Historical May 1984 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Grace United Methodist Church is holding a month-long celebration during May called “Breitmayer 10” in honor of a decade of community service by the Breitmayer Community Ministry.
The ministry was established in 1974 as a memorial to Douglas Breitmayer, minister of music at Grace Church for 14 years prior to his sudden death.
Since Breitmayer had been active in the community life of the Skinker DeBaliviere area and was a benefactor to its youth, his friends created the Breitmayer Ministry as a means of continuing his devoted service to his neighborhood. Faith Smith, currently serving as Breitmayer Minister, coordinates the many services provided to the community, such as youth and children’s programs, counseling services, a food pantry, liaison with the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council and educational programs for adults.
Although the Breitmayer Ministry operates out of a separate budget, it is an integral part of the total ministry of Grace Church.
The “Breitmayer 10” festival centers on music and community service as appropriate tributes to the life and work of Douglas Breitmayer.
Mrs. Sigrid Renner, chairman of the Breitmayer Ministry board of directors, states that all residents in the vicinity of Grace Church are cordially invited to attend the festival events, which are free of charge. “Nothing would please Doug Breitmayer more,” she comments, “than to see community people of all ages flock to Grace Church for music and fellowship.” Following is the calendar of events which will take place at Grace Church, Waterman and Skinker, during “Breitmayer 10” month: Sunday, May 6—Choir Sunday, featuring music by Mozart at the 11 a.m. service, followed by a reception for the choir at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 9—A Potluck Dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.
After dinner, an old-fashioned “Hymn-fest.” Sunday, May 13-10:30 a.m., an extended organ prelude before the morning service with Roy Kehl, musician, scholar and teacher from Chicago at the organ. Wednesday, May 16—Ice cream social on the patio of Grace Church, with music provided by young jazz musicians from University City. Saturday, May 19—A community service work day sponsored by Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council.
A team from Grace will join in a neighborhood Clean-up, Spruce-Up Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 20—Service Sunday. Faith Smith, Breitmayer Minister, at the Grace pulpit, 11 a.m.
At 4 p.m., the Young Singers of Missouri will present a concert. Wednesday, May 23—Potluck Dinner with fun and fellowship, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27—Neighborhood Parade forming at Grace Church at 9:15 a.m. and featuring various community organizations in the area.
A special Memorial Service at 11 a.m. will honor Doug Breitmayer and others who have contributed to the quality of life in their neighborhood, city and nation. Breitmayer believed that one person can make a difference in his community through faith, love and persistent effort.
The “Breitmayer 10” celebration proves that he was right.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1984.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: This article spells the memorial name Breitmayer, while the concert roundup spells Breitmeyer; printed spellings preserved.
Original source: SD_Times1984_05.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
