God Blesses Kimball's 100th Anniversary Celebration

Our 100th Anniversary Celebration is now a part of the continuing history of the church, but the memories and impact of the wonderful events of December 1-2, 2001, will linger for many years to come. God encouraged us and challenged us through messages from our Bishop, Michael Sigman, and former pastors. We laughed and cried as we shared memories. And we were challenged to look to the future, trusting God to guide us along the way.

God blessed us with unseasonably warm temperatures and sunny skies--perfect weather for travel for those coming from out of town. Guests came from the various neighborhoods of Chicago and the suburbs, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Kansas and Arizona!

The Donald L. Linden Memorial Concert
Almost 100 people enjoyed the inspiration of the Donald L. Linden Memorial Concert on Saturday, December 1. Amy Blair, David Drake, Joyann Bernero Brake, Karren Paoli Ray, Rosemary Jenkins Bidne, Pastor Bruce Ray, and Kenneth Paoli--all gifted musicians and soloists--blessed those in attendance with a wide range of musical styles from classical to contemporary; from traditional renditions of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" to jazz and avant-garde variations of "All Hail the Power." Relatives of Donald Linden--Rick and Chris Linden Hibbert, their son, Alex, and Jeanette Linden--attended the concert, which was a dedication of the new Yamaha grand piano, purchased with funds from Don's estate. Several pictures of Don were projected while Pastor Ray read a synopsis of Don's participation in the life of Kimball Avenue. Everyone enjoyed seeing the picture of Don in a 1959 Christian Comrades fashion show. Link to see pictures of the concert.

The Anniversary Worship Service
Over 150 people representing many generations (and almost every decade of the church's existence) gathered for worship on Sunday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m., and everyone immediately sensed God's presence.

The highlights of the service include a short play featuring "Lisa and Mary" called, "The Century Club," the joyful singing of classic hymns like "How Great Thou Art" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and contemporary worship songs such as "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise" and "We Exalt Thee." Former pastors, James Hansen, Richard Koskela and Gary Brown participated in the reading of Scripture and prayer. Travis Williamson played a beautiful cello solo for the offertory, and Jeremiah Ray brought down the house with a rap called "Pumpfake," which challenged us to be more than a building--to be genuine people of God. Bishop Michael Sigman's message was a challenge to us to continue to legacy of the past--a legacy of evangelism, piety and holiness. He closed the message by having the present members of Kimball come forward and praying a blessing over the congregation. Through every aspect of the special service, God met us and touched us. Link to see pictures of the worship service.

Following the service, people enjoyed fellowship, sharing memories and the exhibits of Kimball's storied history. Pictures and memorabilia items were on display from each decade starting in 1901. Members who had attended Kimball years ago were able to identify friends in pictures and videos, making our history more complete. Dorothea Matrona (Amanda Stevens), Harry Hansen (Jeremiah Ray) and Lillian Cohrs (Karren Ray) greeted people and shared their memories of the beginnings and early days of the congregation. Link to see pictures of the displays.

The Harvest Home/Anniversary Banquet
The day continued with our Harvest Home/Anniversary Banquet with 170 adults and children in attendance. The tables at the Royal Banquet Hall were beautifully decorated with fruit-filled cornucopias, and the table fellowship was sweet. One table was reserved for some of our eldest attendees: Arthur Jacobson, Doug and Margaret Weinert, Anne Temme and Charles and Virginia Koch.

During the program, Illinois State Senator Miguel Del Valle presented the church with a senate declaration recognizing the work of the church in the Logan Square community during the past 100 years; former Pastors, Rev. James Hansen, Rev. Richard Koskela, and Rev. Gary Brown shared words of encouragement and blessing; and Anne Temme, who still holds her membership at Kimball, shared some of her fond memories of Kimball Avenue. (You can read her memories on the Stories page.) Mr. Mike Zubrzycki, who did a great amount of work tuck-pointing and sealing the foundation of the church, was presented with the 2001 Henry Buchner Volunteer Service Award. Link to see pictures of the banquet.

Over $10,350 was received at the dinner for the Harvest Home offering. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Needless to say, everyone left exhausted after a full day of activities, but we were also energized in the call of God to be His light in Logan Square.