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St. Luke's Cemetery: Then and Now, 2015
A historic 1939 photo, with flowers heaped on the new grave site of Michael Mikler, shows a small corner of St. Luke's cemetery, with only two other tombstones standing at that time. These were the graves of 12 year old Johnny Mikler and of Katarina Zatko Duda (wife of Andrew Duda, Sr.) who had passed away just a few years earlier. The original wood church had stood nearby those tombstones for many years, but was moved to the congregation's current church site shortly before Mike Mikler's burial in 1939. In the distance, at the rear of the 1934 photo (looking northward), are acres of untamed, undeveloped woodlands. But a 2015 digital image conveys the startling changes that occurred in Slavia over the decades that followed. The current image (taken from a similar vantage point) shows the Lutheran Haven Nursing Home and ALF in the distance, with a now four-laned Chapman Road dividing the cemetery from the Haven lands. This same (NW) corner of the cemetery was the first section to be filled with graves, most of them belonging to the descendants of the Slavia families who had founded St. Luke's in 1912
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St. Luke's Chapel Interior: Then and Now, 1939
Digital image taken of the interior of St. Luke's Chapel in 2015, in contrast to an historic photograph of the same space when the newly-built brick church was the primary worship space for the congregation in 1939.
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St. Luke's Chapel Interior: Then and Now, 2015
Digital image taken of the interior of St. Luke's Chapel in 2015, in contrast to an historic photograph of the same space when the newly-built brick church was the primary worship space for the congregation in 1939.
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St. Luke's Chapel: Then and Now, 1939
A digital photograph of the main entrance to the St. Luke's Chapel taken in 2015, contrasted with the same entrance in a photograph of the wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Mikler in 1939.
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St. Luke's Chapel: Then and Now, 2015
A digital photograph of the main entrance to the St. Luke's Chapel taken in 2015, contrasted with the same entrance in a photograph of the wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Mikler in 1939.
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St. Luke's Chapel-Vertical View of Altar. c. 1994
In designing the new facility, constructed from 1991-93,St. Luke's accepted the reality that one of the older portions of the existing church (1957 transepts and expanded chancel area) would have to be demolished. But the original brick church, built in 1939, was remodeled and integrated into the new design... and now could be used as a chapel, with intimate space for small weddings and funerals. The stained glass windows, conserved from the 1939 and 1957 windows, were placed into the chapel. The large Passion Window, which had once been located above the 1957 altar, now became a translucent wall separating the small chapel from the new narthex and sanctuary.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School- 1947-48 - first year of operation
Three photos taken during the inaugural year of St. Luke's Christian Day School (1947-48). Twelve students, in grades 1, 2, 3 and 5 comprised the first student body. They were taught by Miss Dorothy Daniel (Streator, Ill), who had been engaged by the congregation to use the wood building (former "turpentine shack" church) for classes. By the second year of the school's existence, enrollment had almost doubled. Three black and while snapshots, kept in a scrapbook entitled, "History of St. Luke's Christian Day School" were scanned at St. Luke's on the Epson 10000XL scanner in October, 2014. The album was originally compiled by Mary Ann Tesinsky Weisenbarger in the mid-1960s.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School- 1947-48 - first year of operation
Three photos taken during the inaugural year of St. Luke's Christian Day School (1947-48). Twelve students, in grades 1, 2, 3 and 5 comprised the first student body. They were taught by Miss Dorothy Daniel (Streator, Ill), who had been engaged by the congregation to use the wood building (former "turpentine shack" church) for classes. By the second year of the school's existence, enrollment had almost doubled. Three black and while snapshots, kept in a scrapbook entitled, "History of St. Luke's Christian Day School" were scanned at St. Luke's on the Epson 10000XL scanner in October, 2014. The album was originally compiled by Mary Ann Tesinsky Weisenbarger in the mid-1960s.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School- 1947-48 - first year of operation
Three photos taken during the inaugural year of St. Luke's Christian Day School (1947-48). Twelve students, in grades 1, 2, 3 and 5 comprised the first student body. They were taught by Miss Dorothy Daniel (Streator, Ill), who had been engaged by the congregation to use the wood building (former "turpentine shack" church) for classes. By the second year of the school's existence, enrollment had almost doubled. Three black and while snapshots, kept in a scrapbook entitled, "History of St. Luke's Christian Day School" were scanned at St. Luke's on the Epson 10000XL scanner in October, 2014. The album was originally compiled by Mary Ann Tesinsky Weisenbarger in the mid-1960s.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, 1952, Christmas Pageant
St. Luke's students assembled in the finale of the school's Christmas Pageant, December, 1952. Individual students were not identified in this photo, sound in the school annual.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School. First Permanent School Structure, c. 1949
The first permanent school structure erected by St. Luke's congregation (c. 1948-49) contained just two wings. Classrooms were located in the north wing (at left) and an auditorium in the other. The congregation, as well as the school, made good use of the auditorium for various receptions and gatherings and also to present many "church plays" on the large new stage during the early 1950s.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, first permanent structure c.1950
The first permanent structure for St. Luke's Christian Day School was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1949 and consisted of one wing of classrooms and an auditorium (section with cross atop the spire). Five years later, the structure shown in this photo would be expanded with a third wing (to the right of the auditorium).
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, first permanent structure c.1950
The first permanent structure for St. Luke's Christian Day School was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1949 and consisted of one wing of classrooms and an auditorium (section with cross atop the spire). Five years later, the structure shown in this photo would be expanded with a third wing (to the right of the auditorium).
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Kindergarten and Grades 1-6. School Year 1950-51
The entire student body of St. Luke's Lutheran School (Kindergarten -6th grade)in academic year 1950-51, The first permanent school building had just been erected one year earlier and now the faculty was ready to publish its very first "School Annual." Students are not individually identified in this photo, but can be found in class photos published in this same annual. Teacher: Miss Elinor Junas (left) and Miss Marian Stanko (right). The text in the annual was typed and mimeographed in green ink on colored construction paper pages. The photos were then applied to the pages by hand with rubber cement. Copies of the annual were made for every school family.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School "Land of Dreams Come True" Operetta, 1952-53, Mother Goose Characters
Mother Goose Characters:portion of the cast in the school operetta, "Land of Dreams come True," 1952-53
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1952-53, Blue Bells
Students dressed as Blue Bells for the annual school operetta ("Land of Dreams come True"), 1952-53 at St. Luke's Christian Day School. Left to right, TOP: Sylvia Mikler, Katherine M. Duda. Sandra Bellhorn, Carol Rook; BOTTOM: Betty Ruth Duda, Eleanor Duda, unidentified, Barbara Beasley.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1952-53. Pixies In "The Land Of Dreams Comes True"
The Pixies: portion of the cast of school operetta ("Land of Dreams come True"), 1952-53
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1952-53, Roses
St. Luke's students dressed as Roses for annual operetta ("Land of Dreams come True"), 1952-53 at St. Luke's Christian Day School. Left to right, TOP: Naomi Tuhy, Dorothy Duda, Patsy Mikler, unidentified, Sheala Best; BOTTOM: unidentified, Virginia Stanko. Virginia Beasley, Shirley Mikler.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1953-54 "Little Bit Of Holland"
Students in costume for school operetta, "Little Bit of Holland," 1953-54, on stage at St. Luke's Christian Day School. Left to right, TOP: Virginia Stanko, Lydia Tuhy, unidentified; BOTTOM: Lynn Eustice, Joyce Bellhorn, unidentified, Sandy Mikler, Kathy Rook.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1953-54 "Little Bit Of Holland"
Students of St. Luke's Christian Day School, some costumed as 'Tulip Girls' in the school operetta, "A Little Bit of Holland," 1953-54. Left to right, REAR: John A. Jakubcin, Mickey Tesinsky, Dorothy Duda, Virginia Beasley, Sheala Best; FRONT: Ralph Jakubcin, Ted Bellhorn, Shirley Mikler, Judy Jakubcin, unidentified, Jimmy Rook.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1953-54 "Windmill Boys"
Students of St. Luke's Christian Day School costumed as Windmill Boys for school operetta, "A Little Bit of Holland." 1953-54. Left to tight, Standing: Arden Arndt, Jack Eustice, Andy Mikler, Marvin Albritton, Billy Mikler, Charlie Beasley; Kneeling: Harley Cox, unidentified, Chuck Best, Tim Colbert, Paul Lukas, Jonathan Lukas.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1954-55
In this scene from the 1954-55 operetta, students of St. Luke's Christian Day School portray "the crowning of spring." Students were not identified in the school annual, which featured this photo.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, 1954-55, "Season Of Happiness"
The entire cast of the operetta ("Season of Happiness") for 1954-55, gather on the stage of St. Luke's Christian Day School. Individuals are not identified in this photo from school annual.
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St.Luke's Christian Day School Operetta, "Season Of Happiness," 1954-55. Faculty Production Staff
Faculty of St. Luke's Christian Day School take a bow following the performance of the the 1954-55 school operetta, "Season of Happiness." Left to right: Steven Sidlik, Emmeline Best. Elmer Bellhorn. Marian Stanko, Rev. S.M. Tuhy
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St. Luke's Christian Day School Operetta,"The Land of Dreams Come True." 1952-53. "The Daisies"
The Daisies, a group of students of St. Luke's Christian Day School, performing in the school operetta ("Land of Dreams Come True"), 1952-53.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School: student body, May, 1954
The entire student body of St. Luke's Christian Day School poses with 4 teachers (Vera Fabry, Marian Stanko, Emmeline Best,Elmer Bellhorn) on the stage of the school auditorium in May, 1954. (Individuals not identified in school annual.)
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St. Luke's Christian Day School: student body, May, 1954
The entire student body of St. Luke's Christian Day School poses with 4 teachers (Vera Fabry, Marian Stanko, Emmeline Best,Elmer Bellhorn) on the stage of the school auditorium in May, 1954. (Individuals not identified in school annual.)
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St. Luke's Christian Day School: Student Body, May, 1955
Group shot of the entire student body and the four faculty members of St. Luke's Christian Day School, taken in May 1955. Individual identification for this image not provided in the school annual.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School. Student Body, October, 1952
A group photo of the entire student body of St. Luke's Christian Day School in October, 1952. The school now included students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Individual children were not identified in this photo, Bur Principal E.L. Bellhorn is at far left and teacher, Betty Belencak Duda is at far right
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, Students and Teachers c. 1950
Flanked by their teachers, Elinor Junas (far left) and Marian Stanko (far right), 37 students of St. Luke's Christian Day School assemble for a group photo near the loggia of the first permanent school built the previous year. c,1950
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, Students and Teachers c. 1951-52
The nearly 50 students enrolled in St.Luke's Christian Day School, are joined by their teachers, Elinor Junas (far left) and Betty Belencak Duda (far right) for a school photo.
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St. Luke's Christian Day School, With Additions c. 1969
By the late 1960s, several additions had been made to the original 1949 structure in order to accommodate the growing student enrollment. This photograph (c. 1969)shows just a small portion of the southernmost wing (added in late 1950s) and the "junior high wing" (at rear) added in mid-60s
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St. Luke's Church: 50th Anniversary Celebration, with Speaker, Ferdinand Duda. 1962
50th Anniversary celebration at the church picnic grounds. Speaker: Ferdinand Duda. Left to right, seated: 1.Rev. L.A. Jarosi 2.Joseph Mikler 3. Andrew Duda, Jr. Rear of photo (sunglasses): Seth Rook.
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St. Luke's Church and School Staff Members with Rev. Edwin J. Rossow. 1994
Pastor, school and church staff and officers gather for a photo in the new sanctuary. ca. 1993-94. Left to right. BACK row: 1.Vicar (unidentified)2. Don Eicholtz 3. Ruth Wiedenmann 4. Roger Whitnet 5. Nancy Whitney 6. Robert Flesch 7. Jon Yergler MIDDLE row: Rev. E.J. Rossow 2. Scott Baumer 3. Sylvia Hardin 4. Marlene Tesinsky 5. Carol Stephens 6. unidentified FRONT: 1. Mary Ann Tesinsky 2. Gladys Wendt 3. Patty Sidlik 4. Susan Stake 5. Carrie Jakubcin
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Construction of Cloisters, c. 1992
The 1939 structure is now joined to a large newly-constructed facility and surrounded by the cloisters. c. 1992
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Construction of New Sanctuary Begins, 1991-92
Construction begins on new sanctuary. Footprint of 1957 expansion has been removed and new facility will be joined to original 1939 structure.c. 1991-92
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Demolition and construction underway, c. 1991
Two views from SR 426: demolition and construction phases for church expansion plan are underway. c. 1991
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Demolition and construction underway, c. 1991
Two views from SR 426: demolition and construction phases for church expansion plan are underway. c. 1991
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Demolition and New Construction, c. 1991-92
The structure erected by the St. Luke's congregation in 1939 has now been entirely gutted and new construction can be seen in the background. c. 1991-92
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St. Luke's Church Expansion. Demolition Continues as Construction Begins. c. 1991-92
Demolition and construction c. 1991-92. Roof was removed from bell tower of original (1939) structure before reconstruction could begin. Wide angle view shows contractor's sign on work-site. New construction has begun, but removal of parsonage is incomplete in this image.