

The basic design of the building was 60’ x 28’ with a full basement.  It was constructed of concrete block with brick veneer and a tile roof.  The ground-breaking service for the new church building was held in a drizzling rain on 28 December 1952.  Rev. Strandberg officiated. The old church building was moved on 5 January 1953, and construction on the new building was begun on 8 January.  Mr. Swanson estimated that the building costs would be $19,875.

The laying of the cornerstone was held on 22 February.  Rev. Dean Lindquist, President of the

District, presided at the ceremony; Rev. Fred Hedberg of Tribune was the visiting pastor.  Construction progressed very rapidly.

The dedication was held on 17 May 1953. Rev. Dr. N. Everett Hedeen, Conference President dedicated the church.  Rev. Dr. Leslie Carlson, regional director, delivered the dedicatory address.  The Women’s Missionary Society provided and served a dinner to the approximately 200 people who attended the celebration.

In 1954, contractor Vince Kvasniska of Sharon Springs did the landscaping around the new church. He planted various types of shrubbery and new grass.  On 10 December 1959, a mortgage burning ceremony was conducted and the congregation declared itself free of construction debt for its new building.

Near noon on Good Friday, 31 March 1961, there was a gas explosion in the church basement which partially demolished the building.  After much discussion, it was decided on 1 May 1961 to build an addition to the south side of the church while the reconstruction was done. The 20’ x 30’ addition included an overflow room, pastor’s office, and church school rooms along with a full basement.  It was decided not to add a choir loft to the north side of the church. Total estimated cost for the building project was $15,000.  On 4 May 1961 a contract to rebuild was given to Gerald Swanson. This contract was completed on 10 August.

The remaining 22 lots in Block 59 were purchased in 1964 for $3,000.  Later that year the parking lot project was completed.  That same year the Luther League purchased and erected signs at each of the four highway entrances to Sharon Springs. In early 1965, a brick sign was built in front of the church at a cost of $184.15.

In September 1974, lots 13-15 and the south 10 feet of lot 12 were sold to Edward Dean (‘72). The latest alteration to the church building and grounds occurred in 1986 when a new pitched roof was put on the addition.

Our congregation has been blessed with resources that enable us to have such a beautiful and purposeful building in which to conduct our worship services and share the fellowship of our families and friends.  For this good fortune, we are indeed thankful to God.  As our congregation struggled through many difficult years, great sacrifices were made by many in order to continue God’s ministry.  The individual talents of our membership are evident all around our church grounds.  To those men and women, too numerous to mention by name, we offer our collective thanks. (table of contents)

SANCTUARY FURNISHINGS OF THE CURRENT CHURCH BUILDING

When Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church completed construction of the new church building in May 1953, it contained entirely new furnishings in the sanctuary.  There was one noteable exception. The new pews, which were being constructed in LaJunta, Colorado, had not yet arrived.  They were installed several weeks later.

The Luther League raised the funds to purchase the communion set and the flags.  They also donated the lumber, which was used to build the new altar and pulpit.  These two items were constructed by Dean Schemm (‘46) and Arthur Mai (‘39).  Dean also built the baptismal font, the expense of which was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keister.  Edna Samuelson Johnson of Kansas City generously contributed the brass cross and candle holders that were placed on the altar.

The dual-manual pipe organ built by the Reuter Organ Company of Lawrence, Kansas, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Schemm and their sons in memory of their parents and grandparents.  It had originally been in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kansas.  Remarkably, the organ sustained very little damage during the gas explosion in 1961.

Carpet was installed in the sanctuary in 1954 by’ Ebaugh Furniture Company of Lindsborg.  The cost of this project was underwritten by the Women’s Missionary Society.  In 1956, the candlelighters were donated to the church.

In conjunction with our congregation’s 75th Anniversary celebration in 1963, many gifts were given to the church in memorium.  A Pastor’s chair was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnson and Guy Richards.  The pulpit lamp was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. DeBeer.  The lectern was given in memory of Carl Forsbeck (‘23) and dedicated in March 1964.  An Everett piano was donated in memory of George Lundberg.  A new speaker system was installed in 1964 in memory of Margaret Ann Lake (‘59).

In July 1964 the church seal arrived.  In 1965 chancel chairs were given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Brack.  The chairs were constructed by Butch Seiffert of Russell, Kansas, and the emblems made by Malcomb Esping of Lindsborg, Kansas.

The interior of the sanctuary was refurbished in May 1971 with the addition of paneling and trim.  Two candelabra sets were dedicated in August 1972 in memory of Frank Mangold and John Lake.  A beautiful music stand was contributed in memory of Ferd Rohn in 1978.  In 1981, new lighting was installed along with ceiling fans designed to increase air circulation and decrease energy expenses for heating and cooling the building.  The fans were donated in memory of Rev. and Mrs. C. A. Strandberg and Dorothy Standish Deines.  The new lights were given in memoriam for Julius Deines, Mr. and Mrs. John Hinricks, Ferd Rohn, Enoch Sandstedt, and Otto Stockhaus.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Benisch furnished a stand for visitors to register their worship attendance with our congregation.  This gift was made in 1982 in living memory of their children.  In June 1985 pew cushions were donated in memory of H. F. Schemm.  Earlier this year Martha Deines Siebert donated new flag and banner poles for use in our sanctuary.  A historical display case was also donated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Albin Olson during this centennial year.

At many times, our congregation has struggled to meet the needs of the ministry for which our church was established.  Nevertheless, we have had adequate resources and an abundance of talent among our members to provide a fitting sanctuary for our church.  We are once again thankful to God for His watchful eye and benevolent grace in guiding us to make appropriate use of the resources He has provided. (table of contents)

PARSONAGES

During the early years of the life of our parish, the pastors who served our congregation lived in various locations during their ministry in Western Kansas.  They traveled between the churches of the area by train, of ten staying with members of our-congregation.  The early pioneers realized that a permanent home for the pastor and his family would be necessary in order to maintain a full time pastorate.

This subject was discussed many times and finally on 8 July 1906 it was decided to build.  The three parishes of Bethesda, Bethany, and Sharon met on 17 August 1906 and unanimously voted to build the parsonage in Sharon Springs.  The land was donated by John A. Johnson of Sharon Springs.  A year later, building had been completed and Rev. A. P. Martin and his family moved into the two-story, wood frame home on the corner of Pine and Gardner Streets.  This location was one-half block from the church building at 420 Gardner Street.

On 26 November 1947, the members of Bethesda sold their interest in the parsonage to Bethany and Sharon.  The building continued to serve as the residence of our ministers until 1952 when Rev. Strandberg completed his tenure as our regular pastor.  At that time it was sold to Robert Lucas for $5,500.  His wife continues to live there.

From 1952 until Rev. Virgil Lundquist arrived in 1966, our pastors and their families lived in Weskan in a parsonage owned by the Bethany congregation.  In the fall of 1966 a building committee consisting of John Larson, H. F. Schemm, and Art Mai U39) began work on a new parsonage to be located just south of the church’s southern parking lot at 517 South Gardner Street.

Mastercraft Homes of Rapid City, South Dakota, was consigned to design the floor plan and complete the off-site partial construction.  Darwin Smith of Sharon Springs served as the local supplier.  John Neff was hired as the construction contractor in Sharon Springs.  Glen Goudy, also of Sharon Springs, completed the work on the wiring and the furnace.

The house contains approximately 1,600 square feet along with a full basement and an attached two-car garage.  The structure’s outer walls are light brick veneer.  The total cost of construction was $25,870.51.  The work done on the property since then as been completed by volunteer members of our congregation who have greatly reduced the monetary requirements necessary for remodeling and maintenance.  For all those who have contributed their time and talent, we are deeply thankful.  In particular, it is important to mention Ella DeBeer Larson (‘22) who, along with her husband John, financed a substantial portion of the construction costs for the new parsonage.

The parsonage was blessed on 25 June 1967.  The Lundquists, who had been staying at the E. H. DeBeer basement house, were the first occupants of the new home.  Since then various improvements have been made to the building and grounds in order to accommodate the needs of our ministers and their families. The basement was completed during the years that Rev, and Mrs. Lester Larson were with us. Currently the Pouppirts have the home arranged into living room, dining room, kitchen/laundry room, four bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, and family room. There is also an office and a storage room. (table of contents)

MUSIC

         As Lutherans we have been recipients of an excellent musical heritage led by the works of Martin Luther and other great composers.  To the members of Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church, praising God through music continues to be an important part of our worship.  Our congregation is deeply indebted to numerous members who have throughout the years shared their musical talents to enhance the worship service.

Although without a regular church building and its accompanying furnishings, church records indicate that Gustava Peterson was elected as organist for 1889 at the annual meeting held on 5 January of that year.  Among the organists who have faithfully served our congregation since then are: Cora Edberg, Lilly Edberg (02), Hilma Johnson, Ruby Martin Leaf (‘19), Edna Nelson Leaf (‘22), Bertha Holcomb, Alberta Johnson, Betty Larson Schreiber (‘50) and Doris Zakrison Lundquist.  Of special mention is Anna Hedlund Johnson who served for many, many years.  During the past ten years Arla Michaelis Homburg, Eunice Lundberg Mai and Mildred Olson Schemm have shared their musical talents by leading our congregation as organists.  They have also been assisted by Darla Stolz (82).

Almost all members of our congregation have shared their voices by making “a joyful noise unto the Lord.”  According to available records Bertha Holcomb led the first choir in 1924.  She directed 20 members.  The size of the chancel choir has seen a variety of numbers since that time.  Others who have served as choir directors include Louise Voth, Mildred Olson Schemm and Allaire Homburg who is our current choir director.

Music has also been an integral part of our Church School programs for young people.  During the years we have been very pleased to have the youth choirs add their music to the worship service.  They have also contributed special programs each year, most notably during the Advent and Christmas seasons.  Leaders of the various youth choirs include: Thelma Bender Brack, Dixie Chain Schemm (‘63), Vernon Schemm (‘48), Mildred Olson Schemm, Eunice Lundberg Mai, Sharon Billenwillms (‘64), Sheila Billenwillms Harris (‘61), Doris Zakrison Lundquist, Cheryl Mai Goldenstein (‘75), and Darla Stolz (‘82).  Currently Susan Steinike Deines and Jewell Embree Steinike are leading the young cherub choir. (table of contents)

WOMEN‘S ORGANIZATIONS

According to earlier church histories, the women of Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church first organized a sewing society in 1888, shortly following the organization of the congregation.  It was known by its Swedish name - “Fruntimers Syforening.”  The women gathered in each others homes and sewed various articles which were sold to the community. The money was used to assist the congregation’s missionary activities.

The earliest available records are for 1897. They indicate, however, a substantial fund balance being brought forward from the previous year. When the first church building was purchased in 1900, the women’s organization helped to finance it.  They also provided funding for its conversion into a suitable house of worship.

Gradually the group became known as the Women’s Missionary Society (W.M.S.).  The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Synod had organized the Conference Women’s Missionary Society in 1900.  From the beginning the records were kept in Swedish until 1923 when it was decided that all church records would be kept in English.

During World War I, the W.M.S. worked closely with the Wallace County Chapter of the American Red Cross providing all kinds of clothing and medical supplies for our boys fighting in Europe.  Following the conclusion of the war, the group continued to send supplies to relieve the refugees displaced by the hostilities.

The W.M.S. met once each month.  They sang songs, held scripture readings and discussions, and presented programs about the mission of God’s church throughout the world.  Special emphasis has been placed upon learning and understanding the needs of the missionaries sponsored by many denominations in Africa, Asia, and South America.  In addition to providing some monetary support to these mission efforts, the W.M.S. (along with its predecessor and successor groups) has been a primary resource for maintaining our excellent worship facilities.  Their contribution to the ministry of our congregation has been undying and unselfish.

When the Augustana Synod united with other Lutheran bodies in 1962, the W. M. S. became the Lutheran Church Women (L.C.W.).  With the organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America earlier this year, the women of our congregation became part of the Women of the E.L.C.A.  The basic programs and functions of the group have remained the same throughout the years.

The Sharon W.E.L.C.A. officers for 1988 are:  Wilma Seilheimer Mai, president; Wanda Chaney Keister (‘58), vice-president; Edna Fowler Howard (‘50), secretary; and Eunice Lundberg Mai, treasurer. Other currently active members, along with Rev. Norma Pouppirt, are: Glenna Collins Chaney, Susan Steinike, Deines, Elnora Schneider Eckels • Arla Michaelis Homburg, Marie DeBeer Johnson (‘22), Rachel Blehm Keister, Helen Keister Larson,  Linda Tomich Mai, Martha Deines Mai, Nellie Duncan Petty (‘54), Lydia Dietz Rohn, Lena Deines Schemm, Mildred Olson Schemm, Martha Deines Siebert, Jewell Embree Steinike, Barbara Benisch Stockhaus (‘58), Bess Anderson Stockhaus (‘64), and Linda Moore Stolz.

Since the first church building was bought in 1899, there has been an active Altar Guild at Sharon Lutheran Church.  Records of those faithful who attended to the preparation of the altar and communion materials do not exist.  We are indebted to the many who have filled this position.  Those known to have served are Alice Rundahl Forsbeck (‘19), Martha Deines Siebert, Rachel Blehu Keister, Helen Keister Larson, and Linda Moore Stolz.  For the past ten years, Lydia Dietz Rohn has diligently filled this post with the help of Wanda Chaney Keister (‘58) and Bess Anderson Stockhaus (‘64). (table of contents)

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL

  Immediately following the organization of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church in the spring of 1888, a system of religious instruction for the children was initiated.  These early Kansas pioneers in the church recognized the importance of Biblically based education as a foundation of the moral fibre within their community.  The children, always an integral part of the present-day church, were and continue to be the base of the future.

The number of children enrolled in the Sunday School at Sharon Lutheran Church has had many peaks and valleys. The  figures available for 1908 indicate that 40 children were enrolled for religious instruction.  However, by 1928 there were only seven enrolled.  Enrollment reached a high of 56 in 1964 but had fallen to 33 in 1973 and about the same number at this writing (1988).

As far as can be determined from available historical documentation, John Holcomb was the first Sunday School Superintendent.  Others since then have been J. 0. Linn; J. A. Johnson; Rev. Martin; Carl Nelson, Sr.; Ellen Martin; Marie DeBeer Johnson (‘22); Ella DeBeer Larson (‘22); Arthur Mai (‘39); Mildred Olson Schemm; William V. Mai (‘50); Edna Fovler Howard (‘50); Linda Tomich Mai; Linda Moore Stolz; Glenna Collins Chaney; Wanda Chaney Keister (‘58); and Barbara Beniscb Stockhaus (‘59).  In recent years, the role of the Sunday School Superintendent has been filled by the chairman of the Education Committee.  Currently Rona Samuelson Langdon is acting in this capacity.

Special recognition must be given to Mrs. A. P. Martin and Marie DeBeer Johnson (‘22) for their many, many years of faithful service in this capacity.

For many decades our congregation has held Vacation Bible (Church) School at various times during the summer months. This instruction has served as a source of Christian education for many children of the community as well as the congregation.  (table of contents)

LUTHER LEAGUE

      The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod organized the Conference Luther League system in 1903.  The earliest available recorded activity of the Luther League of the Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church begins in 1923, although young people’s groups had been active before this tiine.  By 1924, the Luther League had been so active as to have raised $495 which they used to purchase a Vose and Sons piano for the sanctuary.  This piano is now located in the Fellowship Hall in the basement of the current building.  During 1932, the group became inactive due primarily to a lack of young people of the proper ages for Luther League membership.

By the later years of the 1940s, the Luther League was once again found to be a very active participant in the life of our congregation.  A junior mission band was organized under the leadership of Marie DeBeer Johnson (‘22), Minnie Goodwin Westerberg (‘48), and Vivian Okeson Cox.  The Luther League was in charge of the 65th Anniversary Celebration in 1953. They had also raised enough money to pay for the communion set, the flags, and the lumber used to build the altar and pulpit in the new church building.  League members also constructed these items.

The group continued to be active during the remainder of the 1950s and into the 1960s.  During Rev. Langsioen’s pastorate here, he organized the young people into a group called the “Christian Service League.”

Despite adequate numbers, the young people of the congregation followed the national anti-organizational trend of the decade during the 1960s.  According to Rev. Lundquist’s annual report in January of 1968, the Luther League ceased to function completely by 1967.  The national youth organization (Luther League) of the Lutheran Church in America also officially disbanded in the late 1960s.

In 1975, the young people of our congregation once again organized themselves and took the name “Youth Encounter of Sharon” (YES).  By 1978, the group was once again calling itself Luther League and became an active participant of the Central States Synod “Lutheran Youth Together” (LYT). Brent Mai (‘78) was Western District representative on the LYT Coordinating Committee for three years and was also a Synodical delegate to regional, national, and international Youth Ministry conventions and seminars.  Our congregation has been well represented by our young people.

A Quad Parish youth group was active during this time.  In 1978, the Quad Parish youth organized the first Quad Parish Thanksgiving Soup Supper.  The proceeds from this event were sent to the Lutheran World Hunger Appeal.  This Soup Supper has been held annually since then.

Unfortunately, by 1985 the Sharon youth group had once again become inactive due to a lack of numbers.  As the ELCA begins functioning this year, it is hoped that the new national youth organization will be able to aid local congregations in activation or rejuvenation of their youth groups.  The activity of our young people is very important in the mission of our congregation.  The proper education and guidance of the youth of this generation has much influence over the outcome of generations of young Lutherans to come.  (table of contents)

CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Public Confirmation of baptism is an integral part of the Lutheran faith.  From the earliest years, the members of Sharon Evangelical Lutheran Church have been concerned with the spiritual upbringing of young people.  In the early years, Confirmation classes were conducted in Swedish.  Records currently available indicate that Rev. P. A. Malm conducted the first Confirmation class which included members of our congregation.  He confirmed Esther and Josephine Holcomb with the class at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church on 24 May 1896.  Several others throughout the years have also joined the Bethany class.

Following is a list of the known confirmands of our congregation. The list was reconstructed from available church records and the recollections of many of our present members -

*  deceased member

                                                    **    confirmed with Bethany class

 

1896     24 May**

Esther Olivia Holcomb Erickson*

Josephine Mathilda Holcomb Quick*

1902     15 June**

Lillie Victoria Edberg*

 

1908

Minnie Adelia Samuelson Glad*

Paul Mattius Holcomb*

 

1910     4 September

          Armor Henry Clements Edberg*

          Daniel Theophilus Martin*