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St. John's United Church of Christ |
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History of St. John's
The congregation of St. John’s United Church of Christ was organized in 1877 under the name of the German Evangelical Lutheran St. John’s Church. The first church services were held in the home of the pastor until 1878 when a church, parsonage and German School were built on the present six acres of land.
During World War I the transition from service in German to English was made. For several years, services were held on both languages. Many current members have memories of the ladies of the church sitting on one side of the sanctuary while the men were seated on the other.
On June 12, 1922, a tornado destroyed the church building. The weather vane and ball on the steeple, the bell, and some lumber from the original church were salvaged and utilized in the present building.
In 1934, a basement was dug under the church with the Ladies Aid supplying the funds and the men of the church supplying the labor. In 1951, the interior of the sanctuary was renovated with pews, pulpit chairs, and a hardwood floor. In 1955, the stained glass windows were added and in 1956 the Hammond spinet organ was purchased. In 1963, a picnic shelter was erected for the annual church supper that drew hundreds of people to the church. The menu consisted of chicken and dumplings, ham, potato salad, slaw, corn, green beans, homemade bread and cooked cheese. In 1970, an annex to the basement was constructed that included indoor restrooms (the first plumbing inside the church), a storage area and kitchen. In 1999, a fellowship hall was constructed that adjoined the kitchen.
The Church remains very active to this day with Sunday School for young and old, Children’s Church, Ladies’ Fellowship, and regular Music Ministry. Annual events include a Sausage Supper in September, Chile/Stew Supper in October, Valentine Party, Halloween Party, Mother/Daughter Banquet, and several carry-in dinners throughout the year.
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