The following was taken from the Rite of Ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry at St. Mark's, June 11, 1972.

Robert Baron Schaeffer was born on May 24, 1943 to Mr. and Mrs. August T. Schaeffer in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Saint Louis by the Reverend Hubert May.

Robert has one brother, James, who is married and lives near Saint Louis. Robert attended Hancock and Wyman Elementary Schools and Roosevelt High School in Saint Louis. During his last year of high school, Robert decided to enter the teaching ministry of the Lutheran Church.

Robert began his college work at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, and was graduated from Concordia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in May, 1965. His major area of concentration was in education with a minor in organ. His student teaching experience took place at the Lutheran Church of Saint Luke in Chicago, Illinois.

Robert's first Call to serve was to Saint Mark's Lutheran Congregation in Saint Charles, Illinois. Here at Saint Mark's, he served as Minister of Music, Education, and Youth Work from July, 1965 until August, 1968. Also, during this time he assisted Trinity Lutheran School of West Chicago in instructing part-time in religion and music. The years spent at Saint Mark's were warm and very enriching ones and through the kind and encouraging words of the members of Saint Mark's, Robert chose to continue his education and to prepare for the pastoral ministry.

Robert entered Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois to begin his formal studies for the ministry. At the seminary, Robert fulfilled his field-education requirements by serving at hospitals, nursing homes and at Christ Lutheran Church in Elkhart, Indiana. He was given able guidance and training by the Reverend Lawrence C. Hoeppner, for which the Candidate is very grateful.

On May 3, 1972, Robert received a divine Call to serve as Pastor of OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH IN GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS, through the Board of Assignments of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Robert was graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary on May 25, 1972, with the Master of Divinity Degree.

On Saturday, July 8th, Robert will be married to Miss Betty Elaine Dinwiddie. Miss Dinwiddie's home is in LaPorte, Indiana. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University and was a teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Elkhart, Indiana.
May our Lord richly bless them both in their marriage and life together in the Lord.

The Candidate wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to his parents for their prayers, guidance, support and sacrifices for him, which have truly made this day possible. His gratitude and appreciation also go out to all the friends who have guided and supported him, especially the members of Saint Mark's Saint Charles and Trinity, Elkhart.

MAY ALL GLORY AND PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING BE OFFERED TO OUR TRIUNE GOD ON THIS MOST JOYFUL DAY AND FOREVER.

The following was the announcement from Pastor Jenks concerning Mr. Schaeffer leaving St. Mark's in 1968.

By: REV. KENNETH C. JENKS, PASTOR

LEAVES FOR SEMINARY

Mr. Robert B. Schaeffer, Minister of Music - Education and Youth Work at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles, was honored at a Farewell Supper on August 16 in the church parlors.

After four years of study at Concordia Teacher's College, River Forest, Illinois, Mr. Schaeffer came to St. Mark's in July of 1965. During his three years, Mr. Schaeffer served as organist - choir director, organized and directed the Vacation Bible Schools, counseled the youth of the congregation, co-ordinated various services of music, worked extensively with the Sunday School, and fulfilled a variety of other duties.

Mr. Schaeffer is leaving St. Mark's to enter the theological course of studies for the ministry at Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois; one of two seminaries owned and operated by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. This change of position will involve him in three more years of schooling plus one year of internship at one of the denomination's congregations.

At the farewell on August 16, Mr. Rodney Brockmann, Chairman of the congregation, presented Mr. Schaeffer with a cash gift. Mr.Larry Shaw, representing the youth of the congregation, made a similar presentation.