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HISTORY CORNER by Gerry Treadway
HOWARD W. LULL 1973-1975
The era of Father Lull began on January 7, 1973 when he conducted
his first service at Ascension. He and his family moved into the vicarage on First Avenue on March 30, 1973. They
had been residents of Moylan, PA and Father Lull had served as an assistant at Christ Church, Media, PA. He and his
wife Barbara were parents of five children with two still living at home. Father Lull was retired from the United States
Forest Service and came to Ascension on a part time basis supposedly providing twenty-four hours weekly on a non salary basis.
The church paid all his utilities at the vicarage as well as an $110.00 monthly auto expense, pension contribution and life
insurance.
With his arrival a new flurry of events began to occur - improvements to the church building and outreach
activities. Most noted in the building was a sink installation in the sacristy, installation of a ladies restroom in
the basement and renovations to the basement room. The basement room was completely renovated, paneled, new drop
ceiling installed and new lighting fixtures given and installed by George Swisher a church member and electrical
contractor. Storage closets were installed on the north end of the room to facilitate the newly created Thrift Shop organized by Ginny Bennethum, Barbara Lull and St. Mary's Guild members. This served
as a much needed community outreach activity for several years. Much of this work was
done by members of the church - men and women - and named St. Joseph's Hall honoring the patron saint
of carpenters.
Mailing of the "Chronicle" began early in 1973. This lively and informative paper kept the
congregation informed of past and future events and a schedule of church services. A family
service at 10:45 on Sundays was started in September, 1973 in which all but the younger children attended church services.
At the completion of the Eucharist or Morning Prayer, Church School began. This service allowed families to come to
church and leave church together. Prior to this arrangement Church School started at an earlier time requiring parents
to drop their children off at church and later coming back for the church service.
In
November a pre-Eucharist at 7:00 P.M. on Saturdays was instituted for those who could not attend at 8:00 or 10:45 A.M. on
Sunday. A midweek Eucharist and Healing Service with laying on of hands was held at 9:30
on Thursdays. Surely no one would dare to suggest it was impossible to make a service with this array of opportunities.
Other service changes included the use of incense on high holy days and altar chimes. The move to a higher form of service
lead to much discussion both pro and con.
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