It will be an especially eventful weekend for Saint Augustine’s, starting with the Lutheran Choralaires performing a celebratory concert on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
The Lutheran Choralaires, which has been in existence for 62 years, is a renowned group of men who find reward in the satisfaction that comes from singing the Lord’s praises while also enjoying the fellowship of each other and those they meet in their travels.
A freewill offering will be the only cost for attending this concert of sacred music. The public is invited to attend.
The Lutheran Choralaires were formed after World War II by a group of young men with a love for their Lord, a talent for singing and a desire to bring the Good News of God’s love to His people. Through the years they have supported and advanced many Lutheran activities. Erwin Aufdemberge is their director.
The formal dedication of the beautiful chapel at Saint Augustine’s will be held on Monday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. This date was chosen because it is the nineteenth anniversary of Father Arthur Kreinheder’s death.
Saint Augustine’s, which is the only Lutheran monastery in the United States, was founded by Father Arthur in 1958 and he died October 13, 1989.
Saint Augustine’s has an interesting history. Following his ordination in 1956 as a Lutheran pastor, Father Arthur converted his rural home near Oxford, Michigan to a retreat center. In the summer of 1958 he purchased a disassembled Quonset hut from a farmer, and with the help of volunteers, it was moved and erected on the property near the Guest House.
On August 12th of that year the Quonset hut was dedicated, serving as a place of worship for almost 43 years. Ten years later, in 1999, ground was broken for a new building. The first service was held in the new chapel on June 23, 2001. A simple blessing was incorporated in the service to inaugurate the use of the new building,
The event on June 23, 2001 was a memorable occasion, but it was not intended to be the formal or solemn dedication of the new chapel. Although usable, it was still far from complete and there was also a large debt.
More rapidly than anticipated, what was lacking has been provided through the gifts and labor of many supporters. The old organ, rebuilt and augmented, was installed and memorably, it was September 11, 2001, that the altar was completed and the large stone mensa laid in place.
The interior was further enhanced with the laying of beautiful ceramic tile on the floor and with donated and refurbished wooden pews to replace the folding chairs.
Saint Augustine’s is located at 3316 Drahner Road, between Barr and Hosner Roads, two-and-a-half miles east of Lapeer Road (M-24). At 10 a.m. every Sunday a Lutheran worship service is held at Saint Augustine’s, which the public is welcome to attend. For more information check Web site at www.StAugustinesHouse.org.