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No. 20
Cross, New Braunfelscrosslcms.orgSubmitted by Mary Ann Queen The Lord’s work for our congregation began in 1925 when the Texas District sent missionary Rev. R. Lange to serve the New Braunfels and San Marcos areas. The first ‘service’ was held on September 27, 1925 with six people attending. They met in various areas in New Braunfels over the next few years. Sunday School began in April, 1926 when Pastor E. H. Wildegrube was called to serve this mission congregation. Services were originally in German, but by 1941 all services were in English. On September 3, 1928, Cross Lutheran Church, New Braunfels, was officially organized as a Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod. In 1938, the congregation purchased a church building from another church and it was moved to the property on Cross and Hickory Streets in 1942. Cross Lutheran became self-supporting in 1952. Following the move to the property at Cross and Hickory streets, the congregation grew so that, in 1960, ground breaking was held for a new church building. The new sanctuary was dedicated on March 19, 1961. On June 9, 1974 the Activities Center Building across the street from the sanctuary was dedicated. In 1996, Cross purchased 17 acres of land on Common Street in New Braunfels as a site for future growth. Cross’ present facilities which include a (temporary) Worship Center and Education Wing, were dedicated on October 27, 2002. During the history of Cross Lutheran Church and School, a Christian Day School has been part of the congregation’s ministry. A day School was founded in 1931. During the years, the school was closed at one point, reopened later, closed again, and reopened as a Preschool. In 1990 the Day School again began and grew to the present Lutheran Christian School of 8 grades and over 100 students. Mr. Steve Winkelman served as the first fulltime called principal of Cross Lutheran School. The congregation has had an active Whole Person Health Ministry since 1999. Mrs. Carol Schroeter has served as the Parish Nurse since its inception. Rev. Harold Schroeter presently serves Cross Lutheran as a visitation pastor in a volunteer capacity. Presently the congregation offers an adult bible study for almost every day of the week. In addition to the adult choir, there are 5 different bell choirs, two quilting groups, Whole Person Health Ministry, Dorcas Guild (LWML) with 4 different circles, Altar Guild, LLL Men’s Club, youth groups for grades 5 through Senior High, and of course the flourishing Cross Lutheran School encompassing PreSchool through 8th grade. Plans for the future include a sanctuary at the present location and additional modular classrooms. A Director of Christian Education will be ‘called’ this year. Cross Lutheran is presently in the process of calling a new principal for its school. Those pastors who have served at Cross Lutheran Church & School are: Rev. R. Lange 1925-1926 Rev. E. H. Wildegrube 1926-1931 Rev. J.A. Rebber 1931-1933 Rev. Eric Wagner 1933-1942 Rev. Edwin Lange 1943-1948 Rev. Norman Abbott 1949-1954 Rev. Carl Mutschnick 1954-1964 Rev. Marvin Tschatschula 1964-1982 Rev. Raymond D. Reich 1982-1997 Rev. David Loeffler (Associate Pastor) 1984-1990 Rev. Donald D. Fraker II 1998-present Also Beth Forward was called as the Parish Worker in 1973 and served until 1978.Receiving calls to Cross Lutheran School are: Henry Osthoff, Teacher-----------------1946-1948 Norval Skov, Principal/Teacher---------------1957-1959 Carolyn (Rummel) Skov, Teacher---------------1958-1959; 1962-1963 Dennis Quiram, Principal/Teacher-------------1960-1962 Kristen Lamsfuss, Day School Director--------1990-1995 Carol McDowell, Day School Director----------1998-2001 Steve Winkleman, Principal/Teacher-----------2000-2005 Susan Runge, Teacher-------------------------2000-2002 Amanda Rowland, Teacher----------------------2001-2005 Kevin Dierks, Teacher/Athletic Director------2002-present Melanie Douglas, Teacher---------------------2003-present Some ‘firsts’ during the history of Cross Lutheran: 1925 – first worship service 1926 – first Sunday School met 1928 - organized as part of the L.C.M.S. 1930 – first Vacation Bible School 1931 – first of Cross’ Christian Day Schools begun 1936 - Ladies Aid & Walther League formed 1942 – first property purchased (Cross & Hickory Streets) 1943 – first adult bible class 1943 – Ladies Aid is affiliated with the LWML 1952 – Cross becomes self-supporting 1961 – New Brick sanctuary dedicated on Cross Street 1973 – Parish Worker called 1987 – first handbell choir formed 1997 – land purchased in preparation for Cross’ relocation to Common Street, N.B. 2002 – Dedication of new Worship Center & Education/Office Wing God has blessed Cross Lutheran Church and School and its members since its early beginnings. From the small group of 6 people, Cross now has over 600 members. For almost 80 years, by God’s grace, Cross Lutheran Church and School has been proclaiming and teaching His Word in truth and purity so that many have come to know and grow in Christ’s forgiving love. To God be the glory! |
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