1960 Through 1969

(These accounts of Unity's past come from the parish archives and have been assembled by Carolyn Altepeter.)

In January 1960, Unity's communicant membership numbered 611, for a total of 935 baptized souls. The Sunday School enrollment was approximately 280. The children's Sunday School classes and adult bible classes were meeting literally all over the building, upstairs and downstairs, in any vacant space. The Intermediate and Senior classes met in Bel-Nor School's cafeteria and auditorium. Architect Kenneth Wischmeyer was chosen to erect a new education building, and proposed building plans were displayed in 1961. In December 1961 the Voters' Assembly awarded the building contract to the Schneiderhahn Construction Company at a cost of more than $200,000. The building was to be so constructed that a third level could later be added. Groundbreaking took place on February 18, 1962, during the 10:15am service. The building was finished and dedicated the afternoon of November 18, 1962; a tour of the building followed.

Worship bulletins took on a new look with the Epistle and Gospel lessons being printed. A May 15, 1960 worship bulletin lists the names of all the choir members - Senior Choir (25 members), Junior Choir (30), a Girls Choir (12). Starting in September 1960 a "Hymn of the Month" appeared, explaining the hymn's history.

In 1962 our Assistant Pastor, Rev. Elmer Kettner, published a hymn, "We Praise Thee, O God."

When the 1962-63 school year began in September, Concord Lutheran School had 334 children in attendance. Fifty-three were from Unity. Concord School's peak enrollment was 341 children.

The Men's Club decided to disband effective December 31, 1962 but only after a painting party, starting October 15 and continuing every night until the job was done.

Lutheran High School North broke ground on Lucas-Hunt Road on October 21, 1962. The dedication service was held on a Sunday afternoon, April 25, 1965.

To replace the announcement sheet in the Sunday worship bulletin, the Unity News was mailed into every household on a weekly basis beginning September 1963. For whatever reason, in September 1964 the newsletter was back to monthly publication.

Beginning in 1964 Confirmation day was changed to Pentecost Sunday.

Palms first appeared in Unity's chancel on Easter 1965, placed by the Ladies Guild.

Beginning in September 1966, seventh and eight grade boys were allowed to acolyte.

In December 1966, because of the rapid growth of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the university requested to rent our educational building for daytime classroom space for the 1967-68 school year. By March 1967 this discussion had progressed from a 4-page lease to 19 pages because of legal counsel for both sides. Plus, the attorney for Bel-Nor also became involved citing the possibility of our losing our tax exempt status. A lease was finally signed for one year in June 1967.

Just for the year 1967 EVERY member's birthday was listed weekly in the worship bulletin, as few as 16 a week to 29.

The Dorcas Society published their cookbook in May 1967. (note: thanks to Grace Thomas for giving April Webb her copy, the archives now has a copy).

Unity's first advent wreath appeared in December 1968 thanks to Ralph Obermeier (who constructed the wreath) and Mabel Bohlmann (who decorated it).

In September 1968 a request was received from a U.S. Chaplain in Phan Thiet, South Vietnam asking for donations to supply an orphanage with baby food, clothing, hospital supplies, towels, bandages, antiseptics, soap, etc., and children's books. The Sunday school filled four large boxes and mailed them in December 1968.

The Wurlitzer organ that had been installed in Unity's sanctuary in 1949 had been slowly deteriorating. A committee (of course) was established to consider a new purchase. In December 1968 an order was placed for a two manual pipe organ to be delivered in 18 to 20 months. The price was $23,000. The organ was built by Werner Bosch Orchelbau in Sandershausen, Germany and was installed by the Midwest Organ Service, Granite City. It was an 18 rank tracker action organ with 14 stops and a total of 982 pipes. Unity's new organ was dedicated in a Sunday morning worship service January 31, 1971. Our organist then was Henry Gerike; former organist James Pierce played the prelude and postlude; Paul Manz played an afternoon organ recital.

This decade would be remembered in Unity's history as one with a great financial responsibility and personal commitment by each member but faith that God would direct us:

Unity continued to be a great gathering place for great music (choirs and talented musicians), laughter and fellowship after potlucks and Christmas caroling, joyful Sunday school children's programs, a community of caring people. Unity, with its diverse ages and talents, continued into the 1970s as a strong congregation. By January 1970, Unity's communicants numbered 700 with 92 baptized souls.

This series continues next month.