1937. Stibitz of Bell Labs invented the electrical digital calculator. Pulse Code Modulation pointed the way to digital transmission. A recording of the Hindenburg crash was broadcast coast to coast. Carlson invented the photocopier. Snow White was the first feature-length cartoon. The American Federation of Labor expeled the CIO unions. The Delaware Indians (now removed to Oklahoma) were finally recognized as an Indian tribe by U.S. government. True Light Lutheran Church, New York City, was founded as the first Asian Lutheran congregation in America by The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. Bethlehem had 1213 communicant members. Ear phones were installed in the church for the hard of hearing. Miss Edith Kruse took over the Junior Choir until 1944. Roll call was omitted and each member of voters assembly signed his name. After one year, Pastor Andres received a rising vote of thanks for what he had done for Bethlehem during the past year. Discussion of baptisms and weddings in church vs. at home was held in September. Eighteen students attending Northwestern were invited to Bethlehem for Sunday services. The congregation authorized a monthly newsletter. It was decided to close bowling alleys on meeting nights. The 50th Anniversary of the church building was observed, at which time a special booklet was issued which listed church officers and the societies and organizations of the congregation: Sunday School Teachers, Men's Club, Ladies' Aid, Woman's Guild, Von Bora Society, Senior and Junior Walther Leagues, Concordia, and the Parent Teachers Association.
1938. Two brothers named Biro invented the ballpoint pen in Argentina. CBS "World News Roundup" ushered in modern newscasting. DuMont marketed an electronic television receiver for the home. A radio drama, "War of the Worlds," caused national panic. Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which established the forty-hour work week and the minimum wage, and banned child labor in interstate commerce. Kristallnacht began anti-Jewish pogroms in Germany.
Bethlehem Congregation received a gift of $2707.49 from the Altehage estate. Mrs. Wm. Harloff was hired as teacher for three years. Voting membership stood at 169. The school fund was liquidated into the church treasury. The congregation had 1432 members, 1137 communicants. Of 295 children, 67 attend Day School, 91 Sunday School and 33 attend confirmation classes. An apology and request for forgiveness from P. W. Luecke was read and accepted by the voters. Only 16 per cent of the children of the congregation attended the Day School. Enrollment was down. Dissention in the congregation about the school brought about the Board of Christian Education's request for the resignations of Mr. Kasten and Mr. Mirow. Rev. Andres asked members to pray about this and try not to consider personalities. The congregation voted not to accept the resignations, but to close the school in June and to decide after polling the members about supporting it whether to reopen in September. A questionnaire was sent to members asking if they favored closing the school and if not, how many children would they send and how much additional financial support would they give the school. The questionnaire results showed that a majority of the members wished to close the school. Secret meetings of the church officers on reopening the school were held during the summer and in September the voters decided to reopen the school. The secret meetings were protested by a petition as being against the constitutional provision that things be done decently and in order. A request made for a Synodical investigation of the secret meetings. Synod officials attended a special voters' meeting in October at which time it was determined that there it had been wrong to hold secret meetings and wrong to circulate a petition. Those willing to admit wrongdoing were asked to stand. Everyone stood. Peace and harmony restored, a number of members asked for releases to start a new congregation. The motion to give these members their peaceful dismissal was rejected 44 to 29. At the November voters' meeting, these members were given peaceful release on assurance "always to respect Bethlehem's rights and when an edifice is to be erected not to build it in too close a proximity." Thus was established Grace English Lutheran Church in Evanston.
The congregational picnic was discontinued. Constitutional amendments were maid to retain Sunday German services as long as 25 or more members attend them and to provide the Christian Day School as long as there are sufficient children for one teacher. It was determined by the voters that a state of emergency existed in the congregation and the Board of Elders was requested to clarify the duties of the pastor toward the congregation and the congregation toward the pastor.
1939. Hitler overran Poland. War was declared in Europe. New York World's Fair showed television to the public. Gone With the Wind film was made. Nylon stockings appeared. The first International Housewares Show opened on January 8 at the Palmer House in Chicago, showcasing a number of products, including Birds Eye precooked frozen foods. Regular TV broadcasts began. Synodical representatives began attending Bethlehem's voters' meetings. The Board of Christian Education sent a protest to the Elders about Pastor Andres not giving them enough help and thereby neglecting his duties. A motion to ask Pastor Andres to resign was ruled out of order by the chairman of the voters. Due to a shortage of money, Pastor Andres' salary was reduced by $25. a month and he was no longer to be given $10. per month towards his coal. Pastor Andres told the voters he would seek a call to another congregation. In September he accepted a call to southern Wisconsin. Rev. Henry Blanke was engaged as vacancy pastor. It was decided not to print the annual list of each member's contributions this year. A church picnic was planned.
Questions, comments, etc. are welcome.
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