Highlights of the History of our Church
or HOW GOD HAS BLESSED US SINCE 1960
WARNING!!! - only for those who really love history (It is tooo much to read....)
February 2013 - New Vision in action to be accomplished by December 2015
September 18, 2011 - 50th anniversary of ordination of Reverend Marvin Janz and Reverend Dr. Dusan Toth, celebrated and hosted by three churches (St. Luke Lutheran North York, St. Mark Mississauga and Christ Lutheran) - open air service at our church. Appreciation of Marcia Karagiannis and Elke Schlichte for their dedicated service in the revitalization process as co-executive directors.
June 4th and 5th, 2011 - 50th Anniversary Celebration
with Bishop David Stechholz - Message (framed and signed) from Prime Minister Harper presented by MP Lois Brown
February 6th, 2011 - Installation Service for Rev. Dr. Dusan Tillinger
Service was led by Rev. Dr. Roger Ellis - First Vice President Lake Erie Region/Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sarnia.
Pastors celebrating with us:
Rev. David Thiele -Executive Assistant to the President, Missions/LCEF Vice President, Detroit, MI
Rev. Stephen C Alles - Circuit Counselor and Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Pembroke, Ontario
Rev. Marvin Janz - retired Pastor from St. Luke and serving Pastor at this church for the past five years
Rev. Dr. Dusan Toth - Slovak Pastor from St. Luke and serving Pastor at this church for the past five years
Rev. Derek Mathers - Lead Pastor from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Jeff Kunsman - Special Ministry Pastor from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Lumembo Tshiswaka - Pastor French Fellowship from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Raymond Kirk - retired Pastor from St. Matthews in Scarborough, Ontario
Rev. Adrian Toms - Pastor from Holy Trinity in Bradford and Living Faith Lutheran Church in Orangeville, Ontario
Rev. John Strohschein and Rev. Dr. David Block- friends of Pastor Tillinger both formerly served the English Lutheran community in Prague, Tchech Republic
Special guest: Mrs Lois Brown - Member of Parliament for Aurora/Newmarket and her husband
January 9th, 2011 - Rev. Dr.DusanTillinger's first worship service
January 6th, 2011 - Rev. Dr. Dusan Tillinger and his family arrive from Prague
September 26, 2010 - Voters Assembly - unanimously for Pastor Dusan Tillinger - accepted and expected start date January 2011
Revitalization and Outreach from June 2008 to September 2010 results:
Ministries created (in order of dates established) - Children and Youth contemporary choir; Free Lessons and Tutoring (guitar, French, Ball Hockey, Drums, Science, Math, Adult Computer classes, Kids' Cooking classes, computer classes for kids; Video Game Day, Beauty Nights, Empowering Youth to use talents and passions, lawn mowing, assisting at events; Annual Outreach Events - Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Pancake Breakfast, Fun Fair, Oktoberfest, Halloween Party, Fall Bazaar, Christmas Pageant; Soccer fun training and games; Youth in Action. In this timeframe we have personally connected with 360 children and youth from the community through 8 ministries. (goal by Easter 2011 - connecting with 500 through 10 ministries)
October 19, 2008 - the third interest group is started, our own Christian Rock Band lead by Anne Goodwin.
October 18, 2008 - the gift of the painting "Aaron's Blessings" from Pastor Toth is revealed and dedicated
September 27, 2008 - Second free Community Outreach Event – Oktoberfest – great community support (free tent, free decorations, all food provided by congregation. Attendance 66 on last count. 36 adults (13 from outside church) 30 children (21 from outside church) GREAT SUCCESS
September 14, 2008 - Vision song contest winner is announced, Ruth Ulbrick with a song to the tune of 'Jesus loves me'
September 10, 2008 - Second Interest Group started "Free Guitar lesson" with Adam
August 11, 2008 - English District Board of Directors visited with Bishop David Stechholz to hear of our progress and plans.
June 15, 2008 - First Interest Group 'Children's Choir' with Lydia Schultz started
June 8, 2008 - NEW Vision Statement introduced to congregation
We, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Aurora, believe that God is calling us to be His instruments in reaching out to the youth and children and their families in the Town of Aurora. We will passionately bring the Good News and share the Love of Jesus Christ.
Our ministries will be focused on the needs of the children and youth, their heart, mind, body and soul. To accomplish this, with God’s help, we will create a minimum of 10 working ministries and become personally connected with 500 youth and children and their families by Easter 2011.
May 31, 2008 - First community event this year our "FUN FAIR" was a big success - connected with at least 25 children from the community. Everyone had a great time.
April 7, 2008 - Training for Executive Directors started
April 6, 2008 - commissioned new Board of Directors Marcia Karagiannis, Elke Schlichte; Sam Jones, Steven Hoffrogge, Cindy Sheardown, Andrea Denman
March 30, 2008 - voted and accepted new board members
March 1, 2008 - Pastors Marvin Janz and Dr. Dusan Toth commence serving Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
January 2008 - 99% approval of district's 'prescription' to move our church forward anchored in 'outreach'.
June 2007 - started the Congregational self-study leading up to calling a new pastor. November/December 2007 workshop based on study
February 2007 - First 'Lutheran Light' newspaper (revival) published.
March 1, 2006 - Rev. Dusan Toth and Rev. Marvin Janz started as servicing pastors.
March 2006 - dedication of New Hymnals work in progress ... more to come! 1989 to 2006 Historic data about
events and special occasions are difficult to compile, but we are trying.
August 26, 1989 to February 26, 2006 - Pastor Mel Murray was full time pastor at this church. He retired with a great celebration of his service which included the Forget-Me-Nots singing for him.
October 1987 - one year late, the Silver Anniversary of our church was celebrated.
March 1987 - the sale of the ten building lots and the parsonage behind the church was finally concluded. With the funds received, the mortgage on the church building was paid off
November 1986 - Christ Lutheran was the unofficial host for the annual "Canada Circuit Forum" of the the English District, which was held at a local
retreat centre. The Sunday worship service was held at our church. It was the circuit's chance to celebrate the English District's 75th anniversary. Speaker was Rev Richard Drews of Chicago
September 1986 - Installation of Rev Theodore Heinze as pastor of Christ Lutheran church. Guest pastors: Rev. R. Kirk, Rev. M. Janz and Rev. W.P. Heinze
July 1986 - Christ Lutheran officially transferred from S.E.L.C. to the English District, Missouri Synod
January 1985 - Interim Pastor for the next twenty month Rev Marvin Janz, pastor of the church of St. Luke in Willowdale
December 1984 - Rev Low resigns
September 1983 - Hosted S.E.L.C. General Pastoral Conference. A time of regression and dissention and many meetings were held with members of synod and district supervisors.
January 1982 - Negotiations began for the sale of part the church property.
December 1981 - The new "Lutheran Worship" hymnal was used for the first time.
May 1980 - Rev Obeda was guest speaker at the twentieth anniversary of the founding of Christ Lutheran Church.
July 1977 - Rev Robert Low is installed as our fourth pastor. A dual parish with Bradford was set up again.
April 1977 - Rev Kritsch and his family left for new duties as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westport, Connecticut. Interim pastor is Rev Herbert Kritsch of Elmira.
August 1973 - Rev Paul E. Kritsch was installed as our new pastor on August 12th.
August 1972 - Rev. Kuznik accepted a call to Middletown, Ohio. Rev J. Klein from Barrie became vacancy pastor, assisted by pastors Wukasch, Neumann and student Patanella.
October 1969 - Improvements were made in Fellowship Hall.
July 1968 - We welcomed our second Pastor Rev. R. Kuznik and his family. Dual parish with Bradford continues.
December 1967 - Dec. 3rd, Rev Kovac accepted the call to Redeemer Lutheran in Newark, N.Y. and Rev. Daniel Jurkovic became vacancy pastor.
April 1966 - Dedication of Parsonage Service followed by Open House Tea.
December 1965 - Dedication Sunday - Dec 12 (the world was ice covered, but all arrived safely). Special speakers Rev J. Kucharek, Rev.John Kovac, Rev. John Obeda.
July 1965 - Corner Stone Laying Ceremony on July 25th. The architect from Ohio donated the church plans and was available for consultation. Excavation for both church and parsonage began at the same time. Most of the interior furnishings were donated by individual members, as well as hundreds of hours of labour. Some of the furniture is hand crafted. Sister congregations from the area and from the United States sent us bibles, hymnals, dishes, a brass cross and candle holders and the communion ware (to name only a few).
May 1965 - Ground Breaking Ceremony May 5th. Building Committee: H. Cullman (Chairman), K. Kreckel, H. Kratzmann, K. Rebs, K. Offenbeck, R. McGuffin.
July 1962 - Purchased ten acres of land for the church site.
January 1962 - Rev. Kovac became vacancy pastor for the Bradford church.
November 1961 - On November 5th Christ Lutheran Church moved to the Legion Hall.
August 1961 - First Vacation Bible School for Holy Trinity and Christ Lutheran at Scout Hall in Newmarket. Average attendance 75; 10 teachers and helpers.
July 1961 - Our first Pastor Rev. Walter J. Kovac was commissioned to Christ Lutheran. The officiating service was held at Bradford Holy Trinity by Rev. Milan Ontko of Byram, Connecticut.
April 1961 - Christ Lutheran became a mission church member of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (S.E.L.C.) (April 9)
February 1961 - A constitutional meeting was held on February 23 and the name "Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church" was adopted.
September 1960 - Vicar-Intern Richard Shuta was sent by the Mission board to assist Rev. Obeda. Services moved to Orange Hall - a store basement on Main Street. Sunday School, Saturday School, Youth Group and Ladies League were organized.
January 1960 - Bradford Lutherans, who were responsible for initiating Lutheran services in Barrie in 1957 started a post in Aurora on January 31st. Services were held at Anglican Hall by Rev. Obeda Pastor at Bradford 'Holy Trinity' church.
February 2013 - New Vision in action to be accomplished by December 2015
September 18, 2011 - 50th anniversary of ordination of Reverend Marvin Janz and Reverend Dr. Dusan Toth, celebrated and hosted by three churches (St. Luke Lutheran North York, St. Mark Mississauga and Christ Lutheran) - open air service at our church. Appreciation of Marcia Karagiannis and Elke Schlichte for their dedicated service in the revitalization process as co-executive directors.
June 4th and 5th, 2011 - 50th Anniversary Celebration
with Bishop David Stechholz - Message (framed and signed) from Prime Minister Harper presented by MP Lois Brown
February 6th, 2011 - Installation Service for Rev. Dr. Dusan Tillinger
Service was led by Rev. Dr. Roger Ellis - First Vice President Lake Erie Region/Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sarnia.
Pastors celebrating with us:
Rev. David Thiele -Executive Assistant to the President, Missions/LCEF Vice President, Detroit, MI
Rev. Stephen C Alles - Circuit Counselor and Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Pembroke, Ontario
Rev. Marvin Janz - retired Pastor from St. Luke and serving Pastor at this church for the past five years
Rev. Dr. Dusan Toth - Slovak Pastor from St. Luke and serving Pastor at this church for the past five years
Rev. Derek Mathers - Lead Pastor from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Jeff Kunsman - Special Ministry Pastor from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Lumembo Tshiswaka - Pastor French Fellowship from St. Luke Church in North York, Ontario
Rev. Raymond Kirk - retired Pastor from St. Matthews in Scarborough, Ontario
Rev. Adrian Toms - Pastor from Holy Trinity in Bradford and Living Faith Lutheran Church in Orangeville, Ontario
Rev. John Strohschein and Rev. Dr. David Block- friends of Pastor Tillinger both formerly served the English Lutheran community in Prague, Tchech Republic
Special guest: Mrs Lois Brown - Member of Parliament for Aurora/Newmarket and her husband
January 9th, 2011 - Rev. Dr.DusanTillinger's first worship service
January 6th, 2011 - Rev. Dr. Dusan Tillinger and his family arrive from Prague
September 26, 2010 - Voters Assembly - unanimously for Pastor Dusan Tillinger - accepted and expected start date January 2011
Revitalization and Outreach from June 2008 to September 2010 results:
Ministries created (in order of dates established) - Children and Youth contemporary choir; Free Lessons and Tutoring (guitar, French, Ball Hockey, Drums, Science, Math, Adult Computer classes, Kids' Cooking classes, computer classes for kids; Video Game Day, Beauty Nights, Empowering Youth to use talents and passions, lawn mowing, assisting at events; Annual Outreach Events - Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Pancake Breakfast, Fun Fair, Oktoberfest, Halloween Party, Fall Bazaar, Christmas Pageant; Soccer fun training and games; Youth in Action. In this timeframe we have personally connected with 360 children and youth from the community through 8 ministries. (goal by Easter 2011 - connecting with 500 through 10 ministries)
October 19, 2008 - the third interest group is started, our own Christian Rock Band lead by Anne Goodwin.
October 18, 2008 - the gift of the painting "Aaron's Blessings" from Pastor Toth is revealed and dedicated
September 27, 2008 - Second free Community Outreach Event – Oktoberfest – great community support (free tent, free decorations, all food provided by congregation. Attendance 66 on last count. 36 adults (13 from outside church) 30 children (21 from outside church) GREAT SUCCESS
September 14, 2008 - Vision song contest winner is announced, Ruth Ulbrick with a song to the tune of 'Jesus loves me'
September 10, 2008 - Second Interest Group started "Free Guitar lesson" with Adam
August 11, 2008 - English District Board of Directors visited with Bishop David Stechholz to hear of our progress and plans.
June 15, 2008 - First Interest Group 'Children's Choir' with Lydia Schultz started
June 8, 2008 - NEW Vision Statement introduced to congregation
We, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Aurora, believe that God is calling us to be His instruments in reaching out to the youth and children and their families in the Town of Aurora. We will passionately bring the Good News and share the Love of Jesus Christ.
Our ministries will be focused on the needs of the children and youth, their heart, mind, body and soul. To accomplish this, with God’s help, we will create a minimum of 10 working ministries and become personally connected with 500 youth and children and their families by Easter 2011.
May 31, 2008 - First community event this year our "FUN FAIR" was a big success - connected with at least 25 children from the community. Everyone had a great time.
April 7, 2008 - Training for Executive Directors started
April 6, 2008 - commissioned new Board of Directors Marcia Karagiannis, Elke Schlichte; Sam Jones, Steven Hoffrogge, Cindy Sheardown, Andrea Denman
March 30, 2008 - voted and accepted new board members
March 1, 2008 - Pastors Marvin Janz and Dr. Dusan Toth commence serving Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
January 2008 - 99% approval of district's 'prescription' to move our church forward anchored in 'outreach'.
June 2007 - started the Congregational self-study leading up to calling a new pastor. November/December 2007 workshop based on study
February 2007 - First 'Lutheran Light' newspaper (revival) published.
March 1, 2006 - Rev. Dusan Toth and Rev. Marvin Janz started as servicing pastors.
March 2006 - dedication of New Hymnals work in progress ... more to come! 1989 to 2006 Historic data about
events and special occasions are difficult to compile, but we are trying.
August 26, 1989 to February 26, 2006 - Pastor Mel Murray was full time pastor at this church. He retired with a great celebration of his service which included the Forget-Me-Nots singing for him.
October 1987 - one year late, the Silver Anniversary of our church was celebrated.
March 1987 - the sale of the ten building lots and the parsonage behind the church was finally concluded. With the funds received, the mortgage on the church building was paid off
November 1986 - Christ Lutheran was the unofficial host for the annual "Canada Circuit Forum" of the the English District, which was held at a local
retreat centre. The Sunday worship service was held at our church. It was the circuit's chance to celebrate the English District's 75th anniversary. Speaker was Rev Richard Drews of Chicago
September 1986 - Installation of Rev Theodore Heinze as pastor of Christ Lutheran church. Guest pastors: Rev. R. Kirk, Rev. M. Janz and Rev. W.P. Heinze
July 1986 - Christ Lutheran officially transferred from S.E.L.C. to the English District, Missouri Synod
January 1985 - Interim Pastor for the next twenty month Rev Marvin Janz, pastor of the church of St. Luke in Willowdale
December 1984 - Rev Low resigns
September 1983 - Hosted S.E.L.C. General Pastoral Conference. A time of regression and dissention and many meetings were held with members of synod and district supervisors.
January 1982 - Negotiations began for the sale of part the church property.
December 1981 - The new "Lutheran Worship" hymnal was used for the first time.
May 1980 - Rev Obeda was guest speaker at the twentieth anniversary of the founding of Christ Lutheran Church.
July 1977 - Rev Robert Low is installed as our fourth pastor. A dual parish with Bradford was set up again.
April 1977 - Rev Kritsch and his family left for new duties as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westport, Connecticut. Interim pastor is Rev Herbert Kritsch of Elmira.
August 1973 - Rev Paul E. Kritsch was installed as our new pastor on August 12th.
August 1972 - Rev. Kuznik accepted a call to Middletown, Ohio. Rev J. Klein from Barrie became vacancy pastor, assisted by pastors Wukasch, Neumann and student Patanella.
October 1969 - Improvements were made in Fellowship Hall.
July 1968 - We welcomed our second Pastor Rev. R. Kuznik and his family. Dual parish with Bradford continues.
December 1967 - Dec. 3rd, Rev Kovac accepted the call to Redeemer Lutheran in Newark, N.Y. and Rev. Daniel Jurkovic became vacancy pastor.
April 1966 - Dedication of Parsonage Service followed by Open House Tea.
December 1965 - Dedication Sunday - Dec 12 (the world was ice covered, but all arrived safely). Special speakers Rev J. Kucharek, Rev.John Kovac, Rev. John Obeda.
July 1965 - Corner Stone Laying Ceremony on July 25th. The architect from Ohio donated the church plans and was available for consultation. Excavation for both church and parsonage began at the same time. Most of the interior furnishings were donated by individual members, as well as hundreds of hours of labour. Some of the furniture is hand crafted. Sister congregations from the area and from the United States sent us bibles, hymnals, dishes, a brass cross and candle holders and the communion ware (to name only a few).
May 1965 - Ground Breaking Ceremony May 5th. Building Committee: H. Cullman (Chairman), K. Kreckel, H. Kratzmann, K. Rebs, K. Offenbeck, R. McGuffin.
July 1962 - Purchased ten acres of land for the church site.
January 1962 - Rev. Kovac became vacancy pastor for the Bradford church.
November 1961 - On November 5th Christ Lutheran Church moved to the Legion Hall.
August 1961 - First Vacation Bible School for Holy Trinity and Christ Lutheran at Scout Hall in Newmarket. Average attendance 75; 10 teachers and helpers.
July 1961 - Our first Pastor Rev. Walter J. Kovac was commissioned to Christ Lutheran. The officiating service was held at Bradford Holy Trinity by Rev. Milan Ontko of Byram, Connecticut.
April 1961 - Christ Lutheran became a mission church member of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (S.E.L.C.) (April 9)
February 1961 - A constitutional meeting was held on February 23 and the name "Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church" was adopted.
September 1960 - Vicar-Intern Richard Shuta was sent by the Mission board to assist Rev. Obeda. Services moved to Orange Hall - a store basement on Main Street. Sunday School, Saturday School, Youth Group and Ladies League were organized.
January 1960 - Bradford Lutherans, who were responsible for initiating Lutheran services in Barrie in 1957 started a post in Aurora on January 31st. Services were held at Anglican Hall by Rev. Obeda Pastor at Bradford 'Holy Trinity' church.