John E. Adams, 1918 -
     Doris V. Bether, 1924 -
     
          Praise and thanks to God for my Lutheran heritage, the preciouse
     memories of the time related to St. John's Lutheran Church, my wonderful
     parents, Charles and Frieda (Hensiek) Bether, who insisted I know the Lord 
     and His ways. (mark 6:33)
          I lived in Nashville, Kansas, until I completed third grade when
     Dad was sent to Sitka, Kansas, for his job. This move had me live with
     my grandparents, William and Katherine Hensiek, and my aunt and uncle,
     Fred and Hulda Westerman, during my seventh and eighth grades for my
     confirmation instructions.
          Then came the exciting day of proclaiming our love for Jesus, 
     before a large congregation. How the butterflies were flittin' inside us
     as we pondered the answers.
          Aside from the spiritual, remember girls, how excited we were about
     our white dresses and our white shoes that had what we considered to be
     high heels? Wow!
          Christmas programs, the precious message of our Savior's birth,
     were special and that bag of candy and fruit was pretty great, too.
          John and I met in Wichita, Kansas, and were married February 11,
     1950. We moved to Galveston, Texas, for seven and one-half years where 
     I taught Sunday School. That Sunday School started with Vacation Bible
     School inour yard with bed sheets over the clotheslines and off the
     garage for shade, the inside of the house and what space was left in
     the garage for classes. This started a Sunday School which we had every
     Sunday in our home until we acquired the Fireman's Hall. St. John's
     Lutheran Church was on 39th and we lived on 61st Street.
          We moved to Hawthorne, California, in October 1960. John was
     employed by Hughes Aircraft as a computer programmer.
          Our three children are John S., born November 25, 1952, living in
     Lawndale, California; Mark, October 4, 1965; Beth, December 10, 1967. 
     We have two grandchildren: Amnber, 7, and Alexa, 3, all presently living 
     in Hemet. 
          All four of my grandparents came from Germany. I regret that I did
     not spend more time with them fellowshipping and listening to their God-
     given wisdom. How I cherish the time I spent with my great bunch of
     cousins, aunts and uncles, all walking with the Lord.
          In 1978 we moved to Hemet, California, where God gave us the 
     privilege of owning The Bible Bookstore for 13 years. We retired July 1,
     1990.
          Jesus said, "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom
     of God." (John 3:3) "We are saved by grace and not by works lest any
     man should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
          Jesus, we thank You!
          God Bless you!
          
     Source: St. John's Lutheran Church Centennial, Nashville, KS. 1883 - 1983,
     pg. 22.
     Submitted by: Doris V. Bether Adams 
 

Bruce Adams is the youngest son of the eleven children of Green and Rosanna Adams. Freda is one of nine children born to August and Augusta Kaminska and was the first of their children born in America when the family came over from Germany.

They were married on January 14, 1917, at Alva, Oklahoma. To this union was born one son, Meade. They have two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. Bruce and Freda operated the family farm most of their married life and purchased it in 1937 from the Adams' heirs. They were members of the Sun City Baptist church started by Bruce's grandfather, Rev. Bud Adams, in 1873. Bruce was a deacon in the church many years. He also served several terms on the school board.

In 1958 they sold the farm and moved to Pratt, Kansas, purchased the Mound Street Trailer Park, and operated it for seven years.

In 1965 they sold their business in Pratt and retired to their present address. They have led active lives through their retirement and have been blessed with reasonably good health. They are members of Westside Baptist Church and attend nearly every service.

Bruce and Freda are very self-sufficient, maintain their own home, and pride themselves in keeping their own lawn and growing beautiful flowers. Bruce is quite a fisherman and supplies their son with plenty of fish. Bruce also enjoys quail and pheasant hunting.

A large celebration was held honoring them on their golden wedding anniversary in January 1967. Then in January 1977, another celebration was held honoring them on their 60th anniversary. Both celebrations were held at the home of their son, Meade, and his wife, Billie.

Bruce is the only living child of Green Adams. Freda has two brothers, August Kaminska of Pratt and Charley Kaminska of Medicine Lodge. Freda also has one sister, Minnie Madison of Kingman, Kansas.

Bruce and Freda are greatly loved by their son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Their happiest time is when the complete family is together.

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Top row, Left to right: Ralph Massey, Bruce Adams. Middle row: Ray Massey, Harold Urton.
Bottom row: Lyle Bullock, Van Lott. Center front: Wesley Urton.
Photo courtesy of Kim Fowles.

Left to right: Lyle Bullock, Bruce Adams, Van Lott
All were Sun City boys.
Photo courtesy of Kim Fowles.