The communit y
service at Mount Pulaski 175th anniversary
celebration was one of the highlights of the
entire weekend -- bringing together members
of all five local churches, their pastors,
their choir and band members, and a
congregation of over 400 men, women and
children.
Young and old were gathered in the
100-by-60-foot air-conditioned tent to hear
Pastor Mark Weber of First Christian make
introductory remarks with a "Statement of
Purpose," the Rev. Jeffrey Laible of St.
Thomas Aquinas giving the invocation, Pastor
Rachel Stockle of United Methodist reading a
passage from Scripture and Pastor Chris
Decker of Zion Lutheran giving a "Prayer of
Dedication." Pastor David Hofer of St.
John's provided the closing prayer and
benediction.
Claus Tanner, former longtime Mount
Pulaski Grade and High School instrumental
and vocal instructor, led his wonderfully
prepared community choir and band with "God
of Our Fathers," "Amazing Grace" and "Battle
Hymn of the Republic." Each rendition
received an enthusiastic applause, with a
rousing standing ovation at the end of the
service.
On Sunday, this wonderful ecumenical
gathering of 25-30 percent of Mount
Pulaskians under one roof was no doubt
further indication of the impact that the
founding town's fathers had with their
welcoming and embracing of all faiths into
the newly formed community 175 years ago.
A delicious potluck was enjoyed in the
other air-conditioned tent on the south side
of the square, with golf-cart shuttle
service being provided for the elderly.
[Text from
file submitted by Phil Bertoni; LDN] |
