PASTORS OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

	PASTOR DAVID BIRNBAUM served as our interim pastor from March 2001 until April of 2003. In April of 2003, Pastor David Birmbaum became our minister. which is known as the days of the "Rebuilding Years". He took us from 50 attending members and a seven year debt accumulation to our present day by rebuilding the congregation and our faith. Pastor Birnbaum continues to support and lead us on into the future.
	PASTOR CLARENCE GALL and his wife, Diaconal Minister, Sharon Gall, came to Grace in September of 1999 which was known as the days of "The Loss of the Gospel". We lost many members and most of our income. The Bishop stepped in, and with a vote, the Gall's were asked to leave. In March, 2001, the Galls' left Grace in debt and with only about 50 faithful members attending.
	PASTOR JOHN BOLDT came to Grace in July of 1993, known as the days of the "Time of Change" Pastor Boldt asked that everyone call him John. For older members this was difficult. John wanted to change prayers, add an evening service and spend beyond our budget with the faith that the money would come. Many felt he wanted to change too much, too quickly. Pastor Boldt left Grace in July of 1998, after five years of service. PASTOR MICHAEL MERCY again, became our interim for one year.
	PASTOR MICHAEL MERCY became our interim for about one year of healing.
	PASTOR JOHN S. HARDER came to Grace on August 7, 1977 and served in what was to be the days of the "Splitting of the Faith". Studies of the new ELCA were conducted and resulted in a split of the congregation. The Bishop asked Pastor Harder to stay through the split to help support the members suffering through the split and loss of friends and family. Our name became GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Pastor Harder left the church in May, 1992, at the request of the Bishop, who felt a change was needed.
	PASTOR E. HAROLD KETTNER came to Grace in May, 1962 and his days were the day of "Faith on the Move". The church had its peak in the 50's and now the neighborhood had changed. Most members no longer lived near the church and a decision had to be made to stay or relocate the church as members were leaving and evening activities were becoming dangerous. Membership had dwindled by 1970 from 1,000 confirmed members to 450 faithful members. A vote to move became a reality. A new church was built on Tittabawassee. Many of our loved memories were planned to be used in the new church; the stained glass windows, the baptismal font, alter cloths, candle holders, and hymnals. The parsonage mortgage was burned. The slogan "Grace to You" was started in 1975; eighteen year olds were permitted to vote and be nominated for office. On May 15, 1977, Pastor Kettner retired as Pastor of Grace.
	PASTOR EDGER M. WAXLER came to Grace on March 21, 1948. His were the days of "Peaking of the Church". Pastor Waxler came to us with a family of three girls, two of which had muscular dystrophy and were in wheel chairs. Pastor Waxler, while at Grace, lost his first wife to cancer, and married his second wife. Having known trials, Pastor Waxler used his compassion in extending his love and faith to the resettlement of displaced persons from the Latvian refugee camps in Germany to the United States. We began the practice of double services. We introduced more stained glass windows on the north and south side of the church. Our first Vicar came to Grace and a new educational building was added. Pastor Waxler left us in February, 1962.
	PASTOR IRVIN M. OTTO began his ministry at Grace on April 30, 1939. His were the days of a "Changing Community" with all of its problems. No longer a community of the church - the trek to the suburbs had begun. These were the dark days of World War II, Grace giving her life-blood. The property at the corner of Second and Johnson was bought-for more Sunday school room and a parking lot. A changing city and a scattering church tested the mettle of Pastor and the people, and evangelistic zeal increased. Rev. Otto, who left Grace to enter a secular calling in September, 1947, left a strong church of more than 650.
	PASTOR HENRY W. DISBRO was installed on July 14, 1932. He served Grace through "A Time of Trial." These were days of economic depression. The church was in need of repair. The debt grew bigger - money could not be had. Then the "Bank Holiday" and the bank receivers accepted settlement of our debt of $39,800 for $15,000. The church moved on - in 3 years the membership grew from 368 to 525. The Grace Lutheran Leader - a monthly paper was issued; and Service Guide and Announcement Sheet, still in use, were begun in 1933. Then came the graded Sunday school - equipment for the Church office - introduction of The American Lutheran Hymnal - and celebration of our "Silver Jubilee," on November 3-6, 1935. The Rev. Disbro left us to follow another call in January 1939.
	PASTOR WALTER O. HAUCK began his ministry at Grace on October 10, 1920. His were the days of "Dreams Fulfilled". The parsonage debt was retired in 1922 - decision to begin at once to gather funds for a new Church Basement, work to begin no later than spring of 1924. Contract was let on May 12, 1924 - the new church dedicated November 30, 1924. Dedication offering was $1,015 and 400 attended the service. On January 11, 1932 the congregation granted Rev. Hauck a six month leave of absence, due to ill health and other conditions which prevented him from acting as Pastor. Dr. H.J. Schuh was called in to act as a vicar in his absence. Rev. Hauck resigned on May 16, 1932 which became effective June 1, 1932 after 12 years of service.
	PASTOR ARTHUR H. PEFFLEY was installed May 29, 1910. His was an "Organization Ministry". Church organized - present name chosen - First church built and the 'remodeling of the old house for a parsonage and Sunday School. Plans were drawn up for a new parsonage - first occupied by the Pastor and his family in January, 1917. New Church Building Committee appointed. Our policy laid down on April 13, 1919, "That Grace Church shall have no sales or suppers to raise funds." Rev. Peffly left us on June 28, 1920 after serving us for 10 years. He followed a call to Lima, Ohio.
	PASTOR A. BECK arrived December 26, 1906 to start an English Lutheran Church, following Simon Winkler's prayerful pleadings and efforts of Miss Paulina Eggert. His first sermon was January 6, 1907. Provisional Organization effected April 7, 1907. First confirmation class - 4 adults, May 19, 1907. Organization of Ladies Aid Society - June, 1907. Pastor Beck left in October, 1909, going to Thornville, Ohio.