CEDAR COUNTY, NEBRASKA - SERVICES BEGIN IN NEW WYNOT CHURCH
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WYNOT TRIBUNE  NOVEMBER 23, 1939

SERVICES BEGIN IN NEW WYNOT CHURCH

NEW EDIFICE ERECTED ON SITE OF STRUCTURE BURNED IN 1936

Wynot - Dreams have finally become a reality to the Lutheran 
congregation as services are being conducted in the newly erected 
church, built on the site of the old building. The old structure was 
destroyed by fire in the fall of 1936.

Under the leadership of the Rev. R.L. Falk, pastor, and by means of 
donations from church members, the building was recently completed. 
James Nelson of St. Helena was the contractor in charge of building. 
The name of the church, which formerly went under the name of Our 
Savior was changed to Bethany, owing to the fact that the Obert Church 
bore the same name.

Since the destruction by fire of the old church services were held 
first in the theater building and later in the parsonage.  Dedication 
of the new church will probably not take place until next spring.

The new building has a full basement, is 26 by 38 feet with a 14 foot 
ceiling and an entry 10 by 14 feet. It has a full basement with 
dining room and kitchen painted white. The main part of the church is 
finished with composition wood in blocks of different colors. The 
outside is finished in smooth stucco with a steeple 14 feet square 
and 26 feet high. The windowas are Florentine design. The altar is 
made entirely of black walnut and is hand carved.

The pulpit used in the church was made for the Old Presbyterian 
church in St. James by August Strenzke about 1893 and was in use by 
the Prebyterians and Lutherans for about 30 years.  Then new church 
furniture was bought and the pulpit was in storage at the time of the 
church fire and so escaped destruction. New pews and a new furnace 
yet remain to be installed in the church.

The Lutheran organization in Wynot was effected at a general meeting 
July 1, 1917. Prior to that time services were held occasionally by 
Rev. Andreas Maskell. The Presbyterian Church building was used for 
the services. In 1918 Rev. N.c. Chalrson was engaged as resident 
pastor and the name of Our Savior's Lutheran Church was adopted. 
Early in 1919 arrangements were made by the Lutheran Congregation 
to buy the Presbyterain Church property and in April of that year a 
deed to the property was made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church by the 
trustees of the Presbyterian congregation. However, owing to some 
difficulty with the Niobrara presbytery, it was not until January 20, 
1922, that title was vested in the Lutheran Church.  Later in the year 
of 1919, Rev. charlson resigned and arrangemnts were made to have Rev. 
Hestenes of Maskell hold services twice a month. In 1920 the matter of 
affiliating the Wynot parish with that of Maskell and Obert was 
considered and in January, 1921, the Obert and Maskell churches 
extended an invitation to join their parishes to call a pastor which 
was accepted.  In January of 1922, Rev. Hestenes was succeded by Rev. 
O.C. Harang as pastor of the affilated churches. In 1923 the first 
Sunday School was organized with Mrs. Bertha Preisler as 
superintendent.

Under the pastorate of Rev. R.O. Aga, the church made notable 
advancement in membership. Many improvements were made to the church 
property and a new basement was made including a dining room and 
kitchen. After two years Rev. Aga asked to be relieved of his duties. 
Rev. E.L. Bentach accepted the position and arrived in November.

In January of 1926 the Luther League was organized among the young 
people and a reading room and library was instituted by the league.
Rev. Bentson remained until November 1928 and was succeeded by Rev. 
Robert L. Falk. About 1931, the wynot Parish affiliated itself with 
the Obert and Maskell parishes and the Rev. Falk moved to the 
present Maskell residence.