From St. John's Messenger [1970]
Dear Christian Friends,
With the unanimous endorsement of St. John's Church Council, your Pulpit Committee has invited Reverend Alfred Schroeder to preach a trial sermon in our church on October 18, 1970. Members of the congregation have fond memories of the year the Schroeders spent in Mansfield; thus Sam and Mary Ann come to us not as strangers.
Born in Marion, Texas on August 26, 1938, Rev. Schroeder is 32 years old. He was graduated from New Braunfels High, New Braunfels, Illinois, in 1960, and Eden Seminary, Webster Groves, Missouri, in 1964. He received a B.A. from Elmhurst and a Bachelor of Divinity from Eden. Part of his education for the ministry included a clinical year at St. John's Church, Mansfield, Ohio, 1962 - 1963.
Upon graduation from Eden Seminary, he enrolled in a 12-week Clinical Training Program at Missouri State Mental Hospital #1 in Fulton, Missouri. For this he received credit for one quarter of clinical training.
Following his graduation from Seminary, Rev. Schroeder accepted a call to Holy Ghost United Church of Christ in St. Louis, Missouri, and assumed that position immediately following his ordination. He was ordained in First Protestant United Church of Christ, New Braunfels, Texas, on September 13, 1964.
Rev. Schroeder served at Holy Ghost until February 1, 1970, at which time he accepted a call as associate pastor to Faith United Church of Chirst, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
During his ministry at Holy Ghost Church, Rev. Schroeder served
as
A. Member - Board of Directors, Missouri Conference
B. Member - Board of U.C.C. Neighborhood Houses, St. Louis
Chairman, Legislative Committee
C. President - Southwest St. Louis Ministerial Alliance
D. Chairman - Youth Ministry Committee, Missouri Conference
E. Member - Social Action Committee, Missouri Conference
Rev. Schroeder's role at Faith Church has been that of Minister of Christian Education ad Youth Ministry Director. In addition, he has had the responsibility for almost all of the "program" at one of the church's two location. This includes working with Women's groups, Senior Citizens, etc. He has also preached twice a month and done regular pastoral calling.
Mrs. Schroeder (Mary Ann) was born in Van Wert, Ohio, May 4, 1938. She attended Elmhurst College and received a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She has also taught school (Elementary) in Elmhurst, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, and Ontario, Ohio.
The Schroeders are parents of three children.
Karl, born December 16, 1963, is a first grade student this year.
Paul, born March 22, 1965, attends kindergarten.
Julianna, born October 17, 1966, will celebrate her fourth birthday while her family is in Mansfield.
Rev. Schroeder's purpose and focus of ministry is upon the local congregation, with the intent of developing and helping to organize the many resources which are available in local congregations. It is his belief that only as we use the abilities, time, interest, skills, and finances of the members of the church, can we truly carry on the ministry to which are are called by Jesus Christ.
An Informal Tea has been planned for Saturday, October 17, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. We know this is a busy evening - - you are welcome to drop in, even if only for a few minutes - - to say hello to the Schroeders, or ask any questions you might have.
Following the worship service on October 18, there will be a congregational meeting at which time all members will have the opportunity to vote to extend a call to Reverend Schroeder to become Pastor of St. John's Church. His acceptance is contingent upon the support of 90% of those members in attendance.
May we ask God's guidance in this important step so necessary for the continued progress of Christ's work in our church and in the community.
Most sincerely,
THE PULPIT COMMITTEE
Ann Kalstein, Secretary, Robert Barnett, Karl Blocker, Mark Bohland, Chug Floro, James Hoffman, Fran McCoy, Arleen Wright, and Fred Cary, Chairman.
From the church bulletin dated October 18, 1970.
A HEARTFELT WELCOME TO REV. AND MRS. ALFRED SCHROEDER! With the unanimous endorsement of St. John's Church Council, your Pulpit Committee has invited the Rev. Schroeder to preach a trial sermon this morning for congregational consideration. Currently, Rev. Schroeder is associate pastor (Minister of Christian Education and Youth Ministry) at Faith United Church of Christ, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He previously served as pastor at Holy Ghost United Church of Christ, St. Louis, Missouri, 1964-69, where he took an active part in Missouri Conference committee work, served a president, Southwest St. Louis Ministerial Alliance, and participated in community projects. Since his education for the ministry included a clinical year here at St. John's, 1962-63, Rev. Schroeder long ago earned a special place in our hearts.
From THE ORDER OF SERVICE:
THE SERMON: "The Vital Balance" (I
Corinthians 12)
The Rev. Alfred W. Schroeder
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - to vote to extend a call to Rev. Schroeder to become Pastor of St. John's Church. Presiding - Mr. Kenneth Miller, Council President
THE BENEDICTION and THE CHIMES
From St. John's Messenger, November 5, 1970, page 1:
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, St. John's Church has every reason to be grateful for God's abundant blessings. We asked for guidance in the selection of a new pastor and most certainly our prayers were answered in the enthusiastic response and support of the members when they overwhelmingly voted to extend a call to Rev. Alfred Schroeder to become pastor of this church.
Because our Church Council, under President Kenneth Miller's direction, took positive action, St. John's is weathering a period of transition admirably.
When it was learned that our congregation would be without a pastor, Mr. Miller appointed a Pulpit Committee, headed by Mr. Fred Cary, which functioned promptly and effectively in securing Rev. Schroeder for a trial sermon on October 18.
The evening before Rev. Schroeder's sermon, the pulpit committee, with the help of other church members, provided a time of fellowship with an informal tea in the Undercroft.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Welch hosted the Schroeders and contributed to the success of that weekend.
During the interim, our congregation is indeed fortunate to have as supply pastor the Rev. Dr. George Spink who not only delivers stimulating sermons, but also instructs the Confirmation class which has increased dramatically in number since he began.
Church Council has begun the renovation of the parsonage and is receiving cooperation and support from members of the congregation.
We are anticipating the Schroeder's arrival early in 1971. The family consists of Rev. and Mrs. Schroeder (Sam and Mary Ann) and three children: Karl, a first grade student; Paul, who is in kindergarten; and Julianna, age four.
Through the united effort of the entire congregation we can now look forward to an exciting future of growth in Christian love and purpose with Rev. Schroeder to guide us and lead us.
Amen!