+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

SUNDAY SCHOOL HISTORY

The Sunday School was first organized in 1849.  The first president was Samuel E. Leith and Jonas Heller, Superintendent.  The Pastors, Revs. Hess and William German, gave the school encouragement.  It was carried on in English and German.  Primers on ABC books were used besides English and German Testaments, also a little notebook with German and English hymns call "Fragebuchlein."

The school has always been an active arm of the church, helping in many ways to further God's work.  It has supported and singly sponsored some of the important improvements of the church:  all Sunday School furnishings, a yearly contribution for fuel, light, a substantial contribution to all major projects done in the past, and the rest rooms.  It has grown extensively, especially in the children's departments.

In the beginning, worship was confined to the church nave; later in 1901, the basement was opened for Sunday School purposes.  Worship was confined to one half of the main basement room, the remaining area under the church still not being excavated.

In 1934, this excavation was done and the school had more room in which to work.

In 1950, the kindergarten department was moved into the small room in the basement and the primary and junior departments used the larger room.  For the first time classes were meeting and studying at tables.  With Pastor Zeiner's direction and enthusiasm,

the Sunday School grew, especially in the adult and intermediate departments.  New teaching ideas were introduced in spite of crowded conditions.

The year 1968 was a red-letter year in the life of the Sunday School with the completion of the new educational building.  The classes were able to separate into individual rooms.

Upon the completion of the "The Upper Room" in 1982, the Sunday School realized adequate space for classes of all ages.  New Jerusalem has always striven to offer the best Sunday School curriculum available to its members and are again extending an open invitation to anyone wanting to learn of God's love and mercy.

—Submitted by Clayton E. Klotz, Superintendent)

(Excerpt from the Bi-Centennial Celebration Booklet, 1783-1983)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

Church music is one of man's noblest attempts to speak with God and about God and the new life He has brought us in Christ.  communicating the inspired Word of God through music is an immediate, dramatic, direct way to reach people with the gospel.  It is a means of helping people express joy in God's Word, as did the angel choir when they sang, "Glory to God in the Highest."

Prior to the first organ, there was no choir.  Usually a member of the church with a loud voice and the ability to read music was appointed as "Fore-Singer."  He led the congregation in all the singing.  The first organ which was built by Mr. Heintzelman of Allentown, PA and was dedicated on September 30, 1840.

The organists who were successively elected over the years were: 

August Hollenbach; Jonas Heller; Thomas B. Weaver (1857-1878); William Druckenmiller; Mrs. Mary Moyer; Professor Souders; Jacob O. Hartman (1885-1895); Charles Gerhart (1896-1912); Mrs. Benjamin Gangewere (1920-1934); Mrs. Clarence Hahn (1934); Charles H. Weiss (1935-1964);

Mrs. Joseph Rieger (1965-1968); Ms. Nancy Snyder (1969-1971); Olev Taremae who was assisted by his wife, Martha (1972-1977); Mrs. Joseph Rieger (1978-1983);

Mrs. Shirley Ungiran (19XX-2010)—Accompanist; and Mrs. Quinette Brucker—our current organist.

Ms. Ruth Gruver, Mrs. Robert Shelly, and Ms. Wanda Rosario filled in as supply organists.

(Excerpt from the Bi-Centennial Celebration Booklet, 1783-1983)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

MARY OF BETHANY ALTAR GUILD

On June 10, 1958 a new organization was formed at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.  This organization was called the "Mary of Bethany Altar Guild" which symbolizes the love and sacrifice Mary gave to the Lord.  Prior to June 10th a group of women who were active communicants and the Pastor went through a course of study and discussion on the care of the Altar and also adopted a Constitution for the Altar Guild.

The responsibilities of this organization are to:  prepare a place of worship; clean the sanctuary; provide, protect, and care for the furnishing of the Altar and Sanctuary; care for the font; furnish, keep in repair, and cleanliness of the vestments which belong to the Pastor, choir, and acolytes; and have a better understanding of the liturgical heritage of the Lutheran Church.

The original members were:  Ms. Ruth Gruver, Directress; Mrs. Gizelle Fulmer, Assistant Directress; Mrs. Geraldine Gall, Treasurer; Mrs. Frances Werley, Secretary; Mrs. Ella Dimmich; Mrs. Elsie Funk; Mrs. Mamie Mease; and Mrs. Helen Underkoffler.  In addition to the regular membership, the Altar Guild has an associate membership.  An associate can be any member who is either in good standing or not, but who shall attend the meetings and support the work.  At this time, the Guild has two associate members:  Mrs. Edward Moyer and Mrs. Arthur Litzenberger.  The Guild meetings consist of worship, presentation of a topic, and discussion.

The Altar Guild has a number of committees which the members are divided into and a set of rules to follow. 

Following is a list of committees and their designated responsibilities:

• Clergy Vestment Committee—To launder and care for the Pastor's vestments, presently surplice, cassock, and stole.
• Linens Committee—To launder and care for both the altar and communion linens.
• Flower Committee—To arrange the flowers on the altar and chancel, direct the use of the flower chart, and to distribute the flowers after the church service to hospitalized, sick, and shut-ins.
• Choir Mother's Committee—To have a general oversight of all choir vestments.
• Acolytes Committee—To secure a number of acolytes, have vestments cared for, and a schedule of service for their period of time.
• Supplies Committee—To list what may be needed, order it, and store it in the proper place.

• Clean the Sanctuary
• Brighten the brassware
• Tidy or place the proper candles
• Check on proper vestments for the altar
• See that clean linens are used
• Mark all propers for the day such as Introit, Collect, Epistle, Gospel, and hymns
• See that the sacristy is cleaned and ready
• In case of any sacraments, see that the proper vessels and materials are available.
• Arrange flowers and aid at any occasional services such as weddings, funerals, etc.
• There is also a committee appointed to take care of the sacramental ware before and after communion.

The Guild supports its work by voluntary contributions of its own members and associate members as well as by congregational budget allotments.

Following are some of the things that were performed by the Altar Guild in the past:  design an Advent wreath, arranging a display for Harvest Home, and the decorating of the nave of the church for Christmas and Easter.

—Submitted by Frances Werley, Secretary, 1959 and

the Bi-Centennial Booklet, 1783-1983)

(Excerpt from the 125th Anniversary Booklet, 1834-1959)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +   

WEEKDAY CHURCH SCHOOL, I.E.,

NEW JERUSALEM PRESCHOOL

Another era in the educational life at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church began with the first day of Weekday Church School on October 12, 1967.  The teachers for the Nursery and Kindergarten classes were Mrs. Fred Reinert and Mrs. Lindford Mease.  There were also afternoon classes held after school for the elementary age children and these were taught by Mrs. Warrren Mantz and Mrs. Andrew Hovick.  This schedule continued for several years but was discontinued due to transportation problems.

The school evolved into the present day format which consists of a Nursery School.  Teachers, Mrs. Quinette Brucker and Mrs. Rebecca Finkbeiner, held separate sessions for three and four-year olds which began in September 1979.

A well-rounded program of child development is used which stresses spiritual awareness, emotional acceptance, physical coordination, and mental alertness.  The purpose of New Jerusalem's Weekday Church School is to enable each child to develop his God-given potential, to be responsible, caring, creative, spontaneous, happy, and independent.  Through our experience and expressions of love, we strive to help each child grow in his understanding of God's care for the world and his love for them.

—Submitted by Mrs. Quinette Brucker and

Mrs. Rebecca Finkbeiner—Teachers, 1983)

(Excerpt from the Bi-Centennial Celebration Booklet, 1783-1983)

+ + + + + + +

NEW JERUSALEM PRESCHOOL