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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.
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