Our Story
History of Christ Lutheran Church
(1921 – 2021)
Beginning a task is usually the hardest part of any project. This was certainly true in the case of Christ Lutheran Church. Difficulties have also arisen during its growth, but no one can deny the blessings poured forth by God when they view the church today. The congregation has grown from a handful to the present number of 329. Most certainly Christ Lutheran has been blessed.
To best describe the early beginning of Christ Lutheran, Cairo, the following was written by the hand of the first minister, the Reverend J. F. Ruff:
“The first attempt to start a Lutheran Church in Cairo was made by my father, John A. Ruff, a farmer who lived six miles north of Grand Island, Nebraska. He had helped to gather four other congregations in Nebraska. He owned 20 acres of land at Cairo. Five acres of it he donated to the church in Cairo as soon as it was organized. It was at the end of World War I. He himself alone wrote a ministers call, which was signed by him and one other man in Cairo. But he could not find a missionary to accept the call, although he had promised to pay a salary of one thousand dollars per year until a church was organized. He finally sent the call to me while I was working in northern Michigan. I was installed in a lodge hall. Only two or three people were present. And now hard and difficult mission work started. Hardly anyone seemed to be interested in a Lutheran Church. I often walked on foot for miles through deep snow banks and made as high as 22 visits per day.
After some time four to six came to services. A little later on ten came. Then from 15 to 20. Still later 30 to 40 came to the services. And then on a Sunday after the sermon the congregation was organized with 22 voting members.
Then the congregation bought the church building with the help of my father. The building was in Cameron, and was moved to Cairo and placed on the five acres donated by my father. Services were conducted in English and German. And during the summer months school was taught out in the country southwest of Cairo.
The Church of Christ went through many trials. More than once my father and I had to sit in the Court House and defend the church property when outside enemies tried to take it from us. But with the help of God we always won the victory. And the congregation prospered under God’s Grace and Protection.”
The Cairo Record – February 18, 1921.
Services will be held in the building formerly known as I.O.O.F. Hall (Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall) next Sunday at 10:30 a.m. sharp. The mixed choir meets Thursday evenings at 7:30. All are cordially invited. –J.F. Ruff, Pastor
In the Fall of 1921, the congregation decided to buy a church building which was located in Cameron. The following is taken from the December 1, 1921 issue of The Cairo Record:
The Cairo Record – December 1, 1921. The Cameron Church, purchased some weeks ago by the Lutheran Congregation of Cairo, was moved to the village this week, arriving here Wednesday at 4 p.m. Mr. Walter Marks of Shelton had charge of the moving of the building. It required 36 horses to draw the church on tracks, and a sufficient number of men to handle the teams, most of this work being donated by members and friends of the church. The distance the building was moved is eight and one-half miles, and the trip was made in two and one-half days, in spite of bridges, culverts and telephone wires, and other obstacles. The new pulpit and alter also arrived from Columbus, Nebraska, but it will be some time before the building will be ready for dedication.”
The Cairo Record – December 22, 1921. Church Dedication. The English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cairo will be dedicated next Monday, December 26. There will be services at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The following ministers will be present and preach: Rev. A. Burroughs, Rev. Wm. Pehler, Rev. Hy Rottmann. Everyone is cordially invited.
During those early years Henry Luhn donated a bell to the church. That bell is used in the bell tower of the new church structure. At that time services were held in both the German and English languages. It wasn’t until 1931 that the congregation decided to have all services in English only.
On June 25, 1944 Christ Lutheran Church dedicated its basement and laid a cornerstone. By this time many improvements had been made to the church. The work was under the direction of William Hild of Grand Island, who was the son-in-law of John and Laura Harders. The basement was dug out by hand by the men of the congregation, with the laying of the cornerstone which was a copper box containing a Holy Bible, several church periodicals and a document of vital statistics. The following were officers of the church during this time: William Hadenfeldt, elder and trustee; Arthur Dankert, elder, trustee and treasurer; John Harders, elder and trustee; Herman Dibbern, secretary; and Henry Schinkel, chairman.
The Cairo Record – July 12, 1946. Lutheran Church Marks Anniversary
More than 300 persons assembled at Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo, for the July 7th celebration of the 25th anniversary of the congregation and the annual mission festival. The morning services featured the Rev. J. F. Ruff, first pastor and founder of the local church, as guest speaker. He pointed out that “God’s word is never preached in vain; the history of this and thousands of other congregations proves this true; and we may rest assured that this will continue to be true. This ought to encourage us as we look to the future.” The afternoon service included Rev. C. H. Schroeder, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church from 1931 to 1936. He assured the congregation that God has signally blessed them through all these years and urged them not to fail to give heartfelt thanks to the Lord, to praise His holy name, and to dedicate ourselves and our possessions to his service.
In 1959-60, a new parsonage was built just east of our present church. Rev. Paul Ruff and his family were the first to live there.
In 1960 a planning committee was formed and in 1961 a resolution was adopted to build a new church. Ground-breaking ceremonies took place in August of 1962 and the cornerstone was laid in November. Dedication was April 21, 1963 with 1,350 people attending throughout the day. Dr. Oswald Hoffman, speaker of the international radio program “The Lutheran Hour” as guest.
The copper box from the cornerstone of the old church with its contents and some new added articles were put into the cornerstone of the new church.
April 21, 1963, Church Dedication
50th Anniversary Celebration
Christ Lutheran Church celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sunday, August 15, 1971 with two services. The morning worship was conducted by former pastor Rev. C. H. Schroeder. The afternoon worship was conducted by former pastor Rev. Paul R. Schmidt. A noon luncheon was served between the two services.
The Cairo Record – October 25, 1973. Christ Lutheran To Observe Special Day
Christ Lutheran Church will hold their annual Mission Festival on Sunday, October 28 with services to be held at 10:30 a.m. The Mission Festival will be held in conjunction with the burning of the mortgage on the church. The speaker for the day will be Rev. Paul Ruff, pastor of the local congregation when the church was built. Zion Lutheran Church, a sister congregation will be joining with the local members in the dual celebration. According to the church headquarters in St. Louis, the congregation had one of the best pay-back records on file. Certainly, this gives the members a record to be proud of and a reason for rejoicing on this day.
In 1974, an addition of three Sunday School rooms and the Fellowship Hall was extended to the west. The addition was dedicated in January, 1975. A new two car garage, living room and master bath and bedroom were built onto the parsonage in the spring of 1995.
The Cairo Record – April 28, 1983. Ladies Spring Banquet held at Christ Lutheran
Christ Lutheran Church held their annual Ladies Spring Banquet Sunday, April 17 in the Fellowship Hall. The event was hosted by the men of the congregation. The evening began by the ladies being individually escorted to their seats as they arrived. The delicious meal was cooked and served by the men of the church, supervised by Paul Wilhelm. Organ music was provided by Dick Harders as the women enjoyed their meal. Other entertainment included the ‘Singing Chefs”, a skit on good table manners (or was it poor table manners?), a solo, the famous “Pine Tree”, by Norm Hadenfeldt, and a style show featuring the latest fashions in women’s clothes, beginning with early years in high school through “later” years as a housewife. The evening was emceed by Jim Lantis, assisted by Wayne Anderson. Red long-stemmed roses were presented to such ladies as the youngest attending, the eldest, the one who traveled the farthest, the lady with the most children, the lady with the most grandchildren and others. In appreciation of their services to the church, the secretary, organist, custodian, and Ladies Aid president were presented with some “appropriate” gifts. The evening was concluded with the entire men group singing a final tribute to the women. To all the men who were involved, a special thanks to each one of you for such an enjoyable evening. What better way to brighten the spirit, but to have an evening filled with laughter and fellowship. There was also one comment heard many times following the event, “If we women have to put on a banquet for the men, we’ll have a tough time trying to even equal an evening filled with so much enjoyment.
The Cairo Record - June 10, 1983. Double Anniversary Celebration Well Attended
The double anniversary of Pastor Going’s 35th year in the Holy Ministry and the 35th wedding anniversary of Pastor and Mrs. Roland Going was celebrated Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church. About 150 people attended the Open House reception in the afternoon. A pot-luck dinner was hosted by the congregation at noon. All of the children of Pastor and Mrs. Going were present.
(Pictured left-right: Wendy, Glenn, Pastor, Sharon, Lois, Wayne, Linda, Ronald and Carol.)
Celebrating 75 years of Service to God 1921-1996
Three hundred-fifty people attended the 75th anniversary of Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 8, 1996 with a morning worship service with guest pastor Rev. Paul Ruff. A noon meal was held with guest speaker Gerhard Ruff, who is the grandson of the late Reverend John F. Ruff. Mr. Ruff gave a historical presentation, combining the genealogy of his family and the history of Christ Lutheran Church. An afternoon Vespers worship service was held with guest pastor Rev. Walter Lemmermann. Mrs. Joan (Kucera) Ramsey, one of the founders of the adult choir, was the guest director as the adult choir sang "As The Deer." The service began with the children's choir singing "Come Let Us Worship!". Current pastor Rev. Douglas Irmer, Rev. Ronald Going, Rev, Paul Schmidt, and Rev. Scott Spiehs, a former member of the congregation, were also in attendance. Coffee and dessert in the fellowship hall ended the celebration day.
The Cairo Record – April 13, 2000. Fire Destroys Portion of Historic Cairo Church
A fire, which was electrical in nature according to State Fire Marshal Chuck Hoffman, destroyed a portion of the former Christ Lutheran Church at 405 West Medina. The building is presently owned by Terry and Barb Robertson of Cairo. The first to see the fire was Steve Ward who was coming home from work at the Oasis Restaurant around 9:00 last Wednesday evening, April 5. The Cairo Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded to the call and at least a dozen firefighters battled the flames and smoke coming out of the building. The church steeple destroyed as it fell to the ground in flames. No one was injured in the fire and most of the building remains standing. The amount of damage is undetermined at this time as the Robertson’s used the building for storage of antiques and other personal belongs.
Ladies Spring Banquet – April 2000
The men (young and old) of Christ Lutheran Church entertained the women of the church with food, fun and fellowship. Special guests for the evening were Is A Hogg (Gary Harders) and his daughters I’m A Hogg (Lee Echtenkamp) and U’R A Hogg (Dick Hadenfeldt) from Sty, Arkansas. The evening began with dinner served to the ladies by the men, prepared by Chef Pierre Wilhelm and crew. The menu was printed in French so no one new what it said but was delicious. The ladies were entertained during dinner with music provided by Hank Williams Jr. (Russel Lemburg). Roses were presented to some special ladies in attendance, such as the mother with the most children and grandchildren – Joyce Harder won both with 7 children and 18 grandchildren; the oldest mother in attendance – Lillie Teichmeier; the youngest mother in attendance – Jodie Schultz; the mother who traveled the farthest to attend this special evening was Lori Anderson from Omaha. The game “Who Wants to be A Millionaire” was played with several women from the audience selected, and special guest from Arkansas I’m A Hogg (Lee Echtencamp) was chosen to play the final round. Regis Philbin (Chris Loghry) hosted the game, special guest I’m A Hogg (Lee Echtencamp) was the lady with the winning answers. To end the evening the ladies were serenaded by the men with a hymn sing.
Ladies Night Out – October 2000
In the fall of 2000, the ladies held an evening of fellowship with several ladies of the community in attendance. All guests were encouraged to wear a hat. The evening began with dinner, followed by entertainment from members of the congregation. Jenny Reynolds was the MC for the evening. A skit called “Don’t keep FAITH in the closet” was performed by Jan Hadenfeldt, Lisa Harders, Betty Rohweder (FAITH) and Tammy Serr. Kassidy Gascho read a poem, and everyone enjoyed the singing sisters; Reverend Mother Mary Blenda (Blenda Keylon), Sister Mary Sally (Sally Anderson), Sister Mary Nancy (Nancy Harders) and Sister Mary Peg (Peg Hadenfeldt). Special Guest for the evening was Mrs. Mae Lanners, from Grand Island. Mae gave a presentation on HATS and she shared wonderful music with her accordion and stories on history of the hats she brought with her.
Groundbreaking Services for New Church Addition
Rev. Glen D. Keylon, Voter’s Assembly Chairman Jim Schultz, Elder Dick Hadenfeldt, Trustee Lee Echtenkamp and Acolyte Jared Plejdrup carrying the gold shovel to break ground for the new church addition of School Sunday rooms, additional Fellowship Hall, new kitchen and bathrooms was held on September 8, 2002. The Sunday morning service began with a Rally Day and Groundbreaking Service held at 10:30 a.m. at the church instead of at the Cairo Pool Park. The Rally Day Service is held each year as a beginning of the Sunday School season and included a Commemorative Service for September 11, 2001. Sunday School teachers for the year were installed and Bible and Catechisms were distributed to the 5th grade Confirmation class. Groundbreaking services were held on the northwest side of the building with all congregational members attending. The Adult Choir and congregation sang, “America, the Beautiful” as part of the outside services. Following services, a potluck dinner was held. Special thanks went to Bob and Marc Vieth for providing the hog for the feast, to Les Brase, Marc Vieth and Pastor Keylon for butchering, to Chef Paul Wilhelm for roasting the hog and to many congregational members who helped slice the meat the evening before. As a coincidence, six years ago on Sunday, September 8, 1996 our church celebrated its 75th Anniversary – same day at Groundbreaking Services.
Winter 2002 – New Addition of Kitchen, Fellowship Hall, Bathrooms, Chapel Room, LYF Room and three Sunday school rooms.
The Cairo Record – Christ Lutheran Dedication
Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo held a dedication ceremony on Sunday, August 8, 2004 for their new church addition. The addition was added on to their fellowship hall and includes a larger gathering area, several classrooms, two new bathrooms and a new kitchen area. Groundbreaking for the addition was in September of 2002.
Church members donated their time and efforts into completing the building. The dedication took place after the church service with District Superintendent Russ Sommerfeld attending. The ceremony also included Jennifer Blake of Cairo becoming an ordained teacher for Heartland Lutheran High school.
New Church Sign installed October 2012
New Church 50th Anniversary Celebration (1963-2013)
A 50th Anniversary celebration for the new church was celebrated on June 30, 2013. The church also celebrated with Pastor Keylon his 20th year in the ministry, 15 years at Christ Cairo and his 65th birthday. The Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) had a hamburger/hot dog/brats cookout with pork ‘n beans and chips. Many members of the church brought cake and ice cream for dessert. Pastor Keylon was honored with a monetary free will donation and a framed print of Jesus. Gene and Darlene Hadenfeldt shared their original paper article on the new church from April of 1963 and a copy was made and hung in the Fellowship Hall. The evening ended with music, yard games and fireworks after dark.
Iron Drive 2013
A celebration to end an Iron Drive was held on September 15, 2013 at the church. A collection of old iron from members of the congregation and some others was collected to help defray the bank debt. From many generous donations over $22,000 was raised and a check from Anderson Wrecking Company of Kearney came and presented the check to the church during Sunday morning services. Several items were also dedicated during services that were gifted to the church through memorials.
Annual Junk Jaunt Fundraiser
The first annual Junk Jaunt fundraiser was held September 25, 2014 for a three-day event at our church. Church volunteers helped with this event, setting up lots for vendors on the west side and selling of brisket sandwiches, homemade pies, and all the fixings on the north side of the church. The first year was so successful with raising $5,700 that it was decided to make this an annual event. To date, Junk Jaunt at our church as raised a total of $46,600 to help fund projects for our church and defray church debt at approximately $37,000. Many thanks to all the members who continue to support this worthy fundraiser with their time and talents.
Ordination/Installation of Rev. Brian L. Wright
Rev. Brian L. Wright was ordained and installed at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The service was officiated by Rev. Richard Snow, President of the Nebraska LCMS District. Other participants were Rev. Mark Siegert, Rev. James Fandry, Rev. Shawn Kitzing, Mr. Calet Staehr as organist/cellist, Mrs. Jerrita Staehr as pianist and Trey Schultz as acolyte. The Adult Choir also sang during services. A dinner was held following morning services and a cake reception held following the ordination/installation.
Covid 19 Pandemic
The Covid 19 pandemic began in January of 2020 as news was released by the World Health Organization. By March the virus had spread all over the world and within our own communities. Our last worship service was on March 15, 2020. Christ Lutheran Church responded by holding Sunday services via video recording and delivered by email to members. Our church was essentially “shut down” and members were encouraged to stay home. In addition, employees began working from home and schools were closed. Children of our school communities were educated via virtual learning. Church services were resumed on June 7, 2020 with mandated protocols to follow such as six feet social distance and seating in every other pew, wearing of masks, no singing in church, no passing of the offering plate, and self-administered communion. Vacation Bible School was cancelled due to Covid 19. On May 1, 2021 Christ Lutheran returned to normal worship services.
Christ Lutheran at a Glimpse
100 Years of Ministry at Christ Lutheran Church
Rev. Paul A. Ruff
1960-1964
(Excerpts taken from 75th Anniversary History Book)
We arrived in Cairo and I was installed early July 1960. My family was privileged to be the first family to live in the brand new parsonage. Mark was just about one year old. I remember how Mark would be very active in church. He would get away from Jan during the service and would head under the pews toward the chancel and Dad. One time the Hoffmeyer’s nabbed him. After several of those incidents I recall asking Jan why she had such a difficult time with Mark, and the Dibberns had probably six children at the time and they were all under control. One of the crowning highlights of our ministry in Cairo was the new church. Some of the things I remember was that the church was contracted completely with all the furnishings for I believe about $80,000. It was a beautiful addition to the community and a very practical worshipful building.
Rev. Walter Lemmermann
1965-1971
(Excerpts taken from 75th Anniversary History Book)
I am from Chester in southwestern, Illinois, and Pat is from Topeka, Kansas. We met while I was vicaring for the Kansas District President. We have five children: Sherri, Walt, Jr., Suzanne, Scott and Martha, all native Californians. We served the dual parishes of Christ, Cairo and Zion, Shelton from 1965-1971. Memories of Christ, Cairo, are about people, warm and friendly and generous—wonderful Nebraskans who have a heart for their Lord and for His church. Coming from southern California there was some apprehension about us being up to Nebraska weather and especially winters. The problem was not with winters, but gravel roads. Those soft shoulders made for a lot of excitement. The years we spent in Cairo were the years of Vietnam. The congregation was directly touched by that war. A number served, and one, Kenneth Schmidt, was one of the very first American soldiers to be killed in that conflict. His service and the interment on a cold windy November day will never be forgotten.
Rev. Ardell McLachlan
1971-1976
(Excerpts taken from his obituary)
Pastor McLachlan was born in Grand Forks, N.D. on September 15, 1928 he was baptized and confirmand at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. On July 30,1948 he married Norma McIntosh to their union two sons were born. Pastor McLachlan served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge he spent 22 years in commercial radio in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Kentucky. In preparation to serve his Lord in the parish ministry, Pastor McLachlan entered Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois in June of 1967. After graduation from seminary in May of 1971, Pastor McLachlan was ordained and installed at Christ Lutheran, Cairo and Zion Lutheran, Shelton, Nebraska on June 20, 1971. He pastored these congregations through August 1976, taking a call to Zion Lutheran in Hastings, Nebraska in September of 1976. Rev. Ardell McLachlan was called to the eternal presence of His Lord on Christmas Day, 1980 at the age of 52.
Rev. Roland Going
1977-1986
(Excerpts taken from 75th Anniversary History Book)
In the fall of 1975, I accepted the call to serve a dual parish at Lake Park-Harris, Iowa, staying until 1977 when I moved to Cairo, Nebraska, to serve Christ Lutheran Church. I retired in 1986 and moved into Grand Island, Nebraska, and presently assist the pastor at Peace Lutheran Church on a limited basis. I am also serving as Chaplain at the Nebraska Veteran’s Home and a Grand Island nursing home. For 11 ½ years, I have served as Grand Island Circuit Counselor. I found it interesting that Christ, Cairo, had been a dual parish with Zion, North Shelton, where my grandfather served as their second pastor from 1892-1895. It was there that my mother was born in 1893 in a soddy parsonage. I didn’t know the details of this until we moved here. When we moved here in January, 1977, we pulled a loaded trailer behind our car and had a flat tire on the trailer as we rounded the curve coming into Central City. Since we had no spare, we left the trailer at the parsonage in Central City until we could go back to get it later in the week. Right after my installation here I had an interesting conversation with Emma Poehler and learned she had met my father and my uncle when she was a young girl. They had stayed at her home when they were Seminary students and were in Nebraska on summer jobs selling Wearever Aluminum to earn money for their Seminary tuition. I recall our daughter’s wedding here at the church on one of the hottest days of summer—just a few weeks BEFORE the congregation installed air-conditioning. I enjoyed writing a weekly column for The Cairo Record. It seemed to have good community response. We also remember the good choir Christmas concerts, especially one when the choir sang an original Christmas song that Lois wrote. We still have the tape recording.
Rev. Douglas Irmer
1987-1996
(Excerpts taken from 75th Anniversary History Book)
We came to Cairo in late November of 1987 from the east coast. As I reflect on what a short period of time ten years is, over against the life of a congregation, I marvel at what has happened here in that time. The most amazing thing is that I have done over forty baptisms, beginning with Tyler Russel Lemburg on January 24, 1988, and most recently John Daniel Harders on August 25, 1996. (Somewhere near the end were Mitchell and Holly Irmer.) I have had the privilege to know some very special people here. Some we will not see again until the resurrection of all flesh. One such precious soul is Marion Schultz – a woman of vitality and life with a truly marvelous faith and an indomitable spirit. She was someone who brightened any day with her beautiful laugh and acute sense of humor and would not let the rigors of cancer overcome the joy she had in loving her Savior and her family. One who is yet living is Emma Poehler. I had not been here long when Emma had an accident and fell in her bathroom, fracturing ribs on the edge of the bathtub and bruising her face and arms. Picture her lying in the hospital with a black eye and lots of bruises and all of the pain that goes with broken ribs. As she saw me enter the room, she started to cry and said, “Oh Pastor! God is so GOOD!” Never mind the pain and suffering, Emma knew that God kept and protected her. Christ, Cairo is a family church. By that I mean there are large, strong families represented here, three and four generations in attendance. There are the Harders, the Hadenfeldts, the Spiehs, the Dibberns, the Lemburgs; grandparents helping care for grandchildren, living the example of faith. This is what the Lord commanded Moses in Exodus concerning raising a family. It is very good.
Rev. Glen Keylon
1996-2014
(Excerpts taken from the Obituary)
About 20 years after graduation from high school, Pastor Keylon entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri to study for the pastoral ministry. He vicared at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Webster City, Iowa. Upon graduation from the seminary in 1993, Pastor Keylon accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Marcus, and Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Quimby, Iowa. He served until March 1998. He then accepted a call to serve Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo, where he served from March 1998 until his retirement in December of 2014. He also served the Lord’s church in various capacities, including as a circuit counselor for the Grand Island Circuit, PALS facilitator and board member of Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island. His God-given passions in ministry were the Lutheran Charities Comfort Dog Ministries where he and other members of the congregation were handlers for Nebraska’s first Comfort Dog, Moses. He was also a member of Cairo Rural Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Pastor Keylon was called from this life to his heavenly home on January 2, 2016 at the age of 67.
Rev. Brian Wright
2016-present
Reverend Wright began his ministry as a Director of Christian Education in 1992, following the completion of his internship year in Medford, Oregon, and completing his bachelor’s degree and DCE Certification at Concordia University, Irvine. He first served at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Brian directed all the Youth and Young Adult programs at Immanuel, and taught Religion classes in the school, as well as coached various sports. Immanuel is where Brian met the love of his life, Lisa, and they married in 1993. Both of their children, daughter Taryn and son Trystan, were born and baptized while they served at Immanuel. In 1998 Brian accepted a Call to serve at Bethany Lutheran Church & School in Vacaville, California. Brian started serving there in Youth Ministry but transitioned to Family Life Ministry after completing his Masters of Family Life Science degree from Concordia, Seward in 2004. Lisa taught Kindergarten at Bethany while completing her Lutheran Teacher Colloquy from Concordia University, Irvine, and the LCMS School Administration Certification through Concordia, Seward. Lisa then served as the school’s first Called Principle for their remaining years in California. In 2006 Brian accepted a Call to serve as the Director of Family Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Franktown, Colorado. Lisa taught at Trinity as well as various public schools through their time at Trinity. Their daughter Taryn graduated from Lutheran High School in Parker and remained to work in Aurora when Brian and Lisa and their son Trystan moved to the Seminary in St. Louis in the spring of 2013. Lisa taught at Salem Lutheran School in Florissant, MO, while Trystan completed his high school years, as well as his Eagle Scout certification during the time Brian completed his Ordination Certification at the Seminary. Brian, Lisa and Trystan moved to Cairo, NE in the summer of 2015 and completed his Vicarage in 2016. Their daughter, Taryn joined them in Cairo that year, and upon completion of his vicarage, Brian was Ordained and Installed as Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on July 26th, 2016. Lisa taught 3rd through 8th grades in a small Christian school in Cairo for four years, then at Christ Lutheran School in Juniata, NE. Taryn completed her Young Childhood Educator Certification at Central Community College and works as a Para-Teacher at the Grand Island Senior High School, while Trystan is taking classes in law enforcement at CCC as well. The Wrights love living and serving in the Cairo community and thank God for their many blessings while serving in His Kingdom.
Christ Lutheran Church Timeline of Events
July 10, 1921 Church organized, services conducted in English & German, Rev. John F. Ruff, pastor until 1930
October 9, 1921 First Church building purchased
1931 Church services conducted in English only
1931-1936 Rev. C. H. Schroeder, pastor
1941-1944 Rev. Walter Marwede, pastor
July 1, 1942 Walther League charter formed
May 28, 1942 Ladies Aid constitution adopted
June 25, 1944 Dedication of church basement and cornerstone
October 1945 LWML organized
1945-1948 Rev. David Kreitzer, pastor
July 7, 1946 25th Anniversary celebration
May 12, 1949 First LWML Rally hosted by Christ Lutheran Ladies Aid
1949-1952 Rev. Fredrick Schumacher, pastor
1952-1955 Rev. Paul R. Schmidt, pastor
Nov. 14, 1954 99’ers couple group was organized
1956-1959 Rev. Victor Frederking, pastor
1959-1960 Parsonage construction
1960-1964 Rev. Paul A. Ruff, pastor
January 21, 1962 Mortgage on Parsonage burned
Aug. 26, 1962 Groundbreaking Service for new church
November 11, 1962 Cornerstone laid
April 21, 1963 Dedication of new church
1965 - Jan 1971 Rev. Walter C. Lemmermann, pastor
April 1968 Chancel Guild and Sewing Guild organized
April 1969 Chancel Guild Constitution adopted
Aug. 15, 1971 50th Anniversary celebration
June 1971-Aug 1976 Rev. Ardell McLachlan, pastor
Jan. 7, 1973 Fellowship Club was organized
October 28, 1973 Burning of church mortgage during Mission Festival
January 1975 Dedication of three Sunday School rooms and Fellowship Hall
1977-1986 Rev. Roland Going, pastor
1981 Constitution and By-Laws Revised
May 1982 40th Anniversary of Christ Lutheran Ladies Aid
1987-1997 Rev. Douglas D. Irmer, pastor
1990 Annual 55+ Christmas parties began
1991 Quilting Circle organized
Oct. 15, 1992 Hospitality Circle organized
Spring 1995 New two car garage, living room and master bath and bedroom construction on parsonage
Sept. 8, 1996 75th Anniversary celebration
April 1997 Began Contemporary Worship
1998-2014 Rev. Glen Keylon, pastor
July 1998 Began Individual Communion Cups
October 1998 Began 3rd Sunday Special Mission Offering
January 1999 Addition of Record of Fellowship & Wood Holders Installed
April 2000 Began Walk Thru Communion
December 2001 First Habitat for Humanity Build
Sept. 8, 2002 Groundbreaking services for new Fellowship Hall, Kitchen and Sunday School Rooms
December 2002 Construction for new playground by for Tyler Lemburg for Eagle Scout Project
April 2003 Cement pad added to playground
Aug. 8, 2004 Dedication of new Fellowship Hall, Kitchen and Sunday School Rooms
September 2006 Habitat for Humanity Cairo Build
April 2007 Children Quiet Bags Added
October 2007 Lutheran Service Books purchased
May 27, 2008 ABC Daycare and Preschool Opened
November 8, 2009 Dinner to celebrate Debt Pay Off
Aug. 19, 2012 Moses Comfort Dog – Passing of the Leash
October 2012 New Church Sign Installed
June 30, 2013 50th Anniversary of New Church and 20th Year in Ministry for Pastor Keylon Celebration
Sept. 15, 2013 Christ Lutheran Iron Drive
Sept. 25, 2014 First Annual Junk Jaunt Fundraiser
December 2014 Pastor Glen Keylon retirement
Spring 2015 Front Porch Addition to Parsonage
July 19, 2015 Vicar Brian Wright installed
June 26, 2016 Ordination/Installation of Rev. Brian L. Wright
Spring 2021 New Heating/Air Conditioning Units Installed in the Sanctuary
July 10-11, 2021 100th Anniversary celebration