On Sept. 11, 1959, 13 people gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Finkenbinder to begin a Southern Baptist work.
The first prayer meeting was Sept. 26, 1959, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Plummer.
The YMCA, 500 First Ave. NE
Immanuel Baptist Church met for Sunday services and Wednesday evening prayer meetings in the YMCA Theater. Rent was $10 per week. The first Sunday school and services were Oct. 4, 1959. Wendell Plummer was superintendent. Offering taken was $124.60.
Baptisms in the YMCA swimming pool by Pastor Lew Miller. Here, Bill Hill is being baptized.
Among the first to be baptized in the YMCA pool, on March 6, 1960, were Sherry and Sandy Spencer, Mike Deal and Pam Van Der Snick.
First service Oct. 4, 1959, at YMCA Theatre
Primary class taught by Mrs. Jessie Carter in the YMCA party room, February 1960.
Beginners class taught by Mrs. Dorothy Plummer.
Store front of Cedar Rapids Tent & Awning (circa 1972) on Sixth Street SE
On Sept. 11, 1960, Immanuel Baptist Church moved here after outgrowing use of the YMCA.
A budget of $275 per week was adopted.
First day of services in rented store building
on Sixth Street SE
Far right photo includes Steve Miller and, in dark shirt with stripes, Steve Castleberry.
Taken at YMCA party room
Includes Marilyn Moore, Art Carter, David Miller
Four-and-one-half acres were purchased Feb. 23, 1960, at 19th Street and F Avenue NW from the Walter Van Pelt family for the future home of Immanuel Baptist Church. Purchase price was $17,500, with money provided by sponsoring church, Bethany Baptist, of Kansas City, Mo. This picture was taken in April 1960.
Group close-up
Groundbreaking ceremonies took place May 29, 1960, following a week-long evangelistic crusade at Cleveland Elementary School.
At left are Art Carter and Lew Miller
Julie Kelley and Karen Severson Wilson
Connie Castleberry, Cindy Castleberry, Barbara Miller
Rinderknecht Construction Co. began work on the $100,000 sanctuary and educational wing in October 1960. The sanctuary/auditorium provided seating for more than 300, with rooms in the educational wing for six departments and a church office. The building, financed through the Missouri Baptist Building Loan Fund, was completed for occupancy on March 5, 1961. A baptismal service was held that evening, with Don and Orla Gray being the first to be baptized. The building was dedicated on March 19, 1961.
Sunday school classes in 1963 met in the auditorium with curtained partitions.
Dan Kelly (1970)
Merv Meek and Ormal Williams (1970)
Groundbreaking of the education wing began in March 1968 by Rinderknecht Construction Co., and was completed in September of that year. Notice drop from sidewalk to pavement; in June 2009, the sidewalk became level.
Popular theological subject in 1966 was God “gave up the ghost” and is now dead. To counteract this heresy, Pastor Miller placed the above slogans on the church sign. A Cedar Rapids Gazette reporter saw the signs, took pictures and proceeded to give Immanuel a quarter page of free advertising. The pictures were also sent out over the news service wires and appeared in many newspapers across the country.
GA Coronation ceremonies
Queens-with-a-Sceptre: Terri Kelley, Debbie Barcus, Ninette June.
Includes Caroline Osborne, Lisa Herr, Donna Schlessing.
Doug Castleberry, Bradley Bridges, Bradley Branstetter, Curtis Bridges.
GA Coronation 1970
Queen Regent Julie Kelley, Cindy Deal, Vickie Castleberry.
Queens Leia Deal and Cathy Osborne.
Princesses Debra Schlessing, Rhonda Wilson and Jeri Lafler.
(From left): Ladies-in-Waiting – Debbie Stout, Phyllis Payne, Jodi Russell, Cindy Castleberry, Frances Wilson, Cindy Bridges, Connie Castleberry.
(From left): Pearl Schultz, junior leader; Melissa Anderson, and Carlos Hodge, junior high leader.
The Castleberry Sisters: Cindy – Connie – Vickie, with leaders Pearl Schultz and Carlos Hodge.
Maidens (from left) Laurie Hart, Susan Owens, Carol Ochs, Jonie Grimm, Cheryl Anthony, Nancy Gardner.
Row 1: (from left) Marlene Glandorf, Mildred Frantz, Marjeanne Jungjohann, Samantha Ulmer, Glenda Anthony, Kay Stoakes, Ada Gretten, Jean Castleberry, Judy Ochs.
Row 2: Frankie Monroe, Madilyn Frantz, Truly Melsha, Pat Healy, Betty Lang, Kristin Schrage, Dorothy Hutchings, Lillian Roustio, Addie Eveland, Carol Verbick.
Row 3: Dan Castleberry, Bill Ulmer, Ken Frantz, Harlan Glandorf, Jim Fowler, Don Gray, Don Herr.
Row 4: Gayle Jacobson, Bert Lang, Dan Kelly, Barry Buchanan, Lynn Frantz.
Row 1: Jerri Lafler, Cindy Deal, Frances Nelson, Debbie Schlessing, Vicki Castleberry, Marilyn Frantz.
Row 2: Randy Borg, Cathy Osborne, Lori Jungjohann, Terrie Kelly, Ninnette June, Julie Kelly, Melissa Anderson, Leah Deal, Steve Schlessing.
Row 3: Robbie Branstetter, Glenn Prescott, Doug Schwandt, Frank June, Steve Castleberry, Theron Anthony, Allen June. Leaders: Samantha Ulmer and Dan Castleberry.
The Carol Singers - December 1970
with Lynn Frantz, director; Glenda Anthony, assistant; and Carol Buchanan, pianist
The Carol Singers - December 1970
directed by Mildred Frantz
The Carol Singers - 1970
Row 1: Includes (from left) Vickie Avis, Donna Schlessing, Dawn Verbick, Cindy Williams, Brenda Meek, Karen Schlessing.
Row 2: Randall Mathis or Scott Glandorf, Jody Russell, Cindy Castleberry, Sherri Serovy, Barton Borg.
Row 3: Lynn Frantz, director; Carol Ochs, Tim Glover, Shon Meek, Connie Castleberry, Susan Owens, Cheryl Anthony, and Glenda Anthony, assistant.
4-year-old Department - 1970
Includes Lori Stout, Curtis Bridges, Doug Castleberry, Theresa Hauder, Mark Stoakes, Lindsey Borg, Francine Gray and Kim Fowler, with teachers Carol Herr and Karen Bridges.
Youth devour the largest banana split in the world at the Dean Borg home.
Youth Choir loading the bus for St. Louis Tour in 1972.
Royal Ambassadors 1972
Hiking Trip and Camp Craft
Leaders Barry Buchanan and Roger Wiegel and RAs
Leader Barry Buchanan and RA Deke Morrow
RAs Brad Branstetter, Johnny Joe Glover and others with leader Barry Buchanan.
Memorial Day Breakfast 1972
Noelridge Park Pavilion
(From left): Carl Schlessing, Pete Hurn, Lynn Frantz, Dean Borg, Dan Castleberry, Jack Bridges.
Joanna Miller scrambling eggs
Don Herr is pestering Jean Castleberry as Jean, Barbara Miner and Alma Schlessing are cooking.
Don Herr wrestles the bacon.
Former Pastor Lew Miller being drug from the car to be taken to places unknown after being caught snoozing during the 1972 Memorial Day picnic at Noelridge Park Pavilion.
The deacons were most obliging in an attempt to toss one of their favorite preachers into the water. Lew thought it was too early to get up for a breakfast picnic.
Taken in January 1971, Pearl Schultz was office secretary and her husband, Walter, church custodian. Members since February 1962, they served in these capacities until June 1976. Walter died in 1990. Pearl died in 1998.
Labor Day picnic at Bever Park, late 1960s-early ‘70s. From left is Margaret Miller, Bradley
Bridges and Kim Fowler.
Young Married Class "Piefest"
The Young Married Class of 1972 held a “Piefest” at the Roger Wiegel residence north of Toddville.
Debbie and Bill Stout
Pat Fowler
Jim Fowler
Miss America Shirley Cothran
visits Immanuel in April 1975
Sunday school department, 2- and 3-year-olds. Children (from left) include Stephen Bryant, Greg Brown, Jared Marks, Matthew Borg, Danny Herr, Darcy Grimm, Sheila Hauder, Joey Fowler. Teachers: Mrs. Jungjohann, Mrs. Whitaker, Mrs. Branstetter. They are standing in front of Spirit of 1776 charter bus during Miss America 1975’s visit.
Miss America 1975 Shirley Cothran spoke during two rallies at Immanuel Baptist Church on April 27, 1975. She stayed at the Holiday Inn, formerly on Williams Boulevard in southwest Cedar Rapids. In front of the sign are Dean Borg, Miss America and Joe Hogg from the Holiday Inn.
Camera! Action! The boys (and one girl) wait anxiously for Miss America to come out of the church office. (From left): Ricky McConnell, Kenny Livingston, Marion Livingston, Lisa Herr, Don Herr, Gayle Jacobson and Bart Borg.
Labor Day Picnic 1975 at Bever Park
A game of horseshoes and volleyball are underway.
Super Summer Spectacular Aug. 10-13, 1975
Associational-wide crusade with the Jack Scott and Scott Killingsworth Evangelistic team of Springfield, Mo. A record love offering of $1,437.32 was given during the event. The average attendance was 215.
Sunday school
Sunday school at Jane Boyd Community House in 1975
Vacation Bible School in 1976
Work Day at Immanuel in 1979
Ken Holdaway
Ed Nissen
David Gelsthorpe (front) and David Church
Lynn Frantz (left) and Steve Holdaway
Bob Whittaker (front) and Jay Hardymon
Floyd Manwiller
Orla Gray
Jay Hardymon (front) and Associate Pastor Larry Henry
Ernie Kosek (front) and Bob Whittaker
Youth Camp at Windermere, June 1979
Girls cabin: Denise Grimm, Christi Holdaway, Kim Fowler (eating candy bar), Connie Castleberry, Sylvia Thomas, Cindy Willitts, Lisa Herr, Francine Gray, Gretchen Glazer (summer missionary), Lisa Noxeria, Jean Castleberry (sitting on floor).
Boys cabin: Keith Winn (from another church), Terry Fitzgerald, Scott Singerman (summer missionary), Brand Branstetter, Dennis Grimm, Doug Castleberry, Lindsey Borg, Larry Henry, Ed West.
(Left) Connie Castleberry
Program presentation
Christmas 1978
Santa Claus (Les Casteel) and Larry Henry
George and Jane Winn, Pat Fowler, Donna Henry, Eileen Holdaway, Laura Hardymon
Santa Les Casteel, Christi Holdaway (front left), Melinda Hutchings (back), Connie Castleberry (sitting on Santa's lap) and DeeAnn Poorbaugh (front right)
Memorial Day Picnic, 1980
Fun and games at Noelridge Park in northeast Cedar Rapids
Adult Valentine Party / Beauty Contest
Not your typical beauty contest - contestants were Immanuel men!
First place honors went to Marion Livingston and Joel Russell.
Jerry Livingston and Don Herr
Young Adult Valentine Banquet
Pastor John Tanner, Samantha Ulmer, Sheila Borg and Jay Hardymon.
Merle and Rhoda Quick
Children's Choir directed by Lavelle James
Jan Livingston, Church secretary, 1986-1998
Marge Whitaker (left) and Carol Herr, Mission Friends leaders, 1982
Don Herr, RA leader, 1981-1982
Lisa Herr (left) and Pat Healy, GA leaders, 1982
Ruth Channell, WMU director, 1982
WMU - (from left) Samantha Ulmer, prayer chairman; Jeanne Nissen, secretary; Helen Branstetter, social chairman; Annette Goater, program chairman; Ruth Channell, president.
Geneva Tower ministry. Immanuel members are Naomi Lewis (front
row, second from left), Ruth Channell and Don Gray (back row, far right).
Children’s Choir: (front row) Mike Merck, Shelly Hardymon, David Poorbaugh, Daphne Ulmer, Timmy Daugherty; (middle row) Joe Fowler, Brandi Brooks, Danny Herr, Tina Livingston, Darin Ulmer, Sheila Hauder; (back row) Noel Merck, Laura Hardymon, Jill Pottorff.
Sanctuary Choir, 1982: (back, from left) Jolene (See) Livingston, Connie Castleberry,
Jean Castleberry, Diane Futrell, Bob Redhair, Carl Jungjohann, Bill Futrell, Mike
Goater, Jim Fear, Russell Grimm; (middle) Samantha Ulmer, director; Jan Livingston,
organist; Celia Merck, Marjeanne Jungjohann, LaVelle James, Ruth Channell, Lisa
Herr, Cindy Willits, Dot Hutchings, Delene Brooks, Carr Taliaferro, Don Herr, Bill
Ulmer; (front) Dean Borg, narrator; Sherry Taliaferro, pianist; Alice McConnell, Jo
Craft, Pat Healy, Ada Gretten, Ruby Taylor, Orla Gray, Carol Herr, Dan Kelley,
Don Gray, Scott Kloos.
25th Anniversary, 1984
Ada Gretten and former member Karen Bridges
Grandma Nola Anderson
Former members Barbara Miner and Darla Tate
Former member Jack Bridges conversing with George Connell (back to camera)
Youth Canoe Trip on Upper Iowa River,
July 15-16, 1983
JoAnn Mealler, Bill Ulmer, David Church, Bill Schanbacher (hidden)
Includes from left: Carl Jungjohann, Hugh Williams, Carol Herr, Marjeanne Jungjohann, Marie Swope and Pat Fowler.
Mission VBS, June 1984
Group from Butler Hill Baptist Church, St. Louis, led in mission VBS at Mount Vernon in June 1984. Barbara Kunce is sitting on the ground with red-and-white striped blouse; Shelly Hardymon sitting on bench above Barb.
Children's Program, 1984
Immanuel's Softball Team, 1985
Jeff Wheeler (hidden) at bat, Roger Edkin, Jim Fowler, David Herr, Ron Rowe, DeAnn Poorbaugh, Delene Brooks, Norm Brittingham and Sherman Connell.
Ron Rowe at bat
Memorial Day Breakfast at Immanuel, 1986
Young-At-Heart Excursions
From later 1980s to 1990s: includes Paul and Joyce Gordon, Helen and George Branstetter, Dan and Peg Kelley, Rodney and Judy Ochs, Paul Hutchings, Leo Smith, Ormal and Pat Williams, Nona Deal, Emma and Laverne Severson.
From the early to mid-1980s: includes George and Helen Branstetter, Dave and Mae Ethridge, Marie Swope, Anna Leeper, Polly Mecom, Ruby Taylor, Dan and Peg Kelley, Nola Anderson,Jean and Dan Castleberry.
Kalona area, 1990s: Ormal Williams, Dan Kelley, Pat Williams, Leo Smith, Joyce and Paul Gordon.
This and the two below are thought to be from the trip to the Botanical Gardens Arboretum in Des Moines in the 1990s.
Rodney and Judy Ochs
Youth Group at Ridgecrest
Crotinger family moves in
Our new pastor, Mark Crotinger, his wife Terry and daughter Missy arrived in Cedar Rapids on July 25, 2003, from Golden Valley, Ariz. For the first year, they rented this home located at 32 26th Ave. SW.
It was a long, hot day on July 25 when two Penske vans, loaded with lots of essentials and some not so useful items, were unloaded at their destination. Many helped the Crotingers get settled in. Among them were Mike Williams, Dan and Jean Castleberry, Ormal and Pat Williams, Jim and Cathy Luders, Clyde and Nona Deal, Barb and Bob Smythe, Harlan Glandorf.
This looks like a still, but it's really a smoker.
The piano was a real bear to move and a leg was broken in the process.
Pre-Labor Day Picnic 2003 and 2004
at Cherry Hill Park
It was a damp and chilly day in late August 2003. Deborah Clemons and Patty Brockett
Cathy Luders and Jeri Snyder
(from far left) Dottie Hutchings, Melinda Hutchings, Harlan Glandorf, Judy Shankland
Mike Ahrendson, Shelly and Bob Thompson, Pat Williams, Dan Kelley, Cathy Rinderknecht
Missy Crotinger, Bianca Butler, Shelly Thompson
Eleni Achrazoglou (Kathy's niece) and Kathy Armstrong
Baby dedication in 2004
VBS 2003
Bethany Wheeler
Winifred Waggoner and Ada Gretten, Sept. 14, 2003.
George Ford and Terry Crotinger
Renee Bilsland and Rachel Church give presentation on World Changers.
Pastor Mark on electric bass, Bethany Wheeler on flute, Matt Wheeler on piano and Terry Crotinger on guitar.
Fellowship with the Korean Baptists in 2004.
Immanuel participated in the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign from April 24 to June 6, 2004. It was based on Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose-Driven Life."
40th anniversary celebration of Immanuel
constituting as a church, Oct. 11-12, 2003
Lillian and Ed Roustio and family
The Korean congregation presented Immanuel with a flower arrangement in honor of the special occasion.
Former members Cynthia and Pastor Ed Gregory
Former members Cindy Gregory Rath, Patricia and Jim Fowler
Jerry Grimm, Geraldine Lawler, Adeline Scroggins
David Miller, son of first pastor Lew Miller, and former pastor of Northbrook Baptist, Cedar Rapids.
Anna Leeper and Vivian Lambert
Paul Hutchings
Open House goodies
Former members Marjeanne and Carl Junghohann and Jim Fowler
Gary and Barb McPherson
George Ford and Pastor Mark
Memorial Day Breakfast 2005 at Immanuel
Mike Ahrendson frying eggs
Harlan and Marlene Glandorf
Judy Shankland and Richard Ford
George Ford
Darrel Stephenson, Don Herr, Rodney Ochs
Farewell to Pastor Mark and Terry
and Pre-Labor Day Picnic at Cherry Hill Park
Aug. 28, 2005
John Moore and Dan Castleberry
Darcy Shugart (with crutches)
Jani Ford
Cathy Rinderknecht and Traci Noethe
Cheryl Church
More Pre-Labor Day Picnic pictures 2005
and others...
Cheryl Church, Deb West, Kathy Armstrong
Pastor Mark and Barb Klekar
Marie Kenward and grandson
Vivian Lambert, Terry, Judy Shankland, Pastor Mark
Missy Crotinger and Renee Bilsland
Baby Dedication May 8, 2005
Rachel and Andrew Strohm with son Ethan
Shelly and Bob Thompson with son Levi
Mirah Luna with daughter Mary Elizabeth
Brian and Katie Moser with son Christian
Apple Festival, Oct. 16, 2004
An outreach / inreach event at Immanuel - included apple bobbing, crafts, Friendship Apple Tree, music, devotional by Pastor Mark and food.
Pastor Mark give devotional
Rachel Strohm drew picture
"The Box" came down in 2005
"The Box" (sound system equipment) came down in 2005. Darin Ulmer is lift operator. David Church is operating winch at lower left.
Bob Kenward holds the box to prevent it from rotating into the lift.
Dave Church (left) and Bob Kenward remove mounting bolts from one of the three speakers.
The new sound system and audio visual equipment is installed.
New audio-visual booth
Bowling activities in March 2006
Dan Kelley
Patty Brockett and David Church
Bethany Wheeler, Cheryl Church and others
Building Bridges
Former Muslim Abdoul Rahim, president of Building Bridges to the Truth, and a friend of Interim Pastor Dave Sterrett, spoke during the Jan. 29, 2006, service. Here he is with members Andrew and Rachel Strohm, now of Cedar Falls.
Gathering Around the Bonfire, Nov. 4, 2006
Carol Herr, Jeff Wheeler, Cathy Rinderknecht, Jean Castleberry, Lu Wheeler.
Dan Castleberry
Breanna Parr and Matt Wheeler
Linda Stephenson, Jim Luders, Pastor Dan, Gail and Mike Bricker
A birthday cake just for Jan Livingston on Jan. 7, 2007. No one is telling how old she is, BUT she and Marion celebrated 50 years together in August 2009.
Potluck supper held in May 2007 at Immanuel.
To raise funds for World Changers a ping-pong tournament was held March 17, 2007. Among participants are Bob Kenward, Michael Bricker, Rachel Church, Reilee Loney, Steve Parr, Pastor Dan.
Immanuel's Children's Choir presented "C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. The Mystery of the Missing Manger" on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Participants included Kobe McFadden, Tim Parr, Jonah Westphalen, Lily Wiersema, Levi Thompson and Carsyn Taylor.
2007 VBS Carnival
Under the Big Tent ...
Pastor Dan, Emily Shugart, Lily Wiersema and Moriah McClurg
2008 VBS and Carnival
Levi Thompson, Bethany Wheeler
MaryLou McFadden and Brume Osiohwa
2009 Souper Bowl Party, Feb. 1, 2009
Various soups were brought in and competition was heated. Two of the winners were Kelly Taylor and Jim Luders. Besides eating and drinking and visiting and playing ping-pong, there was the Super Bowl to watch on the big screen.
Fall Festival Oct. 31, 2008
Olivia and Carsyn Taylor
Olga Hauder and granddaughter
Levi Thompson
Cathy and Jim Luders
Carol and Don Herr
Moriah, Micah, Josiah and Jed McClurg
Cheryl Church
Londa and Lily Wiersema
Labor Day 2008
Activities held at Cherry Hill Park ...
Kelly Taylor - is she praying for a good throw?
Family Christmas Party, Dec. 6, 2008
at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park
Lisa and Milton Schulte with daughter Lauren
Bob Thompson and son Levi
Linda Stephenson, Clyde Deal
Dan Castleberry, Danielle (Matt's girl, now wife), Bethany and Matt Wheeler, who is opening a gift.
Pastor Dan visiting with Jimmy Noethe and his daughter, Amanda Noethe.
Pat and John Lafler played Secret Santa
Awana Grand Prix 2007
First event held Saturday, April 14, 2007. There were trophy winners for Truth 'n Training Clubbers and Sparks and even the Cubbies.
Youth Sledding Party
at Shawnee Park Hill,
January 2008 and 2009
Youth of all ages enjoyed themselves.
The waters rose and the flooding began,
climbing to nearly 32 feet (20 feet above flood stage)
in Cedar Rapids alone, cresting on Friday, June 13, 2008.
Immanuel Baptist Church, at 1900 F Ave. NW just a few blocks from where the flood waters stopped, became a host site for the American Red Cross and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units from across the country. Several Immanuel members assisted in preparing meals and clean-up – a few are below.
The art of opening cans is to avoid cutting yourself. Joyce Gordon assists Southern Baptist Disaster Relief personnel in opening huge cans of fruit and vegetables.
Dan Kelley serves up a meal.
Clyde Deal picks up plastic ware.
The washing crew - Joyce Gordon, Bob Thompson, Bob Kenward and Paul Gordon.
Paul Gordon
Jim Luders - at work and at rest
Revelation Youth Choir Reunion,
December 2007
From left: leader Samantha Ulmer, Matt Borg, Joe Gregory, Sheila Hauder, Jamie McFadden Meade, Cyndy Gregory Rath, Shelly Hardymon Thompson, Tina Livingston Davis
Awana Cubbies 2007
Fond Farewell to Paul and Dottie Hutchings
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Paul and Dottie Hutchings
Dottie and Carolyn Jones
Paul and Dottie’s son John visits with Helen and George Branstetter.
Memorial Day Breakfast 2009
Dan Castleberry making pancakes
Bob Kenward tasting the biscuit gravy one too many times
Jim Luders frying the bacon
Mike Taylor resetting the circuit box every time a fuse blew
The breakfast was a coed affair, with lots of help coming from the hostess committee, especially Pat Lafler and Marie Kenward.
Pastor Dan gets cleanup duty
AWANA activities, April 15, 2009
Secretaries (from back to front) Lu Wheeler, Marty McClurg and Deena Nelson sign in the Sparks and T-N-T Boys and Girls.
Awana opening ceremony
Melinda Westphalen leads the teaching session in the Sparks Council Time. Assisting are Mary Lou McFadden, Deena Nelson and Josiah McClurg.
Sparks Game Time, led by Jeff Wheeler (not shown). Sparks helpers are Rachel Church and Jed McClurg.
Children's Camp, June 15, 2009
Children's Camp was held at Spring Valley Bible Camp in Muscatine. Among those from Immanuel are Kobe McFadden, Lily Wiersema, Ethan Miller, Bethany Wheeler and Pastor Dan.
Young-At-Heart excursion July 17, 2009
to Matchstick Marvels Museum, Gladbrook
Group consists of Jimmy Noethe, Irene Shadley, Helen and George Branstetter, Jan and Marion Livingston, Joyce and Paul Gordon, Darrell and Linda Stephenson, Clyde and Nona Deal, Ormal and Pat Williams, Carol and Don Herr (not pictured).
Clyde Deal, George Branstetter and Marion Livingston check out a ship display made entirely of matchsticks.
Vacation Bible School, Aug. 3-7, 2009
VBS carnival was held 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.
3 & 4 –year-old VBS activity.
Marie Kenward, Bob Kenward (hidden behind Pat), Linda Stephenson, Pat Lafler and Lily Wiersema.
3 & 4-year-old class, with Bethany Wheeler and Juliet Mathis.
Joyce Hardymon and her daughter, Shelly Thompson, are geared up for crafts.
World Changers
Nine youth from Cedar Rapids and Ankeny participated in a World Changers national construction project in Bonne Terre, Mo., on July 4-11, 2009. Youth and adults represented Immanuel and Northbrook Baptist, Cedar Rapids; Shiloh Baptist, Waterloo; and Cornerstone Baptist, Ankeny. From left: Bob Kenward, Paul Edkin, Jessica Brown, Jed McClurg, Rachel Church, Antony Gladwyn-Nash, Josiah McClurg, Breanna Parr, Ginny Roberts, Moriah McClurg and Tiffany Parr. Not pictured: David Church. Here the group enjoyed an outing at Elephant Rocks State Park.
Deacon Ordination
Mike Taylor was ordained a deacon Sunday evening, Aug. 16, 2009. At very top are Mike and Kelly with Pastor Dan. Among those who gave the “laying on of hands” to Brother Mike were George Branstetter (middle), who in June 1969 was one of the first to be ordained a deacon at Immanuel, and Jim Luders, who was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1976.
Ice Cream Social
Ice Cream Social followed in the fellowship hall. Four flavors of homemade ice cream and cookies were served. Below Jan Livingston is trying to decide between vanilla, banana, peach or chocolate ice cream. Dippers are Darrell Stephenson, Marie Kenward and Clyde Deal (not shown).
Nick Phillips
Associate Pastor, 1992-1998
Nicholas “Nick” Phillips became associate pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in June 1992. Nick and his wife, Carol, have four children: Ryan, Corey, Abby and Paige. The top photo shows the family (with Dustin Tower) on their last Sunday at Immanuel. The bottom photo is current as of 2002. Nick is currently serving in care ministries at NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, Mich. His home address is 45596 Holmes Dr., Canton, MI 48187 (734) 451-9451.
Some of Nick’s fond memories, as mentioned in a 2003 letter to the church body, include: baptizing oldest son Ryan, packed pews during services, mopping up water in the basement before the drainage wall was built, listening to John Moore play the piano, money being stolen from the office while I was in the other room counseling, Fall Festival of Marriage conferences, forgetting my daughter Abby in the pew after a Wednesday evening service.
Dr. Ed and Lillian Roustio
Sudanese men graduate from Seminary Extension, with Commencement ceremony held June 1, 2003. Dr. Roustio was the instructor.
Pastor Mark Crotinger, Dr. Ed Gregory, former Pastor Ed Gregory, Oct. 12-13, 2003
On May 21, 2006, Lillian celebrated her 90th birthday
The Roustios moved to Cedar Rapids in the early 1960s, joining Immanuel on May 19, 1963. He served as interim pastor at First Baptist, Marion, in 1964; at Dubuque and Maquoketa in 1965; at University Baptist, Iowa City; and at Immanuel, Cedar Rapids, from June 1981 to April 1982. He also filled the pulpit at Immanuel on other occasions. The Roustios took over the Geneva Tower ministry sometime after 1975 when it started. Dr. Ed led a Bible study on Mark in January 1979. A senior citizens ministry was started May 27, 1979, under his direction. He started teaching a Tuesday night
Bible Study on June 14, 1983. He led two Bible studies on Revelation. He taught Seminary Extension classes to Sudanese men in the late 1990s.
Dr. O. Wyndell and Audie Jones
Dr. O. Wyndell Jones served as interim pastor for two years, although official dates were Dec. 23, 2001 to June 8, 2003. He and his wife Audie retired to Franklin, Tenn.
Bob Smythe (right) presents a Grant Wood print to Dr. and Mrs. Jones as George Ford looks on.
Jani Ford presents a special on her guitar.
Judy Shankland, Jani Ford, Jim Luders and Audie Jones
Former Pastor Ed Gregory, Dr. and Mrs. Jones and Cynthia Gregory
Dave Sterrett
Bob Smythe (left) and Dave Sterrett were licensed to preach the gospel in November 2005. Deacon chairman Bob Kenward presented the certificates.
In August 2007, Dave was preparing to teach his second year of philosophy / Bible at Prestonwood Christian Academy. In September 2007 he began graduate studies at the University of Dallas. He is currently living in Dallas and raising funds to be a full-time missionary and apologist for Probe Ministries International, a non for profit organization established in 1973.
He is the author of several books: "O" God, A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality (co-authored by Josh McDowell, published through WNDBooks, Oct. 6, 2009), "Why Trust Jesus?" (Moody Publishers, March 1, 2010) and “2012 Debunked: An Intelligent Investigation of a Global Scam” (co-authored with J. Steve Lee) and has also contributed five articles to the “Apologetics Study Bible for Students” (B&H Publishing, Feb. 1, 2010)
Dave desires to train churches, international pastors and students in the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, along with apologetics and ethics for the glory of God. In November, Dave plans to travel to Africa to train pastors in educators in God's truth.
For more information, check out Dave’s Web site at www.davesterrett.com You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook or e-mail him at davesterret@hotmail.com
The Rolling Pin Throw
No Labor Day Picnic is complete without the rolling pin throw, shown here at Bever Park.
2005 thrower: Patty Brockett
2005 thrower: Terry Crotinger
2005 thrower: Nona Deal
2005 thrower: Penny Pash, with Jim Luders holding additional rolling pins.
2004 thrower: Missy Crotinger
2004 thrower: Bethany Wheeler
2004 thrower: Bianca Butler
2003 thrower: Lu Wheeler
2003 thrower: Rachel Church
Dan Kelley carries rolling pins.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJ)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJ)
