Did You Know: Remembering the Last 55 Years

Marilyn Koehler, Fairview COB (with Richard Burger)

In 1960, the Southern Iowa District, the Middle Iowa District, and the Northern Iowa/Minnesota/South Dakota District held separate district conferences for the last time. That year at their district conferences, each voted to approve a merger that would create the Iowa-Minnesota District, one of the final steps in the creation of what we know of today as the Northern Plains District. A few years later, the North Dakota-Eastern Montana District voted to join the Iowa-Minnesota District and the boundaries were set for the Northern Plains District.

My husband David and I were chosen as delegates to the first combined district conference held at South Waterloo Church of the Brethren. The dedication of the conference officers and church made a lasting impression on both of us through business sessions, sermons, hospitality and music. Our host for overnight lodging was the Moore family.

Although I can’t recall specific sermons or business items, I do recall the singing of the hymns as being the best music I had ever heard—some 400 Brethren voices in perfect harmony literally lifting my spirits and understanding of hymnology and voices. We also recall leadership of that and other early conferences—which becomes a list of names of ministers and leaders. The majority were graduates of Bethany Seminary but there were also people who had emerged as leaders in their congregations. There was a nice mix of men and women who were educated, dedicated, conscientious, and servant-minded.

At the risk of leaving out some you may remember (and hopefully will add to the list), I will name a few leaders from the 60s and 70s. Clarence Sink, pastor of South Waterloo; Wanda Will Button, energetic lay leader trained at Bethany Seminary; Jay Johnson, pastor of English River; Berwyn Oltman, pastor of Stover Memorial; Lyle Albright, pastor of Fairview congregation and then District Executive 1962-72; Milton Early, pastor of Ottumwa Church; Dorothy Miller; Ruth Clark; Elmer West, pastor of Salem/Mt Etna churches; Glenn Fruth, pastor of Cando ND church; Joe & Lois Hoffert, members of Stover Memorial; Harold & Joanne Mack, members of Dallas Center church; and Charles Lunkley, missionary and pastor, District Executive in the 70s. Jim Tomlinson, Ivester pastor and District Ministry Chair, guided the first group of Lay Ministers through the 3 year reading course in the 70s.

However, the decision to combine the three districts was not unanimously supported. Change is often fraught with worry about what the changes will bring and/or interrupt a successful arrangement. Often, not always, change is resisted by older experienced members. Recollections of the decision of the Southern Iowa District to combine with the other two districts was recently recalled by retired minister Richard Burger of Fairview Church. Ray Zook, the district executive of the Southern Iowa District had many conversations with members in that area; he had been present at the meetings where pros and cons were debated, sometimes heatedly. Thus, Ray Zook was prepared; his written resignation was in his pocket, ready for submission to the Southern Iowa board. The discussion changed when a young minister, Richard Burger stood to make an observation on the viability of continuing the status quo. After some reflection, the voting body accepted the proposal to merge the three districts. Later, Ray Zook told Richard Burger that he tore up the resignation. Ray Zook became the first District Executive of the Northern Plains District.

The Church of the Brethren was founded and is continuing on the strength of the people and their dedication to God, the Bible, and the local congregation’s willingness to serve others. Part of the willingness to serve includes wisdom, listening to the Spirit, and courage to speak what God has laid on your heart. May it continue to be true for years to come.

One of the memorable events/changes in the late 60s was a conference decision to move District Conference to the Methodist Campground at Cedar Falls, Iowa. The size of the conference, need for overnight lodging, and meal needs were beyond what local churches could handle. Some distinct memories of the years at Methodist Campgrounds:

• Leaving southern Iowa with only short-sleeved summer clothing and experiencing a dramatic change of temperature on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, the conference was a mix of colorful blankets over shoulders as we attended the services.
• Being elected to District Board, serving first on Witness then on Nurture Committees with mostly pastors.
• One especially hot Saturday p.m. business session, Harold Mack was explaining a long, detailed budget. The Evangelism Committee appeared with cups of cold water for delegates; Harold sat down, and the Budget passed without more comment.
• As District Moderator in 1980, I wrote to each of those who were to provide reports, strongly suggesting they keep the length of their report to 5 minutes. After some concern by those reporting, most were able to do it. The most memorable was the report by Paul Hoffman president of McPherson College who outlined 12 goals for students attending college in 5 minutes. For a few years, I could remember most of the goals.
• Galen Snell was our guest speaker for 1980 with his text on Philippians 2. The Saturday evening service ended with a candlelight service as people circled the outer rim of the great hall holding candles as the only light. (We later learned candles were not allowed because the building construction was wooden.)
• One of my greatest memories is taking Fairview Youth group to District Conference in late 60s and early 70s, renting one cabin for the boys and another for the girls. The youth were able to have planned and unplanned activities with other youth of the district as they had free rein to conference grounds. To their credit, they attended the worship services and planned youth activities without prompting. Cooking for 18-20 people was a challenge; I remember when one youth asked if we youth leaders could NOT have macaroni again! He had a point…but it was easy to cook and served so many!
• In 1981, the Methodists decided to do some extensive remodeling to the conference accommodations, so District Conference moved to the college campus at Wartburg. There were some restrictions there which did not allow the freedom of worship we had experienced at the Methodist campground. Such is progress.

I also have memories of serving at Camp Pine Lake during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

• Serving as Camp Pine Lake Counselor, first for Junior Campers in 1966 with John Smith as Dean. After overhearing a plot to steal the clapper out of the bell, John painted the clapper with green poster paint which remained wet in heavy dew. Later John walked to the boys cabins, asked for a show of hands and retrieved the clapper. Great disappointment for the perpetrators!
• Many years as Camp Pine Lake Counselor with the last time at Youth Camp in 1989. I was called for an interview for a principal position. The greatest worry of the campers was that I would not return that evening to complete my week with them. That year, Gordon Hoffert allowed a beauty contest of male youth in women’s clothing. My red dress worn by one of the campers was stunning on him, and he won the vote for best dressed!

And I was blessed to work as Area Evangelism Counselor on the District Evangelism Committee with Jean Lichty Hendricks, Larry Little, and others, traveling to 23 churches over a 3 year period to encourage the churches with weekend workshops which included setting goals for future activities in the church.

The Northern Plains District has operated well during the last 55 years; dedicated people have served loyally, providing devotion and expertise to various boards and committees. The District has met budget, sometimes with extra prodding, and the work of the church has continued to fuel local fellowships toward greater efforts on the challenges of the times. May it always be so.