The following is from Saleste, Paul H., Ninetieth Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical and Reformed Church, January 1, 1935. (Spelling and punctuation as in the original.)
A four-fold program was adopted to be carried out over a period of "ninety days" beginning with October 3rd, 1934 and culminating in the Anniversary Wee January 6-13, 1935. Four objectives mark the efforts of pastor and committees.
To use "ninety day" period in all services and all societies and Sunday School for the intensification of all activities.
To organize an "anniversary workers society" to stimulate church attendance.
To invite new members into the fellowship of the church.
To urge every member to make a "Ninety Day Family Offering" for an anniversary debt reduction endeavor.
...To those who miss a complete historical sketch of the Sunday School work in these pages, we can only say, that space did not permit such a treatise. Some day the Sunday School may have an anniversary of its own, and bring out a booklet of its own, much more fully and justly compiled than is done in these pages. We do offer you, whatever insights into Sunday School history were pertinent to this booklet, the directory of our Sunday School Workers and Teachers, as well as pictures of this fine group, and likeness of our capable Superintendent Mr. Harry A. Frietchen, Sr. who for the last six consecutive years has directed most acceptably the work of that great auxiliary church. The limitations of this volume forbid too an individual history of every one of the other service organizations of our church. We look forward to the year 1945, with its coming 100th year of service, and at that time, let us hope, an anniversary booklet will be published containing not only the history of the church, but every one of its many fine societies.
Perhaps nothing more need be said on that subject, except that the objectives formulated on you "Anniversary Calendar" may gain strength and momentum from year to year, and make Saint John's twice as big, twice as good, and prosperous in everything else. It can be done, it every member will keep this in mind -
Every member in Church at least once a Sunday.
Every member assuming an adequate, proportionate share in the support of Saint John's.
Every member "inviting others" to to church.
Every member helping to get another "new member".
Every member active in one or more of the societies of the church.
Every member willing to serve in "an office" in church or society at some chosen time.
Every member reading "the Word of God" every day, and some religious paper every week.
Every Every member "confessing Christ" on Sunday, and also on week-day.
Every member, loyal at all times, to the "Faith confessed" and practiced in our church and willing to that the "Anniversary Pledge."
Every member present to celebrate the 100th Anniversary on January 1, 1945.
MY CHURCH is the place where the word of God is preached, the power of God is experienced, the Spirit of God is manifested, the love of God is revealed, and the unity of God is perceived.
MY CHURCH is the home of my soul, the altar of my devotion, the hearth of my faith, the center of my affections, and the foretaste of heaven.
MY CHURCH, is the church built on the Rock of Confession of Christ as Savior, the church that will not fail me, with which I am united in solemn covenant, pledging myself to attend its services, to pray fo its members, to give to its support, and to obey its laws.
MY CHURCH, claims the first place in my heart, the highest place in my mind, the principal place in my activities, and its unity, peace and progress concern my life in this world and that which is to come.
MY CHURCH, is the church to which I owe zeal, my benevolence, and my prayers. When I neglect its services, I injure its good name, I lessen its power, I discourage its members and chill my own soul.
MY CHURCH, is the church to which I solemnly make this pledge, in the sight of God and men, to advance its interests by my faithful attendance, by reading the Holy Bible, by never neglecting its holy ordinances, by contributing to its support, by meeting with my fellow-members, by watching over their welfare, visiting them in sickness, never speaking unkindly of them at any time, joining them in praying and praise and service; and that promise I this day, January 1, 1935 renew, before God my father, Christ my redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, my guide.
Can we have 1000 members making a pledge like that, and conscientiously and faithfully keeping it, during the next ten years? Then the 100th anniversary would be an anniversary worth waiting for, hoping for, and living for. That is the kind of anniversary the 100th should be. That is the beginning of the fifth chapter, still unwritten, which might be entitled, "THE FUTURE SAINT JOHN'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH". Let us leave its glorious past, present and future, however in the hands of God.
The following anonymous hand-written notes are on the margins of the cover of the program, commenting on the program and on the sermon given by Robert C. Kienle:
"500 present. Men's choir great. Other choir fair. This part of program to (sic) long. Bob great. Starts off weak - Renemisses (sic). Then preaches - & boy he told them. They must go. action - not words. Stay on straight & narrow way - No turn aside for financial reasons."
The following is the order of service inside the program. Original spelling and punctuation are retained and some attempt is made to imitate the the relative font sizes and bolding of the original.
Order of Service
Prelude. "Anniversary Prelude" - (R.M. Stults)----- Helen Heston
Invocation. "Serve the Lord with gladdness: come before His presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2)
Doxology: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: "A Praise Hymn" ----C .H. Bogardus
(Melody - "America, the Beautiful")
O, God of all, we thank Thee for
This house of prayer and praise;
And ponder oe'r the zeal and faith
That marked her earlier days.
The band who built on yonder hill
Were true, God-loving men,
And many have their fruits enjoyed
These four score years and ten!!
Behold! A generation gone
Since those historic days;
They fought the fight, then journeyed on
To realms of loftier praise.
Increasing numbers filled the ranks
To lend the heart and voice.
Since God has prospered, shall we not
In His own name rejoice?
To carry on, O Father - God
Grant us unfailing grace;
And Thy salvation give to all
Who worship in this place.
May we who tarry, faithful prove
Till summoned, one by one,
And hear, with joy unspeakable,
The Master say, "Well
done!"
(We sincerely thank Mr. C. H. Bogardus, for the dedication of this hymn to our church.)
PASTORAL PRAYER--------------Dr. Paul H. Seleste
FESTIVE ANTHEM: "Praise Ye the Father"------Gounod-Nevin
Brotherhood Chorus -
John C. Klinger, Director
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Psalm 46 and John 15:1-12.
FESTIVE ANTHEM: "Nearer, My God, to Thee" ------
Mason-Johnson
Brotherhood Chorus
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
ANNIVERSARY CHOIR: "The Lord of Life, My Shepherd Is."
Saint John's Choir--Miss Edith
Fletcher, Director
OFFERTORY: "Gifts for His Altar"--------------- E. L.
Ashford
(We thank all of you, in the name of Saint John's for your
generous birthday gifts, to your church.)
CONTRALTO SOLO: "The Cry in the Wilderness"
Miss Pauline Pittenger
ANTHEM: "The Earth Is the Lord's"------------Saint John's Choir
Congregational Hymn: "Forward! Be Our Watchword."
SERMON: "The Unfailing Faith"
Rev. Robert C. Kienle
THE LORD'S PRAYER
BENEDICTION.
CLOSING HYMN: "True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted."
POSTLUDE: "The Lord Keep Thee"----------------E. K. Heyser
Helen Heston