Foundations of Faith (3)
Life in the 70s and 80s-With a Woman's Touch?
The last part of the 1970's was a difficult one in the life of the congregation, both numerically and financially. Working in consultation with synodical officials, recovery came quickly, and growth returned in the decade of the 1980's. Making use of the new, larger facilities (which today, the chancel is now where the choir rehearses, and the nave is where the church offices and library are) the congregation returned to a one-worship service format as a means to strengthen parish unity. The interim, the Reverend Dr. Harvey L. Huntley, Sr., a former president of the Southeastern Synod, was instrumental in directing the congregation into this era of growth and vitality. The Reverend Gary Lyerly assumed the pastorate in March 1980. During his time here he was able -- with a strong support of many lay leaders -- to help the congregation experience many facets of growth and spiritual blessing! Two years later after his arrival, the year of the 25th Anniversary, financial giving, worship attendance, and baptized membership were at high levels. The 475 baptized persons included 125 who had united with the congregation since March 1980 and six who had been with it since the beginning.
Among the changes was the addition of a 10th member to the Congregational Council with the vice president who is elected by the Council and ratified by the congregation. Changes had been brewing in many ways through the years -- with a wonderful change of electing the first woman to the Council (which was Mrs. Lori Markstrom and was actually done January 26, 1962!) The rumor was that many of the women of the congregation put her name on the ballot to help shorten the long Council sessions! The second and third women of the congregation elected to serve on Council were Mrs. Marilyn Proffitt and Mrs. Martha Dillenbeck in 1974. Mrs. Gem Kate Greninger was elected to serve in 1978. Since that time, there have been times when women have outnumbered the males on the Congregational Council!
Some will remember -- as we discuss change -- the purchase of an organ in 1983. It is the same organ we have to this day. The smaller, older organ -- which had served for 20 years -- was given to a struggling mission congregation in Wise, Virginia
Expanding Again!
Near the end of the 1980's the need for further expansion was evident. In the new design the old structure (as just mentioned) became a part of the new. Thus the former worship area did become office and classroom/library space, while the new nave and chancel began where the old building ended. Twice as many would be seated as in the former building. In addition a basement would be added. There Sunday School classes would be able to meet and the youth would be able to hold some of their activities. One such activity for the youth was to host the annual "All-Tennessee Youth Event" here at Our Saviour -- hosting all the youth and advisors in the homes of members (all 250 of them!) -- and having the event here in the church basement. (Through the years, our youth have hosted this event more than once -- always doing a superb job!)
During these years, Our Saviour participated in many of the programs, retreats, and other gatherings of the conference of East Tennessee. The 11 congregations (that still exist to this day) take turns hosting Reformation services and the like, as well as spring and fall meetings to share information and (in the spring) prepare for the annual Synod Assembly. The conference is rather spread out in the East Tennessee mountains, running from Newport, Tennessee to Morristown up through Cocke and Greene counties, through Johnson City and the whole of the Tri-City area. Often times even Redeemer Lutheran Church, of Bristol, Virginia (part of the ELCA's Virginia Synod) would participate in our activities and leader's meetings because of their close proximity to our congregations of the Southeastern Synod. We have always welcomed their love, support, and friendship. Through the years, our conference churches of the Tri-Cities, along with Concordia Lutheran-Missouri Synod in Kingsport, have gathered together in the summer for a week-long confirmation camp. We have taken advantage of the many small universities located close by, as well as camps and other institutions (Roanoke College, Mars Hill College, Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia, just to name a few). This has always been a wonderful opportunity for learning, fellowship, and friendship among our pastors and our youth!
Life in the 70's and 80's had its ups and downs, but certainly the Holy Spirit has provided us with more ups than downs! Part of the good change came in 1987 when the Southeastern Synod of the Lutheran Church in America became the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. (We will say more about that next month.) We are grateful to God's graceful Spirit, as well as the pastors, lay leaders, and other members of the parish who had so much to do with the growth of this congregation during this very fruitful part of the parish's life. Much happened -- and we are truly thankful!
