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The first discussion of a preaching station in Suamico was brought
up at a meeting of St. Mark, Green Bay in July, 1971. A year later
meeting of interested parties was held at the home of the Glen
England the first family. On September 10, 1972 Pastor Carl Voss
conducted WELS service in the Suamico Elementary School
gymnasium with the first twenty-three people in attendance.
A canvass of the community was conducted in March of 1973 and
mission status was granted two months later. On June 6, 1973
the group organized as Mt. Olive Ev. Lutheran Church of Suamico.
The congregation was incorporated on July 15th. In November of
the same year Mt. Olive was granted the right to call its first pastor.
On July 7, 1974 Pastor Keith Kuschel was ordained and installed
as first resident pastor. A home on Overlook Court was rented
as the first parsonage. One year later the present property on
Bridge Road was purchased for $6,500. In January of 1976
construction of the parsonage began. It was occupied on April
24th and dedicated on June 6th. In September excavation for
the church began. The first service in the new church was in
May of 1977 with dedication of the church on June 5, 1977.
Pastor Kuschel preached his farewell sermon on January 14, 1979.
He left to serve Christ Redeemer of Trumbull, Connecticut.
The congregation numbered eighty-two Communicants and 121 souls.
Pastor Larry Nast was installed as the second resident pastor in
April, 1979. During the next couple of years a choir and youth
group were started. Major landscaping work on the church property
was done in September of 1982. The 10th anniversary service was
held on August 28, 1983 and the congregation numbered over 200
souls. In January of 1986 the congregation had over 150 communicants.
The next several years saw continued growth and the need to discuss
an expansion project. In September, 1990 ground was broken for an
education, fellowship, kitchen, and office addition. This $175,000
project was built by the members with only $75,000 of borrowed money.
In 1998 the congregation of nearly 250 communicants celebrated its
25th anniversary. In conjunction with this anniversary a new organ,
pews, carpeting, and altar furniture were purchased and by Easter of
1999 this $40,000 project was completely paid for. As the members
of Mt. Olive have gathered around Word and Sacraments for over 25
years, the grace and the goodness of the Lord have been evidenced
time and time again.
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