Note: While this was not Birmingham First’s first newsletter, the December 1944 issue marked the debut of the “Steeple Notes” name and branding, a tradition that continues today.
Steeple Notes, December 1944
Transcription of Original Document
THE SECRET IS OUT
In the most impartial manner, Harold Simms conducted our contest for a name, and allowed time so that our 150 service folk could get their suggestions in. More than once we heard someone say “Twould be nice if a service man named it.” The name was chosen from a blind list by the Publication Committee, and even now only Harold knows who entered names besides the winner. For the committee we wish to sincerely thank all those who helped us by submitting names. Your interest and suggestions made a good contest and we are sorry that we could use only one name. We hope you agree with us that the name is appropriate and symbolizes the high purpose of our Church in the community.
When Capt. Claude R. Streb of the U. S. Army sent in “Steeple Notes”, it came with a little sketch of our Church as he remembered it, to show how the name could be used. When the choice was made we didn’t have the sketch, but some of the committee knew that Claude was an artist, so we invited him to make us a real drawing for the paper. And this month we have it. Swell, isn’t it? We are proud to have this permanent record of Claude’s work and most sincerely thank him for it. You know, we didn’t expect to be so lucky as to get both the name and the art work for one war bond.
So now may we present “The Winner”! Capt. Claude Streb, son of Mrs. R. C. Streb of 658 Pierce St., who has been an active and loyal member of our Church, and the W.S.C.S. for many years. Some of you have known Claude from boyhood on, and have shared in the enjoyment of his success in Art Work. After finishing his schooling in Birmingham, where he graduated from Baldwin High in 1927, he attended Michigan State College, specializing in Art, but also found time to play the lead in some of the opperettas, for he has a truly fine voice. And that is not all, for he entered enthusiastically into the ROTC program where his qualities for leadership were recognized by his being promoted through the various cadet offices until he graduated as Cadet Colonel, the highest office for a student.
After graduation Claude entered his chosen profession of Art in Commerce with Bielfield and Associates, an advertising firm in Detroit. But because of his ROTC record and the rank of 1st Lieut in the U.S. Army Reserve, the call of World War II interrupted his career and he left his wife and baby son to join an Infantry Division. After the usual training in this country and in England, Lt. Streb sailed with his division for Africa and was with the first wave to land on the shores of North Africa. Then followed a landing during the third day of the attack on Sicily and later he was with the forces which invaded Italy. In spite of these rugged experiences he found time to paint many beautiful pictures of the scenery in each country as his outfit moved north. This active service earned Lt. Streb a field promotion to Captain, which has now become a permanent rank. At the Anzio Beachhead Claude was wounded, but fortunately not seriously, although because of it he now wears the Purple Heart Medal.
Early in June 1944 Capt. Streb was given a 30 day furlough at home, after which he reported for reclassification in North Carolina and was assigned to duty in the statistical office of the Separation Camp at Lake Placid, N. Y., where he expects to be for at least a few more months.
Capt. and Mrs. Streb and their three year old son are now living at 34 Hillcrest St., Lake Placid, N. Y. In addition to his regular duties, Claude does a strip of cartoons each week for the camp paper, and still found time to make this drawing for “Steeple Notes” of which we are so proud. Many thanks, Claude, and every good wish for the future success and happiness of yourself and family.
THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE.
THE THRILL OF TRADITION
Methodists in and around Birmingham may well congratulate themselves on the completion of 117 years of history and service to this community. As we enter our 118th Anniversary Year it is our hope that “Steeple Notes” and its accompanying symbolism and slogan may deepen our sense of gratitude and service.
There is a thrill of tradition, a peculiar sense of satisfaction and security which comes as we attempt to evaluate the sources of spiritual institutions and strong community life. How well our fathers built! Most of us are aware that we are living off the surplus of the past. While there is a thrill to tradition there is likewise an obligation which each of us owes to that tradition.
It seems to me that we must seek to carry our heritage into the future. Our fathers met the needs of an expanding community in building at least two churches. The church we worship in today was the result of their labors. The church of tomorrow will be the product of ours. Therefore, we challenge all Birmingham Methodists and others to help us fulfill the obligation of our history.
This means spiritual renewal and the possession of a religion which is our very own. A religion not merely blown to us from the past, a hearsay or secondhand religion, we need more than that. We need an experience of God in Christ which is our very own.
Edward Gibbon in his massive volume entitled “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”, describes the decline of the religious spirit of the monks of tenth-century Constantinople. Read his words: “They held in their lifeless hands the riches of their fathers, without inheriting the spirit which had created and improved their sacred patrimony. They read, they praised, they compiled, but their languid souls seemed alike incapable of thought and action.”
Many moderns have been so afflicted. There is one pertinent question which comes to me over and over again and it is this, can it be that we hold in lifeless hands the riches of our fathers without inheriting their spirit?
(Rev. Dr.) Arnold F. Runkle
Steeple Notes, December 1944
Transcription of Original Document
THE SECRET IS OUT
In the most impartial manner, Harold Simms conducted our contest for a name, and allowed time so that our 150 service folk could get their suggestions in. More than once we heard someone say “Twould be nice if a service man named it.” The name was chosen from a blind list by the Publication Committee, and even now only Harold knows who entered names besides the winner. For the committee we wish to sincerely thank all those who helped us by submitting names. Your interest and suggestions made a good contest and we are sorry that we could use only one name. We hope you agree with us that the name is appropriate and symbolizes the high purpose of our Church in the community.
When Capt. Claude R. Streb of the U. S. Army sent in “Steeple Notes”, it came with a little sketch of our Church as he remembered it, to show how the name could be used. When the choice was made we didn’t have the sketch, but some of the committee knew that Claude was an artist, so we invited him to make us a real drawing for the paper. And this month we have it. Swell, isn’t it? We are proud to have this permanent record of Claude’s work and most sincerely thank him for it. You know, we didn’t expect to be so lucky as to get both the name and the art work for one war bond.
So now may we present “The Winner”! Capt. Claude Streb, son of Mrs. R. C. Streb of 658 Pierce St., who has been an active and loyal member of our Church, and the W.S.C.S. for many years. Some of you have known Claude from boyhood on, and have shared in the enjoyment of his success in Art Work. After finishing his schooling in Birmingham, where he graduated from Baldwin High in 1927, he attended Michigan State College, specializing in Art, but also found time to play the lead in some of the opperettas, for he has a truly fine voice. And that is not all, for he entered enthusiastically into the ROTC program where his qualities for leadership were recognized by his being promoted through the various cadet offices until he graduated as Cadet Colonel, the highest office for a student.
After graduation Claude entered his chosen profession of Art in Commerce with Bielfield and Associates, an advertising firm in Detroit. But because of his ROTC record and the rank of 1st Lieut in the U.S. Army Reserve, the call of World War II interrupted his career and he left his wife and baby son to join an Infantry Division. After the usual training in this country and in England, Lt. Streb sailed with his division for Africa and was with the first wave to land on the shores of North Africa. Then followed a landing during the third day of the attack on Sicily and later he was with the forces which invaded Italy. In spite of these rugged experiences he found time to paint many beautiful pictures of the scenery in each country as his outfit moved north. This active service earned Lt. Streb a field promotion to Captain, which has now become a permanent rank. At the Anzio Beachhead Claude was wounded, but fortunately not seriously, although because of it he now wears the Purple Heart Medal.
Early in June 1944 Capt. Streb was given a 30 day furlough at home, after which he reported for reclassification in North Carolina and was assigned to duty in the statistical office of the Separation Camp at Lake Placid, N. Y., where he expects to be for at least a few more months.
Capt. and Mrs. Streb and their three year old son are now living at 34 Hillcrest St., Lake Placid, N. Y. In addition to his regular duties, Claude does a strip of cartoons each week for the camp paper, and still found time to make this drawing for “Steeple Notes” of which we are so proud. Many thanks, Claude, and every good wish for the future success and happiness of yourself and family.
THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE.
THE THRILL OF TRADITION
Methodists in and around Birmingham may well congratulate themselves on the completion of 117 years of history and service to this community. As we enter our 118th Anniversary Year it is our hope that “Steeple Notes” and its accompanying symbolism and slogan may deepen our sense of gratitude and service.
There is a thrill of tradition, a peculiar sense of satisfaction and security which comes as we attempt to evaluate the sources of spiritual institutions and strong community life. How well our fathers built! Most of us are aware that we are living off the surplus of the past. While there is a thrill to tradition there is likewise an obligation which each of us owes to that tradition.
It seems to me that we must seek to carry our heritage into the future. Our fathers met the needs of an expanding community in building at least two churches. The church we worship in today was the result of their labors. The church of tomorrow will be the product of ours. Therefore, we challenge all Birmingham Methodists and others to help us fulfill the obligation of our history.
This means spiritual renewal and the possession of a religion which is our very own. A religion not merely blown to us from the past, a hearsay or secondhand religion, we need more than that. We need an experience of God in Christ which is our very own.
Edward Gibbon in his massive volume entitled “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”, describes the decline of the religious spirit of the monks of tenth-century Constantinople. Read his words: “They held in their lifeless hands the riches of their fathers, without inheriting the spirit which had created and improved their sacred patrimony. They read, they praised, they compiled, but their languid souls seemed alike incapable of thought and action.”
Many moderns have been so afflicted. There is one pertinent question which comes to me over and over again and it is this, can it be that we hold in lifeless hands the riches of our fathers without inheriting their spirit?
(Rev. Dr.) Arnold F. Runkle