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Ministers honored at Hanover Park |
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Published by the  http://idcag.org/index.cfmPhoto taken by Shirline Franz |
| Two Chicago Region ministers -- one in the early years of his ministry journey and the other just finishing five decades of service -- were honored on May 30 in a special service at Evangel Assembly of God in Hanover Park. Sean Swihart, student ministries pastor for the church, was recognized for his recent ordination at the May 18 ordination service during the 88th Illinois District Council in Springfield. Edward R. Franz, pastor of Church of the Comforter in Hanover Park, marked 50 years of ordination with the Assemblies of God on June 9. Since Rev. Franz was unable to attend the District Council ordination service due to health, Evangel's lead pastor, Ron Heitman, who also serves as Executive Presbyter for the Chicago Region, determined to include Rev. Franz in the special recognition service. Superintendent Larry Griswold presented Rev. Franz with a 50-year ordination certificate from the General Council of the Assemblies of God. As part of the ceremony, a powerpoint presentation by the Illinois District highlighted Rev. Franz's ministry history. As an interesting aside, Rev. Franz was instrumental in the founding of Evangel Assembly of God in 1966, serving alongside its pioneer pastor, Howard Nelson. Pictured, in front row, left to right: Superintendent Larry Griswold, Edward Franz; back row, left to right: Shawn Swihart, Ron Heitman. Author(s): rw |
REVEREND DR. FRANZ AND HIS FORMER STAFF
"The battle is the Lord's! All we have to do is show up!" ~Rev. Franz~
"Reverend Franz is a man of integrity, humility and levity. His sermons always keep
you on your seat because you never want to leave". ~Clarice McGrath
Reverend Franz is of Russian/German decent and is one of thirteen children, born in Wausau Wisconsin. At the age of one, he and his family moved to Chicago. He had a divine calling, at the age of eight, to become a minister. As a child, he preached his first sermon to the neighborhood children and performed his first baptism for the family cat.
At the age of seventeen, he gave his first formal sermon to the German Lutheran Brothers. He was offered a scholarship with the Brothers but turned down the offer. He chose rather to fulfill his obligation to the country and serve in the United State Air Force, in 1951. He was a Veteran of the Korean War and served eight years in the capacity of Airman First Class. He was awarded Airman of the month, four times, and was highly respected during his tour of duty and led many men to the Lord.
In 1952, he was released from active duty on the convenience of the government. He was assigned to Southeastern University, where he majored in Theology. He then transferred to Southwestern University where he received his BA degree. Later, he attended Texas Christian University where he was under a scholarship. He then received his Doctorate of Divinity from Southwestern Evangelistic Association in Dallas Texas.
In 1964, Reverend Franz moved back to Chicago with first lady Gretchel Olga Franz and pastored Calvary Temple in Des Plaines Illinois.
In 1965, Reverend Franz was introduced to the founding Pastor of Evangel Assembly of God Church Reverend Howard Nelson. Both Pastors met when the church initially conducted bible studies in family homes. A year later, Reverend Franz and his wife Gretchel and daughter Jill decided to make Evangel their church home. At this time, in 1966, church members were meeting for Sunday services at Winston Churchill School in Schaumburg Illinois. Reverend Franz was asked to be the co-pastor of the church while Reverend Howard Nelson stomped the pavement selling war bonds to raise money for a new church building. For three years, Reverend Franz traveled from the city of Chicago twice on Sundays to conduct Sunday morning and evening services. In June of 1966 a building was purchased on Plum Grove Road in Schaumburg Illinois and then Reverend Nelson turned in his resignation and chose Reverend Franz to be his successor. Although, in 1969, Reverend Franz and Gretchel were on their knees seeking God for another ministry because the Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God chose rather to consecrate a fellow member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God instead. In 1973 Dr. Paul Tinlin became Pastor or Evangel and retired in August of 2004. Presently, Pastor Ron Heitman is Lead Pastor of Evangel Assembly of God Church. In 1970, Reverend Franz was recommended to pastor El Bethel Church in Chicago which later moved to Elk Grove Village where Reverend Franz pastored until 1976. Presently, Pastor Michael Gates Pastors El Bethel which is now called Living Hope Church.
God then called Reverend Franz to found a charismatic church "Church of the Comforter". There was a mass movement of Charismatics that were looking for a church that favored the full gifts of the Holy Spirit. Reverend Franz served in the charismatic capacity for 34 years as Senior Founder and Pastor of Church of the Comforter. Many people have been healed, delivered and set free and some even took the lessons learned at Church of the Comforter and have succeeded in ministry and oversees missions.
In 2000, Gretchel Olga Franz passed into glory and two years later Reverend Franz married Shirline Arnold of Schaumburg Illinois. Shirline was the daughter of Stanley and Louise Arnold who assisted in building two major churches in Schaumburg. With ministry and Godly backgrounds Reverend Franz and Shirline continued the ministry that still continues to touch thousands on this website.
We honor Pastor Franz for his many years of sacraficing and deep passion for ministry.
In August of 2010, Reverend Franz retired.
