Joseph Scorza was the third son of Dominic Scorza, who came to this country to provide for his family in Italy. Joseph and his two brothers, Anton and Nicola, learned about salvation from evangelical Christians in Chicago who had a passion for blessing immigrants with help and hope. Life during the turn of the twentieth century was difficult for almost everyone. Joseph married a Kansas farm girl of German decent, Helen Kopp, who was also taught from childhood to love God and pass the message of hope to as many as would listen. She did not hesitate to marry a man who was another nationality than her family and follow him to a strange country where she did not understand the language. She was willing to overcome many obstacles to present faith and hope to others.

Joseph and Helen Scorza passed a legacy of overcoming perseverance to their four children: Vera, Sylvio, Ann and Edna. The four siblings may have lived a microcosm of life typical in America during the middle of the twentieth century. It was a seemingly better life than the sufferings of the families in Europe, who had so much less in material things. Nevertheless, the four siblings suffered and overcame a multitude of difficulties.

Vera, Sylvio and Ann were born in Europe when Joseph and Helen were ministering in churches in Italy and Switzerland. Edna was born in the United States when Joseph and Helen returned to the U.S.A. because Mussolini expelled all evangelicals from Italy before World War II.

The family settled into the American way of life as a typical family in suburban Chicago. Joseph and Helen had a small congregation of Italian descendents in a mission church on the far south side of Chicago in a town called Roseland. There, the Reformed Church subsidized the little congregation in an Italian neighborhood. Right next to the Italian neighborhood was the more affluent Dutch neighborhood that contained several Reformed and Christian Reformed Churches. The two denominations collaborated in establishing a Christian School on the south side of Chicago as well. Joseph and Helen sent their children to the local public school initially; however, later they decided to send Vera to the new Christian high school that the Reformed and Christian Reformed Churches provided. Vera, Sylvio and Ann attended Chicago Christian High School.

After high school, Vera Lillian Helene went to work down town Chicago. Because she had friends and acquaintances in the Dutch community, she dated some of the young men, who were from her high school. On one such occasion, Vera double dated with another couple and met the young man, who was to be her husband. Although he was not her date that evening, they soon became a couple.

Vera Scorza married Henry Terpstra in 1941. Hank, as he was called, was a truck driver who came from a family of twelve children. He never graduated from high school because he was required to help support his parents and siblings until he married. Soon Hank and Vera had two baby girls, who were the beginning of a family of six siblings – all girls. Hank joined the Air force because he was patriotic and wanted to join the war effort during World War II. He wanted to fly airplanes. When he returned, he qualified for a Veteran’s home loan; so, the couple with their two little daughters moved into a two flat that they shared with Hank’s parents, who lived upstairs.

After four years, two more baby girls were added. Now there were four little daughters but Hank was still hoping for a son. Again, another four years passed and two more baby girls came along. Hank and Vera named all of their daughters with names that started with J: Jackie, Judy, Joan, Janice, June and Joyce. Hank was an over-the-road truck driver and seldom home. So, it was an all-girl household, most of the time, with one bathroom and only two bedrooms. Three sets of bunk beds were in the largest bedroom.

When Hank was home, he was active in their church and he led the youth group as the girls became teenagers. After the Christmas of 1959, Hank was getting ready to leave for the road when he had an accident in the basement of the house. He started a fire by pouring gasoline down the drain that may have ignited with sparks from the furnace. He ran from the house in flames and a neighbor helped put the fire out. Burn units were not available in those days and Hank died several days later.

So it was that Vera Scorza Terpstra was left to fend for herself with six children. The next ten years were filled with much sorrow and pain. Then, Vera and her mother-in-law sold the house in Roseland and Vera moved with her youngest two daughters to California. There, Vera’s mother, Helen Kopp Scorza was widowed and living in an apartment alone. Vera began a new start in California. Life did not seem very optimistic at that time without any real security but Vera kept her faith and hope.

God saw her affliction and prepared to bless Vera with 30 years of abundance. How would a Dutch farmer in Michigan, who had just lost his wife to several years of suffering with brain tumors, find Vera, a widow, living in California? One day, John Lich told his nephew, Harry, that he was looking for a wife now that his beloved Nell had died. Harry’s wife, Judy, gave him a picture of her mother and John took a plane to California to meet Vera Scorza Terpstra. From there, it is history and Vera had many happy days married to John Lich. For almost thirty years, the couple knew happiness and companionship. They traveled from Michigan to Florida every year (real “snow-birds”). They went on several trips to Mexico to help the indigenous people in the mountains learn modern farming methods and brought them the Gospel as well. They were also blessed with a trip to Europe that included Italy and the Netherlands to look up family they had never met. After John died, Vera remains in the home that he built for her in Florida. She feels blessed with many good memories and especially the goodness that God has given her.

Sylvio Ivan Scorza attended Chicago Christian High School and graduated in 1940. He then went on to Hope College in Holland, Michigan to study for the seminary. He planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a minister of the Gospel. However, in 1944, Sylvio had an accident as he hitch-hiked home from school in Michigan. He was hit by a truck on the highway. His injuries were severe and he became paraplegic.

Joseph and Helen took Sylvio and moved to California to help rehabilitate him. Ann and Vera were both married and having children but Edna was still a young girl and went with her parents and Sylvio to California as well.

In California, Joseph and Helen bought a small home and had rails built in the yard to help Sylvio strengthen his body. The warmer climate was more conducive to the physical therapy that Sylvio needed to recuperate.

Soon, Sylvio regained his hope and went back to Michigan to resume his studies. He went to Western Theological Seminary. There, he met and married Phyllis Van Setters, a student at Hope College. Phyllis loved Sylvio despite his disabilities. She committed her life to his care and she has been there for him all of these many years. She wheeled him everywhere but he soon learned to do many things on his own, even drive a car with special hand driven features.

Next, Sylvio and Phyllis went to New Jersey. Sylvio received a degree from Princeton. Finally, it was time to settle down and find a position as a professor. Sylvio’s father Joseph Scorza had made many friends among the Reformed Church leaders. One of those friends was a man named Jacob Heemstra who was president of Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Jacob Heemstra had given Joseph Scorza an Italian congregation in Chicago before he married Helen Kopp. Now, Jacob Heemstra retired from his presidency and classes at Northwestern and Sylvio was hired to teach theology in his stead. Jim Bultman was president of the college and willing to hire Sylvio despite his handicap in 1959.

From there, Sylvio and Phyllis lived in the cold climate of northern Iowa. They adopted three children and lived a relatively happy normal life, raising children, teaching and involvement in the church. Sylvio has had many awards for his work and his character as a man willing to overcome a severe handicap and live a productive exemplary life. God has graciously blessed Sylvio with a wonderful family with children and grandchildren. Even his many health problems have never stopped Sylvio from becoming a man of great faith.

Ann Marie Clara Scorza graduated from Chicago Christian High School in 1943. Although her parents moved to California, Ann stayed in the Chicago area working for the Navy as a civil servant while attending evening classes at Moody Bible Institute. Then, she married her high school sweetheart and her flower girl was Vera’s second daughter, Judy. The newlyweds went off for the remaining six of her husband’s seven years of pre-seminary and seminary in Pella, Iowa. Because her husband was a student, they lived an austere but happy life. Ann says they were poor with a purpose not tenement poor. Soon, the young couple had a son and twin girls within 18 months, keeping them very busy indeed. Ann taught school at Pella High School during this time as well.

The couple took their first church in rural Illinois where Ann describes the people as “the salt of the earth.” They had another daughter born during this time. Next, Ann and her husband went to California to plant a church under the Reformed auspices. There, Ann’s fifth child was born, another daughter. Their next church was in Ohio; so, the family that included four little girls and one boy moved back to the Midwest. There, Ann faced the toughest time in her life when she became a single parent with five children to care for; but, she did not lose her faith and hope. Through all of her trials, Ann continued to minister in the church.

Ann was given an opportunity to become the women’s minister at Dr. Robert Schuler’s famous Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. Ann completed more under graduate studies at Biola College in Los Angeles at this time, but her greatest lessons were learned ministering to women. Ann led the ministry with prayer and hope for other women who had been wounded. She spent many years helping women heal and, in the process, found healing for herself. Ann learned the power of prayer and forgiveness. She put into practice the messages taught at the Crystal Cathedral – possibility living and the power of a positive attitude in the midst of great trouble. Ann learned the secret of prayer and a close relationship with the Lord, all the while raising her five children alone. Later, she received a certificate of graduate studies at Fuller Seminary, giving her credentials for work as a conference speaker. However, university studies could not compare with the practical application that Ann learned through God’s care for her through many difficult years.

While ministering at a women’s conference, Ann met a man named Lee Plas, who was presenting the work of the World Home Bible League at the same conference. Ann and Lee married and have had more than 30 years of happiness traveling from Michigan to all parts of the country where their combined children have produced 18 grandchildren. The couple enjoys wintering in Florida and they stop to see sister, Vera, on their way to and from their condo in Fort Lauderdale.

Three of Ann’s children live in Holland, Michigan within blocks of each other. Ann and Lee see their children and grandchildren often. They enjoy traveling. God has been good to them and blessed them for their faithfulness to Him. Ann continues to do consulting work for women’s groups and other ministries. The couple are blessed and pleased to have God’s Grace continue to cover their lives. Although health problems exist, they know that God’s care for them will see them through all circumstances.

Edna Hope Pauline Scorza was born in Illinios during the Depression. Her childhood centered around her father’s church and her mother and older siblings. When Joseph and Helen moved to California in 1944, Edna was just a young girl. She was so sad to leave her sister Vera and Vera’s two baby daughters, Jackie and Judy, that she took the train back to Roseland for a visit the summer after the Scorza’s settled in Rosemead, California. Eventually, Edna married and had two wonderful children in California.

Later, Eddie (as she is known), received her teaching certificate and spent many years teaching kindergarten students at a Chrisitan school called Diamond Bar, “Friends.” This is what Eddie says about her life:

Instead of beginning at the beginning, I’ll begin at the present…I’m retired now and I am praising God for a life filled with the love of family and friends. I feel I served on the “mission field” some because as kindergarten teacher for 23 years in a Christian school in Southern California, I had an opportunity to be a witness to God’s love and Grace to children of many ethnic backgrounds. Before receiving my teaching certificate, I was blessed to be a mom to Wayne Hardcastle and Cherie Hardcastle Novisedlak. Life has not always been a “bed of roses” but I testify to this: that no matter what, God is faithful to those who trust Him!

I currently live in the great northwest -- Gig Harbor, Washington. I’m involved in our church and enjoy being close to my daughter and family. God has blessed me by being able to have extended vacations yearly with Vera in Florida.

The past few years, Eddie has blessed her sister Vera by, not only coming to visit, but, really coming to minister to her aging sister. Eddie stayed for most of the winter this year and cooked and cleaned and served many delicious meals to Vera and those who came to visit. They hosted a Bible study group all winter as well. The congregation at the Methodist church loved Eddie’s happy spirit. Vera and Eddie sang in the choir every week. Because Vera’s asthma evolved into more severe breathing problems, Eddie’s help was much appreciated.

The cutest time, was watching the four siblings get together this year; laugh and sing and fellowship. My son, Ronnie, was deeply impressed seeing their friendship and family interactions. Despite illnesses and aging, the four Scorza siblings reflect the Glory of God in their interactions.

Evangeline entered this world as a chubby little baby bringing happiness and joy to her parents, Rev. and Mrs. LeRoy M. Kopp, as their first born. The city was Sabetha Kansas. The date was May 1, 1915. Her daddy was known as the eighteen year old red-headed preacher evangelist of the United Brethren Church. Her mother, Eula, was a youth leader and organist in the church. In time, four brothers and a sister were born into the family.

Growing up as the oldest of the children, Evangeline shared many responsibilities helping her mother. The family moved a number of times as her dad was assigned to various churches as pastor.

Evangeline’s first job with pay was shared with Paul, her younger brother. They were appointed as “custodians” of one of the churches. Their pay was 50 cents a week, split in half with each receiving 25 cents. She remembers in the summer sitting on the steps of the church looking for cars as they drove by, hoping and praying that they would turn into the church parking lot.

One day, her dad left for meetings in California. He sent word to the family that he had been appointed Pastor of a church in Los Angeles, and that they were to pack up and head west. She was nearly sixteen and her brother a year younger. They drove the family Buick from Kansas to California. Their mother dipped towels in water to pin over the car windows so that the hot air of the desert would be cooler. It was their own system of “air conditioning."

In Los Angeles, Evangeline enrolled in Washington High School where she graduated in 1933. It was the fulfillment of a God-given dream when she enrolled in LIFE (Lighthouse of the International Foursquare Evangelism) Bible College. Her time at college was outstanding.

At the beginning of her second year, she met a young handsome incoming student, Charles Cass from the Foursquare Church in Portland, Oregon. They met at one of the favorite student gathering places on Sunset Blvd., called “Betty’s Malt shop.” She was there after class one evening in the fall of 1934, sitting in a booth with two other girl students when in walked Charles with two of his friends who were also students.

As the three young men interred the malt shop, one of the young men knew the girls and asked one of them to move over with the other girls so that the three boys could make use of the other side of the booth. Charles was quite taken with the brown-eyed Evangeline. As the girls left, Charles asked his friend about Evangeline. The answer was, “Don’t get your hopes up; she is one of the most popular girls in school.” In time, the malt shop became their own “hang-out” as they would share one ten-cent malt.

Charles was able to earn part of his tuition by working in the school office. Sitting just a few feet away was Evangeline, who was in charge of the Correspondence Department of the school’s extension program. She recognized the name of Charles H. Cass as one who had earned credit by attending the branch school in Portland. She had graded several of his examination papers. This “coincidence” gave them the opportunity to become better acquainted. God does know how to arrange circumstances.

Evangeline was very active in several capacities and activities in the school. She was a member of the Angeles Temple Band, playing the trumpet. Charles pursued Evangeline by waiting until the end of band practice and noticing which door she would use to leave. He would then hurry around the Temple building and “just happen” to be walking past the door when Evangeline would walk out carrying her trumpet case. Then, being the gentleman that he was, he would offer to carry the trumpet case for her. Evidently it worked quite well.

A little incident happened in their “Homiletics” class. The instructor had assigned Evangeline as one of several to give a short sermon in class for that day. She did; and then the instructor called on Charles to do the critical analysis of her message. As Charles did the analysis, there was a chuckle among the students. The instructor was totally unaware of what the students already knew…that Charles and Evangeline were fond of each other. Apparently, Charles gave Evangeline a rather good report.

In her junior year, Evangeline was appointed editor-in-chief of the school year book: "Carry On." As Editor, she appointed Charles as business manager. I guess she was keeping a close eye on the handsome student from Portland. Both of them were also members of the 1935 Builder’s Class. They became engaged shortly before graduation day. Evangeline was chosen out of approximately 150 students as one of four speakers at her graduation. Her topic was entitled “The Holy Spirit.”

Charles went back to Portland for the summer after graduation. He and his friend, who had gone to school in California with him, pastored the fledgling Oregon City Foursquare Church for the summer of 1935. Evangeline went to work at the Sears headquarters in Los Angeles for a year.

June 21, 1936, Charles and Evangeline were married by her father. They left for their first ministry together just a few days later. On their way to New York City, they went to Portland to spend a few days. Charles introduced his bride to his many friends at his home church. Then on to Westport, Oregon, for a week with his parents and siblings, who were eagerly waiting to become acquainted with the new Mrs. Charles Cass. She won all their hearts quickly and then the couple took the train to New York.

Their first pastorate was a mission on Surf Avenue in Coney Island, just a block from the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the mission was “God’s Power House.” On their right was a “skeet-ball” amusement place, on their left was a fortune teller, and across the street was a noisy merry-go-round. In spite of it all, they enjoyed nearly three years of ministry which was very fruitful.

After returning to California, their first child, Charles Wayne was born. Two years later, Constance (Connie) Naomi joined the family. Charles and Evangeline were busy in youth work and rallies in Southern California. Evangeline took her father’s radio broadcast activities for several months while he was in Israel. The broadcast was a daily half hour program over KGER.

Charles and Evangeline have pastored a number of churches and have traveled much in missionary evangelism in South America, Europe and Africa. Her trumpet playing has been greatly appreciated by many as well as her preaching in various places. While they were helping Connie and her husband, Ronn Haus, in their television ministry in northern California, Charles and Evangeline both ministered on television and had their own program entitled, "A Look in the Book". They have two children, seven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Charles and Evangeline were both ordained in 1936 in the Foursquare Organization. Later, they transferred to the Assemblies of God. They have faithfully ministered unto the Lord and to people for 70 years. Recently, Evangeline celebrated her 90th birthday with many of her family and friends.

When I think about my mother, certain thoughts come to my mind
Thoughts like, “always concerned about others” and “never speaking a word unkind”

Childhood memories flood my heart of a Mom who was always there
Serving God faithfully in her home, while lifting up each child in prayer

Christ – honoring music has always been to our family an important part
For Mom has always loved to sing of the Saviour so dear to her heart

If asked to name some important truths Mom has taught me through the years
I would have to name the following, with prayer that each of MY children will hear

“Redeem the time”, I can hear her say as she pulls out a postcard and pen
“While I’m waiting here at the doctor, I think I’ll write a friend.”

“All things work together for good to them that love the Lord”
That’s a promise Mom has claimed for years, and I’m seeing it more and more.

But the thing that means the most to me as the pressures of life increase
Is having a praying Mother, one whose prayers never cease

“The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”, I read
I’ll never know the hours Mom has spent in earnest prayer for her family’s needs

We all have troubles and trials as we walk along life’s way
But when with a crisis I am faced, I call on my Mom to pray

Now God has richly blessed my life with a family of my own
No greater responsibility has a mother ever known

“Pray without ceasing” I’m understanding, as God stirs my heart night and day
And brings to my mind a certain child for which I need to pray

I often find myself praying for my children to early learn
The power and importance of knowing that in prayer to God they can turn

I pray that they will see in me as in my Mom I’ve seen
A steadfast, unmovable faith in God; the One on Whom we can lean

A Mom that they can come to with problems whether big or small
Never concerned about worrying me; but knowing upon God I will call

For you see, I’ve heard so many claim in their life Mom’s prayers were the key
But it’s my own life that has convinced my heart of the power of Mom’s bended knee.