The Concordia Story: A Fifty-Year History of Concordia Lutheran Church 1951-2001
An illustrated history of Concordia Lutheran Church of San Antonio, Texas.
An illustrated history of Concordia Lutheran Church of San Antonio, Texas.
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Above: On August 5, 1973 three sons<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Concordia</strong> were ordained into the<br />
ministry. <strong>The</strong>y are (left to right) Steve<br />
Wagner, D.R. Nelson, and Bill<br />
Knippa, standing in front <strong>of</strong> Dr.<br />
Merkens.<br />
Right: This 1970 newspaper article<br />
details plans for dedication ceremonies<br />
for the expanded sanctuary.<br />
growth book written by Dr. Robert Schuller. Dr.<br />
Schuller became an acquaintance and friend <strong>of</strong><br />
Merkens during this time.<br />
<strong>Concordia</strong> <strong>Lutheran</strong> School may be the only<br />
<strong>Lutheran</strong> elementary school to ever have a Ph.D.<br />
as its principal. In 1973, upon the departure <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Concordia</strong>’s principal, Merkens’ father, Dr. A.G.<br />
Merkens, <strong>of</strong>fered to serve as the school’s principal.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 76-year-old retired pastor held a doctorate<br />
in education, so he was well-qualified to lead<br />
the school, which he did for two school years.<br />
On August 5, 1973 a seminal event occurred at<br />
<strong>Concordia</strong> as three <strong>of</strong> the congregation’s sons were<br />
ordained into the ministry. Bill Knippa, Steve<br />
Wagner, and D.R. Nelson were honored in a special<br />
ordination ceremony. This is the first time on<br />
28 ✦ THE CONCORDIA STORY
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