Thursday, January 19, 2023

In this week's N4N:

• German Village Birthday Party & Volunteer Award Honorees
• GVS January Calendar
• Thank you from Chris Hune
• Trinity Lutheran Church 175 Year Anniversary
• German Village Business Community Ads & Announcements

Celebrating our History, Present, and Future!

Rachel Lewellen | Communications & Membership Engagement Coordinator

Last Friday, January 13th over 100 German Village Society members and friends gathered to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Society. It was wonderful to see and hear the Fest Hall so full of joy and laughter. I imagine the founding members of the GVS would have been pleased to see that the movement they put into motion in 1960 is still going strong today.

For those of you that couldn't make it, three community treasures were honored with this year's GVS awards. BOT president, Michael Cornelis, was the evening's MC and had the privilege of presenting to the honorees. The Fred & Howard Award was presented to a very surprised and recently retired Volunteer Coordinator, Bonnie Mitchell. The Frank Fetch Award went to the current Friends of Schiller president and former GVS executive director, Katharine Moore. And the Village Valuable was given to dedicated volunteer Will Eylar.

We also had a very lively cake-decorating contest with some of the most spectacular and delicious desserts. The top three spots went to Norm Hall, Katharine Moore, and Connie Seckel. Many thanks to all the talented bakers who helped create the celebratory energy of the night.

At the end of the program, we toasted those who had the courage and faith to preserve the foundation of the past and to the next 63 years of growth and community. As we approach our February membership drive, I hope that you will consider adding your voice to that future through your membership and talents. Please reach out to me if you are interested in finding out about volunteer opportunities. We have a committee that needs you! If you'd like to join or renew your membership, you can do so here. Not sure if your membership has lapsed? Call (614) 221-888 or email me, I'd be happy to check for you.

January Historic Preservation Committee Meeting

The German Village Society’s Historic Preservation Committee will meet next Monday, January 23, 2023, at 6:00 pm at the German Village Meeting House, 588 S. Third St.

This will be a hybrid meeting. Please join us in person or on Zoom using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82043063007

Meeting ID: 820 4306 3007

Thank you!

Chris Hune

I want to say how blown away I was with the portrait of my home from the many friends and neighbors of German Village presented at our 63rd birthday party which is now hanging proudly in my living room. I will always cherish this generous gift but more importantly the numerous names behind the gift – too many to mention individually here. I have said it before, but it is worth repeating, I am very blessed to live in this community and value each and every one of you who support our organization and continue to make this the thriving place we all call home. Thank you not only for this wonderful gift but your kind words.

2023 is going to be an exciting transition with our new Executive Director Sean Kessler and some new blood involved in our events. We have a lot to look forward to and I am grateful to have been a part of putting it into motion.

175 Years of Community

On January 29th Trinity Lutheran Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary. In honor of that, I'd like to share an excerpt from GVS's former Historic Preservationist Jody H. Graichen's book Remembering German Village about this picturesque church.

In April 18, 1856, the lot on the northeast corner of Third and Fulton was purchased for $2,200. That June, the congregation voted to erect a two-story church measuring 56 by 120 feet. The cornerstone of the new church was laid in July of that year - just eight years after the church was organized... The cost of the building was just over $12,000. The spire was added in 1876 at a cost of $3,470...And while the church itself is a beautiful building, it's the windows that are particularly noteworthy... These incredible windows were designed and crafted by the Von Gerichten brothers, who owned the Columbus-based Von Gerichten Art Glass Company.

If you're interested in viewing these acclaimed windows and the beautiful architecture, please stop by during their 175th anniversary.

Join our GV Neighbor, Trinity Lutheran Church at their 175th Anniversary Celebration!

Questions? Reach out to Shelia Hively