Fifty years. A long time, but yet just a blink of an eye.

In 1965 gas was about one-tenth of today’s prices. The Great Society was announced and the first combat troops were sent to Vietnam. The average new house cost only $14,000 (think about that for a minute). And the Gateway Arch was completed.

Many of us remember those events plus others of that era.

Chapel’s story actually began in 1961 when the Voters Assembly at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in north St. Louis voted to start a mission congregation in North County. A site was identified and the land was purchased. Two years later, the first worship service at what is now Hazelwood East Middle School was held.

As a charter member I remember that farm land and some of those early services.

In September, 1965 the first meeting as a separate congregation was held and the name Chapel of the Cross – Lutheran was chosen. What a beautiful name to constantly keep our focus on Christ crucified. And already in November of that year ground was broken for the original Educational Building, which is now “enveloped” in our expanded facility.

I remember the first Thanksgiving service of the new congregation at Lutheran North. I was surprised — actually stunned — at the number of people in attendance. That is when as a 15-year-old I realized that this new church was real.

Fifty years is an impressive record for anything. We admire fifty years of marriage. We respect fifty years for a company. We should especially treat fifty years for a church in the highest regard. And with thanksgiving to God.

Chapel has been blessed with our three senior pastors. Fifty years and only three pastors — that in itself is a blessing. We have been shepherded by faithful preachers of the Gospel - Pastors Nauss, Stein and Laesch. And we are thankful for the time we had with Pastor Koschmann.

And we recognize the various pastoral assistants who have served over the years. Several from the Seminary and in more recent years those who retired and continued to serve their Lord and us. How many calls on sick and shut-in have been made in fifty years? Many, many by those assistants and Bob Barthel. All of them have been dedicated servants and became good friends.

We have been served by very faithful staff members who have assisted our pastors and led worship, Bible classes, music, youth programs and outreach. We are thankful for the educational leadership of Dave Funke for almost thirty years. And we are thankful to all of our administrative and building
staff who have served so loyally for so many years.

Chapel of the Cross has been blessed to have an outstanding music program all of these years. From Harold Jagels to Milo Lombard to Ryan Meyer. Wonderful Easter, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services. Moving concerts and beautiful music. Dedicated choir members and soloists, who have given their time and talents. 

We have been blessed to have so many who have given their time as teachers and volunteers - Sunday school, bible class and VBS teachers; nursery assistants, broadcast personnel and helpers for numerous events; business-oriented committees and property-minded volunteers who give
of their specialized talents so we can have a better church. 

We are thankful for lay leaders who have served these fifty years. Officers, especially presidents and treasurers, who volunteer their time. We thank the Boards of Directors and Elders who care for the spiritual and business affairs of the congregation.

We are especially thankful for our ministries and outreach programs. Our radio broadcast was a blessing to many in our area who could not attend church. Friend of Moms was a blessing to many young women in the area. GriefShare has supported those who lost loved ones. The Mission Committee and former St. Andrews Society and, more recently, Sidewalk Sunday School have reached into our neighborhood to share Jesus’ love and invite others to our church. Foreign mission support was a special emphasis in our early years when we supported up to fifty missionaries a year and held annual Mission Weeks. Chapel has always been mission-minded. 

And we have been blessed with beautiful facilities. In 1967 ground was broken for our unique sanctuary. My father was one of the speakers at the laying of its cornerstone later that year. I have been in many churches but few compare to the beauty and meaning of our sanctuary.

As we look to the future I see a caring and sharing congregation. We need to continue to look outside our walls and not just focus within. We face challenges but we should charge ahead and not fear. To get to where we need to be we must trust Him.

God truly has been good to us as individuals and as a church. He has been forgiving when we have not. He has been faithful to us and that is why we chose the theme Great is Thy Faithfulness for our anniversary theme. Not because of what we have done, but what He has done toward us.

And so we say the words of the third verse of the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness: “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!” Yes, God has been good to us and to Chapel of the Cross for fifty years. May His blessings continue and may we always be faithful to Him. God bless Chapel of the Cross for the next fifty years.