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October, 1936, although they do not participate in the elections. These men were Peter Brown, Harry Kussurelis and Harry Spiropoulos.

The war years came and with it the Greek War Relief. On November 3, 1940, a Contributions Committee was appointed to collect money to help Greece, which was at war as a partner with the great powers, later to become one of Allies with the United States.

Governor John Bricker proclaimed the week of March 20 to 25, 1941, as Greek War Relief Week. In October, 1944. the Church held special services for "Independence Day" of Greece and a collection of $323.66 was made and sent to Greek War Relief. Three years after the founding of the Philoptochos, in April, 1939, the Community purchased the building just south of the Church for $4,750 to be used as a Greek School and Sunday school.

Our new priest. Father George Zoganas, arrived in 1918 to give spiritual leadership to our community, which had maintained itself through those trying war years. As the community grew in population, so grew its need for a community center with adequate facilities for its young people. Plans for a center were begun in the fall of 1950 with Anthony Nelson serving as chairman of the building committee, and Harry Kussurelis, president of the com- munity at this time. Due to the tremendous enthusiasm and response from the parishioners, the Hellenic Community Center was completed and dedicated in October, 1951 with Bishop Olympou officiating, assisted by Father Zoganas. It was built on the site of the old Greek School and Sunday school building just south of the church. Due to the demands which the new building placed upon its members for financial support for its operation, a group of energetic young men organized the "Big Brothers" in November of 1951. Their purpose was fellow-

This picture, taken in 1951, shows Mrs. George D. Chakeres
presenting a check for $2,000 for the Community Center to Harry Kussurelis on behalf of Philoptochos, of which she was President. Father Zoganas looks on. Mr. Kussurelis was then president of the Community.

Many will remember the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Hellenic Community Center in September, 1950. From left S to right are Gus Rorris, Anthony J. Nelson*, The Reverend George Zoganas, James A. Rhodes, then mayor of Columbus, Harry Kussurelis, and James Tertegas.

ship for the men of the community. Dr. George M. Jameson was elected their first president, Gus Chakeres, secretary, and John Sariotis, treasurer. The Big Brothers served the community by catering weddings and receptions, entertained the community by producing variety shows, gave benefit dances, and cooked and served the first Fish Fry on February 7, 1951. They also conducted a drive for the pews which were installed in 1954.

These post-war years of hard work created an in-
creased awareness of the place of the Church and its
activities in the lives of the Community. Father Zoganas encouraged the people to participate more fully. The Greek school enrollment increased and a Parent Teachers Association was formed to help the program in any way necessary.

In October, 1953, Father Paul Economides was sent
to our Community as our new priest. Under his leader- ship, guidance, and foresight the years of great progress began. Our Church was redecorated and refurbished in the true Byzantine manner. A German artist, Mr. Lamens, was commissioned to do the interior, resulting in the ' beautiful gold color scheme, the breathtaking beauty of the icon behind the altar and the unusual ceiling with o its angels and clouds. This was done at a cost of $8000, which was financed by Philoptochos. The altar was rebuilt s and redesigned, as were the chanters' station and the new pulpit. A sound system was installed. Donations by members of the Church many of these improvements possible.

 
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