Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Extensive Search for a New Minister
The pulpit committee screened 40 applicants for the ministerial position at the Kirkland Congregational Church. A weekend visit to Kirkland and an interview with the committee had narrowed the choice when they made their selection. On November 17, 1968 they brought the name of Reverend Ronald Hutchinson of Glen Ellyn, Illinois for the vote of the congregation.The call was extended to him and he replied, "It is with great joy, and more than a little humility that I accept the call ... .1 ask for your prayers that we may together continue the adventure of Faith given to the Congregational Church of Kirkland."
Since the parsonage had been sold the minister's salary of $8400 was now supplemented by a housing allowance of $4000 for the first year and $1800 annually thereafter. Auto expenses of $600 were to be paid by the church as well an annuity. One month vacation was allowed.
When he could not arrange to move before February, Reverend Van Horn agreed to remain until the end of January. As a thank you at that time the congregation gave the Van Horns the gift of a trip to Puerto Rico on a UCC tour.
For the first time in six years the church bell rang again at Christmas. Since it had come down out of the steeple during the remodeling it had been placed on a cement slab and stood quietly near the east entry doors. On Christmas Eve, following the choral cantata, "Son of Man" with trumpets, flute and trombone the great bell proclaimed the good news at the finale.
Christmas season brought the eighth annual Smorgasbord. The meat ball party several weeks prior to the event had become a tradition. The volunteer "meatball rollers" formed nearly 3000 small Swedish meatballs which were baked and frozen to await the "big day." (We now purchase frozen meatballs and make up our own special gravy.) Ethel Jovag presided over the cooking of the salmon fillets. The stove tops held containers of scalloped potatoes and baked beans. The meatballs were thawed and heated in roaster ovens. Homemade salads, breads and pies completed the menu. (Mark your calendar now for Saturday, December 6 for our 42nd annual smorgasbord!!)
The new minister and his family were officially welcomed on February 16, although he had preached his first sermon the week prior. The Hutchinson family arrived, but negotiations on the purchase of their new home could not be finalized. They spent their first month in the home of Margaret and Ed Hjorth and their furniture was stored in the basement of a local Chinese restaurant.
The family had spent most of their life in the Midwest but the
transition was made much easier for them all as the Hjorths
became the children's "instant grandparents." The children were
Lynn-10, Susie-8, and John-3.
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