Good Shepherd Church Begins Building

Good Shepherd Church Begins Building

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Church of the Good Shepherd will be held Sunday, less than a year after establishment, and participation is planned for all persons attending.

At a signal from building committee chairman James Lesch, those present will break ground together in ceremonies to begin at 3:30 p.m. at the site of the church’s new home on Independence Blvd., between Kimberly and Manchester Rds. The ceremony is open to the public and both adults and children, equipped with their own spades, will take part.

Guest speaker for the occasion will be the Rev. Walter Press, pastor of Bethlehem Evangelical and Reformed Church here and secretary of the committee on national missions of the Michigan-Indiana Synod of the denomination.

The ceremony marks the beginning of construction of the first unit of a long-range building program which will eventually provide main worship space, fellowship hall, classrooms, offices and chapel.

Until further expansion, the first unit will house both worship and fellowship activities as well as the pastor’s study, a small kitchen and classrooms.

As other units are built it will become the fellowship hall. Designed by architect Robert C. Metcalf, it is to be built by contractor Arthur E. Chizek.

Direction of planning has been carried out by Lesch and the other building committee members, Robert Kalmbach, Veryl Steinaway, James Swart and Mrs. John Trustdorf.

The church was started last November, when the Rev. Richard E. Crusius, present pastor, arrived to begin organization under the Board of National Missions of the denomination. Established to serve the southeastern area of the city, the church held first worship services in February and received its official name in May. It was formally organized the following month.

In morning services Sunday, new members will be received and an adult class will receive confirmation. Until the new building is ready the church is meeting at 2700 Brockman Blvd.