Betty Marx
This is how Betty remembered her years at Cross:
“My family found Cross in the 1920s through our neighbor, Eleanor Koepke, who taught Sunday school. Everyone was so nice that we stayed. I was born in 1926, and baptized at Cross. As the neighborhood changed, Cross briefly planned to move to 92nd Street, upsetting many; some left. Eventually Cross sold the land to Luther Manor. In the 50s, amid changes in the church, my mother tried churches closer to home. None measured up; we did not feel comfortable or welcome. Pastor Joe was called. Some feared his reputation and what that would mean; more people left. I loved my Sunday School children and their families, and I saw no reason to leave. Others left over the move away from using just the Green Hymnal and of course the RIC issues. I certainly felt the same about the new LGBT members as I did back in the ’50s when we welcomed African-American members. What difference does it make? Everyone is nice and friendly.”