1872
to
Dear First Pres Family, I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me into this incredible fellowship of believers, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of this community of faith. I am especially grateful to be offering my first letter to you in this magazine during such a special time of celebration — the 140th anniversary of this great church! In 1872, when this church was founded, Yellowstone became the first National Park, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the nation was in the midst of healing following the Civil War. Here in Colorado Springs, just a short time after the town was founded, First Pres opened its doors, bringing light and hope to the entire region. For the past seven years, I have had the honor of starting a church on the coast of California. I know how hard it is to build those first connections that create the foundation of a lasting ministry. I have great respect and awe for the men and women that built this church, and the men and women that continue to make it a beacon of light in the community today. Everyone here is important to the Kingdom in some way. It also seems fitting that First Pres Colorado Springs sits in the heart of downtown, offering hope to all who come to the intersection of Bijou and Nevada streets. Jesus always focused his ministry where the broken and hurting people were, and he directs the church to do the same. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15). The tendency for large churches in America is to pull away from the crowds, to build cathedrals in the periphery. I am proud to be part of a church committed to shining its light in the midst of those who need it the most. This is truly a great church with an inspiring heritage and a vibrant ministry. I feel blessed and honored to be a part of this community. Yours In Christ, Graham Baird Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs
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AUG/SEPT 2012 contents The Legacy Begins! . . . . . . . . . . . 4 They Answered the Call . . . . . . . . . 5 Dale McClure, Becky Armstrong and Pam Steele Joyful Voices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Dale McClure and Becky Armstrong THE Church Secretary . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dale McClure
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Beyond Our Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Susan Buenger No Ordinary Building . . . . . . . . . . 14 Dale McClure and Becky Armstrong Deacons: Servant Leadership . . . . . . 16 Dale McClure Support Our Troops . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dale McClure and Becky Armstrong ESM Celebrates 30 Years! . . . . . . . . 19 Michelle Swanson
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Contributing Writers: Becky Armstrong, Susan Buenger, Dale McClure, Pam Steele, Michelle Swanson Contributing Editors: Becky Armstrong, Alison Murray Graphic Design: Beryl Glass Photographers: First Pres Archives and the Pikes Peak Library District Special Collections Proofreading Team: Mary Bauman, Christine Dellacroce, Betty Haney, Daisy Jackson, Marty Kelley, Karen Kunstle, Linda Pung All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, © 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. First Pres Magazine Aug/Sept 2012, Volume Four, © First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, CO. Published by First Presbyterian Church, a non-profit organization. To contact First Pres Magazine: 719-884-6231 or 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1392 or magazine@first-pres.org. Printed in the U.S.A. This issue would not have been possible without the tedious research and documentation of our church historians: Dale McClure, Pam Steele and Jim Smith. They have helped us recover and enjoy the rich heritage of First Pres. Much of this issue’s information came from “To God Be the Glory” by Rev. James W. Smith, copyright 1997. This issue is dedicated to the tens of thousands of members whose love for the Lord and service to the church have made First Pres the church it is today. May the next 140 years be full of faith, trust and perseverance, as we joyfully work to fulfill God’s Great Commission. Cover photo: The stained glass skylight window in the “Dome Room.”
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Legacy Begins!
On August 17, 1872, First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs was established by Rev. Sheldon Jackson, Rev. Henry Gage (our first pastor) and eight enthusiastic members. The Session notes documented the momentous event, in the hand-written notes of Rev. Henry Gage.
First P res Timeline
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Henry Gage (1872–1873, 1876–1879)
1872
First Pres established by Sheldon Jackson, Henry Gage (first pastor) and eight enthusiastic members. Edward Copley became the first elder.
August 17, 1872
Telegraph line links Denver with the East coast. Ten words to New York cost $9.10.
1863
Congress establishes Colorado Territory (pop. 25, 371) with boundaries of present state. President Lincoln appoints William Gilpin as first Territorial governor.
1861
Work began on the Ute Pass wagon road.
1860
1850
Federal Government purchases Texas claims in Colorado, and present boundaries of Colorado established.
They answered the call By Dale McClure, Becky Armstrong, and Pam Steele
Dr. Sheldon Jackson In April 1869, Sheldon Jackson experienced a life-changing revelation at a presbytery meeting in Sioux City, Iowa. As a result, he developed a desire to plant churches and fulfill the spiritual needs of Frontier men and women. First Presbyterian Church was started three years after the Sioux City meeting and just 16 days before Colorado Springs incorporated. During his career, Jackson established thirty-one presbyteries and over 100 churches in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska.
Rev. Henry Gage (1872-1873, 1876-1879) Princeton Theological Seminary graduate and circuitriding preacher, he preached in Colorado Springs every second Sunday of the month. Gage became our church’s first pastor, and returned again after stints in boomtowns Central City and Blackhawk. By the time he left in 1879, the church was self-supporting.
Rev. J.S. Lowrie (1873-1876) Rev. Lowrie oversaw the dedication of our first church building. Though only here a short time, Lowrie said he found his greatest satisfaction here, but also stated that “being in Colorado Springs was like sowing the seed upon running water.” Continued
Colorado gains statehood.
1876
Colorado College founded & The Antlers Hotel opens.
1874
Rev. J.S. Lowrie (1873– 1876)
1873
Our first church was completed at a cost of $3,900.
1873
Colorado Springs Gazette newspaper founded, published every Saturday. Annual subscription$3.00.
1873
1872
General Palmer gave the church land at the corner of Weber and Kiowa Streets (where the City Auditorium stands today).
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Dr. Thomas C. Kirkwood (1879-1884) A very popular preacher, Kirkwood won the affections of the congregation and his popularity required an addition to be built onto the sanctuary. Dr. James S. Black (1884-1890) Dr. Black was a visionary pastor who is remembered for stating, “We are going to build this church so in the future, as in the past, we may be able to welcome the invalid and the stranger.” Dr. Livingston Taylor (1891-1894) Dr. Taylor created the first church newspaper, “Church Life,” to reach the growing Colorado Springs community. Rev. W. H. Wray Boyle (1894-1902) Rev. Boyle came to Colorado Springs to recover from illness. He was widely popular requiring a balcony to be added in 1897, and a sliding door to join the sanctuary and lecture room. During his eight years at First Pres membership doubled, totaling over 1,000. Dr. Edgar W. Work (1904-1907) Dr. Work came to Colorado Springs for his young son’s health. He developed outreach efforts to Colorado College students and shared an extensive interest in missions, growing this emphasis within the church. Dr. Howard A. Johnston (1908-1910) Dr. Johnston served only a short time, until his daughter’s health required moving to the East. He was best known as caring for individual needs of the congregation and demonstrating tremendous grace.
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Gold discovered in Cripple Creek. Much of the wealth invested in Colorado Springs, and Colorado Springs grew to 10,000 residents.
1891
Magnificent stone edifice erected on southeast corner of Nevada and Bijou ($36,000 to build$840,000 today)
1891
250-member congregation decided to construct a larger sanctuary.
1888
Dr. James S. Black (1884–1890)
1887
Dr. Thomas C. Kirkwood (1879–1884)
1884
1879
Dr. Samuel Garvin (1911-1929) Strongly convicted to win souls for Christ, he served six months as a military Chaplain in Europe during WWI, which began the church’s involvement serving the military community.
Dr. Livingston Taylor (1891–1894)
Dr. Wallace H. Carver (1930-1937) A gifted Bible teacher who in 1936 began what would later become “Getting Together Wednesdays.” Traditionally Evangelical churches reserved Wednesday night for prayer meetings and viewed churches that dropped the prayer meeting as spiritually inferior. The Getting Together Wednesday idea gained traction during the energy crisis of the late 1970’s, when all activities were consolidated to Wednesday nights to conserve gasoline. Dr. Howard A. Hansen (1937-1970) Dr. Hansen had a vision to reach the community and broadcast Sunday services on KVOR radio station, as well as a children’s program called Little Jimmy’s Sunday school. He also created partnerships with “parachurch” organizations Young Life and Navigators. Hansen foresaw these God-created “specializing” ministries working alongside churches. He served our church through World War II, the Korean conflict and into the Vietnam War. During his tenure, Colorado Springs had grown from 35,000-125,000 residents, and our church grew from 1,100-3,100 members. The church gained a wide reputation for its outstanding Sunday school. Dr. John Stevens: (1971-2005) Beloved leader who joined First Pres in 1969 as Minister of College and Young Adults, Dr. Stevens was chosen as Senior Pastor two years later. His 34-year tenure saw tremendous congregational growth. With a heart for missional outreach, John regularly attempted to identify the community’s needs, and then meet those needs through ministry programs such as the Divorce Recovery workshop, the Growing Thru Grief class and a dedicated ministry to over 1,200 singles. Dr. Stevens’ captivating and practical messages lifted hearts and led thousands of people to a personal and deeper relationship with Jesus.
First Deacons elected. They became vital to families‘ survival during the Great Depression.
United States declared war on Germany and entered WWI.
1917
Dr. Samuel Garvin (1911–1929)
1911
Dr. Howard A. Johnston (1908–1910)
1908
Dr. Edgar W. Work (1904–1907)
1904
1894
Rev. W. H. Wray Boyle (1894–1902)
1912
Dr. Jim Singleton: (2005-2012) Dr. Singleton’s seven-year tenure was framed and defined by his grace-filled leadership that helped the congregation transition to the newly created ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. With his wonderful winsome wit and inexhaustible passion for teaching, he educated, inspired and challenged First Pres congregants to live missionally. His first and final sermon centered on Paul’s words to the Church at Corinth, which might also be applied to First Pres: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Indeed, his final words from the pulpit serve as a charge to this congregation: “Don’t stop. Keep playing your part. Let your treasure transform the world.”
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Joyful V oices
M part in the worship experience at
usic has always played an integral
First Pres, so much so that our church was uniquely blessed with an organ from the very beginning, a little Carpenter, Scott and Wise reed organ. Eight years later (1880), Rev. Black desperately wanted a new organ, so he gifted a $2,500 Anderson pipe organ to the church. In 1924, this organ was sold to
By Dale McClure and Becky Armstrong
the Manitou Congregational church for $1,000, and it is still in use! The Austin Organ was commissioned by First Pres in 1924. It was deluxe with three manuals (keyboards), a full set of pedals and twenty-nine different stops (the more stops, the more diverse the sound). The total cost for the organ was $12,545 and it took six months to build. The inaugural recital was
One of the earlier quartets. Rev. Garvin in center and Bertram Wheatley at organ, c. 1924
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First women elected to leadership within First Pres. Mrs. Edward Honnen elected to Board of Trustees, and then three women were elected to the Board of Deacons.
1931
Dr. Wallace H. Carver (1930–1937)
1930
Stock Market crashed, starting “The Great Depression”
1929
1,400 members
1929
1928
Jean Strang began her service as church Secretary, continuing until 1970!
In 1948, we formed our first volunteer choir under Oran Johnson. Johnson was a man of many talents: a Young Life staff member, manager of Star Ranch, author, songwriter, performer and band teacher. He once played for President Truman and taught Billy Graham in his Wheaton College band class! 1949 brought the introduction of “popular” music in the service. Until this time, First Pres, like other mainline churches, used only traditional arrangements. However, on January 23, 1949, Laura-Eloise Ray, the soprano soloist sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” which was a popular Billy Graham Crusade song. The congregation loved it, but it would be another forty-five years before our services
Mary Frances Redding- First “specialized staff” hired by church as Director of Christian Education. She developed the Sunday school program and ministries for servicemen, as well as grew the youth, college and adult education programs.
First Bible-based, age-specific Sunday school curriculum introduced.
1943
US enters WWII.
1941
Colorado Springs awarded Camp Carson.
1941
1932
Dr. Howard A. Hansen (1937-1970)
The Sanctuary Choir led by Jim DeJarnette, 1992
1942
quite a fancy affair and featured a noted concert organist from New York City and two vocal soloists from Denver. In 1958, the church purchased the Reuter Organ, which contained 3,100 pipes, ranging in size from a thin lead pencil to twelve inches thick in diameter and sixteen feet long. This is the organ we enjoy today. Ironically, we weren’t as progressive in establishing a choir. In fact, for the first 75 years we didn’t have a volunteer sanctuary choir. Instead we employed paid musicians, usually a quartet. However, during the Great Depression and other lean times, it was reduced to a duet or soloist. For the church’s 50th anniversary, we splurged and hired a double quartet. In 1925, Bertram Wheatley came to the church as an organist/choirmaster. He was offered such a generous salary ($100 per month) that there was no money left to buy printed music. He was therefore obliged to do organ concerts to raise the sheet music money. Periodically the church would put together a choir to sing alongside the paid quartet.
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wecks’ trademark and established the level of musical achievement we enjoy today.
June Pauline Smith Gardner took M.F. Redding’s position, for the next 30 years!
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1954
1950
Hansen Hall constructed ($325,000). Still used today for staff offices and program ministries.
1952
blended hymns and “praise” songs. Charles Meeker guided our music department from 1955 to 1965, and then retired to operate Meeker Music stores. Following Meeker’s retirement, Rev. Leonard Wecks became our first full-time music minister, and served in that capacity until 1982. In 1950, he studied music at Stanford University and went on to Fuller Seminary. His determination was ever-present. Wecks finally graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary, the same week that his son Dan graduated from Pasadena high school! At First Pres, Wecks quickly began a fullgraded choir program for children, handbell choirs and a men’s chorus. As the Sanctuary Choir grew, they presented two or three major choral works per year. Musical excellence was his trademark and established the level of musical achievement we enjoy today.
United States Air Force Academy granted to Colorado Springs.
Final worship service held in the stone sanctuary. It stood for 69 years.
1958
excellence was
However, Wecks is probably most remembered for his compassion for others. He became Minister of Pastoral Care in 1982, and shared his love for shut-ins, ill, needy and everyone with whom he came into contact. Upon going to be with the Lord in 2009, Leonard Wecks was remembered as a man who acted justly, loved mercy and walked humbly before God. In the mid-80’s, First Pres began “blended” worship services. Pastors John Stevens and Minister of Music Jim DeJarnette (who began here in 1982) strongly believed the church needed to offer a wider pallet of musical expression in worship and began to weave together traditional and contemporary expressions. “Perhaps the most important aspect of our effort was in blending not only musical styles, but being very intentional about “blending” the entire content of worship experience into a cohesive whole,” shared Jim DeJarnette. In the early 1990’s, the choir became immensely popular when they began performing songs/arrangements by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and performing concerts at the Pikes Peak Center. In 2001, the Headwaters Sunday school class was meeting near the choir room, and they began a Sunday ritual of high-fives and cheering “Go Big Blue” as the choir started upstairs to the sanctuary. The rally cry stuck, as did the name, and Jim DeJarnette’s Big Blue is now an endearing icon of First Pres!
Sept 8,1957
Musical
The church employed 17 staff.
Church Secretary
THE
Dr. Hansen, Mary Frances Redding, Jean Strang and Elder Leonard Koets
Fourth floor added to Hansen Hall.
1967
New sanctuary was dedicated ($1,026,000).
1966
1959
Shorter people always sat on the front row in the choir and that was where Jean served for fifty years. Kathy Boyles came to know Jean because they sat next to each other in the alto section. Kathy said that she had a soft, sweet voice. Her musical skills were not limited to vocal music, but included the violin and piano. “People were attracted to Jean,” said Kathy. “She was never boisterous, but her friends enjoyed her quick wit and lively conversations. She was always interested in the lives of the people who were around her.” Jean was fiercely independent. In her later years, friends would caution her about driving but she continued to travel the few blocks from
her East San Rafael home to the church until late in life. After she finally relinquished her hold onto her car, Pam Steele was among those friends who gave her rides to church. As their friendship deepened, Pam said that Jean, sitting in the front seat beside her, would counsel her on how to grow old gracefully. She would tell Pam, “Hold onto your home as long as possible and put a rocker on the front porch. Don’t be afraid to live or travel by yourself. And when you do get too old to drive, ask several different people for rides to church so that it does not become a burden for any one person. That will make it a much more cheerful drive.” “Jean was first of all a woman committed to pleasing God. Her second priority was other people, all of whom were richer for having known her,” said Pam. Although she had dreamed of being a concert violinist, a nurse, a missionary and even a professional photographer, she chose to work for First Pres. “I felt a calling to work in the church, which gave me the opportunity to work with people,” Jean told a Gazette reporter in 1985. “I loved the job and never found it boring.” The doctors and nurses who cared for Jean toward the end of her life remarked about her courage in the face of pain, combined with her gentle spirit. The last words that Jean spoke were a paraphrase of Scripture. “A fool has said in her heart, there is no God,” Jean was no fool. She was a servant.
Hansen Hall Addition completed, ending 24 years of planning, praying, building and paying for the facilities we enjoy today.
Began Get-Set Preschool as an outreach to neighborhood children.
1971
ean Strang was THE church secretary many years before we needed all the administrative assistants that are necessary today. Whatever needed to be done, she was the person to do it. Miss Strang worked for the church from 1928–1970. Fifty cents per hour was her starting wage.
1969
J
By Dale McClure
Dr. John Stevens (1971-2005)
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F
beyond Our
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Jim DeJarnette succeeded Leonard Wecks as Minister of Music.
1983
Began involvement with Soup Kitchen, through Catholic Charities. Church volunteers continue to serve meals every Tuesday, as they have for 34 years.
1982
1977
Divorce Recovery Workshops began. Thousands have participated and First Pres recognized as a pioneer in single-adult ministries.
1978
irst Pres was founded by Sheldon Jackson, a man with a passion for mission. Colorado Springs was one of his first churches, but he went on to establish churches throughout the west and north into Alaska. Jackson’s legacy of risk-taking and serving has been integral to the heartbeat of First Pres for decades. Some of our first missionaries served at the Towaoc Indian First Pres reaches out to local Chinese immigrants School in Southern Colorado. In 1872, Miss Cort was our first overseas missionary, serving in Siam—now provide neighborhood Sunday school and Thailand. The earliest documented local Bible studies. The churches were named outreach was to Chinese immigrants who Ivywild, Emmanuel, Boulder Street and were building the railroad through Colorado Second Presbyterian. While the others are Springs. Today, First Pres volunteers help gone, Second Presbyterian became today’s teach English to refugees from around the Gateway Presbyterian. Similarly, from the 60’s world. In 2013, a young Mongolian family through the 80’s, First Pres nurtured new will join our church community for three to congregations. Now, a First Pres community four years as they study at Fuller Seminary. gathers for worship at the Inn at Garden Plaza Between 1890 and 1910, four missions and and 225 is a missional outpost to all of Colofour Presbyterian churches were sponsored rado Springs. It is also home to Café 225. and nurtured by First Pres along with our Since the 1960’s, “Doulos” trips, now called Presbytery. The missions were intended to “work trips,” were organized to help First Pres
Began Grief Workshops (more than 6, 000 people have participated).
By Susan Buenger
walls groups participate in short work projects. Work has been done throughout Colorado, Mississippi, Mexico and with various Native American reservations. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, First Pres congregants have donated over $250,000 toward relief efforts and participated on more than 30 work teams serving the Gulf Coast area. A passion for young children resulted in the formation of the Get Set pre-school in 1969. Get Set has prepared nearby neighborhood children for kindergarten for 43 years, with a new class starting this fall.
Soup kitchen volunteers in 1997
First Pres North opened its doors
Café 225 opened
2012
Dr. Jim Singleton (2007–2012)
2010
Weber Street building purchased for student ministries.
2007
Groundbreaking for Hansen Hall South, parking garage and other renovations.
1997
1986
First Pres mission trip to Egypt, October 2009
2011
For the last five years, First Pres has hosted homeless families through Interfaith Hospitality Network. Volunteers prepare and serve food, and make this a comfortable place to stay for several weeks each year. Since its founding, First Pres has supported and sent literally hundreds of missionaries to serve around the globe, with even more serving in local missions organizations. Mission teams are regularly sent to partner with brothers and sisters in Christ in India, Egypt, Mongolia and Cuba. Locally, hundreds of First Pres missionaries serve with ministries like Ecumenical Social Ministries, Mission Medical Clinic, YoungLives, Soup Kitchen, Springs Rescue Mission and many more. As we continue to spread God’s love through our neighborhoods, our city and around the world, we have a rich legacy to draw from. Where do you fit? How can you support these important ministries? To get started, log on to the First Pres website and click on Serve to read about missions opportunities. Or contact our missions office at 884-6108.
Graham Baird (2012– )
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No Ordinary Building By Becky Armstrong and Dale McClure
C ings. But church buildings are impor-
hurches are made of people, not build-
tant because in them people make life-changing decisions, experience life together and celebrate important events. Our first church, a little white frame building at the edge of town, was built on land given to us by General Palmer in 1872. The church was dedicated in January 1873. Prior to that time, the church met for a short time in Footes Hall, at the corner of Cascade and what is now Colorado Ave. We then moved to General Palmer’s Gazette building and finally into space loaned to us in First United Methodist church. In 1888, we raised a magnificent Colorado stone church at the cost of $36,000 ($840,000 today). The auditorium (which is now called the Santuary) was square and everything inside was built on the diagonal. The entrance was at the northwest corner and the chancel at the southeast corner. East of the auditorium was a large room called the Lecture Room and a few smaller classrooms.
With the new building, we got a new custodian. Appropriately, his name was Mr. Bible. Cleaning the church was not his only responsibility. He also collected the money for pew rentals. In those days, if you rented a pew, you were guaranteed a seat. Our church continued to grow and in 1897 the crowds became so large that balconies were built on the west and north walls. In 1911, we built a new “Sabbath School” annex just east of the lecture room. In that building was the room that we used to call the Dome Room because of the beautiful stained glass dome in the ceiling (pictured on the cover). Small classrooms, the Parlor and the Fireside Room were also part of that structure and all were decorated with stained glass. By 1951, Sunday school classrooms and meeting rooms were greatly needed, and Hansen Hall was dedicated. The church faced a very difficult decision, however, as the congregation continued to grow. Just eight years later, the stone sanctuary, built in 1888
Photograph Courtesy of Special Collections, Pikes Peak Library District, 001-730.
Original First Pres building c. 1889 14 | www.first-pres.org 8-9/12
and used for almost 70 years, was demolwas formerly Daniels Chevrolet. ished, and our current brick sanctuary was For 140 years the people of Colorado built. Springs have shared their joys and sorrows in In 1966 a fourth floor was added to this church home. Over the years, people Hansen Hall, and then the fifth level was have come with manure-caked boots and added in 1979. coats covered with coal dust. More than a few By 1982, as the church faced critical shortladies arrived in ruffled taffeta gowns and ages of facilities, the Session appointed the enormous hats festooned with ostrich Long Range Planning Committee to develop plumes. During the Great Depression, it was expansion and renovacommon to see men tion plans. Their plans in overalls and were accepted and in women in cotton “We have something 1984, a capital fund dresses sewn from more than a building; we have flour sacks. In an era campaign was conducted to develop not too long gone, a place of worship planned for financial resources for they would have been additional parking, new driving up in twothat purpose in every detail. and remodeled facilities. toned automobiles The parking garage was with overgrown tail All of it ought to inspire us to completed in 1985, and fins. worship the Lord in the beauty Hansen Hall South Transcending all (including the Plaza, economic, social and of holiness, and then to go Fellowship Hall, classcultural happenings, rooms and recreation this is a sacred dwellforth resolved that the Lord center) was dedicated in ing—a house that 1986. God has furnished God Almighty shall have a The youth found a with grace and larger place in our affection new home in 1997 with forgiveness, and the purchase and renodecorated with courand our lives …” vation of the Weber age and hope. It is no Dr. Hansen, 1959 Street building, which ordinary building. It (at New Sanctuary Dedication) is our church home.
Photograph by Harry L. Standley. Courtesy of Special Collections, Pikes Peak Library District, 102-11446.
Building in 1888, and its demolition in 1957.
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Servant deacons:
I
n the sixth chapter of Acts we read about the first deacons appointed in the church of Jerusalem. These men were known to be “full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit.” Their responsibility was to see to the distribution of food to the widows in that congregation. Deacons were appointed for similar purposes at our church. Mrs. Walter Wilson wrote, “Although frequent offerings had been taken for the benefit of the needy in the church, it was not until the annual meeting of the congregation on April 12, 1912 that a Board of Deacons was authorized.” Nine men were elected to that first board. They were entrusted with “the collection and distribution of all benevolence funds.” After that, many church members would direct a portion of their annual pledge be set aside for use by the Deacons. During the Great Depression, the Deacon Board supported families with food and children’s shoes, so they could go to school. The receipt from the shoe store dated March 16, 1932, shows the price of each pair of shoes: 24 cents, 29 cents, 99 cents and 79 cents. In times past, the Deacons made cash loans to members who had a temporary need. Some were never able to pay off even these meager sums. The Deacons paid for coal in the winter; they paid doctor and hospital bills. The Deacons even bought a bed for someone! By 1933 the price for a pair of shoes had risen to $2.95. Nevertheless, the Deacons bought them for a man in the church, and threw in a shirt for 69 cents and a pair of socks. The Deacons were even able to find jobs for some people during those hard times and distributed clothing to people who lost theirs in the Memorial Day Flood of 1936. Sometime during Dr. Carver’s pastorate two Deacons went to the Lind Grocery and Market on North Prospect to buy groceries for a family in need. They bought a pound of bacon
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Leadership By Dale McClure
(25 cents), butter (32 cents) and many more items. The handwritten bill totaled $2.65. The grocer even contributed over a dollar’s worth of groceries himself! Until 1932 all the Deacons had been men, but that year brought about change when three women were elected to the Deacon Board. As the Church grew and the culture changed, so did the work of the Deacons. They directed much time and energy to providing transportation to worship services, counseling after worship services, employment search programs, communion set-up and clean-up, handyman services, hospital and recovery equipment, and cards to people who were ill. They also looked after the needs of people outside of our church through such programs as the Soup Kitchen, the Golden Circle and ESM. Today, every member has a Deacon assigned to them when they join the church. This Deacon makes periodic contact looking and listening for needs and concerns. In addition to that work, each deacon is given one or more of the following responsibilities: S pecial Care: Deacons take special concern for congregation members who are elderly or not able to attend the regular church activities. The deacon makes frequent contact with them and offers in-home communion.
C ommunion: A team of Deacons assists the Communion Volunteer teams setting up and cleaning up for Sunday morning communion services. I nn at Garden Plaza: A Deacon team hosts worship each Sunday at the Inn at Garden Plaza. H ospital Visitations P oinsettias/Easter lilies: At Christmas time the deacons deliver a poinsettia to every member of our church family who has lost a loved one in the previous year. Lilies are delivered at Easter. B lood Bank: Periodically our Deacons arrange for the congregation to donate blood. B ereavement Receptions: The Deacons host the receptions on behalf of the family after a memorial service. G reeters: Before and after our regular worship services, Deacons greet worshippers. F our Score and More: Once a year the Deacons give an elaborate party for church members who are eighty years old and older. Today we have 150 deacons. Even with that large number, each one has a huge responsibility. Our Deacons work hard and give many hours of their time. True to the first Deacons in Jerusalem, they are caring, compassionate men and women who serve our congregation just as Jesus would.
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First Presbyterian member James Morgan who served in WWII
The Koets brothers served in the Coast Guard together. After the war, Donald (left) entered Seminary and was ordained as a pastor in 1953. Milton (right) is still a member here.
Howard Teats a former Marine. He built the Fine Arts Center on Dale Street and our sanctuary.
A soldier is greeted upon returning home. 18 | www.first-pres.org 8-9/12
By Becky Armstrong and Dale McClure First Pres began its ministry to soldiers in the last days of WWI. Our pastor at that time, Samuel Garvin, became very concerned for our sons and fathers fighting in France. He knew that there were many who did not know Christ and were likely to die without Christ. He asked Session for a leave of absence and sailed to Europe. He stayed until the end of the war, ministering to the men in the trenches. Camp Carson became Fort Carson following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 100,000 soldiers were trained there. Many of them were away from friends and family for the first time. They had free time on Sunday afternoons, but little to do. First Presbyterian seized the opportunity to serve. We organized entertainment on Sunday afternoons and redesigned our parlor to be a soldier’s lounge. The young men thought it was good to be off the base and around civilians again—especially female civilians! In 2008 our Prime Time Group packed and mailed 110 boxes for our soldiers fighting in the Gulf War. They crammed them with all kinds of good things: pre-paid telephone cards, so that they could hear the voice of someone they love, deodorant, candy bars and pre-moistened paper towels. These little items held value because they communicated compassion and appreciation. First Pres members go to Peterson Air Force base to meet returning troops. Once, Lorna Perkins gave a generous hug to a young soldier coming through the line. He was surprised and said, “Thanks, I needed that.” Many people around saw through their tear-blurred vision, that by a simple hug, she had filled a very human need that was deep inside this brave young man. Rich Boyle shares of his experiences greeting troops, “Sometimes I look into their eyes and can tell which ones are wounded. Not the wounds that require bandages and will heal in time, because their bodies are young and fit. But the wounds that come from killing another human being or seeing their buddy ripped by shrapnel from an IED. Some of these wounds only God can heal.”
By Michelle Swanson
E
ESM
Celebrates
cumenical Social Ministries was founded in 1982 by eight downtown churches, one of which is First Pres. Church pastors and staff from the downtown churches discovered that many folks were seeking multiple services, and that efforts to serve a community in need could best be met through the faith community serving together—ecumenically. The services provided have consistently included: a food pantry, clothing vouchers, hot showers, gas money, transportation, utilities and rent assistance. Other services now include jobs training, GED classes and home health care classes (All About Dignity) that provide certification and jobs. First Pres not only provides annual funding, but also provides the largest church food donations through our food collections on the first Sunday of each month. Specific needs, such as holiday meals, transportation and rent assistance are also provided through the alternative Christmas gifts, (Something Significant for Christmas) and many Sunday school classes’ financial commitments. Every Fall, First Pres sponsors a clothing drive for ESM through the ARC, which provides clients with vouchers for free clothing. Perhaps the biggest blessing is the incarnational ministry (meaning loving like Jesus loved) that is provided by the wonderful volunteers of First Pres—being the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. At ESM, volunteers encounter and talk to folks whom they might otherwise never meet, or get to interact with. We have volunteers from First Pres who have served for a short time, and some for seven, nine, and even 24 years! All of them talk about the mutual blessing of those serving and those served as they see God’s daily provisions for his children. Carol
30 Years!!!
Houmes, who has volunteered for 24 years has seen many changes, but believes that ESM is now the best it has ever been with caring staff, professional leadership and committed volunteers all dedicated to serving with dignity those who come seeking help. First Pres has both a great opportunity and a great responsibility as a downtown church in this mission field of Colorado Springs to love and serve Jesus, through the least of these. And for 30 years, we have channeled this loving outreach through our local partners, one of which is ESM. Our First Pres volunteers would love to share their experience with you. Call the Missions office, 884-6111, to see what it’s all about. 8-9/12 | www.first-pres.org | 19
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
219 East Bijou Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903
20 | www.first-pres.org 8-9/12 Colo. Spgs. CO Permit No. 419
Non Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID
Let’s start a new tradition. Attend church and stay for food and fun. Activities for kids, music and fellowship. Staying for lunch? Tickets required, no charge, pick up at Congregational Support.
Weber Street Lawn
August 26th 11:00am – 2:00pm
Fall Kick-Off Sunday