OUR STORY

Cool Timeline

1996-1997 | Building Renovations

During the last couple of years of Rev. Wick’s pastorate, a number of building renovations were undertaken including the kitchen, restrooms, fellowship lounge, and chancel areas.

1990 | History Book

Through Wick’s efforts, Dr. Dale Lund, President of Midland College, is commissioned to write the history of the congregation, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church – A History.

1987 | Wick’s Tenure

For the first time, high school girls were invited to serve in the Order of Saint John. Under Rev. Wick, the lower parking lot was purchased and developed at a cost of $325,000.

1986 | Rev. Lawrence W. Wick

Rev. Wick (1986-1997) is called to be the 13th Senior Pastor of Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. Wick is a graduate of Wartburg College, the Lutheran School of Theology – Chicago, and Purdue University.

1985 | Endowment Fund

A $250,000 gift establishes a fund for the purpose of outreach and later provides money for college scholarships and capital improvements. Today, our Endowment fund totals over $6 million.

1983 | 125th Anniversary

Kountze Memorial celebrates its 125th Anniversary with a large banquet and pageant.

1982 | deFreese Manor

The construction of an impressive four-story complex of 51 apartments at 2669 Dodge Street fills the affordable housing need for low-income senior citizens. The church names the building in honor of Rev. Paul deFreese.

1969 | Fellowship Hall and Sunday School

The Sunday School, Kitchen, and Fellowship Hall are expanded at a cost of $500,000.

1962 Rev. Paul deFreese

Under the leadership of Rev. deFreese (1962-1985), Kountze Memorial begins weekly television broadcasts of Sunday worship services and holds many large annual Rally Dinners. Rev. deFreese was called to Kountze Memorial from First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE.

1958 | 100th Anniversary

Kountze Memorial celebrates its 100th Anniversary of ministry on December 5, 1958.