1903-1991

"He Walked With God"

As Columbia became a major medical center for the entire state of Missouri and surrounding area, it was difficult for Lutheran pastors to travel long distances regularly to give spiritual care to their parishioners who were hospitalized there. Therefore they frequently requested Rev. Henry J. Kleindienst , pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbia, to make the visits for them. As the sole pastor of his parish, it was difficult for Pastor Kleindienst to devote all the time the ministry really deserved and he understood the necessity of having a regular Lutheran chaplain to serve. After his retirement from his congregation in 1975, Pastor Kleindienst requested and received the support of the local circuit and the district to formally begin the Mid-Missouri Hospital Ministry and served as it's first chaplain. He did so with much dedication, even as his health declined. He served for 16 years until his death in 1991.