Here are some quotes from an issue of the New York Herald
Tribune...
Israel began an offensive on the northern front today, New world
predicted if Reds continue gains in China, American political life is
sick. Sounds like today's newspaper, doesn't it? But, these headlines are
from Sunday, October 31, 1948. Reformation Sunday almost 60 years ago! Then
other stories on the front page tell about the Berlin Airlift (remember
about that?) and how Thomas E. Dewey predicted victory over Truman just 22
days before election day. Although it wasn't covered by the New York
papers, there were also things happening in Las Vegas...Approximately 75
persons gathered at the Odd Fellows Hall on North Ninth Street for the
purpose of organizing a new United Lutheran Church in America. A motion
was made to name our congregation The Evangelical Church of the
Reformation. On Jan. 9, 1949, it was decided to purchase a property on
Tenth and Charleston for $6,450. At the same time, action was taken by the
Council to apply for a loan of $5,000 from the Board of American Missions
of the U.L.C.A. We were on our way...Here we were less than one year old
and we were already in debt! Pastor Thomas Daly served from 1949 until
1951 with a starting salary of $260 monthly, of which the Board of
American Missions subsidized $210. Toward the end of 1951, Pastor William
Arbaugh came to Reformation to serve until the later part of 1958. Looking
at a monthly financial report from Jan., 1952, the total receipts read
$202.63...but, fortunately the total disbursements were only $197.29!
During the early years the congregation met at the VFW Hall, the Odd
Fellows Hall, and on various occasions, the Jewish Center. In the 1954
Annual Report, it was noted that the budget for the year was a staggering
increase of over the previous year - with a grand total of $3,024! In
March 1954, Bunker Realty made a proposal regarding the exchange of our
property on Tenth and Charleston. They offered our congregation $10,000
cash and our property for an even exchange for acreage on the outskirts of
town St. Louis Ave. and Beverly Way. At a later date a counter offer was
made and $20,000 was accepted in June of that year...Things were looking
up! In 1954 we started meeting steadily at the Seventh Day Adventist
Church at Tenth and Carson. With the theme "Rise & Build" a fund raising
effort was undertaken, and in 1955 an architect started his rendering for
our new Church building. Preliminary estimated indicated that the cost of
the new church would be almost $81,000. In Jan., of 1955, ground breaking
services were conducted and construction started. On April 15, 1956, the
cornerstone was laid, and on September 23, 1956, the Church was formally
dedicated. A brief history as this is only a thumbnail sketch of what in
truth represents the communion of saints at work in His name.
Through all the passing years, O Lord, Grant that
when church bells are ringing, Many may come to hear God's word Where He
this promise is bringing: I know mine own, mine own know me, Ye, not the
world my face shall see; My peace I leave with you, amen.
