| The harvest had been gathered - in
the fall of 1915 - and the people came together to offer thanks and
praise to God. In response to God's blessings, these people vowed to
begin the first Lutheran Congregation in the very center of Walton,
Nebraska. And their second decision was significant for that time. The
English language would be used - not German.
With the leadership of Rev. E. Bollman, a pastor of the General Synod of
the Lutheran Church, the Walton-area people came to the schoolhouse to
hold religious services and conduct a Sunday School. By the date of its
organization, January. 2, 1916, the new congregation stood at 49 charter
members. The constitution adopted on that same day reads, "The name of
this church shall be Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Walton, County
of Lancaster, State of Nebraska."
Immediately, steps were taken to build a place of worship. On land
donated by the Theodore and Lizzie Gierens family, ground was broken,
and the cornerstone laid on April 16, 1916. Still sealed in the
cornerstone are pictures, letters, a Lincoln newspaper, "the Lutheran"
magazine and a new 1916 penny.
In only four months construction was completed, and on August 27, 1916
the congregation moved in a procession from the schoolhouse to their new
place of worship. Singing "Holy, Holy, Holy," the members passed through
the open doors of Grace Lutheran Church and dedicated it to the glory of
God...
The building was erected at a cost of $ 7000 and was debt free on the
day of its dedication. Standing in the center of Walton, the church
continues to be a witness to the community of the Christian dedication
of the people of the church.
Grace Lutheran Church continues in its thanks and praise to God,
honoring and remembering those who have gathered in this place for so
many years. |
