St Paul Lutheran Church - Thorndale, TX125th Anniversary

THORNDALE — Established in 1890, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Thorndale

celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Theme of the year-long celebration is “For 125 years, Christ Alone is our Cornerstone”.

An estimated 570 persons filled the sanctuary for the celebration service with an

overflow crowd observing a simulcast in the Family Activity Center. The service was

officiated by current pastors, Rev Scott Schaller and Rev. Aaron Kalbas. The Dr. Rev.

Jerry Kieschnick, former president of the Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod, brought the

message.

Following the service, a meal catered by Uptown Café and an afternoon remembrance program

was held at the Thorndale Fireman’s Hall.

Cindy Melcher and Melanie Moss presented a short program and confirmation classes were

recognized by decade, with students present from as far back as the 1920s.

Afternoon guest speaker, Rev. Wilburn Michalk, addressed the large crowd, reflecting on

German-Lutheran history by “Looking Back and Stepping Forward.”

Guests included descendants from former pastors, including Rev. A. W. Kramer, Rev. Fred

H. Stelzer, and Rev. Vernon M. Appel. Many former members, teachers and students

attended.

A museum was set up in the Thorndale VFW hall which displayed memorabilia from the

previous St. Paul church and school buildings along with class confirmation pictures,

displays and writings on the history of the church, its former and current pastors and

teachers and its many organizations.

Teresa Ging, church spokesperson, said St. Paul’s would like to thank all who attended

and “made the 125th anniversary celebration a joyous and blessed time to remember.”

Future events during the year of celebration include guest speakers for Sunday worship

services and, in December, laying a 125- year cornerstone and a time capsule.

Large crowds attended

morning church service,

afternoon meal (left)

to celebrate St. Paul

Lutheran’s 125th.

RIGHT: Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick

(L), former synod president, and Rev.

Wilburn Michalk were among the

speakers in events that included

church services, lunch and museum

Photos courtesy of Teresa Ging

All credit for this article goes to the
Rockdale Reporter