Viola Buckhouse  Memorial:

In December, our congregation purchased an indoor Nativity Set.  The Nativity Set in  memory of Viola Buckhouse, a life-long member of our church.  The remaining funds donated by Viola will be used for future church improvements.

Viola Ottilia Anna Buckhouse was born November 16, 1927 in Richland County, rural Hankinson, ND, the daughter of Charles and Martha (Knaak) Buckhouse.  She sang in the church choir for 40 years and was soloist for many funerals, weddings and church services.

Elmer Buckhaus Memorial:

Elmer Buckhaus (1922 – 2017) was a life-long member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ. He sang in the choir for about 60 years. Through the years, he served as elder, trustee, secretary and financial secretary.   In addition, he was secretary/ treasurer of the Men’s Fellowship. Until he was 89 years old, Elmer played taps for memorial events and funerals.

In March, 2019, the Elmer Buckhaus Memorial was given to our congregation.   It was the wish of his daughters (Peggy, Patsy, and Julie) that this memorial be used towards the purchase of pew cushions.

A letter from the family states:    “The “white church” was my dad’s spiritual home all his life. We honor his memory with this gift.”

In combination with funds from the Alfred and Dora Thiel Fund, pew cushions were purchased and installed.

 

Bud Gabbert Memorial: 

The two banners (Trust in the Lord and Rejoice in the Lord) displayed at the front of the sanctuary were recently given in memory of Bud Gabbert.  This memorial was donated by his wife Doris and family in 2018.

 

 

Dedication of Paul Buckhaus Plaque:

During our October 8, 2018  service, a plaque in memory of Paul Buckhaus was dedicated.   It will be displayed on a wall by the organ.   Paul, a life-long member of our church, was our organist for many years.

Inscription on plaque reads:

Paul was a life time and devoted member of the Emmanuel  United Church of Christ.   He played piano for the Sunday school and was a Sunday school helper for many years.   He served on the Church Council as a trustee and elder and also as council president.   Paul sang in the church choir for two years and also the community and multi-community chorus from 1970 to 2012.   He also served as president of the Men’s Fellowship from 2009 – 2012.  Paul became the church organist September 1969 and played until August 26, 2012.   As church organist for 43 years, he played for many funerals, weddings, and church services.  Paul passed away at the age of 63.  He was truly a servant of the church.

 

Alfred and Dora Thiel  Legacy Fund:

Dora and Alfred will always be remembered as faithful members of Emmanuel United Church of Christ.  Married on December 12, 1994, they moved to Hankinson in 1979.  Until there retirement in 1994, they continued to farm.  Dora and Alfred continued to be active in the church in many roles, loved the outdoors and gardening.  Alfred passed away on  May 16, 1999.  Dora passed away on August 11, 2016.

By utilizing the two Legacy Funds created through their gifts, Emmanuel United Church of Christ will continue to honor the Thiels.  Two endowment funds were established in accordance with the estate and will consist of a Church Maintenance Fund and a Cememtery Maintenance Fund for United Cememtery.

Emmanuel United Church of Christ plans to honor the Thiel’s love for the outdoors and the land they farmed by utilizing those funds to maintain and beautify our facilities, property, and cemetery grounds.

Clarrene Prochnow Memorial:

A dining table and four chairs were donated by Paul and Lucy Bladow and family in memory of Lucy’s mother Clarrene.  It is located in the church’s entry.   It is used by members for fellowship following weekly services.

Thank You to Lucy, Paul, and family!

Sanctuary Windows:

In 2016, the five sanctuary windows were replaced.   Dedication for these windows was held in January, 2017.   Memorials were donated by Milton Bladow and family, Marilyn Kath and family, and Myron and Margie Kluge.