St. Luke's Lutheran Church, corner of Onzaga and N. Rocheblave, New Orleans

St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church (New Orleans): 1947-1951

The Rev. Stiver's first call was to St. Luke's in New Orleans. He has many fond memories from this time.

During those four years from July 1, 1947, through July 1, 1951, there were many wonderful and faithful members. People were always hospitable. The moment the door was open and you came in, the question was asked, "What would you like to drink?" (meaning a soft drink, of course). But in the hot weather of this town it was always appreciated. There were 234 members with an average attendance between 140 and 150.

St. Luke's was a white painted wood church. Pews were in three sections with two aisles. The back of the church had additional pews that could be used as needed. The choir and organ was to the left of the altar, the pulpit was to the right.

The church later became Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ.

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Wheeling), 141 Kruger Street

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church: 1947-1951

St. Mark's in Wheeling reflected the social changes after the war. Rev. Stiver remembers a great deal of activity.

These were growth years in Wheeling, just after World War II. Many people were moving to the city. St. Mark's had a phenomenal growth. In these eight years, the congregation doubled from 600 to 1200. Our average attendance on Sundays with our two services were between 500 and 600. One year WWVA radio broadcast our Sunday morning services.

During the school year, youth gatherings were held in the church gym. Teens were charged 10 cents each. An average of 200 showed up each week. The youth danced, talked and enjoyed themselves. Whenever there was a youth church survey in the high school, many of the youths put down the name of St. Mark's as their church.

Located at 141 Kruger Street, St. Mark's is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The building has been greatly remodeled since the fifties.

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Claremont)

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church: 1959-1990

St. Mark's is a large congregation in a small town in the beautiful piedmont area of North Carolina. Claremont had around 800 people when Rev. Stiver first arrived in 1959.

On the first Sunday in July, 500 people attended the worship service for the installation of the Rev. Stiver by Rev. Robert Eibling, a classmate from his seminary class. This was a festive occasion. Thirty-one years later, 700 people appeared for his last Sunday on September 30, 1990.

In college, he had been active in many different organizations. As a young man, he had help found a civic organization in New Martinsville, West Virginia. In Wheeling, he had been active in Kiwanis and had coordinated interfaith services for the metropolitan area. In Claremont, his community activities had an even greater impact. His efforts led to improved utilities in the form of expanded phone service; to community pride, such as the annual holiday parade; and to developing leadership within the community, through the founding of the Jaycees. One of the memorable slogans for the community development efforts is, "The little town with the big go."

On June 10, as part of the 120th celebration of its founding, St. Mark's recognized Rev. Stiver as Pastor Emeritus, a title conferred on a few ministers upon their retirement to recognize their outstanding service. On October 7, he delivered the sermon, remembering his years at the church. Crosses donated by him to the church for display on special occasions in the new parish hall windows were dedicated during the service.

Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1001 Shiloh Church Road, Catawba

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 629 2nd Ave SW, Hickory

Retirement Ministries: 1991-present

For over 12 years, he facilitated bereavement support groups for Pathways.