Holy Ghost History
As recorded by Mrs. Bonnie Kregel
Holy Ghost evolved from the first German Lutheran settlements in the Monroe area. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 started a tide of immigration and Monroe became a regular landing station for steamers traveling from Buffalo and other ports on Lake Erie. As early as 1828 German Lutherans from Baden and Bavaria settled in and around Monroe, an area consisting of a few stores and humble dwellings. On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, 1833, the Rev. Friedrich Schmid, horseback traveling Lutheran pastor from Scio (near Ann Arbor) conducted a Lutheran communion worship service in the Episcopal Church in Monroe for these German families. He returned every six to eight weeks.
By the Fall of 1844 there were sixteen families settled north of Monroe at Sandy Creek. Adam Friedrich Rau (1828) Ludwig Knab (1830) Jacob Itschner, George Cronenwett, Michael Meier and Friedrich Bodamer (all in 1832), J. Bruekner and Johnnes Rode (1837) George Finzel and Christian Seib (1838), Johann Georg Schoennamsgruber (1839), Friedrich Finzel, Thomas Krug and Adam Herbst (1840) Paul Finzel (1842) and Johann Michael Stadler (1844) all came with their families originating from Bavaria. Some of these were the original founders of Holy Ghost. They, at first, joined the Zoar’s parish (St. Paul’s, Monroetown) which was serviced already from time to time by Pastor Schmid who came from Waldorf, Wurtternberg in 1833 as a missionary from Mission Institute of Basel to Scio near Ann Arbor, Mi. Pastor Schmid was instrumental in the formation of Zoar Lutheran Church in 1838. In the year 1844, there were so many German Lutheran families across Monroe County that Pastor Schmid suggested forming three separate parishes. The families north of Monroe formed Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, the Monroe City families formed Trinity Lutheran Church and the families south of Monroe retained their Zoar identity.
In the year 1844, the three parishes Holy Ghost, Trinity, and Zoar called Wilhelm Hattstaedt, born in Langenzenn in the Kingdom of Bavaria and educated in the Mission’s Seminary in Dresden, Germany. He accepted the call and arrived in Monroe via steamship in August 1844. At this calling, it was the express wish of the combined parishes that their pastor would have to acknowledge all symbolic books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was ordained by Pastors Schmid and Cronenwett in front of the Zoar Church on Albain Road.
The combined parishes filed articles of incorporation in 1846 and shared the services of Rev. Hattstaedt as he made his home in the city of Monroe. He was a man of great missionary zeal and traveled by horseback to help organize Lutheran congregations as far west as Hillsdale in addition to preaching, teaching and visiting the sick.
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod organized in Chicago, on April 26, 1847. Rev. G. W. Hattstaedt became a charter member of the synod and on his return from Chicago left the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Michigan for doctrinal reasons to join the new Missouri Synod. He was discharged by the Zoar Congregation on August 29th and Zoar also then withdrew from the combined parishes of Holy Ghost and Trinity. Some of the Zoar (presently St. Paul’s) members left to organize Immanuel Lutheran Church at East Ida.
Until the year 1848 all, in and around Monroe existing parishes were incorporated into one parish (including Sandy Creek/Holy Ghost.) This was done in order to safe keep the church’s finances.
The new Pastor assembled now the Lutherans living in the Sandy Creek area to make a full-membered parish. They formed their own Church Council and in the beginning held Divine Services every 4 weeks and later every 3 weeks for 4 years in McIntyre School which was very crowded and poorly suited. Because the parish membership grew larger and larger, the necessity for their own House of the Lord became greater and the parish members with many blessings from the Lord built their own edifice in 1848.
Johann Georg Schonansgruber donated a half of an acre for a cemetery and a log church was built on this property. This log church was dedicated in 1848 on Pentecost Day by Pastor Hattstaedt with the assistance of Pastor Klein and received the name Holy Ghost Evangelical Lutheran Church. Donations of valuable items included a pewter cup with paten and communion cruet from Mr. Schonamsgruber, a pair of brass candlesticks and a pewter jug from Christopher Mainzinger, a large linen tablecloth for the altar from Pastor Klein’s wife, a black pressed leather-bound church Bible and a small cloth to cover the sacred utensils on the altar from Pastor Hattstadt and a small crucifix from Mrs. Friderike Mohr.
Also in 1848, Holy Ghost Lutheran Church joined the Missouri Synod, then known as The Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States and commenced with the busy task of providing a Christian day school. Rev. Hattstaedt taught school until his brother-in law, John Kornbausch, assumed his duties. School took place in private homes until the log church was constructed and classes were held there.
During the years 1849 and 1850 membership increased to 137 souls and the Word of God was faithfully preached. The congregation was growing and Rev. Hattstaedt became increasingly occupied with the responsibilities in Monroe and East Ida. At the end of the year 1852 Pastor Herman Lemke was called and he became the spiritual caretaker at Holy Ghost on January 1, 1853.
Upon Rev. Lemke’s arrival, the congregation purchased another one and one-half acres of land for twelve dollars on which they constructed a log parsonage. Rev. Lemke in addition to serving as spiritual leader of the congregation, assumed responsibility for the school at Holy Ghost from Mr. Kornbausch. Rev. Lemke also served a branch congregation known as “Bluebush’ in a school located about one mile east of Maybee. In 1855, Holy Ghost celebrated the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession of 1555 which granted religious freedom to Lutherans throughout Europe.
After several families settled in the area of Swan Creek in the Fall of 1856, Pastor Lemke was petitioned to also preach and administer the Sacraments to those families. In April of 1857 St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed as a daughter of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church.
Rev. Lemke served until 1862 when he accepted a call to Roseville, Michigan.
On January 28th, 1863 the Rev. George Speckhardt was installed at Holy Ghost also teaching school and serving at Bluebush and Swan Creek (St. John’s). During this year three to five acres of land were purchased for the sum of $6 from Michael Schoennamsgruber. A log schoolhouse was erected three years later, Rev. Speckhard served from 1863 to 1867 when he accepted a call to Sebewaing, Mich. Historical records of the church indicate that his pastorate was difficult because of the many calls of the parisheners to service during the Civil War. By the grace of God there were no fatalities from Holy Ghost. Pastor Speckhardt’s records indicated that he had 59 voting members and 50 children in school. During Rev. Speckhardt’s service to Holy Ghost he performed sixty-six baptisms, thirty-three confirmations, eight marriages and twenty-one burials. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1867 under the pastorship of Rev. Speckhardt. It serves as the oldest organization of the congregation.
In 1867, the Third Sunday after Trinity, Rev. A.C. Bauer of Toledo, Ohio was called and installed as pastor of Holy Ghost. This same year the 350th Anniversary of the Reformation was celebrated on October 31, with an elaborate procession through Monroe. The church expanded during Rev. Bauer’s tenure. The year 1872 marks the commencement of construction for a brick church, presently known as Heritage Hall. The cornerstone was laid in 1873. It encloses a copy of Dietrich’s Catechism, a Lutheran hymnal, synodical proceedings of the Northern District, Lutheraner and Abendschule, a jubilee medallion of the synod and a silver half dollar. The Ladies Aid purchased an organ at a cost of $160.00 and a one thousand pound bell was purchased for $700.00 by the congregation. The church masonry was done by Mr. Feisheise and construction of the church steeple was led by Mr. Johann Kohler. Expenditures for the construction of the church amounted to $4,000.00 dollars. Dedication was November 23rd. A brief service was conducted in the old log church at which time, Rev. Bauer bid farewell to a building that served as the sanctuary for twenty- five years. The entire congregation marched to the new church where the keys were presented to the Pastor by Mr. Sedelbauer, the contractor. Morning services were then conducted by Pastor Wm. Hattstaedt and afternoon services by Pastor Irke of Ida.
In 1878 a new parsonage was constructed by Johann Kohler, Jr. and George Krug, Jr. at a cost of $600.00. A new school building was constructed in 1887. During Pastor Bauer’s pastorate Swan Creek (Waltz) called a resident Pastor and the members of Bluebush amalgamated with the congregation West of Maybee which is now St. Paul’s. Pastor Bauer resigned due to ill health in December of 1893. He served twenty-six years performing 479 baptisms, 337 confirmations, 89 marriages and 146 burials. On March 22, 1884 Rev. Hattstaedt died and was buried in the Trinity cemetery in Monroe.
In 1893, a society was founded for the purpose of erecting and maintaining an ‘Altenheim’ (Lutheran Home for the Aged). As a result of Rev. Carl Franke’s (pastor at Trinity) unceasing efforts to form a committee made up of Lutherans from various churches in Michigan, Monroe was chosen as the location over Mt. Clemens and Detroit. A three story red brick
building was constructed at a cost of $9,400 on a twelve acre tract on South Monroe Street which is now the Monroe Shopping Center. (The cemetery remains behind the Shopping Center.) It has since been replaced by the present Wellspring Lutheran Home just south of the original home.
The Rev. Peter Andres of Berlin, Canada was called and installed as pastor of Holy Ghost on April 29th, 1894, the year Holy Ghost and Trinity congregations celebrated their Golden Anniversary. President Spiegel of Jackson, Pastor Lemcke of Manistee and Pastor Tonges of Ida were the guest speakers. At this time, a new pipe organ was purchased from H. Hammer of Detroit at a cost of $737.00. The youth organized for the first time in the congregation’s history in order to raise funds for the installation of the new church organ. During the nine years of service from Rev. Andres, Holy Ghost built an addition to the parsonage and schoolhouse. It was during Pastor Andres’ time that the congregation decided to call a full time teacher as the enrollment had grown to 94 in 1896. By 1898, a call to H. Schnute had been accepted. He served as the first teacher until 1901 when he accepted a call from Detroit. H. Seeman was called to serve the school as Principal in 1901. His service lasted until December of 1904 upon a call from Mt. Clemons, Mi. A student by the name of Winkler or Walker substituted as teacher until a replacement was found. In 1903 Rev. Andres accepted a call to Frankenlust, Mi. During his time at Holy Ghost, Rev. Andres performed one hundred and sixty baptisms, one hundred and forty-seven confirmations, twenty-eight marriages and sixty-three burials.
The next thirty-four years are marked by the blessings of the Rev. Adolf Roeder (1903-Fall of 1937)who was installed by Rev. H. Frincke of Monroe. Fourteen of those years, Pastor Roeder also taught school. In 1905, a call was extended to Herman Albrecht as Principal and in 1907 a teacherage was built at a cost of $1,326.33. Teacher Albrecht served Holy Ghost until 1910 when he departed for Atkins, Iowa as a necessary condition for his health. B. L. Bierlein was called during the summer of 1911 and served until November of 1912. On November 2, 1913, Mr. William vonRenner of Frankenmuth, Mi. was called to teach. He fell sick in 1916 and was forced to resign.
In 1914 World War I began and on April 6, 1917, the United States entered the war in Europe and nine members of Holy Ghost answered the call to duty: Edward Baum, Hugh Grueschow, Robert Kohler, William Pickard, Albert Sachs, Hugo Sachs, Georg Schassberger, Otto Sievert and Hugh Weeman. There were no fatalities.
In 1919 Trinity and Holy Ghost congregations celebrated their 75th Anniversary and also the 75th anniversary of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 1922. There were two hundred and twenty communicant members and sixty voting members at this time. A new altar at a cost of $680.00 was dedicated in 1923 and the old altar was donated to a mission church in the east. The buildings were wired with electricity in 1928 and the church was redecorated at a cost of $925.00. Rev. Roeder faithfully assumed the teaching responsibilities after teacher vonRenner’s resignation from 1916 to 1928 but the burden became too great and he had to resign from teaching. The school closed in 1928 because of the recessions leading to the Great Depression which was gripping the American economy at the time. A substitute for the school was established in the form of a Saturday and Sunday School.
The youth group officially organized with thirty-eight members on May 22, 1935 and joined the International Walther League in 1938. The first officers were Edna Drinkhahn, President, Leslie Gruber, Vice-President, Marie Weber, Secretary and Carl Kregel, Treasurer.
Pastor Roeder resigned October 31, 1937 from the Holy Ministry, due to advancing years and poor helath. Upon his retirement, Pastor Roeder had officiated at two hundred and seventy- nine baptisms, two hundred and ninety confirmations, eighty-one marriages and one hundred and fifty-nine burials during his service to Holy Ghost.
The Rev. John M. Hieber answered a call to Holy Ghost and was installed on January 23, 1938 by Pastor Henry C. Miller. Under Rev. Hieber’s guidance, the Christian day school resumed in 1939 after being closed for eleven years. Adolph Schmidt of Frankenlust, Mi. was called in 1939 and taught until 1945.
The United States declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy on December 7, 1941. Many members from Holy Ghost were called to service. They included Milton Mainzinger, Ruth Zink, Herman Doederlein, Frederick Gruber, Victor Geiman, Merlin Sachs, Robert Slaughter, Clinton Hoffman, Allan Vore, Marvin Vore, Albert Sachs, Alfred Kull, Earl Nieman, Thomas Liedel, Walter Falkenberg, Lauren Sachs, Herbert Moede, Robert Brey, Jesse Newby, Clemens Gruber, Warren Gruber, Clarence Kohler, Reubein Sachs, Milo F. Stewart, Bernard Geiman, Lester Kuehnlein, Donald Geiman, Eugene Moore, Ralph Coutcher and Dalton Kohler.
Lawrence and Louis Riedel gave their lives for the allied cause in World War II and joined God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Trinity and Holy Ghost celebrated their Centennial Anniversary at a joint open-air service at Navarre Field on June 11, 1944. Dr. Walter A. Maier of the Lutheran Hour addressed the audience of four thousand people and the Rev. Otto Hattsteadt Jr., grandson of the Rev. G. W. Hattstaedt served as a guest speaker along with Rev. Otto Frincke, nephew of the late Rev. H. Frincke and Dr. J. W. Behnken, President of the LCMS.
In May, the U.S. flag and a centennial stone were dedicated as a monument to God for the successful preaching of His Word for one hundred years. Three sons of the congregation participated in the centennial at special services. The morning service was conducted by Rev. Albert Krug and the afternoon service by Rev. Paul Roeder. Rudolph Fiedler, a parochial school teacher accompanied the singing at both services. Both services were held outside. Holy Ghost at this time consisted of four hundred and forty-four souls, three hundred and eleven communicant members and sixty-two voting members. In 1951, Pastor Hieber accepted a call. He performed over two hundred eighteen baptisms, one hundred fifty-one confirmations, sixty-three marriages and fifty-one burials while at Holy Ghost.
Holy Ghost’s men’s club and ladies’ aid opened a food concession at the Monroe County Fair in 1948 to raise money for a gymnasium and parish hall. In 1950 a new parish hall (named Bauer Hall in honor of Rev. A. C. Bauer) and gymnasium complex was dedicated.
The Korean War was waged in 1950 with U.S. troops sent to defeat South Korea against communist aggression from the north. William Lay, Sr., Charles Nocella and William Vetter were called to duty.
Rev. Alfred T. Freund accepted a call to Holy Ghost and was installed on August 19, 1951 by Rev. Paul Waschilewsky. The scripture reading was by Rev. Ernest F. Manske and Rev. Walter Gienapp gave the sermon. The organist was Roy C. Krause. Pastor Freund served between 1951 and 1961. During his tenure the schoolhouse expanded with two new classrooms, one in 1955 and one in 1957. Mr. Leroy Laeder served as Principal of Holy Ghost from 1953 to 1960, teaching all eight grades (53 students) at the beginning. While there he served as organist, choir director, youth director, Bible class teacher and athletic director. The school grew to three rooms with an enrollment of 106. He left in 1960 receiving a call to be the first principal/teacher of Grace, Auburn. Mr. Donald Israel came to Holy Ghost School as Principal in 1960 to replace Mr. Laeder. Pastor Freund also taught school between 1951-1961. In October, 1961, Pastor A. Freund accepted a call to Akron Ohio after serving the congregation in two hundred and twenty-eight baptisms, one hundred and fifty-six confirmations, forty-seven marriages and fifty-three burials.
Rev. Michael Brondos was installed on March 4, 1962 by Rev. Curt A. Bormann, Monroe Circuit Counselor. The Scripture was given by Rev. Paul O. Richert and Rev. W. Harry Krieger gave the sermon. A committee was formed in October to begin preliminary planning for a new church. In 1966 Principal Israel left Holy Ghost with Mr. Leslie Northrup replacing him in 1966. Rev. Brondos accepted a call in 1967 to teach at Lutheran High West in Detroit after five years of service at Holy Ghost. He officiated at one hundred and thirteen baptisms, one hundred confirmations, twenty- six marriages and seventeen burials during five years at Holy Ghost.
With the United States involved in the Vietnam War, eight of Holy Ghost’s young men were called to duty: Bob Auxter, John Beach, David Fox, Bernard Geiman, Jr., Timothy Kuehnlein, Sr., Robert Kuehnlein Jr. and Gary Sachs served with distinction and returned home safely. Rodney Vore lost his life while honorably serving his country.
Rev. Arthur L. Schultz was installed February 25, 1968 by Rev. C. A. Bormann. The Scripture was given by Rev. Herbert B. Fehner and Rev. Paul O. Richert gave the sermon. In 1969 Holy Ghost and Trinity celebrated one hundred and twenty-five years of ministry in Monroe County. Holy Ghost at this time had seven hundred and forty souls and five hundred and thirty-three communicant members. It was also at this time that Bonds in the amount of $365,000 were sold for the construction of a new church building and new school additions (2 new classrooms, an office complex. new restrooms and lobby between the parish hall and the school, a new heating system for the school and parish hall). Jack W. Yops of Wyandotte was selected as the architect. Holy Ghost’s assets listed for the bond issue including the new buildings and equipment totaled $797,000. During the period of October, 1968 and March, 1969, $60,000 was gathered for the Building Fund. To make room for the new church, the parsonage what is now the teacherage was moved west of the former teacherage which is now considered the parsonage. The dedication of the newly constructed church was May 3, 1970. Mr. Harold Bunge arrived in 1971 to assume responsibility as Principal. Also in 1971, Rev. Schultz celebrated his 25th Anniversary in the Ministry. In 1973, the One Hundredth Anniversary of the old church was observed and a new organ in the new church was dedicated. The church bell was purchased in 1973 at a cost of $369.75. Stained glass windows were added to the new church in May of 1975. Rev. Schultz accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hinton, Iowa in June 1975. Rev. Schultz performed one hundred and forty-five baptisms, one hundred and seventy-seven confirmations, sixty-nine marriages and forty-four burials while serving Holy Ghost. In September, 1975 Harold O. Bunge, Principal was honored on his 25th Anniversary of teaching in Lutheran Schools. He had been at Holy Ghost for five years as Principal and teacher of the 7th and 8th grades.
The installation of Rev. David E. Hollender was conducted on November 9, 1975. A bicentennial celebration was held in 1976. In 1977, handbells were purchased in memory of Nathan Schultz, son of Pastor Arthur Schultz. . In October of 1978 a 2-day parish enrichment seminar with Dr. W.W. Steunkel of Indianapolis was held. In 1979 Pastor Hollender implemented many new programs based on a 2-year in depth study of our ‘Mission in Ministry’ and reviewing the constitution. Two months later a new constitution was approved by the voters’ assembly to take effect July 1, 1979. On May 6 after a service emphasizing Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents, the stewardhip committee began a 20-week talent investment campaign by handing out $10 ‘Talents’ to members. More than $1,200 was distributed. Sunday School attendance which averaged 150 in September jumped to 210 the following spring. Bible class attendances doubled and tripled. Although few thought it possible, 66 church officers were installed June 24. Sidewalks were built between the church and school building in 1980 and the old church was restored and rededicated on September 6, 1981 with a ‘‘Harvest Festival”. Mr. Cameron K. Steele was installed as a parish assistant to Holy Ghost on January 10, 1982. An additional room was added and a new roof was placed over the entire school. Kenneth Stresman celebrated his 25th Anniversary of teaching in Lutheran Schools on October 23, 1982, sixteen years at Holy Ghost.
The 140th Anniversary of Holy Ghost was celebrated in 1983 with Dr. Richard Schlecht, President of Missouri Synod, addressing the congregation at a special service. “God’s Rainbow Connection” was held from February until March of that year. A large rainbow was made and placed over the nave in front of the altar and a special song with lyrics written by Mrs. Fred (Betty) Gruber was sung by the choir at the service.
Rev. Hollender was appointed as chaplain of the Monroe Lutheran Home on January 16, 1983 and served there for the remainder of his time at Holy Ghost. Shirley Stresman celebrated 25 years of teaching on April 4, 1987. Pastor Hollender accepted a call to Caro, Michigan in early 1989. Pastor Hollender performed one hundred and ninety-nine baptisms, one hundred and seventy confirmations, eighty-six marriages and one hundred and eight burials during his service at Holy Ghost.
On June 6, 1985, a Kinderfest was held, a special day of family fun and fellowship. An outdoor service was held at 10:30 with a guest speaker. A BBQ chicken dinner was served. Gary Longton was the D.J. There was a horseshoe tournament, sawing contest, sack races, softball tournament, a fish pond, clown makeup, three wheel bike races and a pepsi wagon with hot dogs and chips and an ice cream social. Balloons were released prior to a closing service in church with the Messiah Messenger Puppets.
In 1989, a Ministerial Student Assistance Fund was started to support any man from the congregation who has completed a B.A. degree and is attending one of the LCMS seminaries for the purpose of becoming a pastor. Mr. Cameron K. Steele (a graduate of Concordia College, Ann Arbor) was the first recipient. Mr. Steele entered the seminary at Ft. Wayne, Indiana in September of 1989. Mr. Bunge retired as principal of Holy Ghost School in that same year. Mr. Bunge was honored at a service of praise and thanksgiving for his 40th anniversary in the teaching ministry and upon his retirement. He continued serving Holy Ghost as a Minister of Visitation. In the fall of 1989, Mr. Carl G. Hall answered the call to serve as principal at Holy Ghost Lutheran School.
On February 25, 1990, Rev. Mark R. Pflug was installed by Rev. Stanley AuBuchon as Holy Ghost’s spiritual leader. Scripture was given by Rev. Ralph Unger and delivering the sermon was Rev. Ralph Unger. In the latter part of 1990, the United States deployed troops to Kuwait and Iraq in the Middle East and in January of 1991, War was declared on Iraq. Two members of Holy Ghost were called to duty: Col. Marc Drinkhahn and Todd J. Kuehnlein.
Rev. Pflug served Holy Ghost during a period of great excitement for the congregation. In October of 1991 Miss Colleen (Lipp) Simpson was hired as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) and Holy Ghost embarked upon assisting a mission church in Newport, “Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church”. In 1992 a preschool was organized under the directorship of Mrs. Helen Heusman with twelve students and a teacher’s aide.
In August of 1992, the Lutheran Home of Monroe was renovated and in October of 1993, the Monroe area churches celebrated the home’s One Hundredth Anniversary.
The year 1993 was a year full of preparation for the 150th Anniversary. A new garage was constructed at the parsonage and Gethsemene Cemetery was expanded. June witnessed the retirement of Mrs. Elda M. Wright from the teaching profession after 33 years and also the ordination of Cameron K. Steele into the ministry on June 20th. His first call was to Hazel Park, Mi. In August, the church properties were renovated for the year-long celebration. New vinyl siding was placed on the sanctuary and the steeple and window panes of the old church were painted.
Rally Day in late September marked the dedication of the Monroe Historical Marker which commemorates the service of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church to Monroe County.
At the time of the 150th Anniversary in 1994, Holy Ghost Lutheran Church consisted of approximately eight hundred members and a school of one hundred students, five teachers and one teacher’s aide.
The theme for the 150th Anniversary celebration was “Led by the Spirit to Remember, Rejoice, Renew.” Kickoff took place November 7 with Dr. John Heins preaching the “For All Saints” remember service leading the congregation to remember what God has done and to respond to His grace. A chain of remembrance (each of the 745 links inscribed with the name of
each person receiving Christian burial in the last 150 years) rising from the baptismal font to circle the cross and head out the clerestory windows toward heaven as we remember the victory of faith granted to our faithful departed. In special ways thanks was offered our Lord for the 2,156 times he has graced his children of Holy Ghost with baptisms, the 1,660 covenants He affirmed in confirmation, 557 Marriages, 740 Burials and the 12,312 occasions on which He poured out His love to us in services of Word and Sacrament.
Children of Holy Ghost took turns ringing the bell 150 times and a large 150th birthday cake was presented by the youth (cake was previously used by the Lutheran Home in celebration of its 100th Anniversary) to the present congregation leaders.
The 12 pastors and 34 teachers of Holy Ghost’s ministry, as well as the 14 sons and daughters given to full-time church work were remembered and the confirmands of 1907-1950 celebrated their memories of God’s goodness at a dinner in Bauer Hall.
As part of the 150th, a Heritage Festival was held on September 10-11-12, The public was invited and there were many displays, constant entertainment and guided tours of the facilities. The Frank Vore family set up many tents. We had a craft show, puppet show, clowns, music, a Karate demonstration, food, petting farm, antique tractors and cars. Clifford Kuehnlein had a team of horses and showed how corn was cut. Leonard
Busenbark had his pulling ponies and we also had hot air balloon rides. Gary Reinhardt and Frank Vore put up a display of stuffed wild animals in the cornfield next to the church grounds and had hayrides through the field to see the animals.
In 1995 Rev. Pflug accepted a call to Mt. Calvary, Greenville. Holy Ghost was blessed by the Lord with a staff that was able to carry the load of a six month vacancy. Harold Bunge, Visitation Minister and Colleen Simpson, Director of Christian Education and the Church/School secretary Betty Stratton were extremely valuable. It was also at this time that new Boards were elected involving some members for the first time in this type of church work. Other leaders who had served for many years were enjoying different roles in the church sharing their valuable experience with members of the new Boards. The leaders under the direction of Tom Gruber, Chairman, guided the congregation during a very difficult time. Many of the members showed their willingness to help out through the vacancy. The Lay Ministry was able to fill the pulpit every Sunday morning preaching the Word of God in its truth and purity. The message of Salvation through Jesus Christ was proclaimed each and every week throughout the vacancy period just as it had been for the previous 150 years. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Nineteen hundred and ninety-five also marked the 25th Anniversity of the new church building and on May 7th, Rev. Schultz (minister at the time of its dedication) helped celebrate the event by preaching in that special service.
Rev. Daniel C. Hintz was installed on March 31, 1996 by Rev. William L. Morris, pastor of St. John, Waltz as our new spiritual leader.. Scripture was read by Rev. Carl F. DeMeritt, Jr. and Rev. John Hein, President of Michigan District delivered the sermon. In April, DCE Colleen Simpson resigned.
The new kitchen project was started in 1996 and completed in 1997 at an approximate cost of $289,000.00. The old kitchen was turned into a classroom at an approximate cost of $45,000.00. The majority of the labor was accomplished by members of the church. The labor expense for this large endeavor certainly would have increased the total cost. It was an amazing undertaking and God was certainly with us since there were no injuries. A large contingent of men from the congregation, young and old alike, participated and the women fed them. In February, 1998 God’s Love Express was held to emphasize evangelism and to gather for fellowship and education. Themes for the week consisted of Friendship Sunday, God’s Love on the Cross (Evangelism Board) - in Art and Music (Day School Board) - in His Word (Lay Ministry) - in Motion (Stewardship Board) and Fellowship (Church Properties).
On June 22, 1997, a service of praise and thanksgiving was held for Kenneth & Shirley Stresman upon their retirement, serving Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and School since 1966 as teachers in various grades. In addition to teaching, they were involved in youth work and Sunday School. Ken served as Sunday School Superintendent and was very involved with athletics, serving as Athletic Director and Coach for many sports. Shirley was the church’s organist, directed the children’s and adult choirs and the hand bell choir.
In February, 1998, Rev. Hintz left Holy Ghost and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and took a position with Monarch Ministry making Rev. Craig Dunn our lead pastor. Rev. Dunn formerly was installed July 27, 1997 as assistant pastor. After serving as head pastor for a couple of months, Rev. Dunn resigned July 10, 1998 due to health reasons. During this vacancy, Rev. Donald Kuhn, former pastor of East Ida was hired as our interim pastor. Mr. Bunge continued making calls on our shut-ins and members in the hospital as our Visitation Minister.
Larry K. Loree Sr. was installed as our Pastor on October 10, 1999. This was the longest vacancy Holy Ghost had experienced. Pastor Kuhn served Holy Ghost congregation faithfully during the vacancy. A Ministerial Student Assistant Fund was reinstated in 1999 and Larry Loree Jr. was assisted in his studies for the Ministry at Ft. Wayne Seminary from January, 2000 thru December, 2001 with a monthly amount of $600.00. A total of $23,766.04 was paid through the Ministerial Student Assistant Fund to aid him in his studies. Vicar Larry Loree, Jr. served Holy Ghost as Vicar for one year and was ordained September 15, 2002. He then accepted a call to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Steger, Il.
In February of 2000, it was voted that Joseph L. Bishop, R.L.S be hired for $6,000.00 to prepare a site plan of the church property and $10,000.00 was transferred from the Anonymous Gift Fund for this purpose. In May of 2000. Carl Gaiser’s architectural firm was hired to do preliminary drawings for construction of additional space in the school complex. Mr. Gaiser estimated a cost of $100.00 per square foot. In September, a proposal was received by the Planning Committee regarding the preliminary design phase of the church expansion. The cost of his services would be between $7,500.00 and $8,500.00. This fee included field work, site inspection, floor plan, Schematics, Exterior Elevation Sketches, a Preliminary Master Site Plan, a colored artist rendering of the proposed exterior and initial meetings with the planning officials.
Also in February, 2000, a Lutheran High School Scholarship Fund was established to aid Holy Ghost students in attending Lutheran High School South which began in September, 2000 using classrooms provided by Trinity Lutheran. A building project was proposed in April 2001. In September, 2001 Lutheran High South moved into a modular with six classrooms. Local congregations including Holy Ghost were asked to help fund the modular. A gymnasium located on 40 acres of land was first constructed and the Academic and Administration Wing was dedicated on June 1, 2011.
In April of 2000, Voters approved an electrical upgrading and air conditioning for the church. The project was to be completed for the summer of 2000. Richard Sieb of Sieb Plumbing and Air Conditioning committed $10,000.00 for the project. It was voted to take $32,000.00 from the Knabusch Trust Fund to complete the project.
In February, 2001, upon recommendation of Lay Ministry, the Voter’s approved entering into the Vicar program to replace the Assistant pastor position vacated by Rev. Dunn. Vicar Wesley Kan was installed September 8, 2002 at Holy Ghost and on June 30, 2003, Vicar Kan was released from his vicarage assignment at Holy Ghost to accept a position at Redemption Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida.
Also In 2001, a major change was made in our church services. Beginning on Easter Sunday, 2001, Communion is now offered at each Sunday Worship service.
A portable classroom was purchased and put into use for the 2001-02 school year which enabled Holy Ghost to expand its program to include an early 5’s program, offer morning pre-school classes and establish a 3-year old program. In May, 2002, tuition for members of Holy Ghost was recommended by the Parish Planning Council with Voter’s approval for the 2002-03 school year. Tuition rates would cover 33% of the cost of education. Total enrollment at this time was 156 including pre-school students. Due to increased class sizes, some had to be turned away. Enrollment consisted of 89 member families and 33 non-member families. It was proposed to purchase another portable or proceed with our facility expansion project. However, due to our financial situation, it was agreed that we could not follow through on either of the suggestions. It was then decided that the church/school office be moved to Heritage Hall and the church/school office converted to a classroom. The move was completed in January, 2003. This cost was covered by the Ladies Aid and School fund-raiser accounts.
Due to failure of the sound system, in November, 2001, a new sound system was approved by Voters. At a cost of $10,492.00, a Sound Sphere was installed by Monroe Sound. Fair Fund money was used to pay for the Sound Sphere.
In October, 2002, the sewage disposal system was completed at a cost of $31,867.15. This was completed with the help of several members of the church. Private donations together with the Knabusch and Fair Funds paid for the system which will accommodate usage for 254 students.
On March 2, 2003 Carl G. Hall, Principal of Holy Ghost was honored for 30 years in the teaching ministry, fourteen of those years at Holy Ghost as Principal and 7th & 8th grade teacher. In addition to teaching he coached seven different sports, served as Athletic Director, coordinated both a children and adult intramural program and taught both youth and adult Bible classes. Mr. Hall retired from teaching at Holy Ghost in June, 2012.
In July, 2005 Voters approved a motion to obtain a call list from Michigan District for a second pastor. Rev. John Mau was extended a call to serve as second pastor of Holy Ghost. He served Holy Ghost for one year.
A Lutheran Heritage Foundation Mission/Octoberfest was held in 2005-2006 and additional Octoberfests were held from 2007 through 2010.
A building project was approved in September, 2005 to replace the gymnasium roof and ceiling, the boiler room and utility room roof and enclosure of the open hallway between the Kindergarten and First Grade rooms. In February of 2006 it was decided to include new roofing for the remainder of the school building and replacing the exterior platforms of the first grade room and the computer room with concrete and installing a fireproof ceiling with flush mounted lighting in the gymnasium. The sale of Lazy-boy stock in the amount of $100,000.00 was designated for this project. Any additional cost would be covered by the Fair Fund and a CD with Church Extension. Also in February, 2006 a pantry was constructed on the loading dock for the school food supplies with Ladies Aid Funds. Again, the men of our congregation came forward and did most of the labor for these two projects. The church was so blessed with willing workers when the need arose.
In May of 2006, guidelines for the Holy Ghost Foundation were adopted and approved. The Foundation was set up as a result of a very generous gift directed from a member’s estate.
In June, 2009 Larry K. Loree Sr. announced to the congregation that he was taking a call to St. Peter, Kinde, Mi.. It was decided in July of 2009 by the Board of Lay Ministry and Executive Director of the congregation that a survey be conducted to help to evaluate our ministry to determine the needs of Holy Ghost congregation. After the survey was completed, Rev. Galan D. Walther, Facilitator Congregation Ministry Facilitator of the Michigan District, LCMS, presented the congregation with a Pastoral Transition Report in September, 2009. The District recognized the church’s declining attendance (952 on the books and only 225 in the pews) and made several suggestions to deal with this. A call committee was formed and a list was requested from District. Upon receiving the list, it was requested that Larry Loree, Jr.’s name be added to the list. Pastor Larry Loree, Jr. was installed on October 18, 2009. Pastor Lucas of Emmanuel, Ida gave the sermon with Pastor Witte from Grace assisting in the service.
In October, 2011, Pastor’s office was moved back from Heritage Hall to School. Funds of $1,500 for the move were directed to come from a PCC fish supper.
In June, 2012 Barbara E. Hall was honored upon her retirement from teaching after 25 years of service. She taught at Holy Ghost for 23 years. In addition to teaching art some of her other duties were teaching language arts to grades 7 & 8, being preschool director and teacher and kindergarten teacher. She also served as school secretary, cheerleading and chapel pianist.
On September 23, 2012 a Talent Festival was held. With Voter approval, a sum of $4,000.00 was borrowed from the Fair Fund and 137 $20.00 bills were handed out to communicant members with which to purchase supplies for their talent tables. There were food sales and entertain-
ment was provided (a moonwalk, face painting, rubber band game and an airplane show). The school children participated by making baskets to be sold at a Silent Auction which included 31 items. The talent tables totaled $9,889.25, the Silent Auction, $650.00 and food sold, $340.00 for a total received of $12,139.25. With the $4,000.00 returned to the Fair Fund, a profit of $8,139.25 was realized. The program not only made a good profit but many members of the congregation participated with everybody working together and enjoying great fellowship.
Family Day Sunday was held May 12, 2013 (Mother’s Day). Members were given the opportunity to honor loved ones and/or remember those who have gone to be with the Lord. A booklet was printed.
Todd Seaver was installed on August 18, 2013 as Associate Pastor, (part time-20 hrs. weekly) with the stipulation that if he were at some time to be considered as full-time that he would be part of the Basic Call process.
Member Church Directories was hired to do a Pictorial Directory in January, 2014. Photos were collected from recent church/school events for the collage pages of the directory. In February, 2014, generators were purchased from Lowe’s for the church, school and parsonage at a cost of approximately $15,000. The cost was taken from the Knabusch Trust. A School Technology Plan was approved in June of 2014 with funding to come from the Library Fund including a CD, Holy Ghost Foundation and one Fish Dinner for a total of $32,055.00. Sound Boards were purchased from Acoustical Solutions at a cost of $3,068.77 in October, 2014 for installation in the Gymnasium. Installation costs were $71.92 and were installed by Church Properties. This was a great improvement to the acoustics in the Gymnasium. Ladies Aid initiated and financed this project. In November, 2014, Holy Ghost joined the Circuit Radio Program (The Gospel For You) in the amount of $2,000.00 beginning January, 2015. The cost will be paid annually from our Fish Dinner account.
Fowler Organ Company was contracted to make major repairs to the church organ in February, 2014. Funds raised for the repairs totaled $53,200.00 and the project began in June and was finished in October with a final cost of $47,213.15 leaving a balance of $5,987.15. Funds came from the Branion Trust, the 2013 and 2014 Foundation distribution, one fish dinner and fund raisers conducted by our organist Jonathan Gruber.
In March, 2016 Pastor Larry K. Loree, Jr. informed the congregation at a Special Voters’ meeting that he had accepted the divine call to serve All Saints Lutheran Church and Campus Center in Slippery Rock, Pa. No specific date was given. It would hinge on when he found a home in Pa. He asked permission for his wife and children to reside in the church parsonage until the end of the school year.
After serving the Monroe County area for sixteen years, Lutheran High School South closed in the summer of 2016. With a high of 67 students in the 2011-2012 school year, South was well on its way to reaching the goal of a student body of 100. However, each year since 2011-
2012, enrollment had declined with an ending enrollment in 2016 of 40. On Sunday, June 12 a closing Service of Thanksgiving was held at Lutheran South. Principal D. Lee Cullen had these closing remarks “We give thanks to God that each of us was touched by this ministry of God for which we, in our every remembrance of Lutheran South and every South Saint can thank God for the fellowship and partnership that was and will continue to be for the furtherance of the Gospel…that together we will strive for that Gospel wherever we may be so that those who hear and those who witness us in action will be able to declare the truth to others. To God Be The Glory!
A small reception with refreshments was held for Pastor Seaver on August 28th to thank him for his continued service to Holy Ghost during the vacancy. Pastor Seaver resigned November 11, 2016. Pastor D. Lee Cullen became our vacancy Pastor in September, 2016. He was formerly Principal of Lutheran High South.
Tile was installed in the Dining Room replacing carpeting that was installed at the time of the Kitchen construction in 1997. The project was completed in January, 2017 with the cost of $5,905.56 coming from Ladies Aid, congregational members and the hot lunch fund.
Levonne Hilken celebrated her 25th year in the teaching ministry on May 21, 2017. She taught 1st and 2nd grade at Holy Ghost since December 1998. Levonne retired at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
Pastor D. Lee Cullen was installed August 27, 2017 as our called Pastor. His 25th anniversary in the ministry was celebrated on March 4, 2018. He set forth a threefold focus Confessing+Serving+Growing to provide direction and a touchstone by which to orient and evaluate the particular kingdom work of the church and school and the boards, committees and groups.
Seventy years at the Monroe County Fair was celebrated in August, 2018. A banner was displayed at the Fair Tent announcing Holy Ghost’s 70 years at the Fair along with banners announcing our 175th Anniversary (1844 through 2019). A history of Holy Ghost’s years at the Fair can be found in the Fair Museum.
A float was entered in the Ida and Monroe Christmas parades in December, 2018 as a kick-off for our 175th Anniversary celebration in 2019. Banners citing our 175th Anniversary along with the manger scene were part of the very beautifully decorated float. School children were dressed as angels and shepherds and members of the church carried lighted crosses.
On January 26, 2019, various historical relics and history items were gathered and displayed at a reception held after the church service to start the 175th celebration. The school children interviewed various members of the congregation and school children and wrote their impressions of the interviews. A video was made and shared with the congregation on various aspects of the history as they depicted them. The first and second graders sang ‘Silent Night’ in German. Refreshments were served.
On Saturday, April 13, Holy Ghost participated in a Monroe County road cleanup, cleaning Reinhardt Road from Bluebush to Heiss and Gruber from Bluebush to Heiss. The church and school grounds were also cleaned. A lunch was served in the Holy Ghost Dining Room. This was considered our community project in commemoration of our 175th Anniversary.
On Wednesday, April 14 a Prayer Shawl project was held with children of the Holy Ghost School participating.
In May, a Coin Contest challenge between the men and women was held with the men outshining the women. The money raised was used for expenses for the 175th Anniversary.
On July 28th Holy Ghost participated in the Fair Parade. A beautiful float was made under the organization of Marsha Aguilera. Many of our members and Holy Ghost students walked with the float. There were special drawings for free dinners at the Holy Ghost Fair Food Booth. Marsha decorated the outside of the Fair booth and Holy Ghost won first place for the best decorated food booth.
On Sunday, September 8th, an outdoor worship service with Holy Communion was held. Before the service, a refurbished and re-installed historical marker was dedicated. The marker is in remembrance of the church’s history and “in gratitude to God’s goodness and grace to us.” Holy Ghost was presented with proclamations from Congressman Tim Walberg, Michigan 7th District and Senator Dale Zorn, Michigan 17th District. Representative Joe Bellino, of the 17th District also spoke, congratulating Holy Ghost for its 175 years of service as a congregation in Monroe County. Reverend Dean Davenport, 2nd Vice President of the Michigan District gave the sermon and Travis Grulke, Superintendent of Schools gave the children’s message. Arbor Song Chamber Choir from Concordia University, Ann Arbor sang ‘Children of the Heavenly Father’ and ‘Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling’. The children’s choir sang ‘Glory, Glory, We’re the Branches’. Songs sung by the congregation included ‘Christ, the Word of God Incarnate’, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, ‘Shepherd of Tender Youth’ closing with ‘Thy Strong Word’. There were 288 present at the service. An old-fashioned picnic was held after the service with a pig roast (pulled pork and brisket) provided by George Miller. Entertainment included horseshoes, corn pole, various children’s games, cupcake decorating, face painting and a bounce house. It was a wonderful day with countless blessings from our Lord including beautiful weather. It was a great celebration of Holy Ghost’s 175th Anniversary.
On Sunday, September 22nd at 3 p.m. a Trinity and Holy Ghost Joint Service was held at the Monroe High School Auditorium. Guest speaker was The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, President of the LCMS Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. A joint Monroe Circuit Choir sang ‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’ ‘New Songs Of Joy Now Sing and ‘We Are A Church’ and a combined Holy Ghost and Trinity Children’s Choir sang praises to the Lord. The Concordia University, Ann Arbor brass ensemble also performed.
On Sunday, November 3rd, the final celebration will conclude with a All Saints celebration worship service with the Reverend Cameron Steele, a former Parish Assistant of Holy Ghost, as the speaker. Brunch will follow.
After a wonderful celebration of our 175th Anniversary which seemed to invigorate the congregation, the year 2020 was somewhat a very difficult time for Holy Ghost as it was with most churches due to the Covid-19 virus.
For several months starting in March, services were virtual, Sunday School and Adult Bible classes were suspended. Day School also was virtual for some time. Many of our families with children found it necessary to stay home even after church services resumed, possibly in fear of the new Virus. The Monroe County Fair was cancelled with the loss of one of our main fundraisers together with our Mission to witness to the Monroe Community -Our Fair Booth. Also cancelled were the Fish Dinners and the Ladies Aid annual Pie Bake which is also a time that always brought the congregation together and served as a contact with the community.
Upkeep of the Church properties did continue including some improvements made necessary due to the Virus. Services at Holy Ghost did resume but the services also remained virtual for those who did not feel safe to return until Covid-19 is defeated.