Growth & Expansion
This period (1934-1946) may be characterized as period of growth and expansion. There was a steady increase in membership. A new constitution was adopted. Physical improvement were as follows:
- A modern parsonage with a full basement for Sunday School was erected in 1937
- The Kirkpatrick property, across from the Parsonage, was purchased and converted into a useable Parish house in 1942.
- The interior of the church was renovated, and the exterior was painted in 1944.
By 1946 the membership had grown to 189 members and 258 baptized members.
The Herber Era 1946-1968
On July 7, 1946 Pastor E. Herber was installed as the sixth pastor of St. John Lutheran Church. He served for 22 years. During this time the following were constructed:
- New Annex to the old church in 1949.
- New Church in 1957
- Educational Center in 1965.
In 1949 Pastor Herber reported average attendance in church was 210 and Sunday School was 250.
On December 30, 1956 the congregation accepted a bid on the New Church. The cost of the building and furnishings would be around $65,000. They started building in February 1957 and dedicated it on November 3, 1957.
In 1965 the congregation authorized the building of the Educational Center for
around $32,000.
Pastor Herber retired 1968.
Pastors During the Years of 1968-1987
- Pastor James Heineke 1968-175
- Pastor Luther Durkop 1975-1978. During this time the average attendance each Sunday was 181.
- Pastor Wilburn Kensing 1979-1981
- Pastor Ted Steenblock 1982-1986
Pastor Robert Sauer 1987-2001
On March 2, 1987 the Congregations extended a called Pastor Robert Sauer. In November of 1987 the congregation voted to study the new parsonage issue. In March 1989 a voted to accept the bid of $67,541 for a New Parsonage, which today is a proud and modern addition to our church. Also during this time the congregations:
- The New ELCA Constitution was accepted in 1991.
- The Chili Super became an annual event
- Nancy Hall became the first women council member in 1991.
- In 1988, the metal roof was installed
- Plexiglass was put over the stain glass windows in 1997.
- In 1999 the inside of the church was repainted.
Pastor Sauer retired in 2001
Pastor Larry Handeland 2002-2004
During this time the church add a new public address system and a "Prayer Chain". Pastor Handeland resigned on June 13, 2004.
Pastor Walter Miller was Interim during 2001, 2002 and 2004. Pastor Miller has always been a invaluable part of St John Lutheran as an interim and mentor.
Pastor Jon Bielfeldt 2006-Present
In November of 2004, Jon Bielfeldt was hired as Vicar at St. John Lutheran Church. Vicar Jon enrolled in the Synod Theological Education in Emerging Ministry Program.
After completing his studies, he was ordained on August 13, 2006. The congregation voted unanimously to call him as a new pastor. The following have been added during this time:
- Choir Program began under the leadership of Kathy Bielfeldt.
- In September of 2006,Men's Group held it's initial meeting.
- October 2006 the New Red Hymnals were purchased.
- November 4, 2007 a Historical Marker was dedicated our 90th years of existence.
- in June 2010,the congregation voted to leave the ELCA and join the LCMC.
- During the past 10 years our youth program has grown, with activities
- and camp.
- Annual Chili Supper "Willie's Chili" continues
- The congregation participates in helping Shepherd's Heart
- Since 2013, we have hosted a Polka Service
- Christmas Eve Program
- Easter Cantatas
- Vacation Bible School
- In 2017, We celebrated Our 100th Anniversary!
