"Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is
no other... I make known the end from the beginning, ancient times and
what is still to come." (Isaiah 46:9-10)

(This is an updated version of the printed edition of 2006 augmented by 
obituaries - In order to view the obits this file must be viewed online) 


   First Mennonites in Colorado Springs 

 Manitou Springs has long been a tourist attraction. Many young people come
seeking employAment, others come for health reasons such as asthma and
tuberculosis, "bad lung", or simply to "go west". Because these poeple
desire a place to worship, a Sunday School is started (1920-1922).
A property on Deer Path Avenue is purchased in 1920 where a building is
erected. It is dedicated on August 15, 1920.  
 
In 1922 Jacob A. Heatwole (1871-1940), Bishop at LaJunta since 1919,
   Obit Jacob A. Heatwole 
comes and helps to organize a church which is subsidized by the Mennonite
Board of Missions. It is located at 106 Deer Path Avenue in Manitou Springs
and is named Manitou Mennonite Church with 13 charter members 
and is affiliated with the Missouri-Kansas Mennonite Conference. The church 
building, owned by the congregation, size 38' x 26', holds 150 people. The 
rented parsonage, a three-room house, is located at 601 High Street on the 
corner of Deer Path Avenue. A debt of $3214.38 remains, borrowed by several 
brethren. $330.83 has been contributed.
A new Sunday school is organized on May 21, 1922:
Supt.Elias A.Miller (1886-1963); Chor. Sister Ada Shetler (1887-1968); 
Sec.Treas.Cor. Edward A.Rediger (1876-1943); Leader: Milton Shetler. Attendance: 43. 

Bro. Levi Miller of Garden City, Missouri reports in the
Gospel Herald, that he went to Manitou for a series of meetings, July 29 - 
August 8, 1922, where he found seven families for the year.
D.J.Fisher has been the minister for a number of years with S.C.Miller of
Jet, Oklahoma helping in the ministry. Attendance is 60 in the summer
and 25 in the winter.
  
In 1922 some guest ministers preach in German.
   
During the dustbowl years of the 1930s new members come from the suffering
Mennonite churches of Eastern Colorado in Limon, Elbert Co, and Thurman, 
Washington Co in 1936: Ernst, Stutzman, Boshart, Beckler, Birky, Kuhns, 
Ringler, Zook. Before 1936 we find Gladys and Ed Miller with daughter 
Mary Ellen;The Harder sisters from Latham, Missouri (Melva,Emily,Edna,Eva,Sophia);
Susie Hough with daughter Viola and grand daughter Crystal from Missouri 
(1921);Eli Miller and wife and 3 children; Harry Hartzler and wife;Alma 
and Emery Hartzler;Jakie Helmuth from Iowa;Willis and Matilda Kanagy and
children Paul,Martha,Barbara (1932 from Los Angeles);Lewis C. and Susie 
Mae Miller with 4 sons (Leroy,Wm.Frank, Donald, Jarry).
 
In 1936 the church is reorganized with 32 charter members. In 1948 the
building is sold to a Baptist group. A larger building which was built 
in 1913 is purchased from the Church of the Brethren for about  $7000.
It is located at 11 N. 22nd Street and Kiowa Avenue in Old Colorado City. 
The first service is held at this new location on September 19,1948. 
In June of 1949 the church is renamed First Mennonite Church of Colorado 
Springs.
 
Ministers in these early years are:
Daniel J. Fisher (1877 - 1970) from E.Union Menn.Church,Iowa,
  minister 1922-1925;
   Obit Daniel J. Fisher 
J. Kore Zook (1895 - 1985), minister 1925-1929;
   Obit J.Kore Zook 
William S.Guengerich (1877 - 1967) from W.Union Menn.Church,Iowa, 
  minister 1923-1924,1930-1932;
   Obit William S. Guengerich 
Lewis C.Miller (1887-1955), minister 1933-1951, buried at Crystal Valley  Cemetery, Manitou Springs;
   Obit Lewis C. Miller
Calvin Ringler (1889-1967) assists whenever needed, 1948-1967.
   Obit Calvin Ringler
Jess Kauffman (1911 - 2000), minister 1951-1956;
   Obit Jess Kauffman 
Jacob J. Weirich (1907 - 1988), minister July 1957-1961;
   Obit Jacob J.Weirich
Earl E. Showalter (1890 - 1970), minister 1962-1969;
   Obit Earl E. Showalter 
Paul F. Weaver (1910 - 1996), minister 1970-1974,1976-1979;
   Obit Paul F. Weaver 
Don Henson, minister 1974-1976;

Gerald A. Grimes, minister 1980-1983 from Salem OR who has an Assembly 
of God background;
 LeRoy Redding, minister 1983 - 1987,presently 
pastor of Nampa Menn.Church, Idaho;

 Willard Conrad, minister 1988-1994, presently at Schowalter Villa,Hesston KS.
  
(This information is adapted from an article by Vileen Hostetler in
The ECHO, Voice of the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference, July-August 
1985, based on notes by Viola P.Hough,1892-1982. Vileen has been a 
member at First Mennonite Church since 1972)
   Obit Viola P.Hough 

During World War II (1941-1946) Mennonite Central Committee administers
Civilian Public Service Camp #5 for conscientious objectors (COs) who do 
alternative service work for the Soil Conservation Service and the U.S. 
Forest Service. Established in June 1941 this is the first 
MCC-administered camp west of the Mississippi. Eventually MCC administers
more than 50 camps and units for 5,500 men. In CPS Camp #5 the men are to 
complete projects left unfinished by CCC which are of three kinds:
- Construction of diversion ditches and small reservoirs to lessen the 
    effects of erosion in the hills around Colorado Springs. 
- Stock tank construction,
- and major flood control including terracing and contour furrowing.
This is done by hand (i.e.pick-axe, spade and shovel, later on heavy 
equipment is available). Some of these ditches you can see south 
of the location of our new church in the Austin Bluffs area. In addition, 
the campers maintain roads and fight forest fires which is the hardest 
job since water has to be carried. 
Monday-Friday are 8 hour work days. If a day's work is missed during the 
week because of inclement weather or other reasons, the time is made up 
on Saturday. Time is budgeted much in the same manner as in an army camp.
The assignment of CPSers to work in the sugar beet industry draws 
objection from COs since sugar can be used for making explosives and is 
withdrawn thereafter. 
Weekends are free, but are often used for farm work for pay since CPSers 
do not receive pay. They do dairy work, pick beans, apples, harvest 
cabbage since farm workers are drafted. 

The camp, the former CCC "Templeton Gap Camp", which has been vacated, 
is located East of Union with Austin Bluffs going right through  
North of the 3900 block of Templeton Gap Road. The renovation to become 
a CPS camp is overseen by Willis Kanagy (1899-1997) who later will also be 
the contractor for Beth-El.
It has about 12 buildings, among them 5 dorms for the 125 campers (a total 
of 500 over the years), bathhall, laundry, kitchen-dining hall, hq office,
government building, infirmary, chapel.
Five government professionals do the job planning and assignments.
There are side camps in Trinidad and Walsenburg for temporary projects in
those areas. Campers come from a variety of Mennonite and Amish groups, 
plus from other denominations (Jehowah's Witnesses, Apostle's Faith,
First Presbyterian, Methodist, Nazarene, St.Peter's Evangelical Brethren, 
etc.), some non-church, (even one Japanese) from ten states: KS,SD,CO,OK,
NE,WY,IA,MN,MO,ND. They range in age from 21 to 26. Each man has a cot 
assigned to him and a large clothes closet with space for personal belongings.  

Robert S. Kreider describes CPS Camp #5 in his book "My Early Years - an
Autobiography", Pandora Press 2002.
 
Albert M.Gaedert (1907-2002) from Inman, KS, is the first director
   Obit Albert M.Gaeddert
of CPS Camp#5 (according to Arlo Sonnenberg of First Mennonite Church in
Denver), first Assistant Director is Robert S. Kreider. First Business 
Manager is John Gaeddert, later Ray Schlichting, Edwin J. Schmidt (today 
in Buhler KS, who provided the numbers and some details), Matron Mrs.John 
Gaeddert, Dietician Marie. A semi-monthly periodical, the "Pike View 
Peace News", reports about camp life since September 1941. It is 
deposited at MHL in Goshen IN and other non-local libraries. First 
editor is Roland Bartel. Subscription: 400 - 800 copies.
There is no friction between the CPSers and the Colorado Springs
community including the military. Some wives of the campers work in
the households of military officers. The camp extends a cordial 
invitation for townspeople to come out and visit the camp and see 
the work the boys are doing.
   (See Gazette and Telegraph, June 29 and August 24, 1941)

In September 2005 the Colorado Springs CPSers hold their 60-years 
reunion at Crosswind Conference Center in Hesson KS with 54 
participating.(Previous biannual participation: 1999-147; 2001-121; 
2003-77 according to Wilmer Harms of N.Newton KS)
 
   Beginnings: Beth-El in the 1950s
 
 By way of review, numerous persons have come to Beth-El under the leadership  
of Jess Kauffman to form the church 1955-1956. Jess Kauffman, previously 
pastor at First Mennonite Church, had faced a negative forthcoming vote  for 
a renewal of his tenure (according to Bob Groff).

From a November, 1956, newspaper clipping in our church files we read:
"The Mennonite Church had its beginning in Colorado Springs and vicinity 
with the organization of a church in Manitou in 1922. A few years ago (1948) 
it was relocated to 11 N. 22nd Street in Colorado Springs.
 The growth of the congregation was responsible for this move. 
The need for further expansion of facilities is responsible for this latest 
outgrowth from the original congregation, which results in a second Mennonite 
Church for the city."

 On Oct 1, 1956 we read in a letter to Members and Friends of the First Mennonite 
Church of Colorado Springs representing an interest group of several families 
to form another fellowship of Mennonites in the city:
 There has been a growing conviction with many members of the FirstMennonite 
Church of Colorado Springs that the witness of the church should expand within 
our city. During the past few years several attempts have been made to make 
this expansion possible. At this point it appears to some that the logical way 
to implement this program of evangelism and enlargement of the Mennonite witness 
would be to form another fellowship of Mennonites in the city, to work independently 
of the existing church. This is not being done with a spirit of ill will toward 
others with whom they have been working and enjoying fellowship. The decision 
comes out of a strong conviction and a deep sense of stewardship to God; and 
feeling that such action is necessary to the expansion of the program of Christ.
 This group will be subject to the South Central Conference, and wishes to 
cooperate with them in all matters of church administration and discipline.

They have asked Jess Kauffman to be their pastor. A full scale program of 
evangelism and church activities will be started as fast as expedient. All 
persons who share in the convictions and the concerns of this interest group 
are welcome.This letter is signed by A.C.Brunk,Chairman; Joseph Cooke, Treasurer, 
and Victor Brian. 

 From the first bulletin on October 7, 1956:
 On the front cover:
 A newly formed Mennonite Fellowship for Colorado Springs. Organized for the purpose of
 - Extending and enlarging a Gospel witness in our city.
 - Providing a church home for Christians desiring to use the church
       as an avenue for Christian service.
 - Glorify Christ through true discipleship and complete obedience to
       his teachings.
October 12, 1956: Jail Services are conducted by Victor Brian, leader, and a 
quartet composed of Virgil Brenneman, Bob Groff, Fern Groff, and Myrtle Friesen. 
  
October 12, 1956: First meeting of the WMSA (Women's Mission and Service Auxiliary)
 for the newly established Beth-El church is held at the Willis and Matilda Kanagy
 home in Manitou Springs with 7 ladies present:
 1. Luetta Brenneman, 2. Edna Brian, 3. Myrtle Friesen, 4. Fern Groff, 
 5. Matilda Kanagy, 6. Elizabeth Shetter, 7. Mary Zercher.
   Other ladies of WMSA not present at the time are Melva Brunk, Mary Cooke 
   (1904-1977), Kathryn Miller, Erna Shetter, Ardis Wilson, Miriam Klopfenstein, 
   Agnes Kauffman, Viola Kauffman, Cecilia and Elizabeth Landis, Gladys Vengin.

 WMSA continues to meet all day in homes the first Thursday of each month  with 
covered dish luncheon at noon, until the church building is finished.

 Willis Kanagy notes in 1956:
 There is a strong feeling the new church should be more evangelical and reach 
 out in the community. One group of three or four people wants to leave "Mennonite" 
 out of the name.

 Temporary Beth-El church home:
 La Placita Room of YWCA Building, corner of Nevada & Kiowa.
  Jess Kauffman, Pastor
  Sunday School for all ages at 10:00 a.m.
  Adult Supt.: Bob Groff;`
  Primary Supt.: Mary Zercher.

 Morning Worship Service at 11:00 a.m., with the sermon entitled,
 "The Church's Debt to the World."

 One of the Bulletin paragraphs reads:
"We are grateful for the way the Lord has manifested himself in many ways 
 during these days of organization. His leading has been noticeable in many 
 respects. Let us not forget to praise him for what he has done and will do 
 through us, if we yield completely to him."

 The bulletin on the next Sunday, October 14, 1956, lists attendance 
 of 62 and offering of $141.01.

The organization as of November 18, 1956:
Elders: Victor Brian, Robert Groff, A.C.Brunk.
Trustees: Virgil Brenneman, Chairman; Peter Shetter,Secr.;Joseph C.Cooke,Treas.
Church Council:Victor Brian, A.C.Brunk,Bob Groff,Jess Kauffman.
Committee on Evangelism: Howard Wilson,  Chairman; Jess Kauffman.
Finance Committee: Joseph Cooke, Jess Kauffman, Howard Wilson.
Director of Music:Virgil Brenneman.
Church Historian: Ruth Diener.
Church Librarian: Fern Groff. 

December 16, 1958: Beth-El Mennonite Church is our name now per 
congregational  vote.

The following families join or attend Beth-El in the early years 1956-1957 (with children):
 
Brenneman, Virgil/Tom & Luetta (Doug,Chuck,Tommy); Brian, Victor & Edna (Byron,Bruce);
Brunk, Aldine C. & Melva; Cooke, Joe & Mary (Maryellen, Peggy); Diener, Ruth;
Friesen, Pete & Myrtle (Betty); Gillis, Ernie & Lilly (John,Joanne,Jessy,Jimmy); 
Groff, Bob & Fern (Harold,Carolyn);Freed, Leo & Marjorie (Son Gary); 
Harder, Jonas; Kanagy, Willis & Matilda (Allan, Martha, Barbara);
Kauffman, Jess & Viola (Ivan,Leila, Wilma, Patty);
Klopfenstein, Wayne & Miriam (Jim, Ron, Sharon, Linda, Roger, Jack, 
Doug) Landis, Cecelia; Landis, Cyrus & Elizabeth (BIC minister); 
Miller, Lawrence & Kathryn (Gary);
Shetter, Pete & Elizabeth (BIC; Vengin, Mike & Gladys (BIC);
Siebert, Levi & Irene (MB from NE); 
Wilson, Howard & Ardis (Barbara, Judy, Paul);Charles, Stanley & Norma Jean; 
Zercher, Jacob & Mary (Randy, Elbert, Carolyn, Berny, Darleen);

Aldine C. Brunk (1886 - 1969) was a former missionary to India.
When the new name for the church is being discussed, the choice is
between Bethel and Beth-El. Aldine insists that only the latter is
truly biblical and linguistically correct, and so it is (as Bob Groff remembers it).
Aldine died on December 23, 1969 at the Schowalter Villa in Hesston KS.
At the service on December 16, 1956 Beth-El was chosen as our church name.

 By the end of 1956, with regular attendance around 60, the name
"Beth-El Mennonite Church" first appears on the December 23, 1956 bulletin.
 In that bulletin is a paragraph describing how the name has been 
 chosen, and explaining the meaning as house of God.
 "It will be our challenge to make both the names Beth-El and Mennonite mean 
 what they should. Names mean nothing, if we are not willing to represent the things 
 that the name connotates."

 From the May 5, 1957, bulletin:
"We have been presented with an open door for expanded ministry and
 outreach: Prison Ministry, which will involve Bible studies every 
 Friday night, and leading a worship service every other Sunday."

May 22, 1957: Our first feet washing service at the Victor Brian home. 

May 25, 1957: Allen Kanagy is united in marriage to Bernelle Mae Good 
 of Fisher, Illinois.

June 23, 1957: 39 boys  from the Denver Juvenile Court attend Rocky 
 Mountain Mennonite Camp during the past week.

July 28, 1957: Girls from the Denver Welfare Council and Denver 
Juvenile Court attend Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp during the past week.
 
August 31, 1957: Marriage of Ivan Kauffman and Lois Conrad.

September 15, 1957: First Service at the Knob Hill Community Center, 
 731 Iowa which is continued until 1962 when on March 4,1962 Beth-El 
 begins worshipping in the new cburch building.

Some guest speaker in 1957: E.M.Yost, Samuel Janzen, Homar Engle, 
 Heinrich Ginder, Bro. Brubaker.

Just over two years after its founding - in early 1959 - the church 
 is anticipating the coming of a new pastor, Paul Wittrig.

 Other bulletin items:
The Beth-El basketball team is defeated by the Bethany Baptist team, 73 to 44, 
 with this added note:
 It was a better game than the score would indicate.
 We are proud of our team, nevertheless.

 Sunday evening Bible studies are based on the life of Joseph.
 Several persons help with the local MCC canning project, canning 
 98 cans of meat, 32 cans of lard, and 440 cans of broth.
 The total for the entire project is the canning of 3,193 turkeys.
 There is choir practice, midweek Bible study and prayer meeting. 
 WMSA is continuing the pattern of interest in the activities of 
 members. Louetta, Tommy and Kathy Brenneman leave on Saturday p.m. 
 on the Rocket for Milford, Nebr. They expect to be gone a week 
 visiting her parents.

 There are 8 students from the congregation away at college:
   3 at Goshen, 4 at Hesston, and 1 at the University of Colorado.
 Names include:
 Klopfenstein, Cooke, Rich, Kauffman, Groff, Zercher, Wittrig, Friesen, 
 Charles, Brian, Troyer, Gillis, Vengin, Miller, Freed.
 The new congregation has a sense of family.
 Bulletins regularly include items such as:
 Bro. & Sister Landis have moved to their new home at 1428 Pikes Peak.
 The Millard Hostetter family from Hope, Kansas are visiting the Peter 
 Shetter home for a few days.
 Last Saturday and Sunday Joan and Jess Gillis are patients at the 
 St.Francis hospital. The reason? Tonsillectomy.
 One of the last bulletins that year states:
 God has been very good. May we be truly thankful for all his blessings to us.

 September 1957:A lot has been purchased on the corner of Yuma and Uintah Streets.

 November 1957: The Building Committe consists of Jacob Zercher,
 Willis Kanagy, Victor Brian, Mary Cooke, Viola Kauffman.
 
 1957, December 1 Baptisms: James and Ronald Klopfenstein, Eikert (Papper)
 Zercher, Jimmy Gillis, Mrs.Joyce Fitzgerald.

 1959 -1960: Building - Physical Plant - Location.
 The church lot is located on the edge of Colorado Springs just off Circle Drive 
 which at that time is a good location on the extreme East of the city. 
 A turkey shed used to be located where the present post office is now.

 The Building committee is working on plans. A ground breaking service 
 is held on July 26, 1959. Willis Kanagy agrees to be the building 
 contractor.Willis notes: 'Later I realized that I first should have 
 said, "On one condition - that you get out of my way and let me do it." After 
 forty years in the construction business, I did not need a committee to build 
 a building.'
 
 1960, April 3: We are happy to report three bond sales this past week.
 One recent visitor purchased a $100,000 bond and another visitor
 purchased two $250,000 bonds. Also one of our members resolved $4,000 
 in bonds.

1960, June 26: Five new members are received into our church -
 Mrs.Rhoda Carver, Stanley Charles by baptism. 

1960, August 27: Melvin Snyder, Alvin Yoder and Paul Martin of LaJunta
 helped on the church building last Tuesday. 

1960, December 11: Cornerstone Laying Service  at 3:15 p.m.
 Church Historian Ruth Diener reports for 1959 - 1960:
 
December 6, 1959: Douglas Brenneman is baptised.
 January 1, 1960: Lawrence and Kathryn Miller celebrate 25 years of marriage.
February 14, 1960: Paul Wittrig has served one year as our pastor.
May 5, 1950: Excavation at our new church lot begins.
June 12, 1960: Ed and Cecelia Landes celebrate 50 years of marriage.
July 2-3, 1960: Regional Conference on Colorado College Campus -
 Allen Erb and Harold S.Bender are guest speakers.

In 1959-1961 there is an influx from the First Mennonite Church:
 
Yeackley, Ray & Evelyn (Ray Allan, Roger, Verla, Loree);Troyer, Wayne &  Doris;
 Reil, Delmar & Martha (Ruth, Wanda, Gene, Keith);  Miller, Bea;
 Roth, Lester & Gertrude (Morris, Marvin,Linda, Sheryl);Yoder, Bob & Faith;
 Bauman, Don & Carolyn; Beachy, Junior & Judy; Roth, Seth; Yoder, Eunice; 
 Byler, Pollard & Lois (Paul);

 The laying of the corner stone for the church occurs on Sunday, Dec 18,1960 
 and reads:Mennonite Church 1960. The stone is placed by Overseer E.M.Yost and 
 Pastor Paul A.Wittrig. A packet is placed in the corner-stone containing a 
 bulletin of the morning service and two bulletins of the afternoon corner-stone 
 laying service with the signatures of each person attending. It also contains 
 the 1960 annual report and a bonnet. The plans are based on an L-shaped building,
 along the line of the church in Glenwood Springs. We start construction in 1959 
 and finish in 1961. It took so long because we almost ran out of money. We are 
 only able to finish it after it is decided to sell bonds to raise enough 
 money. The wood arches are up without a roof for most of one winter. Before 
 the roof is on, the tall window for the front of the building has been delivered
 and is leaning against an inside wall. One night there is a big wind storm and
 the next morning, the window is lying flat on the floor of the entry - without a
 single pane of glass broken.' The church building, including land, is constructed
 at a cost of $49,969. In addition, 2920 hours of labor are donated.   



    Finding itself: Bethel in the 1960s
1962-1963
 Leadership. The early 1960s see the church struggling for stable leadership
 under Paul Wittrig (1905-1985) and Earl Yeackley (1916-1978)

March 12, 1961: Valentine Swartzendruber, Pastor of the Limon CO 
 Mennonite Church is guest speaker.

April 17, 1961: Pastor Paul A.Wittrig begins his assignment as 
Clerk-in-charge at the Peterson Field Branch Post Office.

May 17, 1961: After a delay of work at our new church, work is resumed.
A group of men place the roof on the church. 

The Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference is organized in 1961 as a district 
 Conference in the Mennonite Church, and Bethel-El is one of the founding members
 from the beginning, thus severing the link with the South-Central Mennonite 
 Church. At the inception of the conference there are 14 congregations:
 In Colorado (11), Nebraska (1), Kansas (1),and Texas (1). Congregations have 
 been added since to the district in New Mexico, some of the original congregations
 are no longer members. The geographical area of the district was earlier
 included in the South Central Conference structure. Earvey M. Yost (b.Sep 28,1902
 - d.Dec 16,1983) serves as the area overseer of the Rocky Mountain Conference.
 He had a Holdeman Mennonite background.
 
August 30, 1961: The first public service is held in our new church: A 
 Prayer Meeting attended by Willis Kanagy, Joseph Cooke, Peggy Cooke,
 Paul and Effie Wittrig, Ruth Diener. 

New members in 1960 - 1962 are:
Needles,Chester & Martha (children Ina,John,Pat);Schrock,Ed & Irene;Yeackley,
 Ray & Evelyn;Byler,Pollard & Lois;Roth,Lester & Gertrude;Reil,Delmer & Martha   

1962, March 1: First Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference;
 E.M.Yost, Overseer; David Alderfer, Aspen, Editor. David Alderfer (1907-2002)
 was Chaplain and Manager of the Hospitality Center, established by the Rocky
 Mountain Mennonite  Conference in Aspen, 1961-1971.
 
New members in 1962-1963:
 
Huscher, Leona; King, Cliff & MonaBebe; Otto, Darrel & Ruth Ann.
 
Cliff King is interim pastor until Darrel Otto becomes pastor who stabilizes
 the church over the first longer tenure, 1963 - 1968. 

The WMSA ladies in 1962-1963 are:
 Lou Brenneman, Melva Brunk, Norma J. Charles, Mary Cooke (1904-1977),
 Marjorie Freed, Myrtle Friesen, Lillie Gillis, Ferne Groff,Matilda Kanagy,
 Miriam Klopfenstein, Kathryn Miller, Martha Needles, Elizabeth Shetter, Doris 
 Troyer, Effie Wittrig, Faith Yoder, Lois Byler, Irene Schrock, Martha 
 Reil, Gertrude Roth, Mona Bebe King, Evelyn Yeackley.
 
In February 1963, 16 men from Beth-El Mennonite Church spend a day cutting 
 logs along the Rampart Range Road about 15 miles North of Woodland Park 
 after permission is secured from the US Forest Service, to construct the 
 new Pleiades Cabin at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
 
 On July 7, 1963, (two weeks short of four years after the ground breaking 
 service) a dedication service is held for the new church building. That same
 day, Beth-El's third pastor, Darrell Otto, is installed.Sermon by E.M.Yost.
 Prayer of Dedication by Pastor Paul A.Wittrig. Interim pastor Clifford King
 leads the devotional and prayer states: God calls us to be followers of
 Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as a community of
 grace, joy and peace, so that God's healing and hope may flow through us to
 the world. That includes both being and doing.
 Benediction by Earle Engle.
 Architect: C.D.King and Associates.
 General Contractor: Willis Kanagy.
 Contractors: John Reschley and Wilbur Eichelberger. 

 The parsonage (now the Fellowship Center) likewise is built in 1963.
 Pastor Otto was the only resident there.
 We first worship using chairs in the sanctuary. There are no rugs.
 In May 1966 folding chairs in the sanctuary are replaced by pews, a red carpet
 and foldings doors are installed as dividers in the basement.

 Faith and Practice: 
Beth-El starts with the idea of being more evangelistic and outgoing into the
 community. In practice, most women wear head coverings in the early 1960s which
 practice is gradually dropped by the end of the decade. 
 No formal action is taken regarding this change. Likewise, divorce is present
 among some members. While divorce is frowned upon, the involved persons are
 not rejected, but accepted into church life. Again, no formal action is taken
 regarding this change.

 Life of the Church: 
Beth-El is a singing church and a service-oriented church with outstanding
 choirs led by Virgil Brenneman and Cliff King. In 1965 the choir has 37 persons
 in the spring program and 45 in the Christmas program, and they give programs
 in Denver and in the Arkansas Valley. Some church projects in 1963 involve a 
 work group going up to Barr Camp. Barr Camp was donated to Rocky Mountain 
 Mennonite Camp by Kenneth Fritts, owner of Rainbow Falls Campground south of 
 Divide. The Church goes up to clean and renovate the camp. Two VSers from Elkhart
 live there during the summer months, Carl and Elaine Newcomer from Ohio.
 Bethel participates in the Billy Graham Crusade in Denver in 1965.
 In November-December 1965 Beth-El has a Stewardship Emphasis Campaign with an
 attempt to visit every home via two-people teams explaining the church 
 program and future goals.

 Persons in the Life of the Church:
In 1963, Delmar Reil is Adult S.S. Superintendent. Joe Cooke (1901-1968), 
 a retired Lt.Colonel, is church treasurer. Virgil Brenneman is Board Chairman
 and a driving force of the church. Lester Roth is an Elder. 
 Many 1-Ws serve at Memorial and Penrose Hospitals and enter into the life of
 the church. On June 29, 1963 the church is invited to the wedding of 
 Francis Shetler and Beatrice Miller in Indiana.

Ruth Diener, church historian reports new members
August 16, 1964: Francis Shetler from the Pueblo Mennonite Church and 
 Beatrice Shetler from  the Olive Mennonite Church, Jamestown, Indiana.

September 16,1964:The Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference is held here.

Mona Bebe King is Primary Superintendent in 1964-1965.
In 1965: Folding chairs are still in use in the sanctuary.
 
Tammy Christner Roth: In 1965 we used "Our Hymns of Praise" by J.Mark Stauffer,
 Herald Press, Scottdale 1958 in Children's Sunday School.
December 26, 1965: The Peter Shetter family celebrate 50 years of marrriage.
 
March 13, 1966: Baptisms of Charles Virgil Brenneman, Gay Lee Freed, 
 Shirley Gaye King, Linda Kay Roth, Verla Faye Yeackley.

May 8, 1966: Our new pews are really nice and appreciated very much.
 They were purchaed from the S.K. Company for $2912, $1400 financed.

September 18, 1966: New members are Maretta and Arlin Buller.

October 16, 1966: Beth-El marks 10 Years of Growth (Gospel Herald,
 November 15, 1966).
Participating in the service are present pastor Darrel D.Otto, and three
 former pastors Jess Kauffman, Paul Wittrig, and Clifford King. Mrs Peter
 H.Friesen of Hesston KS, first church organist, plays the organ. Charter
 members Mary Cooke and Elizabeth Shetter have prepared a tenth anniversary
 display. Virgil Brenneman, charter member and chairman of the administrative
 board, presents the history of Beth-El.Membership has grown from 40 to 110.
 Attendance averages around 150. Members of the 1-W unit in Colorado Springs
 and the VS unit at Woodland Park worship regularly at Beth-El.

Beatrice Shetler, Church Historian reports: 
May 5-7, 1967: Beth-El hosts the Annual Assembly of the Rocky Mountain 
Mennonite Conference.

August 1967: Board approves request of Pastor Darrel Otto to conduct
 meetings at the Thurman, CO Mennonite Church from August 24-27, 1967.

Peter Shetter dies on October 9, 1967.
   Obit Peter Shetter

Dr. Floyd and Edy Miller begin attending in 1967.
Venita King is appointed Asst.Organist in 1968.
On April 6, 1968 the pastor marries Terry and Millie Troyer.

July 17, 1968: Joseph Cooke dies.
   Obit Joseph Cooke.

September 5, 1968: Leona Huscher dies.
   Obit Leona Huscher

In 1968 Beth-El issues a pictorial directory which lists
the following names:
Baker (Leroy & Mary,Jane,Ann,James,Jon,Kathy); Bauman (Donald & Carolyn, 
Cheryl, Dwayne); Beachey (Emory,Jr. & Judy,Minta,Greg); Beachey, Miss Mary;
Beadles (Herbert & Anita); Becker (James & Alma, Darwin,Douglas,Cheryl); 
Benner,Larry; Boese (John & Mary); Brenneman (Duane & Emma); Brenneman 
(James & Eunice); Brenneman (Virgil & Luetta, Douglas,Charles, Thomas,Kathy) Brown,Al; 
Brubaker (Robert & Lois); Brunk (Aldine & Melva); Brunk (Frank & Beatrice, 
Rene, Sue, Jeanette); Brunk (Stanley & Louanne, Sue Anne); Buller (Arlin & 
Maretta); Byler, Loren; Byler (Pollard & Lois, Paul,Jill); Carver,John; 
Carver,Mrs. Rhoda; Castillo (Rev.David & Elsie); Charles (Stanley & Norma 
Jean, Debra,Julie); Christner (Leo & Phyllis, Doug,Tammy); Clymer (John & Amanda, 
Melody, Cassandra); Conrad, Miss Emma Jean; Conrad, Ernie; Conrad (Russel, 
Tammy, Lisa); Cooke (Joseph & Mary); Cooke, Miss Mary Ellen; Cornett (Robert &
Nancy, Robin, Sandra); Dieck, Miss Ann; Dieck, Miss Marguerite; Diener, Miss Ruth;
Eicher (Lloyd & Dody, Greg, Brad); Freed (Leo & Marge, Gary); Friesen
(Gilbert & Arlene, Gail); Friesen (P.H. & Myrtle); Gerber,Eldon;
Gillis (Ernie & Lilly); Gingerich, Mrs.Larry (Sheryl); Glick,Robert;
Groff,Harold); Hackman,Cleon; Haldeman (William & Eleanor, Bret);
Handrich,Mrs.Pat; Harder, Jonas; Harshbarger, Paul; Hathaway (Wendell &
Linda, Steven); Headings, Milton; Hostetler (Wayne & Loretta, Teresa);
Hurst (Mervin & Nancy, Lisa, Brian, Randi); Huscher (Chester & Leona);
Kanagy (Willis & Matilda); King (Clifford & Mona Bebe, Venita, Gaye, 
Robert, Ricky, James); King (Delbert & Jane); King, Dennie; King, Robert;
Klopfenstein (James & Pam, Christine, Cincy, Kaye); Klopfenstein (Ronald 
& Connie, Michael); Klopfenstein (Mrs.Wayne [Miriam], Linda, Roger, Jack, Doug); 
Kurtz, Miss Phyllis; Landis, Mrs.Lela; Lantz, Merle; Leatherman (Daniel & Nancy); 
Miller (David & Rachel, Rodney); Miller, Miss  Earlene; Miller (Ervin & Esther, 
Cindy, Wendy); Miller (Eugene & Hildegard, Jeannie, Phillip, Ramona); 
Miller (Dr.Floyd & Edith, Tony, Reyna, Brian); Miller (Fred & Lynn, Kevin, Keith); 
Miller (Gary & JoAnn, Rusty, Scott); Miller (Lawrence & Kathryn); Miller 
(Leslie & Melva, Robin); Mitchell,Mrs.Mary; Mullet,Mrs.Arthur (Sharon); 
Needles (Chester & Martha); Newcomer (Arthur & Mary, Marie,Samuel); 
Ooley (Mrs.Leroy [Josephine], Matthew), Otto (Rev. Darrel & Ruth Anna, Darrel II, 
John); Pankratz (Robert & Kathy); Reeb (Vernon & Lois); Reed, Daniel; 
Reed (Lamer & Irene, Diane); Reil (Delmer & Martha, Wanda, Keith); 
Reil, Miss Ruth; Richards, Mrs.Irma; Roth (Lester & Gertrude, Linda, Cheryl); 
Roth (Marvin & Cheryl); Roth (Morris & Janice); Schowalter (Fred & Maxine); 
Schowalter,Mike; Schrock,David; Schrock (Ed & Irene, Lesa, Bradley, Bryan); 
Shenk, David; Shetler (Francis & Beatrice); Shetter,Mrs.Elizabeth; 
Smith (Robert & Lillian, David); Somerville (Don & Sharon, Raymond,Rhonda); 
Stachoski,Miss Linda; Stalter, Miss Carolyn; 
Stutzman (Ray & Sarah, Tylin, Tracey); Swartley,Bill; Troyer (Terry & Mildred);
Troyer (Wayne & Doris, Ricky, Tami); Weaver,Dale;
Wilburn (Bud & Donna, Larie, Timmy); Wittrig (Rev.Paul & Effie);
Wittrig,Robert; Yeackley (Ray & Evelyn, Verla,Loree); Yeackley, Ray Allen; 
Yeackley, Roger; Yoder (Robert & Faith, Lynn, Jay, Sonya); 
Yordy (Gary & Cheryl); Zook, Phillip. 

December 23, 1969: Aldine.C.Brunk dies.
   
Obit Aldine C.Brunk 
Membership on December 1, 1970: Residents - 90; Non-residents:27.
 
   Growth: Bethel in the 1970s.

Pastors - 1970 and part of 1971 - Harvey Mitchell (1905 - 1986):
 "When Harvey was pastor I remember always standing when scripture 
 was read." Cliff King and Glenn Fink - co-pastors.
 Interim pastors - John Gingerich and Darrell Otto (1977).
 April 1978 through end of 1979 - Willard Conrad.
 Orval Gingerich, Youth Pastor 1978 to end of 1979.

 In the 1970s the three Schrock children are baptized, and it is a good time
 for MYF. The MYF Conventions are started some time in the late 1970s.
 After a weekend Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference the Schrock children would
 come home and ask, "When is the next conference?" 
 This is good since mother Irene Schrock did not have a good "conference" 
 experience and the church is realizing how important our youth is.

In 1970 Merv Birky is a volunteer Childcare Worker at Frontier Boys Village in
 August 1970 -  August 1971. He teaches Sunday School for 3 weeks at Beth-El.
 Theme: What is the Church today? He proposes to dissolve the church as we
 know it today. (Presently he is part of the church establishment).

June 24, 1970: Sonia Rachelle Miller dies.

 During the 1970s the WMSA continues strong and well.

From the Worship Bulletin of May 23, 1971: 
Rev.Clifford King and Rev.Glenn Fink, Interim Pastors.
Sunday School....9:30.    Worship Service... 10:30
Song Leader: Lois Byler       Organ Postlude: Anita Beadles
Nursery Attendant: Brenda Smith
Greeter today is Delmer Reil
Library assistent today is Mabel Conrad.
Beginning June 6, Sunday School will start at 9:00 and Worship at 10:00.
 We want to express our sympathy felt to the John J.Boese family in the passing 
of John this past week on May 17, 1971. He was born on July 15, 1882 in
 Springfield, SD and had homesteaded near Vona, Kit Carson County, Eastern 
Colorado in 1907 and resided in Colorado Springs since 1959. 
He was one of our steady, faithful members.

We thank Pollard Byler, Terry Troyer and Delmer Reil for the leadership in the
 spring cleaning project.
Coming Events: May 30th - Open House at Frontier Boys Village.
Stewardship of Treasures Report:
  Weekly Requirements:   $396.00
  Received May 9, 1971:  $225.89
  Received May 16,1971:  $450.17

 In 1971 WMSA changes name to WMSC (Women's Missionary and Service Commission).

 Church Elders: 
    Eugene Miller, Arnold Miller, Pollard Byler, Wally Shellenberger,
    Richard Harms, Vernon Reeb, Wayne Troyer, Ed Schrock.

 June 1971: 
    Myrtle Friesen, Organist
    Other organists/pianists: Cheryl Bauman, Hildegard Miller

 1971,September 8-17:
Beth-El assists in the Leighton-Ford-Evangelistic Reachout at CS 
 Memorial Park with counseling, ushering and singing in the choir.
Ford is Billy Graham's brother-in-law. Jim Irvin, former moon astronaut, 
gives his Christian testimony at one of the meetings.

Membership on December 1, 1971: Residents - 103; Non-residents - 31.

December 1, 1972: Francis Shetler submits the Church Historian's report.
Membership on December 1, 1972: Residents - 108; Non-residents - 34.

December 11, 1972: Mary Schultz Boese dies. 
   Obit Mary Schultz Boese

July 3, 1973: Lawrence B. Havelock dies.
   Obit Lawrence B. Havelock 

1973 Baptisms: Lesa Schrock, Melody Steckly.

October 5-7,1973: Fall Meeting of the Semi-Annual Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference at 
 Shrine Club in Colorado Springs, Dr.Floyd Miller moderating. Guest speaker is 
 Elizabeth Elliot Leith, wife  of the late Jim Elliot, on 'Christ in All of Life'.
 Wallace Jantz is approved conference minister, effective July 1, 1974, succeeding
 E.M.Yost who is in a Denver hospital. 

1974 Baptisms: Bryan Miller, Mark Miller.
1974, September: Beth-El Camp-out at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
Membership on December 1, 1974: Residents - 94; Non-residents - 44.
January 1, 1975: Lawrence and Kathryn Miller celebrate 40 years of marriage.
January 19, 1975: Burning of the paid-off church mortgage.
May 8, 1975: Vernon Hooley dies (formerly from Manson, Iowa)
   Obit Vernon Hooley 

September 1975:Beth-El Fall Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.

March 23, 1976: Ruth Diener dies in Nebraska.
   Obit Ruth Diener 

June 20, 1976: Dedication of the Fellowship Center.
June 27,1976:Chester and Martha Needles celebrate 50 years of marriage.
1976 baptisms: Paul Byler, Don Hostetler, Lynn Yoder.

September 1, 1977: Oleta Havelock submits the Church Historian's report:
1977 baptisms: Jina Brenneman, Jill Byler, Tammy Christner, Ann Gusler, Rhoda 
Hostetler, Debby Miller, Randy Miller, Bradley Schrock, Sally Steckley, Jay Yoder. 

1978:
 The year begins with Darrel Otto continuing to serve as interim pastor.
Willard Conrad is permanent pastor on May 1,1978.
 Elders: Wally Shellenberger, Richard Harms, Clair Brenneman, Pollard Byler's
 term expires. Clifford King continues as Chairman of the Board.

 1978, July 9: 50th wedding anniversary of Pastor Paul and Effie Wittrig.
 1978, August 2: Earl Yeakley dies, born on September 1915. He was a minister
 in Thurman CO and at Beth-El.
 1978, September 1: Frontier Boys' Village in Larkspur CO closes.
 FBV's history goes back to 1960 when the Barnabas Club is organized to establish
 a camp site to provide rehabilitation programs for deliquient boys in conjunction
 with the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp Association and the Mennonite Board of
 Missions and Charities. The assets of FBV are liquidated and transferred to a
 Frontier Village Foundation in Palmer Lake,CO which gives grants in support of
 community service programs in the Rocky Mountain Region: Food, shelter, clothing,
 community building, preschool and childcare, geriatric and medical service,
 victim/offender reconciliation, conflict resolution. Annual available 
 funds are $20,000 - 25,000.  

In March 1985 Harlan D.Unrau writes its history entitled:
 "Frontier Boys Village" (47 pages).

1978 Baptisms: Tim Unzicker, Tony Unzicker.

Membership 1978:
 - Resident       105
 - Non-resident    38      total 143

 Historian's Report is submitted by Oleta A.Havelock.

 Chorister/organists/pianists:
 Neil Hartzler, Lois Byler, Cliff King, Ed Schrock, Bea Shetler, Dwayne  Bauman,
 Cheryl Bauman, Elaine Zook, Reyna Miller, Marj Freed.

 Drainage from the parking lot into the Fellowship Center basement is a continuing
 problem. To alleviate: Grading of the parking lot is recommended accomodating
 66 cars. Wheel stops will be railroad ties anchored with bars into the ground. 
 A tool storage shed is proposed for the SE corner of the lot.
1979:
The church building gets a new roof.
 Pastor's sermons have been taped from the beginning of 1979 and are available
 for checkout. After 3 weeks tapes are reused.
 
May 4-6, 1979: Beth-El and First Mennonite Church host the Annual Assembly of
 the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference.

May 12, 1979: Workday to reshingle the church.
 9 Workers from Beth-El participate in MDS project to clean up the  Manitou Springs
 City Cemetery following the tornado of June 24,  1979. 
September 8-9, 1979: Fall Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
 Oct 27, 1979: Church Cleaning Day.

December 2, 1979: Stan Brunk submits the Church Historian' report.

Membership 1979:
 -Resident: 111
 -other      38                  total: 149
 
 WMSC president 1978-1979: Shirley Beadles
                1979-1980: Barb Eichelberger

 Arkansas Valley Relief Sale: Throughout 1979 WMSC works on a quilt 
 for the sale at Rocky Ford.

 Sunday School 1978-1979:
 Adult Superintendents: Don Bauman and Ed Schrock
 Primary Superintendents: Edy Miller and Irene Schrock.
 Adults sponsor four classes: Elective Class, International Lesson 
 Class,  MYF Class, Young Adult Class.
 A Summer Bible School is conducted with First Mennonnite Church.
 Superintendents: Rae Shellenberger and Pam Rediger.
1980:
  Adult SS Superintendents:Ed Schrock and Arnie Miller
 Primary SS Superintendents: Irene Schrock and Cleta Gingerich.
 An additional Adult SS class: Parenting.
 The Evangelism and Social Concerns Committee resettle two Laotians and  help
 with clothing, food, employment, medical care, education  and housing.
 The Laotian children stay with Kathy Kauffman.
 From the Spring of 1978 to the Spring of 1980 attendance increases by 50%.
 Giving also increases by 50%.

1980, April 20: Communion and Footwashing Service.

 Membership 1980:
 -Resident:    102
 -other:        36        total: 138
 Church Historian: Stan Brunk.

 WMSC organizes a Self-Help-Sale in 1980, netting $1,000 for MCC.
 MDS roofs Martha Needle's garage.

Membership list as of November 1, 1980 

 Resident members:    since:
Baker, Sharon         Jul 76
Balbierz, Jim         Oct 80 ;Jan     Oct 80
Barge, Nate           Apr 79 ;Elaine  Oct 80
Bauman, Don           Jul 63 ;Carolyn Jul 63 ;Dwayne
Beachy, Mary
Beadles, Lowell              ;Shirley
Brenneman, Clair             ;Faye           ;Jina    1976
Brunk, Frank          Feb 67 ;Bea     May 67
Brunk, Ivan           Sep 79 ;Ann     Sep 79
Brunk, Rene           Nov 78 ;Diane   Nov 78
Brunk, Stan           Nov 63 ;Louanne Nov 63 ;Sue     Apr 80 ;Kristi  Apr 80
Byler, Pollard        Jul 61 ;Lois    Jul 61 ;Paul    1976 ;Jill    1976
Charles, Lotus        Apr 76
Christner, Leo        Aug 65 ;Phyllis Aug 65 ;Tammy   Feb 76
Conrad, Willard       May 78 ;Hettie  May 78
Conrad, Mabel         Mar 71
Davis, Lena           Nov 72
Diller, Steve         Oct 80 ;Janelle Oct 80
DuBois, Bernie        Oct 80
Eichelberger, Don     Mar 79 ;Barb    Mar 79
Everson, Bruce        Oct 80 ;Cheryl  Oct 80
Freed, Gary           Mar 66
Freed, Marge          Jun 60
Gingerich, Mark       Oct 80 ;Anita   Oct 80
Gusler, Carl          Sep 79 ;Kay     Sep 79 ;Ann     Dec 76
Harms, Richard        Apr 75 ;Dianna  Apr 75
Hartzler, Neil        Dec 72
Hostetler, Rhoda      Dec 76
Hostetler, Don        1976
Kanagy, Willis        charter;Matilda charter
King, Ckifford        Jan 63 ;Mona Be Jan 63
King, Rick            1970
Klopfenstein, Miriam  Jun 60
Kornhaus, Brent       Mar 79 ;Lisa    Mar 79
Leinbach, Karen       1974
Lusk, Ceana           Oct 80
Marner, Lois
Martin, Stacey        Apr 80
Martin, Ronnie        Apr 80
McElmurry, Elsie      Apr 75
Miller, Arnie         Nov 72 ;Carol  Nov 72 ;Randy  Feb 76 ;Lenn  Apr 80
Miller, Floyd         1968   ;Edy    1968   ;Tony ;Bryan   1974
Miller, Jim           Apr 75 ;Kris    Apr 75 ;Debbie  Dec 76
Miller, Lawrence      charter;Kathryn charter
Myers, Dale           Jan 80
Myers, Dennis         Apr 79
Nafziger, Esther      Apr 75
Needles, Martha
Needles, Pat          Apr 80
Oelker, Gerri         Nov 78
Pankratz, Robert      Jun 70 ;Kathy   Jun 70
Reeb                  May 65 ;Lois    May 65
Reichenbach, Diane    Mar 79
Reil, Delmer          Sep 61 ;Martha  Sep 61
Schneider, Fred       Apr 80
Schrock, Ed           May 65 ;Irene   May 62 ;Brad  Feb 76 ;Brian  Apr 80
Sharp, Roy                   ;Janet
Shellenberger, Rick   Aug 70 ;Rae     Aug 70
Shellenberger, Wally  Jul 76 ;Eunice  Jul 76
Shetler, Francis      Aug 64 ;Bea     Aug 64
Singer, Jim           Apr 80 ;Ginny   Apr 80 ;Jamey  Apr 80 ;Tammy  Apr 80
Smith, Ken            Sep 71 ;Brenda  Sep 71
Snyder, Katrina       Apr 80
Standish, Lucy        Apr 76
Steckley, Maynard     Jun 70 ;Wilma  Jun 70 ;Melody  1973 ;Sally Dec 75
Steininger, Phil      Apr 75 ;Joan    Apr 75
Stjernholm, Vera      Apr 76
Stolzfus, Aaron       Jan 80 ;Judy    Jan 80
Troyer, Mel           Oct 80 ;Dorothy Oct 80
Troyer, Terry         May 68 ;Millie  May 68
Underwood, Debbie     Jan 76
Unruh, Lyonell        Mar 79
Unzicker, Carl        Jul 78 ;Arleta Jul 78 ;Tim  Jul 78 ;Tony  Jul 78
Wittrig, Paul         1959
Yeackley, Ray         Sep 61   ;Evelyn  Sep 61
 
   Non-Residents      since:
Acker, Verla (Yeackley) Mar 66
Bauman, Cheryl
Charles, Debra
Christner, Doug
Conrad, Russell       Aug 66
Cross, Bob            Apr 76 ;Kendra  Apr 76
Francis, Linda (Klopfenstein) Dec 60
Gillis, Ernest        charter;Lilly   charter ;Jim     ;John
Gingerich, Orv        Apr 75 ;Cleta   Apr 75
King, Loree (Yeackley)
Klopfenstein, Doug
Klopfenstein, Jack
Kouns, Theda          Jan 80
Landis, Lela
Metheny, Gay (King)
Miller, Jeanne
Miller, Philip
Miller, Reyna
Reil, Keith
Saffer, Earl          Apr 75 ;Mary An Apr 75
Schowalter, Mike
Schrock, Lesa         1973
Seger, Joan (Gillis)
Shetter, Elizabeth
Smith, Lillian
Steckley, Brant
Steckley, Frank
Weaver, Dale          Jul 63
Whitesell, Evan       Sep 71 ;Margery Sep 71






    Moving on: Bethel in the 1980s
1981:
February 3, 1981: Board approves that Roy Sharp negotiate with Menno
 Gaeddert to increase insurance coverage to $150,000 for the church building,
 $20,000 for the furniture and $60,000 for the annex.

 Beth-El celebrates its 25th anniversary the week-end of Oct 3-4,1981.
 About 150 letters of invitation are sent out to former members, 1-Ws  and VSs.
 The Historical Evening is attended by 160 people.
 Stan Brunk, assisted by Lyonell Unruh, prepare a display of various 
 memorabilia and pictures.
 235 persons attend the Sunday morning service.
 The packet in the corner stone of 1960 is opened in the service.
 During the SS hour there is a "Musical Recollections" program attended by 
 302 persons. Pastor Willard and Hettie Conrad serve as hosts at the guest book 
 table. Elders are Richard Harms, Arnold Miller, Kenneth Smith. Director of 
 Christian Education is Edy Miller. 
 Worship Leader: Stan Brunk. 
 Organist: Dwayne Bauman. 
 Chorister: Lois Byler. 
 Message by Jess Kauffman.

Cliff King who is Chairman of the Board until January 1982 when they moved to
 Illinois writes: In the Summer and Fall of 1981 the leadership of the  Church
 begins serious efforts to deal with expansion. Among other things we visit a
 church which is for sale, the Mountain Methodist Church on Mountview Street 
 in the Cragmor area. We also look at alternatives. Members in the Palmer Lake
 area talk about starting a church in that area. 

 WMSC has the December silent auction which nets $245.45.
 The Brotherhood Fund starts the fiscal year with $444 and receives contributions.
 Four families receive contributions from the BF thoughout 1981.
1982:
 Beth-El decides in March 1982 to encourage the formation of a congregation
 in the Palmer Lake/Monument community to be established by October 1982.
 
 Apr 30 - May 2, 1982: Beth-El and First Mennonite Church host the 
 Annual Assembly of the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference.

 On Oct 3, 1982 the first service of the Mountain Community Mennonite 
 Church is held in Palmer Lake.
 
 Charter members are:
 
 Sharon Baker; Clair, Faye, Jina, Randy Brenneman; Tim & Carol Detweiler;
 Mark & Anita Gingerich;Jake & Barb Eichelberger; Don & Nan Graber; Albert & 
 Barbara Miller; Arnie, Carol Randy, Lenn Miller; Rick & Linda Pankratz;
 Gayle & Jana Preheim; Lynn Roth, Karen Wiens; Rick & Rae Shellenberger;
 Jan Smilanic; Phil & Joan Steiniger; Dale & Elaine Stjernholm.

Beth-El members who transfer to Mountain Community Mennonite Church are
 Arnold, Carol, Randy, Lenn Miller; Clair, Faye, Jina, Randy Brenneman;
 Don (Jake), Barb Eichelberger; Dale, Elaine Stjernholm; Ken, Brenda, Jeff Smith;
 Sharon Baker; Rick, Linda Pankratz; Mark, Anita Gingerich; Phil, Joan 
 Steininger; Tim, Carol Detweiler; Rick, Rae Shellenberger; Jan (Balbierz) Smilanic.

 October 31: Tim Detweiler, our youth pastor, is licensed first pastor of 
 Mountain Community Mennonite Church at Palmer Lake, CO.
 April 30-May 2, 1982: Beth-El hosts the Rocky Mountain Spring Conference.

 On July 17, 1982 a group from Beth-El goes to Estes Park with Mennonite Disaster 
 Service to help clean-up and move personal belongings out of wrecked house
 trailers after a dam retaining Duck Lake broke in Rocky Mountain National
 Park releasing flood water through areas of the town.
 The group includes Rick Shellenberger, Rick Barnes, Jake Eichelberger,
 Tom and George Crago, and Dennis Myers.

 WMSC has an average attendance of 20. 
 The silent Christmas auction brings $328.55.
 The Mother-Daughter banquet in May is attended by 75.
 The WMSC quilt for the MCC sale brings $290.
1983:
 WMSC proceeds from the Silent Christmas Auction goes to our church kitchen
 and for a well to be dug in Africa, in the amount of $125 to each.
 WMSC officers in 1983 are Edy Miller, Kathy Pankratz, Judy Stolzfus, 
Irene Schrock, Janet Sharp, Lisa Kornhaus, Elaine Stjernholm.
The Pastor's Office is established in the Fellowship Center after 
remodelling, and the Church Secretary is also provided an office.
A Budget surplus of $3304 is distributed as follows:
 $1200 Phil Benner
 $ 955 Mennonite Board of Missions
 $ 705 Rocky Mountain Conference
 $ 143 Hesston College
 $ 126 Goshen Seminary
 $  95 Mennonite Board of C.Ministries
 $  55 Minority Education
 $  25 Mennonite Board of Education.

1983 Baptisms as reported by Church Historian Marge Freed:
 George Crago; Brian, Doyle, LaMay Hostetler; Victor Reeb.
1984:
 In his report of the administrative board chairman Carl Gusler notes:
 In the last three years we have maintained the size of our  membership while
 "giving up" forty members to start a new congregation at Palmer Lake.

 Merlin Gingerich writes for the Evangelism and Social Concerns Committee that
 primary functions of the committee are planning for SCOPE (Senior Citizens
 Opportunity for Program Enrichment) and soup kitchen towel pick-up.

 January 15, 1984: Installation of (first lady) Elder Irene Schrock.
 
 March 23, 1984: Elizabeth Shetter dies.

   Obit Elizabeth Stetter

 April 29, 1984: Chris Schwarz baptized.

 May 27, 1984: Willis and Matilda Kanagy - 60th wedding anniversary.

 Membership as of December 1, 1984: Residents - 116, Non-residents - 31, 
total - 147.
1985:
 MDS helps with a construction project at the East Holbrook Church near
 Cheraw, CO, on a Saturday.

 February 3, 1985 - Dedication of infants:
  Merlin and Phyllis Gingerich - Amber Nicole
  Steve and Janelle Diller - Dasty Roupp
  Dale and Barb Daugherty - Matthew Brian
  Dale and Jacque Sanchez - Laura Michelle

 
 May 3-5, 1985: Beth-El hosts the Annual Assembly of the Rocky 
  Mountain Mennonite Conference.

 May 29, 1985: Program by Hesston College Bel Canto Singers.
  September 14-15, 1985: Annual Retreat at Rocky Mt.Menn.Camp.
  Oct 14, 1985: Choraleers of Pennsylvania.

 Marriages:
  November 10, 1984 - Sally Steckly and Mervin Bender
  December 20, 1984 - Carolyn Stalter and Raymond Beggs of Pueblo
  January  17, 1985 - Verla Acker and Neil Hartzler
  May      25, 1985 - Bryan Miller and Jodi Derstine at Goshen, IN
  May      26, 1985 - Jeanette Hertzler and Jerry Martin at RMMC
  August   17, 1985 - Bernettte DuBois and Scott Rantzel

  September 14-15: Annual Fall Retreat at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
  1985 Baptism: Natasha Hill.
1986:
Bethel adopts a new constitution. The Administrative Board changes to a 
Church Council consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Pastor(s), 
and one representative from a minimum of five congregational commissions 
which at that time are Board of Elders, Church Property, WMSC, Music,
Worship, Family Life and MYF.

 January 7, 1986: Nate and Elaine Zook Barge share their experience in 
  El Salvador with MCC.
 January 12, 1986: Ed and Irene Schrock report on Mission to Brazil.
 March 16,1086:The choir,led by Barb Daugherty,presents a spring program.
 August 17, 1986: Ann Gusler and Pat Vendrely wedding.
 September 13-14, 1986: Bethel Annual Fall Retreat at Rocky Mt.Menn.Camp.
 October 26, 1986: "Guess Who's Coming for Dinner"
1987:
January 18, 1987 Baptisms: Wayne Ballantine, Andrea 
Buller, Derek Christner,
 Kurt and Todd Troyer, Tracy Baughman. 

 May 13, 1987: Paul Byler dies.
   Obit Paul Byler 
Doug Swartzentruber writes in his 'Chairperson of the Church Report':
 During 1987, many ideas turn into reality: A Hospitality Committee, a Newsletter,
 a Long-Range Planning Committee.
 This year the final payment is made on the church mortgage.
 The Church Council recommends that the money formerly designated for the 
 mortgage be added to the Church Building Fund.

 The Board of Elders for 1987 consists of Merlin Gingerich, Carl
 Gusler, Irene Schrock and Loren Gingerich.

 In 1987 the Property Commission consists of Bryan Miller, Jim Miller, Mel Troyer.
 They complete a new PA system, a retaining wall on South Side of Fellowship
 Center, a new layer of rocks on the parking lot, new carpet in the church basement,
 painting the exterior of both buildings, new church sign.

 April 21,  1987: Goshen College Choir Program.
 June 8-12, 1987: Vacation Bible School.
 June 14,   1987: Outdoor Service and Brunch at Palmer Park.
 September 19-20, 1987: Beth-El Family Retreat at RMM Camp.

 Marriages:
 Aug  15, 1987: Debbie Miller and James Miller
 Sept 26, 1987: Beverly Guy and Rodger Weaver

 WMSC support thru MCC a Health Clinic for one year ($200), the training of six
 women in community health ($110), school kits for Bangladesh ($100).
 Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center is given $100.

 Primary SS Superintendents:
  Paula Brunk Kuhns (1986-87),
  Dianna Harms (1987-88),
  Sue Gillis (1987-88),
  Eleanor Bowman (1987-88).

 Adult SS Superintendent: Marvin Miller

 Membership on December 1,1987: Residents - 118,Non-residents - 24, 
  total - 142.
1988:
 Floyd Miller writes in his 'Chairman of the Church Council Report':
 In March 1988 there is good discussion and agreement that the church would
 benefit from a Photo Album Directory.
 The Hospitality Commission is giving leadership for the project  and Bryan
 Miller has finished the photo sessions.

 Barb Daugherty directs the choir for our annual Christmas program on
 December 11, 1988.

 The Property Commission (Bryan Miller, Dan Gillis, Jim Miller, Mel
 Troyer) has a shorter improvement list than the previous year of 1987:

 Replacing the church foyer carpeting, placing protective film on the west foyer
 windows, completing new sign installation, replacing  sidewalk sections.
 Oct 24 and 31, 1987: Painting of exterior of Fellowship Center.
 Jan 10, 1988: Jim and Susan Jantzen sharing of MCC in Chad.
 May 22, 1988: Wedding shower for Chuck and Judy Kanagy (Wedding on June 18, 1988).

Beth-El issues a pictorial directory which contains the following names:
 Ballentine (Tommy, Wayne), Barnes (Rick, Ryan, Teresa, Melissa), Bartel 
 (Susan, Allen, Megan, Nathan), Baughman (Joni, Tracy), Bender (Sally, Merwin),
 Boggan (Vincenta S.), Bowman (Eleanor, Becky, Bob), Brunk (Frank, Bea),
 Buller (Arlin, Andrea, Anthony, Maretta), Burkholder (Ray, Duane, David, Philip,
 Jason, Eileen), Christner (Leo, Derek, Phyllis), Daugherty (Barbara, Matthew, 
 Kristen, Dale), De la Rosa (Mark, Stuart, Philip, Ian), Denny (Chad, 
 Wendy, Sharron, Jack), Derstine Miller (Jodi, Bryan), Dieck (Ann, Marguerite),
 Egli (Sara), Freed (Marge), Gingerich (Jeffrey, Merlin, Jason, Amber, Phyllis), 
 Grimm (Bill, Kathie, Mikaela, Harrison), Gusler (Kay, Carl, Jay),
 Harms (Richard, Mary, Susan, Philip, Dianna), Hartzler (Neil, Jennifer, Andrea,
 Verla), Hill (Sara, Stan, Natasha, Karen), Jantz (Wallace, Sylvia),
 Kanagy (Judy, Chuck), Kanagy (Willis), Keller (Marcy, Mike, Tyler),
 Kinsell (Clinton, Heidi, Travis, Gloria), Kinsinger (Dottie, Kara, Phil),
 Klopfenstein (Miriam), Kratz (Mary), Kremer (Russ, Debbie), Kuhns (Bruce, Marcos,
 Paula), Leasher (Joyce, Doug), Leinbach (Karen), Marner (Lois), Martens (Kent, 
 Des), McElmurry (Elsie), Miller (Floyd, Edy), Miller (Kris, Jim), 
 Miller (Reyna), Miller (Tony), Miller (Vi, Rachel, Marvin, Sharon), 
 Mitchell (Larene), Morehead (Theona Bell), Needles (Martha), Needles (Patricia),
 Nyce (Cleon, Mari An) Nyce (Greg), Pankratz (Bob, Kathy), 
 Reil (Martha, Delmer), Roth (Mike, Tammy, Kyle), Rychener (Laurie, Brent),
 Sharp (Janet, Roy, Arnie, Doug), Shetler (Bea, Diane, Francis), Stjernholm (Vera,
 Bill), Stump (John), Swartzendruber (Douglas E., Douglas A.,Rachel, Nick, 
 Rhonda), Troyer (Dorothy, Tim, Kurt, Mel), Troyer (Millie, Todd, Tina, Tylar,
 Terry), Unruh (Lyonell), Unzicker (Carl, Arleta), Vendrely (Ann, Pat),
 Weaver (Beverly, Rodger), Wray (Dan, Rhonda), Yeackley (Evelyn, Ray)

March 20, 1988: Matilda Kanagy dies.
   Obit Matilda Kanagy 
June 26, 1988 Baptisms: Jack Denny, Wendy Denny.

Oct 23, 1988: Allen and Bernelle Kanagy talk about the work with
 Wycliffe Bible Translators in Brazil.
 
Karen Leinbach submits the Church Historian's report.
1989:
 Floyd Miller in his Chairman of the Church Council 
 Report writes: It has been suggested to consider rearranging our 
 Sunday services to have Sunday School first.

 Marriages:
  June 24, 1989: Tony Unzicker and Carol Snyder.
  Sept 30, 1989: Brad Schrock and Katrina Esch.

 Nov.12, 1989: Peter J.Dyck speaks in the a.m. service on "How do Mennos love" 
 In 1989, pastor Cleon Nyce has a dream of a Self Help Store. A committee is
 called respresenting Beth-El, First Church, and Mountain Community Church
 which begins feasibility discussions. Each church consents and contributes 
 $1500 toward start-up costs. Jan Preheim and Edy Miller go to MCC Akron PA
 for orientation to get the store started. A Board is assembled with members
 from each of the three churches. Brent Rychener consents to be Chairman.
 His attorney status is a great help.

Membership on December 1,1989:Residents - 117;non-residents - 27,
 total - 144.
December 6, 1989: Myrtle Friesen dies.
   Obit Myrtle Friesen

1990:
 The Board of Elders (Richard Harms, Marvin Miller, Neil Hartzler, 
Karen Hill) report:
 - The 1990 Fall Bible Conference features Erland Waltner leading us 
   in a Spirituality/Scripture seminar.
 - Wednesday evening 'Prayer and Praise' services initiated. 
   Attendance average 15 to 25.
 - The congregation votes to celebrate communion each quarter.

 January.28, 1990: Baptism service for Jennifer Hartzler, Sara 
 Hill, Jason, David and Philip Burkholder, Philip and Mary Harms, Heidi Kinsell.

 March 1990: A Self Help Store Steering Committee is organized 
consisting of Edy Miller, Chair; Vileen Hostetler, Secr., Jana Preheim, Treasurer.

 March 8-10, 1990: Stan and Marlene Kropf lead seminars for the 
  three Mennonite churches in the area.
 March 13, 1990: Marvin Miller is hired as the Self Help store 
  manager beginning September 1990.
 April 1, 1990: It is announced at Beth-El that the name for the
  Self-Help Store is "Friends of the World Market Place".
 May 20, 1990: Stan Hill has collected personal stories of Alternate 
  Service and Voluntary Service from people at Beth-El. 
  Copies will be available entitled "Stories of Peace and Service",
  125 pages. A copy is available for $3.50. 
  The following people contribute their "Stories of Peace and Service":
   Frank Brunk, Arlin Buller, Maretta Buller, Glen Crago, Richard Harms, Neil Hartzler,
  Stan Hill, Willis Kanagy, Bob King, Mary Kratz, Floyd Miller, Marvin Miller,
  Violet Miller, Vernon Reeb, Roy Sharp, Ed and Irene Schrock, Doug Swartzentruber,
  Dorothy Troyer, Terry Troyer, Lyonell Unruh, Arleta Unzicker, Ray Yeackley.

  In June 1990 "Friends of the World Market Place" store is opened
   in the Circle Mall close to Beth-El.
   We depend on all volunteer management and workers for the best part 
   of the year. Carol Crippen and Edy Miller order merchandise, Carol 
   sets up bookkeeping and tries to acquaint the public with our store presence.
  June 17, 1990: Friends of the World Market Place potluck celebration.

   As soon as MCC had sent our first shipment for the Self Help store they quit 
  importing anything for one year so they could clear out old stock from their
  warehouse. This is frustrating since good items cannot be reordered, especially
  for the Christmas season. The economy in this area is also going through a
  slump and hurting sales. Carol and Edy try to keep sales going and advertise on
  radio, TV, local newspapers, going to Craft Fairs, speaking to church and civic 
  groups.
 
 June 27, 1990: Ed and Irene Schrock share about their two week workcamp in Bolivia.
 July 15, 1990: Phil and Dorcas Benner share about their work with
  Wycliffe Bible Translators.

 Membership: 1981
  - Resident:  115
 Membership: 1984
  - Resident:  116
  - Other:      31                   total 147
 Membership: 1985
  - Resident   114
  - Other       23                   total 137
 Membership: 1986
  - Resident   110
  - Other       23                   total 133
 Membership: 1987
  - Resident   118
  - Other       24                   total 142
 Membership: 1988
  - Resident   122
  - Other       29                   total 151
 Membership: 1989
  - Resident   117
  - Other       27                   total 144

 Nov 4, 1990: Erland Waltner speaks at three sessions.

Church organization and Committee Appointments for 1990:
 
Council Chairperson: Floyd Miller
Treasurer: Janelle Diller
Secretary: Verla Hartzler
Elders: Rich Harms, Marvin Miller, Karen Hill, Neil Hartzler
Property: Dan Gillis, Mel Troyer, Bob King, Terry Troyer
Christian Education: Edy Miller
Family Life: Ann & Pat Vendrely, Sylvia Jantz, Brent & Laurie
  Fulle-Rychener, Teresa Barnes
Worship: Mary Kratz, Reyna Miller, Dale Daugherty, Jennifer 
  Hartzler, Ed Schrock, Doug Swartzentruber, Judy Kanagy
MYF Coordinators: Jack & Sharron Denny, Carl & Kay Gusler
Hospitality: Irene Schrock, Chuck Kanagy, LaVern Kauffman
Tellers: Karen Leinbach, Sharron Denny, Jim Miller, Leo Christner
Church Librarians: Dorothy Troyer, Mari An Nyce
Church Historian: Karen Leinbach
Audit Committee: Jack Denny, Stan Hill
Conference Delegates: Susan Bartel, Arlin Buller, Church Treasurer
  and one Elder
Custodians: Mike & Tammy Roth
Beth-El Secretary: Bea Shetler

   Into the Future: Beth-El in the 1990s:
1991:
 Jan 27, 1991: Report by Arlin and Andrea Buller on trip to USSR 
  with an international Mennonite Choir.
  
 February 22, 1991: Ernest Gillis dies.

   Obit Ernest Gillis 
 Stanley G.Hill writes in his 'Chair of the Church Council Report':
 The Persian Gulf war occupies much of our thoughts and prayers.

 May 3-5, 1991: Beth-El hosts the Annual Assembly of the Rocky 
  Mountain Conference.
 A Mission Statement is adopted by the congregation.

 June 30, 1991: Allen and Bernelle Kanagy, with Wycliffe Bible 
  Translators in Brazil, speak.
 
September 1991: After Marvin Miller's year of management of the Self Help
 store Carol Crippen and Edy Miller take over again and want to add second
 hand items to keep the store afloat, but the Board and volunteers object. 
The idea is launched to rent a double booth in a new craft store that is 
just opening. The Board consents to close the Self Help store, and the 
craft store booth is run for two years until it is not paying for itself 
either. In 1993 it is decided to dissolve the business and sell whatever 
is left at cost. Enough money is left to return the $1500 to each church,
and the Board decides to give Edy and Carol each $1000 for the 4 years 
they have put into the effort. Edy and Carol still believe that they had 
been able to sell thrift items like most other stores. Although the Self 
Help store failed, it is able to contribute thousands of $ to the MCC 
effort just by ordering from developing countries.

 Oct 7, 1991: 92nd Birthday open house for Willis Kanagy.

New members in 1991:
Baptisms: Lesa Kauffman, Zahra Kitson, Anthony Buller Timothy Troyer, Rachel Miller.
Transfer: Harvella Stutzman.
Confession of Faith: Bell Morehead, Vickie Altstaedter.
1992:
 Stanley Hill writes in his Chair of the Church Council Report:
 A computer is purchased for the church office, thanks largely due to 
 Bryan Miller for research. Bea Shetler is currently learning how to 
 use the computer with guidance from Bryan.

 Jan.2-4, 1992: Work project with Harrisonville MO church.
 March 7, 1992: Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, 7:30 p.m.
 June 10-14, 1992: Work project in Chinle, AZ.
 July 12, 1992: Commissioning for Ed & Irene Schrock, leaving for India.
1993:
 Carl Gusler writes in his 'Interim Congregation Chairman's Report':
 The benchmark events in the life of Beth-El congregation in the last  year include:
  
 1. The resignation of pastor Cleon Nyce, effective September 30, 1993.
 2. The opening merger conversations with First Mennonite Church in 
     October 1993 at their request,
 3. Conversations with Marlin Thomas that give members of the 
    congregation an opportunity to reviewe the history of the 
    congregation.
 4. The renovation of the sanctuary and the fellowship center to 
    improve  wheel chair accessibility.

The merger committee consists of four volunteers from each congregation -
Beth-EL: Jack Denny, Vern Kauffman, Clifford King, Bryan Miller;
First: Renee Richardson, Ray Beggs, Leonhard Ernst, Carol Crippen.

January 30, 1993: Peter H. Friesen dies.
   Obit Peter H.Friesen

July 30, 1993: Kathryn - Mrs.Lawrence Miller dies.
   Obit Kathryn Miller

New members 1993:
Baptisms: Larry Lopez, Douglas Swartzentruber, Nick Swartzentruber.
Transfer: Clifford & Mona Bebe King.
1994:
 Jerry Martin writes in his 'Congregational Chair's Report':
 In February 1994 the Merger Committee completes an extensive study and 
 reports on joining with First Mennonnite Church. We did not merge, but our
 congregation benefits from reflection about purpose and goals.
 
Church organization and commission appointments 1994:
 
Church council: Marlin Thomas, Interim Pastor; Jerry Martin, Chairperson;
  Marvin Miller, Treasurer; Sharron Denny, Secretary; Plus one of the
  following commissions - Elders, Worship/Music, Family Life, MYF,
  WMSC, Christian Education, Church Property.
 
Elders: Mary Kratz, Doug Swartzentruber, Dale Daugherty.
 
Christian Education Commission: Gloria Kinsell and Sharron Denny,
  Primary and Adult Superintendents.
 
Worship/Music Commission: Amy Flory, Chairperson; Barbara Daugherty,
  Wendy Denny, Karen Hill, Sharon Miller.
 
Family Life Commission: Cliff King, Chair Person: Vickie 
  Altstaetter, Arlin Buller, Mona Bebe King, Jeanette Hertzler 
  Martin, Carl & Arleta Unzicker.
 
Church Property Commission: Dan Gillis, Chairperson; Mel & Terry Troyer

 October 9, 1994: Vera Ernst dies.
   Obit Vera Ernst
 
New members 1994:
Baptisms: Janet Voth, Nathan Gillis, Travis Kinsell.
Tranfers: Brent & Laurie Fulle Rychener, Hugh & Vera Ernst, Hazel Hedrick, Suzie Hawkins.
1995:
 Jerry Martin writes in his 'Administrative Elder Report':
 In late September 1995 we say good-bye to pastor Marlin and Jan 
  Thomas after two years of interim ministry. 
 At the same time we welcome pastor Merv, Venita, Kara, J.J. and Andrea Birky.

Vera Stjernholm dies on July 14, 1995.
    Obit Vera Stjernholm

New members 1995 by Transfer:
Earl & Roberta Ernst from First MC; Willard & Hettie Conrad from First MC;
Nancy Roth; Merv & Venita Birky (Kara, Jonathan).
1996:
 Willard Conrad takes over as church historian from Frank Brunk.

Suzie Hawkins (now living in Steamboat Springs) reports that she purchased the 
Ute Path Motel in Manitou Springs in April 1990 and sold it in April 1996. 
Many vacationing Amish had traditionally stayed there for about 100 years, 
mostly in July, August. There were times when as many as 300 Amish were in 
church on Sunday who met in a special plain room on the river and which they 
had helped build at the motel over the years.
Phyllis Bowen who sold Suzie the motel had owned it for 32 years, told her that 
the Amish were her life. The Amish came to Manitou Springs from all over the 
Amish world: PA, OH, IN, IL, NE, KY, KS, MT, IA, AR, OR, MN, WI, ON, PQ. 
Many came from Kansas, mostly from the Hutchinson area.

New members 1996:
Baptisms: Sharon Miller, Laura Souder, Nathan Bartel, Rachel Swartzentruber, Tina Troyer.
Transfers: Russel & Judy Conrad; Mary Yoder from Kalona IA.
1997:
 Willis Kanagy, building contractor for the Beth-El church and resident in 
Manitou Springs for 62 years, dies in Orville OH on 
July 8, 1997. He was born in Champaign Co.,OH on October 7, 1899.
   Obit Willis Kanagy

 January 30, 1997: Lilly Gillis dies.

   Obit Lilly Gillis  

New members:
Baptisms: Lauren Gillis, Melissa Hostetler, Annie Ramler, Kathleen Rapp, Lynn Unruh.
Confession of Faith: Eulala Pegram.
Transfers: Jim & Karen Hathaway, Brian & Jennifer Leatherman, Ron & Roseann Sachs,
 Merle & Nancy Souder.
1998:
 Carl Gusler writes in his 'Administrative Elder Report':
 The children's story in our morning service now has a regular attendance of 
20-30 children. The membership of the congregation has begun to age. Some 
college students are in church-related schools, but many are not. All of these 
events are occuring in a building that has achieved its maximum potential.

 Librarian Harvella Stutzman writes: Some magazines are available 
  for your reading: The Mennonite, Mennonite Weekly Review.
 "Mennonite Life" and "Mennonite Quarterly Review" will be available 
  for checkout. If they are not widely used we will not renew the 
  expensive subscriptions.

Sept. 17, 1998: Hugh Ernst dies.
   Obit Hugh Ernst 

 New members in 1998: 
Baptisms: Clay Allison, Marija Dubrick, Josephine Jones, Jeff Souder.
Transfers: Lisa Birky, Diana & Randy DePry, Adalbert & Bärbel Goertz 
from Waynesboro, Pa., Bob & Fern Groff, Bob & Carol Brunk Harnish, Elva Miller,
 Sharon L.Miller, Rod Pauls, Katherine & Ed Rempel. 
1999:
Apr 30 - May 2,1999: Beth-El hosts the Annual Assembly of the 
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Conference. 

July 24, 1999: Larene Mitchell dies.
   Obit Larene Mitchell. 

On November 12, 1999 Beth-El purchases property at Union and Garden 
 Ranch for the future site of Beth-El Mennonite Church.
 Doug Swartzendruber writes for the Relocation Steering Commitee:
 Special thanks go to Irene Schrock and Jerry Martin for being part of the 
 Relocation Oversight Group, to Bryan Miller and the Finance Group, to Lyonell 
 Unruh and the Concept Design Group, to Dan Gillis and Brad Brunk for their 
 committment to the project, to Merv Birky and the Elders for their support and 
 contributions, and to Brent Rychener for the numerous legal documents and 
 banking activites he takes care of. 
The Mennonite Women Executive Committee consists of Edy Miller, Eulala Pegram, 
 Sue Gillis, Millie Troyer, Tammy Roth, and Laurie Rychener. 
 There is an average attendance of 23 ladies.
Closing: Beth-El becomes the owner of the 'Menno Corner' at Union and Ranch.

Theona Belle Morehead dies on June 22, 1999.
   Obit Theona Belle Morehead 

New Members in 1999:
Baptisms: Rebekah De Pry, Megan Bartel, Leah Rapp.
 2000 
  March 19:
Willard and Hettie Conrad: Farewell and Reflection on their Pastoral Years.
 Adalbert Goertz takes over Willard's job as church historian. 

  April 1: Hazel (Switzer) Headrick, age 96, dies.
   Obit Hazel Headrick

  April 4:
Jess Kauffman passes away in Sarasota FL at age 89. He was the founding pastor
 (1956-1958) of Beth-El and founder in 1950 of Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.
In 1951-1956 he pastored First Mennonite Church on the Westside. 
He was born at Kenmare, ND on March 15, 1911 and moved to Cheraw CO in 1920. 
In 1934 he was ordained minister at East Holbrook Mennonite Church. 
In 1942 he went to Hesston College. After WWII he built a portable meat canner 
which traveled to Mennonite farm communities preserving beef to be sent overseas 
for MCC. This program is still in operation today.
In 1979 he retired near Brooksville FL and was active in prison ministry. 
He authored "A Vision and a Legacy: The Story of Mennonite Camping, 1920-1980". 
  
 December 21, 2000: Glen W. Crago, minister (1983-1984) dies in Little Rock AR. 
 He was born on July 24, 1925 near Millbury OH  and had a Church of the Brethren
 background.

New members 2000:
Transfers: Robert & Linda Koch; Bob & Fern Shetter Groff.
Confession of Faith: Lesa Schrock Snyder.

Beth-El Organization 2000:
 
Elder Council:
 Pastor, Merv Birky;
 Elders: Carl Gusler (Admin.), Jim Hathaway, Kathrine Rempel,
  Dorothy Troyer, Clint Kinsell, Karen Leinbach (Secr.), Brent
  Rychener (Treas.).
 
Christian Education Ministry:
 Ministry Coordinators: Arleta Unzicker, Jodi Derstine Miller.
 Elder Contact: Katherine Rempel.
 Prim.Superintendents: Sharron Denny, Gloria Kinsell.
 Sunday School Records: Vern Kauffman, Mike Roth.
 Periodicals Distributor: Bea Shetler.
 Library Coordinators: Harvella Stutzman, Eulala Pegram, Kathleen Rapp.
 
Member Care Ministry: Bärbel Goertz, Harvella Stutzman, Vi Miller.
Elder Contact: Dorothy Troyer.
Coffee & Donuts Coordinator: Joni Baughman.
Brotherhood Fund: Elder Council.
Mennonite Ministries:
Elder Contact: Clint Kinsell.
MDS Representative: Arlin Buller.
MMA Advocates: Vern & Esther Kauffman.
Missions Communicator: Ed Schrock.
Mennonite Weekly Review Reporter: Cliff King.
Rocky Mountain Camp Advocate: Vickie Altstaetter.
 
Ministry of Mennonite Women:
 Elder Contact: Dorothy Troyer.
 President: Eulala Pegram.
 Vice-President: Esther Kauffman.
 Secretary/Treasurer: Kay Gusler.
 Literature/Correspondence: Wendy Evans Denny.
 Kitchen Supervisor: Bea Shetler.
 Shower Coordinator: Joni Baughman.
 Quilt Committee: Harvella Stutzman, Phyllis Christner, Wendy 
 Evans Denny, Laurie Fulle Rychener.
 
Property Ministry
 Coordinator: Vern Kauffman, Brian Leatherman, Lyonell Unruh.
 Elder Contact: Jim Hathaway.
 Custodians: Mike & Tammy Roth.
 
Spiritual Care Ministry
 Coordinator: Mary Kratz.
 Elder Contact: Jim Hathawsay, Bob Harnish, Willard & Hettie 
 Conrad, Jim & Karen Hathaway, Cliff King.
 MYF Prayer Partners: Mary Kratz.
 Mentoring (6-8 grades): Laurie Fulle Rychener & Rhonda Wray.
 
Welcoming Ministry
 Coordinators: Venita Birky & Jeanette Martin.
 Elder Contact: Kathrine Rempel.
 Greeter Coordinator: Patti Brunk.
 Bread Coordinator: Mona Bebe King.
 
Worship Ministry
 Coordinator: Merv Birky, Bob Koch, Sara Hill, Irene Schrock.
 Drama Coordinator: Dan Wray.
 PA System Coordinator: Eric Desch.
 Usher Coordinator: Ed Schrock.
 Nursery Coordinator: Lyonell & Lynn Unruh.
 
Youth Ministry
 MYF Coordinators: Dan & Sue Gillis, Bryan & Jodi Miller.
 Elder Contact: Clint Kinsell.
 Co-Officers: Megan Bartel, Kristen Daugherty, Leah Rapp.
 Junior Youth Coordinators: Diana DePry; Laurie Fulle Rychener.
 
Other Ministries
 Building Design Group - Co-Chairs: Carl Gusler, Jerry Martin.
 Committees: Cliff King (Christian Edcuation); Josie Jones (Welcoming);
 Eulala Pegram (Mennonite Women); Vern Kauffman (Property); Harvella Stutzman (Member Care);
 Merv Birky (Worship); Floyd Miller & Eric Desh (Members-At-Large).
 Relocation Finance Group: Bryan Miller, Merle Souder, Judy Kanagy, Chad Denny.
 
 Teller Coordinator: Francis Shetler
   Tellers: Karen Hathaway, Karen Leinbach, Marvin Miller, 
     Tammy Roth, Ed Schrock.
 
 Church Historian: Adalbert Goertz.
 Auditor: Bonnie Gingerich.
 Interfaith Hospitality Network - Coordinator: Sharron Denny.
 Beth-El Office Secretary: Jeanette Hertzler Martin.

 Membership: 1991
 - Resident:  120
 - Other:      28                   total 148
 - Budget Receipts 1991: $82,783.
 
 Membership: 1992
 - Resident   120
 - other       32                   total 152
 - Budget Receipts 1992: $73,093.

 Membership: 1993                   total 148
 
 Membership: September 30, 1994:    total 150
 - Budget Receipts 1994: $75,520.

 Membership:   October 31, 1995:    total 145
 - Budget Receipts 1995: $93,150.

 Membership:   November 1, 1996:
 - Resident:  108
 - Other       37                   total 145
 - Budget Receipts 1996: $107,646.

 Membership:   November 1, 1997:
 - Resident   118
 - Other       41                   total 159
 - Budget Receipts 1997: $110,676.

 Membership:   October 31, 1998:
 - Resident:  125
 - other       48                   total 173
 - Budget Receipts 1998: $126,496.

Membership:   October 31, 1999:    total 174
 - Budget Receipts 1999: 130,034.
 
Membership:   October 31, 2000:    total 173
 - Budget Receipts 2000: 137,984.

February 4, 2000: Ray Yeackley dies.
   Obit Ray Yeackley

   Into the New Millennium: Beth-El after 2000
 2001
New members 2001:
Transfers: Peter & Deborah Beug from MCMC on June 10, 2001.
 
Membership:   October 31, 2001:    
- Resident:   125
- other:       47                   total 172
- Budget Receipts 2001: $139,328.
 2002
 June 4, 2002: Sara Hill leaves for Bila Tserkva, Ukraine,
 where she will serve to develop a village for the  handicapped and orphaned.

 August 26, 2002: Marguerite Dieck dies.
   Obit Marguerite Dieck  

 November 7, 2002:60th Wedding anniversary of Wayne & Miriam Klopfenstein.
 December 10, 2002: Martha Needles is 95 years old.

New members in 2002:
Baptism: Matthew Daugherty on September 29, 2002.
Transfers: Ben & Martha Eberly, Nelson & Ruth Brunk.
 
Membership:   October 31, 2002:    
- Resident:   120
- other:       55                   total 175
- Budget Receipts 2002: $130,798.
 2003
 May 29, 2003: The Peter Beug family leave for the Gleaners, 
  a service  assignment in Oliver, B.C. Canada.

 Delmer Reil dies on January 25, 2003, age 85.
   Obit Delmer Reil

 June 8, 2003: Allan & Susan Bartel, former RMMCamp director,
   move to North Newton KS for a position at Bethel College.
 June 27, 2003: Marvin & Vi Miller leave for 1 year in Washington DC 
   to serve as host and hostess of the Mennonite International Guesthouse.  

Membership:   October 31, 2003:    
- Resident:     115
- other:         63            total 178
- Budget Receipts 2003: $132,240.
 2004 
Earl Ernst dies on December 15, 2003, born on January 
16, 1921 in Thurman, Colorado.
   Obit Earl Ernst 

Organists include: 
Barbara Daugherty, Bea Shetler, Sara Hill, Mary Kratz, Rachel Zoller.
 
Music teams include:
Bryan & Jodi Miller, Kevin Wilder, Karen Hill, Don & Anne Ramler,
Bruce & Paula Kuhns, Karla Rowley, Shane & Kara Stutzman, Nate Gillis, Elva Miller.
 
Membership:   October 31, 2004:    
- Resident:     123
- other:         46           total 169
- Budget Receipts 2004: $148,346.
 2005 
Membership:   October 31, 2005:
- Resident:     115
- other:         55            total 170
- Budget Receipts 2005: $156,358.

 Relocation:
 - at Union & Ranch
 - a facility large enough to extend ministries to more people,
   and be a viable size for those ministries to be effective.
 - Continue the ministries of worship and nurture,
 - expanding them to more persons as we grow,
   including programs specific to all ages.
 - Interfaith Hospitality Network.
 - Training for persons to be involved in variety of ministries
   throughout the city and the world.

 List from the financial sheet distributed by the Relocation Group:
 - Send a mission team to help Farmington NM church build new facility.
 - Create a Center for Peace & Reconciliation in Colorado Srpings,
 - offering information,
 - seminars, training and other ministries.
 - Contribute to the Kegali MC for their new wood and time building.
 - Staff and house a preschool as part of a new community outreach
    program.
 - Become a home base for church planting
 - establishing other Mennonite Churches in Colorado Springs.
 - Spanish language services.
 - Network of small groups.
 - All of which takes involvement and energy & resources from each of us.

 NOT: What will it do for me?  What can I get out of this?  Does it
   provide what I want for my family?

 RATHER: What gifts and resources has God entrusted to me for 
 use in the mission of the kingdom and this church to be a channel
  of healing and hope in Colorado Springs and in the world?

 God has richly blessed this congregation with the Spirit's presence, with the 
 opportunity to be a part of the work of the kingdom for 40+ years, with people 
 and resources to continue that ministry into the future. Let us give thanks
 to God for the blessings we have experienced.

Cliff remarks about communion:
 
1)  In my early years in the 40's, communion was held two times a year with an
 "examining time" by the ministers before we could partake of communion.
 
2)  At Beth-El when we first started attending in 1962 they were already having 
 communion four times a year, which I think was a good move.
 
3)  A significant change at Beth-El is that we welcome anyone who confesses Jesus
 Christ as Lord is invited to partake of communion.
 Communion is not made to be a test of membership. We practice "open" communion, 
 not "closed" communion as some groups still do.
 
4)  A most memorable communion time was in the late 60's or early 70's
 when we had a young Air Force cadet worship with us on Communion Sunday.
 I distinctly remember him lining up on the east wall with the group of
 men waiting to wash feet with someone.  Footwashing was then a part 
 of our communion service.
 
5) Jesus said that as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,
 you do show "the Lord's Death" till he come.  That phrase reminded me 
 of the scenes in the movie, THE PASSION OF CHRIST, of the awful pain and
 suffering that Christ went through for my sins. I will never forget that.
 
Cliff King.

December 28, 2005: Marvin Brubaker dies.
   Obit Marvin Brubaker

 2006 
On April 6, 2006: Our Women pay tribute to the following women who
 have been taken part in activities over the past 50 years:
 Ruth Diener (1895-1976), Martha Reil, Edna Brian, Elisabeth Shetter (1891-1984),
 Fern Groff (1917-2005), Hettie Conrad, Bea Brunk, Lucie E.Standish (1908-1984),
 Lena Davis, Lotis Charles, Elsie McMurry, Martha Needles, Hazel Switser 
 Headrick (1904-2000), Larene Mitchell (1905-1999), Kathryn Miller (1915-1993), 
 Mabel Conrad, Ann Dieck, Marguerite Dieck (1930-2002), Myrtle Friesen (1904-1989), 
 Luetta Brenneman, Jan Thomas, Florence Crago, MariAn Nyce, Ruth Anna Otto,
 Vera Stjernholm (1922-1995), Matilda Kanagy (1898-1988), Bernelle Kanagy,  
 Dorcas Benner, Leona Huscher (1929-1968), Ardis King, Sylvia Jantz, Mary Cooke 
 (1904-1977), Lilly Gillis (1907-1997), Kendra Cross, Hildegard Miller.
 
January 22, 2006: Andy & Angelica Prins, workers in North Africa,are new members
May 28, 2006: Commissioning, Blessing of the Andy Prins Family, returning 
 to the work in North Africa. 

July 30, 2006 - Final Service at 1219 Yuma:
Cutting out the Cornerstone begins at 8:30 a.m.
Contents behind the Cornerstone is removed at 9:15 a.m.
Contents is also announced during the service. (Contents is empty).
 
Blessings and Hope
 
Worship Leader: Merv Birky.
Music Team: Bruce Kuhns, Bea Shetler, Barba Daughterty, Bryan Miller, Anne Ramler
Sharing of memories and hopes. You have opportunities to share memories of 
God's blessings experienced here, and hopes of the future.
Litany and Departure.
Blessing to Deliverance Tabernacle Holiness Church.
Message: "Good Plans"
Offertory: Evan Koch.
 
Last Week: Worship Attendance: 121
          Offerings: $3,752- General Fund; $12,834.73 Building Fund
 
Our Thanks to
Children's Worship: MYF, Kara Stutzman
Greeters for July:Nelson & Ruth Brunk
Ushers: Leo Christner, Ed Schrock, Mel Troyer, Alts:Chad Denny,Dan Gillis.
Sound Operator: Nathan Gillis
 
Pastor: Merv Birky
Administrative Elder; Clint Kinsell
Other Elders: Ben Eberly, Rhonda Wray, Bob Harnish, Jody Miller
Secretary: Jeanette Martin
 



    Listing of Beth-El Ministers:

  1 Jess Kauffman (1911-2000)                Nov 18, 1956 - Sep 7, 1958
     Obit Jess Kauffman 
  2 Henry Benner (interim)                   Sep 14, 1958 - Feb 1, 1959
  3 Paul Wittrig (1905-1985,from Michigan)   Feb 15, 1959 - Feb 25, 1962
     Obit Paul Wittrig 
  4 Earl Yeackley (1915-1978,Interim, from Thurman CO) 
                                             Mar 11, 1962 - Nov 18, 1962
     Obit Earl Yeackley 
  5 Clifford King (Interim)                  Dec  9, 1962 - Jun 30, 1963
  6 Darrel Otto                              Jul  7, 1963 - Jul 28, 1968
  7 Harvey Mitchell (1905-1986)              Dec 15, 1968 - Feb 28, 1971
     Obit Harvey Mitchell
  8 Clifford King / Glenn Fink (Interim)     Mar  7, 1971 - May 30, 1971
  9 Calvin K.King                            Jun  6, 1971 - Jul 25, 1976
 10 Wesley Jantz  (Interim, today at Schowalter 
         Villa, Hesston KS)                  Aug - Sep 1976
     Obit Wesley Jantz 
 11 John Gingerich (Interim, (1900-1983)     Oct 1976 - Apr 3, 1977
     Obit John Gingerich 
 12 Darrel Otto (Interim)                    Jun 1977 - Dec 4, 1977
         Golden Wedding anniversary 2001
 13 Cliff King (Board Chair)                 Dec 1977 - Apr 1978
 14 Willard Conrad (today at Schowalter     
         Villa, Hesston KS)                  May 1978 - Apr 24, 1983
    Tim Detweiler (Youth Pastor)             1981 - Oct 1982
    Orval Gingerich (Youth Minister)         Sep 1978 - Aug 10, 1980
 15 Glen Crago (Interim,1925-2000)           May  1, 1983 - Aug 26, 1984
     Obit Glen Crago 
 16 Cleon Nyce (1932-2003)                   Sep  2, 1984 - Sep 26, 1993
     Obit Cleon Nyce
 17 Marlin Thomas (Interim)(1940-2007)       Oct  3, 1993 - Sep 1995
    Obit Marlin Thomas 
 18 Mervin Birky                             Sept 1995 -
 18 Ruth Penner from Wichita KS (Interim)    May 12 - August 11, 2002

 Credits: Merv Birky, Willard Conrad, Marge Freed, Cliff King, Irene Schrock, 
 Francis Shetler, Martha Ann Kanagy.

           Coordinating efforts: Adalbert Goertz, Church Historian.

 Beth-El Mennonite Church, 2625 Ranch Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80918.