Spring 1999

January 17, 1999, marked the first time that ministers of the Second Advent Church attended the annual Martin Luther King Day celebration in Reno in an official capacity. Since that time, ministers of the Second Advent Church have attended faithfully each year and for the past several years have played a prominent role in the organizing of the event.

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On Saturday, February 27, 1999, Tobin Keane Oberhoulser, the son of Andrew Oberhoulser, was Confirmed, at which time he was formally admitted to the Second Advent Congregation.

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On March 3, 1999, at the Little Flower Catholic Church, the Rite of Investiture of the Reverend Robert Bowling to the office of Monsignor was attended by the Reverends Gene Savoy Jr. and Robert Petrovich of the Second Advent Church. The only other non-Catholic clergy present was Father Jim Jeffery of the Episcopal Church, a leader in the Reno interfaith community. Unexpectedly, Monsignor Bowling recognized the presence of the International Community of Christ during his acceptance speech and expressed his great pleasure that priests of other denominations would appear at the ceremony held in his honor, calling it “icing on the cake.” At the reception following the service, Bishop Gene Savoy made an appearance to offer congratulations to Monsignor Bowling.

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On March 6, 1999, a Memorial Service was held at the Chapel of The Holy Child for Jeanette Elliott, mother of the Reverend Rebecca Willis.

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On March 13, 1999, Jonathan Kanzelmeyer, Gabriel Kanzelmeyer, Tobin Oberhoulser, and Megan Sherrell were Anointed in private ceremony and presented as new members of the Minor Order of Acolytes.

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On March 11, 1999, the Reverends Gene Savoy Jr. and Robert Petrovich attended an informal, friendly luncheon gathering of about fifty local clergy of varying faiths at the invitation of Father Jim Jeffrey at Trinity Episcopal Church. The purpose of the gathering was to bring local clergy together to discuss the idea of holding such gatherings at regular intervals throughout the year at rotating locations in order to provide a means for improving ecumenism, human services, and unified action on matters confronting all religions in Northern Nevada. This gathering proved to be the first of many such gatherings, which continued to be held quarterly or semiannually every year since. At the present time, the Second Advent Church acts as the information center for this regional interfaith group, which has since come to be known informally as the Nevada Clergy Association.

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During the months of March and April, renovations, remodeling, and repair of the Steamboat Springs Spa and workshop were completed by the men of the Community, at times working day and night.