THE BEGINNING OF LUTHERANISM IN NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks, Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

St. Andrew Lutheran Church was organized at 10:30 o’clock on January 9, 1949. This year, 2009, we celebrate 60 years as a congregation. The 60^th Anniversary Committee has asked me to write several short articles about the history of our congregation and Lutheranism in New Bern. This is my first article

In 1707 a small group of colonists came to the Trent River under the leadership of The Reverend Claude Phillippee de Richebourg. Pastor de Richebourg was a Huguenot Pastor; however, among the colonists that arrived with him were Lutheran, French Huguenots, Calvinists, and Reformed Church members. Pastor de Richebourg helped this little band form the First Presbyterian congregation and later moved on to South Carolina.

In 1710, the first organized colony coming directly from Europe to North Carolina settled in New Bern. This colony was made up of Swiss and German Palatinates, some of whom were Lutherans. In those days, people were fleeing religious persecution in the Rhine due to the results of the Thirty Years War. These early New Bern settlers had fled to Amsterdam and then to England, where they awaited transportation to America. A young Swiss adventurer, Baron Christopher De Graffenried, was commissioned by Queen Anne of England to lead these immigrants to New Bern. It is interesting to note that De Graffenried had been greatly influenced by reading a handbook for Germans, describing provinces in America, published by a Lutheran Pastor, The Reverend Kockerthal. Most of the settlers that De Graffenried led to New Bern were Calvinistic and Lutheran; however, they had no pastors accompanying them and soon became affiliated with the Church of England congregation that we know as Christ Episcopal Church. Unfortunately, many of these early settlers were killed during the 1710 Indian Massacre in New Bern; however, 12 families of the Lutheran Palatinates escaped and helped establish Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison County, Virginia.

In February 1894, a group of Lutherans from Mauch Chunk and Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, settled in New Bern. These people were employed by the lumber industry. One of these persons visited The Reverend W. A. Lutz in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Pastor Lutz in turn, at the meeting of Synod in 1895, requested that The Reverend G. D. Bernheim, D.D, Pastor of St. Matthew‘s, Wilmington, North Carolina, be requested to visit New Bern and administer to these Lutherans. As a result, on July 28, 1895, St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized with a Charter Membership of eight persons. Unfortunately, this attempt to plant Lutheranism in New Bern failed on June 12, 1898, when the congregation disbanded due to the lack of Lutherans living in the area. The lumber industry that brought these Lutherans to New Bern failed, and the families moved elsewhere.

OUR CONGREGATION BEGINS

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

Our “Mother Congregation,” St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Wilmington, North Carolina, began nurturing Lutherans in New Bern again in 1947. Their pastor, The Reverend K. Y. Huddle, wrote the President of the N. C. Synod and suggested that work begin again in New Bern. (Please remember that the first Lutheran Congregation organized in New Bern disbanded on June 12, 1898, due to the lack of Lutherans living in the area.) The N. C. Synod responded, and The Reverend Rufus B. Cuthbertson received a call from the Board of American Missions on January 10, 1948, to survey New Bern in preparation to organize our congregation. Pastor Cuthbertson was able to gather 19 persons for the first organizational meeting, which was on May 16, 1948. Regular worship services began May 30, 1948, in a metal Quonset Hut owned by the Pepsi-Cola Company, located on what is now First Street. There were 33 persons in attendance at the first worship service. A better place for worship was obtained on October 3, 1948, when the congregation moved its meeting place to the Dr. Pepper plant on Highway 17. As a means of written communication, Pastor Cuthbertson began a monthly church newsletter. Of the proposed names submitted by Pastor Cuthbertson for the newsletter, the worshippers adopted SAINT ANDREW The Witness. Pastor Cuthbertson said, “It was not my first choice, but ‘the committee’ liked it. And the more I see it the more I like it too. It was a good choice. St Andrew was before everything else a witness for Jesus Christ.”

St. Andrew was organized on Sunday morning, January 9, 1949, in the Dr. Pepper Plant. Dr. V. R. Cromer, President of the N. C. Synod was the speaker at the morning service. His sermon topic was “Wise Men Want the Church.” Following the organizational service, ladies of the new congregation fed 101 people for lunch. Attending the organization of the congregation were 64 confirmed members and 28 baptized members.

The newly organized congregation took the following significant first steps: Church Council Officers were elected, an Every Member Visitation was proposed, a budget was proposed, a Music and Worship Committee was formed, a Stewardship and Benevolence Committee was formed, a Church Property Committee was formed, a Membership and Evangelism Committee was formed, a Sunday School was organized, a Women’s Missionary Society was organized, Mr. C. L. Barnhardt was elected the first delegate to the N. C. Synod meeting, and a Pastoral Call Committee was appointed.

The Call Committee unanimously agreed to call The Reverend Rufus Cuthbertson as pastor. The congregation voted on May 26, 1949, to call Pastor Cuthbertson, and he accepted on June 12, 1949.

The first Anniversary Service of the Organization of St. Andrew was held on January 8, 1950, at the New Bern Woman’s Club.

OUR FIRST CHURCH BUILDING

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks, Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

After St. Andrew was organized, the next task was to locate a lot on which to construct a permanent building for worship. The choice of a lot for our first church building was chosen in an interesting manner. Mr. Ellwood Bowman, at that time, was the Director of Missions for the United Lutheran Church in America. He traveled to New Bern by bus to meet with Pastor Cuthbertson in order to consider a suitable location for a permanent building for worship. Pastor Cuthbertson employed a person with a small airplane, and he and Mr. Bowman flew over the New Bern area spotting the locations Pastor Cuthbertson recommended. The present location was chosen, and it was Pastor Cuthbertson’s first choice. The property purchased was composed of thirteen (13) twenty-five (25) feet lots at the southeast corner of Neuse Boulevard and Chattawka Lane costing $9,250. The first building plan included a church and a parish building; however only one building was constructed initially. The first building included a sanctuary, bathrooms, and several classrooms costing $30,500.

Ground was broken for the first church at 5 p.m. on July 2, 1950. The President of the United Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North Carolina, Dr. F. L. Conrad, spoke briefly, and Pastor Cuthbertson led the service. Chairs were placed on the lot outlining the approximate location where the building would be constructed. A portable altar was placed in the location where the nave of the new church would be. The Organist, Mrs. Charles Shupp, played a portable field organ, and the congregation sang “The Church’s One Foundation” and “Jesus, With Thy Church Abide.” After the service, the Women’s Missionary Society served a church picnic.

The architect for the first building was John J. Rowland of Kinston, North Carolina. The General Contractor was D. P. Wake of New Bern, North Carolina. Members contributed a substantial amount of labor to construct the building. Pastor Cuthbertson tells me that Everett Fratzke, Bill Brunjes, Chick Spencer, Joe Vereen and Roy Setzer contributed much time to the construction of the first building. The bricks came to New Bern on a train and were off loaded near the present YMCA, and Everett Fratzke used his International Truck to bring the bricks to the construction site.

The first church was dedicated at 11 a.m. on March 11, 1951. The Rev. Dr. F. L. Conrad, President of the United Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North Carolina preached at that morning service. The following items were blessed at the morning service: bell, organ, altar, altar cross, paraments, altar ornaments, sacramental vessels, baptismal bowl, Bible, and lectern. A second service was held at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. J. L Morgan preaching.

STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS 1951-1981

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks, Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

The newly organized congregation had a church building in 1951, but it immediately began to struggle with financial difficulties. The Treasurer, Howard Weiss, reported to me that at that time, “It just seemed like I always wound up with more bills to pay than we had money to pay them with.” St. Andrew had the backing of a $10,000 loan from Lutheran Brotherhood; however, this loan had to be repaid at specified times and current expenses had to be met. On one occasion, the Church Council tried to borrow $2,000 from a local bank to pay current expenses; however, the bank would not lend the money. Finally, a member of the Church Council borrowed the needed money. The bank balance on August 31, 1951, was $71.74.

During these early years, the church records report the struggle to maintain members and the lack of paid pledges by members accounted for most of the financial struggles. Finally, in 1980, with the support of the Board of American Missions and dedicated members, the congregation for the first time successfully finished a year of financial obligations in the black.

Another struggle for the congregation during this period was the purchasing of parsonages. Pastor Cuthbertson and his family resided first in an apartment at 409 Middle Street, and later in a home on the Crump Farm near the Jones County line. Upon the calling of Pastor Gary Freeze in 1951, an apartment located at 217 ½ Hancock Street was rented for $60 a month from a member, Mr. Roy Setzer, to house the pastor. In 1952, a house at 2100 Central Avenue was purchased for a parsonage. Later in 1963, this house was traded for the property and the construction of a new parsonage at 3402 Windsor Drive costing $18,000. In 1992, the parsonage on Windsor Drive was sold for $69,900, netting the congregation $51,000. Two organized groups, the Women’s Missionary Society organized in1949 (currently WELCA) and the Brotherhood organized in 1951 (currently LMIM) sponsored many projects and contributed needed extra funds to enhance the total congregational program during this period. The women’s organization has remained strong from its beginning; however, the men’s organization had to be reorganized in 1979 with the following officers: Mr. Everett Fratzke, President; Mr. Paul Newlove, Secretary; and Mr. Bob Morrissey, Treasurer.

Throughout the first years of the congregation, janitorial service was provided by individual members and the hiring of part time help. In 1977, the quality of cleaning by hired persons became unacceptable, and a group of men formed a cleaning group which they named “The Sanitation Engineers.” This group, which still meets every Thursday morning and includes women, has saved the church thousands of dollars through the years.

Under the leadership of the Social Ministry Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Peggy Vollendorf, tape recorders were purchased in 1980 so that the homebound persons could hear the worship services. This ministry continues in the form of CD discs of the worship services being provided.

By the end of 1981, the congregation was beginning to show signs of stability.

1982-1999 YEARS OF GROWTH, EXPANSION AND STABILITY

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks, Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

With the resignation of The Reverend Larry Hartsell in December 1981, the Reverend Graham Nahouse became Vice Pastor, and The Reverend George Clarence McCreary, D.D., offered to preach every Sunday until a new pastor arrived. Pastor McCreary was installed as Pastor Emeritus on July 4, 1982. The congregation bonded well under the leadership of these two pastors. Even without a full-time pastor, the attendance at worship services began to increase. In November 1982, the congregation’s baptized membership was 230, and the confirmed membership was 142. Since that time, the congregational membership has enjoyed steady growth. Today there are 422 baptized members.

At an Annual Congregational Meeting held on January 9, 1983, on the 34^th Anniversary of St. Andrew, the congregation went off Mission Status. A special Service for the Burning of the Mortgage was held on this occasion.

With the growth in membership, came the necessity and challenge to expand the facilities of St. Andrew. The Church Council appointed a Long Range Planning Committee to study the expansion needs and make recommendations. On February 13, 1983, the congregation voted to obtain the services of the Lutheran Laymen’s Movement for Stewardship to assist in a Capital Fund Raising Drive. The Fund Raising Campaign, entitled “Growing to Serve,” was very successful. The projected final total of the campaign was $104,924; however, the congregation exceeded this goal, and on the day of groundbreaking for the approved expansion, $110,168.59 had been pledged. The newly approved expansion increased the old sanctuary space by 2,250 square feet which provided seating for 225 persons, provided for a renovation of the church kitchen and other areas, as well as new heating and air conditioning systems. During this expansion and renovation, the congregation Worship Services and Sunday School were held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, with the exception of the Maundy Thursday Service. Christ Episcopal Church invited the congregation to a joint Maundy Thursday Service, which was held at Christ Episcopal Church. Attendance remained good in spite of meeting at St. Joseph’s. The congregational membership went over 300 for the first time during this period. The total cost of this expansion was $243,630. The congregation borrowed $143,000 from the Lutheran Brotherhood Association, and this loan was completely paid n full on April 11, 1994. The expansion was dedicated on Sunday, August 11, 1995.

In 1989, the baptized membership of the congregation reached 367 persons and more Sunday School classroom space was needed. A Building Fund Committee was appointed, and they contacted eight different fund-raisers; however, the submitted fundraising costs were prohibitive. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brown, members of St. Andrew at that time, volunteered to run a fund-raising campaign for the new expansion project. The campaign was very successful, netting $196,000. The congregation was able to borrow money to meet the construction costs.

The new building, renovations, and additions (approximately 3,327 square feet) were dedicated on January 15, 1995, at a completed cost of $298,801.

By the celebration of the 50^th Anniversary in 1999, St. Andrew had become a growing and stable congregation.

(There are many members of St. Andrew who served on committees and helped during this period who are still active; however, limited space prevents me from mentioning committee members. These names can be obtained by reading the history I wrote for the 50^th Anniversary.)

2000-2009 - WITNESSING IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

by Rev. Robert M. Weeks, Th.M., Pastor Emeritus

By the end of 1999, St. Andrew began making plans for a new sanctuary and other renovations. Judy Berkshire, Lynette Wilson, Dave Gieschen, Henry Thompson, Len Long, and Bob Ruger agreed to serve as a Building Committee. In addition, Henry Thompson, Dave Gieschen, Gordon Rayner, and Bob Morrissey were to serve as a special Research Committee for the new building. The first Building Committee meeting for the new sanctuary was held June 2, 1999. In year 2000, the congregation hired the services of Charles R. Frances as an architect. The Research Committee took a survey of the congregation which led to ascertaining the congregation’s expectations for a new sanctuary and other renovations. The committees worked diligently and received congregational approval to build a new sanctuary; renovate existing office, kitchen, and classroom spaces; build a music room, adult education room, and a columbarium. Ground was broken the end of July 2002, and construction began. The new sanctuary, added spaces, and columbarium (265 spaces) were dedicated on September 12, 2004, at a total cost of $1,804,553.78. This figure does not include Architect frees and $100,000.00 that was raised to pay for the furniture in the new sanctuary. Currently, the congregation owes approximately $740,000.00. The congregation benefited greatly when Mrs. Evelyn Shupp bequeathed over $400,000.00 to St. Andrew. This money was used to decrease the building debt. At first, bonds were sold to raise money for the new building project; however, this required the congregation to pay $9,600 per month on the debt. This burden was lifted when the congregation voted to refinance their loan with Thrivent and decrease the monthly payments by approximately $3,000 per month. I need to state that many persons, whose names are not mentioned, contributed time on committees and time helping with construction to make our new sanctuary and improvements possible.

Pastor Gary Roth left St. Andrew during March 2005, and Pastor Dale Kemppainen became Interim Pastor until the Reverend Doctor Theodore Rust became our pastor December 1, 2005. Pastor Rust has been a very hard working pastor. Some of his accomplishments are the following: starting a Saturday Evening Contemporary Service (June 3, 2006), holding youth camps for our youth, organizing youth choirs, and a St. Andrew Baseball Team. His evangelism efforts have included increased outreach to the community surrounding our church and providing a free Saturday Evening meal each week. Attendance at worship services has increased significantly under his leadership.

In 2006, the congregation voted to purchase a 1963 Schantz Pipe Organ from Calvary Methodist Church, Harrisonburg, Pennsylvania. Under the leadership of our talented organist, J. T. Ellenberger, this organ was restored and installed in the new sanctuary. Many members of the congregation helped to refinish the organ pipes, wire the control boards, refinish the wood work, and complete the air system for the organ. The organ was dedicated, debt free, November 9, 2008, at a cost of approximately $75,000.00.

The congregation is fortunate to have an active WELCA, LMIM, Youth Program, Stephen Ministry Program, and Scouting Program. St. Andrew is well equipped to witness to Jesus Christ in the 21^st Century. God has blessed us greatly these 60 years, and I am convinced that our blessings have just begun.

As I close this series of articles on the history of St. Andrew, I express my gratitude for the honor bestowed upon me as Pastor Emeritus, the installation of which was conducted by Bishop Leonard Bolick, Bishop of the NC Synod, on February 15, 2009, at St. Andrew.

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