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In 1952, while preaching in meeting at Dixon, Missouri, Leslie Diestelkamp began work on his plan to help begin a congregation in Vienna that would have as its goal to use the Bible as its only rule of faith and practice.
The church of Dixon agreed to provide financial support for the preaching in the first meeting. Talks with W. C. (Bill) Parker n Vienna produced the result that he would provide the necessary help in Vienna for arrangements to be made for that series. Wayne Roberson was able to borrow a tent from the Missouri National Guard which provided a shelter.
In July 1953, the tent was pitched at the Maries County Fair Grounds (the "Ball Park") and a two week series ad meetings was held. Leslie Diestelkamp, who had grown up in Phelps County, then living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, did the preaching and Luther Martin of Bolls, Missouri, directed the congregational singing for the. entire series. It was said that every congregation of the church within driving distance provided encouragement by participation in that first meeting. Especially large numbers came from the Smyrna and Alder Springs churches whose members loaded their trucks with people who wanted to attend.
The meeting resulted in nine additions to the church. Carpenters were hired and work began immediately to erect a building which would serve as a meeting place for the church. Bill Parker donated the lot on the corner of Tenth and N. Main Streets. Much labor was volunteered by members of the Churches of Christ surrounding Vienna as well by those in the Vienna community. It is gratifying to note that donations of lumber, money, etc. were received from the community.
On New Years Eye, 1953, just five months later, a second series of meetings began in the newly erected building with Diestelkamp again doing the preaching.
About 1962, an addition was made on the west end of the building which included a small basement to facilitate the installation of plumbing for restrooms and a baptistery and made space available for classrooms. Later another addition to the east end of the building was made to provide additional classroom space which can also be used for overflow crowds. This addition also made it possible to have restrooms on the ground floor and provided a street level entrance for those who might find it difficult to use stairs. Much of the labor for this project was provided by the building trades class of Made, R-1 School during the 1983-84 school year. The remainder of the labor was contributed by church members.
During the year, since 1953, other series of meetings were held the park. Since 1972, that practice was discontinued had all meetings have been held in the mere comfortable air conditioned building.
There are many whose efforts in various areas have contributed much to the work of the church m Vienna. The list would be too great to be contained in these pages. For that reason, we have confined mention m those who contributed in some significant way to the beginning in Vienna.
To all who have sincerely tried to teach and preach according w the original plan of using the Bible as the only guide, to those who have led the singing, contributed time, money influence and prayers, we express our gratitude.