auditorium was enlarged and refurnished with upholstered pews and carpet on the floor and rostrum. A study, teacher room, two restrooms, five classrooms and fellowship room were added. In the front were added a large foyer, nursery and balcony. The building was equipped throughout with central heat and refrigerated air. The expansion increased the seating capacity to 350.

In 1947, T. J. Finley moved to Kress to be the first full time minister. The first independent missionary work was done in the early 1950's when the church sent C. M. Muse and his family to Colorado to devote full time to evangelism. In the 1970's the church has helped support Truitt Adair and family as missionaries to India and Nigeria.

The church reached its largest membership

in 1963 with more than 250 members.

By Ralph histle, Minister

LUTHERAN CHURCH
The Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, is nearly seventy years old in the Center Plains and Kress area. In the year 1908, Rev. E. F. Moerbe, Chairman of the Texas Mission Board sent Candidate A M. Lohmann to the Panhandle to investigate possibilities. "Panhandle Pete," as he became known, was missionary at large. Reverend Lohmann held services in any place he could devise, sometimes in the homes, sometimes Henry Behrends would keep the pastor in his home where the first services were held. Some of the people attending these services were: Fred Sjogren, Ed Pfeiffer, Robert Erickson, Dietrich and George Fredrick Rousser. (Grandfather of Harold Rousser of Tulia today).

Later in late 1909, Rev. O. H. A. Hoemann moved