History
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The
History of the Church of the Lighted Cross
Almost everything starts small.
Humans are born infants. Tall stalks of corn begin as seed. So
it is with the church. From the humble beginnings of a small group of
people meeting at the Lido Beach Casino, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church was
born and began a journey that has seen more than three decades of growth
anchored in faith and service. Here is a brief timeline of our the history
of our church:
| 1966
- December 18 - Rev. Dr. Herman W. Siefkes conducts winter ministry at Lido Key Casino |
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| 1967
- July - Pastor Siefkes called by the American Lutheran Church (ALC) Eastern District and Board of Missions (Minneapolis) to found a congregation on the Sarasota Keys - October - Organization of Lido Key Lutheran Church - December - First official service of Lido Key Lutheran Church held at Lido Key Casino |
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| 1968
- February - purchase of 8 lots on Adams Drive for church site - April 6 - Organization of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church (changed officially from Lido Key Lutheran Church) - April 7 - Installation of Pastor Siefkes and the first official church council - Acceptance of charter members - August 4 - ground is broken on the first sanctuary - November 10 - Land donation by the Blix family extends church property to John Ringling Boulevard |
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| 1969
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| 1970 - 1971
- Organization of the choir, women's auxilliary, circles, youth activities, ushers, greeters, altar guild, hospitality and other committees |
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- September 30 - Pastor Disbro resigns to become Dean of the ALC Eastern District |
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- February 4 - Rev. Julius N. Quello installed as Pastor - November 18 - Lots at corner of Ringling and Washington Blvd purchased extending property to current dimensions. |
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- Fund raising program by church members to retire ALC debt - February - SAKLC becomes self supporting and is therefore no longer a mission church. - February 15 - dedication of Ogram Fellowship Hall, offices, etc. |
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- June 20 - Pastor Quello retires - December 7 - Rev. Dr. William L. Nies installed as Pastor; Rev. Louis E. Mielke, Associate Pastor |
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- October 22 - Dedication of Education Wing and church renovation - South Building - November - Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service begins - Prayer Chain Started |
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| 1990
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| 1991
- Rev. Herbert T. Mayer appointed Pastoral Assistant - Outreach Programs, Stephen Ministry, Mission and Social Ministry, and Christian Education Programs Started - Pastor Nies recognized as Pastor Emeritus |
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| 1992
- Entire church debt retired |
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| 1994
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| 1995
- Purchase of house on Washington Drive - April 9 - Rev. David McCoy installed as Associate Pastor - October - Contemporary "Service of Joy" begins to supplement the active worship life of the church |
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| 1997
- "Forward in Faith" capital fund drive launched |
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| 1998
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| 1999
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| 2000
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| 2001
- August - SAKLC kicks off Habitat for Humanity house campaign - September 21 - Dinner and Devotions Program started - November 11 - Youth JAM Youth Group started |
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| 2002
- January - Scholars in Residence Program Begins - April 7 - Pastor Zimmer recognized as Pastor Emeritus |
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| 2003
- February 1 - Rev. Darwin Polesky appointed Pastoral Assistant - April 6 - SAKLC Celebrates 35 years in Ministry
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| 2004
- April - Parish Nurse Program begins - June - SAKLC Meditation Garden constructed |
The church,
unlike a boat, never reaches its destination. The time never comes when a
community of believers can say that the work of the Lord is complete. Since
the beginning, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church has been growing and expanding.
Throughout our journey we have reached out into God's world with the
gospel of Jesus Christ and will continue to do so as we move forward in faith.