After being served by only three pastors for 80 years, Pastors Ansorge, Eschenbacher, and Heinicke, Zion members were ministered to by three different pastors in the last decade.

In May of 1983, Pastor Heinicke accepted a call to a Nebraska parish. Pastor Paul Krumm was installed on June 30, 1983, and served until October of 1986. For several months (March September of '86) Pastor Merle Lebahn of rural Trinity Lutheran assisted at Zion. Pastor Bob Riggert began his ministry at Zion in June of 1987.

In addition, a Director of Christian Education, Paula Weiss, began serving at Zion in April of 1984. She assists primarily in the education, youth, and music ministries... Fern Jensen also began her duties as parish secretary in the spring of '84.

The most significant program addition was the Zion Preschool which began in the fall of 1985. Mrs. Kristie Borkowski continues to direct the program which offers school readiness activities and Christian education to 3 and 4 year old children of the church and community.

From November of '83 through November of '84 the facilities of Zion received significant attention. A new heating system was installed, the sanctuary was recarpeted and painted, a library and youth room were made available as the facilities were updated in other ways. Exterior repairs were made and landscaping improvements made. In February of 1988, the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the present facility was observed.

It was a time of joy for Zion members to be part of the ordination of a Zion member into the pastoral ministry. Ron Baker was ordained in July of 1987.

During the decade, Zion members were part of significant celebrations within the Lutheran Church Synod. A number of congregational women assisted with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League International Convention in Ames, Iowa, in 1985. Youth of the congregation have attended major gatherings in Washington, D.C. ('86); Denver ('89); and New Orleans ('92).

The congregation continues to minister to its members and to the community. Many children of the community participate in the annual summer Vacation Bible School program. The community has enjoyed the annual Cantata presentation by the Zion choir.

In a decade of many changes, Zion Lutheran continues to share the unchanging Word of God and continues to be an instrument of Christcentered care.

Zion Evening Circle was organized in March of 1960, with thirty-six charter members signing the constitution.

Since that time Evening Circle has been involved with studying and learning God's Word, financially supporting mission projects, working together with the other sister society to serve funerals and dinners at church, serving Sunday morning rolls and coffee in the summer and generally helping wherever we are needed at church.

Zion Evening Circle is associated with LWML Lutheran Women's Missionary League - with participation at the national, district, zone and local levels. Our purpose is to maintain a greater mission consciousness among women of the church.

We meet the second Thursday evening of every month and any communicant member of the church is welcome to join.

The first meeting of the newly-formed Zion Ladies Guild was held on February 13, 1985. Before this we had two afternoon societies, Dorcas and Zion Ladies Aid. We meet the second Wednesday of each month. Our motto is "Serve the Lord with Gladness" Psalm 100:2.

We have four circles with a chairman and a cochairman. The circles take turns serving funeral lunches, anniversaries, weddings, and Advent and Lenten coffees. All the circles work together, serving the three Gold-Diamond Fellowship dinners and the monthly Plaza bingo.

Ladies from the church made many quilts for Lutheran World Relief and other needy people. We support various missions with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

The Guild is affiliated with the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League). This is a synod-wide organization of women's societies within the congregations of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Cornerstone Family Church began holding services on July 3, 1988, in a private home. David Rauch, a Manning native, served as first pastor after receiving ordination in Oklahoma and serving under another pastor in Canberra, Australia. The church was established to serve the Charismatic community of the area. Services were held in the Municipal Library Community Room until we were able to rent 311 Main, remaining there nearly three years. That building was sold to Keith Schroeder and, in July, 1991, being unable to secure another suitable building, services returned to meeting in private homes.

Cornerstone Family Church is independent and non-denominational. Pastor Rauch holds

membership in the International Convention of Faith Churches and Ministries and Rhema Ministerial Association International with accountability through these organizations.

Strong emphasis is given to missions, the church itself regularly supporting missionaries and sending Pastor Rauch on mission trips whenever possible. Close ties are maintained with missionaries in Saltillo, Mexico, and one member of the church board, Rev. John Jacobs, travels throughout Europe regularly.

In the centennial book for the town of Manning titled "We Can Remember" the history of Sacred Heart Church was traced from the time the first Mass was offered in 1866 until the year 1981. We now add the following:

In 1981 the physical plant of Sacred Heart was completed, now occupying a full block and comprised of a church building, together with a parish center with kitchen, classrooms for religious training of the young, and a new rectory. In the years to follow it became necessary to update the facilities. Hence in the past seven years both boilers received major overhauling, the church was newly decorated, together with gilding all light fixtures and hardware. Padded seat cushions were installed along with new furniture in the mothers' room. Additions were made to the present air conditioning in the parish center and also furniture was replaced. The parking area west of the parish center was paved. This, together with the liquidation of the parish debt, demonstrated the willingness of the people to maintain their parish property dedicated to the service of the Lord. Finally, a structure in the front of the church contains the bell first used at our parish church and information concerning times of parish spiritual happenings. This was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jospeh Meier.

The parish membership continues to increase, which is demonstrated by the fact that 221 young people in grades 1 through 12 are counted in our religion instruction program. Sacred Heart considers itself a relatively young parish as young families continue to choose Manning and the surrounding area as their permanent home. The organizations of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America, Sacred Heart Altar Society, and the young peoples' group called SHOUT continue to labor for the parish and for those who are in need. Projects for the near future include the purchase of a new pipe organ in 1993 and the reroofing of the buildings as needed. The present pastor Fr. R.W. Reinhart came to Sacred Heart in July of 1986, and together with the people of the parish, hopes to continue to serve the community and bring to others the Lord whom all are invited to know, love and serve.

The group was organized on November 14, 1948, with 40 charter members. The First Grand Regent elected was Florence Bock. Present membership is 80 and present Regent is Maureen Halbur.

Plaza activities conducted by the CD of A court include sponsoring of bingo every first Friday since 1967 and praying the Rosary every Friday morning since 1988.

Annual contributions are made to the CCD Program; local requests for donations; the church and parish hall, such as candlesticks, tables, refrigerator-freezer; and many other worthy causes.

The past four years the CD of A "Piecemakers" quilters, along with four members from other churches have made the quilt raffled at Weihnachtsfest with all profits going to the Weihnachtsfest organization.

The CD of A also sponsors an annual poster and essay contest for children grades 4-12.

They have an annual Valentine potluck with their husbands as guests and also have an annual mother-daughter banquet in May. Each January is designated as Mission Month and articles made are sent to the Catholic Medical Mission Board.

The legislative chairman gives monthly reports on current state and national legislation that we should be concerned about.

Among recent fundraisers were an annual pie and bake sale at Homecoming, an annual bake sale at Weihnachtsfest, several quilt raffles - one for their 40th anniversary and the other for the Manning Centennial.

On October 23, 1988, the Court celebrated its 40th anniversary with many guests present for mass, program and luncheon.

the span of time from the 1981 centennial book until 1992 has been a time of assessment of self, goals, resources, and mission. Serious formal discussions of merging the Presbyterian and Methodist congregations were held in the years 1987-1989, ending in the decision to remain seperate. Although Presbyterian membership has been steadily declining, optmism and preseverance have not diminished. We continue in the United Church School begun in 1979. Several members have served on committees of Prospect Hill Presbytery and Presbyterian Women of Prospect Hill Presbytery.

In 1986, a ground-level entrance was constructed at the northwest corner of the church, thus making the church basement handicap accessible. A new front entrance to the church, including a ramp, was contstructed in 1990, now insuring access to the sanctuary for those in wheelchairs. New energy saving furnaces and air conditioners were installed in 1992 to further the

comfort of worshipers.

During these 11 years office equipment purchased or contributed to the church included a plain paper copier and a computer to increase the efficiency of those involved in the business aspect of the church.

Personal pledges were augmented by the annual Smorgasbord in October to provide for the operation of the church and mission support.

Ministers of the First Presbyterian Church from its beginning to 1992 include:

1881 - Rev. T.S. Bailey

1881 - Rev. E.A. Elfelt

1882 - Rev. H.H. Cullen

1883 - Rev. Gerth

1883 - Rev. C.S. McElhinny

1883- Rev. C.E. Laughlin

1885 - Rev. A.W. Thomson

1890 - Rev. Paden

1891 - Rev. Burnett

1891 - Rev. Marcus Krotzer

1894 - Rev. Z.W. Steele

1900 - Rev. C.L. McCleod

1903 - Rev. H.S. Condit

1903 - Rev. J.S. Giffin

1905 - Rev. C.C. Baker

1907 - Rev. F.A. Weiger

1914 - Rev. A.T. Aller

1921 - Rev. W.W. Tait

1922 - Rev. O.D. Elliot

1923 - Rev. E.E. Zimmerman

1926 - Rev. A.S. Howland

1933 - Rev. E.J. Hough

1936 - Rev. G.E. Steele

1939 - Rev. A. Wimberly

1943 - Rev. Arthur Raeside

1948 - Rev. Harlan Kruse

1953 - Dr. Fred Hamiln

1957 - Rev. Carl Sinning

1967 - Rev. Robert Rushing

1972 - Rev. Joel Wright

1981 - Rev. Dennis Johnson

1985 - Rev. Randy Ross

1989 - Rev. Marshall Brown

Calvary Baptist Church of Manning has enjoyed slow but steady and encouraging growth since the centennial celebration in 1981.

Rev. Louis Miller, pastor of the church from 1975 to 1982, resigned to become a builder with Continental Baptist Missions. The church called David VanHooser in January, 1983. He was ordained to the ministry by the local assembly in 1984. He stayed through November, 1984.

After filling the pulpit for four months, Henry R. Jensen was called to be the pastor of the church in March, 1985. The Jensens moved to Manning in June. Shortly after midnight, June 15, 1985, a fire broke out destroying the roof and extensively damaging the interior of the church. After five months and $177,000 the structure was rebuilt. A praise service was held January, 1986, to thank God and recognize the contractors and individuals who completed the project.

The church ordained Pastor Jensen, April 5, 1986. That fall diagonal parking was added to the front property line, allowing off-street parking for about 12 cars.

Weinachtsfest activities for Calvary Baptist Church included German Worship Services in 1990 and 1991 and a Christian book store in 1988, 1989, and 1991. The congregation added a stair chair to the sanctuary in 1991 making the area handicapped accessible.

A special dedication service was held March 8, 1992. A pulpit, communion table, four baby cribs, changing table, six teaching carts and remodeled nursery were consecrated to the Lord's service. Rev. Louis Miller was thanked for his skills in building these items. The church also installed Pastor Miller as Pastor Emeritus that day.

For several years some members of the United Methodist Church in Manning felt that a new sanctuary and fellowship hall should be constructed. A considerable amount of talk but no action being taker -- that is until January of 1987.

In January of 1987, the Administrative Board of the Methodist Church went on record to investigate the possibility of forming a building committee to look into all details connected with building a church. Again the first move was to talk about the possibility and see if the membership would support this project. Enough favorable response was received and in June of that same year, 1987, a Building Committee was formed. The Building Committee consisted of Janet Myer, Colene Rowedder, Barry Dunshee, Keith Kelderman, Dick Crandall, Jack Lorenzen and Paul Bjorkgren. Pastor Sushil Joseph was an ex officio member. An advisory committee representing various church interests and activities was appointed. Members were: Bev Smith, Jim Mork, Lyle Gross and Jim Karsten.

The Building Committee met many times during the next two years. In fact, as a group and as individuals, the project was abandoned several times. Faith kept bringing us back to work on the project. There were enough people in the congregation who had enough strong Faith in God and the Church Family that a new Sanctuary could be a reality.

The committee contacted Steve May of May Construction Co. in Audubon. He agreed to draw plans and specifications. Prior to contacting him, we as a group met with the Districts' site and Building Committee. They approved the site where our old church stood and the adjacent lot, and they approved our plans for a new church and fellowship hall. They gave us much needed encouragement and suggestions for financing this project.

On August 6, 1989, a Charge Conference Meeting was held in the Manning United Methodist Church for the purpose of explaining, discussing and voting in the building of a sanctuary and fellowship hall. Steve May explained the plans and the cost of the project, which was $277,860.00. Change orders or $24,988.91 brought the total cost to $302,848.91. Dick Crandall introduced a Resolution that in part gave the Administrative Board and Building Committee the right to do any/all things necessary to construct a new church in Manning, including entering into loan agreement.

Seventy-four persons were at this meeting and the vote was seventy "yes" and four "no." With this overwhelming show of faith and desire the Building Committee, asked for Pledge Letters. We had approximately $104,000 on hand before we started construction, and pledges for the next three years.

During the week of September 11, 1989, men and women of the congregation were at the church salvaging everything of value and vacating the premises. On Thursday, September 14, the bell came down from the Bell Tower. September 17, was the first Sunday for Church in Del's Department store and after that service we went back to the site and had a Ground Breaking Ceremony, at which time Edna Halbur turned the first spade of dirt. September 18, 1989, workers arrived in the morning to begin tearing down the church. This was both a sad and happy time for members of the congregation. In approximately one and one half hours, the church was in a pile of rubble.

On Thursday, September 19, 1989, May Construction Co. began construction of the church. One hundred thirteen and one-half working days later, February 24, 1990, the contractor was finished. We moved into the church that day, and had our First Service in the new facilities on February 25, 1990.

In one of Pastor Sushil Joseph's sermons, he said: "Never underestimate what you can do with faith in God and love for Jesus Christ." This is what has made the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall in Manning a reality.

United Methodist Women has an average membership of 60, divided into four circles. These women are an important group in the local church. These years found members active in participating in monthly meetings, remembering the ill, babies born, weddings/anniversaries, local pastor and family, families of deceased, birthday parties for residents of the Manning Plaza. This was done by cards, flowers, and serving lunches. Delivering of fruit plates to less-fortunate was another way of keeping in touch.

Ecumenical service of World Day of Prayer was participated in yearly. Local and out-of-town guest days were always inspiring. Other yearly activities were: Prayer and Self Denial service, Bishops In-Gathering, World Thank Offering, supporting Bidwall Riverside Center in Des Moines. Sponsoring fellowship lunch/breakfast each year for the confirmands, and high school graduates and including the family and congregation showed our support of the young people.

Each year a study was conducted on a book of the Bible, Global missions, national and local concerns. During this period of time our local pastor, Rev. Sushil Joseph and wife, Sheila, shared "INDIA" with many facets of education, living conditions, dress, and various religions. Other guest speakers enlarged our "HORIZONS."

Quilts made, quilted and sold, annual bazaar, bake sales and luncheons were the `ways of means' of raising money in addition to pledges. Money was used to pay mission assessments, local expenses, and placing money in trust to help with parsonage upkeep and having funds on hand to help furnish the kitchen in the new church. In addition funds were paid into the building fund of the new church. Additional articles are being added each year since moving in the new kitchen in the new church - February 1990.