Danbury, WI

April 17, 2001
We have wonderful memories of “our Elmhurst E.U.B. church” as we called it in 1948 when we met there at a youth activity. In Aug. 1951 we were married there-almost 50 years ago! MY folks, Emmett and Gladys Harte, worshiped there too and renewed their wedding vows there on their 50th anniversary. My sisters Sharon Stretch and Janice Harness also spent their years from 1948 until marriage at “our E.U.B church.” Marvelous memories for our entire family.
Thank You,
Marilyn Henderson

Des Plaines, IL

I, Theo Diche, attended Sunday School at the 1st Evangelical Church at age eight in 1920. I, and

Milton Youngberg, became Christians in 1926 during Evangelistic services held at the church by Rev. Masters. Later on we were in Mrs. Art Reihmer’s Wednesday Evening prayer meeting for young people. We joined the choir in 1926 led by Fred Weith and later by Harvey Bush.
He became active in Christian Endeavor of which we were a part of Oak Park Division, and attended many meetings, banquets, Easter Sunrise Services in Graus Park Stadium in Chicago, etc. Several of us published a monthly C.E. Paper “the Witness.” He also took a course in “C.E.” And all 6 of us passed 100%. E became Primary Superintendent and taught a primary class and also juniors. Milton taught a boys’ class, also young marrieds, served on trustee board, was church treasurer, led Wednesday Eve Prayer Meeting and was Superintendent for 15 years.
Milt and I were married August 11, 1934 at the church by Rev. Harold Youngberg, Milt’s brother. I praise the Lord for the many years he blessed us at the church. Milt went to be with the Lord May 30, 1998 at age 87+. We had been married 63 ½ years. I live alone in my home in Kingsburg, California and am in good health at age 88 and very active. The Lord is my faithful companion.

Yours in Him,

Theo Youngberg

Kingsburg, CA

April 9, 2001

Dear Friends,
Received your letter regarding your 90th Anniversary Celebration and I am ever so happy to respond because the church played such an important part in my young life.
It was truly a Bible church that stressed Bible study and memorization and what I learned at that time has meant so much to me. I was 12 years old when I accepted Christ into my life as Savior and Lord and I am now 85! He and His Word have been precious to me all these years and I can thank your church (my former church) for this great blessing.
My fondest memories are of the 4 Christian Endeavor groups where I met so many great young friends, some of whom I still contact on various occasions. We learned so much through our youth group: how to plan entire meetings, leading a topic discussion, planning the musical numbers, keeping minutes and enjoying the socials and horseback riding, etc. We also edited and published a paper named THE WITNESS and we spent many happy hours with that project.

I have been in choir and special music all my life and have taught Sunday School for about 30 some years-thanks to my education and training at you church, as well as working with young teens in different capacities. It has been my great joy to work with young people.

Thank you for your letter and invitation to help you celebrate. I wish I could be with you but will remember you in prayer. May God continue to bless you in your very
important ministry. Sincerely,

Dorothy Youngberg Fernlund

San Marcos, CA

Congratulations on Faith Evangelical United Methodists’ 90th Anniversary!

We wish we could be there but unfortunately that weekend already had two other advents we needed to attend.
I grew up at 324 N. York- four houses from the church and the story goes that my mother brought us to a Mother-Daughter banquet where I won the Youngest Participant (I was under one year old) and I went to church from then on until I was married at Faith and moved on with my husband. Faith was my second home-loving Sunday School and receiving pins for 17 years of perfect attendance.
Every time the church doors were open for any kind of function, I think I was there whether asa a member or helping the ladies that worked in the kitchen I set up and serve. We had a small but active and great youth group. With Bob and Joan Teach willing to be our leaders.
Church still seems to be my second home as my husband and I are very involved in a Bible based Baptist Church here in Kansas City.
Again, Congratulations....keep standing on and up for Jesus on the corner of North and York!

Sandy Newton

Kansas City

It’s a blessing to be a part of the family at our Faith Methodist Church, especially as we celebrate our 90th anniversary.

The love at Faith Church is contagious and caring.
It’s where folks love our Lord and are practicing sharing.
Through our Pastor Juancho, on God’s word we’re fed. His sermons inspired only, by what the Bible said.
We are a family who enjoy the hymns that we sing.
With praises and glory to our Lord and King.

Love in Christ,

Zee Camera

Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst has several church BUILDINGS whose facades are far more impressive than that of the little church on the corner of North and York.

Much more important, however, is that which is taught and witnessed inside those buildings. In that respect, the little church on the corner of North and York has always been impressive.

Faith Church has been a “Rock” in my life. For that, I will be eternally grateful!

M. J. Jorgensen

MI

Dear Friends,

It was your kind and loving hearts who so graciously ministered to us in our years of need while our daughter Amy underwent so many surgeries. We have fond memories of our fellowship together-you provided faith nurturing encouragement, prayers, and good Christian role models for our family. Wee attended Church in the early 1980s.
Your example of servant hood has helped us follow Christ and do the same. We currently attend Carroll Church of Christ in Carol, Iowa.
We are on the Missions Committee, Education Committee and participate in various other activities.
I have particular fond memories of the Women’s Bible Study, retreats, and Spiritual Adventure (50 days) when all the ladies worked so hard to make banners for each Sunday’s Presentation-totally awesome!
Our daughter Amy is finishing he first year at Nebraska Christian College and will transfer to the Community College in Denison in the fall. She has been “surgery free” for 2 years and is in good health as of the current time.
Our daughter Shayna is 13 now and attends Denison Middle School. She plays the clarinet and active in many youth programs in our church. She is almost three years cancer free after an illness with Leukemia. We have had so many challenges in our lives and I always remember a particular Women’s meeting where a story was shared about a missionary woman who ministered in South Africa. She was such an encouragement and her words are what I live by today. The Lord asked her “will you be my good and faithful servant even if I never tell you why?” She said yes...and her life has been a ministry to people like me everyday. We constantly have health problems in our lives. God reminds me daily that he is using those “problems” to his glory so I answer him quite regularly again these days”yes, I will be your good and faithful servant EVEN if you choose not to tell me why.” I know I must trust Him and He is always faithful to perform the most miraculous and amazing things.
May Our Gracious Father in Heaven and Our Savior Jesus bless you in this Celebration and rejoice in your faithfulness to serve Him.

In Christ’s love,
Kim Ellis and family Lynn, Kim, Amy, and Shayna

Carol, IA

I have many very happy memories of Faith Evangelical- beginning with the way in which Jean and I were welcomed into the church family.

Watching our young people mature and grow, both physically and in the faith, was very gratifying. Establishing friendships with parishioners which remain to this day have been rewarding. Singing in the best choir in all of Elmhurst-with the best director and accompanist around anywhere-certainly is something I will never forget. But if I had to choose one memory among many, perhaps it would be acting as “Groucho” when we had those “silent” auctions. Those were times when the pastor could really let his hair down and let everyone see what he was really like. I feel very privileged to have been a part of Faith Evangelical-even for a relatively brief time. You have all touched my life in so many ways, and I will always be grateful.

Love to you all,

Warren,

Manawa, WI

Faith Church was incubator for my faith. My mom first dropped me off for Sunday School when I was eight years old.

Helen Albertson, Donna Larson, Lorraine Weich, Margrethe Egeland, and Bill Garland all were part of the Christian Educ. Dept. that taught me the foundations of our faith. The adults at Faith always made me feel welcome by talking to me and inviting me to Wed. Night prayer and Bible study-Inez Stover and Roy Hanschke Sr. Were always there.
Fellowship and Conversation was always sweeter when it continued downstairs once a month in fellowship with coffee cakes and cookies. I think it was the Ramstadts and Stibbes and others who brought the sweet manna!
I can still hear Rev. Locke singing “Fill my Cup, Lord” on communion Sunday and Mrs. Locke telling him to do it again from the piano bench. Roy Hanschke Jr. Prayed with me after a youth meeting to begin a real relationship with Christ and gave me his own packet of Bible memory cards so I could get started memorizing scripture. When I almost wandered away in High School, Rev. Ed invited me to play in the Brass Ensemble and that kept me involved and present on Sunday mornings so I could hear the Word proclaimed. You should hear Clarence Albertson play the Tuba! The support from the adult at faith on Easter Sunday, when the youth put on the Sunrise Service Play was phenomenal. The part I see is the adults take young people seriously at Faith Church. Thank you for making it a church that always feels like home, even to this day!
Rev. Rich Rubietta

Grayslake, IL

Dear Friends,

On this happy occasion for you, I as old-timer am glad to join in the celebration with you. My old friend Dorothy Youngberg Fernlund sent a letter telling me of the event.
My parents Arthur and Esther came to the church with my brother Don and I when we were young boys. My father served on the Church Board for many years. My mother taught the older young people.
With Art Volle and Bob Deihl and I we had a little combo which a few times played our instruments: Art- clarinet, Bob- accordion, and I played the trumpet, with mixed reception, I am sure.
Mostly I am thankful for the genuinely Christian witness of the born again saints who led us youth into dedication of our lives to the Lord and some into His service.

I rejoice with you that there is still a Lighthouse on the corner of York and North.

Your brother in Christ,

Vernoy A. Reihmer MD

Faith Church is a loving caring community of find Christian people. People I am privileged to call my friends and coworkers on several projects during my time at Faith Church.
Foremost, I believe, is the thrill for me of watching so many wonderful young people grow in this church family and become such spiritual young adults.
God bless us all for being a part of this church.

Idamae Lair

Elmhurst, IL

From November 1933 to May 1935, I attended Faith Evangelical Church in Elmhurst. My uncle, Fred Deutreche, was pastor at that time. As a teenager, my life was greatly influenced by him and my aunt, as well as the other loving , caring and dedicated adults who were the teachers and leaders of the young people. Friendships developed there that are still precious and
some of us still keep in touch, even though we are separated by many miles.
I had accepted the Lord when I was eleven years of age, but it was Faith Evangelical that I came to understand what being a Christian is all about. What I learned there gave me a good foundation in living for Jesus. I shall always be thankful, first to the Lord, and then to all those at the church at North and York, who had a part in my life, for the short time I was
there.

Thankfully in Christ,

Hazel Jenkins