Revised 9.21.10

1937     Louis Gerke and Otto Buesking approached Rev William Gustave Polack, who also had a cottage on Clear Lake, about holding services at the Lake. The eight founding families included Dr William and Iona (Gick) Polack, Louis and Ella Gerke, Otto and Pauline Buesking, Adolph and Ella Brueggeman, William and Bertha Dreyer, Fred and Corinne Gerke, Arnold and Minnie Koeneman and Otto and Clara Schoenherr. They were soon joined by Bertha Cobb, Mrs Ella Federspiel, Ed and Emma Miller, John and Vally Oehler and Herbert and Blanche Tonne.  The Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel Association was formed.  The Ft Wayne Pastoral Conference appointed Rev Paul Dannenfeldt as sponsor of the proposed congregation and he arranged for 48 year old Pastor Polack to be in charge of summer services to begin in 1938.

1938     The first service was held July 3, 1938 in the abandoned brick Community School on Route 120, 1 mile southwest of Clear Lake, (since razed) with 130 in attendance. Average attendance of the ten services held during July and August was 106 with choirs from the Ft Wayne area adding to the worship. The brick school building was on the corner of 120 and 700E and has since been torn down.  A Rev A Betz of Auburn led worship once a month in the winter but after 1938 winter services were only held sporadically until 1945. The first year the winter services were held in a small white Mormon Church at 120 and 725 E – the building burned down in 2001. The rent for both the church and the school house was $1 per use. 

1939     John and Vally Oehler donated several lots on the hill behind their grocery store on the south side of Clear Lake for a chapel. On March 30, 1939 in the home of Louis and Ella Gerke in Ft Wayne a decision was made to build a 30’X 40’ chapel with seating for 150. Arnold Koeneman prepared a plan and on April 15, 1939 they broke ground. “The people had a mind to work!” The basement was dug with a slip scraper. With largely volunteer labor, including a group of 29 carpenters and workers from Ft Wayne who came up the last weekend of April, the building progressed rapidly. Landscaping was furnished by the Koeneman family. On Sunday July 2, 1939 the chapel was dedicated.  Cost of the original building was $2,305.41 and $212.85 for furnishings!

GROUNDBREAKING APRIL 15, 1939

ONLY FIVE WEEKS LATER

1940     The Estey electro-pneumatic organ was dedicated in the first anniversary service on June 30. Pauline Buesking served as organist. People were encouraged bring their children and dress informally. Visitors were offered use of the picnic tables and grounds, dressing rooms and ready access to the beach.

1941     More ground was acquired and an outdoor public address system was installed to accommodate those who could not be seated indoors. Chairs were placed on a platform on the east of the building.  Every Saturday evening at 6 PM sacred music was broadcast over the lake.

1942     In recognition of his literary achievements, Valparaiso University conferred on Rev Polack the degree of Doctor of Letters. Concordia Publishing House published Dr Polack’s “Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal” a valuable source book on authors and hymns. Dr Polack was an outstanding educator, author, historian, poet and hymnologist. Nine of his translations (nos. 6,7,42,78,150,187,238,266 and 540) and three of his original works, (no 482, 510 (v 2&3) and 640) are in our red hymnal.

FOUNDING PASTOR GUSTOV POLACK

1943     Consideration was given to founding a Walther League Camp at the lake. Gas rationing kept some from often coming to the lake. A girl’s sextet was formed consisting of Lois Dreyer, Carol Ernsting, Bev Koeneman, Carolyn Meyer, Shirley Ann Preuss and Ruth Strasser.  On July 4^th the huge rugged outdoor cross and the painting of Christ preaching from the boat were dedicated. Two lots east of the chapel (61&62) were acquired for taxes of $14.72.

1944    

1945     Services were only held during the summer months until once-a-month ‘off season’ services were inaugurated in the fall of 1945, including Sunday School and Bible Class. The first Children’s Christmas program was held. Both a summer program and a winter group elected offices. The Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel Association (the summer group) owned the building. Each year the winter group would request the right to use the facility and it was formally granted. On July 1^st the gold lettering in the sanctuary, “The Lord is in His Holy Temple,” given by Mrs Bertha Cobb (later Zelt), was dedicated. Services at the chapel were broadcast over WGL in Ft Wayne.

1946     Pews were installed and summer Sunday School was begun using religious ‘sound’ films (one was in full color!)

1947     A vestry for the pastor was added to the west of the chancel “a small room similar to that on the east side.” The Ladies Aid Society was organized. A 100’ x 150’ donated plot across the street from the chapel was set aside as a cemetery (The 1947 minutes give credit to John Oehler who purchased the land from Arnold Koeneman to give to the association, but see note of 1954). An oil burning furnace was added.

1948     The stone altar, given in memory of Henry and Amelia Tonne was dedicated for use at outdoor services.  The basement was divided into a kitchen and a Sunday School room. On July 4, 1948 the congregation celebrated its 10^th anniversary with Dr O.P. Kretzmann, President of Valparaiso University preaching, and, in an afternoon service, honored Pastor Polack for ten years of service. The motto of the anniversary program: “The Church with the Message and the Welcome” An article for the tenth anniversary reported, “Throughout the summer months every pew is filled with children and adults for the 9:45 am Bible School and by 10:30 am when regular church service opens the chapel is filled and an overflow crowd is assembled on the lawn to join in the worship.” Average summer attendance for 13 services was 286.

1949     A heart warming series of sermons prepared by the shores of Clear Lake was published posthumously in 1950 under the title, Beside Still Waters and joined several volumes of poetry and works of history authored by Dr Polack. He also was well known for the hundreds of verses he wrote for greeting cards.

1950     Founding Pastor, Dr Polack died of a brain tumor on June 5^th and after a memorial service at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, a service was held at Clear Lake Chapel on June 7^th where he was buried in the newly dedicated cemetery (only the second to be buried there, the first being one day old Craig Kuntz.) In a letter to the congregation Arnold Koeneman expressed regret that “Dr Polack did not realize his greatest dream for the Chapel, to see it grow into a permanent year around congregation with a full time pastor.” A marble cross monument and chimes were given in his memory. 

The Rev Armin Oldsen, then professor at Valparaiso University, served his first season as summer preacher and accepted the association’s invitation to serve as summer pastor at Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel which he did for the next 28 years.

PASTOR ARMIN OLDSEN

1951     A summer parsonage on the East shore was acquired by the association for the price of $13,900 and Armin and Evelyn moved in with their four sons.  Armin Oldsen was selected as the speaker for the Lutheran Hour, a position he held for three years. His sermons were translated into 56 languages and broadcast throughout the world. Prof Henry Kumnick of Valparaiso University began serving as preacher for the congregation from September to May.

1952     Average summer Sunday attendance was 517. On Oct 28^th a constitution was signed by members of the winter group – the nucleus of what was to become a year round congregation. Monthly potlucks where the church’s business was conducted were held from September to May – a practice that was continued until 1968.  The congregation was using a Bohn organ. Ed Bohn of the Bohn organ company was a regular worshipper. Rolene Kaufman and Noreen Hess played the organ and piano for winter services.

1953     Average summer attendance had reached 500 and record attendance one Sunday was just short of one thousand. Often on Sundays throughout the 50’s and 60’s a different guest choir from Decatur, Defiance, Ft Wayne or Napoleon would provide special music and stay for a picnic and swim.

OVERFLOW SEATING

1954     Armin Oldsen called as pastor of St Paul Lutheran in Lakewood, Ohio but continued to serve the chapel as summer speaker in July and August. John Oehler claimed that he had purchased lots from Arnold Koeneman in 1947 for the purpose of donating them to the association but that Koeneman had not given him a deed but had instead deeded the property to the association for a cemetery. A settlement of $114 was paid to the Oehlers and a motion passed, “that John Oehler would no longer be considered the donor of the Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel Cemetery grounds.”

1955

1956     Rev Kumnick retired and moved to Arizona. The Bohn organ was repaired.. The year round parishioners voted to continue as a congregation.  Prof Oscar Walle of Concordia College, Ft Wayne served. A vote to decide to accept the Lutheran position on close communion was passed 13 yes, 6 no and 3 abstentions (triggering the resignation of the president of the association, Mark Kaufman.)

1957     Pastor Oldsen took a call to be director of Religious Education at Concordia High School, Ft Wayne and began serving Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel on a year round basis. The summer and winter group merged into one, with a new constitution.

1958     The mortgage on the parsonage was paid off and average summer attendance had risen to 605.

1959     The congregation considered building an outdoor pavilion north of the building in front of the outdoor altar to be built in sections as needed with each section to seat 300 people. Another suggestion was to build the pavilion west of the cemetery. New matching pulpit and lectern placed in sanctuary

1960     The plans for an outdoor pavilion were dropped in favor of an expansion of the church facility. A children’s choir was formed and sang for services for two years.

1961

1962     25^th Anniversary Season. A 10 foot addition to the north end of the chapel provided a new chancel, sacristy and lounge room; a redecorated sanctuary with indirect lighting and new carpeting; an indoor stairway to the basement on the northeast corner and added and enlarged rest rooms. The cost was $6,500. Louis Gehrke was chairman of the remodeling committee. Leroy Gehrke donated the electrical work and Otto W Bergman donated the plumbing.  Stained glass panels replaced the painting of Christ in the boat and formed the rear wall of the chancel and a decorative wood panel and two wood symbols IHS (Jesus) and XP (Christ) made by Harold Panning, shop teacher of Concordia High School were put in place. Mrs Buesking was recognized for 25 years as the church organist. The motto: “Let no one feel he is a stranger here.” Attendance at the anniversary service on July 29^th was 1248 with Armin Oldsen preaching and the choir of Bethlehem Lutheran of Ft Wayne providing special music. Minnie Koeneman donated an L shaped piece of property bordering the cemetery to the west and south. She also leased to the church (with an option to buy) a 100 X 200 foot piece of land to the west of that property. She later donated the land to the church (see note 1968).

1963     Stained glass windows on the street side of the chapel were given in memory of Dr G. W. Polack by his children and dedicated the last Sunday in August. The marble memorial cross in the cemetery was vandalized and repaired. An organ fund was begun. The front entrance was updated with new doors and an overhanging canopy. The congregation voted to give a tithe of its income to the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (opposed by some because earlier the then Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States did not support them as a start-up mission.)

1964     A recommendation for an outside pavilion for the east side of the church to “eliminate the need to carry so many chairs and so that worshipers might be able to see the minister” was discussed but abandoned in 1966. The practice of making copies of ‘Portals of Prayer’ available was begun.

1965     Pastor Oldsen accepted a call to be pastor of Trinity, Auburn but continued as speaker at Clear Lake Lutheran Chapel. He preached at 9 am in Auburn and then at 10:30 am at the lake. A new Baldwin organ at a cost of $2,200 was dedicated on July 13^th. Mrs Denver Eckert of Defiance contributed $1,500 of the cost. A winterized parsonage was purchased at 826 Clear lake Drive and the old parsonage sold. Lot 60 (east of church) was donated to the church by Dwight and Mary Hostetler.

1966     Winter attendance averaged over 100 for the first time. The possibility of bringing together the summer and winter groups was raised.

1967     New speaker system installed. Plans for a circular pavilion to the northwest of the chapel “in which all worshippers will be seated together surrounded by the beauty of God’s nature.” were considered and later abandoned.

1968     On August 31^st, 1968 the Clear lake Lutheran Chapel Association transferred ownership of all its property and grounds including the cemetery and parsonage to the Clear Lake Lutheran Church and after 31 years of work ceased to exist as a separate entity. Clear Lake Lutheran Church became a “fully established congregation” and Pastor Oldsen was installed as its first full time pastor. Two services were held (8:30 and 10:30am) “because of the “daylight savings time confusion.” A new winterized parsonage was purchased at 826 Lake Drive at a cost of $29,500. The extra 100’ of property west of the cemetery was donated to the church by the Koeneman family.

1969     On New Years day in a special service, a plaque was hung commemorating the transfer of all property of the Association to the congregation. On June 1^st a constitution with bylaws was adopted and the congregation incorporated as a self supporting congregation of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. The well system was replaced.

1970     A building committee presented three plans for remodeling. A “Cross Design” was chosen. A stairway to the basement at the street end of the church was also proposed as well as a roof over the door exiting to the east and a wood and glass screen at the rear of the nave.

1971     Major remodeling of the entrance, expansion of the nave with transepts to the east and west with beautiful stained glass windows by City Glass of Ft Wayne, an expanded chancel area to the north to form a cross shaped building, a stairway to the basement was added on the road side of the building, a new kitchen under the east wing, and a remodeled “fellowship hall” were completed at a cost of $75,000. Herman Muesing was the chairman of the building committee, the architect was John Dickerson and the General Contractor was the Behrmann Construction Company. The area under the west wing and chancel area was open and provided room for outdoor seating and picnic tables. A new natural gas furnace was installed and 21 new pews were purchased. The entire chapel was covered with aluminum siding and a high, white aluminum spire was placed on the old belfry tower. Wiring for the hard of hearing was also installed.  Herb and Blanche Tonne underwrote the entire cost of a new west entrance. A rededication service was held Sept 5, 1971 with the chancel choir of the St Paul Lutheran, Defiance . OH providing special music and Armin Oldsen’s brother, Gilbert, serving as preacher.

NEW ENTRANCE

1972     Four stained glass windows in the main section of the church, with a four season theme designed by Rev Oldsen, were given as a memorial for Mrs Minnie Koeneman, a charter member.

1973     The grassy parking area west of the church was paved.

1974     On August 11 the congregation observed Rev Oldsen’s 25^th year as pastor. Rev Oswald Hoffman of the Lutheran Hour was the preacher. New communion ware and baptismal font were purchased.

1975

THE REV ARMIN OLDSEN

1976     The construction loan from 1971 was paid off and a mortgage burning ceremony was held. The church grounds were decorated for the bicentennial of the United States.

1977     A retirement dinner for Rev Oldsen was sold out at the Potawatomi Inn with over 500 guests. The parsonage was sold to Rev Oldsen and he was made Pastor Emeritus in recognition of his long service. On October 23^rd, Rev Loren J. Shiley was installed. Church office equipment was purchased and church bulletins were begun

1978     The proceeds from the sale of the parsonage ($32,500) and $7,586 from the general fund were invested into Pastor Shiley’s new residence by means of a second mortgage of $40,366. The parking lot was paved.

1979     The fortieth anniversary of the church was celebrated.

1980     After persisting for three years, Pastor Shiley convinced the congregation to replace the 15 year old electric organ with a Rogers combination pipe and electronic organ at a cost of $33,000. The organ was installed in time for Christmas. A Bell Tower committee was formed. After three years of discussion a new constitution was adopted. In June the Clear Lake LWML received its charter from the international organization.

1981     Various plans were drawn up and discussed for new entrances and a bell tower. The vestibule was repaired and the tower replaced at a cost of $5,262. In June the congregation celebrated Pastor Shiley’s 30^th anniversary in the ministry. However a letter criticizing Pastor Shiley was circulated – issues included the repayment schedule on his house loan and his influence on the organ purchase, and a controversy erupted with strong feelings expressed on both sides.

1982     After a period of dissension and turmoil that split the congregation, the Board of Directors asked Rev Shiley to resign effective May 30, 1982. Rev Shiley declined to do so. A ballot was distributed to all members and 115 voted to ask Rev Shiley to leave and 84 wanted him to stay with 33 abstaining.

1983     On Jan 7^th the locks on the church were changed and Pastor Shiley was denied entrance. CLLC sold 200 chairs to Bob Moore. When the LCMS Commission of Adjudication issued a ruling in favor of Pastor Shiley, he notified the congregation of his intention to return to the pulpit on July 17^th. However, this offer was met with the cancellation of services on that day. On July 28^th, with Dr E.H. Zimmerman, president of the Indiana District of the LCMS, present as an observer, the congregation, by a vote of 104 to 0 (the Shiley supporters boycotted the meeting), voted to officially remove Rev Shiley. Some of the members had left with Pastor Shiley in January and met in Moore’s Barn as a preaching station. On July 31^st they voted to establish what would become Peace Lutheran in Fremont. Rev Melvin Zilz became interim pastor at CLLC. The back patio was enclosed for an office for the pastor. On April 13 the Clear Lake Ladies and LWML group and a Clear Lake Men’s and LLL club were organized.

1984     Rev Zilz continued to serve until Rev Herman Reese was installed as the new pastor in December. Twenty five robes were purchased for the choir (Keith Gnagy, director).

CLEAR LAKE LUTHERAN CHOIR

1985

1986     The free standing bell tower was finally erected. The bell tower was designed and constructed by Bill Scheumann, a member of the congregation. The 900 pound bell, donated by Barbara Spears in memory of her husband, John, was cast in 1895 and electrified by I.T. Verdin Co. Cincinnati, Ohio.

BELL TOWER

1987

1988     The church struggled financially throughout the 80’s. Service time was changed from 10 am and set for 9 am Worship and 10 am Sunday School. The 50^th anniversary celebration was begun with a special service on May 22 with Melvin Zilz preaching and continued on July 24^th with Armin Oldsen preaching. An anniversary thankoffering was begun with the goal of enclosing the undercroft for a Sunday school room.

1989 

1990     In January Rev Herman Reese was called to St Luke, Rensellaer, IN. The Fremont parsonage was sold for $49,000. Rev Gilbert Meseke installed as a part-time interim pastor to be renewed on an annual basis. The Church undercroft was enclosed for a Sunday School room.

1991     The funds from the sale of the parsonage were placed in a 15 year 9% Lutheran Church Extension Fund CD for future use (It was due to mature at $181,797 in Feb, 2006 but because a $10,000 withdrawal was made in 1998 to help pay for a new roof the final amount was @161,000).

1992

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WORKERS

1993     A light for the parking lot was installed in memory of Betty Stegelmann who many years earlier had almost been denied entry to the US because she was blind in one eye. The Fremont National Bank donated stained glass windows to the church which were then stored in the garage for future use.

1994     The patio garden overlooking the outdoor worship space was landscaped in memory of Rudolf and Marie Stegelmann.

1995     A new well was dug. Kenneth Redmann served as a vicar under the supervision of Rev Meseke. 45 people registered for a Crossways Bible Study. Stained glass windows donated earlier by the Fremont Bank were installed in the chancel, replacing the colored windows and reredos (wooden panel).

PASTOR GIL MESEKE LEADS OUTDOOR WORSHIP 

1996     Pastor Kenneth Redmann ordained and installed. The brass processional cross was restored.

1997     CLLC became a member of the Lutheran Foundation (created with funds from the sale of Lutheran Hospital in Ft Wayne) entitling the church to annual partnership grants of $10,000 and the opportunity to apply for other grants. Memorial funds were used to purchase the Christ Candle.

1998     The Chancel renovation project was completed at a cost of $8,500, primarily with memorial funds given by more than 30 families. Dedication service held May 31^st. A decision was made to put a new roof on the church at a cost of nearly $10,000. Teenagers attended the national youth gathering in Atlanta.

1999     The first annual Valentine’s “Honey Ham for Your Honey” dinner sponsored by the Alpha group was held. Pew cushions were installed and a new piano purchased. On Sept 18-19, 52 members participated in a strategic planning process entitled “Faithful Christians-Faithful Congregation” to cast a vision for the future of CLLC. A chair lift, given in memory of Gloria Eichler, was installed.

2000     In April the congregation voted 62 to 33 to purchase the 41.5 acres across from the church bordering on Outer Drive and 850 E for $164,000.  In August five acres were sold to the Clear Lake Conservancy with an option for them to purchase six more which they later executed. Again controversy developed over the direction of the church and Pastor Redmann accepted a call from the Lutheran Church of the Cross, Port Charlotte, Florida. Don Rauhut served as vacancy pastor.

2001     Pastor Mark Gaertner was installed on Sept 9^th two days before the 9/11 terrorist attack. 

2002     The question, “What can be done to replace this old basement carpet?” led to the formation of a Site Development Committee. A survey was taken to determine the needs for change and expansion.

2003     On April 27^th, at the suggestion of the Site Committee, the voter’s decided to modernize the kitchen and member, Matt Fredericks, was hired to do the work and it was dedicated on Oct 5^th. That was just the beginning of the changes. The vision that guided the process, “Growing as a Place of Welcome and Grace,” led to plans to make the church accessible to all ages with an inviting portico, an enlarged and welcoming narthex, a renovated fellowship hall, an elevator, ground level entryways, handicapped accessible restrooms, pastor and secretary offices and increased space for storage and education. On October 26^th the voters viewed schematic drawings for a 4,200 sq ft expansion (this included a 600 sq ft portico), authorized architect Tom Meyers to complete construction documents, chose to apply for a matching grant of $208,850 from the Lutheran Foundation (granted and presented at the ground breaking in 2004), and decided to apply for the assistance of the Laborers for Christ.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR 2004-2005 EXPANSION

ARCHITECTS OF THE EXPANSION

HARRY PATTERSON LABORERS FOR CHRIST PROJECT MANAGER

AND BOB BRUICK CONGREGATIONAL LIAISON

2004     On January 25^th the voter’s celebrated the completion of the land purchase with the ‘burning of the mortgage.’ Then they authorized the addition of a basement on the west side to the planned addition. Sub contractors for the expansion were chosen and on March 21^st a groundbreaking ceremony was held. On May 1^st the laborers for Christ began arriving in their RVs to encamp across the road. Because of the construction schedule, Vacation Bible School was held at Shuman’s High Hope Camp. Construction progressed rapidly under the general supervision of LFC Project Manager Harry Patterson and Bob ‘the builder’ Bruick. Arnie Tonne coordinated volunteers and Tim Knoblauch and Larry Cutshall co-chaired the fund raising committee. Ron Kane, as bookkeeper, kept track of the financial process. Bob Winzeler designed and fabricated a recognition plaque with a cross at the center. A stained glass window (with an image of the open tomb to complement the Christmas star window on the west side) was donated primarily by the Arnold Tonne family. On Sept 12^th the voters decided to add a new furnace and air conditioner for the sanctuary and remodeling of the fellowship hall to the project. Although the project was not completely done, a service of dedication was held on October 17^th. 

2005     Although the building project grew beyond original projections to a 7091 square feet (5,338 sq ft of new construction and 1753 sq ft of remodeling), generous grants, pledges and gifts were received which will enable the $500,000 project to be completely paid for without incurring long term debt. A “Celebration of Completion” service in thanksgiving to God for the beautiful facility was held on July 17^th. A new advent wreath given in memory of Mary Kate Beuchel, Bill Geary and Alice Retcher was dedicated.

JULY 17, 2005 COMPLETION CELEBRATION

2006     Because the building project was paid for with “new money” the parsonage/building fund CD (see 1991 note) was reinvested with LCEF. 4 feet of the east edge of lot 60 was sold to a neighbor who had inadvertently built the edge of his garage on the church’s property. The 35^th anniversary of the ordination of Pastor Mark Gaertner was celebrated with a special service on July 9^th with the pastor’s son, Evan Gaertner preaching. A pictorial directory of the Clear Lake Lutheran Church “family and friends” was completed. The Stegelmann memorial garden was redone, the church garage was given a facelift, a closed circuit TV and DVD given in memory of Lavonne Cutshall were installed, and aisle candles given in memory of Jack Webber were purchased. A conference table and chairs given in memory of Carl Mueller were placed in the church lounge. The Board of Directors voted to expand the cemetery and install a frontage fence to replace the hedge. A generous gift from Al and Sue Korte enabled the congregation to not only put in an iron fence and gate but also a stone retaining wall and crushed gravel approaches. The congregation voted to purchase the new Lutheran Service Book. On October 29^th the congregation celebrated the successful conclusion of the building fund drive with a potluck.

2007     CLLC began supporting foreign missionaries directly through the Together In Mission program. After our first missionary, Nathan Scheele decided to return to the states, support was shifted to Rev James May in Togo, West Africa. We also gave support to our mission in Kenya and expanded to twelve the number of local ministries of compassion we support.  The cemetery expansion and improvements were dedicated on June 10^th. Our Vacation Bible School again attracted almost 70 students and 27 volunteer workers under the direction of Kathy Shuman. In October the sacristy was remodeled. In December the congregation voted to send 10% of our “general fund surplus” at the end of each year to special missions as determined by the congregation. The Clear Lake Lutheran Endowment Fund was established.

2008     Because of continued generous giving the number of special ministries of compassion we support was expanded to twenty four. In a special voter’s meeting the congregation voted to upgrade the older parts of the facility with new siding, new entrance doors, air conditioning for the Sunday School area and storm windows to protect our beautiful stained glass. The work was done by Home Lumber for a cost of $23,772.  On July 20^th Dr Paul Maier, best selling author and V.P. of the LCMS spoke at our 70^th anniversary celebration.  In November the Parke-Duerk Memorial Carillon was installed in memory of Robert and Elizabeth Parke and Ray and Helen Duerk.

2009   On August 16 Clear Lake Lutheran hosted the ‘first ever’ Kasota Island service with over 50 boats and almost 300 persons in attendance. A speaker cabinet was installed and on October 18^th the Parke-Duerk carillon was dedicated. The congregation continued to provide substantial mission support to Rev Carlos and Lydia Winterli serving in Kenya, Deaconess Pat Nuffer developing “Hands of Mercy” in Sudan and Rev Oscar Morales serving the Hispanic population of Northeast Indiana.

2010    Pastor Gaertner retired after completing 39 years of ministry - the last nine as pastor of CLLC. The church honored Pastor Mark and Susan with a retirement service, brunch and program on Sept 19^th. The congregation surprised them with the gift of a two week cruise on the Mediterranean following the travels and footsteps of St Paul. 

Clear Lake Lutheran Church is a remarkable church. The generous outpouring of support from many members and friends will enable the church to continue to grow as a place of welcome and grace.  The congregation has weathered storms, enjoyed the sunshine of happy days, and under the guidance and blessing of God looks forward to the future, trusting in His mercy and grace.

This history is a work in process and has been compiled by Pastor Gaertner from previous endeavors and primary sources. If you have corrections, additions or suggestions for changing the material please let him know. Interesting stories and tidbits are welcome. Perhaps by the 75^th anniversary of the beginning of the association (2012), or the building of the church (2013), or the 50^th anniversary as a “fully established church” of the LCMS (2018/9) a full narrative history can be written.

Pastors (and wives) serving at Clear Lake

1938 -1950 William Gustave (Iona) Polack

1950 -1977  Armin (Evelyn) Oldsen  [from 1950 to 1956 Henry Kumnick served in the winter. Oscar Walle served as winter pastor in 1957]

1977 - 1983 Loren J (Virginia) Shiley

1983 - 1984 Melvin (Carole) Zilz [interim pastor]

1984 - 1990 Herman (Ruth) Reese

1990 - 1996  Gilbert (Bev) Meseke [permanent part time]

1996 - 2000  Kenneth (Linda) Redmann [vicared at CLLC in 1995]

2000 - 2001  Don (Barb)Rauhut [vacancy pastor]

2001 - 2010  Mark (Susan) Gaertner

In 1992 Rev Gil Meseke was instrumental in making CLLC a host congregation for fieldworkers from Concordia Theological Seminary of Ft Wayne. He also brought CTS student Martin Schroeder on as a summer vicar and youth worker for the summers of 1993 and 1994. According to Helena Ludeman he bunked in the church office. The last quarter he served he was married to Anne Lockwood, an Aussie whose father was a CTS professor.

CLLC Fieldworkers

1992 - 94 Timothy Parker

1995- 96  Mike and Marty Morehouse

                  Dan and Amy McQuality

1996-97 David and Mary Sell

1997-98 Paul Beisel

1998 -00 Les and Laverne Judge

1999 Dan Guagenti

2000 Jared and Jan Melius

2001/3 Don and Jennifer Peterson

2003/5 Kelly and Rebecca Reagan

2003/6 John and Debbie Turner

2005/7 J(eff) Brown

2006/8 Mark and Darlene Smith

2007/9 Nathan Ragazinskas

2008/10 Norm and Bonnie Wacker

2009-2011 Sean and Anna Willman

2010-2012 Walter Gilkey

2011 - Paul Rockrohr

CLEAR LAKE CHAPEL

There’s a little white chapel on top of a hill,

     Far, far from earth’s turmoil and strife,

Where I find in its worship so solemn and still

     All the things I need most in my life.

To the strains of its organ, I join in the songs

     That long gladdened the hearts of God’s own,

And I’m sure that the echoes are heard by the throngs

     That surround the Great Lamb on His throne.

There in God’s sacred Word the green pastures I find

     Where the saints of all ages have trod;

And when its sweet message brings peace to my mind

     Then I feel myself closer to God.

When over Clear Lake sounds the call of its bell,

     Bidding worshippers into the fold,

 Then I haste to the chapel on top of a hill

     To hear the dear Gospel of old.

God bless the white chapel on top of a hill,

     Far, far from earth’s turmoil and strife,

And grant all who worship there solemn and still

     All the gladness of endless life!

-By Prof. W.G. Polack, LITT. D