History
The History of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Tallmadge, Ohio:
1959
On January 11, 1959, 78 people gathered together at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Melching, 141 North Avenue, Tallmadge, for the first service of this new Lutheran Misssion. This marked the first step toward fulfillment of plans that had been prayed about for over two years. The American Lutheran Church saw the need for a Lutheran Church in the Tallmadge area. Pastor Russell Finekenbine of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Pastor Eugene Langholz, of Divinity Lutheran, both of Akron, approached Charles Melching, Clarence Miller and Robert Hammond, all from St. John’s, and Don Noltemeyer, from Divinity, to help plan and work toward the goal of a new mission. These four worked to start the church home we know today.
Sunday, January 18th, the first Sunday School was held in Melching’s basement and dining room. Mr. James Graeser, intern at St. John’s came on loan until a regular full time pastor could be called. The name St. Mark was selected for the congregation.
On December 2, 1958, the American Lutheran Church had entered into an agreement to purchase our present property at 168 North Ave., from Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jones, contingent upon rezoning allowing the property to be used as a church. The lot was approximately 185 by 469 feet and contained a house that could be used as a parsonage, and a garage. The cost was $31,000.00, and the church was to take possession 90 days after delivery of the deed. In the meantime, Pastor George and Mary Hartman accepted the call to St. Mark the latter part of January, and arrived February 19, 1959, as the home missionary.
Each Saturday the men, led by Harold Robinson, would go in and roll up the rugs, set up the chairs, placing the temporary altar in the Melching dining room.
March 22 we were able to use our new Lowery organ for the first time. Easter Sunday, March 29, we were elated as we went over 100 in attendance for worship service. (Can you imagine being glad to have 100 people in your home on Sunday morning?!)
Survey teams were sent out to visit the community. May 7th the first (annual) congregational meeting was held to elect the first Church Council and to approve the proposed Constitution.
May 17th was organization Sunday. Resolutions were adopted that incorporated the congregation, and application was made to join the Ohio District of the American Lutheran Church. Pastor Hartman was officially called as Pastor of the new congregation. Pastor Priebe, President then, as now, of the Ohio District, conducted the service. A picture of the new congregation in front of the Melching home was taken following the service.
May 24, the first Church Council was officially installed, and it was announced that a building contract had been awarded to the Narzisi Construction Company. After this service, Pastor Hartman led the Congregation in a procession across the street for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new church.
June 19, the first baby was born in our St. Mark family - and also in the Hartman family - Philip was born. A month later David Bland, the Melching’s grandson, and son of Chuck and Janet, was born. Lee Lytle, the son of Elfreida and Duane, joined the family too on October 28th. We were growing!
June also found us having our first Vacation Bible School, which was held in Overdale School. Julia Weden was Superintendent. Pastor and Rhea Cacioppo attended the Ohio District Convention and we were officially received into the Ohio District.
The Ohio Mission Board gave us a loan of $54,000 to build our new church building, and on June 29th work began on the new building.
July 19, the Luther League was organized.
July 25, Marilyn Hassler, Ohio District Parish Worker, arrived for two months work in the congregation.
August 16, the cornerstone for the new church was laid — a gift of Bill and Mae Courtney.
September 10 found the publication of the first issue of the parish paper to be called “The St. Mark Messenger”.
The end of 1959, and the end of the first year of St. Mark, we had grown to 170 baptized and 93 confirmed members, with an average attendance of 125.
Our first Council President was Bill Courtney; Vice President, R. Bruce Chancey; Secretary, Karl Witten; and Treasurer, Charles Melching. Others on the first Council were Dick Bauer, Carl Weden, Sue Monahan, Phyllis Chancey, E. J. Lanari, John Taylor, Richard Minke, and Harold Robinson.
1960
1960 was another good year, as we prepared to dedicate our new church home. The women of the church worked together, under the direction of Stelle Hansen (then a member of St. John’s), making the drapes for the church. This work involved a lot of fellowship, much laughter, and quite a few trips to soak sore fingers. Everybody was hurrying around to put the finishing touches on for our big day. There were many uneaten, and even uncooked, dinners in those final days.
February 7, and the doors were officially opened and the church blessed. Pastor Preibe was again on hand as our guest preacher. Lectors were Pastor Finkenbine and Pastor Langholz. Pastor Hartman was liturgist, Harold Osborne was the first Senior Choir director, and Louise Stapleton led the Junior Choir. Don Noltemeyer was the organist and the 1960 Council President.
In the afternoon of February 7, we held an Open House from 2 to 5, under the capable hands of Mae Courtney. As per usual, we had lots of snow, and all the electrical problems had not been ironed out — the two large coffee urns kept flipping the breakers, so we had to run back and forth between the Parsonage and the church. Our social area, where our tea table was set up, was the balcony, where our nursery now is. Our only kitchen was a sink and a few cupboards, which we now use as the Sunday School cupboards. Pastor’s office was in the present Secretary’s office. We were very pleased to have people from the community and our sister churches join in our celebration. 7:00 that evening, we concluded with our first Vesper service. Rev. H. L. Anderson, Ohio District Mission Committee, brought the message, and James Graeser, who had helped us in the first days, was liturgist.
Our congregation grew rapidly in the new facilities, and we soon had to establish two Sunday School sessions. We did survey work, visiting 467 homes.
The women of the church had a great deal of fun as we worked to keep our church home clean. We pulled some real “boners”, too. We learned the hard way not to put scouring cleanser on the nave floor . . . went down really easily, but we thought that we’d never get it up!
In the Fall, the ALCW was formed, with Mae Courtney as the first President. Three Circles were formed and we started our Bible Studies.
In 1960, we had our first confirmation class — Sue Miller and Bob Tucker. We had grown to 265 baptized and 141 confirmed members, with an average attendance of 136, at the end of our first year in the church building.
1961
We were still going out, two by two, making survey and evangelism calls, telling others about Jesus Christ and inviting the unchurched to come to St. Mark.
Our growth showed in the fact that we had to go to two church services starting in October. We also had to hold two Vacation Bible Schools. The Junior Lutheran program started for children, kindergarten to sixth grade, and met for two hours, one Saturday morning a month.
We still did not have either a janitor or secretary. The janitorial work was done on a volunteer basis, with members of the congregation doing the work under the direction of the Property chairman. The men and boys mowed the lawn and kept the snow off of the walks.
During 1961, we again appointed a Planning Committee to meet with Mr. Glenn Bickerstaff, the architect who designed the original building, to make plans for an education unit.
1962
1962 began with the congregation approving buying the property at 75 Orr Lawn Drive for the new parsonage, in the amount of $20,700.00, instructing the trustees to go to the American Lutheran Church Mission Board to secure a loan of an amount up to $7,000 as a down payment and to make whatever arrangements were necessary to secure the additional money needed to complete the purchase of the Orr Lawn property. We further authorized the Church Council to convert the present parsonage into a Sunday School annex.
Our Sunday School, Junior Lutherans, and Bible schools grew steadily. We were literally bulging at the seams!
Pastor Hartman moved his family into the new parsonage and his office upstairs into the old parsonage, with the downstairs housing three Sunday School classes.
We voted to choose a building committee to make plans for expansion. The proposed addition to the church building was to have worship space to accommodate 260 and seven or eight additional classrooms - estimated cost $85,000.00.
This year we added our first staff member -- Shirley Baird was hired as a part-time secretary, and has become invaluable to us.
1963
The Building Committee was formed in January, 1963, with Bill Rawson as Chairman. An architect was chosen and the plans were re-studied to fill the immediate need and stay within budget. Contractors were chosen , ground was broken, and work on the new building began in August, with an assurance that the building would be ready for use in the Spring of 1964.
We had another “first” — our Bible school had grown so, that we had to rent a tent to accommodate all the children, both in June and in August.
1964
We hit a crossroad with the observance of the Fifth Anniversary of our congregation. We were still growing in membership and commitment, Our facilities tripled with the dedication of our second unit on May 10.
We still made survey and evangelism calls. We were told it takes 17 lay members to recruit one unchurched new member.
Our Sunday School program changed because of enlarged facilities — we returned to one Sunday School session.
We added another paid member to our staff with the hiring of a part-time janitor to help clean the added space.
1965
1965 found the congregation still working and enjoying fellowship together. The Women of the Church were very active. This year saw the Luther league divided into a junior and senior league to better serve the interest of our young people. The Boy Scout Troop, which had been started in 1965, became very active, too.
1966
A new year and a new Pastor. Pastor Hartman received a call to a new mission in Columbus. Pastor and Mary, Philip, Christine, and Mark left in February.
The congregation grew closer together and for several months took on the job of running the church. We soon realized just how much work a Pastor does. With the help of Dr. Moeller, Ohio District President, we called our present Pastor, Don Doerfer, who was preaching in Montra, Ohio. He accepted the call and came to us in May. We repainted the Parsonage and eagerly awaited the arrival of our new parsonage family. Faith had never seen the Parsonage until the day she moved in (the life and faith of a Pastor’s wife!)
Pastor Doerfer preached his first sermon May 8th, and in the afternoon we held a reception for the congregation and community to meet and greet Pastor, Faith, Mark, and little Julie.
It was difficult without a Pastor, but it was an growing experience, too, as we learned to lean more on our Lord and to help one another as we struggled to do the work of the church.
1967
1967 found us continuing in evangelism work, calling on 120 new families who had moved in to our church area. The Luther Leaguers helped us to make calls in the new apartment buildings in Tallmadge. The League was very active this year, making Advent wreathes, and participating in the Area Rally. They had a costume party at Halloween and a New Year’s Eve Party, but the highlight of the year was 13 young people, each paying his own way, attended the National Convention in Dallas, Texas.
A men’s group was formed this year, but unfortunately, it didn’t stay together long.
1968
Evangelism playing a big part in our Church like, we hosted an evangelism workshop for six area ALC churches. The workshop was conducted by Rev. Karl Mix and Mr. Paul Muckley from the Lutheran Service Society. Cottage or household meetings were held, and became a part of the fall stewardship campaign.
We became a part of Tallmadge Good Neighbors, a unit that helps many needy families.
The ALCW sponsored the Good Friday Prayer Vigil, which has become a yearly event.
1969
1969 opened with plans for the 10th Anniversary, which was held May 18th. Pastor led us in our morning worship service. In the evening we had dinner at the Tallmadge Grange, and then returned to the church where our first Pastor, Pastor Hartman, gave the message.
Tragedy also struck in 1969. Tuesday, July 15th, 11:30 P.M., Kenneth Jensen, then president of the congregation, was driving by the church and noticed smoke coming from the church and he notified the fire department. We had $30,000 in damage. As in a family, tragedy draws us closer together and our St. Mark family drew close together trying to comfort each other. Pastor and his family were on vacation in Illinois. The day after the fire we all came to look and felt dazed. Pastor’s and Shirley’s offices were damaged, not only by smoke but by water. The kitchen, the old hall, and the Narthex all were damaged. Pastor was back by Wednesday evening and we all began the task of cleaning up. We were very fortunate that none of our records were destroyed. Sometime you may come across a book in the library or Pastor’s office that looks like it was damaged in a fire — it probably has been. The fireman said that if the alarm had come twenty minutes later, everything probably would have been lost.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church of Stow all offered us their facilities for our Sunday worship service. We chose the First Congregational Church, gathering together to strengthen each other and thank the Lord for sparing our church home. The Newman Construction Company took over and we were back in on our own sanctuary by the next Sunday, amidst the re-building and reconstruction work.
1970
1970 found some more changes to our facilities — the old annex had been torn down and removed from the property. A garage was added for storage purposes. The old nave was remodeled to make better use for Sunday School and storage.
We became part of the group that is Tallmadge Interfaith.
We continued our support of Larry Lepper as he prepared to become a Lutheran Pastor.
The Women of the Church appointed a Library Committee and proceeded to establish our library.
1971
1971 brought several new worship forms to St. Mark. The Contemporary Communion Service was met with mixed emotions. Our church showed their concern when a sister congregation, Calvary in Brimfield, was in need. We gave an entire Sunday offering to Calvary, in the amount of $1036.65.
The ALCW held a book fair to promote St. Mark’s library. Members of the church were given the opportunity to purchase volumes for the library.
In Parish Education — a big change — a separation of Confirmation from First Communion. It was decided that, after sufficient instruction, the fifth graders would be able to receive Holy Communion. The Fellowship Committee instituted Advent Dinners on the three Tuesdays before Christmas, which has since become a tradition at St. Mark.
1972
A Mission Life Program was introduced in the Sunday school through the fifth grade. A program was also started on Tuesday nights for third graders through Catechism . The young people made projects for the Hattie Larlham Foundation.
Don Noltemeyer, who had donated his services as a Choir Director and Organist since the founding of St. Mark, resigned. The duties at the organ were shared by Larry Madsen, Faith Doerfer, and Jackie Charwenske. Pastor took over the Choir. We really appreciate Pastor’s beautiful voice.
St. Mark fielded its first boy’s basketball team in 1972.
The women continued their monthly studies and took on the project or sewing washable stuffed balls for the Hattie Larlham children’s home for handicapped children. Stelle Hansen’s living room was the scene of the sewing project and lots of stuffing was on Stelle’s carpet, but the women enjoyed a lot of laughs and fellowship.
The women of the Church had always taken care of the altar, but this year an Altar Committee was formed and 15 women were elected to serve 3 year terms.
1973
In 1973 we became a 2-point parish — one pastor serving two congregations. Dr. Moeller requested that the congregation allow Pastor Doerfer to help out the troubled Calvary Lutheran Church in Brimfield for a trial period of one year — which the congregation granted.
We became part of the “Key 73" program, an evangelism program involving what was called the Kennedy Witnessing Plan. 85 members took part in the program.
St. mark hosted the community Thanksgiving Services. Six other Tallmadge churches participated. We concluded paving of the driveway. This cost was paid through extra pledges above and beyond our regular pledges.
A parament cupboard was built by a member, Bill Hinkleman, with funds provided by memorials to departed members. This cupboard is a great help to the Altar Committee.
On June 17, 1973, praise be to God, a son of the congregation — Larry Lepper — was ordained a Lutheran minister. A reception honoring Larry was held at the church. Larry is now serving a congregation at Cook, Nebraska.
1974
15 years as a congregation — busy, fruitful years and sometime painful and frustrating years — but, 15 years of growth. Tallmadge, a city of transit population, and we have seen many people move in and out. 1974 saw the end of the 2-point parish. After 20 months, Pastor left Calvary with mixed emotions. This year also saw some very extensive repairs to the Parsonage, and once again the members responded by contributing $8,000.00 above the pledged amount to complete the much needed work.
Social action has always been a prime concern of St. Mark. We now house the “Busy Sunshine Club” — a group for the older people from all the Tallmadge churches. This group, under the direction of Morna Wise and Elizabeth Culbertson, meets each Monday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and fills a big need in our community as they fellowship and do projects together.
February 21st the St. Mark women were hostesses for the annual Mini-retreat. This retreat among the women of the various Tallmadge churches, sharing a Christian fellowship, helped each of us to a better understanding of the other churches. In the fall the women enjoyed a retreat at the Doerfer’s farm among the hills of Southern Ohio. Various other groups from the church have also enjoyed Pastor and Faith’s hospitality.
1975
It was with heavy hearts that we saw the close of Calvary in Brimfield. But, as in all things, God is good, as we welcomed into our fellowship some of our brothers and sisters in Christ from Calvary.
United Mission Appeal was a success in helping to spread the gospel throughout the world. 29 members responded by pledging $5,400.00 to do the mission work.
One very interesting statistic for 1975 was that at one time 1/3 of the Sunday School was in the adult class. Also, more Bible study groups were being formed. The Holy Spirit is most certainly working in our midst.
1976
Our country was 200 years old and we joined our community in the anniversary observance. At St. Mark, the ushers and some other members of the congregation wore the styles of our forefathers.
Our Pastor had an anniversary of his own, too....15 years in God’s service. The congregation honored him with a surprise party.
In August, Mark and David Bland, Sue Trauger, Kim Slonaker, and Carl Oberdorfer, joined their adult chaperone, Carol Thomas, on a bus ride to New Orleans, for a national Luther League Convention.
The Northern Cluster of the Augustana Conference was reorganized — the Cluster concept allowing individual churches to voice their thoughts and concerns to the Conferences, district and national level of the church.
A Steering Committee was formed and was charged with the duty of seeking the future needs of the congregation, as to additional building and to finalized the building program started in 1959, and then to secure the funds to go ahead with the building when that time arrives.
March, 1976, the churches of Tallmadge Interfaith sponsored the Laotion Vang Kai family, who arrived here from a refugee camp in Thailand. The family consisted of the 21-year-old father, Kai, 20-year-old mother, Mai, a 2-1/2 year old son, Toua. In October of 1976 a baby girl was born, Jaimy Irene.
The 1976 Publicity Committee was different than in the past — except for one adult, the entire committee was made up of teenagers, the future leaders of our church.
Sometime in late 1976, Pastor, Clarence Miller, Chuck Bland, and Jeff Rawson, formed a quartet. Out of that quartet evolved the “3-M’s”- St. Mark’s Music Men.
1977
An exciting year, as e successfully conducted our “Outreach Seminar”, led by Dr. Walter Bouman, with a 2-month follow-up study by the congregation.
We sent our Pastor to receive intensive training in the Bethel Series, and then he would be teaching others.
Another high point was “Festival ‘77", held in Cleveland, under the joint sponsor ship of the ALC, LCA and LCMC. The all day session gave the ones of us who attended a real spiritual uplift.
We continued to support Tallmadge Interfaith, and this year saw the organization of Mobile Meals unit— 60 different persons each month delivering meals to 15-20 clients daily. Barbara Mattern was in charge of this most worthy effort.
1978
1978 was a very eventful year for St. Mark. The first group of Bethel teachers were in training — Faith Doerfer, Sue Carey, Jackie Charwenske and Don Grimm.
In April, we held our second Seminar, with Dr. Hagen Staack, from Muhlenberg College, as the study leader.
One of the high points of the year was the long hours put in by the Steering Committee in developing the in-depth congregation self-study — both for our spiritual needs and our physical plant. The Ohio District office was so impressed that they have recommended other congregations do the same. Lew Meeker led this hard working group of people.
A big change in our worship service — a new hymnal. Once again our people responded by purchasing all the hymnals needed for worship service. We started using the new service on December 1st. As in any change, there are mixed emotions. (Thank the Lord for Pastor’s voice).
An anonymous donor gave $500.00 — half the amount needed — to purchase new choir robes. The Jack Augustine’s donated a beautiful piano for the Nave.
In October, at the Reformation Rally at St. John’s, we had the best looking banner in the city — thanks to Gloria Rininger, Janet Casteel and Russ Linger.
1979
At the Annual Meeting in January, 1979, Lew Meeker presented the results of the survey and the recommendations of the Steering Committee. Ron Trauger was elected Chairman of the Building Committee, and the rest of the committee was chosen by lottery from the 36 people who had volunteered to serve.
In February, Pastor was hospitalized with hepatitis, and the Rev. Arthur Stennett was called in to substitute for Pastor on Sundays and for the Lenten services. Once again, we realized all the little things a Pastor does — and no one can substitute in the day-to-day ordinary things we all take for granted.
Plans were well underway for our 20th Anniversary. We chose as our theme “St. Mark 20/20 Mission for Christ”. We asked for a Thank-offering or Love Offering to be presented to another mission congregation — New Life in Gallipolis, Ohio. Emily Robinson, who with her family, Harold, Thelma and Neal, were charter members of St. Mark, is a charter member of New Life Luther Church.
Our anniversary celebration was held Sunday, May 20th, with our founding Pastor, George Hartman, bringing the message. In the afternoon we had an Open House and closed the celebration with an evening service at which Pastor Doerfer preached. The congregation voted against building and to go with remodeling — Ronnie DeNiro, chairperson, Cliff Sherer, general contractor. Eleven months later we rededicated our remodeling. A new large entrance was added on the first floor and a large room for storage downstairs. In the nave the chairs were replace by beautiful wooden pews with blue upholstery and new blue carpet. Up front in the chancel area, the bricks were covered up with more beautiful woodwork.
1983
St. Mark experienced a big change as Pastor Doerfer received a call to Hubbard, Ohio and accepted it. In July, we tearfully said goodbye to Pastor, Faith and Julie.
For the first time St. Mark joined with Tallmadge Methodist for a joint Vacation bible School.
In September we greeted pastor Tom Baumgardner as our interim pastor until December, 1983. A call committee had been formed and a call was extended to George Murphy. Pastor Murphy came to St. Mark from a career as a Physics professor, and we were his first parish. Several of our members went to Iowa to witness Pastor Murphy’s ordination.
1984
In January, the Murphy family, Dona, Anastasia, and Katherine, came to join the St. Mark family. Lots of getting acquainted and getting used to each other followed.
We celebrated our 25th year as a congregation. A property priority list was presented as part of our 25 year celebration and an afternoon reception was held.
1985
Fifteen of our Luther Leaguers went to Denver for an unforgettable experience at the ALC National Youth Gathering. Vacation Bible School with Tallmadge Methodist, this time sharing fun in the bubble.
Search Bible Study was started with Barbara Mattern, Joe Forney and Elizabeth Mackathorn in charge.
1987
We prepared to become part of the new ELCA this year. Six St. Mark members with hundreds of others were at the November 27th installation of Robert Kelley as bishop of the NEO District. We joined with other Lutherans for a joint Reformation Service at St. Stephen’s in Stow to become better acquainted with our LCA sister congregations.
In October, the statistics for our congregation were 364 baptized members and 295 confirmed members.
1990
The original nave of the church was remodeled. Marlite was installed on the walls. Insulation was put in and new block windows were installed. A basketball hoop was put up and once again, our original cross was installed on the East wall.
We had two special fund-raising events. Our goal for remodeling was $5,000.00. We responded with $8,570.00. We also raised $3,000.00 to buy our electronic piano.
1991
A new innovation for Stewardship was held — a Stewardship fair. The congregation responded with great enthusiasm. We continued sharing Bible School with Tallmadge United Methodist.
WELCA started a new Fellowship Circle. We nominated Brenda Schneider and she was chosen as one of the four young women guests at NEOSW meeting in Youngstown. We voted on proposed changes to St. Mark’s constitution. Several of our young people attended the Lutheran League Convention in Dallas.
1992
A new organist, Mary Curtis, joined us this year. Our choir not only sang beautifully, but looked great in their new blue choir robes.
This year we had two break-ins so we changed the locks and added more floodlights were needed.
We enjoyed a bus trip to Oglebay park to see the beautiful Christmas lights.
Breakfast with St. Nicholas was provided for our younger church members with a real visit from St. Nicholas.
1993
Intergroup, consisting of five Tallmadge churches undertook a project to feed the homeless. The ladies meet at St. Mark the second Monday of each month and pack about 200 lunches to be delivered to St. Bernard’s in Akron.
Circle One changed it’s name to Alpha Circle. Friendship Circle hosted a bus trip to Longenberger Baskets in Dresden. The young and not-so-young participated in a softball league.
1994
We had an Italian Festival for Family Night and it was a great success. Pastor Murphy celebrated his tenth year of ordination. Six young people went to Luther League Convention in Atlanta. WELCA had a very special project, “In Your Light I Grow Through”. Donations of money in honor of persons of faith were given, and the sanctuary light was purchased.
Friendship Circle went on a retreat to a cabin in the mountains in Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed fellowship (and shopping- for some) and quiet walks around the pond.
1995
A new pictorial directory was published. The choir started to use the supplement to the Lutheran Book of Worship, “With One Voice”.
A memorial plaque of the symbol of St. Mark was dedicated.
Fellowship Committee sponsored a tailgate party at the church with the Akron-Canton Indians baseball game following.
Friendship Circle again took a retreat to the cabin in the mountains in Pennsylvania.
1996
In 1995, Friendship Circle started a project of cross stitching a baptismal banner for every child in the church, birth through high school. In January, close to 100 banners were hanging in the sanctuary. What a beautiful sight!!
1997
After much discussion, the parking lot was finally re-paved.
In memory of Clarence Miller, a charter member who died in 1996, a beautiful red St. Mark sign was installed on the front of our original building. Many people have noticed how much this sign makes our church more visible and how beautiful it looks as they drive up North Avenue.
Eight of our young people attended the Luther League Convention in New Orleans, with Neal Robinson and Lori Lambert as their adult chaperones. The trip was partially paid for by funds raised at the “New Orleans Night” dinner and auction of baked goods hosted by the youth group. Jim Meeker was the excellent auctioneer!
1998
After fifteen years of ministry here at St. Mark, Pastor Murphy announced that he would be leaving St. Mark. His last Sunday would be December 27, 1998.
St. Mark children performed songs from Vacation Bible School on Rally Day. First year Catechism classes now meet on Sunday mornings.
The vestibule of our church got an inviting new look, and the finishing touches are beautiful. Gail Smith and Sonia Dial did a great job!
Social action, through the monthly special offerings, sponsored equipment for women in Africa to become more self-sufficient through spinning and weaving, and we have continued to support the needs of the Ronald McDonald House.
November 22, we held a dinner to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Pastor Murphy’s ordination, and wish him a fond farewell. It was kept low-key by Pastor’s request.
1999
A new year, and lots of decisions to be made. In January, Pastor Deborah Wissner came to be our interim Pastor. How good God has been to us to give us Pastor Deborah as this time of change!
A big change for many members of Christ Lutheran in Cuyahoga Falls, as they closed their church on Easter Sunday. God has led so many of these people to St. Mark and we welcome them to our St. Mark family, hope they will be happy here and grow in faith.
As there are many changes in our world and our church family, we are so blessed by God as we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary on may 16th. All three of our former pastor, Pastor George Hartman, Pastor Don Doerfer, and Pastor George Murphy, will be here. Praise God for these fine Christian men who have given so much to us, their leadership, love, and friendship.
At this time we still have 17 charter members active in the congregation. They are:
Charles and Janet Bland Charles Melching
Dominic Cacioppo Penny McIntosh Porter
Neal Robinson Alton and Sara Herman
Paul and Viola Thomas Gloria Herman Rininger
Carol Thomas Arbour Elfrieda and Lee Lytle
Tony, Ronnie, and Denny DeNiro
As I said twenty years ago, no one knows what the future holds. But with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can step boldly and confidently into the next phase of our St. Mark Lutheran Church Mission for Christ Jesus.
Viola Thomas
May, 1999
2000
Burned the mortgage on February 20. Fifteen new members welcomed in February. Assembled visitor’s packets and delivered Sunday afternoon with a baked good. New name tag program instituted. Members were encouraged to wear name tags. Dr. Dennis Radefeld visited to discuss Global Health Ministries. First chili cook-off held in November. Congregation presented fifteen entries of Chili, bread or brownies. Special offering taken for St Luke’s Home for the Aged.
2001
Vision Committee formed. Supported food-in-gathering which was presented to Good Neighbors by the Lew Meeker family. St Mark Bell Choir organized by John Roberts, Choir Director.
2002
The Congregation participated in 2002 Arts & Crafts Heritage Festival. Chili cook-off in February included a play. Profits were provided to the Battered Women Shelter. A demonstration Passover Sader was held March 24, Palm Sunday. Approximately 60 youth and adults had the opportunity to experience elements of a Passover meal.
2003
Vision and Planning Committee reorganized. Mutual Ministry Committee reorganized. St. Mark continued to support St Bernard’s Lunch Program. This has been a 10 ½ year endeavor. Constitutional Review Committee worked diligently on Constitutional changes.
2004
High School Youth group attended Youth Congress in Cincinnati from March 4 though March 6.Visitors frequently say they are impressed with the friendliness of our congregation. Thirteen women enjoyed the retreat at Barb Mattern’s Kelly Island home in September.
2005
Pastor Michaels celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination. Bishop Marcus Miller, Northeastern Ohio Synod, ELCA preached at the anniversary service and a luncheon celebration was held at the Pavilion on the Riverfront in Cuyahoga Falls. WELCA continues to knit for charity. New window blinds purchased for library and Pastor’s office. Begin coffee talks as a valuable communication resource. St Mark participated in Tallmadge EXPO April 9. Teacher appreciation Sunday celebrated June 5.
2006
A Service of Ordination for Ernest Hoffman was held on September 9th at St. Mark. Bishop John H. K. Schreiber, Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA was the presiding minister for the service with Pastor Michaels as assisting minister. The congregation moved from two semi-annual congregational meetings to a February annual meeting.
2007
On April 1st a service of dedication for the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship pew hymnals was held. April 22nd marked the completion, dedication and renaming of the remolded nursery now known as the Treehouse. Knitting for Charity continues to create items for various area charities including Akron Children’s hospital.
2008
The formation of Angels in the Kitchen by Ruth Michaels began their service of providing food for shut-ins, local area shelters and those who are in need of comfort. Preparation for the 50th Anniversary Cook book began. Peace Corps purchased a brick from Lutheran World Relief to help defray the cost of shipping quilts.
2009
The youth of St. Mark attended the January annual Northeastern Ohio Synod, LYO gathering in Independence, Ohio. Renovation of women’s restroom mural by Kim Baragry was completed. The 50th Anniversary cookbook was finalized and made available for sale. To improve parking lot safety a new draining system was installed by Mike Passarelli a longtime St. Mark neighbor with the help of St. Mark volunteers.
(WE WERE MISSING THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH FROM 2010 THROUGH 2016. THE INFORMATION BELOW IS A COMPILATION OF ACTIVITES, PRESIDENT REPORTS, PASTORAL REPORTS, AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES TO PROVIDE YOU WITH WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE’VE DONE, AND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN OUR FUTURES. THE GOOD, THE CONCERNS, THE GOD FOR US ALL AT ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH.)
2010
We are a congregational church where all of us have a place to govern and lead St. Mark. We all bear responsibility to carry Christ’s mission to the community. I hope council has presented an open, responsive, and positive experience for each of you and there is a clear understanding of how important you are to our church family.
St. Mark finances have remained a top concern over the several years. I am sure you also share the concern. Money is tight and the prospect of a comfortable financial future appears somewhat strained. As a congregation, we have done due diligence to bring expenses in line. We must all share in this solution. To succeed, we would not depend on Endowments and Investment funds as much.
The talented members of St Mark have many accomplishments over the past four years. Just to name a few:
This year began with a Youth Assembly in Independence. I came back from that trip both exhausted and energized. While it was exhausting trying to keep up with kids that don’t mind staying up all night (and have a lot more energy than I now have) … it was energizing to be with such a great group of kids … to share their hopes and dreams for themselves and for the church.
The year was close to its end when the ladder that was holding Cliff as he was changing light bulbs in the peak of the Fellowship Hall …slid out from under him … and he fell to the floor. Our hopes and dreams at that moment became one of hoping and praying that Cliff would live … and even more … that he would walk again. Now that he has not only survived the fall … but is slowly making his way toward recovery … we praise and thank God for the miracles that He brings.
The same safety concern with which we have always struggled has been the placing of the advent wreath at the peak of the ceiling in the sanctuary. Thanks to Doug Gardner and his team … a new pulley system has been installed so that this safety issue has now been eliminated.
This year, some of those who had not been attending for some time have returned. I would like for this next year to focus on an effort to contact all of those who have not been participating … and those who have nominally been participating … so that we can better minister to one another and to our community.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2011 CONTINUED: During this past council year, members of the congregation came together to meet the needed financial opportunity to purchase and install a handicapped lift. We are almost there and expect installation to be completed in 2012. Congratulations to each of you for moving us forward to a position in which we can support an aging congregation.
“Angels in the Kitchen” continue to grow and assist in providing meals to our members, community and organizations. They also continue to provide a visitor’s basket to first time visitors with information regarding St Mark service times and activities, with tea and goodies to enjoy while reviewing the information. And, in addition, in late 2011, hosted a wonderful fashion show and tea for the women in the community.
2012
This past year, I took the time to build a display case for the hallway … so that we can honor our members who are serving in the military. This year, I will finish off the other side of the case … inside the office … with a magnetic chalk board ... so that you can leave messages and notes for the secretary.
At the same time, we received a beautiful and impressive antique table from Bev Garrett. It now resides in the hallway and is a great place for displays and for putting papers and free things for members to take home. Thanks Beverly!
In July, we presented SpiriTed … a two-person musical entertainment and evangelism team. They presented a very entertaining concert along with some very mind provoking thoughts on Christ, the Church, and God’s grace. While I was pleased with the concert I was disappointed that so few of our members attended it. I would like to present more of these types of events but am leery of putting in the time and energy if the events will not be well attended.
Ruth and I procured a basketball hoop which will be installed this year behind the church for members and neighbors looking for a place to shoot some hoops. My experience has been that people who people who use the basketball hoop at the church on a regular basis often end up becoming members of the church. It is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and to possibly bring in some new members.
I organized and led the 10th Anniversary Tallmadge Memorial Service and Ceremonies in memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I was very pleased with the cooperation of the area churches as well as the great support of the area Fire and Police Departments. Because of this event, the Tallmadge Ministerial Association has been reorganized. It will meet quarterly with all our meetings being hosted at St. Mark. The pastors agree that it is beneficial for us to meet in the same location for every meeting.
2012 CONTINUED: Again this year, we have not been able to afford to hire a custodian for the church. I have been thrilled that the work of cleaning the church has been done well, but I have been dismayed that it is the same few people who do the work each and every week. While I realize that this is a thankless and difficult job it is also a very important one. If you have any available time and ability to volunteer … please take this opportunity to help.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2013
During this last year there were new members added to the Mutual Ministry Committee. So, the members are Jason Scherer, Lew Meeker, Elizabeth Valentine, Barb Mattern and Bill Hibbs. If you have concerns about the church’s ministry, please contact someone on this committee. Also remember that your church council is a place to voice your concerns or ideas.
I believe our partnership with Absorbent Minds School has been a very successful one. It has given of a great deal more exposure in the area. We have profited by enhancements to our building. I would like to thank the Sunday School staff and Fellowship for some of the changes they’ve had to make.
My fear is we will start the new council year short these positions: Parish Education, Stewardship, and Evangelism. Please prayerfully consider filling these positions.
Our Rummage Sale must be earlier this year. We’re planning on June 20 & 21, 2014. We have a head start on lots of things for the sale. If someone is willing to chair the committee please contact Penny Porter.
As mentioned preciously, we are one mission for Christ. We each bear the responsibility to carry out this work and share His words. I ask you to assume ownership to accomplish the tasks at hand. It is very easy…we must all volunteer, participate and live in the life of St. Mark. Give your time and resources for our benefit. The church is more than just a building. It is you, your family, the folks we pray for and support each Sunday. St Mark is our congregation and we must work together in one mission for Christ.
It has been my pleasure to serve as President of St. Mark Council.
Respectively Submitted,
Penny Porter
2013 CONTINUED: -Baptized membership has grown 5 out of the past 6 years. Confirmed membership has come down slightly for the past 2 years. And while the average attendance rose in 2011, it fell significantly in 2012.
This year, a group of people voiced their disappointment in these statistics. They (and I) are concerned that our baptized membership is at 467 … while our attendance is at an average of just 83 people. In addition, our financial situation is not good to say the least.
In this group of concerned members, we have discussed some of the problems, some of the disappointments, and some of the concerns. I have heard comments from a few people to the effect that … “if you would just do this or that … we would be growing.” In this group, we are seeing that not all the past solutions will work in today’s church. We are seeing that some of the things that we think will help … are being shown to be a hindrance to growth.
Most people who have given me a reason they miss the service have told me either that they are no longer able to get out of the house and attend … or … that they are now too busy with other things; e.g. taking their kids to sports practices, working on Sundays, or just trying to catch up on the sleep which they miss throughout the week. A few admit that they are looking for something else; e.g. more exciting music, more variety in services, etc. My best guess is that there are a lot of people who just get out of the habit of going to church … and then feel too embarrassed to come back after missing for so long. The solution is neither simple … nor easy. We have an older population … in a building that is not handicap accessible. Our building prevents us from doing some of the things that may help us to grow.
We do need to re-evaluate our Vision for the future. And a Vision Committee will be formed this year to take on this task.
For now, the most important thing that we can all do … is to attend and participate in the life of the church. The second most important thing that we can all do … is to personally call or visit those who are no longer attending, and invite them to return to active membership. Having a full house of active members of all ages will serve well in turning visitors into members. The third most important thing that we can all do is to invite friends, family, and acquaintances to come and see what we are all about. Offer to pick them up and bring them. Take them out for lunch after the service. That will make a great impression!
Sincerely,
Pastor Michaels
2014
Fellowship Annual Report
2014
We'll we have tried to do some different things in 2013. We had our first Chinese New Year Party. And we for the first time.... almost ran out of food.
Travels took us to a Fall festival at an orchard, where we tried apple sundaes made without ice cream, and had a good time even though it rained. We took a shopping Trip on National Thrift Store Day.
Of course. Have something with food and they will come. Our annual veteran's luncheon was well attended and is our way odd honoring our veterans and thanking them for their service.
We will continue this new tradition in 2014 again in November.
2014 started with a Game night to challenge others with your favorite game. And we plan to have some other fun events this year. Maybe the road rally will return this year.
Thank you to all of you as without you these events could not be successful. Thank you to my committee members without them many events would not happen.
God bless us with good times and good weather for our fellowship events in 2014.
Pat Gardner
Fellowship Chair
2015
This year has been an emotional roller coaster ride. From my perspective, (financial reasons) the congregation lost a lot of confidence … both, in me as the pastor, and in the Council as the representatives of the congregation.
Council called in the Synod to help resolve some issues within the Council. The Synod helped to define the issues and give advice on the reparation of those issues. Council is continuing to address and resolve those issues. Things in Council are once again going well.
You may recall that “The Three Pastors” team had been working on ways for St. Stephen Lutheran, St. Luke Lutheran, and St. Mark Lutheran to work and to celebrate together for the building up of all three churches. Our biggest and best effort has been in the union of our three Confirmation Classes. Now that Pastor John Corsi has become the pastor for St. Stephen Lutheran, and Pastor Bob is continuing to recover from the effects of the stroke, we once again have Three Pastors on this team. Our work will continue to help all three congregations.
Financially, the congregation began 2015 with some fear and trepidation that we would not be able to sustain our finances … and that the congregation’s investments would just continue to be spend down until those investments were gone. Stock Markets had a bad year. And when stock markets have bad years … many churches experience bad a bad year … because people are afraid to give. But thanks to the generosity of the congregation, and thanks to the addition of some more fundraisers, we met our budget without having to take out any money from investments, other than the amount that we are supposed to take out every year to help cover the housing allowance.
Many thanks to the few people who gave so much of their time to clean the church and the church grounds while we were not able to hire a custodian or pay for the lawn to be mowed. You really went beyond the call of duty!
Now we have turned the corner and have once again hired a custodian. Now, we are continuing to ask for volunteers to mow the lawn and keep the flowers looking nice. Part of that job has become a little easier because the mulch in the flower bed along the driveway up to the Fellowship Hall was replaced with rocks this summer. Thanks to the Absorbent Minds Montessori School for this improvement.
I look forward to this new year. At the same time, it is very apparent that something needs to change regarding attendance. I continue to hear the same issue from most of the mainline denominational churches. It is a sign of our times. It is a result of a lot of different variables. But it is also an indication of two things. First, that many people who claim to be churched and claim to have faith, are not attending church services on a regular basis. Second, that we all need to do a better job of inviting, appreciating, and uplifting the church and all the people in the church. We cannot put people in the church down and expect them to attend. We cannot put down the church and expect the congregation to be full. We must build up the body.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2016
2016 Council President’s Annual Report
January 19, 2017
The past year at St. Mark has presented many challenges for our council leadership. I feel the difficulties have made us stronger as a council and as a congregation. The leadership of St. Mark is committed to carrying out our mission.
As we continue into the new year we have many tasks at hand. With God’s help we will meet the tasks in a positive and constructive manner.
A call committee has been formed to begin the process to call a new pastor to St. Mark. The committee would like to hear from you. What characteristics would you like to see in a Pastor? The committee will be diligent in making the process move as smooth as possible.
We reduced the size of council this past year for better effectiveness. Now we need your help to keep us strong. We need someone to step up and assume the Fellowship Council position. Activity dates through June are tentatively set.
Finances at St. Mark continue to be a concern. I am certain that you have the same concern. With everyone’s continued giving, fund raisers, etc. our financial future will continue to improve.
Absorbent Mind’s school continues to be a successful partnership for St. Mark. Not only is there monthly revenue, it provides additional exposure in the Tallmadge community and surrounding communities.
We are one mission in Christ. We each bear the responsibility to carry out his work and share his word. We must give our time and resources for our benefit. The church is more than just a building. It is you, your family, the entire congregation and the sick and homebound we pray for each Sunday. St. Mark is our congregation and we are charged to work together in Christ’s name.
It has been a pleasure serving as the successful council president for St. Mark the past five years. Thank you to everyone who has provided support, assistance and unlimited caring that made the time a success.
Yours in Christ,
Penny Porter
President, St. Mark Congregation Council
2017
This year was a hard year for many members of St. Mark as Pastor Bill retired. We were fortunate that the call committee put in place Pr. Connor.
Pastor David Connor stepped up to the plate as our interim Pastor in early 2017, and as the call committee expedited the Call process his stay with us was cut short. He chuckled as he explained that he had just unpacked the last of his boxes into the church office and now he must repack and be off. His sense of humor will be missed sorely. God blessed St. Mark with you Pr. Connor!
St Mark is still trying to revamp the regular fundraisers that were depressed during the year that the road in front of our church was closed for major construction, with one lane in one direction at a time left open. It was hard to navigate and eventually took it's toll on our fund raising abilities. A new sign for the church was ordered and paid for, and still sits in storage waiting for the proper clearance from the City of Tallmadge's Engineering Dept. so that we can proceed with installation of the sign. The new sign was finally installed in late fall of 2017. The handicapped chair lift project had to be cancelled and the lift was removed from the entrance foyer to the church. Some wiring updates were made and floor repair as well. The Montessori School has contributed to the upkeep and it's aid helped keep the doors opened during the road construction and reduction of income.
On September 24th, 2017, the congregation of St Mark Lutheran Church voted for extending an offer to Pr. Deborah Wissner from Bethany to be the next pastor. We are thrilled to announce that Pastor Deborah has gladly accepted the call to be our new minister! Please, come join us as we enter into this exciting chapter in our congregation's life. We welcome Pastor Wissner, our new pastor, to St. Mark! She will begin leading us in worship on Sunday, November 12, and is looking forward to working with each one of us to tend to the needy, to share Christ’s love, and to extend God’s kingdom here on earth. She will help each of us discern what God is calling us to do in the world, and in this, his church, in our ministry together.
Pastor Wissner is a native of Michigan and a graduate of The University of Michigan, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and Owens State Community College. She lives in Cuyahoga Falls with her husband, Pastor Douglas Fidler (Trinity, Kent), her son, Joseph, who is a student at Stark State, and two feline companions, Bob and Zelda. Her son Benjamin and his wife Molly live in Berkley, Michigan. Pastor Wissner has served Bethany Lutheran Church for the past 14 years. She is also a Registered Nurse and currently works part-time as a Care Manager for Humana At Home. We welcome and thank the lord for Pr. Deborah!
Pastor Deborah's installation was held on January 28th, 2018 at 4:00 pm.
Winter 2017 was a bittersweet time for several people that decided to join St. Mark. With the closing and sale of the church buildings at Bethany Lutheran Church in Akron, OH (where Pr. Deborah served for many years) we were blessed to extend the family here at St.Mark. Pastor Deborah Wissner came to our home and brought along new membership and the statue of Jesus that once graced Bethany. Some other gifts from Bethany are being brought to St, Mark at this time and we are thankful for them.
Well, it is 4 days away until the new year is upon us. I hope and pray for continued growth and stability at St. Mark as the church goes through it's growing pains and changes. Looking toward 2018 there are hopes that a new council will be voted into place and that all positions will filled in February 2018 with members from the new "blended" family at St. Mark. No dividing lines, only joined leadership. Please pray that the church comes together and stays together as one functioning church family under the guidance of Jesus Christ. It has been a pleasure assisting Cam Jellison, who sat on Council for several terms as the head of the Communications Committee. I've enjoyed the graphic designing, upkeep of the church Facebook Page and the St. Mark Website. It is with a heavy heart that I will be stepping down as well in February and focusing my attentions to my own church and working on local missionary projects. But I will always send love and positive thoughts to St. Mark and will hold you all in prayer.
God's Blessing to all and a very Happy New Year in 2018!
Debra M. Anderson
Web Mistress & Graphic Designer
1959
On January 11, 1959, 78 people gathered together at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Melching, 141 North Avenue, Tallmadge, for the first service of this new Lutheran Misssion. This marked the first step toward fulfillment of plans that had been prayed about for over two years. The American Lutheran Church saw the need for a Lutheran Church in the Tallmadge area. Pastor Russell Finekenbine of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Pastor Eugene Langholz, of Divinity Lutheran, both of Akron, approached Charles Melching, Clarence Miller and Robert Hammond, all from St. John’s, and Don Noltemeyer, from Divinity, to help plan and work toward the goal of a new mission. These four worked to start the church home we know today.
Sunday, January 18th, the first Sunday School was held in Melching’s basement and dining room. Mr. James Graeser, intern at St. John’s came on loan until a regular full time pastor could be called. The name St. Mark was selected for the congregation.
On December 2, 1958, the American Lutheran Church had entered into an agreement to purchase our present property at 168 North Ave., from Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jones, contingent upon rezoning allowing the property to be used as a church. The lot was approximately 185 by 469 feet and contained a house that could be used as a parsonage, and a garage. The cost was $31,000.00, and the church was to take possession 90 days after delivery of the deed. In the meantime, Pastor George and Mary Hartman accepted the call to St. Mark the latter part of January, and arrived February 19, 1959, as the home missionary.
Each Saturday the men, led by Harold Robinson, would go in and roll up the rugs, set up the chairs, placing the temporary altar in the Melching dining room.
March 22 we were able to use our new Lowery organ for the first time. Easter Sunday, March 29, we were elated as we went over 100 in attendance for worship service. (Can you imagine being glad to have 100 people in your home on Sunday morning?!)
Survey teams were sent out to visit the community. May 7th the first (annual) congregational meeting was held to elect the first Church Council and to approve the proposed Constitution.
May 17th was organization Sunday. Resolutions were adopted that incorporated the congregation, and application was made to join the Ohio District of the American Lutheran Church. Pastor Hartman was officially called as Pastor of the new congregation. Pastor Priebe, President then, as now, of the Ohio District, conducted the service. A picture of the new congregation in front of the Melching home was taken following the service.
May 24, the first Church Council was officially installed, and it was announced that a building contract had been awarded to the Narzisi Construction Company. After this service, Pastor Hartman led the Congregation in a procession across the street for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new church.
June 19, the first baby was born in our St. Mark family - and also in the Hartman family - Philip was born. A month later David Bland, the Melching’s grandson, and son of Chuck and Janet, was born. Lee Lytle, the son of Elfreida and Duane, joined the family too on October 28th. We were growing!
June also found us having our first Vacation Bible School, which was held in Overdale School. Julia Weden was Superintendent. Pastor and Rhea Cacioppo attended the Ohio District Convention and we were officially received into the Ohio District.
The Ohio Mission Board gave us a loan of $54,000 to build our new church building, and on June 29th work began on the new building.
July 19, the Luther League was organized.
July 25, Marilyn Hassler, Ohio District Parish Worker, arrived for two months work in the congregation.
August 16, the cornerstone for the new church was laid — a gift of Bill and Mae Courtney.
September 10 found the publication of the first issue of the parish paper to be called “The St. Mark Messenger”.
The end of 1959, and the end of the first year of St. Mark, we had grown to 170 baptized and 93 confirmed members, with an average attendance of 125.
Our first Council President was Bill Courtney; Vice President, R. Bruce Chancey; Secretary, Karl Witten; and Treasurer, Charles Melching. Others on the first Council were Dick Bauer, Carl Weden, Sue Monahan, Phyllis Chancey, E. J. Lanari, John Taylor, Richard Minke, and Harold Robinson.
1960
1960 was another good year, as we prepared to dedicate our new church home. The women of the church worked together, under the direction of Stelle Hansen (then a member of St. John’s), making the drapes for the church. This work involved a lot of fellowship, much laughter, and quite a few trips to soak sore fingers. Everybody was hurrying around to put the finishing touches on for our big day. There were many uneaten, and even uncooked, dinners in those final days.
February 7, and the doors were officially opened and the church blessed. Pastor Preibe was again on hand as our guest preacher. Lectors were Pastor Finkenbine and Pastor Langholz. Pastor Hartman was liturgist, Harold Osborne was the first Senior Choir director, and Louise Stapleton led the Junior Choir. Don Noltemeyer was the organist and the 1960 Council President.
In the afternoon of February 7, we held an Open House from 2 to 5, under the capable hands of Mae Courtney. As per usual, we had lots of snow, and all the electrical problems had not been ironed out — the two large coffee urns kept flipping the breakers, so we had to run back and forth between the Parsonage and the church. Our social area, where our tea table was set up, was the balcony, where our nursery now is. Our only kitchen was a sink and a few cupboards, which we now use as the Sunday School cupboards. Pastor’s office was in the present Secretary’s office. We were very pleased to have people from the community and our sister churches join in our celebration. 7:00 that evening, we concluded with our first Vesper service. Rev. H. L. Anderson, Ohio District Mission Committee, brought the message, and James Graeser, who had helped us in the first days, was liturgist.
Our congregation grew rapidly in the new facilities, and we soon had to establish two Sunday School sessions. We did survey work, visiting 467 homes.
The women of the church had a great deal of fun as we worked to keep our church home clean. We pulled some real “boners”, too. We learned the hard way not to put scouring cleanser on the nave floor . . . went down really easily, but we thought that we’d never get it up!
In the Fall, the ALCW was formed, with Mae Courtney as the first President. Three Circles were formed and we started our Bible Studies.
In 1960, we had our first confirmation class — Sue Miller and Bob Tucker. We had grown to 265 baptized and 141 confirmed members, with an average attendance of 136, at the end of our first year in the church building.
1961
We were still going out, two by two, making survey and evangelism calls, telling others about Jesus Christ and inviting the unchurched to come to St. Mark.
Our growth showed in the fact that we had to go to two church services starting in October. We also had to hold two Vacation Bible Schools. The Junior Lutheran program started for children, kindergarten to sixth grade, and met for two hours, one Saturday morning a month.
We still did not have either a janitor or secretary. The janitorial work was done on a volunteer basis, with members of the congregation doing the work under the direction of the Property chairman. The men and boys mowed the lawn and kept the snow off of the walks.
During 1961, we again appointed a Planning Committee to meet with Mr. Glenn Bickerstaff, the architect who designed the original building, to make plans for an education unit.
1962
1962 began with the congregation approving buying the property at 75 Orr Lawn Drive for the new parsonage, in the amount of $20,700.00, instructing the trustees to go to the American Lutheran Church Mission Board to secure a loan of an amount up to $7,000 as a down payment and to make whatever arrangements were necessary to secure the additional money needed to complete the purchase of the Orr Lawn property. We further authorized the Church Council to convert the present parsonage into a Sunday School annex.
Our Sunday School, Junior Lutherans, and Bible schools grew steadily. We were literally bulging at the seams!
Pastor Hartman moved his family into the new parsonage and his office upstairs into the old parsonage, with the downstairs housing three Sunday School classes.
We voted to choose a building committee to make plans for expansion. The proposed addition to the church building was to have worship space to accommodate 260 and seven or eight additional classrooms - estimated cost $85,000.00.
This year we added our first staff member -- Shirley Baird was hired as a part-time secretary, and has become invaluable to us.
1963
The Building Committee was formed in January, 1963, with Bill Rawson as Chairman. An architect was chosen and the plans were re-studied to fill the immediate need and stay within budget. Contractors were chosen , ground was broken, and work on the new building began in August, with an assurance that the building would be ready for use in the Spring of 1964.
We had another “first” — our Bible school had grown so, that we had to rent a tent to accommodate all the children, both in June and in August.
1964
We hit a crossroad with the observance of the Fifth Anniversary of our congregation. We were still growing in membership and commitment, Our facilities tripled with the dedication of our second unit on May 10.
We still made survey and evangelism calls. We were told it takes 17 lay members to recruit one unchurched new member.
Our Sunday School program changed because of enlarged facilities — we returned to one Sunday School session.
We added another paid member to our staff with the hiring of a part-time janitor to help clean the added space.
1965
1965 found the congregation still working and enjoying fellowship together. The Women of the Church were very active. This year saw the Luther league divided into a junior and senior league to better serve the interest of our young people. The Boy Scout Troop, which had been started in 1965, became very active, too.
1966
A new year and a new Pastor. Pastor Hartman received a call to a new mission in Columbus. Pastor and Mary, Philip, Christine, and Mark left in February.
The congregation grew closer together and for several months took on the job of running the church. We soon realized just how much work a Pastor does. With the help of Dr. Moeller, Ohio District President, we called our present Pastor, Don Doerfer, who was preaching in Montra, Ohio. He accepted the call and came to us in May. We repainted the Parsonage and eagerly awaited the arrival of our new parsonage family. Faith had never seen the Parsonage until the day she moved in (the life and faith of a Pastor’s wife!)
Pastor Doerfer preached his first sermon May 8th, and in the afternoon we held a reception for the congregation and community to meet and greet Pastor, Faith, Mark, and little Julie.
It was difficult without a Pastor, but it was an growing experience, too, as we learned to lean more on our Lord and to help one another as we struggled to do the work of the church.
1967
1967 found us continuing in evangelism work, calling on 120 new families who had moved in to our church area. The Luther Leaguers helped us to make calls in the new apartment buildings in Tallmadge. The League was very active this year, making Advent wreathes, and participating in the Area Rally. They had a costume party at Halloween and a New Year’s Eve Party, but the highlight of the year was 13 young people, each paying his own way, attended the National Convention in Dallas, Texas.
A men’s group was formed this year, but unfortunately, it didn’t stay together long.
1968
Evangelism playing a big part in our Church like, we hosted an evangelism workshop for six area ALC churches. The workshop was conducted by Rev. Karl Mix and Mr. Paul Muckley from the Lutheran Service Society. Cottage or household meetings were held, and became a part of the fall stewardship campaign.
We became a part of Tallmadge Good Neighbors, a unit that helps many needy families.
The ALCW sponsored the Good Friday Prayer Vigil, which has become a yearly event.
1969
1969 opened with plans for the 10th Anniversary, which was held May 18th. Pastor led us in our morning worship service. In the evening we had dinner at the Tallmadge Grange, and then returned to the church where our first Pastor, Pastor Hartman, gave the message.
Tragedy also struck in 1969. Tuesday, July 15th, 11:30 P.M., Kenneth Jensen, then president of the congregation, was driving by the church and noticed smoke coming from the church and he notified the fire department. We had $30,000 in damage. As in a family, tragedy draws us closer together and our St. Mark family drew close together trying to comfort each other. Pastor and his family were on vacation in Illinois. The day after the fire we all came to look and felt dazed. Pastor’s and Shirley’s offices were damaged, not only by smoke but by water. The kitchen, the old hall, and the Narthex all were damaged. Pastor was back by Wednesday evening and we all began the task of cleaning up. We were very fortunate that none of our records were destroyed. Sometime you may come across a book in the library or Pastor’s office that looks like it was damaged in a fire — it probably has been. The fireman said that if the alarm had come twenty minutes later, everything probably would have been lost.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church of Stow all offered us their facilities for our Sunday worship service. We chose the First Congregational Church, gathering together to strengthen each other and thank the Lord for sparing our church home. The Newman Construction Company took over and we were back in on our own sanctuary by the next Sunday, amidst the re-building and reconstruction work.
1970
1970 found some more changes to our facilities — the old annex had been torn down and removed from the property. A garage was added for storage purposes. The old nave was remodeled to make better use for Sunday School and storage.
We became part of the group that is Tallmadge Interfaith.
We continued our support of Larry Lepper as he prepared to become a Lutheran Pastor.
The Women of the Church appointed a Library Committee and proceeded to establish our library.
1971
1971 brought several new worship forms to St. Mark. The Contemporary Communion Service was met with mixed emotions. Our church showed their concern when a sister congregation, Calvary in Brimfield, was in need. We gave an entire Sunday offering to Calvary, in the amount of $1036.65.
The ALCW held a book fair to promote St. Mark’s library. Members of the church were given the opportunity to purchase volumes for the library.
In Parish Education — a big change — a separation of Confirmation from First Communion. It was decided that, after sufficient instruction, the fifth graders would be able to receive Holy Communion. The Fellowship Committee instituted Advent Dinners on the three Tuesdays before Christmas, which has since become a tradition at St. Mark.
1972
A Mission Life Program was introduced in the Sunday school through the fifth grade. A program was also started on Tuesday nights for third graders through Catechism . The young people made projects for the Hattie Larlham Foundation.
Don Noltemeyer, who had donated his services as a Choir Director and Organist since the founding of St. Mark, resigned. The duties at the organ were shared by Larry Madsen, Faith Doerfer, and Jackie Charwenske. Pastor took over the Choir. We really appreciate Pastor’s beautiful voice.
St. Mark fielded its first boy’s basketball team in 1972.
The women continued their monthly studies and took on the project or sewing washable stuffed balls for the Hattie Larlham children’s home for handicapped children. Stelle Hansen’s living room was the scene of the sewing project and lots of stuffing was on Stelle’s carpet, but the women enjoyed a lot of laughs and fellowship.
The women of the Church had always taken care of the altar, but this year an Altar Committee was formed and 15 women were elected to serve 3 year terms.
1973
In 1973 we became a 2-point parish — one pastor serving two congregations. Dr. Moeller requested that the congregation allow Pastor Doerfer to help out the troubled Calvary Lutheran Church in Brimfield for a trial period of one year — which the congregation granted.
We became part of the “Key 73" program, an evangelism program involving what was called the Kennedy Witnessing Plan. 85 members took part in the program.
St. mark hosted the community Thanksgiving Services. Six other Tallmadge churches participated. We concluded paving of the driveway. This cost was paid through extra pledges above and beyond our regular pledges.
A parament cupboard was built by a member, Bill Hinkleman, with funds provided by memorials to departed members. This cupboard is a great help to the Altar Committee.
On June 17, 1973, praise be to God, a son of the congregation — Larry Lepper — was ordained a Lutheran minister. A reception honoring Larry was held at the church. Larry is now serving a congregation at Cook, Nebraska.
1974
15 years as a congregation — busy, fruitful years and sometime painful and frustrating years — but, 15 years of growth. Tallmadge, a city of transit population, and we have seen many people move in and out. 1974 saw the end of the 2-point parish. After 20 months, Pastor left Calvary with mixed emotions. This year also saw some very extensive repairs to the Parsonage, and once again the members responded by contributing $8,000.00 above the pledged amount to complete the much needed work.
Social action has always been a prime concern of St. Mark. We now house the “Busy Sunshine Club” — a group for the older people from all the Tallmadge churches. This group, under the direction of Morna Wise and Elizabeth Culbertson, meets each Monday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and fills a big need in our community as they fellowship and do projects together.
February 21st the St. Mark women were hostesses for the annual Mini-retreat. This retreat among the women of the various Tallmadge churches, sharing a Christian fellowship, helped each of us to a better understanding of the other churches. In the fall the women enjoyed a retreat at the Doerfer’s farm among the hills of Southern Ohio. Various other groups from the church have also enjoyed Pastor and Faith’s hospitality.
1975
It was with heavy hearts that we saw the close of Calvary in Brimfield. But, as in all things, God is good, as we welcomed into our fellowship some of our brothers and sisters in Christ from Calvary.
United Mission Appeal was a success in helping to spread the gospel throughout the world. 29 members responded by pledging $5,400.00 to do the mission work.
One very interesting statistic for 1975 was that at one time 1/3 of the Sunday School was in the adult class. Also, more Bible study groups were being formed. The Holy Spirit is most certainly working in our midst.
1976
Our country was 200 years old and we joined our community in the anniversary observance. At St. Mark, the ushers and some other members of the congregation wore the styles of our forefathers.
Our Pastor had an anniversary of his own, too....15 years in God’s service. The congregation honored him with a surprise party.
In August, Mark and David Bland, Sue Trauger, Kim Slonaker, and Carl Oberdorfer, joined their adult chaperone, Carol Thomas, on a bus ride to New Orleans, for a national Luther League Convention.
The Northern Cluster of the Augustana Conference was reorganized — the Cluster concept allowing individual churches to voice their thoughts and concerns to the Conferences, district and national level of the church.
A Steering Committee was formed and was charged with the duty of seeking the future needs of the congregation, as to additional building and to finalized the building program started in 1959, and then to secure the funds to go ahead with the building when that time arrives.
March, 1976, the churches of Tallmadge Interfaith sponsored the Laotion Vang Kai family, who arrived here from a refugee camp in Thailand. The family consisted of the 21-year-old father, Kai, 20-year-old mother, Mai, a 2-1/2 year old son, Toua. In October of 1976 a baby girl was born, Jaimy Irene.
The 1976 Publicity Committee was different than in the past — except for one adult, the entire committee was made up of teenagers, the future leaders of our church.
Sometime in late 1976, Pastor, Clarence Miller, Chuck Bland, and Jeff Rawson, formed a quartet. Out of that quartet evolved the “3-M’s”- St. Mark’s Music Men.
1977
An exciting year, as e successfully conducted our “Outreach Seminar”, led by Dr. Walter Bouman, with a 2-month follow-up study by the congregation.
We sent our Pastor to receive intensive training in the Bethel Series, and then he would be teaching others.
Another high point was “Festival ‘77", held in Cleveland, under the joint sponsor ship of the ALC, LCA and LCMC. The all day session gave the ones of us who attended a real spiritual uplift.
We continued to support Tallmadge Interfaith, and this year saw the organization of Mobile Meals unit— 60 different persons each month delivering meals to 15-20 clients daily. Barbara Mattern was in charge of this most worthy effort.
1978
1978 was a very eventful year for St. Mark. The first group of Bethel teachers were in training — Faith Doerfer, Sue Carey, Jackie Charwenske and Don Grimm.
In April, we held our second Seminar, with Dr. Hagen Staack, from Muhlenberg College, as the study leader.
One of the high points of the year was the long hours put in by the Steering Committee in developing the in-depth congregation self-study — both for our spiritual needs and our physical plant. The Ohio District office was so impressed that they have recommended other congregations do the same. Lew Meeker led this hard working group of people.
A big change in our worship service — a new hymnal. Once again our people responded by purchasing all the hymnals needed for worship service. We started using the new service on December 1st. As in any change, there are mixed emotions. (Thank the Lord for Pastor’s voice).
An anonymous donor gave $500.00 — half the amount needed — to purchase new choir robes. The Jack Augustine’s donated a beautiful piano for the Nave.
In October, at the Reformation Rally at St. John’s, we had the best looking banner in the city — thanks to Gloria Rininger, Janet Casteel and Russ Linger.
1979
At the Annual Meeting in January, 1979, Lew Meeker presented the results of the survey and the recommendations of the Steering Committee. Ron Trauger was elected Chairman of the Building Committee, and the rest of the committee was chosen by lottery from the 36 people who had volunteered to serve.
In February, Pastor was hospitalized with hepatitis, and the Rev. Arthur Stennett was called in to substitute for Pastor on Sundays and for the Lenten services. Once again, we realized all the little things a Pastor does — and no one can substitute in the day-to-day ordinary things we all take for granted.
Plans were well underway for our 20th Anniversary. We chose as our theme “St. Mark 20/20 Mission for Christ”. We asked for a Thank-offering or Love Offering to be presented to another mission congregation — New Life in Gallipolis, Ohio. Emily Robinson, who with her family, Harold, Thelma and Neal, were charter members of St. Mark, is a charter member of New Life Luther Church.
Our anniversary celebration was held Sunday, May 20th, with our founding Pastor, George Hartman, bringing the message. In the afternoon we had an Open House and closed the celebration with an evening service at which Pastor Doerfer preached. The congregation voted against building and to go with remodeling — Ronnie DeNiro, chairperson, Cliff Sherer, general contractor. Eleven months later we rededicated our remodeling. A new large entrance was added on the first floor and a large room for storage downstairs. In the nave the chairs were replace by beautiful wooden pews with blue upholstery and new blue carpet. Up front in the chancel area, the bricks were covered up with more beautiful woodwork.
1983
St. Mark experienced a big change as Pastor Doerfer received a call to Hubbard, Ohio and accepted it. In July, we tearfully said goodbye to Pastor, Faith and Julie.
For the first time St. Mark joined with Tallmadge Methodist for a joint Vacation bible School.
In September we greeted pastor Tom Baumgardner as our interim pastor until December, 1983. A call committee had been formed and a call was extended to George Murphy. Pastor Murphy came to St. Mark from a career as a Physics professor, and we were his first parish. Several of our members went to Iowa to witness Pastor Murphy’s ordination.
1984
In January, the Murphy family, Dona, Anastasia, and Katherine, came to join the St. Mark family. Lots of getting acquainted and getting used to each other followed.
We celebrated our 25th year as a congregation. A property priority list was presented as part of our 25 year celebration and an afternoon reception was held.
1985
Fifteen of our Luther Leaguers went to Denver for an unforgettable experience at the ALC National Youth Gathering. Vacation Bible School with Tallmadge Methodist, this time sharing fun in the bubble.
Search Bible Study was started with Barbara Mattern, Joe Forney and Elizabeth Mackathorn in charge.
1987
We prepared to become part of the new ELCA this year. Six St. Mark members with hundreds of others were at the November 27th installation of Robert Kelley as bishop of the NEO District. We joined with other Lutherans for a joint Reformation Service at St. Stephen’s in Stow to become better acquainted with our LCA sister congregations.
In October, the statistics for our congregation were 364 baptized members and 295 confirmed members.
1990
The original nave of the church was remodeled. Marlite was installed on the walls. Insulation was put in and new block windows were installed. A basketball hoop was put up and once again, our original cross was installed on the East wall.
We had two special fund-raising events. Our goal for remodeling was $5,000.00. We responded with $8,570.00. We also raised $3,000.00 to buy our electronic piano.
1991
A new innovation for Stewardship was held — a Stewardship fair. The congregation responded with great enthusiasm. We continued sharing Bible School with Tallmadge United Methodist.
WELCA started a new Fellowship Circle. We nominated Brenda Schneider and she was chosen as one of the four young women guests at NEOSW meeting in Youngstown. We voted on proposed changes to St. Mark’s constitution. Several of our young people attended the Lutheran League Convention in Dallas.
1992
A new organist, Mary Curtis, joined us this year. Our choir not only sang beautifully, but looked great in their new blue choir robes.
This year we had two break-ins so we changed the locks and added more floodlights were needed.
We enjoyed a bus trip to Oglebay park to see the beautiful Christmas lights.
Breakfast with St. Nicholas was provided for our younger church members with a real visit from St. Nicholas.
1993
Intergroup, consisting of five Tallmadge churches undertook a project to feed the homeless. The ladies meet at St. Mark the second Monday of each month and pack about 200 lunches to be delivered to St. Bernard’s in Akron.
Circle One changed it’s name to Alpha Circle. Friendship Circle hosted a bus trip to Longenberger Baskets in Dresden. The young and not-so-young participated in a softball league.
1994
We had an Italian Festival for Family Night and it was a great success. Pastor Murphy celebrated his tenth year of ordination. Six young people went to Luther League Convention in Atlanta. WELCA had a very special project, “In Your Light I Grow Through”. Donations of money in honor of persons of faith were given, and the sanctuary light was purchased.
Friendship Circle went on a retreat to a cabin in the mountains in Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed fellowship (and shopping- for some) and quiet walks around the pond.
1995
A new pictorial directory was published. The choir started to use the supplement to the Lutheran Book of Worship, “With One Voice”.
A memorial plaque of the symbol of St. Mark was dedicated.
Fellowship Committee sponsored a tailgate party at the church with the Akron-Canton Indians baseball game following.
Friendship Circle again took a retreat to the cabin in the mountains in Pennsylvania.
1996
In 1995, Friendship Circle started a project of cross stitching a baptismal banner for every child in the church, birth through high school. In January, close to 100 banners were hanging in the sanctuary. What a beautiful sight!!
1997
After much discussion, the parking lot was finally re-paved.
In memory of Clarence Miller, a charter member who died in 1996, a beautiful red St. Mark sign was installed on the front of our original building. Many people have noticed how much this sign makes our church more visible and how beautiful it looks as they drive up North Avenue.
Eight of our young people attended the Luther League Convention in New Orleans, with Neal Robinson and Lori Lambert as their adult chaperones. The trip was partially paid for by funds raised at the “New Orleans Night” dinner and auction of baked goods hosted by the youth group. Jim Meeker was the excellent auctioneer!
1998
After fifteen years of ministry here at St. Mark, Pastor Murphy announced that he would be leaving St. Mark. His last Sunday would be December 27, 1998.
St. Mark children performed songs from Vacation Bible School on Rally Day. First year Catechism classes now meet on Sunday mornings.
The vestibule of our church got an inviting new look, and the finishing touches are beautiful. Gail Smith and Sonia Dial did a great job!
Social action, through the monthly special offerings, sponsored equipment for women in Africa to become more self-sufficient through spinning and weaving, and we have continued to support the needs of the Ronald McDonald House.
November 22, we held a dinner to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Pastor Murphy’s ordination, and wish him a fond farewell. It was kept low-key by Pastor’s request.
1999
A new year, and lots of decisions to be made. In January, Pastor Deborah Wissner came to be our interim Pastor. How good God has been to us to give us Pastor Deborah as this time of change!
A big change for many members of Christ Lutheran in Cuyahoga Falls, as they closed their church on Easter Sunday. God has led so many of these people to St. Mark and we welcome them to our St. Mark family, hope they will be happy here and grow in faith.
As there are many changes in our world and our church family, we are so blessed by God as we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary on may 16th. All three of our former pastor, Pastor George Hartman, Pastor Don Doerfer, and Pastor George Murphy, will be here. Praise God for these fine Christian men who have given so much to us, their leadership, love, and friendship.
At this time we still have 17 charter members active in the congregation. They are:
Charles and Janet Bland Charles Melching
Dominic Cacioppo Penny McIntosh Porter
Neal Robinson Alton and Sara Herman
Paul and Viola Thomas Gloria Herman Rininger
Carol Thomas Arbour Elfrieda and Lee Lytle
Tony, Ronnie, and Denny DeNiro
As I said twenty years ago, no one knows what the future holds. But with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can step boldly and confidently into the next phase of our St. Mark Lutheran Church Mission for Christ Jesus.
Viola Thomas
May, 1999
2000
Burned the mortgage on February 20. Fifteen new members welcomed in February. Assembled visitor’s packets and delivered Sunday afternoon with a baked good. New name tag program instituted. Members were encouraged to wear name tags. Dr. Dennis Radefeld visited to discuss Global Health Ministries. First chili cook-off held in November. Congregation presented fifteen entries of Chili, bread or brownies. Special offering taken for St Luke’s Home for the Aged.
2001
Vision Committee formed. Supported food-in-gathering which was presented to Good Neighbors by the Lew Meeker family. St Mark Bell Choir organized by John Roberts, Choir Director.
2002
The Congregation participated in 2002 Arts & Crafts Heritage Festival. Chili cook-off in February included a play. Profits were provided to the Battered Women Shelter. A demonstration Passover Sader was held March 24, Palm Sunday. Approximately 60 youth and adults had the opportunity to experience elements of a Passover meal.
2003
Vision and Planning Committee reorganized. Mutual Ministry Committee reorganized. St. Mark continued to support St Bernard’s Lunch Program. This has been a 10 ½ year endeavor. Constitutional Review Committee worked diligently on Constitutional changes.
2004
High School Youth group attended Youth Congress in Cincinnati from March 4 though March 6.Visitors frequently say they are impressed with the friendliness of our congregation. Thirteen women enjoyed the retreat at Barb Mattern’s Kelly Island home in September.
2005
Pastor Michaels celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination. Bishop Marcus Miller, Northeastern Ohio Synod, ELCA preached at the anniversary service and a luncheon celebration was held at the Pavilion on the Riverfront in Cuyahoga Falls. WELCA continues to knit for charity. New window blinds purchased for library and Pastor’s office. Begin coffee talks as a valuable communication resource. St Mark participated in Tallmadge EXPO April 9. Teacher appreciation Sunday celebrated June 5.
2006
A Service of Ordination for Ernest Hoffman was held on September 9th at St. Mark. Bishop John H. K. Schreiber, Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA was the presiding minister for the service with Pastor Michaels as assisting minister. The congregation moved from two semi-annual congregational meetings to a February annual meeting.
2007
On April 1st a service of dedication for the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship pew hymnals was held. April 22nd marked the completion, dedication and renaming of the remolded nursery now known as the Treehouse. Knitting for Charity continues to create items for various area charities including Akron Children’s hospital.
2008
The formation of Angels in the Kitchen by Ruth Michaels began their service of providing food for shut-ins, local area shelters and those who are in need of comfort. Preparation for the 50th Anniversary Cook book began. Peace Corps purchased a brick from Lutheran World Relief to help defray the cost of shipping quilts.
2009
The youth of St. Mark attended the January annual Northeastern Ohio Synod, LYO gathering in Independence, Ohio. Renovation of women’s restroom mural by Kim Baragry was completed. The 50th Anniversary cookbook was finalized and made available for sale. To improve parking lot safety a new draining system was installed by Mike Passarelli a longtime St. Mark neighbor with the help of St. Mark volunteers.
(WE WERE MISSING THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH FROM 2010 THROUGH 2016. THE INFORMATION BELOW IS A COMPILATION OF ACTIVITES, PRESIDENT REPORTS, PASTORAL REPORTS, AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES TO PROVIDE YOU WITH WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE’VE DONE, AND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN OUR FUTURES. THE GOOD, THE CONCERNS, THE GOD FOR US ALL AT ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH.)
2010
We are a congregational church where all of us have a place to govern and lead St. Mark. We all bear responsibility to carry Christ’s mission to the community. I hope council has presented an open, responsive, and positive experience for each of you and there is a clear understanding of how important you are to our church family.
St. Mark finances have remained a top concern over the several years. I am sure you also share the concern. Money is tight and the prospect of a comfortable financial future appears somewhat strained. As a congregation, we have done due diligence to bring expenses in line. We must all share in this solution. To succeed, we would not depend on Endowments and Investment funds as much.
The talented members of St Mark have many accomplishments over the past four years. Just to name a few:
- Established the Angels in the Kitchen group, made up of several of the women, in and out of our congregation, who provide meals for those in need within our church home and in our community.
- We celebrated 50 years as a congregation
- Angels in the Kitchen published, with the help of the church members, a church cook book
- Fellowship hosted several successful chili cook-offs
- Angels in the Kitchen hosted two Café fund-raisers
- Managed a successful rummage sale
- Funded a new roof
- Communications committee established a card ministry
- Youth programs have grown
- We continue to gain new members
Thank you to all that contributed for the success of these and all other accomplishments. We each bear the responsibility to carry out His work and share His words. I ask you to assume ownership to accomplish the tasks at hand. It is very easy. We must all volunteer, participate and live in the life of St Mark. Give your time and resources for our benefit. The church is more than just a building. It is you, your family, the folks we pray for and support each Sunday. St Mark is our congregation and we must work together in one mission for Christ.
This year began with a Youth Assembly in Independence. I came back from that trip both exhausted and energized. While it was exhausting trying to keep up with kids that don’t mind staying up all night (and have a lot more energy than I now have) … it was energizing to be with such a great group of kids … to share their hopes and dreams for themselves and for the church.
The year was close to its end when the ladder that was holding Cliff as he was changing light bulbs in the peak of the Fellowship Hall …slid out from under him … and he fell to the floor. Our hopes and dreams at that moment became one of hoping and praying that Cliff would live … and even more … that he would walk again. Now that he has not only survived the fall … but is slowly making his way toward recovery … we praise and thank God for the miracles that He brings.
The same safety concern with which we have always struggled has been the placing of the advent wreath at the peak of the ceiling in the sanctuary. Thanks to Doug Gardner and his team … a new pulley system has been installed so that this safety issue has now been eliminated.
This year, some of those who had not been attending for some time have returned. I would like for this next year to focus on an effort to contact all of those who have not been participating … and those who have nominally been participating … so that we can better minister to one another and to our community.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2011 CONTINUED: During this past council year, members of the congregation came together to meet the needed financial opportunity to purchase and install a handicapped lift. We are almost there and expect installation to be completed in 2012. Congratulations to each of you for moving us forward to a position in which we can support an aging congregation.
“Angels in the Kitchen” continue to grow and assist in providing meals to our members, community and organizations. They also continue to provide a visitor’s basket to first time visitors with information regarding St Mark service times and activities, with tea and goodies to enjoy while reviewing the information. And, in addition, in late 2011, hosted a wonderful fashion show and tea for the women in the community.
2012
This past year, I took the time to build a display case for the hallway … so that we can honor our members who are serving in the military. This year, I will finish off the other side of the case … inside the office … with a magnetic chalk board ... so that you can leave messages and notes for the secretary.
At the same time, we received a beautiful and impressive antique table from Bev Garrett. It now resides in the hallway and is a great place for displays and for putting papers and free things for members to take home. Thanks Beverly!
In July, we presented SpiriTed … a two-person musical entertainment and evangelism team. They presented a very entertaining concert along with some very mind provoking thoughts on Christ, the Church, and God’s grace. While I was pleased with the concert I was disappointed that so few of our members attended it. I would like to present more of these types of events but am leery of putting in the time and energy if the events will not be well attended.
Ruth and I procured a basketball hoop which will be installed this year behind the church for members and neighbors looking for a place to shoot some hoops. My experience has been that people who people who use the basketball hoop at the church on a regular basis often end up becoming members of the church. It is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and to possibly bring in some new members.
I organized and led the 10th Anniversary Tallmadge Memorial Service and Ceremonies in memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I was very pleased with the cooperation of the area churches as well as the great support of the area Fire and Police Departments. Because of this event, the Tallmadge Ministerial Association has been reorganized. It will meet quarterly with all our meetings being hosted at St. Mark. The pastors agree that it is beneficial for us to meet in the same location for every meeting.
2012 CONTINUED: Again this year, we have not been able to afford to hire a custodian for the church. I have been thrilled that the work of cleaning the church has been done well, but I have been dismayed that it is the same few people who do the work each and every week. While I realize that this is a thankless and difficult job it is also a very important one. If you have any available time and ability to volunteer … please take this opportunity to help.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2013
During this last year there were new members added to the Mutual Ministry Committee. So, the members are Jason Scherer, Lew Meeker, Elizabeth Valentine, Barb Mattern and Bill Hibbs. If you have concerns about the church’s ministry, please contact someone on this committee. Also remember that your church council is a place to voice your concerns or ideas.
I believe our partnership with Absorbent Minds School has been a very successful one. It has given of a great deal more exposure in the area. We have profited by enhancements to our building. I would like to thank the Sunday School staff and Fellowship for some of the changes they’ve had to make.
My fear is we will start the new council year short these positions: Parish Education, Stewardship, and Evangelism. Please prayerfully consider filling these positions.
Our Rummage Sale must be earlier this year. We’re planning on June 20 & 21, 2014. We have a head start on lots of things for the sale. If someone is willing to chair the committee please contact Penny Porter.
As mentioned preciously, we are one mission for Christ. We each bear the responsibility to carry out this work and share His words. I ask you to assume ownership to accomplish the tasks at hand. It is very easy…we must all volunteer, participate and live in the life of St. Mark. Give your time and resources for our benefit. The church is more than just a building. It is you, your family, the folks we pray for and support each Sunday. St Mark is our congregation and we must work together in one mission for Christ.
It has been my pleasure to serve as President of St. Mark Council.
Respectively Submitted,
Penny Porter
2013 CONTINUED: -Baptized membership has grown 5 out of the past 6 years. Confirmed membership has come down slightly for the past 2 years. And while the average attendance rose in 2011, it fell significantly in 2012.
This year, a group of people voiced their disappointment in these statistics. They (and I) are concerned that our baptized membership is at 467 … while our attendance is at an average of just 83 people. In addition, our financial situation is not good to say the least.
In this group of concerned members, we have discussed some of the problems, some of the disappointments, and some of the concerns. I have heard comments from a few people to the effect that … “if you would just do this or that … we would be growing.” In this group, we are seeing that not all the past solutions will work in today’s church. We are seeing that some of the things that we think will help … are being shown to be a hindrance to growth.
Most people who have given me a reason they miss the service have told me either that they are no longer able to get out of the house and attend … or … that they are now too busy with other things; e.g. taking their kids to sports practices, working on Sundays, or just trying to catch up on the sleep which they miss throughout the week. A few admit that they are looking for something else; e.g. more exciting music, more variety in services, etc. My best guess is that there are a lot of people who just get out of the habit of going to church … and then feel too embarrassed to come back after missing for so long. The solution is neither simple … nor easy. We have an older population … in a building that is not handicap accessible. Our building prevents us from doing some of the things that may help us to grow.
We do need to re-evaluate our Vision for the future. And a Vision Committee will be formed this year to take on this task.
For now, the most important thing that we can all do … is to attend and participate in the life of the church. The second most important thing that we can all do … is to personally call or visit those who are no longer attending, and invite them to return to active membership. Having a full house of active members of all ages will serve well in turning visitors into members. The third most important thing that we can all do is to invite friends, family, and acquaintances to come and see what we are all about. Offer to pick them up and bring them. Take them out for lunch after the service. That will make a great impression!
Sincerely,
Pastor Michaels
2014
Fellowship Annual Report
2014
We'll we have tried to do some different things in 2013. We had our first Chinese New Year Party. And we for the first time.... almost ran out of food.
Travels took us to a Fall festival at an orchard, where we tried apple sundaes made without ice cream, and had a good time even though it rained. We took a shopping Trip on National Thrift Store Day.
Of course. Have something with food and they will come. Our annual veteran's luncheon was well attended and is our way odd honoring our veterans and thanking them for their service.
We will continue this new tradition in 2014 again in November.
2014 started with a Game night to challenge others with your favorite game. And we plan to have some other fun events this year. Maybe the road rally will return this year.
Thank you to all of you as without you these events could not be successful. Thank you to my committee members without them many events would not happen.
God bless us with good times and good weather for our fellowship events in 2014.
Pat Gardner
Fellowship Chair
2015
This year has been an emotional roller coaster ride. From my perspective, (financial reasons) the congregation lost a lot of confidence … both, in me as the pastor, and in the Council as the representatives of the congregation.
Council called in the Synod to help resolve some issues within the Council. The Synod helped to define the issues and give advice on the reparation of those issues. Council is continuing to address and resolve those issues. Things in Council are once again going well.
You may recall that “The Three Pastors” team had been working on ways for St. Stephen Lutheran, St. Luke Lutheran, and St. Mark Lutheran to work and to celebrate together for the building up of all three churches. Our biggest and best effort has been in the union of our three Confirmation Classes. Now that Pastor John Corsi has become the pastor for St. Stephen Lutheran, and Pastor Bob is continuing to recover from the effects of the stroke, we once again have Three Pastors on this team. Our work will continue to help all three congregations.
Financially, the congregation began 2015 with some fear and trepidation that we would not be able to sustain our finances … and that the congregation’s investments would just continue to be spend down until those investments were gone. Stock Markets had a bad year. And when stock markets have bad years … many churches experience bad a bad year … because people are afraid to give. But thanks to the generosity of the congregation, and thanks to the addition of some more fundraisers, we met our budget without having to take out any money from investments, other than the amount that we are supposed to take out every year to help cover the housing allowance.
Many thanks to the few people who gave so much of their time to clean the church and the church grounds while we were not able to hire a custodian or pay for the lawn to be mowed. You really went beyond the call of duty!
Now we have turned the corner and have once again hired a custodian. Now, we are continuing to ask for volunteers to mow the lawn and keep the flowers looking nice. Part of that job has become a little easier because the mulch in the flower bed along the driveway up to the Fellowship Hall was replaced with rocks this summer. Thanks to the Absorbent Minds Montessori School for this improvement.
I look forward to this new year. At the same time, it is very apparent that something needs to change regarding attendance. I continue to hear the same issue from most of the mainline denominational churches. It is a sign of our times. It is a result of a lot of different variables. But it is also an indication of two things. First, that many people who claim to be churched and claim to have faith, are not attending church services on a regular basis. Second, that we all need to do a better job of inviting, appreciating, and uplifting the church and all the people in the church. We cannot put people in the church down and expect them to attend. We cannot put down the church and expect the congregation to be full. We must build up the body.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Michaels
2016
2016 Council President’s Annual Report
January 19, 2017
The past year at St. Mark has presented many challenges for our council leadership. I feel the difficulties have made us stronger as a council and as a congregation. The leadership of St. Mark is committed to carrying out our mission.
As we continue into the new year we have many tasks at hand. With God’s help we will meet the tasks in a positive and constructive manner.
A call committee has been formed to begin the process to call a new pastor to St. Mark. The committee would like to hear from you. What characteristics would you like to see in a Pastor? The committee will be diligent in making the process move as smooth as possible.
We reduced the size of council this past year for better effectiveness. Now we need your help to keep us strong. We need someone to step up and assume the Fellowship Council position. Activity dates through June are tentatively set.
Finances at St. Mark continue to be a concern. I am certain that you have the same concern. With everyone’s continued giving, fund raisers, etc. our financial future will continue to improve.
Absorbent Mind’s school continues to be a successful partnership for St. Mark. Not only is there monthly revenue, it provides additional exposure in the Tallmadge community and surrounding communities.
We are one mission in Christ. We each bear the responsibility to carry out his work and share his word. We must give our time and resources for our benefit. The church is more than just a building. It is you, your family, the entire congregation and the sick and homebound we pray for each Sunday. St. Mark is our congregation and we are charged to work together in Christ’s name.
It has been a pleasure serving as the successful council president for St. Mark the past five years. Thank you to everyone who has provided support, assistance and unlimited caring that made the time a success.
Yours in Christ,
Penny Porter
President, St. Mark Congregation Council
2017
This year was a hard year for many members of St. Mark as Pastor Bill retired. We were fortunate that the call committee put in place Pr. Connor.
Pastor David Connor stepped up to the plate as our interim Pastor in early 2017, and as the call committee expedited the Call process his stay with us was cut short. He chuckled as he explained that he had just unpacked the last of his boxes into the church office and now he must repack and be off. His sense of humor will be missed sorely. God blessed St. Mark with you Pr. Connor!
St Mark is still trying to revamp the regular fundraisers that were depressed during the year that the road in front of our church was closed for major construction, with one lane in one direction at a time left open. It was hard to navigate and eventually took it's toll on our fund raising abilities. A new sign for the church was ordered and paid for, and still sits in storage waiting for the proper clearance from the City of Tallmadge's Engineering Dept. so that we can proceed with installation of the sign. The new sign was finally installed in late fall of 2017. The handicapped chair lift project had to be cancelled and the lift was removed from the entrance foyer to the church. Some wiring updates were made and floor repair as well. The Montessori School has contributed to the upkeep and it's aid helped keep the doors opened during the road construction and reduction of income.
On September 24th, 2017, the congregation of St Mark Lutheran Church voted for extending an offer to Pr. Deborah Wissner from Bethany to be the next pastor. We are thrilled to announce that Pastor Deborah has gladly accepted the call to be our new minister! Please, come join us as we enter into this exciting chapter in our congregation's life. We welcome Pastor Wissner, our new pastor, to St. Mark! She will begin leading us in worship on Sunday, November 12, and is looking forward to working with each one of us to tend to the needy, to share Christ’s love, and to extend God’s kingdom here on earth. She will help each of us discern what God is calling us to do in the world, and in this, his church, in our ministry together.
Pastor Wissner is a native of Michigan and a graduate of The University of Michigan, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and Owens State Community College. She lives in Cuyahoga Falls with her husband, Pastor Douglas Fidler (Trinity, Kent), her son, Joseph, who is a student at Stark State, and two feline companions, Bob and Zelda. Her son Benjamin and his wife Molly live in Berkley, Michigan. Pastor Wissner has served Bethany Lutheran Church for the past 14 years. She is also a Registered Nurse and currently works part-time as a Care Manager for Humana At Home. We welcome and thank the lord for Pr. Deborah!
Pastor Deborah's installation was held on January 28th, 2018 at 4:00 pm.
Winter 2017 was a bittersweet time for several people that decided to join St. Mark. With the closing and sale of the church buildings at Bethany Lutheran Church in Akron, OH (where Pr. Deborah served for many years) we were blessed to extend the family here at St.Mark. Pastor Deborah Wissner came to our home and brought along new membership and the statue of Jesus that once graced Bethany. Some other gifts from Bethany are being brought to St, Mark at this time and we are thankful for them.
Well, it is 4 days away until the new year is upon us. I hope and pray for continued growth and stability at St. Mark as the church goes through it's growing pains and changes. Looking toward 2018 there are hopes that a new council will be voted into place and that all positions will filled in February 2018 with members from the new "blended" family at St. Mark. No dividing lines, only joined leadership. Please pray that the church comes together and stays together as one functioning church family under the guidance of Jesus Christ. It has been a pleasure assisting Cam Jellison, who sat on Council for several terms as the head of the Communications Committee. I've enjoyed the graphic designing, upkeep of the church Facebook Page and the St. Mark Website. It is with a heavy heart that I will be stepping down as well in February and focusing my attentions to my own church and working on local missionary projects. But I will always send love and positive thoughts to St. Mark and will hold you all in prayer.
God's Blessing to all and a very Happy New Year in 2018!
Debra M. Anderson
Web Mistress & Graphic Designer