Scroll down for photos and the Reunion’s minutes.

Secretary’s Report – 77th Annual Frantz Clan Reunion – July 26, 2003

Meeting at the Rehrersburg Lions Club Grounds, Rehrersburg, PA has now become so much the place to come for the Frantz Reunion that most all of the clan get there with no problems. However, if you ask Douglas Boleyn, he’ll tell you that finding the grounds isn’t all that easy when you get stuck in a long backup of traffic coming from NJ. Deciding to get off I78 at the nearest exit to where they were sitting, he tried to find the reunion driving on strange country roads. He did finally find us and even though most people were already done eating, his carload discovered that there were still two tables loaded with food. While cousins were arriving they were greeting other cousins with hugs, laughter and even tears, putting their food dishes on the serving tables, registering and contributing handcrafted items for the Silent Auction organized by Adele and Neal Stupp. Lunch began at 12:00 noon and seemed to go on all day. However, the formal program began at 1:30 in the Lion’s Den. The musical entertainment, which called the cousins indoors, was the Reinhold Trio of Jenny Burkett, Darrell and Loren Reinhold. They also performed the special “How Wide, Deep, Great is Your Love, O Lord”. The program began with President Richard Frantz presiding and introducing the three young ladies who would do the devotions. They were Jennifer Boleyn, reading the scripture, Ephesians 4:1-7, Arlene Frantz saying a few words of introduction and Justine Boleyn praying in both Kiswahili and English. Del Keeney led us in the hymn, “Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him” . Caleb Frantz shared a report of the research done by Dwayne Reitsan concerning the links between the Garst and Frantz clans. For fear of getting it all mixed up I’ll just say that Michael Frantz II had neighbors named Garst living along Swatara Creek. Michael II had four sons and the Garsts had four daughters. You’ve guessed it, the two families married each other and there the confusion began. If you want to get really involved you can call or write Caleb (E-mail will do) to get more details. Vice President Ken Wenger gave out the prizes which were handcrafted pens donated by Ruth Raine.

The prizes went to:

Oldest man – Jim Frantz, age 92

Oldest woman – Sara Ann Frantz – age almost 92

Youngest child – Michael Boleyn – age 14 mo, parents are Alan & Justine

Drove the farthest – Steve and Arlene Frantz, 560 mi. from Charlotte, NC

Piloted own plane – Norm Crabill, 250 mi.

Most recently married – Tim & Stephanie Frantz, June 15, 2002

Longest married couple – Jim & Sara Frantz – 67 yrs

Person with most family present – Irwin Frantz with 33

Oldest penny in possession – Chris Keeney – 1945 penny in his pocket.

By the way, Chris also had the oldest car at the reunion in 2002.

Jenny Burkett led the Adult Choir in the singing of “The Instruments” and the “Medley of How Firm a Foundation & Brethren We Have Met to Worship”. Before the offering Glenn Pfautz, treasurer, gave a report of the Frantz Cemetery wall repairs with work done by Henry Hollenbach. Richard led a song during the offering which is used for reunion expenses. We were informed that over 700 Frantz Clan newsletters are sent out each year. About 115 people attended this year. First time attenders who were recognized were Brenna Watson, Donald & Donna Layser and Barbara Anderson Attending the reunion is a good way to stay connected to our Frantz roots. After Cary Burkett led the group in singing “When Peace Like A River” we went out to visit for the remainder of the afternoon, and continued to bid on Silent Auction items. Not everyone is involved in the formal program as the many little children are kept happy on the new play equipment and in their activities provided by Lydia Cornejo, Janelle Hollinger and Deb Ziegler. After eating again, the last dishes were collected and the Frantz cousins returned home happy to have been able to attend such a wonderful day with relatives we don’t see often enough.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Frantz Boleyn, Recording Secretary