|
 A
Brief Look at the History of Saint Paul Lutheran Church
May 30, 1898 was a very meaningful day for the Lutherans of
the Pine Island area because the congregation of Saint Paul Lutheran Church
was organized. Charter members were H. A. Wobig, A. F. Wobig, Charles
Arndt, Henry Growth, Oscar Kunz, F. P. Wobig, Frank Haase, A. E. Wobig,
Fred Shumack, August Brierfeldt, Fred Haase, Fred Smutlack, Emil Krause,
Frank Manthei, Frank Protcka, Paul Remarkel, John Krause, and John
Augestin. The first church council consisted of Frank Manthei,
Frederick Smutlack, Frederick Smuck, Herman Wobig, and John Ferber.
No mention is made of women on the list of charter members; they had no
vote in the church. In fact, during church services, men sat on one
side and women on the other.
At the annual meeting of 1899, it was decided to build a house
of worship with Louis Ferber, Frederick Wobig, and John Ferber serving as
the Building Committee. The first church was constructed later in
1899. Prior to this, services were held in the Seventh Day Adventist
Church which was located in the 400 block southeast of Pine Island.
The church was built with donated labor and financial support for the
buildings and furnishings from the Ladies Aid, Luther League, and Men's
Club.
The dedication of the church in 1899 was conducted in both
German and English. Until 1916, services were conducted solely in
German. Until 1955, two communion services each year were conducted
in German.
During its one hundred and four years of growth, Saint Paul
Lutheran Church has been served by many pastors. Early on several
"supply pastors" or students, handled the ministerial duties on a
temporary basis, many times staying only a few days. In the early
1900s, the salaries paid to ministers ranged from $80 to $200 a year.
The minister often had to rely strictly on the money brought in from
certain offerings for his salary. Job security was also a problem as
recounted by a young minister who apparently displeased a couple of the
older congregational member. They wanted to "throw him out"
after he had preached on only a very few occasions.
 The first parsonage was
purchased from Albert Glamm in 1906. The present parsonage was built
in 1919 with Rev. William Zibell being the first pastor who lived in
it. In 1972, the parsonage was refitted with new siding, shingles,
and interior remodeling.
A separate schoolhouse was owned by the congregation for
religious instruction. Instruction was given four days per week for
three months of each year. In 1916, a Sunday School wing was added to
the church building.
The present fellowship hall was built in 1957. It was
constructed with one wall of a temporary nature so that it might some day
be joined to a new sanctuary. Building of the current sanctuary began
in 1969. It was dedicated on February 22, 1970. The Lord's Supper scene from the original
altar was built into the new altar, and has a special significance for many
parishioners. The bell tower holding
the original church bell was built in 1970 with memorials and money raised
by the women. The 1300 pound bronze bell was purchased by the Ladies
Aid in 1911. The bell continues to call people to worship and
tolls the age of a member at the time of death. The pipe organ was
first dedicated in 1927. On our seventy-fifth anniversary, the pipe
organ was completely rebuilt, enlarged to 15 ranks, and placed in the
present location in the choir loft. The second dedication was May 20,
1973, with an organ recital by Rev. R. E. Scoggin of Rochester.
The second complete rebuilding began in the summer of
1995. It now has 26 ranks, 10 of them pipes and 16
electronic. It was dedicated during our centennial year.
In the past, some of our organists served for only a "thank you"
or at most twelve dollars a year. Among them were Amanda Birkholz,
Hedwig Schultz (Mrs. Leonard Lueck), Miss Behrmier, and our current
organist, Katherine Klingsporn, who has served in that capacity since 1932.
The first baptism at Saint Paul Lutheran Church was Emma Clara
Arndt on August 21, 1898. The first confirmed were Ida Krause, Agnes
Stiller, and Helen Remarkel. William Wobig and Amelia Stiller were
the first couple married in the newly formed congregation. Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Glamm were the firs couple married once the sanctuary was
built. The funeral of Albert Stiller, 13-year-old won of Mr. and Mrs.
August Stiller, is the first recorded burial.
Two of our pastors also served the church at large. Rev.
Leo Moench was called to be a professor of mathematics at St. Paul Luther
College, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1918, and Dr. E. A. Welke was president of
the Minnesota District of the American Lutheran Church for more than 20
years. Saint Pal Lutheran members ordained into the ministry were
Robert Grendahl in 1959, Allen Hastings in 1964, Gary Wees in 1990, Carl
Glamm in 1995, Matthew Hausken and Jack and Dawn Coffey in 2000. The
membership of the congregation has grown steadily. There are
currently 1239 members. Some significant examples of change that has
taken place include:
1942
|
The German Seal of Saint Paul Lutheran Church was recorded
in English
|
|
1944
|
The set of individual glasses for communion was purchased,
replacing the common cup.
|
1947
|
The envelope system for contributions was started.
|
1950
|
The building fund was begun for the present church with A.
E. Wobig, Ed Starz, and Marion Hopper serving on the committee.
|
1954
|
The congregation voted that all women members 21 or older
are now voting members.
|
1959
|
Lorraine Smith becomes the first church secretary (as a
volunteer).
|
1969
|
A new constitution was adopted. All members 18 years
of age or older could now vote.
|
1971
|
First Communion classes began for fifth graders.
|
1973
|
The Sunday School switched to a new concept with the lower
grades attending part of the worship service and then being sent to
Sunday school class.
|
1974
|
Christian Service Groups were begun and were a big success.
|
1975
|
A new secretary office was built. New blacktop was
laid on the northeast parking lot.
|
|
1977
|
The church library was set up to lend out books.
|
1978
|
The kitchen was remodeled. We began using the Lutheran
Book of Worship. Carlyle Johnson becomes church custodian.
|
1979
|
The Glamm property west of the church was purchased.
We sponsored missionary Pastor David Johnson and family.
|
1982
|
We completed an "every member visit" the by the
Stewardship Committee.
|
1983
|
Pastor Merln Satrom serves as interim pastor. A new
roof was installed on the Fellowship Hall. The Glamm house was
sold, moved, and the lot became west parking.
|
1984
|
Pastor Terje C. Hausken was called in July. Diane Webb
became pianist for the choir.
|
1985
|
Grant Boyer became our parish assistant in June and Pastor
Earl Amundson started as visitation pastor in August. New carpet
was installed in the Narthex, Fireside Room, and offices. The
library was moved to the Fireside Room.
|
1986
|
The Anna Loos estate was bequeathed to the church.
Saint Paul women began making quilts to give to each confirmed high
school graduate from our congregation at a special recognition program
each May. More than 250 quilts have been presented.
|
1987
|
Purchased and demolished Darrel Miller property to enlarge
our west parking lot.
|
1988
|
A new office addition and handicapped facilities were
added. Dianne Toogood became minister of music and served for eight
years. She organized and conducted seven choirs.
|
|
1989
|
Pastor Judd Larson called as associate pastor. Grand
piano is donated by Rudy Mohr.
|
|
1990
|
A building fund was established. Chime bells were
given by Rudy Mohr. Several youth attended the Youth Gathering in
Dallas, Texas. Stephen Ministries started training in
October. Pastor Tom Daklefson was called as an associate pastor.
|
1991
|
The congregations amended constitution was ratified.
We now have council members instead of trustees and deacons.
Lorraine Smith retired as church secretary after more than 31 years of service.
Karel Titus becomes the new administrative secretary.
|
1992
|
A five member committee appointed to raise funds for office
remodeling. Pastor Tom Anderson serves as an interim pastor.
The youth go on a Boundary Waters canoe trip. A campership memorial
in honor of Bill Mahlke was established. The office began using
computers for bookkeeping.
|
1993
|
Congregation amends the by-laws to establish a Mission
Bord. The church budget for 1993 was set as $196,180. The
office area was remodeled. Youth backpack at Sky Ranch,
Colorado. Pastor John Torres Lohre began as senior pastor starting
November 1.
|
1994
|
An eight week Grief and Growth seminar was started by
interim Pastor Al Walck. In July, Pastor Gail Madson was called to
be the associate pastor. The youth went to Atlanta, Georgia for the
National Youth Gathering. Responsion benevolence program was
begun. The sanctuary roof was re shingled and the fellowship
hall roof was repaired. Two pouring chalices used with the common
cup for Communion.
|
1995
|
Congregation approves Mission Board. It administers
Responsion monies to local and worldwide needs. Fund created for
new sanctuary lighting. A fund created for rebuilding the pipe
organ. Seventh graders go on retreat at Good Earth Village to study
the Apostle's Creed. High school students go on Boundary Waters
canoe trip. We adopt a "sister" congregation, San Lucas
Lutheran, in Bogota, Colombia. Carl Glamm ordained here.
|
1996
|
Kent Jurgenson becomes music director. The youth go on
Superior Hiking Trail trip along the North Shore. "Fellowship
for Families" was started. Youth and adults work/service group
paint Irene Glamm's house. The west parking lot is paved. The
sanctuary carpet is replaced. "Dinners for 8" fellowship
groups begin.
|
|
1997
|
A centennial celebration committee is established. It
oversees a special congregational event each month of the centennial
year. Congregation purchases the adjacent Samuelson and Holthe
properties for $82,000. Youth attend National Youth Gathering in
New Orleans. Youth and adults paint the Arnold Ferber home as a
service project.
|
|
1998
|
100 years old. Pipe organ rebuild dedicated in honor
of Katherine Klingsporn. Custodian Carlyle Johnson retires
after 20 years. New pews upholstery, sanctuary lights, and
landscape.
|
1999
|
Create 10 for 10 to thank God for 100 years. Purchased
the Keane property $140,000. Lynn Ness is part-time Education
Director. Replace 19 windows in fellowship hall.
|
2000
|
30 Youth and Alfonso Corso (Bogota, Columbia) attend
National Gathering in Saint Louis. Install two new boilers.
Pastor Gail called to Saint Timothy's. Pastor Kathy Gauger is
interim. Mathew Hausken ordained here. Jack and Dawn Coffey
ordained here.
|
2001
|
Pastor Kip Groettum begins June 1. Project worship
words to screen (9/9). Scholarship monies to San Lucas in Bogota, Colmbia.
Largest offering for Lutheran Disaster Relief (911), $3,000.
Stewardship picture presentation shows budget percentages and members.
|
2002
|
Laura Gathje and Lynn Ness shared Education Director
position. Sacristy taken down to project to back wall. We
honor Katherine Klingsporn for 70 years of service in music to the Glory
of God, 1932-2002 and dedicate the picture directory to her. Daniel
Corso comes from Bogota to learn English (stays with Lunde family like
brother Alfonso).
|
2003
|
A new education, youth, and music wing was constructed on
the north side of the fellowship hall at a cost of $654,126. Dedication
of the facility occurred at both services on November 9.
|
2004
|
The new addition is being used by youth, Sunday School,
music groups, adult education, and has become a meeting place for the
community. Through generous memorials and gifts landscaping was completed
on the west and south side of the sanctuary and north side of the
fellowship hall. The 11 th Grief and Growth seminar was held in March.
Lori Weis joined the office staff.
|
2005
|
The Samuelson house at 209 Second Ave. SW was removed and
fills and gravel was added to the property in preparation for adding a
bituminous parking lot to the existing west parking lot in 2006. Our
youth traveled on a mission trip to Appalachia Kentucky.
|
2006
|
In February a new contemporary Saturday worship service
began. The west parking lot was completed with cement driveways, curb and
gutter, and a sidewalk on the west, bituminous topping, and striping for
a total of 52 parking spaces at a cost of $43,120.32. A rock wall was
erected on the north side of the west parking lot by volunteers. Lydia
Grant joined the staff as financial secretary. Our youth traveled to the
San Antonio ELCA Youth Gathering.
|
2007
|
On April 14 the church had an auction that raised $4,204.30
for the parking lot, the building addition of 2004, adult/family mission
trip, and benevolence. A landscape planting on top of the rock wall on
the north side of the parking lot was donated. Our youth traveled in July
on a mission trip to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. A new internet
based education curriculum, “Akaloo”, which means to follow, began in
September for children through adults.
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
