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  Student life at OLA 2009-10

  Orlando Lutheran Academy graduated its final class of 42 students in May, 2010. Five of the graduates were members of St. Luke's: Kiersten Bronson, Jeff Knutson, Cecelia Lukas, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski. Images scanned from the last two editions (2009 and 2010) of "Shield", the school's yearbook include those students and other scenes of student life during the final two years of the school's existence.

  
  

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  Studio bridal photo of Mary Mikler Tesinsky, August 21, 1938

  A studio photo of bride, Mary Mikler Tesinsky before her wedding to Paul Tesinsky in St. Luke's original, wooden church on August 21, 1938. 8x10 sepia print scanned on Epson 10000XL, at SLLC, 2011.

  
  

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  Studio photo: Joseph & Katarina 'nee Strauch Mikler and infant son, c. 1907

  Studio photo, possibly done in Cleveland, OH, c. 1907, showing Joseph Mikler (left) with wife, Katarina holding infant son, Michael, ml. ("mladsi"-younger). To the right is Michael Mikler, st. ("starsi"-elder), brother of Joseph, who was likely the godfather of the child. Mounted photo, with broken corners (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned at SLLS, 2001, for 90th anniversary display.

  
  

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  Studio photo: Joseph & Katarina 'nee Strauch Mikler and infant son, c. 1907

  Studio photo, possibly done in Cleveland, OH, c. 1907, showing Joseph Mikler (left) with wife, Katarina holding infant son, Michael, ml. ("mladsi"-younger). To the right is Michael Mikler, st. ("starsi"-elder), brother of Joseph, who was likely the godfather of the child. Mounted photo, with broken corners (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned at SLLS, 2001, for 90th anniversary display.

  
  

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  Sue Mikler Colbert and Katie Mikler Duda with small children, 1942, Black and White

  Sue Mikler Colbert (left) and her sister, Katie Mikler Duda, each hold a small child - probably their nieces: infant, Josephine Mikler on her Christening Day and the baby's older sister, Katherine. c.1942; Snapshot (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned at SLLS, 2001, for archival collection.

  
  

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  Sue Mikler Colbert and Katie Mikler Duda with small children, 1942, Original

  Sue Mikler Colbert (left) and her sister, Katie Mikler Duda, each hold a small child - probably their nieces: infant, Josephine Mikler on her Christening Day and the baby's older sister, Katherine. c.1942; Snapshot (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned at SLLS, 2001, for archival collection.

  
  

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  Sue Mikler on her confirmation day, October 31, 1937

  Sue Mikler poses for a photo near St. Luke's original wood church on the day of her confirmation, October 31, 1937. Snapshot (courtesy: Ethel Mikler) scanned, 2001, at SLLS for archival collection.

  
  

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  Sue Mikler on her confirmation day, October 31, 1937

  Sue Mikler poses for a photo near St. Luke's original wood church on the day of her confirmation, October 31, 1937. Snapshot (courtesy: Ethel Mikler) scanned, 2001, at SLLS for archival collection.

  
  

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  Sunday Bulletin, September 9, 1979

  The Sunday "bulletin" for September 9, 1979 offers additional insight as to the pastors and laity who served as church and school leaders during this period and on the very day the new Founders Hall facility was dedicated.

  
  

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  Sunday School Class, c. 1955

  Probably a Sunday School class picture, c. 1955. Elmer L. Bellhorn (Superintendent) stands at rear. Also standing, left to right: Johnny (John Andrew) Jakubcin and Mike Tesinsky. Seated: 1.unidentified 2. Sheala Best 3. Anna Duda (Teacher) 4. Shirley Mikler 5. Arden Arndt. Seated on floor: Tim Colbert.

  
  

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  Sunday School Class, c. 1990

  Seven middle school age students gather for a Sunday School class in one of St. Luke's school classrooms in 1990. Far left (in blue), Jessica Lukas; far right, (blue sweater) Danny Viles. Other students are not identified.

  
  

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  Sunday School classes, late 1980s

  Photos of three Sunday School classes for children held in the auditorium and classrooms of St. Luke's Lutheran School, c. 1986-89. This facility had originally been erected in 1947 and had been expanded several times during the next 40 years. The auditorium (library) and classrooms were used by both the school and the church for many purposes. (Individual students and teachers unidentified.)

  
  

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  Sunday School classes, late 1980s

  Photos of three Sunday School classes for children held in the auditorium and classrooms of St. Luke's Lutheran School, c. 1986-89. This facility had originally been erected in 1947 and had been expanded several times during the next 40 years. The auditorium (library) and classrooms were used by both the school and the church for many purposes. (Individual students and teachers unidentified.)

  
  

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  Sunday School classes, late 1980s

  Photos of three Sunday School classes for children held in the auditorium and classrooms of St. Luke's Lutheran School, c. 1986-89. This facility had originally been erected in 1947 and had been expanded several times during the next 40 years. The auditorium (library) and classrooms were used by both the school and the church for many purposes. (Individual students and teachers unidentified.)

  
  

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  Supt. Mickey and Betty Kohany greet the Marceks at Lutheran Haven Superintendent's home, c.1965

  Supt. of the Lutheran Haven,Mickey (and wife, Betty) Kohany, welcome new residents, Rev. George and Theresa Marcek,)for a visit to their home (which also served as the Superintendent's office) on the Lutheran Haven campus. The Marceks occupied the first duplex built for the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center. c. 1965. The Superintendent's home was built near the intersection of SR 426 and Chapman Road. When the Kohany's retired and moved into a Lutheran Haven duplex of their own, the former office was used as a vicarage for St. Luke's, as an Alzheimer Care Center and for other purposes before being sold and moved from the property by a private buyer.

  
  

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  Supt. Mickey and Betty Kohany greet the Marceks at Lutheran Haven Superintendent's home, c.1965

  Supt. of the Lutheran Haven,Mickey (and wife, Betty) Kohany, welcome new residents, Rev. George and Theresa Marcek,)for a visit to their home (which also served as the Superintendent's office) on the Lutheran Haven campus. The Marceks occupied the first duplex built for the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center. c. 1965. The Superintendent's home was built near the intersection of SR 426 and Chapman Road. When the Kohany's retired and moved into a Lutheran Haven duplex of their own, the former office was used as a vicarage for St. Luke's, as an Alzheimer Care Center and for other purposes before being sold and moved from the property by a private buyer.

  
  

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  Supt. Mickey and Betty Kohany greet the Marceks at Lutheran Haven Superintendent's home, c.1965

  Supt. of the Lutheran Haven,Mickey (and wife, Betty) Kohany, welcome new residents, Rev. George and Theresa Marcek,)for a visit to their home (which also served as the Superintendent's office) on the Lutheran Haven campus. The Marceks occupied the first duplex built for the Lutheran Haven Retirement Center. c. 1965. The Superintendent's home was built near the intersection of SR 426 and Chapman Road. When the Kohany's retired and moved into a Lutheran Haven duplex of their own, the former office was used as a vicarage for St. Luke's, as an Alzheimer Care Center and for other purposes before being sold and moved from the property by a private buyer.

  
  

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  Svetlo ("The Light") Early Church Bulletin. Sept. 1946

  For the very first time in more than 40 years since its founding, St.Luke's Lutheran Church added sections written in the English language to its Sunday church bulletins beginning on September 22, 1946. Thereafter, Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy employed a bilingual format for decades to come. But, as the membership became more diverse, the English sections grew longer, while the Slovak portions of the bulletin diminished during those next twenty years until, at last, the first "all English" version was printed in 1967.

  
  

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  Svetlo ("The Light") First Slovak Church Bulletin. January 19, 1941

  Scan of the first St. Luke's church bulletin in a bound collection in the church archives. This edition of "Svetlo" (translation "The Light")was distributed at the worship service of January 19, 1941. It is titled as Vol. I.- No.1-3 and was a single page, printed on colored "construction paper." Rev. Stephen M. Tuhy, with no secretarial assistance at that time, authored, typed and mimeographed the bulletins himself. Because the congregation (with the exception of a few young "anglo" spouses) still spoke Slovak in their homes and the worship services were still held only in that language, the bulletins of that time were printed in Slovak, as well. Pastor Tuhy may have added the the many diacritical marks used in the Slovak language with pen and ink after the initial typing of the text. A section entitled, "Kalenderium," listed several events of interest to the members. These included a worship service the pastor would hold for a mission congregation in Masaryktown, Slovak School and catechism classes, Sunday School and the new English worship service which would be held at 7pm on January 26. It was noted that there was a cost of $1.35 each for copies of the English language hymnal to be used in these services.

  
  

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  Teacher Ferdinand Cicmanec (1901-1950)

  Teacher Ferdinand Cicmanec, in a photo from the Centennial booklet produced by Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, OH. Mr. Cicmanec was portrayed as one of the "spiritual sons" of the congregation, having served as a teacher in their school for many years, beginning in 1924. Mr. Cicmanec was married to Julia 'nee Stanko in 1938, in Cleveland, OH. When his health became compromised by multiple sclerosis, the couple and their small daughter, Phyllis, moved to the warmer climate in FL and also to be near Julia's sisters and other members of the Stanko Family. They became permanent members of St. Luke's and the Slavia community in 1942. Teacher Cicmanec was born in Slovakia in 1901, died in Florida on May 12, 1950, and was buried in Cleveland, OH. Scan from "100 Years of God's Grace," commemorative booklet produced by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Parma, OH, 1992.

  
  

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  Teacher John Dinda, Son of Michael Dinda, Sr.

  Teacher John Dinda, in a photo taken while he served at Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Cleveland, OH, beginning in 1915. Mr. Dinda was the son of Michael Dinda, Sr., one of the founders of the Slavia Colony and St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Scan from "100 Years of God's Grace," commemorative booklet produced by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Parma, OH, 1992.

  
  

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  Teacher, Judy Decoste (Duda), at School PTL Function, c. 1958

  Teacher, Judy DeCoste(Duda)joins in the fun of a St. Luke's PTL party. c.1958

  
  

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  Teacher, Kathryn Manning and Principal E.L. Bellhorn, c. 1965

  Mrs. Kathryn Manning of DeLand,, who served as a teacher in the primary grades of St. Luke's School from 1962-68, is congratulated by Principal E. L. Bellhorn, at her retirement. c. 1965

  
  

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  Teacher, Marcella Rubis, in St. Luke's School Classroom, c. 1950

  Ms. Marcella Rubis, decorating her classroom at St. Luke's School for the Christmas season, c. 1950.

  
  

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  Teacher, Mary Ann Weisenbarger At Desk In Classroom At St. Luke'S School, c. early 1960s

  Teacher, Mary Ann Weisenbarger at her desk in the classroom for combined grades 1 and 2 in early 1960s. Interestingly, Mrs. Weisenbarger (nee' Mary Ann Tesinsky) was, herself, one of the students in the very first classes taught at St. Luke's, as far back as 1946. She went on to be trained at a Lutheran college and served St. Luke's school as a teacher for many years before retiring.

  
  

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  Temporary church office space during new church construction 1991-93

  The church office was moved 3 times during Pastor E.J. Rossow's first several years at St. Luke's! In 1987, the south transept of the 1957 church, used for 30 years as vestry, office and storage space, was remodeled to allow seating for more worshipers. The office functions were moved to the former parsonage adjacent to the church. But only a few years later, construction was begun on a new facility. The church parsonage was then removed to a private site off-campus. The church provided the office space it would need temporarily by renting a portable building and locating it on the campus of St. Luke's School, very nearby the church. In late 1993, the new facility received its CO and the office staff moved, once again, to a large suite of rooms in the new building.

  
  

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  Temporary church office space during new church construction 1991-93

  The church office was moved 3 times during Pastor E.J. Rossow's first several years at St. Luke's! In 1987, the south transept of the 1957 church, used for 30 years as vestry, office and storage space, was remodeled to allow seating for more worshipers. The office functions were moved to the former parsonage adjacent to the church. But only a few years later, construction was begun on a new facility. The church parsonage was then removed to a private site off-campus. The church provided the office space it would need temporarily by renting a portable building and locating it on the campus of St. Luke's School, very nearby the church. In late 1993, the new facility received its CO and the office staff moved, once again, to a large suite of rooms in the new building.

  
  

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  Temporary church office space during new church construction 1991-93

  The church office was moved 3 times during Pastor E.J. Rossow's first several years at St. Luke's! In 1987, the south transept of the 1957 church, used for 30 years as vestry, office and storage space, was remodeled to allow seating for more worshipers. The office functions were moved to the former parsonage adjacent to the church. But only a few years later, construction was begun on a new facility. The church parsonage was then removed to a private site off-campus. The church provided the office space it would need temporarily by renting a portable building and locating it on the campus of St. Luke's School, very nearby the church. In late 1993, the new facility received its CO and the office staff moved, once again, to a large suite of rooms in the new building.

  
  

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  Temporary church office space during new church construction 1991-93

  The church office was moved 3 times during Pastor E.J. Rossow's first several years at St. Luke's! In 1987, the south transept of the 1957 church, used for 30 years as vestry, office and storage space, was remodeled to allow seating for more worshipers. The office functions were moved to the former parsonage adjacent to the church. But only a few years later, construction was begun on a new facility. The church parsonage was then removed to a private site off-campus. The church provided the office space it would need temporarily by renting a portable building and locating it on the campus of St. Luke's School, very nearby the church. In late 1993, the new facility received its CO and the office staff moved, once again, to a large suite of rooms in the new building.

  
  

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  Temporary church office space during new church construction 1991-93

  The church office was moved 3 times during Pastor E.J. Rossow's first several years at St. Luke's! In 1987, the south transept of the 1957 church, used for 30 years as vestry, office and storage space, was remodeled to allow seating for more worshipers. The office functions were moved to the former parsonage adjacent to the church. But only a few years later, construction was begun on a new facility. The church parsonage was then removed to a private site off-campus. The church provided the office space it would need temporarily by renting a portable building and locating it on the campus of St. Luke's School, very nearby the church. In late 1993, the new facility received its CO and the office staff moved, once again, to a large suite of rooms in the new building.

  
  

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  Ten children seated in classroom of first school, in converted wood church, c. 1946-47

  Ten children are seated at their desks in the classroom of St. Luke's first school, c. 1946-47. The original, wood, church building had been relocated to a site just east of the brick church constructed in 1939 and an additional room was added to accommodate the school. Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy (likely photographer) taught the earliest classes of small children until Miss Dorothy Daniels was called to serve as the first full time teacher. Left to right: front row: Priscilla Tuhy, Katherine Mikler, Mary Ann Tesinsky; Middle Row: unidentified, unidentified, Joseph Duda; Third Row: Phyllis Cicmanec, unidentified, Carl Fabry. Standing: Andrew L. Duda. Snapshot (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned, 2001, SLLS, for 90th anniversary display.

  
  

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  Ten children seated in classroom of first school, in converted wood church, c. 1946-47

  Ten children are seated at their desks in the classroom of St. Luke's first school, c. 1946-47. The original, wood, church building had been relocated to a site just east of the brick church constructed in 1939 and an additional room was added to accommodate the school. Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy (likely photographer) taught the earliest classes of small children until Miss Dorothy Daniels was called to serve as the first full time teacher. Left to right: front row: Priscilla Tuhy, Katherine Mikler, Mary Ann Tesinsky; Middle Row: unidentified, unidentified, Joseph Duda; Third Row: Phyllis Cicmanec, unidentified, Carl Fabry. Standing: Andrew L. Duda. Snapshot (Courtesy: Elaine Lavender) scanned, 2001, SLLS, for 90th anniversary display.

  
  

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  Tesinsky wedding party leaves church grounds, Aug. 21, 1938, Black and White

  The wedding party leaves the church grounds following the marriage ceremony of Paul and Mary Tesinsky on August 21, 1938. Note the white cloth runner leading from the car back to the wooden church building. Left to right: Anna Mikler, Joe B. Mikler, Pastor Stephen Tuhy. Mary Tesinsky, Paul Tesinsky. George Tesinsky (brother of the groom), Elizabeth Mikler. The last two individuals are unidentified.

  
  

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  Tesinsky wedding party leaves church grounds, Aug. 21, 1938, Original

  The wedding party leaves the church grounds following the marriage ceremony of Paul and Mary Tesinsky on August 21, 1938. Note the white cloth runner leading from the car back to the wooden church building. Left to right: Anna Mikler, Joe B. Mikler, Pastor Stephen Tuhy. Mary Tesinsky, Paul Tesinsky. George Tesinsky (brother of the groom), Elizabeth Mikler. The last two individuals are unidentified.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The 33rd (Final) Commencement of Orlando Lutheran Academy

  The program for the 33rd and final commencement exercises for Orlando Lutheran Academy (aka Luther HS/Orlando Luther) in 2010 lists the names of 42 graduates. Several of those students were members of St. Luke's and/or had also graduated from St. Luke's Lutheran School. They include Cecelia Lukas, Kiersten Bronson, Jeffrey Knutson, Christina Russell and John Ruszkowski.

  
  

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  The Annual' of St. Luke's Christian Day School 1950-51

  Photo, from the school annual, of the Kindergarten class of 1950-51. Left to right: Dorothy Klinchok, Virginia Beasley, John Jakubcin, Jr., Michael Tesinsky, Dorothy Duda, Shirley Mikler.

  
  

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  The Baptism Day of Katherine (Katie) Mikler, c. 1910

  Infant Katherine (Katie) Mikler is shown on the day of her baptism, c.1910, with her brothers. Joe L. (left) and Mike. The baptism probably took place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Cleveland. Katie was the oldest surviving daughter of Joseph, Sr. and Katarina Strauch Mikler. Mounted print (Courtesy: Judy Duda), scanned at SLLS, 2001 for archival collection.

  
  

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  The Baptism Day of Katherine (Katie) Mikler, c. 1910

  Infant Katherine (Katie) Mikler is shown on the day of her baptism, c.1910, with her brothers. Joe L. (left) and Mike. The baptism probably took place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Cleveland. Katie was the oldest surviving daughter of Joseph, Sr. and Katarina Strauch Mikler. Mounted print (Courtesy: Judy Duda), scanned at SLLS, 2001 for archival collection.

  
  

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  The Baptism of Jenny Kay Jakubcin, June 29, 1975

  Infant, Jenny Kay Jakubcin is admired by her great-grandparents, George and Anna Duda Jakubcin, at the family celebration of her Baptism on June 29, 1975. Jenny, born on June 18, is the daughter of David and Carrie Jakubcin. Small colored snapshot, scanned on Epson 10000XL at SLLC, September, 2013.

  
  

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  The Baptism of Katherine Elizabeth Duda, May 18, 1975

  Infant, Katherine Elizabeth Duda (b. April 18th) is held by her Godmother, Sadye Fleming Duda, as she receives the blessing of Rev. John J. Kucharik in the chancel of St. Luke's Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 18, 1975. Kathy is the daughter of Walter and Judy Duda. Her Godfather is Edward Duda. The family celebrated the baptism of this child, as well as the Confirmation of her brother, David Duda, on the same day.

  
  

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  The Bell Tower and Roof Are Built Up As Construction of the Original Brick Church Continues, 1938-39

  Roof timbers are applied and the bell tower is built up as construction continues on the new brick church. 1938-39. 8x10 black & white print. Scanned on Epson 10000XL at SLLC, 2011.

  
  

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  The Confirmation Class of 1969

  Gathered together with Pastor John J. Kucharik, the members of the Confirmation Class, in the chancel of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, following the worship service on March 30, 1969. This was the first class instructed and confirmed in the faith by Rev. Kucharik, who had assumed his role as pastor of St. Luke's in May, 1968, months after the untimely death of St. Luke's first pastor, Stephen M. Tuhy. Names of the confirmands are listed in the "Light," the Sunday bulletin for that day