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Slovak Settlement in Zellwood. March 28, 1911, Original Image
Image of a settlement of Slovaks,in Zellwood, FL March 28, 1911.Photo taken during a visit by Slavia Colony Co. reps from Ohio, who were seeking property for a new settlement in FL. Although this community of Slovaks was some distance from Slavia, there was fellowship between the families of both settlements and a number of the Zellwood families became active members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and had children who were confirmed in the little wood church in 1924. The men at far left (one likely the driver hired for the tour), the three women and two children are unidentified. But it is probable that the man standing at the right is George Galla, a member of the team dispatched to search for land for the new community.
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Softball on St. Luke's School field, c. 1956
Boys have a game of softball, while the girls cheer them on. St. Luke's School field, c. 1956
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Softball on St. Luke's School field, c. 1956
Boys have a game of softball, while the girls cheer them on. St. Luke's School field, c. 1956
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Solemn call issued to Teacher, Steven R. Sidlik, 1954
The letter and other documents sent to Steven R. Sidlik by Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy in March of 1954, inviting Mr. Sidlik to accept a "Solemn Call" to teach at St. Luke's Christian Day School, offer many insights as to the status of the church and school at that point in time and also what was expected of this young teacher (who had recently graduated from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill). In his cover letter, the pastor describes Slavia as "Nice [celery growing] community and plenty of work for the right man." Mr. Sidlik was offered the grand sum of $3,000/year plus use of an apartment (classrooms of the former school building)and 21 calendar days vacation each summer. He was expected to teach grades 3,4,and 5 (total 17 students), lead a teen-age Luther League group and assist the school in qualifying for state accreditation. The church had 220 baptized members at that time. The school building was new and "modern," boasting of the newest equipment: movie and slide projector, a tape recorder, TWO record players and an outdoor basketball court.
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Solemn call issued to Teacher, Steven R. Sidlik, 1954
The letter and other documents sent to Steven R. Sidlik by Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy in March of 1954, inviting Mr. Sidlik to accept a "Solemn Call" to teach at St. Luke's Christian Day School, offer many insights as to the status of the church and school at that point in time and also what was expected of this young teacher (who had recently graduated from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill). In his cover letter, the pastor describes Slavia as "Nice [celery growing] community and plenty of work for the right man." Mr. Sidlik was offered the grand sum of $3,000/year plus use of an apartment (classrooms of the former school building)and 21 calendar days vacation each summer. He was expected to teach grades 3,4,and 5 (total 17 students), lead a teen-age Luther League group and assist the school in qualifying for state accreditation. The church had 220 baptized members at that time. The school building was new and "modern," boasting of the newest equipment: movie and slide projector, a tape recorder, TWO record players and an outdoor basketball court.
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Solemn call issued to Teacher, Steven R. Sidlik, 1954
The letter and other documents sent to Steven R. Sidlik by Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy in March of 1954, inviting Mr. Sidlik to accept a "Solemn Call" to teach at St. Luke's Christian Day School, offer many insights as to the status of the church and school at that point in time and also what was expected of this young teacher (who had recently graduated from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill). In his cover letter, the pastor describes Slavia as "Nice [celery growing] community and plenty of work for the right man." Mr. Sidlik was offered the grand sum of $3,000/year plus use of an apartment (classrooms of the former school building)and 21 calendar days vacation each summer. He was expected to teach grades 3,4,and 5 (total 17 students), lead a teen-age Luther League group and assist the school in qualifying for state accreditation. The church had 220 baptized members at that time. The school building was new and "modern," boasting of the newest equipment: movie and slide projector, a tape recorder, TWO record players and an outdoor basketball court.
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Solemn call issued to Teacher, Steven R. Sidlik, 1954
The letter and other documents sent to Steven R. Sidlik by Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy in March of 1954, inviting Mr. Sidlik to accept a "Solemn Call" to teach at St. Luke's Christian Day School, offer many insights as to the status of the church and school at that point in time and also what was expected of this young teacher (who had recently graduated from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill). In his cover letter, the pastor describes Slavia as "Nice [celery growing] community and plenty of work for the right man." Mr. Sidlik was offered the grand sum of $3,000/year plus use of an apartment (classrooms of the former school building)and 21 calendar days vacation each summer. He was expected to teach grades 3,4,and 5 (total 17 students), lead a teen-age Luther League group and assist the school in qualifying for state accreditation. The church had 220 baptized members at that time. The school building was new and "modern," boasting of the newest equipment: movie and slide projector, a tape recorder, TWO record players and an outdoor basketball court.
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South Exterior of St. Luke's School, c. 1970. Teachers With a Few Students.
Teachers, Joe Battle, left, and Judy Duda chat with a few students and another male teacher (unidentified)on south side of St. Luke's Christian Day School, c. 1970. Note that (to the right)a new wing, to house the "junior high classes," had been recently added to the original school structure.
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South Side of 1957 Brick Church. 1991
View of south side of 1957 brick church, as it appeared in 1991 before demolition of transepts for new construction project.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Special events- St. Luke's Lutheran School. Early 2000's
An assortment of images capturing many of the special events and "happenings" which took place at St. Luke's School during the exciting decade following the construction of a larger new facility in 2000-01.
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Specifications for pulpit, hymn board, clergy chairs. 1957
Specifications and drawings for the pulpit, hymn boards and clergy chairs, designed by American Seating Co, Grand Rapids, MI reside in St. Luke's church archives. This plan, dated Sept. 7, 1956 was modified before being implemented in the new chancel which was dedicated in 1957. The carvings on the pulpit were changed, for example. But the blueprint shows the direction the design of the chancel furnishing was taking and is one of several versions considered by architect James Gamble Rogers II as he worked on the project to remodel and expand St. Luke's original (1939) brick sanctuary.
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Specifications for pulpit, hymn board, clergy chairs. 1957
Specifications and drawings for the pulpit, hymn boards and clergy chairs, designed by American Seating Co, Grand Rapids, MI reside in St. Luke's church archives. This plan, dated Sept. 7, 1956 was modified before being implemented in the new chancel which was dedicated in 1957. The carvings on the pulpit were changed, for example. But the blueprint shows the direction the design of the chancel furnishing was taking and is one of several versions considered by architect James Gamble Rogers II as he worked on the project to remodel and expand St. Luke's original (1939) brick sanctuary.
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Spelling Bee Champs, 1953-54, St. Luke's Christian Day School
St. Luke's Christian Day School students fared well in the state Spelling Bee competition in March, 1954. The school was represented by Andy L. Duda, Mary Ann Tesinsky and Katharine G. Mikler in the Seminole Co. competition. Andy was named Seminole County champion and traveled to Miami to compete in the state contest on April 30, 1954. According to the school records: "Out of 48 participants at the Dade County Auditorium in Miami, Andy was the 26th to be retired from the Bee." All three St. Luke's students received gifts from the school in honor of their accomplishments
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SR 426 and (Current) Slavia Road Intersection, c. 1945
This image was taken in c. 1945. The unknown photographer was standing on the east side of SR426, looking westward at what is the 2012 intersection of State Road 426 with Slavia Road. (Lukas Nursery would be on the left side of the photo, where a stand of trees appears in the image.) Andrew Jakubcin, recently wed to his wife, Emily, is leveling the land for the construction of what is to be the couple's new home. He is using a device called a "Sarasota land leveler," which is being pulled by a tractor driven by his brother-in-law, Johnny Jakubcin (out of photo range). Andrew and Emily were married at St. Luke's on June 10, 1945. Their new home was constructed by George Jakubcin, Sr. (Emily's father) adjacent to his own home. Of additional interest is the small warehouse which stands on the west side of SR426. It was likely erected by the Andrew Duda family sometime after their return to Slavia in 1926 and the location may have been chosen for its proximity to the Slavia railroad depot just north (to the right) of the structure. An article by Joe L. Mikler (written in the Slovak language) and published in the Slovak "Kalendar" in 1935, implies that the very first turpentine shack committed for use (in 1913) as a separate worship space for the congregation chartered only a year earlier, stood on the site later occupied by this warehouse. 3"x5" snapshot scanned on Epson 10000 at SLLC, October, 2012.
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Staff of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School 2009-10
More than 60 professional workers and support staff members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School for the academic year 2009-10 are pictured in pages from the annual church/school directory for that year.
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Staff of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School 2009-10
More than 60 professional workers and support staff members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School for the academic year 2009-10 are pictured in pages from the annual church/school directory for that year.
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Stained Glass Window Above Altar In 1957 Brick Church. Photo: 1991
A view of the stained glass window above the altar, as it appeared in 1991. Note that some changes were made to the chancel area in late 1980s, when seating was added to the south transept. The entire area was demolished in 1991-92 for reconstruction project.
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Stained glass windows in chapel
Images of stained glass windows which were originally installed in the 1957 brick church, but were removed before the demolition of portions of that building and the construction of the new sanctuary (dedicated, 1993). The windows were carefully conserved for installation in the new chapel(remodeled 1939 section of the brick church). The Passion Window,which was originally located above the 1957 altar, was placed above the chapel altar and dominates the wall separating the chapel from the new narthex area.
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Stained glass windows in chapel
Images of stained glass windows which were originally installed in the 1957 brick church, but were removed before the demolition of portions of that building and the construction of the new sanctuary (dedicated, 1993). The windows were carefully conserved for installation in the new chapel(remodeled 1939 section of the brick church). The Passion Window,which was originally located above the 1957 altar, was placed above the chapel altar and dominates the wall separating the chapel from the new narthex area.
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Stanko Store and Service Station, Slavia, c. 1920s
Image of the grocery store and service station owned by Martin and Juliana Stanko (c. 1920s). Located in Slavia on SR 426 (near current intersection of Slavia Road and SR 426). Parked under the gas station canopy is an automobile of undetermined model or vintage. Visible in the photo: signage advertising "Nu Grape Soda," "7 Up," "Coca Cola," " Shell Oil," "Groceries and Ladies' Restrooms." South side of the building shows windows and side porch of the Stanko residence, which was connected to the store structure. Also visible is a large outbuilding behind the store, with stacks of firewood piled alongside. NOT visible, but noteworthy, is the fact that the main building contained a basement...and unusual feature for a structure in Florida. Snapshot (courtesy, Elaine Lavender) scanned at SLLS, 2001, for archival collection.
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Stanko Store in Slavia, lone man in front, c. 1920
An unidentified man stands in front of the Stanko store and service station in Slavia, c.1920. On sign painted on front of building are advertisements for 'soft drinks and candies' and 'tobacco, cigars, cigarettes.' Snapshot (Courtesy: Gertrude Lukas) scanned, 2001, SLLS, for the church's 90th anniversary display.
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Stanko Store in Slavia, lone man in front, c. 1920
An unidentified man stands in front of the Stanko store and service station in Slavia, c.1920. On sign painted on front of building are advertisements for 'soft drinks and candies' and 'tobacco, cigars, cigarettes.' Snapshot (Courtesy: Gertrude Lukas) scanned, 2001, SLLS, for the church's 90th anniversary display.
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Stanko Store in Slavia, lone man in front, c. 1920
An unidentified man stands in front of the Stanko store and service station in Slavia, c.1920. On sign painted on front of building are advertisements for 'soft drinks and candies' and 'tobacco, cigars, cigarettes.' Snapshot (Courtesy: Gertrude Lukas) scanned, 2001, SLLS, for the church's 90th anniversary display.
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Steeple of Duda Ancestral Church, "Angled" Image. 2009
An interesting view of the steeple of the Duda Family's ancestral church in Adamovske Kochanovce in Slovakia, taken at an up-angle. June, 2009.
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Steeple of Duda Ancestral Church, From Right. 2009
A view (from the right of the main entrance) of the steeple of the church in Adamovske Kochanovce, Slovakia, ancestral church of the Andrew Duda family. 2009
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Steeple of the Duda Family's Ancestral Church. 2009
The steeple of the church in Slovakia (at Adamovske Kochanovce), the ancestral church of the Andrew Duda Family.
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Steven R. Sidlik (b.1933- d.1994) First called teacher at St. Luke's School
Steven Sidlik was the first male teacher to receive a "sacred call" to teach at St. Luke's School. He arrived in 1954 and served the school as teacher and coach and the church as youth director and Bible class leader for the next 38 years. During his early years at St. Luke's, Mr. Sidlik lived in "the teacherage," (the building which had first been the original "turpentine church" and was then used as the first school). Because of his personal patriotism, a new flagpole and American flag were dedicated to memory of their beloved "Mr.Sidlik" by the students of St. Luke's at a ceremony on May 25, 1994.
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Steven R. Sidlik (b.1933- d.1994) First called teacher at St. Luke's School
Steven Sidlik was the first male teacher to receive a "sacred call" to teach at St. Luke's School. He arrived in 1954 and served the school as teacher and coach and the church as youth director and Bible class leader for the next 38 years. During his early years at St. Luke's, Mr. Sidlik lived in "the teacherage," (the building which had first been the original "turpentine church" and was then used as the first school). Because of his personal patriotism, a new flagpole and American flag were dedicated to memory of their beloved "Mr.Sidlik" by the students of St. Luke's at a ceremony on May 25, 1994.
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Steven Sidlik Portrays Martin Luther in Reformation Tableau, October 22, 1967
In a photo accompanying an article printed in Oviedo's regional newspaper,"The Oviedo Beacon" on October 12, 1967, Steven Sidlik (as Martin Luther) nails the 95 Theses to the "chapel door" created for the tableau presented by St. Luke's Lutheran Church for the 450th anniversary of the Reformation.The entire community was invited to the event, held at Oviedo's new football stadium on October 22, 1967.; Article, published in Oviedo Publishing Co's "The Beacon" scanned at SLLC on Epson 10000XL, March, 2012.
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St. Luke's 1939 Church and Parsonage: Then and Now, 1939
A digital photograph taken in 2015 from approximately the same angle as a historic photo from 1939. The earlier photo shows the church parsonage adjacent to the small brick church. The parsonage was later used for church office space and was finally removed from the property to accommodate the building of a large new sanctuary in the early 1990s.
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St. Luke's 1939 Church and Parsonage: Then and Now, 2015
A digital photograph taken in 2015 from approximately the same angle as a historic photo from 1939. The earlier photo shows the church parsonage adjacent to the small brick church. The parsonage was later used for church office space and was finally removed from the property to accommodate the building of a large new sanctuary in the early 1990s.
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St. Luke's 50th anniversary celebration: Founders and Pastors, 1962
The 50th Anniversary of the congregation was celebrated in 1962 on the church picnic grounds. Among other photos taken that day was this image of the founders (charter members) of the congregation and the Pastors who had served the church in some way during its 50 year history. Left to right: FRONT: John, Sr. and Katie Duda, Joseph Mikler, Sr., George, Sr. and Anna Jakubcin, Andy, Jr. and Elizabeth Duda. BACK: Rev. Stephen Tuhy (congregation's first pastor), Rev. John Bajus (who had served St. Luke's while a Vicar), Ferdinand and Anna Duda, Joe L. Mikler, Rev. L. Jarosi (who had served as a vacancy pastor in early years of church history).
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St. Luke's 50th anniversary celebration: Founders and Pastors, 1962
The 50th Anniversary of the congregation was celebrated in 1962 on the church picnic grounds. Among other photos taken that day was this image of the founders (charter members) of the congregation and the Pastors who had served the church in some way during its 50 year history. Left to right: FRONT: John, Sr. and Katie Duda, Joseph Mikler, Sr., George, Sr. and Anna Jakubcin, Andy, Jr. and Elizabeth Duda. BACK: Rev. Stephen Tuhy (congregation's first pastor), Rev. John Bajus (who had served St. Luke's while a Vicar), Ferdinand and Anna Duda, Joe L. Mikler, Rev. L. Jarosi (who had served as a vacancy pastor in early years of church history).
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St. Luke's 50th anniversary celebration: Founders and Pastors, 1962
The 50th Anniversary of the congregation was celebrated in 1962 on the church picnic grounds. Among other photos taken that day was this image of the founders (charter members) of the congregation and the Pastors who had served the church in some way during its 50 year history. Left to right: FRONT: John, Sr. and Katie Duda, Joseph Mikler, Sr., George, Sr. and Anna Jakubcin, Andy, Jr. and Elizabeth Duda. BACK: Rev. Stephen Tuhy (congregation's first pastor), Rev. John Bajus (who had served St. Luke's while a Vicar), Ferdinand and Anna Duda, Joe L. Mikler, Rev. L. Jarosi (who had served as a vacancy pastor in early years of church history).
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Celebration
Members, former members and friends of St. Luke's received personal,printed invitations to the congregation's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Service on Sunday, March 22, 1987 (featuring Rev. Dr. Edward Westcott as Guest Preacher) and to a Banquet Reception (with reservations required) in Founders Hall the same afternoon. Rev. Paul Hoyer was chosen to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet program. Also commemorating the anniversary year, a plane bearing a a banner proclaiming "St. Luke's Celebrates 75 Years" delighted crowds who had gathered for a Reformation Day picnic on the church grounds in late October, 1986.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Celebration
Members, former members and friends of St. Luke's received personal,printed invitations to the congregation's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Service on Sunday, March 22, 1987 (featuring Rev. Dr. Edward Westcott as Guest Preacher) and to a Banquet Reception (with reservations required) in Founders Hall the same afternoon. Rev. Paul Hoyer was chosen to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet program. Also commemorating the anniversary year, a plane bearing a a banner proclaiming "St. Luke's Celebrates 75 Years" delighted crowds who had gathered for a Reformation Day picnic on the church grounds in late October, 1986.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Celebration
Members, former members and friends of St. Luke's received personal,printed invitations to the congregation's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Service on Sunday, March 22, 1987 (featuring Rev. Dr. Edward Westcott as Guest Preacher) and to a Banquet Reception (with reservations required) in Founders Hall the same afternoon. Rev. Paul Hoyer was chosen to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet program. Also commemorating the anniversary year, a plane bearing a a banner proclaiming "St. Luke's Celebrates 75 Years" delighted crowds who had gathered for a Reformation Day picnic on the church grounds in late October, 1986.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Celebration
Members, former members and friends of St. Luke's received personal,printed invitations to the congregation's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Service on Sunday, March 22, 1987 (featuring Rev. Dr. Edward Westcott as Guest Preacher) and to a Banquet Reception (with reservations required) in Founders Hall the same afternoon. Rev. Paul Hoyer was chosen to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet program. Also commemorating the anniversary year, a plane bearing a a banner proclaiming "St. Luke's Celebrates 75 Years" delighted crowds who had gathered for a Reformation Day picnic on the church grounds in late October, 1986.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Cookbook, 1987
In 1987, the members of the Committee set up to plan special events and memorabilia to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Luke's Lutheran Church published a 150 page cookbook containing recipes submitted by women of the church. Titles, "Our Favorite Recipes," the book was sold for $5.00 (plus $1.00 for postage if ordered by mail) and was a popular item during the anniversary year. Several "Slovak recipes" were included in the book and most were contributed by descendants of the founders of the congregation.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Cookbook, 1987
In 1987, the members of the Committee set up to plan special events and memorabilia to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Luke's Lutheran Church published a 150 page cookbook containing recipes submitted by women of the church. Titles, "Our Favorite Recipes," the book was sold for $5.00 (plus $1.00 for postage if ordered by mail) and was a popular item during the anniversary year. Several "Slovak recipes" were included in the book and most were contributed by descendants of the founders of the congregation.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Cookbook, 1987
In 1987, the members of the Committee set up to plan special events and memorabilia to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Luke's Lutheran Church published a 150 page cookbook containing recipes submitted by women of the church. Titles, "Our Favorite Recipes," the book was sold for $5.00 (plus $1.00 for postage if ordered by mail) and was a popular item during the anniversary year. Several "Slovak recipes" were included in the book and most were contributed by descendants of the founders of the congregation.
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St. Luke's 75th Anniversary Cookbook, 1987
In 1987, the members of the Committee set up to plan special events and memorabilia to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Luke's Lutheran Church published a 150 page cookbook containing recipes submitted by women of the church. Titles, "Our Favorite Recipes," the book was sold for $5.00 (plus $1.00 for postage if ordered by mail) and was a popular item during the anniversary year. Several "Slovak recipes" were included in the book and most were contributed by descendants of the founders of the congregation.
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St. Luke's Advertisement in SELC's Annual "Kalendar" 1971
The Synod of Evangelical Churches (SELC) of which St. Luke's was a member-congregation, published an annual calendar ("Kalendar") in the Slovak language, even as late as the 1970s. In the 1971 issue of 'Kalendar,' St. Luke's posted a full-page promotional piece about the worship schedule and contact information for the church.This appeared on page 147 of the publication and the advertisement was apparently paid for "Courtesy, A. Duda and Sons."; Included in the layout is an aerial view of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, as it appeared in 1971.