Community

The initial unit was dedicated November 21. 1954. Within a month a second worship service needed to be added. The church was separated from Wright View with the understanding that it would pay its own salary and keep up its own parsonage. The church not only did that, but in the next year hired Morris Gustin as Lay Associate. In spite of his very painful handicap, Morris was tireless in seeking out and encouraging prospects to become memobers of Community. He received an evangelism award from the Conference for his work. He and the pastor, Chet Imhausen, were responsible for bringing many new residents into the church.

Jim Kersteiner and others tell of visiting the church with their fledgling families and going out to lunch after service. On their return home, they would either find Morris* card, or Morris himself waiting on their doorstep.

Jim Edwards was talking one day about these growing days of the church. In response to a question, he told of offices and responsibilities he had held in the church. A listener, impressed. said: "Jim, I knew you had gifts and graces, but I didn't know you had all that many." With his typical modesty, he replied: "I didn't. I just lived next door to Morris Gustin and I didn't know how to say 'NO' to him."

Lois Gladfelter lived on Alexis, between the church and Morris' home. Someone asked her how she got involved in the church since she had moved from another area of Dayton. She said that Morris visited her once a week for four years until her then finally yielded and began attending.

Shortly before he became the Lay Assistant, Morris was re- duced to a bent-over position. He finally went to a Midwest clinic for a series of operations that enabled him to become more mobile. He was there for several months. Mrs. Carnell, the generous lady mentioned earlier, financed this venture.

When work projects were scheduled around the facilities, Morris would get on the phone and line up needed workers. Men could not beg off when this dedicated man on crutches asked for help.

Mary Gustin, Morris' widow, herself had serious orthopedic problems. She left simple testimony that Morris' time of participation in the growth of Community was the highlight of his life.