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Dinner Will Mark Church AnniversaryThe First Baptist church of Park Forest will celebrate its 19th anniversary with a dinner at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the fellowship hall of the church, which is now located at Westwood and Orchard.The Rev. William Nelson, new executive minister of the Chicago Baptist association, will be guest speaker for the occasion.The congregation started as a Bible study group in March,1953, when Mr. and Mrs. HaroldHill and other Park Foresters joined together. Dr. James Mosteller, then associate professor of church history atNorthern Baptist Theological seminary in Chicago, became the leader of the group which met in various homes until June when it rented a nursery school that stood on the corner of 26th street and Western avenue. It was used for Sunday school and worship services. Attendance that summer grew to 65 and Harold Smith, a student at Northern Baptist seminary, became student pastor.IN OCTOBER, 1953, the group moved to Rich East high school and two morning worship services were established to accommodate the growing membership.The First Baptist church wasformally organized on March 7, 1954, with Dr. Mosteller serving as interim pastor for the 60 charter members and Smith continuing as his assistant. The church was accepted into the Chicago Baptist association and the American Bapti convention on May 11, 1954.The Rev. Robert E. Prinzing of Garrett, Ind., became its first full-time pastor in August, 1955. In 1956 the church voted to purchase 3.3 acres at Westwoodand Orchard and the land wasdedicated in 1957. The ground breaking for the first of three proposed buildings, a $110,000 education building and temporary sanctuary, was held February 2, 1958. The second phase of the building program,Lightning Ignites BlazeMatteson fire fighters early yesterday morning checked a blaze in Olympia Fields that began after lightning struck a home.Lightning struck the home of Richard Ward, 739 Cumnock, shortly after midnight. All members of the family escaped harm, according to a police report of the incident, which added that the value of the damage to the Ward home was unknown.which includes the presentsanctuary and offices, was started in 1965.Other pastors who have served the church are the Rev. William Webber, presently serving in Springfield, Mo., and the current pastor, the Rev. Chester Carlson.Car Skids On Road; Two HurtTwo motorists were injured during an accident caused by rain drenched streets in ParkForest Tuesday evening.Jenny Raber, 51B Hemlock, Park Forest, told police she was southbound on Orchard drive, near the Elisabeth Ludeman Mental Health center, when her car spun out of control.. The vehicle struck another being driven by Dan Pisilopou-los, 302 Farragut, Park Forest, which was north-bound on the same street.Pisilopoulos was treated and released at St. James hospital for a cut on the mouth. Estimated damage to his car was $750.Jennie Raber declined treatment. Damage to her vehicle was given at $500.
Newspaper Details
Park Forest South Star
Park Forest, Illinois, US
Thu, Jun 07, 1973
Page 85
Full Page
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USA 06 Nov 2019
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