History of the Lutheran Coronation

History of the Lutheran Coronation

The San Antonio Lutheran Coronation had its beginnings in 1957 as a function of the Junior and Senior Leagues of St. John’s Lutheran Church. The first event was held in the church basement and was in the form of a Ball, in which outstanding young ladies were honored. They wore evening gowns and selected their Queen the night of the Ball. No admission was charged, parents and friends were invited to attend.

Each year the Junior and Senior Leagues altered in the production of the Ball. In 1959, the Junior Leagues’ turn was up and their sponsor, Mr. Farrell Tyson, was asked to design something special to accent the dresses The girls wore long dresses and carried a hand piece that was symbolic of the subject they represented. It was this year the Ball became a “coronation” with a court of duchesses. The theme of this court was the “Court of Mardi Gras.” It was again held in the basement, which was then the youth floor. NO admission was charged. Parents and friends were invited to watch the festivities and the pageant was received with so much interest that space became a problem.

In 1960, the third floor addition, for youth activities, was completed and the Coronation was moved to that location. More elaborate stage sets were designed and some of the girls wore costume-type long dresses that more closely carried out the theme. Others still wore evening dresses. The theme of this court was the “Court of Waltztime.” The year 1961 was the first year in which the girls were fully costumed and a visiting court was invited to be a part of the Coronation. They were from other Lutheran churches in San Antonio. The Queen and Princess were still to be chosen from St. John’s, the host church. A small admission was charged to defray costs. It was held in the newly completed dining hall of the church. After expenses, some money remained and the League decided to give it to Lutheran Charities instead of keeping it for themselves.

In 1962 the church could no longer hold the crowds. It was then that the Villita Assembly Hall was rented. In the next five years it grew to such an extent it became necessary to move to the Jefferson High School Auditorium in 1967.

In 1968, the Coronation was invited to have its program in the newly completed Convention Center during the Hemisfair year. It was presented at Jefferson High School until 1971, when it was moved to the Municipal Auditorium. Coronation was held here until fire destroyed the building in January 1979. At that time, it was moved to the Theatre for Performing Arts. In 1985, the Coronation returned to the newly remodeled Municipal Auditorium where it was held until 2011.

In July of 1989, the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association voted to amend the by-laws to allow young people of any Christian faith to participate in the Coronation. Each year it has become larger and more elaborate until it is the spectacular event that is enjoyed today.

In 2011, the Coronation was again moved to the Scottish Rite Temple due to the renovation of the Municipal Auditorium (to the Tobin Center for Performing Arts.) The Coronation still selects its Queen and Princess from the duchesses that serve in the Court at a meeting and they are announced secretly.

In 2013, the Coronation became an official San Antonio Fiesta event. This is exciting because the court participates in various Fiesta events in March and April.

The Coronation was never meant to be a money-making event. It just happened to become a byproduct. Admission is charged to defray the expenses of production, but each year profit that is realized from ticket sales and donations is given to Christian Charities. Some of these have been Lutheran General Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Texas Lutheran University, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Youth camps, the San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries, and various other charities.

The primary purpose of the entire year’s activities is to offer an opportunity for our youth to serve as a Christian Witness and to be exposed to some of the social graces of our society. It is a once in a lifetime learning experience. If you were to ask a young Christian lady to describe an evening of elegance, excitement, and fantasy, her answer most likely would be “the night I participated as a duchess in the Lutheran Coronation.”

What is Coronation?

People who see the beautiful robes and huge float bearing the Lutheran Seal frequently ask the question, “What is Coronation?”

The San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association, a non-profit organization, honors young Christian women and men, and gives them the opportunity to serve as a further witness for our Lord Jesus Christ.

The members of the Lutheran Association are individuals from all walks of life, and lovingly give their time and talents to make the Coronation possible. They represent various religious denominations and do not necessarily have family members involved in the Coronation.

Participants are nominated by past Duchesses, Association members, Pastors, or others, and are selected by the members of the Association according to their faithfulness and work in their church, school, and community.

Upon acceptance, the duchess and her parents select a sketch of her gown. Most materials and supplies are purchased in or around San Antonio or by the Association wholesale and sold to the families at cost. The girl and her family are encouraged to construct the dress and train themselves, and not secure the expensive professional help. In many instances, this creates a wonderful way for the family to become closer and work together. It takes many, many hours to put the love into the dresses that we see each year, and many of the Association members are willing to help with their advice, as well as their time, in constructing the gowns.

The participants in the Coronation not only have an opportunity to display their gowns and witness their faith on the night of coronation; but also in many other ways. Duchesses ride on the Association float in various parades within the state, as well as participate in activities that enhance their Christian faith.

By honoring these deserving young women and men, people from many churches will be brought together to express Christ’s influences in their lives.

Our prayer is that all we do may be to the GLORY OF GOD.

San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Cost This is an ESTIMATED COST ONLY

Duchesses Robe and Train $2,000 – 7,000

An ESTIMATE only! It can be beautiful with little or a lot. It is up to the parents on what to spend. Also with help from board members and family in constructing the dress it becomes a family affair and an experience that is like no other. This is everything from the longline, dummy dress, petticoat, dress, train, head piece, hand piece, sash, and shoes.

Formal dress $100-300

Formal dress is to be worn at the formal court reception. This dress should be floor length as it is an evening formal event. Heels should be worn.

“Sunday best” $40-100

Worn the day after coronation to the church service of the queen and the association luncheon after. Worn to many other events which are not formal attire.

Coronation/Parade attire $25-50

A button up shirt is essential to ease of getting ready to put on the dress without messing up makeup or hair. Shorts are easiest to wear, make sure they are in good taste.

Court shirt $30

T-shirt or polo is worn at events that the court attends. These shirts are also worn by family and friends to parades (as walkers/helpers) and events.

Fiesta attire $50-100

Attire is worn to Fiesta events that are attended by the court/association. Appropriate taste is requested. Formal photos (optional) $75-200

Photos are taking at coronation and are ordered at a photo meeting.

Fiesta Medals (optional) $5-20

These are the ever so popular medals from different organizations. Also you may choose to make your own medal to hand out (we have a board member who will show you how to make your own Fiesta Medal!)

** Dress Code**

Always, always wear your prettiest smile. The San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association chose YOU to represent them as a witness to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please remember we are young ladies in waiting and need to dress accordingly. Shorts or skirts should be of good taste and length. Shirts should be of equal taste and not show cleavage. If you are uncomfortable in it, don’t wear it. Shoes need to suitable for the outfit and be able to walk in them.

San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Event and Parade Schedule

This is just an overview. These dates can and will change

August / Pick design, Begin making dress
Workshop 101
September / Bunco mixer
Workshop 102
October / Bow practice, Floresville Peanut Festival Parade
Workshop 103
November / Hondo In God’s Country Parade, Comfort Christmas Parade
D & D Auction/Tea/Reception
Bow Practice
December / Boerne Christmas Parade
Bow Practice
January / Bow practice,
Float construction
February / Bow practice,
Float construction,
Formal photos
March / Bow practice, Float construction
April / Coronation Day
Fiesta events, Fiesta Nueva, Battle of Flowers Parade, Flambeau Parade
May / Corpus Christi Buccaneers Days Parade, LaVernia Bluebonnet Fest Parade
June / Lockhart Chisholm Trail Parade, Luling Watermelon Thump Parade
July / Schertz 4th of July Parade

**There will be volunteer/community service events during the year as well.

***These events are events that will need your full attention to. This is a commitment you are willing to make.

*** ***A Tentative calendar with dates and details will be provided***

San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Duchess Application

Full Name: ______

Date of Birth: ______Age: ______(to be eligible an entering freshmen in high school, 14yrs and not older than 22).

Mother’s name: ______

Home address: ______

E-mail: ______

Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Father’s name: ______Home address: ______

E-mail: ______

Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Siblings and ages: ______

______

Tell us about yourself. Hobbies, interest, future plans. What is your greatest achievement? What motivates you?

______

______

______

______

______

______

CHURCH

Home church: ______

Church Address: ______

Church phone number: ______Church website: ______

Pastor’s name: ______

Church Activities: ______

______

______

SCHOOL

School name: ______

School address: ______

Grade presently enrolled: ______

School activities and clubs (offices held): ______

______

______

Honors received: ______

______

______

COMMUNITY

Organizations/Clubs belong to (offices held): ______

______

______

______

We understand the commitment that is being asked of us for the year of the reign. We also understand that we are representing the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association, home church, and our family in all associated functions. We understand that upon the approval by the board for participation, we will be notified and be given more information about the upcoming year.

______/ ______
Applicant’s Signature / Parent’s Signature
______/ ______
Date / Date

NOMINATION

Nominated by: ______

Phone number: ______

Why are you nominating this young individual: ______

______

______

______

Court Coordinator

Dolores Villarreal

P.O. Box 781515

San Antonio, TX 78278

CONSENT OF DISCLOSURE, AUTHORITY TO RELEASE INFORMATION, and PHOTO RELEASE

I/We,

______, grant to the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association the following:

•The right to take photographs of me and my family in connection with any and all activities associated with the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation and other events that I/We participate in. I authorize San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use, and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that San Antonio Lutheran Coronation Association may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web/Social Media content.

•Authorize the disclosure and/or release of information with regard to my background and any data file that may have pertinent information. I/We authorize our church/parish,______, to disclose any and all information about my/our involvement in the church/parish.

I/We have read and understand the above.

______/ ______
Applicant signature / Parent signature
______/ ______
Date / Date