A BRIEF HISTORY
of
SALEM EVANGELICAL CHURCH
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

The Golden Jubilee

Soon after the dedication of the church school building and parish house, from December 2 to 9, Salem observed its fiftieth anniversary. The service on Sunday morning, Dec. 2, was conducted in the German language, with nearly 800 persons present. The Reverend John Baltzer, D.D., the honorable President General of the Evangelical Synod, brought the message. The organist and the choir put forth their best efforts in a program of music and song that was soul-stirring.

The Golden Jubilee Organ

The main feature of the evening service on Dec. 2 was the dedication of the new anniversary organ. This fine instrument, one of the best in the city, and the largest personal gift Salem has ever received, is the gift of two of our most beloved and esteemed members, Mr. and Mrs. J. George Kaelber, who made this wonderful contribution to conmniemnniorate the fiftieth anniversary of their church and to express their sincere appreciation of the many blessings which they received through the ministry of Salem in fifty long years. The organ was built by the Austin Organ Company. It has fifty-five speaking stops and eighty-six additional combination pistons, pedals and reversibles. There are in it 2,606 speaking pipes, with an additional sixty-one on the harp, and twenty chimes. Mr. Harold Gleason of the Eastman School of Music played the dedicatory recital which was attended by 1,675 persons.

The following Wednesday evening, December 5, was observed as "Golden Jubilee Church School Night." A large and appreciative company of Salem folk gathered in the church school auditorium for this occasion. The Reverend H. H. Lohans presided, and many reminiscences of by-gone days were told in an interesting fashion by several speakers, including two former superintendents of our church school, Henry F. Albrecht and Albert B. Helmkamp.

December 9 was the second Jubilee Sunday with only one service in the morning. This service was conducted in the English language. The Reverend Samuel D. Press, D.D., President of Eden Theological Seminary, gave a very inspiring and helpful message.

The evening service on this day, when all the sister congregations worshipped with us, marked a real climax in the Jubilee festivities. Dr. Press and the Reverend Otto Haass were the speakers.

The Golden Jubilee Chimes and Other Special Gifts

At this service a set of excellent tower chimes, sixteen in number, was dedicated. These chimes were generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Deininger, and were installed by the Deagan Chimes Company of Chicago.

Another valuable and beautiful gift received by Salem at the time of her Golden Jubilee, was the new pulpit and communion table, a memorial gift by Mrs. John Nusbickel and her daughter, Miss Edith Nusbickel, in loving memory of the dear husband and father, Mr. John C. Nusbickel, who served our church as a member of the official Board from 1895-1904. The pulpit and communion table of walnut, beautifully carved and artistically decorated, was designed to harmonize with the interior decoration of the church.

Among the other special gifts received at the time of the dedication of the new building were kitchen equipment and parlor furnishings donated by the Sister Society; the "Frauenverein" paid for the fine grand piano in the church parlor; a beautiful Westminster Chime-clock for the parlor was given by Miss Hattie Hess in memory of her dear sister, Miss Emma Hess; Salem Dramatic Club presented the curtain for the stage in the new auditorium; the Men's Bible Class made itself responsible for the platform furnishings in the auditorium. The Ladies' Bible Class and various departments of our Bible school equipped their own rooms at considerable expense. Mrs. F. J. Dubelbeiss donated one gross each of silver knives and forks for the new kitchen.

On Easter Sunday, 1928, we were privileged to dedicate unto the service of the Lord a beautiful baptismal font, the gracious gift of Mrs. Eduard Deusing and her daughters in memory of the beloved husband and father who was called to his reward in 1923. Mr. Eduard Deusing was a charter member of our church and also served in former years on the church council.

Alteration and Renovation

In order to provide the required room for the anniversary organ and in preparation for the Golden Jubilee celebration, extensive and expensive alterations in the church auditorium were made during the summer months of 1923, and the interior of the sanctuary was re-decorated. It was indeed a joyous day when we were privileged to re-enter our beautiful church on November 11. What a transformation had taken place. The new decorations were beautiful. Where the old organ pipes used to be, there appeared one of the most artistic designs of church architecture in the city. The choir platform had been lowered and much enlarged, and stairways were built leading from the choir into the main auditorium. The organ console was no longer conspicuous, but was hidden from view in a place all its own. All the aisles, corridors and platforms were covered with beautiful carpets, and underneath the pews "battleship" linoleum was placed. The lighting had been greatly improved and the fixtures were embellished with harmonious ornamentation.

The Golden Jubilee Offering

At an important special meeting of our congregation, held on Sept. 17, 1923, it was decided to precede the Golden Jubilee celebration with a financial campaign to wipe out the entire indebtedness of $130,000. Accordingly, tile days November 19 to 29 were chosen for this effort. The Salem Jubilee Offering was solicited by 250 men and women directed by an executive committee consisting of: J. Geo. Kaelber, general chairman; Geo. F. Roth, first vice-chairman; Geo. Hafner, second vice-chairman; Mrs. J. C. Hoffman, third vice-chairman; Fred Baetzel, secretary; Carl T. Rau, treasurer; Wm. H. Brown, general manager; the Reverend Frederick Frankenfeld, adviser; Julius Andersen, Chris. Merlau and Jacob Schlenker, and the following ex-officio members, Charles Suss, president of the church; and the Reverend H. H. Lohans, Minister of Religious Education. The total amount received in our Golden Jubilee offering was $153,944.

The Cost

The final report of the building committees was submitted on May 1, 1924. The following statement shows the cost of constructing and equipping the new building, of the alteration and the additional equipment for the old building and of the acquirement of new musical instruments.

             Structure
New Building ......... $167,648.56
Old Building ........... 43,743.05
                       -----------
                       $211,391.61

           Miscellaneous
New Building ........... $7,781.95
Old Building ................ 9.83
                         $7,791.78

 Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
New Building .......... $11,376.20
Old Building ............ 7,285.60
Organ, Chimes, Pianos .. 40,786.95
                        ----------
               Total    $59,448.75

            Total Cost
New Building ......... $186,806.71
Old Building ........... 51,038.48
Organ, Chimes, Pianos .. 40,786.95
                       -----------
                       $278,632.14

The Church School

It is very regrettable that the early records of the church school are lost. At the time of the twenty-fifth anniversary, in 1898, Pastor Helmkamp deeply deplored this fact and undertook the task of writing a history of the school. The facts which he was able to gather concerning the first ten years are based entirely upon verbal information. This history was written, as were all other records of that period, in the German language. The salient material has been translated and incorporated in this historical review.

The Salem Sunday school was organized before the church began to function. Strange to say, originally it was not a German school within the congregation, but an English institution, more or less independent of the church. Mr. Thomas Dransfield, a staunch friend of Pastor Siebenpfeiffer, was its first superintendent. Under their combined leadership the school made remarkable progress, and at the cud of the tenth year it had an average attendance per Sunday of more than four hundred.

The reasons why a German church, in its very beginning, sponsored an English Sunday school, are not quite clear. Perhaps it was due to the fact that Salem, at that time, maintained a flourishing parochial school in which religion was taught daily, in the mother tongue, to the children of the church. When Mr. Dransfield resigned, because of many other duties which made it impossible for him to continue as superintendent, Pastor Siebenpfeiffer immediately organized a German Sunday school. This procedure, also, was a strange one, for many churches in the denomination were already then substituting the English language for the German, in the teaching of their youth. The school was known as "Sonntag-Schul-Verein" which name continued in use until about 1905. Through many years all the sessions were conducted in the German language; the last German class was disbanded in October, 1917. Year by year the school continued to grow until the average attendance reached 581 in the last year of Pastor Siebenpfeiffer's ministry.

The story of the further development of the school is related in the chapter which deals with the second pastorate. Under the efficient leadership and through the persistent efforts of Pastor Helmkamp, Salem Sunday school was known as one of the best equipped schools in that day. Visitors from far and near regarded it as a model school. Pastor Helmkamp, however, was not satisfied with mere equipment. He endeavored in every way to raise the standard of the work and to seek a solution of the many problems which confronted him and his loyal co-workers. We read of his great concern for the boys and the girls in the teen-age; of teachers who stayed away on Sunday without making provision for substitutes and who failed to keep in touch with absent pupils; of officers who were persistently late, and of pupils in the intermediate department who could not be persuaded to join the older groups - problems which, by the way, are still with us in the present day.

In July, 1907, the organization of an English Bible class was considered, but no definite results of the attempt are reported. In November of the same year Pastor Helmkamp began to keep a personal record of the attendance as repoPted weekly by the teachers in the various departments. From time to time the pastor and his assistant visited the irregular members, and the result of this effort was soon noticeable throughout the entire school. The recognition of banner classes was first instituted in February, 1908. All the classes which had a perfect attendance were awarded banners which they were permitted to keep on display until others succeeded in winning them. In the same year the first teachers' training class was launched. This class had an enrollment of thirty-five and was taught by the pastor. A cradle roll department was organized in April, 1909, with Mrs. Marie Krause as the superintendent. Weekly workers' meetings for the officers and the teachers were inaugurated in 1910. The first Sunday school cabinet was formed in 1911. It consisted of all the general officers and of one member from each department in the school. Meetings were held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Mention must here be made of the annual picnic which invariably was held at Sea Breeze. In former years as many as four thousand people attended this annual gathering. At nine o'clock in the morning the Sunday school members gathered at the church. Led by a brass band they marched in orderly procession to the chartered cars of which, on many occasions, no less than eight were required to convey the first contingent to the lake-side park. With the advent of the automobile, the crowds gradually dwindled, and in recent years only one chartered car has been necessary for this purpose.

In 1911, a class for young men between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years was organized. This class was known as the "Andrews Class." and Mr. William H. Brown was secured as the teacher. Under his able leadership it developed into a fine and strong group. When Mr. Brown was chosen as teacher of the Ladies' Bible Class, Mr. Edwin Kaelber was selected as his successor. The class continued until 1923, when it disbanded.

Awards for regular attendance were offered through many years. Bibles were given to all the members who were present every Sunday in the year; to those who attended on forty-eight or More Sundays a suitable book was presented. In 1914, 137 pupils had a perfect attendance record, and 225 were present on forty-eight or more Sundays.

A most unusual achievement was written into the history of the school by Philip Lattinville's class of boys in the years 1914, 1915, 1916. This class consisted of nine members, thirteen and fourteen years of age. For three years and seven months these boys were present every Sunday without a single break. Their loyalty is so noteworthy that we gladly publish their names:

In the spring of 1916, the members of the church school decided to have an attendance campaign on the seven Sundays in the Lenten season. The goal set was "10,000 present during Lent." No such figure had ever been approached and it seemed impossible of attainment. However, on Easter Sunday Salem was over the top with a grand total of 10,963. in the second similar effort, in 1917, the goal was raised to 11,000 and when the final report was made, it was found that 11,260 members had been present on the seven Sun- days in the Lenten season. These special campaigns continued with varying results until 1925, as is shown in the following tabulation

Year      Name                        Goal   Attendance
1919 Victory Campaign                 11,500   11,531
1920 No name                          11,500   10,056
1921 Record-breaking Campaign         11,500   11,423
1922 Co-operative Campaign            11,600   12,657
1923 Jubilee Campaign                 12,000   11,623
1924 New Era Campaign                 12,000   13,130
1925 Five Per Cent Increase Campaign  13,783   13,693

From 1926 to 1929 three competitive campaigns were conducted, each of which ended in a victory for Salem. The first of these was conducted in competition with six schools in Buffalo, the second in conjunction with three other Rochester schools against eight Buffalo schools, and the third against four schools in St. Louis, Missouri. The highest total attendance reached by Salem in these competitive campaigns was 15,951 in 1929.

Beginning Sunday, January 21, 1917, and continuing for four weeks, an "on tithe" campaign was conducted. Of the total average attendance of 1,296, the average number present on time each Sunday was 828. On the last of these Sundays, 878 of 1,280 reported at nine o'clock, with the temperature at four below zero.

For many years, a Christmas celebration was held on the evening of Christmas Day. All the pupils would assemble in their class rooms and then proceed, in a body, into the church. Before the church was wired for electricity, the large Christmas tree, forty feet and more in height, was lit up with candles: Many anxious nights were spent by those who bore the responsibility for the safety of the children. Fortunately no accidents ever marred these celebrations. Invariably a box of candy was given to every one who attended, and the church was usually crowded to the doors. In recent years a "giving Christmas" has been observed, and many thousands of dollars have thus been contributed for numerous benevolent purposes in the homeland, and abroad. In the prosperous years, the total of the "giving Christmas"amounted to more than $3,000 each year.

A Bible class for men was organized in January, 1919, but there was no room available at the church where the class could hold its sessions on Sunday morning. To overcome this difficulty, the auditorium of the Y. W. C. A. was rented for several years until the new church school building could be, erected. The pastor was chosen as the teacher of this class, and Mr. William Brown became the teacher of the Ladies' Bible class. Both classes grew in a most remarkable manner. On March 17, 1929, the records show an attendance of 873 men and 724 women, a total of 1,597. This record has never been surpassed.

On November 1, 1917, a Board of Religious Education was formed and the Reverend Otto Mayer was elected as the first minister of religious education. He held this position for one year, after which he accepted a similar position in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The names of his successors in this office appear elsewhere in this booklet. The story of the new church school building and parish house, and other matters of importance in connection with the history of the school, are also included in previous chapters.

During the influenza epidemic in 1918, the church school was closed from October 10 to the second Sunday in November. In the same year the weekly workers' conference was held on Friday instead of Wednesday evening, to save fuel.

At the present time the enrollment of the school is 2,353, which number includes 217 members of the cradle roll. There are 201 officers and teachers, and eighty classes which constitute the following departments:

The highest attendance on any Sunday in the past sixty years was 2,636, on March 17, 1929; the highest average attendance in any year is recorded as 1,416, in 1929; the total number attending in fifty-one years is 2,336,204. Since 1916 all attendance records are being compiled by department secretaries. Prior to that year the records were obtained by the general attendance secretary. Through twenty-five years George F. Graf faithfully filled this important office. Many among us still remember him as he went from one department to another, with pad and pencil, to record the members present each Sunday in the year.

The history of Salem Sunday school through the sixty years reveals the names of many men and women who have been untiring in their efforts and who have given unstintingly of their time and their talent to the teaching ministry of the church. Not a few among them have been sacrificial in a degree which is worthy of the highest commendation. Lest we be found guilty of the omission of someone who is entitled to special mention, we refrain from publishing any names. Their memory is held sacred by many who still labour in our midst, and the blessings which they sent into the lives of others will continue through generations to come. However, we do wish to record here the names of all the workers who have served faithfully for twenty-five, or more, years, and who are active in the school at the present time.

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." Revelation 2:10.

The Men's Benevolent Society

The Men's Benevolent Society is the oldest of the many organizations in Salem Church. It began its history sixty years ago, on January 1, 1874, when twenty young men banded themselves together in the spirit of Christian fellowship and mutual helpfulness to organize the "Young Men's Society of Salem Church." The list of charter members presents the following names:

The following were elected as the first officers:

John C. Zellweger, Jr., president;
George Schelter, vice-president;
Henry Hoffman, treasurer;
Charles Suss, recording secretary;
Henry Forschler, financial secretary;
Frederick Ruckdeschel, trustee;
John Ruckdeschel, trustee;
Charles W. Weis, trustee.

From the very beginning this organization met with much success, and year by year it continued to grow.

On Reformation Day in 1874, another group of men, thirty-four in number, organized the "Salem Unterstuetzungs-Verein." The early records contain the following names as charter members:

The following men were elected as the first officers:

Reverend Carl Siebenpfeiffer, president;
George Zimmer, vice-president;
William Steul, treasurer;
Frederick Imhof, recording secretary;
John Fertig, financial secretary;
John Neun, trustee;
John Oetzel, trustee;
Christoph Diem, trustee.

This organization also met with immediate success, and the membership continued to increase as the years went by.

The "Young Men's Society" and the "Maenner Unterstuetzungs-Verein" existed as separate organizations through forty-one years. On July 6, 1915, they united to form the "Salem Brotherhood" which name was changed to "Salem Men's Benevolent Society" in 1918. At the time when the merger was effected the following men held office in the "Young Men's Society":

Frederick Baetzel, president;
August Hitzke, vice-president;
Charles G. Gerhard, treasurer;
August Stark, recording secretary;
Jacob Vogel, financial secretary;
August Amish, trustee;
Frank Knope, trustee;
Eduard Deusing, trustee.

These men continued as the first officers of the new organization.

Beginning with 1915, all meetings were conducted in the English language, a change which induced many of the younger men in the church to make application for membership. The opportunity for fellowship and the many social features which were introduced, proved an attraction to them. The benevolent ministry, paying sick and death benefits, was continued. In the sixty years of its existence, the Men's Benevolent Society has never failed to meet any of its financial obligations. During the last six years the financial status of the society has advanced steadily, and at the end of the present year the books of the organization will show a balance of more than ten thousand dollars. At the time of the consolidation of the two societies the combined assets were $4,983.77.

Prior to the World War, the society reached the high mark of 335 members. When the boys came back, many found other interests, and the membership began to decline until it reached the low mark of 200 in the year 1927. The meetings became uninteresting and were held merely to pay the monthly dues and to collect the benefits when these were levied. The question arose: "Shall we disband or go on?" Not many appeared sufficiently interested to determine which Way things should go. At the annual election held in December, 1928, a new policy was outlined and presented as a program for the coming year. Shorter business sessions and longer periods of fellowship and social events were recommended. The members approved the suggestions which were made, and promised their loyal and whole-hearted support; co-operation was forthcoming; numerous applications were received and initiations were possible at every meeting; the attendance soon doubled, and the society again became an attraction for the men of Salem. Field days were inaugurated for all the men of the church, and later also for the boys, and other outdoor social events and sports were sponsored. In 1932 the society had a membership of 337, and plans are now under way to make possible a considerable increase, despite the many difficulties which are presented by conditions existing at the present time.

The following members are now holding office::

Carl L. Drexler, president (since 1928);
Milton Huff, vice-president (since 1931);
G. Wallace Neth, treasurer (since 1925);
Raymond A. Selke, financial secretary (since 1925);
Lee Feldt, recording secretary (since 1928);
Philip Lattinville, trustee;
Henry Weber, trustee;
Henry Gerhard, trustee.

"Der Frauenverein"

The first organization for women in Salem Church was the "Frauenverein." In fact it came, as a society with all of its officers and also with the treasury, from old Trinity into the new church home, in 1874. it appears that the good mothers who remained in Trinity gave the funds which were then in the treasury, as a dowry, to their daughters who were leaving home to establish themselves in another place.

At the time when the society was transplanted, the officers were the following :

Mrs. Gertrude Weis, president,
Mrs. Elizabeth Rau, vice-president,
Mrs. Friedericke Roth, secretary,
Mrs. Catherine Schmidt, treasurer.

The list of charter members contains the names of twenty-four women who came with their pastor from Allen Street, and of forty-five who united with the society immediately after it had moved across the river. When the church observed the twenty-fifth anniversary, in 1898, Pastor Helmkamp wrote a brief history of the "Frauenverein". In it he made mention of the fact that the society then had a membership of 210, and that only twenty of the first members were among the living at that time. But the first president, Mrs. Gertrude Weis, still continued in office.

From its beginning, the organization maintained a death-benefit fund from which the sum of $1,355.75 was expended in the first twenty-five years. Within that period the members gave to the church and to various kingdom enterprises $3,888.07.

Since the beginning of the present pastorate, the '"Frauenverein" showed a gradual and natural decline in membership. Year by year more of the devout mothers were called to their reward, and there was no material available to fill the vacant places. Many of the members who had been very active in former days could no longer attend the meetings, because of physical disability. The younger women in the church preferred to unite with the Sister Society; here the meetings were conducted in the English language, whereas the "Frauenverein" always employed the German. Thus it happened that, in 1931, only fifty members of the "Frauenverein" remained. These voted to disband and to unite with the Sister Society, which merger was effected on January 15, 1931. Today thirty-three of their number are still affiliated with the latter organization.

At the time when the "Frauenverein" was discontinued, the following members held office:

Mrs. Caroline Weis, president,
Mrs. Philippina Leppla, secretary,
Mrs. Caroline Hoeltzer, treasurer,
Mrs. George Hafner, treasurer of the benefit fund.

For a period of twenty-two years, in its later history, Mrs. Katherine Tischer served the society as president, and Mrs Philippina Leppla filled the office of secretary through seventeen years.

The Sister Society

Upon the invitation of the pastor, Pastor Siebenpfeiffer, eleven women met at the church on Thursday, January 19, 1888, to consider the advisability of organizing a new society for the younger married women in Salem. The fact that it was a cold and stormy day may account for the sinai! attendance. The minutes of that meeting record the following names:

Louise Yaky, Marie Weidemiller, Catherine Helberg, Marie Helberg, Friederike Grauntman, Julie Kogler, Marie Kiefer, Emilie Hoffman, Emilie Mensing, Sophie Hoffman, Lena Morris.

After due consideration and considerable discussion, these eleven women agreed to proceed with the organization of a new society, but to postpone the election of officers until the following Thursday. On January 26, they met again. In the meantime others had become interested. The report, as contained in the anniversary issue of the parish paper, in 1898, lists the following additional names:

Mrs. August Reinhardt, Mrs. Andrew Hartel, Mrs. Emma Engelhardt, Mrs. Conrad Eckhardt, Mrs. George Neth, Mrs. John Zellweger, Mrs. Christ Drexler, Mrs. Libbie Sloan, Mrs. John Geiger, Mrs. Carl Gutzmer, Mrs. John Kujat, Mrs. Carl Suss, Mrs. Edward Stahlbrodt, Mrs David Grauwiller, Mrs. Daniel Stroh, Mrs. August Amish, Mrs. Fred Wehnert, Mrs. John Stolz, Mrs. Marie Stehler, Mrs. John U. Schroth, Mrs. F. W. Zimmer, Mrs. Henry Muellendorff, Mrs. Henry Kobbe, Mrs. Carl Kaelber, Mrs. Margaret Ursprung, Mrs. Richard Zoberbier, Mrs. Carl Priem, Mrs. Emil Medrow, Mrs. Ferdinand Schaefer, Mrs. C. Pfeil, Mrs. M. Meerdink.

The new organization adopted the name "Sister Society" and accepted, by a unanimous vote, the constitution which had been prepared by the pastor. The members then proceeded to elect the first officers, with the following result:

Mrs. Julius Hoffman, president,
Mrs. Henry Kobbe, vice-president,
Mrs. William Morris, secretary,
Mrs. Andrew Hartel, treasurer.

At the close of the first decade in the history of the Sister Society, the membership had increased to 175. Unfortunately, the records covering the years 1888-1904 are lost, and it is, therefore, impossible to give detailed information concerning the early activities of the society. However, it is a well known fact, that through all the years of its existence the Sister Society has rendered invaluable services to the church, and that at all times, the members have manifested great interest in missions and in other phases of the larger kingdom enterprise.

Since 1904, the following presidents have held office:

Long and noteworthy periods of service have been rendered by the following officers: Mrs. George Hafner has served twenty years as president or vice-president; Mrs. Katharine Dubelbeiss has filled the office of treasurer in most efficient manner, for a like number of years; through seventeen years, Mrs. Robert Kaucher was financial secretary; Mrs. William Wolfsperger was recording secretary and vice-president for eighteen years; and Mrs. Charles Gerhard has served four years as president, and approximately ten years as vice-president. After forty-five years, the first president, Mrs. Julius Hoffman, is still very active in the society; for the past twenty-one years she has been the secretary and treasurer of the birthday fund which office she holds at the present time. For a considerable number of years the society maintained a "Two-cents-a-week" building fund which contributed much toward the success of the Golden Jubilee Offering. Mrs. John F. Zimmer was treasurer of this fund.

Since Mrs. Katharine Dubelbeiss, the present custodian of the society's treasury, has been in office, the following figures are recorded in the various funds. It will be noted that they cover only the last twenty years.

        General Fund               Death Benefit Fund
Receipts . . . . $11,375.47   Receipts . . . . $18,046.21
Disbursements . . 10,255.93   Disbursements . . 12,461.18
                  ---------                     ---------
    Balance . . . $1,119.54       Balance . . . $5,585.03

Of this balance in the Death Benefit Fund, the sum of three thousand dollars has been loaned to the church.

                                            Birthday Fund
Building Fund (seventeen years)   (Mrs. Julius C. Hoffman, treasurer)
Receipts . . . . . . $24,908.29   Receipts . . . . . . . .  $3,222.15
Disbursements . . . . 23,459.02   Disbursements . . . . . .  2,398.86
                      ---------                              --------
        Balance . . . $1,449.27                Balance . . . $ 823.29

From the Birthday Fund the church parlor was furnished originally, and the cost of all subsequent repairs and replacements was met.

Grand Total (Twenty years)
Receipts . . . . .  $54,329.97
Disbursenments . . . 46,176.13
                     ---------
      Balance . . . $ 8,153.84

At the present time the Sister Society has a membership of 368. The following officers and chairmen are directing the varied activities:

Mrs. George Hafner, president,
Mrs. F. Frankenfeld, 1st vice-president; chairman, missions committee,
Mrs. Otto Ritter, 2nd vice-president; chairman, devotional program,
Mrs. William Brown, 3rd vice-president, chairman, membership and district work,
Mrs. A. Ross, 4th vice-president; ministry of flowers,
Mrs. Carl L. Drexler, recording secretary,
Mrs. Elmer Orbaker, financial secretary,
Mrs. Katharine Dubelbeiss, treasurer,
Mrs. Julius C. Hoffman, treasurer of the birthday fund,
Mrs. F. Schultz, librarian,
Mrs. L. Bailey, pianist,
Mrs. J. Andersen, mission fund,
Mrs. P. Lattinville, council of church women,
Mrs. J. Cooper, chairman, social welfare committee.

The following committee chairmen represent the Sister Society in the work of the Evangelical Women's Union of the New York District:

Reception committee: Mrs. F. Mayer, Mrs. Frank Gabbey.
Visiting committee: Mrs. S. Allen, Mrs. H. Schwab, Mrs. C. Holzwarth, Mrs. Chas. Spies.
Resolutions committee: Mrs. Charles Then, Mrs. Elmer Orbaker, Mrs. Carl L. Drexler.

Salem Missionary Society

If the story of the Salem Missionary Society could he told in a few brief paragraphs, this chapter would undoubtedly he one of the most interesting in this little booklet. It began thirteen years ago, when a good mother in Salem had a vision of what women can do for the advancement of Christ's kingdom on earth. Mrs. A. J. Hartel, whose memory will he cherished by us through many years to come, was the prime mover in its organization and by her winning way, her courageous persistence and her enduring patience brought it about that on November 10, 1920, fourteen women banded themselves together for the purpose of promoting the cause of Jesus Christ in the homeland and in foreign countries. It was self evident that she he elected the first president of the new society. Associated with her as the first officers were:

Mrs. H. Murenberg, vice-president;
Miss Mary Emich, secretary;
Mrs. C. E. Booth, treasurer.

After only six years of faithful and successful service, the beloved first president of the organization was called to her reward on December 14, 1926. Mrs. F. Frankenfeld was chosen as her successor and filled the position until 1928, when other duties in the church made it impossible for her to continue. She was followed in office by Mrs. H. Stoick who held the position for five years. Since the spring of this year, Mrs. A. Schieble is the president.

From its very beginning, the society has kept in close and constant contact with our missionaries and their needs in India and in Honduras. In every way the members have sought to support the work which our denomination is doing in these foreign-countries. Numerous and varied missionary projects and enterprises have challenged their co-operation Among these are the following:

Each year, large cases with valuable contents have gone forth to some of these institutions. Through the winter months, the members meet on Wednesdays to make, or alter, garments for those who are in need of them. On many days five sewing machines are kept going all the day long. When a special need in the community arises, the Salem Missionary Society, is one of the very first organizations to which the appeal for immediate help is made. And it is never made in vain. Prompt and careful attention is given at all times to the cause of social welfare in our city. Visits are made regularh to the sick and the shut-ins, and also to the County home and Hospital.

At the end of the first decade the membership had grown to 189; today there are 239. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday. The attendance has always been far above the average, and the program which is offered at every meeting is full of interest and challenge.

The present officers are the following:

President, Mrs. A. Scheible;
Vice-president, Mrs. Leo Lagler;
Vice-president, Mrs. G. Lehrer;
Recording secretary, Mrs. H. Herbst;
Corresponding secretary, Miss Mary Emich;
Financial secretary, Mrs. F. Bohm;
Treasurer, Mrs. Willianm Brown;
Chairman of Hostesses, Mrs. J. Hoffman;
Representative in Council of Church Women, Mrs. H. Stoick;
Pianists, Mrs. W. Graeper, Mrs. L. Bailey.

In addition to the executive committee, nine other committees are responsible for promoting the various interests of the society; these are:

Social Service, Community Welfare, Stewardship, Special Gifts, Library, Visitation, Reception, Publicity and Sewing.

The Salem Welfare League

When the depression came on, Salem was among the first churches in the community to organize a welfare league. Through its wise and continued efforts the numerous appeals for help have been answered, and the relief work has been regulated and systematized. For a time, various organizations within the church carried on this necessary ministry independently, but it was soon found that the situation, which grew more serious from month to month, demanded unification and control. On December 17, 1930, the Salem Welfare League was formed. It consists of twenty-three workers who represent every organization in the church. Each worker is held responsible for a definite number of cases. In the meetings of the League names are never mentioned, but each case is referred to by a given number. Investigations are made in friendly spirit and reports are made in tactful manner. In truly remarkable fashion the people of Salem have supported the League in its ministry of helpfulness. From the very beginning, co-operation with the City Welfare League has been sought and maintained; over-lapping and duplication has thus been avoided. Repeatedly welfare workers of the city have publicly stated that Salem is doing one of the finest pieces of relief work in the entire community. At the time of this writing, the sum of $3,147.51 has been expended and 110 families have been given assistance.

The Kingdom Mission Circle

The Kingdom Mission Circle was organized on March 17, 1924, with seventeen members. Its first officers were:

The monthly meetings are being held in the evening in order that those who can not attend meetings in the afternoon may have the opportunity to share in the work. At the present time the society has fifty-eight members. From its beginning, the organization has carried on personal correspondence with our missionaries in India and Honduras, and has sought in various ways to support the work of our denomination in these distant fields. Emmaus at St. Charles, Missouri, Biloxi in Mississippi, the Schauffler Training School at Cleveland, the children at Iola Sanatorium, have been given special attention through the years. Whenever necessary, the members lend a hand in sewing for the Children's Service Bureau. Since 1926, the society has sent $60.00 each year toward the support of a promising school child in Honduras. However, its primary interests in recent years have been centered in the Ozarks. The raising of one thousand dollars for the Community House at Shannondale was sponsored by this organization, and boxes of books, pictures, and other useful articles are being sent regularly each year to this neglected area. The study of mission books and lectures on varied missionary enterprises form part of the program at the regular monthly meetings. The present officers are the following:

Scouting at Salem

Salem today is fortunate in having, as a part of its official family of organizations, two of the most active scout troops in Western New York. Their high standing in the Scout world can be attributed to several reasons. First, in having in Messrs. Fred Raetz and William J. Cox highly efficient scoutmasters, who are giving a liberal share of their time as leaders of their respective troops; second, in having the whole-hearted backing of live and working troop committees who function in co-operation with the Boys' Work Committee, which has as its chairman Mr. George C. Wickman.

According to the records, Troop 11 was the first to be organized at a meeting held September 20, 1914. The following were its first officers: Scoutmaster, Pastor Frederick Frankenfeld; Assistant S. M., J. H. Vogel; Senior Patrol Leader, F. Alton Frasch. The National Scout Headquarters granted the troop its first charter in February, 1915. A few of the main events in the first year were:

Participating in the Memorial Day parade, in May,

Assisting in the annual picnic, Ontario Beach Park, in July,

Camping trip at Canandaigua Lake, in July,

Receiving American flag from Peissner Post G. A. R., on August 27, 1915, Commander J. J. Augustin presenting the flag to the Troop Standard Bearer, Fred Heckler.

In January, 1916, the troop gave a demonstration of scout activities at the St. John's Home for the Aged; in July of the same year the troop, as a unit, had its first real camp at Pebble Beach, Conesus Lake; under the direction of George Geer, a fife, drum and bugle corps took part in the Preparedness Day parade of 1916; again, on October 5, 1916, the troop participated when the National Guard returned from the Mexican border.

The troop's first banquet was held on October 6, 1916, with the following speakers: Col. S. P. Moulthrop, Mr. Henry D. Shedd, Scout Commissioner, and the Reverend Frederick Frankenfeld. At this time Mr. J. H. Vogel became scoutmaster and Mr. F. Alton Frasch, assistant. The fourth anniversary was celebrated with games and a campfire on October 4, 1918, in a vacant lot near the city line on Clifford Avenue, adjoining the home of Scout E. Oeschger.

William J. Cox became the first Eagle scout of Troop Eleven in September, 1919, with twenty-six merit badges; other Eagles in this troop are J. H. Vogel, Tom Cox, William Ross and Donald Ross. Clarence Meyer, Fred Hammer and Henry Scheve were identified as leaders with Troop Eleven.

Upon the invitation of Mr. J. H. Vogel, and because of the overcrowded condition of Troop 11, Mr. Fred Raetz organized Troop 60 in February, 1920. Mr. Raetz has a record of almost fourteen years as scoutmaster of this troop. The quarters of both troops are located in the basement of the church and are considered model rooms by many who have visited them.

In 1921, Mr. George C. Wickman became the chairman of the newly organized Boys' Work Committee, which office he has held without interruption to the present day.

In 1922, both troops camped at Bushnells Basin on the property of Mr. Fred Baetzel.

A weekly news bulletin was issued in 1924, with Scout Carlton Stark as the editor. In the same year Scout Bill Cox, then at Mercersburg Academy, broke the mile record at that institution; later, he became a member of the team which represented the United States at the Olympic games held in Paris, in 1924.

Mr. Vogel resigned as scoutmaster in 1927; he was succeeded by Mr. Henry Scheve; Messrs. Willard Lauterbach and Charles Heard were acting scoutmasters in 1928.

After graduating from Pennsylvania State College, Mr. William J. Cox was elected scoutmaster of Troop 11. During the summer months he is in charge of the Durand-Eastman Park bathing beach as life guard; for several years he has been an instructor at the Edison Technical High School.

Mr. Fred Raetz gained his first experience in scouting as scoutmaster of a troop in the eastern section of the city. He likes nothing better than to take a group of scouts and their leaders on a hike, or a camping trip, to some remote spot in the backwoods country: Often his services are in demand as a teacher of scout training classes.

Others who are assisting in Troop 60 are Messrs. Fred Mayer, Frank Meding, Frank Stoll (whose movies are a feature of Troop 60), and assistant scoutmaster Elmer Neuscheler. Recent Eagle scouts are Robert Bareis and Robert S. Vogel.

Committee men of Troop 11 who are actively engaged in scouting are Messrs. Thomas Delehanty, John H. Cooper, Edward Zuhlke, August Leppla and Fred Katerle.

Many former members of both troops are now engaged as leaders in various church organizations, in industry, and in the teaching profession, et cetera. Some continue their interest in scouting in other troops.

Girl Scouts

Salem Church also maintains an organization of girl scouts, which was organized on March 20, 1925, twenty-one girls being present at the meeting. Miss Minnie Beesch was the first leader. Troop 48 has a membership of twenty-five registered scouts of whom three, Elizabeth Eggiman, Jean Edgcumbe and Marie Dubelbeiss, have earned the "Golden Eaglet". Miss Edith Nusbickel is the efficient leader of this troop. Through her faithful ministry she has achieved many fine results in the training of these girls. Miss Josephine Raeppel, as lieutenant, is her able and loyal assistant. The members of Troop 48 made the sixty standards which were used by the confirmation classes in connection with the anniversary services and the fellowship evenings.

Youth Organizations

In addition to scouting, three distinct organizations offer to the youth of Salem the opportunity for self-development and self-expression.

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor meets on Sunday evening for a devotional and fellowship program which includes addresses and discussions of the many varied problems youth must face in the present day. With the assistance of Mr. Max Burke, a student at the Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, the members plan the year's program and conduct the meetings in their own way. The present officers are the following:

Walter Hitzke, president,
Lois Heininger, first vice-president,
Esther Kurkowski, second vice-president,
Ruth Selke, secretary,
Herbert Zimmer, Jr., treasurer.

A similar group is known as the Young People's League. It consists of three confirmation classes in consecutive years, and includes the ages fourteen to sixteen years. This group also meets on Sunday evening and is being sponsored, at the present time, by the pastor. Its officers are the following:

Paul Cooper, president,
Arlene Ernst, vice-president,
Robert Vogel, secretary,
Frank Swansfeger, treasurer.

In recent years, the Salem Dramatic Club has presented various interesting plays and has made noteworthy contributions to the program of the church. On three different evenings in the anniversary month the members offered a one-act comedy which delighted young and old, The present officers are the following:

Raymond Lahmer, president,
Grace Heiligman, vice-president,
Vera Walters, secretary,
Walter Hitzke, treasurer.

Assistant Pastors

At various times during the third pastorate, the church found it necessary to secure the services of assistant pastors, several of whom were called primarily as ministers of religious education and workers with the young people of Salem. The following have rendered valuable assistance in this capacity:

Because of existing conditions, the church has no assistant pastor at the present time. Upon numerous occasions, the Reverend Adolt C. G. Baltzer has cheerfully relieved the pastor of pressing duties, and many others stand ready to give their help in any emergency.

THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY
November, 1933

The story of the sixtieth anniversary is being added to the foregoing brief history of Salem Church upon the request of the committee which was given the responsibility for the publication of this souvenir booklet. The addition, we believe, will be cherished through the years as a constant reminder of the many unusual festivities, by all who were privileged to participate in the happy and blessed experiences. Others, who did not share with us in the celebration, may find in the following pages a welcome source of interesting information concerning one of the most significant events which has been recorded in the life of Salem Church.

From the day on which the first tentative plans for the occasion were formulated, the members of the general committee determined that the observance of the sixtieth anniversary must be more than merely an ordinary celebration. They were agreed that the primary emphasis must be spiritual, and that all other features must be considered secondary in importance. Accordingly, they concentrated their efforts upon making the four Sundays in November mountain-top experiences in worship and in spiritual enrichment. Thousands of men and women will testify cheerfully to the fact that the results of the united efforts far surpassed the highest expectations.

In honor of the three pastors who have served the church in the sixty years of her history, the committee named the first three Sundays in the anniversary month "Siebenpfeiffer Sunday," "Helmkamp Sunday," and "Frankenfeld Sunday," respectively. The fourth Sunday in the month was designated "Consecration and Holy Communion Sunday," and was intended to be the culmination of all festive days and a fitting climax of the entire anniversary program.

Naturally, the committee also made provision for the social life of our people. In a series of informal fellowship evenings which followed the Sundays on which the respective groups had their special services, ample opportunity was given for friendly intercourse with former classmates and associates. The widespread interest which was aroused by these gatherings is evident in numerous requests that similar reunions be held in the fall of each year.

The preparations for the observance of the sixtieth anniversary were begun early in the spring of the present year. The church council authorized the appointment of a general committee, which was given full power to make all the necessary arrangements for the coming event and to appoint such subcommittee as might be required in the development of the plans. This general committee consisted of twenty-nine persons and included in its membership the president, or leaden, of every organization within the church. It was constituted as follows:

William H. Brown, Church Council,
Henry F. Albrecht, Board of Elders,
Julius J. Andersen, Board of Trustees,
Elmer Geer, Board of Deacons,
Carl Drexler, Men's Benevolent Society,
Mrs. George J. Hafner, Sister Society,
Mrs. Alfred Scheible, Missionary Society,
Mrs. Lawrence Ritter, Kingdom Sircle,
John Zonnevylle, Men's Bible Class,
Mrs. Fred Nowack, Ladies' Bible Class,
Fred M. Dubelbeiss, Church School,
Cecil M. Ehrhart, Kaelber Klass,
Miss Mildred Griepp, Ruth Bible Class,
Alvin Arnold, Young People's Department,
Walter Hitzke, Christian Endeavor Society,
Paul Cooper, Young People's League,
Mrs. John W. Dettman, Church Choir,
George Wickman, Boys' Work Committee,
Fred Raetz, Troop 60, Boy Scouts,
William Cox, Troop 11, Boy Scouts,
Miss Edith Nusbickel, Troop 48, Girl Scouts,
Ray Lahmer, Dramatic Club,
Charles Suss, "Pioneer Group,"
Mr. and Mrs. George J. Hafner, "Siebenpfeiffer Group,"
Harry Herbst, "Helmkamp Group,"
Lester Feldt, "Frankenfeld Group,"
William Zimmer, Decoration Committee,
Charles Then, Hospitality Committee,
Miss Mary Emich, Church Staff.

The general committee held its first meeting on March 23, 1933, and organized by electing the, following officers:

William H. Brown, chairman,
Henry F. Albrecht, vice-chairman,
Miss Mary Emich, secretary,
Fred M. Dubelbeiss, treasurer.

The following sub-committees were appointed:

Program - Henry F. Albrecht, William H. Brown, Chris Merlau, George J. Hafner, Charles Then, G. Wallace Neth, Charles Sass, William Zabel, William Lauterbach, the Reverend A. C. G. Baltzer, the Reverend Fred H. Willkens, the Reverend Theodore L. Trost.

Music - Harry Herbst, Herman Genhart, H. Wellington Stewart, Gustave Nowack, Max Burke, Elmer Neuscheler, Walter Hitzke; the Mesdms. John Dettman, Wilbur Seidel, John Pfeiffer; Anna Youngs, Thelma Schauman; the Misses Edna Scbropp, Matilda Wittenberg, Mildred Seeman, Mildred Kleifgen, Evelyn Zabel.

History, Records and Souvenir Booklet - Fred M. Dubelbeiss, Oscar Zabel, Kilian Schaeffer, Norman Ackroyd; the Misses Anna Young, Mary Emich, Ethel Mountain.

Renovation of the Church Plant - Julius J. Andersen, Carl T. Rau, Harry Herbst, William Zimmer, George Schauman, Fred Baetzel, John H. Cooper, Fred M. Dubelbeiss, Charles Spies.

Decorations - William H. Zimmer, Lawrence E. Ritter, Herbert Zimmer, Herbert Voss, the Misses Lena Kettwig, Amelia Kall, Gertrude Bachofer.

Hospitality - Charles Then: the members of the church council and their wives the chairmen of the confirmation class committees.

Publicity - Miss Gertrude Kalmbach, William H. Brown, and Pastor Frankenfeld.

Confirmation Class Committees

From each of the sixty confirmation classes in the history of the church, a special committee was selected to visit all the class members now residing in Rochester and in the vicinity, so far as these could be located, to acquaint them with the plans of the approaching anniversary, and to extend a personal invitation to the Sunday services and the fellowship evenings. These committees consisted of from one to fourteen members the number depending upon the size of the classes and tlpotI the available material from which the selection could be made. Lists of the sixty classes were prepared and distributed among the members of the various committees. The huge task of visitation was undertaken with unprecedented enthusiasm, and long before the summer vacation was at hand, several committees reported that the work was done. True, not every committee succeeded in visiting every class member, but an earnest effort to do so was made, in some instances with remarkable results. No accurate report as to the number of calls made can be given; however, a conservative estimate would place it at more than six thousand. To the members living in other cities and countries, letters of invitation were written, and greetings from them, to be read at the various social gatherings, were solicited.

We deeply regret that we can not publish the names of all who served on the confirmation class committees. Some, who were originally selected for the task, found it impossible to participate, and others, who volunteered later to fill the vacancies, did not have their names recorded. To all who rendered valuable assistance in this capacity we would express our sincerest appreciation. The following persons were chosen as committee chairmen:

These chairmen assumed full responsibility for the work of their respective committees. They directed the visitation, reported to the church office the changed addresses of classmates as their committees found them, wrote many letters to their former associates in other cities, supervised the sale of tickets for the fellowship banquets, served on the hospitality committee at the Sunday services and the social gatherings, and helped in many other ways to complete the numerous details for the celebration of the anniversary.

The Opening Event

On the first day of November the series of festivities began with a banquet for the church school workers. The general committee felt that this organization, which has rendered such faithful and notable service in the teaching ministry of the church through all the years of her history, should be given the honor to open the anniversary month with a celebration all its own. A complimentary banquet was prepared by Mrs. Otto Schlegel and served by her efficient helpers in true Salem style, at six-thirty o'clock. The menu for this occasion will indicate the type of meal which was offered by the good women of our church in connection with the various fellowship evenings.

Mr. Fred M. Dubelbeiss, superintendent of the church school, presided as toastmaster, and Mr. H. Wellington Stewart. church organist, was the pianist for the evening. The invocation was offered by the Reverend F. H. Willkens. A most enjoyable feature of the program was the singing of old-time hymns, some of which were sung in the German language. The writer was agreeably surprised to hear how well the older workers remember the songs of long ago. In appreciation of fifty-one consecutive years of faithful ministry in the church school, Mr. Henry F. Albrecht was presented with a copy of Moffatt's translation of the Holy Scriptures. The pastor paid a sincere tribute to all the workers who have given extended years of service. Of these, sixteen, whose names appear in the chapter on the church school, are active in the work at the present time; eleven have found it necessary to discontinue their ministry; and seven, so far as we are now able to ascertain, have been called to their eternal reward. For the sake of a permanent record we publish here the names of the two last groups:

In a period of prolonged silence, while Herbert Zimmer, Jr., played softly on his violin "Shall We Gather at the River," the workers offered a loving tribute to those who have entered the better life.

Mr. Oscar Zabel, the secretary of the school, then read a brief and very interesting history covering the most important events in the sixty years that have gone by. Much of the material which he has gathered with great care is included in the chapter on the church school, Reminiscences concerning former days and experiences were given by Mr. Henry F. Albrecht for the "Siebenpfeiffer" period, Mr. Fred M. Duhelbeiss for the "Helmkamp" period, and Mr. William H. Brown for the "Frankeneld" period. The Reverend Theodore Louis Trost rendered a bass solo, accompanied by Miss Ruth Zimmer. The pastor taking for his theme "Then and Now," closed the evening's program with a brief message in which he compared the task in the present day to that which the workers in the past were asked to perform.

The 225 men and women who participated in this opening event are agreed that the sixtieth anniversary banquet was the most delightful and successful affair of its kind in the entire history of the school.

The First Sunday, November Fifth
"Siebenpfeiffer" Day

A dark and dreary morning greeted the people of Salem on the first Sunday in the anniversary month. Let it here be noted that there was not a bright Sunday in November, a fact which could not dampen the enthusiasm of the various groups which came to rejoice with us. The first Sunday was named "Pioneer", or "Siebenpfeiffer", day, and was planned-to be a reunion of the pioneers who came with their leader, in 1874, from the mother church in Allen Street to establish a new church home in Franklin Street, of the confirmation classes which were instructed and received into the membership of the church by Pastor Siebenpfeiffer, and of all others who united with the church during his pastorate of twenty years.

The program for the day began with a brief session of the church school at 8 :45 o'clock. After the usual routine matters were disposed of, the various departments entered the sanctuary and occupied the places which had been reserved for them. Promptly at the scheduled time, 9:15 o'clock, the congregation, which filled the church to capacity, sang the opening hymn, "Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart," after which Mr. Henry F. Albrecht read Psalm 100. The anniversary prayer was offered by Mr. William H. Brown Mr. Fred M. Dubelbeiss then addressed the vast audience with appropriate words of welcome to which he added his deep appreciation of the loyalty manifested by his co-workers and by the members of the school. A beautiful altar cross, the anniversary gift of the Ruth Bible Class, and two candle sticks, given in memory of Mr. Otto Griepp, by his children Mildred and Edward Griepp, were presented by the Reverend Theodore L. Trost, teacher of the Ruth Class, and accepted on behalf of the church by the president of the church. The pastor delivered the address, taking for his theme, "The Significance of the Church School in the Development of Salem Church." The singing of the hymn "Striving Onward," followed by the Lord's Prayer in unison and the benediction, concluded this inspiring service.

In recognition of Pastor Sicbenpfeiffer's ministry, the morning worship was conducted entirely in the German language. A great surprise awaited us as we entered the sanctuary. The most optimistic among us had expected an audience of about 500 people, but when the actual count was taken, it was found that 754 persons were present. This figure represents the largest attendance at a German service in Salem Church since the day when we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary. The classes were seated in groups according to the years in which they were confirmed, the standards bearing the numerals being removed before the service began. All the members who were eighty years of age and older, had been invited as special guests of honor and were seated at the very front nearest the altar. Of these there were thirty-four. The oldest member present on "Pioneer" Sunday was Mr. William Salzwedel who is ninety-four years of age; then came; as the second oldest, Mr. Carl Ross, ninety-one years, and in the third place, Mrs. Margaret Ursprung who was confirmed in the year 1866. A large picture of Pastor Siebenpfeiffer was placed at the right of the altar, and below it hung a memorial wreath. The beautiful decorations consisting of palms and flowers were donated by the firm "J. B. Keller and Sons." The entire service was arranged to correspond as nearly as possible to the order which was observed in the days of the first pastor of the church. The Reverend A. C. G. Baltzer read the psalm which was read on the day when Salem Church was dedicated, sixty years ago. The augmented church choir, under the direction of Mr. Herman H. Gerhart, rendered several of the anthems which were sung at that time. The Reverend C. W. Locher, D.D., president of the Evangelical Synod of North America, who knew Pastor Siebenpfeiffer personally in the long ago, preached the anniversary sermon, taking for his theme: "Erinnerungen und Hoffnungen." For the sake of future reference we take the liberty to print the order of worship in its entirety.

It was a source of real satisfaction to the pastor and the members of the church that the following relatives of Pastor Siebenpfeiffer had accepted the invitation of the committee to be present at the "Pioneer" service:

Mrs. Charles P. Henn, daughter; Mrs. Fred M. Dubelbeiss, Dr. Charles W. Hennington and Mr. Carl F. W. Kaelber, grandchildren; Marie K. Dubelbeiss, Katherine Kaelber and Carl Kaelber, great-grandchildren.

At three o'clock in the afternoon a brief memorial service was held at the grave of Pastor Siebenpfeiffer in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Despite the cold and disagreeable day, and notwithstanding the fact that only one announcement of the service had been made, nearly one hundred loyal friends of the first beloved shepherd were in attendance. After the gathering had sung the hymn "Wo findet die Seele die Heimat die Ruh," Pastor Frankenfeld gave an appropriate address. The president of the church, Mr. William H. Brown, placed the wreath upon the grave, Doctor C. W. Locher led in prayer, and the shiging of the hymn "So nimm denn meine Haende," concluded the impressive service.

For the evening on "Pioneer" Sunday the Evangelical, the United Lutheran and the Reformed churches of the city were invited. The program for this union anniversary service follows:

And thus ended the first Sunday in the anniversary program.

The First Fellowship Evening
Old Timers' Banquet - "Siebenpfeiffer" Group
Wednesday, November Eighth

When the general committee first considered a fellowship evening for the pioneers and old timers, the question arose as to whether or not these would venture out in the evening, in numbers sufficiently large to make an occasion of this sort worth the while. However, all fears and doubts were dispelled as soon as the banquet tickets were offered for sale. The first report revealed that at least 200 would attend. This number rose quickly to 300, and then to 400, and when the evening of November 8 had come, and all the guests were seated at the tables, the -actual count showed that 480 pioneers were present. From every section of the city and the county they came, notwith-standing the fact that weather conditions were very unfavorable and driving was hazardous. Many guests had neglected to make advance reservations and, for a time, the unexpected number created a situation which presented a real problem to the good women in the kitchen and the dining room. But once again, as upon numerous previous occasions, our faithful workers proved themselves equal to the task; all the guests were seated and served in orderly fashion, and the food supply was not exhausted.

Mrs. William H. Brown was the chairman of the committee which planned, prepared and served the fellowship meal. All the members of this committee were confirmed by Pastor Helmkamp, and in many instances they were the daughters of the mothers who were seated at the banquet tables, The decorations in the auditorium of the parish house presented a most harmonious color scheme, and on the speakers' table stood a large birthday cake with sixty lighted candles.

The program for the evening was very informal. As soon as the guests entered the hall, they gathered in groups to greet their former classmates and to exchange reminiscences of the days gone by. Many had not seen each other in fifty years, and repeated introductions were necessary. What surprises and exclamations! Some had brought with them photographs of various groups in the long ago which called forth numerous comments and elicited interesting comparisons.

Mrs. George Hafner was toastmaster and filled this position in a most acceptable manner. In well chosen words and with tender feeling she recalled some of the early experiences in the life of the church and summoned her associates to renew their loyalty to Salem. Likewise did Mr. Henry F. Albrecht, who gave his message in the German language. Mrs. Florence Crosby Cooke sang several songs in German, and the following great-grandchildren of founders of the church delighted the gathering with special offerings:

Adele Hafner, selections on the accordion,
Jackie Zonnevylle, vocal numbers,
Herbert Zimmer, Jr., violin solo.

The singing of German folk-songs by the entire group was a most enjoyable feature. Seldom have we heard "Ich weiss nicht, was soll es bedeitten," "Lang, lang ists her," "Du, du liegst mir im Herzen," "Ach, wie ists moeglich dann," sung more lustily than they were sung on the fellowship evening of the "Siebenpfeiffer" group.

The roll will by, classes revealed the most remarkable fact that not a year in Pastor Siebrpfeiffer's ministry was without representation. The readers may be interested to know how many from each class were present. So far as we were able to ascertain the numbers, the record is as follows:

Fifty-eight persons were there who had come with their beloved leader from old Trinity in 1874, and when the pastor asked those to stand who were more than eighty years of age, eleven persons stood up, the oldest being Mr. William Salzwedel who was ninety-four years, and the second oldest Mr. Carl Ross, with ninety-one years.

Numerous greetings had come from members who now live in other cities. It was not possible to read them all, but they are filed with the permanent records of the church and they are available to those who desire to know their contents. All breathe a spirit of continued interest in the mother church which is truly refreshing, and the many good wishes which they convey manifest a deep and tender affection which still lingers in the hearts of the sehders. With sincere appreciation we publish the names of our friends who have thus remembered us at the time of the sixtieth-anniversary.

1878 - The Reverend George J. Geis, Bhamo, Burma,
           Mrs. Ida Seitz Avril, Denver, Colorado,
1879 - Mr. Richard Fritzsche, Brooklyn, New York,
           Mrs. William Lancaster, for Mr. William Forschter, Newark, New Jersey,
1880 - Mrs. Lena Rauber Barnes, San Diego, California,
           Mrs. Libbie Wagner Lamke, Washington, D. C.,
1882 - Mr. Louis Gruber, Hollywood, California,
1884 - Mr. William C. Merz, San Francisco, California,
1886 - Miss Sophie Vetter, Denver, Colorado,
           Mrs. Emilie Dubelbeiss Cleland, Waverly, Pennsylvania,
1887 - Mrs. Mary Dubelbeiss, Albright, New York City,
           Mrs. Caroline Beisheim Snell, Brooklyn, New York,
           Mrs. Emilie Weitzel Krauch, San Antonio, Texas,
1888 - Mrs. Anna Fuchs Muehlinghaus, Dunkirk, New York,
           Mrs. Marie Kraft Loos, Erie, Pennsylvania,
           Mrs. Carrie Kimmel Edler, Ashton, South Dakota,
1889 - Mr. Oscar B. Rummel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
           Mrs. Isabel Enders Isselhardt, Chicago, Illinois,
           Mr. John Enders, Schenectady, New York,
1892 - Mrs. Rosa Albert Retter, Buffalo, New York,
1893 - Mrs. Mathilda Spitznagel Utz, Mrs. Emma Meyer Alwardt, Silver Springs, New York.
           The Reverend George Kern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
           The Reverend Carl Loos, Erie,
           Professor William Baur, Webster Groves, Missouri.

The last three named served the church as assistant pastors.

Many of the guests lingered far into the night to enjoy the delightful fellowship which prevailed throughout the entire evening. Again and again it was said that, regardless of what might follow, the first fellowship evening made the observance of the sixtieth anniversary a decided success.

The Second Sunday, November Twelfth
"Helmkamp" Day

The second Sunday in the anniversary month was designated "Helmkamp" day. It was intended to be a reunion of the confirmation classes of 1894 to 1910, and of all others who united with our church during Pastor Helmkamp's ministry. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated with palms and flowers which were contributed by "Albert the Florist." A large picture of Pastor Helmkamp had been placed at the right of the altar, and beneath it hung a memorial wreath which was later taken to the grave of Mr. George F. Roth, who was the president of the church at the time when the second pastorate came to its close. The committee had also ordered a floral tribute to be laid upon the graves of Pastor Helmkamp and his devoted wife at Los Angeles, California. Professor Ralph B. Helmkamp of the University of Rochester, and his daughter, represented the Helmkamp family at the morning service.

As guest preacher for the second Sunday, the committee had secured the Reverend Theodore R. Schmale of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a nephew of Pastor Helmkamp, and his associate in the work at Salem in the years 1905-1908. Pastor Schmale preached the sermon in the German service, taking for his theme, "Das Beste an einer guten Gemeinde." For the English service he had chosen the topic "Christianity's Great Incentive." The order of worship on "Helmkamp" Sunday was as follows:

The attendance on "Helmkamp" Sunday was all that could he desired. The church was filled and several of the confirmation classes were represented by as many as forty to fifty members.

The Second Fellowship Evening
"Helmkamp" Group
Wednesday, November Fifteenth

As a return favor, the women of the Siebenpfeiffer group, under the leadership of Mrs. George Hafner, prepared and served the banquet for the members of the Helmkamp group on the second fellowship evening. This banquet proved to be the largest social gathering in the entire anniversary series. Warned by the experience in the previous week, the committee had prepared for more than 600 guests, but only 568 came to enjoy the feast.

Mr. Benjamin Haag, Jr., was the toastmaster. Mr. Carl Paul was called upon to lead the singing and he responded in his usual smiling manner. Mrs. Carl Meyer and Mr. Fred Arnold, both members of the Helmkamp group, sang several selections which were received with prolonged applause. A reading was given by Miss Mildred Kaucher; little Ruth Herbst sang a solo, and Thomas Keenan offered several selections on the cornet. Then followed reminiscences by Mr. Lawrence Ritter and Mr. Fred M. Dubelbeiss. Professor Ralph B. Helmkamp gave a brief address in which he spoke of tender memories and expressed deep appreciation of the many affectionate tributes which had been paid to his dear parents. Pictures of former days were thrown upon the screen and compared with present-day realities. The pastor read the following greetings from classmates and friends in other cities:

The roll call showed a representation by classes as follows:

If the interest and the enthusiasm which were manifested on the second fellowship evening are any indication of true devotion and loyalty to our church, we have every reason to be profoundly grateful.

The Third Sunday, November Nineteenth
"Frankenfeld" Day

The third Sunday in the anniversary month was devoted in a special way to the youth of the church. The confirmation classes of the years 1911-1933 held their reunion, and, the members who united with Salem during the present pastorate, participated with them in the morning service. The large gathering of young people proved an inspiration and presented a challenge not only to their pastor, but also to the many parents who were in attendance, and to the adult members of the church who had come to share in the worship. A very pleasant surprise awaited the pastor as he entered the sanctuary. The class of 1933 had quietly made arrangements to attend the service in a body and to occupy the seats in which they sat together on Palm Sunday. Miss Ruth Andersen had taken it upon herself to send a personal invitation to all the members, and this brought almost a one-hundred per cent response. The beautiful decorations were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Teute, whose children were confirmed by Pastor Frankenfeld. As guest preacher for this clay the committee had secured Professor Paul H. Vieth, Ph.D., of the Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut, who is a personal friend of the present pastor and whose close contact with the youth of today enabled him to speak with authority to those who are called to he tomorrow's leaders.

Three Fellowship Evenings - "Frankenfeld" Group
Monday, November Twentieth; Wednesday, November Twenty-Second;
Monday, November Twenty-Seventh

Because of the wide difference in the ages of the people who represent the third pastorate, the committee thought it best to make arrangements for three fellowship evenings. The first of these was held on Monday, November 20, and included the confirmation classes from 1911 to 1922, Mrs. Frank Wedow prepared the fellowship meal, and under her leadership the committee gave excellent service. Mr. Lester Feldt found himself quite at home in the role of toastmaster and expressed his sincere appreciation of the splendid cooperation which the various class committees and their chairmen had given him in making the necessary preparations for the great occasion, The invocation was offered by the Reverend Braynard Kurkowski. The evening's program was introduced with a trumpet duet played by Thomas Keenan and Ralph Mayer. Mr. William H. Brown, the chairman of the general committee, addressed the gathering in words of greeting which evidenced his deep interest in the youth of the church. Several vocal selections were offered by Mr. C. Samuel Maggio, after which the one-act comedy, "His First Dress Suit," was presented by Edward Virkus, Miss Evelyn Zabel, Miss Grace Heiligman and Norman Brink, who are members of the Salem Players. The roll call by classes showed the following representation:

The total attendance on November 20 was 263.

The program for the second group of young people on Wednesday evening, November 22, was similar to that offered on Monday evening. However, a new feature was introduced in the playing of an orchestra under the direction of Thomas Keenan. Considering the fact that these youthful players had only one rehearsal, they deserve much credit for the contribution which they made. The banquet was prepared and served under the direction of Mrs. Fred Nowack, assisted by a very efficient committee. The Reverend Fred H. Willkens offered the invocation. Special numbers were rendered as follows:

Violin solo by Herhert Zimmer, accompanied by Miss Ruth Zimmer,
Accordion selections by Adele Hafner,
One-act comedy by Kenneth Wundes, Miss Evelyn Zabel, Miss Arlene Selke, Milton Schyve.

Mr. Elmer Neuscheler acted as toastmaster and responded in his usual cheerful manner. The attendance by classes was as follows:

Of all the confirmation classes in the history of the church the class of 1933 has the honor of having the largest representation on any of the fellowship evenings in connection with the sixtieth anniversary. The total attendance on November 22 was 258.

The writer truly believes that the two groups of young people on November 20 and 22, were the finest and most promising in all the sixty years of Salem's history. The glory of a church which can bring together 521 young people to celebrate an anniversary does not lie in the past.

The third in this series of fellowship evenings was arranged for the men and the women who united with the church on confession of faith or by letter of transfer from other churches during the present pastorate. Of these there are 675. More than 200 of them gathered on November 27 to become better acquainted one with another and to close the informal festivities in connection with the sixtieth anniversary. The last of the fellowship banquets was prepared and served under the direction of Mrs. Otto Schlegel. Mr. William H. Zimmer was the toastmaster for this occasion. A piano solo by Miss Ruth Zimmer, a reading by Miss Edith Nusbickel, and a one-act comedy by members of the Salem Players were included in the program. Motion pictures of important events in the life of the church furnished interesting pastime. The final challenge was given by the chairman of the general anniversary committee. With the singing of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" and the pronouncing of the benediction by Reverend Theodore Louis Frost, the last fellowship evening was brought to its close.

Greetings from the following members of the "Frankenfeld" group were presented on each of the three fellowship evenings:

1911 - Mrs. Viola Schaedeli Jenkinson, Hongkong, China,
           Mrs. Manilta Lamke Cowles, Washington, D. C.,
1912 - Mr. John L. Weyl, Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
           Mr. Raymond A, Filske, Brooklyn, New York,
1913 - Mrs. Pauline Kolb McLeod, Flint, Michigan,
           Mrs. Marie Hartung Binckley, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania,
1914 - Mr. Roland F. Schulze, Los Angeles, California,
           Mrs. Katherine Kemmet Corbett, Cleveland, Ohio,
1915 - Mr. Carl G. Nowack, Bar Harbor, Maine,
1916 - Mrs. Lillian Hoffman Dawley, West Palm Beach, Florida,
           Mrs. Martha Schultheis Leipold, Biberschlag, Germany,
1918 - Mrs. Elsie Otto Rogers, Cincinnati, Ohio,
           Miss Anna Otto, Rochester, New York,
1920 - Mrs. Lydia Frankenfeld Lenox, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
           Miss Emmy Otto, Rochester, New York,
1921 - Mr. Alvin R. Young, New York City,
1924 - Mr. William Otto, Rochester, New York,
1925 - Miss Marion Koehler, Penfield, New York,
           Mr. Carl Paul, Cambridge, Massachusetts,
            Mr. Kenneth Paul, Boston, Massachusetts,
           Mr. Gilbert Strauchen, Tuscaloosa, Alabama,
1926 - Mr. Norman Selke, Cambridge, Massachusetts,
1929 - Mr. Hubert Frankenfeld, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,

Assistant Pastors:

The Reverend Charles J. Keppel, Detroit, Michigan,
The Reverend Herman H. Lohans, Webster Groves, Missouri,
The Reverend Otto Mayer, Elmhurst, Illinois,
The Reverend Paul Frankenfeld, Buffalo, New York,

Others:

Miss Anna D. Bechtold, San Pedro Sula, Honduras,
The Reverend Herman L. Streich, St. Louis, Missouri,
The Reverend William Trebert, Rochester, New York,
The Reverend Carl Betz, Rochester, New York,
The Reverend Henry Walch, Rochester, New York,
The Reverend Michael Mikkelsen, Felstedt, Denmark,
Mr. and Mrs. Hugo G. Loesch, Westfield, New Jersey,
Trinity Evangelical Church,
St. Paul Evangelical Church,
Christ Evangelical Church.

It was a real pleasure to have Miss Adele Wobus, our missionary in India, present on the last fellowship evening. She came all the way from St. Charles, Missouri, to attend the anniversary service on Sunday, November 26, and she remained with us through Monday to bring her greetings and good wishes in person. On Sunday evening she addressed the young people of the church, and on Monday afternoon the women of the church held an informal tea in her honor.

The Fourth Sunday, November Twenty-Sixth
Consecration and Holy Communion Day

The spiritual significance of the sixtieth anniversary reached its climax on the fourth Sunday in November for which the committee had prepared a consecration and communion service. The attendance on this day was somewhat disappointing, but the fact that 754 members participated in the celebration of Holy Communion was most encouraging. The presence of many men from the Men's Benevolent Society and the Men's Bible Class was an inspiration to the writer. Throughout the entire service a spirit of solemnity and deep reverence was manifested by all who worshipped with us. God was there. The organist and the church choir offered a program of music and song which consisted entirely of compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach. The pastor gave the communion meditation, taking for his theme "The Primary Challenge of the Sixtieth Anniversary," which was based on the text "The kingdom of God is at hand - repent ye."

Thanksgiving Day, November Thirtieth

The last service in the anniversary month was held on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, at nine o'clock in the morning. As the anniversary month began on the first day, so it ended on the last day - with an event of joyous praise and sincere gratitude.

In his message on Thanksgiving Day the pastor summoned his people to give thanks to God for a glorious past, for a challenging present, and for a promising future. And thus ended the program of the sixtieth anniversary.

The Anniversary Offering

It is self-evident that the observance of the sixtieth anniversary as it was planned by the committee involved considerable expense. Under the existing conditions this expense could not possibly he met by the general treasury of the church. Therefore, the various organizations within the church, and also the individual members of the church, were asked to contribute toward a special anniversary offering so that the borrowing of funds with which to cover the expenditures might be avoided. The response to this appeal was cheerful and gratifying as the following tabulation will show:

          Receipts                              Expenditures
  From Organizations:                  Renovation of church plant . . . $1,200.00
Salem Sister Society . . . $2,200.00   Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . .  210.84
Ladies Bible Class . . . . .  100.00   Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140.57
Men's Bible Class . . . . . . 100.00   Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88.46
Men's Benevolent Society . .  125.00   Traveling expenses of speakers . .  160.00
Salem Missionary Society . .  100.00   Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100.00
Junior Department . . . . . .  60.00   Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . .  38.00
Kaelber Klass . . . . . . . .  60.00   Souvenir Booklet - approximately .  900.00
Young Peoples Department . . . 50.00                                       ------
Kingdom Mission Circle . . . . 25.00                         Total . . . $2837.87
Junior High Department . . . . 25.00
Primary Department . . . . . . 25.00
Senior Department . . . . . .  25.00
Salem Church Choir . . . . . . 10.00
Monday Evening Club . . . . .  10.00
Troop 11 . . . . . . . . . . .  5.00
Troop 60 . . . . . . . . . . .  5.00
Surplus from banquets . . . . 165.22
                             -------
                           $3,090.22
From Individuals . . . . .  1,422,20
                             -------
               Total . . . $4,512.42                      Surplus . . . $1,674.25

Anniversary Gifts

The following special gifts which came to us without solicitation on our part were received in connection with the sixtieth anniversary:

A beautiful altar cross, donated by the Ruth Bible Class;

Two candlesticks for the altar, the gift of Miss Mildred Griepp and Edward Griepp in memory of their father, Otto A. Griepp;

A set of slides of the beautiful memorial windows in the sanctuary, for which the church paid the sum of only one hundred dollars to cover the actual cost of material. The making of these slides represents a labour of love by our good friend, Mr. Charles C. Zoller, whose works of art in colored photography are known and admired in many lands. Mr. Zoller conceived the idea of making these slides for educational purposes in the class room to illustrate the Bible stories which the memorial windows depict. He also thought of the possibility that one or more of the windows might be destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Now they can be reproduced as they are by means of the slides, if this should ever become necessary.

A set of silken cords to serve as markers of reserved sections in the church auditorium on special occasions, by Mr. George C. Schlegel.

The Anniversary Chorus

Never has a church choir rendered a more faithful and more inspiring industry than was given by the members of the anniversary chorus at the time of the sixtieth anniversary, and never before have we heard so many expressions of deep appreciation and flattering compliments as were offered to the men and the women who furnished the excellent program of music and song. Under the efficient leadership of the director, Mr. Herman H. Genhart, and with the fine support of the organist, Mr. H. Wellington Stewart, many classical compositions were interpreted in a manner that gripped the hearts of those who were privileged to hear them. Truly, the anniversary chorus sang "Unto the Lord," and the results which were achieved through faithful effort and willing co-operation surpassed our highest expectations. It is with sincere gratitude that we publish in this booklet the names of those who constituted the anniversary chorus.

The anniversary chorus was assisted on several occasions by a girls' choir which consisted of the following members:

An Appreciation

It is utterly impossible to mention the names of all who control the success of the sixtieth anniversary. Let it suffice here to say that dreds of good people willingly gave their thought and time and effort to the anniversary what it was planned to be - a spiritual experience in th of Salem that will not soon be forgotten. Seldom have we witnessed harmony and enthusiasm as were manifested by those who had a share From the very first day to the last, a spirit of joyous gratitude and sin devotion was evident. There were no disappointments. Every service and the social gatherings were carried through as the committees had planned them. It may be of interest to note that the anniversary services in. November were attended by 6,163 persons and that 2,453 were present at the various banquets.

The writer can not refrain from recording his deepest appreciation of every service which was cheerfully rendered. A very special "thank you" is herewith extended to the following:

The various committees which made all the necessary preparations,

The orchestra which played on the fellowship evenings,

The women of the church who prepared and served the banquets,

The persons who contributed special numbers to the program,

The florists who decorated the sanctuary for the services,

The members of the Salem Players and the Girl Scouts,

The donors of the special anniversary gifts,

The organizations and the individuals who contributed to the anniversary offering,

The members of the anniversary chorus,

The newspapers which gave much space and publicity to the various events.

The Souvenir Booklet

This souvenir booklet is printed in 2,200 copies. Each family affiliated with Salem Church is entitled to a free copy which must he called for at the church office, Additional copies may be purchased at fifty cents per copy in any quantity, as long as the supply will last. Bound copies are offered at one dollar each.

The pastor acknowledges his great debt to Mr. Fred M. Dubelbeiss, who compiled and edited much of the material; to Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Louis Trost for their kind and dis~rimuinating reading of the manuscript and for their valuable suggestions, and to Mr. Carl L. Drexler of the "Drexler Print Shop, Incorporated," - for his personal attention amid for a vast amount of work done without compensation.

A Challenge

"Come, share the road with me,
And hand in hand we'll seek the throne
And God's great glad tomorrows,
And as we go we'll share also
With all who travel on it,
For all who share the road with me,
Must share with all upon it."

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