God indeed opens doors for us. So it was, 25 years ago, when we sang these words at the first worship service.
On June 10, 1980, eighteen Lutherans living in and around Searcy met at the King's Inn with the Rev. Groteluschen of the Mid-South District, for the purpose of determining if there was enough interest to form a mission here.
As a result, we began meeting on Wednesday nights at the Carmichael Community Center, reviewing the catechism and making plans for our first worship service. The Rev. Dean Clausing, would serve as our vacancy pastor. Attendance at these meetings averaged 35, with a nucleus of about 50. Our first worship service was Sept. 7, 1980. The attendance of 107 included representatives from the District office, friends from our sister congregations, the choir from Hope at Batesville and our own excited members.
Over the next few months we made plans for our future. A constitution was approved, a decision made to go with the Missouri Synod, (our group was about evenly split between the Missouri Synod and the American Lutheran Church), the election of officers, (Bill Edwards was our first president), the possibility of purchasing a building and/or acquiring land, calling a pastor and the approval of a budget.
In June of 1981 several important events occurred. June 7th was the official signing in of the charter members. Due to a thunderstorm that night, we signed in by candlelight. On June 21st we voted to ask the District to help us buy the old Christian Church on Main Street. Receiving a Forward in Remembrance Grant we not only were able to buy the church but also 10 acres across from the airport for future expansion. Our first service in this building was August 2, 1981. Many donated hours were then spent repairing and painting.
The Rev. Victor Kollman, a candidate from the St. Louis Seminary, received his first call to Searcy. He asked for a church that was just starting, and he certainly got his wish. He was installed and ordained on July 26, 1982, and was instrumental in laying a firm foundation for this young congregation. During his stay our membership grew from 88 in October of 1981 to 236 in May of 1985. Every month it seemed, we added new members. By the end of 1982 we had a growing Sunday School, an active youth group, a busy LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) and an enthusiastic congregation.
In 1984 it became apparent that we would need a new and larger building. The Building Committee (led by Bill Edwards) was busy making plans to build on the land previously purchased. Groundbreaking was December 16th, after the worship service. About six months later on June 30, 1985, we dedicated our new building to the glory of God. In April of 1987, Pastor Kollman accepted a call to San Antonio Texas. But we were not long without a pastor.
The Rev. Christopher Sheets, a graduating candidate from the Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, received his call to Searcy. He was ordained and installed on July 12, 1987. One of his chief concerns was that all teaching materials be Biblically sound. He was very involved in Evangelism and was a caring and loving pastor to the sick and elderly. While here, our Vacation Bible School grew to 75. In August of 1992, he accepted a call to Carlinville, Illinois. During our vacancy the Rev. Ralph Bird and the Rev. Bob Jones served as vacancy pastors.
Almost seven months later we welcomed the Rev. Dan Jones and his family. He was installed on March 14, 1993. He introduced a more contemporary style of worship and started several Bible Study groups. While here, he realized a personal dream of becoming a military chaplain. He is with the United States Army Reserve. In July of 2001, he accepted a call to a church in Georgia.
The Rev. Harold Rathjen, pastor at Heber Springs, served us as a vacancy Pastor until he accepted a call to EI Dorado, Arkansas. He was very active with our Vacation Bible School. We were then served by several retired pastors from around Arkansas.
The Rev. Stephen Miguet was installed on Sept. 14, 2003. He is very concerned that people know who Lutherans are and that there is a Lutheran church in Searcy. He has helped us in the area of outreach, start a free meal, typically held on the last Tuesday of each month, for needy families and for fellowship. He has been working hard to build up our membership.
Just a few years ago our church started a major renovation job. You will notice new carpeting in the sanctuary, some windows and doors have been replaced, a shed has been built with a place to park the church bus; shrubs, flowers and trees have been planted. Also the church has been re-sided and improvements made to the parking lot.
God has indeed blessed this congregation and He has helped us grow in love and compassion toward each other. We know and believe that we are saved by grace through faith in God's Son.
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