Rituals We Celebrate

Visit http://www.doverplacecc.org/about-us/our-history/index.html for a History of Dover Place as told by Betty Treiber, Church Historian

2010         Pastor Bill Foglesong completed his studies for a Doctor of Ministry degree at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. We now officially call him Rev. Dr. William L. Foglesong.  Otherwise we lovingly refer to him as PB and J (Pastor Bill and Jesus).

2008       The church continued its updating process as Capital Campaign funds became available.  The church employed a new organist, Almarie Dieckow Ph.D.

2007       Phase I of a Capital Campaign Fund was launched for improving the outside drainage system to remedy the seepage of dampness into the interior of the church building. Other much-needed work will be done.  Children in grades 1-3 met in April and May to study and prepare to receive the "God and Me" award. The children of the church also worked to earn the Presidential Volunteer service Award. These programs were directed by Deb and Angela Hazlewood.  National Night Out was observed on the first Tuesday in August. Dover Place Christian Church distributed between 200 and 250 hot dogs and juice as well as school supplies.  In October Sunday School students participated in "Manners Are In." Students also memorized Bible verses under the direction of Deb Hazlewood. Sunday School students raised $111.00 toward the purchase of new high chairs for Fellowship Hall by participating in a pumpkin decorating contest on Anniversary Sunday.  Rev. Ron Schield, an ordained minister, began leading a new Sunday School class for young adults and their parents.  In December, Dover Place Church continued its tradition of many years by "adopting" a family for Christmas.

2006       Dover Place Christian Church received a mention in the Mid-America Messenger describing its part in making the Young Adult Ecumenical forum a success. Rev. Ron Schield became the new Minister of Music. In October Dover Place Christian Church celebrated 110 years. A banner inscribed with the number of years the church was celebrating was hung on the outside of the church (the Alabama Avenue side.) Mark Hazlewood was the speaker in worship on October 8.  "Musical Sunday" was observed on October15.  A concert by the Lester Family Singers was held on October 16.  Rev. Donnamae Grannemann, former pastor, was the speaker in worship on Anniversary Sunday, October 22.  The Carondelet Historical Society presented the church with a historical marker designation and plaque which was given by the Carondelet Community Betterment Federation.  A certified resolution passed by the Missouri House of Representatives also was presented to the church.

2005       In March Glenn Barnes was installed a Minister of Alternative Worship by Rev. Penny Ross-Corona, Southeast Gateway Area Minister. In June, 67 health kits were assembled and presented to the Festival of Sharing.  In the same month, 52 items of clothing and food were donated by the church to Isaiah 58 Ministries. et5,14..x.evb Fifty-two toys were delivered to B.R.O. (Board of Religious Organizations) In November, Anthony Stauder became student intern minister.

2004       In January, Worship on Wednesday (W.O.W.) was begun under the leadership of Glenn Barnes.  In April, Pastor Bill's sermons began to be recorded and were put on the church website: wwwdoverplacecc.org.  In May church members provided funds for ?  In September, seven persons were baptized through W.O.W.  In November Glenn Barnes was installed as a licensed lay minister. In December, stone planter boxes were built at the Alabama entrance to the church.  Tuckpointing of the brick surface of the church was begun.

2003       The church acquires a website: www.doverplacecc.ora A "Buy a Tile" program was begun. For $10.00 a member could buy a tile for much-needed repairs to the roof.  An Older Youth Group was formed.  The northeast corner classroom in the basement was redecorated as a bride's dressing room Richard Cullen became the new permanent organist. Can Frus became the new student minister. Ed Bode was named church custodian.

2002       Jessie Davis becomes nursery attendant in February. Six persons were baptized on Easter Sunday in April. Vy Nguyen, NBA Leadership Scholar, was guest speaker at worship in July.  Parents' Night Out began monthly events inj September:  Health Fair held in September.

2001       Beth Blankenship became permanent organist in July. Rev. Tom Steenberg, was guest speaker in worship in September. He is a recently retired missionary to Japan.  September 11—The United States was attacked by terrorists.  September 14—The church was open all day for prayer.  October 1—Rev. Bill Foglesong began as pastor. October 7—Dover Place Christian Church welcomes Pastor Bill to the pulpit after breakfast and a prayer service. The United States launches war on terrorists. October—Beth Blankenship moves from St. Louis. Rita Denno returns as temporary organist.

2000       Extensive work was done on the organ and the baptistery. Rita Denno, was honored in May at her retirement as church organist after 50 years of service.  Rose Shannon became interim organist.  A Senior Group was organized.  A Daytime Bible Study was started.  A Warden/Pruett Appreciation Sunday was held in November. The church recognized bequests from the estates of Candace Warden and Dr. D.S. Pruett. Members of each family were present.

1999       Bill Treiber was presented with a Deacon Emeritus pin and was honored for more than 50 years of service in worship in February. Rev. Donnamae Grannemann resigned and was honored on Easter Sunday (April 4), her final day. Rev. 'I Wilson was guest minister for six Sundays. Rev. Chuck Shannon began serving the church as Intentional Interim Minister in June.  Frank Sanford, administrative assistant, was honored for service.  A new adult class, taught by Rev. Shannon, was started.

1998       Virginia Portas was named Layperson of the Year in January. Rev. Pat McWilliams Mohler, a former member of Dover Place Christian Church, delivered the sermon.  Miracle Day at Dover Place was held in October. Sixty National Benevolent Association volunteers from outside the area cleaned, painted and made repairs all in one day. Several Dover Place Christian Church members worked also and other members furn!shed food. A picture of the workers and our church appeared on the front cover of the NBA Family Talk magazine.

1997       Jackie Witt was honored as Layperson of the Year in January.  A display of snapshots from Anniversary Sunday was exhibited.  (1997 cont'd) A group from Dover Place church visited the new Mormon Temple in West County.  The first issue of "From the Loft," a publication for the youth of the church was published in June.  Members helped with the Disciples Habitat House in October.  Floors were replaced in the upper hallway and the restroom in October.

1996       OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR  Commemorative coffee mugs, a Dover Place Christian Church cookbook, pens and "original air-conditioners" (hand fans) were produced to be used in celebrating our centennial year.  A line-dancing class was formed and a chili supper was held.  An "Old Fashioned Day" was held. Church members and worship participants dressed in turn-of-the-century apparel for a fashion show.  A "100 Years" banner was displayed on the outside of the sanctuary.  An Archives Room was opened for a permanent display. The room was equipped with show cases. There was a display of scrapbooks, picture albums and historical items.  Centennial Sunday was observed in October. Two hundred and six people were in attendance at morning worship to hear Larry Connors, news anchor at KMOVTV speak. Rev. Steve Cranford, regional minister; Rev. Bill Longman, former pastor and Charles Jones, president of the Carondelet Betterment Association also participated in the service. A catered dinner in Fellowship Hall followed the worship service.

1995       The Grills/Wprsdell Scholarship Fund was established. Sam Sloan, a Messianic rabbi, delivered a sermon. The ChaliceHymnal was dedicated.  March—Two display cases were acquired for displays in the History Room.  The Youth Room on the third floor was dedicated. New dining tables were purchased for Fellowship Hall.  A historical pulpit and communion service were refinished by Calvin Denno to be used during our 100th anniversary year.  The church contributed to the Oklahoma City disaster In which a federal building was blown up.  There was flash flooding in Fellowship Hal from a sudden storm (August)  George Barnes' leader dog, Nugget, was blessed in worship.

1994       January—The first class of Stephen Ministers was commissioned.  The church youth spent the weekend at Culver-Stockton College.  A Youth Mentor Award was given to Jerry Campbell III.   An all-church watermelon social was held at the home of Virginia Fischer.  A tap-dancing class began.  Bert Minkin (the Storyteller) delivered a sermon.  Pat McWilliams Mohler, a former, member, delivered a sermon.  October—Wednesday Nite Live! Began.  The Men's Group began monthly breakfast meetings. A needy family was adopted for Christmas.

1993       A history videotape was produced.  Air-conditioning for the offices, parlor, classrooms and attic was installed.  Portable window air conditioners were placed in the Head Start classroom and the Prayer Room.  New curtains were installed on the Fellowship Hall stage.  Worship was canceled on January 10 due to snow and ice.  The Great Flood of 1993 affected some Dover Place families.  520 people were in attendance for General Assembly Sunday. Dr. Michael Kinnamon preached. The church chartered buses to transport conAtioneers to worship and dinner. Calvin Denno was honored for his years of service to the church on Father's Day.  There was a Special Offering in the summer for victims of the Midwest floods. In October Candace Warden and David Worsdell, Sr. were recognized for their years of teaching Sunday School.  A needy family was adopted for Christmas.  The Recently Bereaved began meeting as a group.

1992       The basement windows in the Prayer Room were glass-blocked.  Planter boxes were built at the Alabama Avenue entry and were planted with shrubs.  Storage shelves were installed in the rear of the attic. The church heating system was upgraded.

1991       A burglar alarm system was installed.  Our church participated in the Carondelet Historical Tour of Churches. One hundred and twenty-five persons toured Dover Place Church.  Member pictures were placed on a bulletin board. Cliff Rudd was the photographer.  The electric wiring system was totally replaced. A mentoring program for church youth was begun.  The nursery was air-conditioned. This was a gift of the G.D. class.  Desks in the minister's and secretary's offices were replaced.  Rev. Donnamae Grannemann was installed as full-time pastor.  The church adopted a needy family at Christmas.

1990       A new nursery was established in the former Primary classroom.  There was a general restoration/redecoration of the building which included:  Plastering; Papering and painting of the kitchen; New curtains in the quilting and counters' room Offices and nursery recarpeted; Library updated and painted; New lighting in library, kitchen and counters' room Portable electronic piano was purchased; Study/Search Kickoff Dinner and congregational meeting was held at Affton Christian Church. Large-print pew Bibles were purchased; New phone system was installed; Second Al-Anon group began using church facilities A microwave oven was purchased for the kitchen; VCR was purchased; Worship was canceled for two consecutive Sundays due to five inches of ice coverage; New office equipment was purchased:  1. Computer with laser jet printer  2. Copier  3. Electronic typewriter; A new heavy-duty vacuum was purchased.

1989       The Sanctuary was recarpeted and pews were cushioned.  Pastor Buchhold died unexpectedly on April 13 Rev. Herb Lambert became the interim minister. The Apple Tree Pre-School closed. (August) Rev. Donnamae Grannemann was called as an intentional interim pastor.  Head Start began using the church facilities for a school.  A Youth Group and Men's Fellowship was formed by Glenn Grannemann.  (October) Brasstone communion ware was dedicated in memory of Rev. Buchhold.

1988       Al-Anon began using the church facilities.  Church Growth Consultation with Clark Hargis and The church Task Force for Growth set plans in motion:  600 letters mailed to new neighbors in ZIP codes 11,16 and 18; follow-up phone calls were made; A hutch, given by Marie Beckman, was installed in the parlor to display history articles.  An 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service was held.

1987       (April)     Virginia Portas and Lucille Kraus were honored for years of service to the Family Care Center Virginia was honored for many years of service to the church as treasurer and Lucille was honored for years of service as a Sunday School teacher. A complete organ overhaul was done.  A glass block window was installed in the kitchen.  A new mimeograph machine and electronic stencil scanner were purchased. The stage apron was rebricked.  The use of a van to transport people was instituted. This later was discontinued.  A telephone answering system was installed.  The church purchased a new Santa suit.

1986       A Committee for Handicapped Accessability was appointed.  Worship services were taped for shut-ins.  A new mimeograph machine was purchased.  The 90th Anniversary of the church was celebrated with:  Old-Fashioned Sunday; Recognition Sunday; Worship with Music Sunday; A Gay Nineties street party; A memorabilia display.  One hundred and ninety persons attended a worship service and a catered dinner on Anniversary Sunday in late October. The theme for the day was "Hug the Church." Rev. Reed Carter was speaker.  A pictorial directory was distributed.

1985       A sign advertising the church was placed on Bates Street at Alabama. It later was removed at the request of the Street Department.  The exterior of the church was repainted and the roof was repaired.

1984       Membership name tags were used for the first time at Sunday services.  New hymnals were purchased for the sanctuary A Membership Activity Banner was hung in the sanctuary.  Years of Membership scrolls (now in the parlor) were used for the first time.  Shelves and a closet were built in the boiler room An ongoing flooding problem in Fellowship Hall was solved.

1983       New lighting was installed in the quilting room. The classroom in the northeast corner of the basement (the former kitchen) was remodeled as a Prayer Room There was an all-church retreat at Trout Lodge.

1982       The sanctuary was repainted.  A pull-down movie screen was installed on the stage ceiling in Fellowship Hall.  An electric piano was presented to the church; it was placed in the parlor  New choir robes were purchased.  The northwest upstairs classroom was made into a choir room.  A Trust Fund committee was appointed. Betty Treiber retired after 23 years (1959-1982) as church secretary.

1981       The sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were air-conditioned. The improvements were a gift from Mrs. Lyman Branner.  A freezer was purchased by Christian Women's Fellowship. The stained glass windows in the parlor were vandalized. They were repaired and plexi-glass covering were installed.  (October) The church's 85th anniversary was observed with a country/Western theme.  A Royal electric typewriter was purchased for the church office.  Fifteen thousand dollars of the Building Fund were used for repairs and remodeling as follows:  Repair of stained glass windows in the sanctuary; plexiglass covering were installed, Window guards were installed on the rear basement windows.; Individual controls were installed on each radiator to provide better control of heat; Fellowship Hall was remodeled with new lighting, a lowered ceiling, new coloring, ceiling fans, and mock brick on the stagefront.

1980       A gas heater was installed in the minister's study. It later was removed because it made the study too warm.  A thermostat was relocated into the sanctuary.  A new Christmas tree was purchased for Fellowship Hall.

1979       Classrooms were repainted. The parlor and the secretary's office were carpeted. The parlor was redecorated.  Rev. Louis Buchhold, Jr. was called as pastor.  LaRita Hovis was honored as Outstanding Laywoman The secretary's office was air-conditioned.  The Nursery was remodeled and the powder room was painted.  (September) The Apple Tree Pre-school was opened with Mrs. Louis Buchhold as director.  (October) The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was held in St. Louis. Two hundred and twenty-five persons attended worship at Dover Place Christian Church. The church chartered buses to transport conventioneers to services and to dinner. Rev. Reed Carter, a former pastor of the church, was speaker.  Mr. and Mrs. Otto John retired after 17 years as custodians.

1978       The property adjoining the church was sold.  The men's room was remodeled and Fellowship Hall was repainted.  The minister's study was redecorated and carpeted. Furniture was reupholstered and new draperies were hung.

1977       The first women elders were elected.  Rev. Gearhart resigned.  Rev. James Young became interim minister.  The parsonage in the county was sold.  The ceiling in the offices was lowered and new lighting was installed.

1976       Marion Grills was honored as the Outstanding Laywoman. There was a special Bicentennial worship on July 4. A flag was presented and was hung at the front entrance. (October) Eugene Hazlewood was named Layman of the Year.  (November) A special worship and dinner was held in observance of the Bicentennial Thanksgiving. Entertainment was provided by the Dover Dingbats Kitchen Band.

1975       This year marked the 75th anniversary and Homecoming. Rev. June Christiansen was speaker. (October) Clyde Gudermuth was named Layman of the Year.  A piano was presented to the church for use in the sanctuary.

1974       100th Anniversary of Disciples Christian Women's Fellowship and Dover Place Homecoming. 170 persons were served at an "Old Fashioned Dinner." A history of Disciples CWF was written by Thelma Griffith.  David Worsdell, Sr. was presented with an "Honored Minister" pin.  The sanctuary was paired, the carpet was cleaned and the narthex was carpeted.  In April a hail storm caused $6,000 in damage to the church and the parsonages.  (October) Eugene Portas was named Layman of the Year.

1973       New Sunday School hymnals were purchased Participated in "Key `73", a national evangelistic campaign.  The church made a survey of the neighborhood A fire-proof safe was purchased.  (October) Philip Deming was named Layman of the Year.  130 attended Homecoming Sunday.

1972       Martha Renner represented the church at a U.N. seminar.  (October) William Treiber was named Layman of the Year.  Rev. Norman Cullumber was speaker at the 76th anniversary observance. The dinner which followed was attended by 130 persons.

1971       Diamond Jubilee Year.  Special monthly events during the year included:  The street was blocked off for the first time for a Watermelon Social.  An antique communion tankard from 1903 was located and refinished. It was dedicated on Homecoming Sunday to the memory of Dr. and Mrs. Pruett. Later, two patens were found and refinished. These were originally given and inscribed by Mrs. C.J. Mehl, charter member of the church.  Sherri Lawrence represented Dover Place at a U.N. seminar.  (October) Lewis (Chic) Giddens was named Layman of the Year.  The church's stained glass windows were re-leaded and repaired.  A new gas furnace was installed.

1970       A public address system was given in memory of O.G. Wetzel.  An electric typewriter was purchased.  New stage curtains were installed.  A communion parament was presented in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Vincent A silver communion chalice and paten were presented by Charles Dent.  (October) Henry Erk was named Layman of the Year.  Plexi-glass protection was installed on Fellowship Hall windows.

1969       Two single candle holders were purchased for the use of acolytes in worship.  There was a change in the order of worship: communion followed the hymn of invitation. It was changed back later.  God and Country awards were bestowed on Mark Hazlewood and Terry Treiber.  Travel communion sets were purchased for serving shut-ins.  A gas heating unit for Fellowship Hall was installed.  Mrs. Kay Krejci was employed as Youth Director.  Shrubs were planted on the front lawn.  (July) Sanctuary flags were presented in memory of Lyman Branner.  (October) Eddie Steward was named Layman of the Year.

1968       The church constitution was revised.  A brass cross was presented to the church in memory of William Grills. It was displayed in the baptistery opening. Shrubs were removed from the front lawn by the God and Country candidates.  (October) William Paule was named Layman of the Year The yoMaFo Class a   or erstone Class were merged to form the Pairs and Spars class.  The pastor's study was air-conditioned.

1967       The congregation voted for open membership (October) Wayne Barnes was named Layman of the Year.

1966       Bibles were placed in the new Bible holders that were installed in the pews.  Three trees were planted on the Alabama Avenue side of the church. (42 years later, in 2008, they were cut down and new landscape was engineered.)  An electric mimeograph was purchased.  The God and Country Award was bestowed on Tom Treiber.

1965       The first annual Laymen's Lenten Breakfast series was begun. It was held at Dover Place Christian Church for five years before other churches began taking turns.

1964       A stereo sound system for the sanctuary was dedicated. (Labor Day Sunday) There was a fire in the attic during worship. There was minimal damage.  A 16 mm. Sound projector was purchased.  The church nursery was air-conditioned.  A new parsonage was built in South County.  The Dover Swingers, a musical band of grade school youngsters, was organized.

1963       Rev. Ralph Bureman became interim minister.  The parsonage was cleaned and redecorated; the kitchen was completely remodeled.  The greeter system began.  The church began using new hymnals.  (July) Rev. E.. Gearhart was called.  (October) Warren Grills was named first Layman of the Year (November) A memorial service was held for President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

1962       The church library was relocated to a room off the downstairs hallway and was dedicated to the memory of Rev. Raymond W. Baldwin.  The 8:30 a.m. worship service was discontinued.  A silver tea service was presented to the church by members of the former Loyal Daughters Class in memory of their teacher, Mrs. D.S. Pruett. The parlor was redecorated, refurnished and air-conditioned. Coffee Fellowship following Sunday worship was started.  Rev. Longman resigned.  The God and country Award was presented to Terry Cowell.

1961       (October) Two hundred people attended the 65th anniversary program and dinner. Dr. Lester B. Rickman was speaker.  Church membership totaled 346 resident members. Pew candle holders were purchased for the sanctuary.

1960       Brass vases were sent to the church from Korea by Major Nellie Guffy.  A pair of brass pulpit flower vases was presented to the church in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Avra Grills.  A water heater for the baptistery was installed.

1959       The boiler was converted to gas.  Controlled lighting was installed in the sanctuary.

1957       (February) A set of cathedral candelabra were presented to the church.  (March) Two identical worship services were held each Sunday.  Alcoholics Anonymous began using the church facilities for weekly meetings.  Rev. Carter resigned.  Rev. Owen Livengood became interim minister.  Rev. William A. Longman was installed as pastor.  New carpeting was installed in the sanctuary. The narthex and choir loft were tiled.  Peter Starn attended a United Nations seminar. Pulpit flowers were scheduled for Sunday services.  New choir robes were purchased.
              (October) The International Convention of Christian Churches was held in St. Louis. Dr. John Ross, medical missionary and the subject of a TV program, Monganga, was speaker. Dover Place hosted 750 of those attending the convention by holding two services.

1956       New stage curtains were installed in Fellowship Hall.  An Abiding Memorial Fund was established and a Memorial Book was dedicated.  A communion service and offering plates were presented to the church; some were in memory of Emma Treiber.

1955       (September) The remodeled educational unit was dedicated. George A. Whiteaker was honored for his 25 years as Board Chairman.

1953       Easter worship attendance in two services was 428. A nursery was started to keep children during worship services.  A church constitution was accepted by the church membership.  The CoWed Class was organized.  A new brick sign was established on the lawn.  A $20,000 building fund was established for remodeling the former sanctuary and the old basement into classrooms.

1952       Rev. Atkins retired. Rev. Reed Carter began his first full-time pastorate at Dover Place Christian Church.  (October) The first Dover Digest was published.

1951       A group of 25 Dover Place members was commissioned to help form Affton Christian Church.

1950       Hazel Harris, the church organist for 25 years, retired. Rita Denno began as organist.

1946       Fiftieth anniversary celebration was held. Speakers were Rev. James Tilsley and Dr. R.H. Miller.  A Christmas nativity scene in the baptistry opening was used for the first time.

1945       Ladies' powder room was built at the foot of the stairs.

1944       (December) A church library was established with Mary Sands as director. The library was located on the Fellowship Hall stage.

1943       The property adjoining the church was purchased for a parsonage.

1939       Rev. Percy R. Atkins began 13-year ministry.  Cornerstone Class was organized with Mrs. Atkins as teacher.

1933       The sanctuary was dedicated on December 17. Former pastor, Dr. John Boothe of Indianapolis, officiated. Cost of sanctuary: $25,000.

1932       C.A. Earsom was called. Construction began on the new sanctuary.

1931       A group of high school youth organized the G.D. Class.

1930       C.A. Banta was called. He stayed two years.

1929       Group of "young married folks" organized the YoMaFo Class.

1928       Ireland Circle of Women's Council organized.

1925       Rev. Owen Livengood was called.

1922       Rev. J. Bryant Young began his ministry.

1915       Rev. Ireland returned for a second ministry. A building fund for the present sanctuary began. Loyal Daughters class of young women was formed with Mrs. Pruett as teacher.

1914       George Miner was called to serve one year.

1912       Rev. Charles Dugan began ministry. Pastor's Helpers Class was organized for women.

1909       The Education Building was dedicated. Rev. Ireland resigned and Rev. John Boothe began his ministry.

1907       The first worship service was held on October 27 in "The Tabernacle" at the new site. The name was changed to Dover Place Christian Church.

1903       Under the leadership of Dr. D.S. Pruett, a lot at the corner of Dover Place and Alabama Avenue was selected for the permanent site of the church.

1901 Rev. Gilbert E. Ireland was called.

1899       Building at 6801 Virginia Avenue was purchased.

1897       German Methodist Church building at Pennsylvania and Upton was rented. Rev. A.G. Marshall was pastor.

1896       Carondelet Christian Church organized in Old Temperance Hall, Minnesota and Robert Ave. with Rev. Lewis as pastor. See cornerstone in outside stairwell to Fellowship Hall.

1895       Sunday School organized at 510 Kansas St. (now Holly Hills Boulevard) Mrs. Skinner’s House.