History 4

1956

The church continued to grow through the years so it was necessary to add the northern portion of the Educational Building plus a third floor to the entire unit. April 8, 1956, a Dedication Service was held for the addition to the Educational Unit, and was in commemoration of Thirty Years of Service of the Church since its organization in 1926. The cost of the addition was $78,000.

1957

In July 1957, the Reverend H. C. Schiering, D.D., suffered a severe stroke so Reverend Yehnert assumed responsibility of the Church during Dr. Schiering's illness.

The church purchased the parsonage from. Rev. and Mrs. Schiering in October 1957, for $21,000. Reverend and Mrs. Yehnert moved into the parsonage at 3702 Albertly Avenue in December.

1958

In May 1958, the Reverend H. C. Schiering, D. D. was honored in a Community Service for thirty years at the Parma Church. A love gift was given to Rev. and Mrs. Schiering because his presence radiated a fatherly figure with warmth, kindness and love, which was meaningful to all. He was a living example of what he preached.

Reverend Schiering retired from the Ministry in June 1958, and became Pastor Emeritus. Reverend Yehnert was appointed as Pastor at Annual Conference in 1958. Reverend Donald C. Oglesby was appointed to be the Associate Pastor and Minister of Christian Education. At this time the church membership was 879 and church school was 347.

1960

On March 1, 1960, our dearly loved Pastor Emeritus, The Reverend H. C. Schiering, D.D., passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A Memorial Fund was established in his name.

1962

In April 1962, Reverend Donald C. Oglesby was assigned to Brimfield Evangelical United Brethren Church.

From July 1962 to December 1963, Reverend E. B. Caplinger was the Assistant Pastor.

1963

May 26, 1963, the house at 3706 Albertly Avenue was purchased from Gannons for $17,000. It was rented to tenants.

In June 1964, the house at 3709 Forestwood Drive was purchased from Repkos for $25,000 to house our associate pastor.

1964

June 1964, Reverend James F. Thomas was assigned as Associated Pastor and Minister of Christian Education.

1965

A small parcel of land west of the church was purchased from Cases for $1,000.

November 1965, the Case property at 5906 State Road was purchased for $34,000. The house was razed in October 1966 for the Forestwood Parking Lot.

November.21, 1965, in a worship service, two mortgages were burned; one for $35,000 for the Education Addition and the other for $21,000 on the Albertly Parsonage.

1967

In September 1967 it was voted that the Albertly Parsonage would be remodeled and expanded with a loan of $15,000 from the Ohio East Conference.

In October, - 1967, it was voted to erect a building to house the office and classrooms, remodel the Sanctuary and renovate the building with a new glass entrance for a cost of $85,000. The Schiering Parlor was moved from the Narthex to be centrally located in its present location. Rededication was April 7, 1968, with Bishop Paul M. Herrick giving the Dedication Address.

1968

In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church. Our name became Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

June 1968 Reverend James F. Thomas was assigned to Boardman United Methodist Church.

1969

June 1969 Reverend Michael W. Christian was assigned to our Church as Minister of Christian Education.

November 1969 the stained glass window was installed and dedicated as a living symbol to aid in worship. Loving abiding gifts were made to cover the cost of $2,775.

1970

June 1970 the Loesch Property at 5936 State Road was purchased for $20,000. It was rented to tenants.

1971

October 1971 the 3706 Albertly Avenue house was sold for $24,300.

1972

In 1972, the 5936 State Road house was razed because of severe fire damage. This lot is used for additional parking. The front area is landscaped.

1975

June 1975 Reverend Robert J. Hahn was assigned to our church as Pastor. Pastor Yehnert was assigned to Medina United Methodist Church after twenty years at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

June 8, 1975 a reception and recognition was held by the church in deep appreciation for Pastor Yehnert's years of service, together with good wishes for his new assignment. A love gift was give n for his brilliant leadership and teaching us the strength of God's love given to us through Jesus Christ.

1976

April 4, 1976, marked the 50th Anniversary of the organization of this church. Former ministers returned and assisted in the worship service. Charter members were honored. Membership at this time was 855 with 507 enrolled in Church School.

The installation of an electric chair lift on the steps of the Forestwood entrance aided those who have difficulty climbing stairs.

1977

June 1977, Rev. Michael Christian was assigned to Medina United Methodist Church. Rev. Joyce Toth (now Joy Blaney) was assigned here and serviced until 1979.

In 1977 and 1978, inside plexiglass storm windows were installed in the classrooms and offices on all windows to prevent heat loss,

1979

Grace Berlo joined the staff in January 1979, as part time to assist with the Christian Education Program and was assigned to full time in July.

1980

A new amplifier and hearing equipment was installed for the hearing impaired in February 1980.

June 1980 Rev. Robert J. Hahn was assigned to Macedonia United Methodist Church. Rev. Myrl Gephart was assigned to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

1981

May 24, 1981, Memorial Day Sunday was the dedication of the Repository Memorial built in the church basement. It was given in loving memory of Donald Brown by his wife Jean.

On this same day, there was a dedication of new hymnals given in loving memory of Viola Loscheider by her friend, Joe Zakrajek and in loving memory of the members and friends of the church whose names are affixed in the new hymnals.

1983

March 31, 1983, Maundy Thursday, new communion tables and cloths were dedicated in loving memory of Kermit Ramsey by his wife, Ruth.

Grace Berlo accepted a position at Macedonia United Methodist Church in October 1983. In November 1983, Marcia Schroeder was hired as Christian Education Assistant.

1984

April 15, 1984, was the dedication of new red carpet in the church. The fund was started by the Bowling League. Memorial gifts were given in loving memory of Becky Griffith by her husband John and in loving memory of Karol Psenicka by his wife Olga.

1984 was a good year for Good Shepherd. We met all our bills and for the first time paid all our World Service Mission Apportionment.

A class was held for acolytes and on June 3, 1984; their new robes were dedicated. It is good to have them as part of the worship service. The robes were purchased by Gene and Betty Smith.

The clown ministry at Good Shepherd was started in October, 1984. The "Heavenly Clods" took part in the Advent Festival in December that year.

1985

In the spring of 1985, ceiling fans were installed. This was paid for by monies from the Bowling League and a memorial given in loving memory of Harry Carey by his wife Hilda. The sanctuary is much more comfortable in the summer.

A new modern telephone system was installed in July, 1985.

In December of 1985, Good Shepherd again met all its requests in full for the second year in a row, Praise the Lord!

1986

January 12, 1986 was the dedication of padding on the church pews given in loving memory of Maurine Meyer by her husband, Nicholas.

January 29, 1986, was the last Sunday that the organ, dedicated almost 48 years ago, was played. It was removed and a new Rodgers 770 Electronic Pipe Augmented Organ was installed. The Organ Fund continued after the first organ was installed. The money in this fund has been given in loving memory of families and friends of Good Shepherd Church. March 2nd was the first Sunday the new organ was played after installation. How Beautiful!

April 6th was the Dedication of the organ with Mr. David Sparkes as Concert Organist.

Good Shepherd now has 651 members and 229 in Church School enrollment. There is an active church school program with crib room and classes for all ages as well as an active ladies group of United Methodist Women.

Now on this date of April 13, 1986, we celebrate our 60th Anniversary with friends, pastors and former members and we recognize our sixtieth year families.

In June, Rev. Myrl Gephart was assigned to Poland United Methodist Church.

In June, Rev.- Lynn Garth was assigned to Good Shepherd U.M.C.

Good Shepherd met all financial goals in December for the third year..... on time.

1987

A new lighted signed was installed. It was given in loving memory of Clarence Roemer by his wife Vera Roemer and family.

A T.V., video camera and video player was purchased with Memorial Fund Monies.

September 29,1987 our beloved Rev. C. William Yehnert died in Medina, Ohio.

1988

In June, Rev. Lynn Garth retired and accepted a small pastorate at Savannah, Ohio.

Rev. Alston B. Hall was assigned to Good Shepherd U.M. C.

1989

In Spring and Fall .... Every Member Canvass .... Church Operating and Benevolence; Property Replacement; Conference Capital Funds Campaign .... Good Shepherd pledged $45,000.00 over three years for Capital Funds Campaign.

In June, Donna Smallwood was hired as Senior Coordinator for the congregation.

1990

Two worship services were started September 9 to serve membership growth.

New folding chairs were purchased with memorial monies.

The offices-were recarpeted and redecorated with draperies and furniture.

1991

In March, a new tape machine was purchased with memorial funds. Tapes of the Sunday services to be delivered to shut-ins. Also for sale.

November, Memorial Oak Entry Doors installed and dedicated.

November, new United Methodist Hymnals were given in memory of many members.

December 1, 1991 dedication of Advent Wreath Stand given in memory of Marguarite Conway by her son Phillip Conway.

1992

New floor installed in the basement rooms.

Capital Fund for Conference goal was reached.

Disciple Bible Study program started. Pastor Hall, teacher and 10 students.

1993

In June, a colored brochure explaining the symbols in the stained glass window was given by Ruth McKibben in memory of Rev. C. William Yehnert, from the John H. McKibben memorial fund. Copies are available for the congregation.

1994

Planning began for kitchen renovation.

Computers were purchased and a plan for upgrade and replacement was started.

1995

Flat roof of church was replaced.

Kitchen rebuilding completed.

Began serving Caring Dinners every other month alternating with Ridgewood Church.

Major Stewardship Campaign successfully completed.

Disciple Bible Study I and 11, 3 teachers and 13 students.

New Revised Standard Bibles given in memory by many families for use in the pews.

1996

Now on this date, we celebrate our 70th Anniversary. The church membership is 540 with 213 enrolled in the Church School. We celebrate the 70 years of sharing the talents of our members and their families in our Good Shepherd Family. We share God's love within our congregation and reach out to the community. We Praise Him for our memories and took to the future confident He will lead us in His service.

1997

Pastor Hall and church Leaders reorganized the committees and board to function more efficiently separately and together.

Pat Nichols was honored for 40 years of service as organist of the Church.

Youth Club Program started with 17 youth enrolled and 12 adults meeting from 4:00 to 8:00 on Wednesdays for 24 weeks.

New choir robes were given in memory of Gloria Lemke by her family.

The Trustees began a major window replacement program for the entire building.

Disciple Bible Study program I, II and III began with 3 teachers and 22 students.

1998

Endowment Fund established with a goal of $50,000 in five years. Rea Cantwell, Chairman.

A picture directory of the congregation was completed. Kathy Sullivan, Chairperson.

September Jan Horvath introduced her seeing-eye dog, Turk, to the congregation.

Mission '98 - Participated in Habitat for Humanity's program of building 3 homes for the 2000 General Conference.

1999

Successful stewardship programs emphasized our personal need to give and support the programs of the church. We met our Cornference and Local Church goals.

The City of Parma dedicated a time capsule in the new Justice Center. A copy of our picture directory with a copy of the brief history and a letter to the people of the future was put in the capsule.

2000

Reverand Alston Hall retired in June. The farewell celebration for the beloved family was held at the church June 24, 2000.

Rev. Robert Kuntz and Rev. Libby Kuntz were assigned to move from Shreve, Ohio to Good Shepherd. A major renovation by the Trustees provided a living room for Dorothy Merkle, Libby's mother. The parsonage was recarpeted and redecorated.

A program to air-condition the sanctuary was implemented and first used on May 19th

"My Memories' by Gene Smith was published and sold with the profits donated to the air conditioning project.

The Church Library was reorganized and updated for better access and use. David and Mary Jo Schroeder were Chairpersons.

Disciple I and II flourished with 2 teachers and 16 students.

Habitat for Humanity completed 3 homes.

2001

We sing for joy with Pastor Bob Kuntz and Libby.

Youth Club meets Wednesdays for two 12 week semesters. There are 39 young people and 31 adults working together.

The Tape ministry begun in 1991 serves the congregation and shut-ins with copies of weekly worship services. Bob Wepple and Bob Weigand are the leaders.

Teams of members serve 6 caring dinners a year.

The window replacement program will be completed this year under Lou Haller's management.

Disciple Bible Study continues with 4 classes - I has 24 students; II has 6 students and III has 8 students.

Todd VanHouten has worked with the Children and Youth Club choirs for 3 years under the Memorial Program of the Carl and Eleanor Smith Family and Baldwin-Wallace College. He graduates this year. His work was outstanding.

We celebrate our 75th Anniversary on this beautiful Palm Sunday. Membership is 517 with 186 enrolled in the Church School. It is a "Homecoming" of our Good Shepherd Family. We sit down together for a Sunday Dinner and a time of remembering. We look to a bright and busy future serving God, our families, and the Parma community and continued mission outreach world wide.