St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hilton was originated in 1898. At the time there was a large group of German immigrants in the area who belonged to the Lutheran faith, so most of the small towns in the area are hosts of a Lutheran Church. My first husband's grandfather was one of the men who turned over the spade to construct the new church.
I was raised Baptist so when I was to be married, I wanted to be married in the Baptist Church where I attended, by the minister whom I had known all my life. On WOTL we often talk about the twists and turns which have formed our lives, so as I reflect on my life, I now know that the argument which was ensuing in the Baptist church that year was meant to be. It seems as though the parishioners had decided the minister who had served them for 50 plus years was to old, not progressive enough for the late fifties - so they let him go. In addition to letting them go, they tore down the wonderful field stone church so that a new modern building could arise. I was very disappointed that I could not be married in the church that I loved, by the minister I was so fond of.
My husband's family convinced me to talk with the Lutheran minister. Immediately, we became friends. His name was Pastor Kohlmeier. After we were married, i decided I would take instructions into the Lutheran Church. In those days, the minister came to our little house one night a week for my lesson. We both thoroughly enjoyed those visits which often lead to lively discussions on the various docterines of both churches since there are large differences between the two. Please do not think I am criticizing as I am not. Both are of the Christian faith and both are great churches.
After a couple of years of instructions, I was confirmed into the church before my first child was born. The years went on, my children baptized, confirmed. Regular attendance and before one knew it, I was and am a Lutheran enjoying my faith, which brings me to the church window.
In the forties, the church was remodeled. During the remodeling an original stained glass window was not slated to be put into the new church, so it was stored in the attic. Many years passed. Pastor Kohlmeier retired. A new young minister arrived with his young family. Albert Zoller. One sunday Pastor Zoller began talking about finding the old window in the attic. He mused about how much he would like to see the window put back into the church because it represented to him part of the founding fathers dream. His sermon struck a cord. I often thought about the window wishing I could see what it looked like.
Years passed, life went on. My husband passed. With the memorial money, I tried to research the window only to find out I did not have enough money for the project. Instead I bought something else significant for the church. More years flew. My second husband, also a member of St. Paul passed. By this time a brand new church had been constructed. I still wondered about the window.
Pastor Zoller informed me that a plan had been made to have a frame built for the window. My nephew had been contacted to make the frame, however, the project had been put on hold - again money being the issue. Another something in one's life that was meant to be as this time I had the money for the window restoration. My nephew made the frame and the window was hung, complete with a light, over the doorway into which you enter and leave the santcuary. In January 2006, the window was hung.
As every service ends, the Pastor, who by this time has walked to the rear of the church announces to the congregation he would like them to focus on the cross in the window above as they receive the Benediction of the Lord. I look at the window with love remembering the two fine men who were a part of my life. I also burst with a little pride as I know I was able to make a dream come true.
There is a secret which I will share. Inside the frame my nephew inscribed the initials of both of his Uncles. Uncle Glenn whom he barely remembers. Uncle Bill that he loved with all his heart.
Years will pass. I, too will become a memory. That is life - but the church window will be there for all to see.
© 2012 Musings by Marilyn - 4/15/12
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