The following news briefs are from July and August issues of The Brethren Missionary Herald magazine and FGBC World newspaper.
Fifteen Years Ago – 1994
James E. Swanson has been named the new dean of students for Grace College. He holds a bachelor’s degree from William Tyndale College and Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to coming to Grace, Jim was an individual and family therapist, professor of psychology at William Tyndale College, and director of environmental services at Servicemaster.
“The Adrian Shaw concert was a big hit, and God worked in a wonderful way,” writes Cecil O’Dell from Japan. “A total of 325 people attended with two salvation decisions and 39 people indicating a desire to study the Bible with a pastor. Thanks for your prayers. We hope to do this again next year.”
Twenty Years Ago – 1989
The Grace Brethren Church of Lakeland, Fla., held its first Bible School on July 10, 1989, with approximately 60 children in attendance. More than 70 people attended the closing program.
Twenty-Five Years Ago – 1984
Pastor and Mrs. Forrest Jackson, Dayton, Ohio, were surprised to find two inches of water in their home upon returning from vacation. (The water hose leading to their dishwasher was the cause of the problem.)
Thirty Years Ago – 1979
On Sunday, September 9, the Grace Brethren Church of Richmond, Va., held a surprise “Pastor Appreciation Day.” There were many testimonials of what the pastor and his family meant to them and many gifts were given in appreciation for their ministry. A fellowship dinner followed the special service. Pastor Kurt Miller and his family expressed their deep thanks to the congregation for their act of Christ-like love.
Thirty-Five Years Ago – 1974
Land has been purchased as the site of a new building for the Hope Grace Brethren Church, Dillsburg, Pa. (Kenneth Wilt, pastor). Services have been held in the Dillsburg Community Building since March 22, 1972. The church is an outreach ministry of the Melrose Gardens church in Harrisburg, Pa.
Forty Years Ago – 1969
Demolition of the “old” Conemaugh Brethren Church, Conemaugh, Pa. (Don K. Rager, pastor), has been completed, and plans are under way to erect a new building on the same lot. Preliminary details were begun in mid-September by Ralph C. Hall, of the Brethren Architectural Service. The building costs are being raised through deposits in the Brethren Investment Foundation.
Fifty Years Ago – 1959
The Grace Brethren Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Robert Clouse, pastor), will observe its 10th anniversary on November 1, with Arnold R. Kriegbaum, the first pastor of the church, as the guest speaker.
Fifty-Five Years Ago – 1954
The softball team of the First Brethren Church, Covington, Va. (Paul Mohler, pastor), won the sportsmanship award in the city league.
The board of trustees of Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, Ind., has granted Dr. Alva J. McClain a one-year release from executive responsibility in order that he might devote his time to complete the writing of seven books. Acting president for this year will be Dr. Homer A. Kent.
Sixty-Five Years Ago – 1944
The Bethel Brethren Church of Berne, Ind., has adopted a system of correspondence to their service men. Each week a letter is prepared, telling all of the news of the church and their friends, and sent to each service man. It is proving a great blessing to all concerned.
A great revival is in progress October 16-29 at the First Brethren Church of Altoona, Pa., where Rev. Raymond Blood is the pastor. Dr. Charles Stevens of Winston-Salem, N.C., is the evangelist