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Christ Lutheran Church was originally organized as the first "Package Mission"
of the former American Lutheran Church. On September 4, 1950, Rev. Carl N. Busse
accepted a call from the Central District to become a home missionary in Wichita,
Kansas.
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Marie Pohlman and Pastor Carl Bussee
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A parsonage was purchased at 1721 North Chautauqua. Miss Marie Pohlmann, Parish Worker
for the central District, did preliminary work in the field here and assisted
Pastor Busse in mission work. The first service was held at the University of
Wichita on December 3, 1950, with a total of 53 persons in attendance. |
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Property for the church site was purchased at the northeast corner of 16th and Holyoke.
This property had a large white frame house on it known as Holyoke Hall, used for
Sunday School and fellowship. |
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Organizational planning started on February 28, 1951, at a meeting held at the Fairmount
Park Community House. A constitution was adopted, the first Council was elected, and
the name of the mission chosen: CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WICHITA, KANSAS.
On March 4, 1951, the Service of Organization was held in Holyoke Hall welcoming 34
adults and 19 children as charter members. Pastor Carl Busse was officially installed
as Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on April 29, 1951, by Rev. Clarence Hinkhouse,
Vice-President of the Central District. |
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The "ultra-modern" chapel which was to serve as the first unit of the
church, was designed by architects Ramey and Hines of Wichita, at a
construction cost of $20,000. Dedication services were held December 2 and
9, 1951. |
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Taking part in the dedication were Dr. E.G. Fritschel, District President;
Rev. C. Weber of Wymore, Nebraska; Rev. A. Roesner of Herington, Kansas;
and Rev. E. Norling of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Wichita. The congregation
assumed self-support on April 11, 1952. |
Dr. Fritchel, Pastor Bussee, and Pastor Weber |
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