Knoebel, Russell P. (Rev.) - 1943

13th Anniversary

Last Sunday, March 28th, marked the thirteenth anniversary for Rev. Russell P. Knoebel, as pastor of the Grace Lutheran and Salem Lutheran churches.  Rev. Knoebel and his family came here during the last week in March of 1930.  Both congregations have prospered during the past years.  Salem church has been completely renovated, the latest improvement was the installment of new church pews and carpet at a cost of nearly $1000.

Grace congregation here in Bellwood since 1935, when the new parish house was built has been making improvements each year until the fall of 1941 when they rededicated the church.  This work cost over $8000 and within fifteen months is all paid except $1000.  The congregation hopes to reduce this note on Easter Sunday and if possible pay it off entirely.  In all in both churches over $20,000 has been expanded for repair work alone during the present pastorate.

Last Sunday Mr. W. L. Wertz, member of the church council presented the pastor with a check from the congregation, and the Salem church presend <sic> a basket of beautiful roses.  These gifts were greatly appreciated by the pastor and his family.  We all are thankful for the happy relationship that has existed between pastor and his people during the past years and pray God’s guidance as we continue to labor together in the future.
~ Bellwood Bulletin, 01-Apr-1943, Page 1, Column 3

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Church announcements include service times, Baptism times, Bible class information, club and group meetings.  I just wanted to document the church itself and the pastor in charge during this time period.]
Methodist Church
Rev. H. Thaddeus Covert, minister.
Baptist Church
Logan Valley Baptist church, Rev. H. G. Dooley, pastor.
Presbyterian Church
Rev. Eugene Gilhand Slep, pastor.
Lutheran Church
Rev. Russell P. Knoebel, pastor.
~ Bellwood Bulletin, 01-Apr-1943, Page 4, Column 4

Local Church Wedding Scene

A lovely wedding ceremony was solemnized in the Grace Lutheran church of Bellwood, at 8 P.M. Saturday evening when Miss Ella Mae Wakefield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wakefield of Bellwood, became the bride of Pvt, Donald E. Replogle, son of Mrs. Meda M. Replogle of 3008 Second avenue, Altoona.

The single ring ceremony was performed by candle light with the pastor of the church, Rev. Russell P. Knoebel, officiating.  The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, and accentuated with lighted candelabras.

Prior to the ceremony an organ recital was presented by Miss Mary Wertz, church organist.  During the ceremony the favorite numbers of the couple were played, “Because” and “I Love You Truly”.  The traditional wedding marches were also used.

The bride was given in marriage by her father and was attended by her sister, Miss Joyce A. Wakefield, a maid of honor.  Mr. W. B. Replogle, brother of the bridegroom, served as best man.

The bride was attired in a teal blue suit with black accessories, and wore a shoulder corsage of red roses.  The maid of honor wore a powder blue suit and a corsage of yellow tea rose buds.

Both Pvt. And Mrs. Replogle are graduates of Bellwood – Antis High School.  Pvt. Replogle is on a 30-day furlough and will report back to Fort Slocum, N. Y. on February 11.  The newlyweds have taken a short wedding trip to Pittsburgh, Pa.
~ Bellwood Bulletin, 31-Jan-1946, Page 1, Column 3