The Rev. Martin Hoyer has retired for the second time, this time from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California. The first time was in 1994, from Trinity Lutheran, Jefferson City, although he had actually served a number of Missouri Synod Lutheran Church congregations over 35 years.
"Here I am again, retiring again 20 years after I first retired," Hoyer said.
Beginning in 1959, Hoyer began his ministry, serving St. John's Lutheran, Center Point, Iowa. Thereafter, he served in the pulpit at Zion Lutheran, Plainview, Neb., Zion Lutheran, Hastings, Neb., before moving to serve Trinity Lutheran, Jefferson City. He was the third generation of Hoyers serving as Lutheran pastors.
Following his first retirement, Hoyer filled vacant pulpits, and filled in for a number of congregations when needed. Eventually, he and his wife Hazel found a home congregation at California where he served as a valuable assisting pastor for St. Paul's Lutheran pastor, Dr. Peter Kurowski. The Hoyers reside in Barnett.
In a last appearance behind a pulpit, Hoyer returned to Zion Lutheran, Plainville, Neb., on June 22, to give the sermon at the 125th anniversary of that church.
On Sunday, June 29, Hoyer was honored at his second retirement at St. Paul's in California. His son, the Rev. Paul Hoyer, presented the sermon. The Rev. Paul Hoyer pastors a Lutheran church in Lake Mary, Fla., and is Executive Pastor of Central Florida Cross Network - a network of churches that includes Holy Cross Lake Mary, theCross Orlando, theCross East Lake, New City Church and Holy Cross Lutheran Academy.
Following church and Sunday school, a potluck dinner preceded a program during which many stories were told about Martin Hoyer. Speakers included several family members, present and former committee chair persons, and a the pastor of Bethany Lutheran, Eldon, the Rev. Peter Lange, with stories about the family, different congregations and, of course, his love of antique Studebaker cars. His 12 Studebakers includes an Avanti, of which only about 4,100 were built in 1962 and 1963.