285.734 St. Paul Evangelical and W299s RefdOTned Church. Centennial, 1846-1946. Waterloo, 111. 3 l ^ ^yangelical end F^eforn)ed (Jtirch, (eotennial 1846=1946 JAfaterloo, Illinois Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/stpaulevangelicaOOwate DEDICATION This Centennial Booklet is dedicated to the glory of God, to whom be all honor and praise; to the memory of the pioneers, who by faith and vision, sacri- fices and work, founded our church and carried it on through the early years; and to all those who followed in the footsteps of the pioneers in holding high the Cross of Christ and in maintaining our church as a light for God in the midst of a sinful iv o rid. THE CHURCH 1946 ZSS.73 THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH THE FIRST CHURCH - 1847 The history of the Christian Church is the story of the goodness and mercy of the everlasting- God, who is the Father of us all, and whose love and mercy guides and keeps His people and His church through all the years. So God has kept our church through this century and in spite of the weakness and short- comings of all those who have labored here in behalf of the Kingdom, God's hand has prospered the work which has been done. In writing this brief history our deepest thought must always be, "All praise and honor to God without whose blessing nothing could have been accomplished. ' ' The history of the church is also the record of a people 's faith rather than the activity of an institution. In faith our fathers founded this church and in faith they carried on its work and as they lived and worked they imparted their faith to their children who later carried on in their stead. Thus the light of faith has been carried high through succeeding generations and we, during these days, are able to celebrate as we look back over the record which faith, through the goodness of God, has written through the years and it is in that same faith in which we take courage and bravely face the future for we know that "Faith is the victory that overcomes the world." The story of our St. Paul Evangeli- cal and Reformed Church takes us back to January 4, 1846. At that time "Wa- terloo was a very small village with but a few houses among which was a poor looking and small courthouse. There was but little development in the country around the small village. Only a few farmers, widely separated, were seeking their livelihood by tilling the soil. One of the early writers says, "In making o trip to Martini settlement, which was a distance of four miles, only one farm house was to be seen along the way." In a spiritual sense there was also a marked lack of development. The Ger- man speaking people who lived in Wa- terloo held n«> divine services and the few who clung to their faith had to make the trip to Martini Settlement where a small church had been erected but at best those trips were difficult and could not be undertaken too frequently. There was another more distant church at Cen- terville which was served by Pastor Ja- cob Knaus who also ministered to a third congregation, "Baum's Church," which was founded in L845. - 5 - At the Martini Church there was no pastor during the first years but the services were conducted by one of the farmers of the settlement who did his best to help satisfy the spiritual needs of his friends and neighbors by leading them in worship. But the task became too difficult for him and he asked to be relieved as soon as a pastor could be secured. By the providence of God, a young German pastor, W. Binner, ar- rived in America about that time and in November, 1845, he was asked to come to the Martini Church. After issuing the call to Pastor Binner, the leaders of that church came to Waterloo with the plea that Pastor Binner should also be called to preach here for they realized that the Martini Church was too small to support a pastor. The plea was eagerly received by a few families among whom three names stand out, namely, Stroh, Koechel, and Ohlendorph. With great joy and enthusiasm a petition was circu- lated and before long it seemed that every German speaking resident of Wa- terloo was in accord with the suggestion that Pastor Binner be called to preach here. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH UNDER PASTOR W. BINNER On January 1, 1846, Pastor Binner preached his first sermon at the Martini ( 'hurch, using as his text Revelation 21: 5-7, and three days later, on January 4, preached here in Waterloo on the basis of Hebrews 13 :8. This service was held in a very uninviting place, the dark and damp council room of the old courthouse, which became the home of the congrega- tion for more than a year. One of the first things which Pastor Binner did after moving to Waterloo with his family was to start a school. Many pupils were enrolled and among them were some 18 years of age who came because they had not been confirmed. It must have been a strange sight for this pastor from the Old World to see his pupils who were grown young men come riding to school on horseback, but as they came he diligently taught them the fundamentals PASTOR W. BINNER of education as well as the essentials ot the Christian faith. At the beginning the services in the courthouse were well attended, but because the pastor stood firmly on the Word of God and would not compromise his convictions, opposi- tion arose, and if it had not been for the school, the work might have ceased. But the Lord gave the little group of faithful souls the strength and courage to carry on. It was soon evident that the congre- gation could not worship in the uninvit- ing room of the courthouse for any length of time and the decision to build a suitable House of Worship was soon made. In spite of many difficulties and with the generous support of the English speaking inhabitants, the first church, which is pictured in this booklet, was dedicated on November 28, 1847. That was really a day of rejoicing for the twelve families who made up the congre- gation. Pastors G. W. Wall, A. Baltzer and Jacob Knaus, all of whom were among the pioneers in our denomination, made real contributions to the service of dedication. Pastor Steinert in an anni- versary booklet had this to say: "A feeling such as newlyweds have when they enter their home for the first time went through the hearts of the congrega- tion members." At this time, too, 21 families signed the constitution which they had formulated. Although the love of the Lord grew stronger, some of the unbelievers sought with mockery and ridicule to lead those whose faith was weak and wavering away from the church. Only for one year after the new church was erected was the founder of the congregation, Pastor W. Binner, permitted to preach the AVord of God among the little group whom he had learned to love. In autumn of 1848 he became ill and for a time it was thought that he would not recover. He felt it best to resign his pastorate and soon after Easter in 1849 he left Waterloo. It is interesting to note that after being re- stored to health he served for a time as professor of the Theological Seminary of our Church at Femme Osage and then went to be teacher and director of Me- lancthon Seminary in Elmhurst, which is now Elmhurst College. His last field of service was as pastor in Plymouth, Wis- consin. He died there on Good Friday, March 22, 1875, and his last words to his loved ones by whom he was surrounded were: "Remain in Christ." THE PASTORATE OF DR. G. STEINERT On the second Sunday after Easter in 1849, Pastor Binner preached his fare- well sermon on Acts 20:31-32, and theu he installed Pastor Steinert who then preached his first sermon as pastor of the congregation using as his text John 10:12-16. The young man was full of energy and enthusiasm and he began his work with great joy and vigor. There were visible results that the blessing of the Lord was upon His church for the congregation grew under his leadership. During the scourge of cholera which DR. G. STEINERT came at that time the pastor ministered faithfully in the name of his Lord and during those dread days many who had scoffed and who had fallen away from the Gospel turned back in repentance and faith to the Lord. The addition of new members gave new impetus to the work and on the second anniversary of the church dedication, a steeple, together with bells, was added to the church building. In addition, a school and a parsonage were built. Now the congre- gation had taken root firmly here in Waterloo. In those early years, Pastor Steinert not only served St. Paul's and the affiliate, the Martini Church, but also Salem's Church (Baum's congrega lion) and numerous other churches in the neighborhood for longer or shorter periods of time. He it was who organized the congregation of Columbia and for seven years he conducted services there regularly. He was a real power of good in the large area in which he did the work of the Master. One of/the great storms he weat he- ed with his small flock was the storm of atheism and unbelief which swept over our country during those early years. That proved to be a time of testing for the congregation and for the pastor but the Lord was with them and they clung more closely to the Word of God and to their church and just as Jesus prophe- sied, "The gates of hell did not prevail against that church." The faithfulness of the little flock and the consecrated work of the pastor soon made it evident with the passing of the years that the church building was too small. It was crowded not only on festival occasions, as is still the case with many a church, but it was crowded at regular services. One of the services which was never forgotten by the con- gregation of that day was the last ser- vice of the year 1854, for while the ser- vice was in progress one of the floor joists gave way and there must have been confusion as the floor sagged and settled. Immediately thereafter, with a faith and a vision which puts succeeding genera- tions to shame, the group which was still small decided to build a new church of such a size that children and children's children might have ample space to wor- ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Their faith and vision becomes clear to us today as we enter the church they built 90 years ago and which still serves as our House of Worship. The plan of that church building was drawn by Air. Geo. DePuyt and the building committee consisted of the Messrs. J. Koechel, A. Kumpf, and J. Stephan. They, together with the Church Council, made up of the Messrs. C. Stroh, Fr. Borntraeger and H. Schrader, did their work well so that on September 21, 1856, the new church could be dedicated to the glory of God and the service of man. ( )n that day of dedication, the con- gregation left the old church and with great rejoicing made its way to the im- pressive new and large House of Wor- ship. With the Psalmist's words in Psalm 100 ringing in their ears, the throng of worshippers entered the church and joined in singing the first hymn, "Only to God in the Highest Be Praise." Pastor A. Baltzer, the president of the German Society of the West and later president of the Evangelical Synod, led in the prayer of dedication and Pastor Binner, who had founded the congre»>;;- THE CHURCH -- 1856 Steeple Added In 1874 tion, preached the sermon of dedication on the basis of I Kings 9:1-13, which lie said was almost literally fulfilled in the life of the congregation. He reminded the people that their sacrifices for Christ and the building of the Church had not made them poor but had brought them rich blessings through the years and he urged them to a renewed consecration to Christ and the Kingdom. In the after- noon service Pastor Knaus spoke of the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and told of the blessing Jesus still brings when he comes. Thereafter Pastor Peters, the Baptist minister, gave an English talk in which he held up the uni- ty of all true Christians and finally Pas- tor Hohmeier preached on Ecclesiastes 5:1. It was a day of blessed celebration made possible by the faith, the vision, and the consecration of those pioneer believers who left us an example in building for the future. In the year 1874 a special task was again undertaken by the congregation. The tower of the church needed replace- ment after 18 years and a new, more beautiful and massive tower was built. It rose to a height of 125 feet from the ground and two bells were put in place at the time it was built. The third bell was added in 1880 under Pastor Holke so that through the years from the tower the melody of the bells might call all to lift up their hearts to God in worship. In those early years the bells were also rung daily to announce the noon and evening hour. It was only a short time after the completion of the steeple that the faith- ful pastor who had ministered many years realized that he would soon have to give up the work he loved. His physical strength was ebbing away and it was with a great deal of sorrow that the members of the congregation accept ed his resignation. On September 27, 1875, he preached his farewell sermon to a huge throng of worshippers and en- tered into retirement, which was only of a short duration. On Easter Sunday, April 15, 1876, the Lord called Pastor J. Steinert into the higher congregation after an earthly pilgrimage of a little more than 62 years. His earthly re- mains were laid to rest in our Waterloo Cemetery and his grave is marked with an impressive stone Cross, on the base of which is inscribed this Bible truth: II Timothy 4 :7-8 ' ' I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." PASTOR FRIEDRICH HOLKE LEADS THE CONGREGATION After the resignation of Pastor Steinert the congregation extended a call to Pastor Friedrich Holke of Summer- field, Illinois, who accepted and began his work on October 1, 1875. For nine years he worked faithfully here in St. Paul's Church and he left many visible results of his work. One of the first projects which was undertaken was a thorough revision of the constitution which governed the life and work of the congregation. It was at this time that PASTOR F. HOLKE the name, "St. Paul's Evangelical Church," was adopted for prior to that time it had been known chiefly as "The German Evangelical Church. " It is also interesting to see what great care was exercised in admitting new members into the fellowship of the church and those early minutes tell of members being plac- ed on probation and even ex-communi- cated for conduct unworthy of a Chris- tian believer. Under the leadership of Pastor Holke, the Parochial School was reestab- lished in 1879 and with Mr. J. F. Kiemei- er as teacher it began to flourish. There was a fine spirit of harmony between the pastor and the teacher and the school made its influence felt in the life of the congregation. At about tin- same time, a new organ with ten stops was acquired for the church and the credit for this im- provement goes to the pastor and to a group of energetic ladies who worked hard to make it possible. This organ still is in use in our sister church at Ploraville, Illinois. For many years the pastor of the church had lived in a house which was four blocks from the church and which - 9 had become inadequate as a parsonage. The congregation therefore decided to build a new home for the pastor next to the church and since 1881, when it was completed, it has continued to serve its purpose. In 1883, Pastor Holke sent out a call to the ladies of the congregation to as- semble for the purpose of organizing a Ladies Aid, and as the result of the gathering on July 5, L883, a society of ladies was organized which has exerted a real influence and has through all the years uhdergirded the work of the church in a very substantial way. The first officers were Mrs. Elizabeth Koe- chel, Jr., president; Mrs. Louise Prick, vice-president; Mrs. Minnie Rickert, secretary, and Mrs. Louisa Meyer, t rea surer. Early in the year 1885 Pastor Holke, who had been with the congregation for nine years, presented his resignation so that he might accept a call to a church in New Orleans, La., and on May 3rd the congregation gathered to say farewell to their pastor in the morning service and at a special evening service all the con- firmands who had knelt at the altar during his pastorate gathered to pay tribute to him before he left Waterloo. THE MINISTRY OF PASTOR JOHN NOLLAU The longest pastorate in the history of our congregation was that of Pastor Xollau who assumed his duties here in St. Paul s on May 28, 1885. In his anni- versary booklet, published in German in 1896, he had this to say, concerning him- self and the congregation: "He (Nollau) found an orderly and a good condition in the congregation, thanks to the work of his predecessors, and also a kind and trusting response on the part of the con- gregation. His field of labor was limit- ed inasmuch as all the affiliates had be- come self-supporting and had their own pastors. The congregation numbered 120 members at that time, half of which lived in Wateroo and the other half in the surrownding country;^ 1 One of the first -efforts of iPastor REV. J. NOLLAU Nollau was to have a debt-free church and under his guidance a house-to-house canvass was made. The people respond- ed well and in 1886 the first project, a debt-free church, initiated by the new pastor, was successful. In the year 1892 the interior of the church was completely renovated. The extremely plain church was changed so as to present a more worshipful atmos- phere. The old balconies with their massive wooden pillars and the uncom- fortable pews were replaced. Electric lights were installed. The members of the congregation, who had given a free hand to the Church Council in planning and carrying out this renovation, were so pleased and contributed so liberally that the entire cost was met even before all the work was complete. The church was further beautified when the art glass windows were installed in 1896 for the 50th anniversary. One of the dreams of Pastor Xollau was to have this congregation join the Synod and various attempts to have the members of the congregation take this step were initiated but because of a lack of understanding: of what was involved 10- and of the benefits to be derived they were all unsuccessful. It was not until the time of Pastor Brink that the step was finally taken. It was also during the ministry of this faithful pastor that the Parochial School enjoyed its greatest success. The teachers, to whom many of the people of that time owe their secular as well as Christian education, and who also had charge of the music in the congregation, made a real contribution to the church and its members and we are happy to list their names as a part of this history. They were the Messrs. J. F. Riemeier, B. Fuendeling, Geo. Esmann, Herman Breitenbach, .1. Abele, V. Michaelis, L. Wiegmann, Theo. Trost, A. C. Roth, F. T. Hotz, Wm. Rolf, and C. H. Struckmey- er. But with the passing of the years th" Parochial School began to wane and in 1916 it was discontinued, after having served for an unbroken period of forty years. One other milestone was passed dur- ing these years. The first ordination of a young man to the Christian ministry took place. In July, 1903, John Nollau, .Jr., the pastor's son, was ordained to the sacred ministry of the Word here in St. Paul's church. However, he was not to serve long in the Master's vineyard, for three years later his life of promise was cut short by death and while his soul has entered the Church triumphant, his body lies sleeping here in the Waterloo Cemetery. In the year 1914, evening services in English were introduced for the first time and gradually, with the passing of the years, they became more necessary for the welfare of the church. ( me other major improvement was made and that was the organ niche which was built in 1915, with the Ladies Aid meeting the entire cost. The rigors of his advancing years were making themselves felt in Pastor Nollau 's life and on January 23, 1917, he resigned to make way for a younger man. He closed his long and fruitful ministrv on July 22, 1917. The congregation, in REV. G. BRINK recognition of his long service, granted him a pension of $25.00 a month, and this was paid until the time of his death in L939. PASTOR G. BRINK ASSUMES THE LEADERSHIP On July 29, 1917, a young man from Pasadena, California, arrived in Water- loo to take over the reins of leadership here in St. Paul's. He brought with him vigor and consecration as well as en- thusiasm as he started his significant ministry. One of the first things he did was to introduce English in the Sunday School and the children which had drift- ed away from the church because they did not like and could not understand the German language soon returned. The Sunday School grew by leaps and bounds and it was soon evident that fa- cilities would have to be provided for ( Jhristian education. The musical ability of the new pas tor also soon made itself felt. In 1919 a new Renter organ was dedicated and the old organ was sold to the Floraville congregation. In the same year, a band and an orchestra were organized under the leadership of the pastor. Later Mr. 11 - Bryant B. Voris took charge and the band lvhich was started then has iioav become a civic project. The year 1919 marks the adoption of the envelope system of church f inane- Lag and there was a real improvement as far as the stewardship of money is con- cerned. Furthermore, the Young Peo- ple's League was called into being so that young men as well as young women might attend. "The Jungfrauen Ver- cin," which had served its purpose, was merged with the new organization. Another innovation made at this time was the introduction of a Sunday morn- ing English service each month as well as the transaction of all church business in English. It was also in 1919 that the invitation came again to become mem- bers of the Evangelical Synod, but the matter was tabled. After another un- successful attempt in 1923, the congrega- tion meeting of 1924 voted, by a small majority, to take this important step. On September 21, 1924, in an impressive service conducted by Pastor F. J. Lang- horst, president of the South Illinois District, our church became a full fledg- ed member of the denomination and it is a step of which we can be justly proud for it has linked us to a great church in which and through which we are doing a great work for Christ and the Kingdom. In 1920, Miss Cornelia Gaertner be- came organist and financial secretary of the church and through the years she has capably and faithfully filled this position which she still holds. The growing Sunday School and the increased activity in the church, under Pastor Brink, gave the congregation a vision of greater service which could be rendered through the construction of a suitable Parish Hall. A great deal of discussion followed, committees were appointed, much work was done, but there were no visible results until the year 1925. In the annual meeting of that year, A. J. Koenigssmark, Dr. E. F. Stallman, Geo. W. Ziebold, Armin Pin- kel, U. J. Heyl, Wm. Grosse, W. C. Heyl and Louis Osterhage were appointed as MISS CORNELIA GAERTNER a committee whose duty it was to make the Parish Hall a reality. Plans were drawn and funds were subscribed by in- dividual members and by the societies. The total cost was $63,650 and at the time of the formal dedication on Septem- ber 11, 1927, a debt of $23,000.00 remain- ed. Many memorial gifts were given, among which was the entire Sunday School equipment in memory of Lenora Eilbracht. The other memorials are listed in the Parish Hall Dedication Booklet as well as in the 85th anniver- sary booklet of 1931. The members of the congregation, the community, as well as many in larger circles, saw that this completed Parish Hall was a building of which one could be proud, and it stands today as a tribute to the faith and the activity of all who had a part in its erection. The unusual amount of work en- countered here in a large church and the energy he expended in doing it so faith- fully through the years sapped the vitali- ty of Pastor Brink and he felt it neces- sary to relinquish the mantle of leader- ship in order to accept a smaller parish at Little Rock, Ark., which would relieve the nervous strain under which he was working. He bade farewell to his con- - 12 - REV. R. A. MENSENDIEK THE PARISH HALL Built During Pastorate of Rev. G. Brink - 13 - gregation on September 23, 1928, after a ministry which is still cherished among a great many of our members. REV. R. A. MENSENDIEK ACCEPTS THE CALL AS PASTOR On October 12, 1928, Pastor Mensen- diek of Ft. Madison, la., accepted a call to become the pastor of the congregation. Prior to his coming, the parsonage was thoroughly renovated at the cost of $2,800.00. On January 20, 1929, the new pastor began his work and in the summer of the same year the regular English services each Sunday morning were instituted. Two German services were held each month during the Sunday School hour so that the needs of the old- er members might be met. In the autumn of the same year an every mem- ber canvass was held so that the mem- bers might be challenged to be better stewards in their financial support of the church. The chief activity of the year 1930 in addition to adequate spiritual activity were two debt reduc tion efforts among the individual mem bers and through the societies by which the total debt was reduc- ed to $11,000.00. It w T as in this same year that the parish paper, which had been tried before, was revived under the name of "St. Paul's Messen ger," and multigraph equipment for prini ing it was also seen: ed. Another new ven- ture, which has been and will always con thine to be a credit t<» our church, had its beginning in 1931. Oil February 22nd of that year, Mrs. Conrad Kolmer donated a tract of land cast of town for cemetery purposes. This gift was thankfully accepted by the congregation and cemetery trustees were elect ctl to carry out the provisions of the gift. The group placed in charge of this project were A. L. Kolmer, W. C. Heyl, A. J. Koenigsmark, H. E. Hauptfleisch, Louis Mueller, and Dr. E. F. Stallnian. Prom this beginning there has developed .1 perpetual care cemetery called Kolmer Memorial Park which is not only a credit to the church but also an asset to our community. On November 1, 1931, Pastor Men- sendiek terminated his ministry in order to accept a call to Salem s Church of Quincy, Illinois. PASTOn H. KOCHHEIM COMES TO WATERLOO On November 8, 1931, the congrega- tion extended a call to the Rev. Mr. H. Kochheim, pastor of Mt. Tabor Church in St. Louis, Mo. This call was accepted and on January 1, 1932, the new pastor began his work. For almost 11 years he guided the affairs and took care of the spiritual nurture of the congregation. Two of the major projects under- taken during this pastorate were the de- velopment of the Kolmer Memorial Park and the liquidation of the indebtedness of the Parish Hall. The cemetery began with a debt of over $4,000.00, which was used for developing the plot which had been so generously donated. With the passing of the years a burial park of rare beauty was created, lots were sold, and the deficit was turned into a surplus so that at the time this is being written our Perpetual Care Endowment Fund meets the required standards. The Parish Hall debt was also gradually reduced and that chiefly through the work and the efforts of the Ladies Aid, or Women's Guild, as it is known at present. To be sure the indi- vidual members contributed through various drives for funds for the liquida- tion of this indebtedness but it was the ladies who contributed most so that the REV. H. KOCHHEIM debt was reduced to $1,800.00 by the end of the pastorate. In 1937 a Church Renovation Pro- gram was instituted and the interior of the church was repainted to present an attractive and worshipful appearance. At this time the Ladies Bible Class had chimes added to the organ and the men of the church made it possible to place an amplifier in the church tower. Three special funds were started during these years, namely, the Endow- ment Fund, the New Church Fund, and the Centennial Fund. The former two .ire still growing and the latter was com- pleted during the succeeding pastorate. On September 30, 1942, Pastor Kochheim tendered his resignation to the congregation so that he might be- come a chaplain in the Army, and with that resignation the seventh pastorate in the history of the church was closed. PASTOR JOHN H. SCHULTZ. THE NEW SPIRITUAL LEADER On December 20, 1942, Pastor John H. Schultz, who had been serving as supply pastor, was elected to serve as the spiritual leader of St. Paul's. The Rev. Mr. Schultz brought with him into the pastorate a rich experience which he bad gained serving as a missionary in 14 REV. J. H. SCHULTZ India and he entered his new task with consecration and vigor. His ministry was marked with a new revival of the spiritual life of the church and an in- creased interest in the Larger Kingdom Work. Three major projects were under- taken : The remaining debt on the Par- ish Hall amounting to $1800.00 was liqui- dated and the congregation became debt free ; the organ was completely rebuilt by means of gifts which were secured from all those who had knelt before the altar of our church to receive the confir- mation blessing; and under the spon- sorship of the Women's Guild an ample supply of the new Hymnals was secured as gifts from the members and friends of the church. During the last year of his pastor- ate, the Rev. Mr. Schultz made prelimi- nary plans for the observance of the Centennial and led the congregation in enlarging the Centennial Fund. In response to an urgent call from the Evangelical Deaconess Hospital in Lincoln, Illinois, Pastor Schultz felt im- pelled to close his ministry here so thai he might become the superintendent of that institution, and on November 2.'), 1945, he preached his farewell sermon and left Waterloo. THE PRESENT PASTORATE THE REV. MR. OTTO C. BASSLER On December 1, 194"), I took over the duties as pastor and because the par- sonage was not ready for occupancy, my first sermon was preached on December 9th, and my family and I moved to Wa- terloo a few days later. My immediate task was the planning of the details of the Centennial celebra- tion. The following program and goals were planned with the help of a good committee and approved by the congre- gation at the annual meeting in January, 1946. Centennial Services JANUARY 6. 1946: Opening Service. Theme: "The Faith of Our Fathers." FEBRUARY 24, 1946: Service honoring the Pioneer Pastors. Theme : ' ' Shepherds of Souls. ' ' MARCH 10, 1946: ( )rdination of Rev. Nelson Andres. Sermon by Rev. John Schultz. APRIL 14. 1946: Centennial Reunion Service for All Confirmands. MAY 26. 1946: Service with Brotherhood members as honor guests. Sermon by pastor: "Kingdom Build- ers. ' ' JUNE 16, 1946: Children's Day Service with Sunday School as honor guests. Sermon by pastor: "The Children's Friend." JULY 28. 1946: Service with the members of the Women's Guild as honor guests. Sermon: "The Past Is Prelude," by Rev. A. Buck, Chicago, Illinois. AUGUST 17. 1946: Service with the Young People's Fel- lowship as Guests. Sermon by pastor: "Youth For Christ."' L5 REV. OTTO C. BASSLER SEPTEMBER. 1946: FORMER PASTOR MONTH Sept. 8: Guest minister, The Rev. Mr. John Schultz, Lincoln, Illinois. Theme: "The Purpose of a Church." Sept. 15: Guest minister, The Rev. M r. H. Kochheim, Hiawatha, Kansas. Theme (German): "Die Krone Des Lebens." Theme (English): "The Master As Servant." Sept. 22: Guest minister, The Bev. Mr R. A. Mensendiek, Lorain, Ohio. Theme: "Having' An Everlasting Gospel To Preach." Sept. 29: Guest minister, The Rev. Mr. G. Brink, Freeburg, Illinois. Theme: "The Making of a Kingdom Builder." OCTOBER 6. 1946: Centennial World Communion Sunday Guest ministers : The Rev. Mr. Fred Anderson, Bland, Mo., and the Rev. Mr. Roy Anderson, Hudson, Kansas, Litur- gists, and sermon b} r The Rev. Mr. William Anderson, New Orleans, La. Theme : ' ' The Peace of God. ' ' OCTOBER la, 1946: Guest minister, Dr. L. W. Goebel, President of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, Chicago, Illinois Morning Worship at 10 :00 A. M. Evening Worship at 7 :30 P. M. (Neighboring Churches Invited) OCTOBER 27. 1946: Homecoming Service, the pastor preaching. (For all members, all confirmands, all former members of the congrega tion). Guest organist, Mr. C. Struckmeyer NOVEMBER 17. 1946: Final Service of Praise and Thanksgiving. Sermon : ' ' Our Vision of the Future, ' ' by the pastor. Centennial duals I. Spiritual Goals 1. Increased and more regular church attendance. 2. At least 100 new members to be received. .'!. A Family Altar in every home. 4. 25 per cent increase in the Sunday School. 5. A renewed emphasis on the Stewardship of time, talents and possessions. II. Greater Kingdom Goals 1. More missionary interest and support. 2. The payment of the apportion- ment in full. 3. Doing our share in World Service. HI. Physical Goals 1. More adequate Christian Edu- cation facilities such as Sun- day School class rooms. 2. A New St. Paul's Church (Work on a five year plan). a. Begin gathering funds dur- ing centennial year-enlist all members and organizations. b. Have a Century Club-No gift too large and none too small. Ask people to give in units of 100 over a five year period. 16 - At the time of this writing many of the goals have been met, others still re- quire a great deal of work, but we do hope to complete all goals which were set just as soon as possible. A program like this requires the prayers and the ac- tive support of every member and I am certainly thankful for the fine spirit of co-operation with which we have been blessed in this Centennial year. May it continue, so that we can go on to even greater things. It is good to report that the church interior was washed and retouched and that the Parish Hall could be repainted for our special services. Other contem- plated improvements for which the mon- ey is available in the Centennial Fund will be made as soon as materials are available. Another tribute to the spiritual life of the congregation is the payment of the Greater Kingdom Apportionment in full and the fact that we stand first in the South Illinois Synod in the amount con- tributed to Emergency World Service. Everyone who has done his or her part in these two projects will certainly re- ceive a blessing, for this is Christian Love in Action. In concluding a history such as this in which the record of the pastors is chronicled one must recognize that the pastors were dependent on many faith- ful leaders and workers in the church and in the organizations of the church. While we cannot recognize each individ- ual, we do want to pay tribute to all those who served their church as trustees and in later years as members of the Consistory. Our records go back to October 1, 1876, and from that time we list the names and pay tribute to these leaders in the life and work of the church : Frederick Meyer Jacob Oldendorph Henry Kaemper Carl H. Schliebe George W. Ziebold Adam Schneider Paul C. Brey Henry Hesterberg Louis Weihl Fred H. Lutz Wm. E. Eilbracht Michael Reitz August Landmann J. F. Wm. Binder Wm. C. Heyl Richard Kolmer John Pieper Armin L. Kolmer C. H. Koenigsmark R. R. Gregson George Werling Christian Jobusch Edward Borntraeger Lorenz Meier John Moeller Carl Liebheit Theo. Stockburger George Mueller Henry Loehr Louis Kolmer Henry Kaemper Herman Killy A. J. Koenigsmark Herman Wallhaus Edward G. Goeddel Louis Osterhage H. E. Hauptfleisch Albert Lenhardt August Bodenbach Herman Wessel U. J. Heyl A. H. Wallhaus Herman Koechel John Braun Louis Pieper George Lutz Henry Wallhaus Herman Quernheim Casper Gleiber Andrew Lutz Armin Pinkel John F. Schmidt Charles Wischmeyer Albert Heyl Wm. Ritzel Herman Oldendorph Albert Quernheim Wm. Nobbe Philip A. Kraft Louis Mueller Dr. E. F. Stallman Wm. Grosse Louis Lich M. A. Koenigsmark Aug. Wagner Louis A. Dalkert Richard Baxmeyer Otto A. Goeddel Eugene Stumpf Charles Lutz Louis A. Petri Chas. Wehmeyer Herman Eitmann Albert Dillenberger Albert Kopp Albert Mueller A. Louis Keim Otto Kolmer Erwin Mueller Walter Fischer Emil Hartmann, Jr. Louis Zimmer Erwin Schewe Wm. C. Heyl Herman Eitmann Alfred Mueller Emil Schaeffer Mrs. U. J. Heyl Mrs. C. P. Koonce Louis Osterhage Walter Gleiber George Crook Theodore Goeddel C. M. Douglas Victor Schrader William Schewe Fridolin Bersche Louis Mueller Elmer Goeddel Mrs. Chas. Lutz Miss Gertrude Wolf Emil Hartmann, Jr. Edgar Zimmer Clarence Osterhage Walter Schulz Karl Fritz Mrs. Aug. Wagner Mrs. Louis Pieper Jr. 17 THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY The five young men whose pictures appear on this page were ordained to the Christian ministry in our church. REV. ROY ANDERSON Ordained in 1938 REV. NELSON ANDRES Ordained in 1946 IS The Present CONSISTORY Front row (left to right): Ed- gar Zimmer, secretary; Victor Schrader, vice-president; Rev. Otto C. Bassler; Clarence Douglas, president; William Schewe, Jr., treasurer. Second row: Walter Schulz. Karl Fritz, Wm. C. Heyl, Mrs. Louis Pieper, Mrs. Aug. Wag- ner, Fridolin Bersche, Emil Hartmann, Jr., Clarence Os- terhage. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL The Sunday School was started dur- ing Dr. Steinert's pastorate and at that time was called "der Kindergottesdienst am Tage des Herrn" (the children's ser- vice on the Lord's Day). At the begin- ning the work of the Sunday School was carried on in the German language under the leadership of the pastor and Paroch- ial School teachers and for a time it met a real need. However, with the advance made in the use of the English language in the community, the Sunday School be- gan to dwindle. For many years the church was used for Sunday School, but later two rooms were added to the church and they served as the meeting place for the smaller children. It was under the pastorate of Rev. Brink that the Sunday School came into its own, for soon after he assumed the leadership of the congre- gation, he led the movement to conduct the teaching in the English language. The enrollment increased rapidly and the need of a more adequate meeting place soon made itself felt. This led to the building of the Parish Hall in 1926. This venture of faith on the pail of the congregation made good facilities for Christian education available. The Sun- day School was then reorganized into departments so that it might do its work more efficiently. Lay leaders also took over the supervision of the work and the following have served as Sunday School superintendents : the Messrs. U. J. Heyl, Walter Gleiber, Elmer Gqeddel, Sylvan Jaenke, and Louis Pieper. Through the years the Sunday School not only carried on its teaching- ministry but also undergirded the work of the church in many ways and was ac- tive in supporting benevolent institn tions as well as missionary projects. Recently this group purchased a heifer which is to be sent abroad for relict' and the various departments have been ac tively supporting the "Cereal for Re lief" project of our denomination. Under the leadership of Mr. Louis Pieper, as superintendent* a teacher training class is being fostered. visual aid equipment is being secured, and our Sunday School is seeking in every way to make itself a more effective force in Christian teaching for Christian li vini>'. I!) TheB C'e-LlllHTS' Department First row (left to right) : Doris Mueller, Ronald Schewe, Louis Alan Bode, Shirley Schewe, Paul Stiening, Jeanette Mueller, Sonja Gentsch, Jean Osterhage, Bonnie Lee Empson, John Rentschler, Mary Ellen Rushing. Second row: Nancy Leber, Phyllis Ann Rushing, Sandra Mueller, Charles Dalkert, Joyce Schewe, Ronald Brandt, Vickie Mueller, Jackie Wetzler, Janet Jehling, Janis Sue Mueller, Mary Bickelhaupt, Harry Bickelhaupt. Third row: Billy Snodgras, Jimmie Wedel, Marlene Schaefer, Jerry Nienhaus, Herbert Wild^e, Bruce Walz, Morris Binder, William Nobbe, Dick Weihl, Bob Weihl, Jimmie Heusohn. Fourth row — teachers: Miss Adele Goeddel, Miss Violet Hartmann, Miss Betty Ann Hauptfleisch, Mrs. Lydia Grosse, Supt., Miss Aileen Pape, Mrs. Walter Wienhoff, Miss Marie Louise Kolmer. "Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not; for to such belongeth the Kingdom of God."~M&rk 10:14. - 20 The Primary Department First row (left to right): Clem Esker, David Rushing, H. R. Gentsch, Marjorie Winkler, Jean Ellen Sparwasser, Lorraine Schewe, Ruth Weihl, David Asselmeier, Donald Wolf, Dale Bode, Joan Lee Koch, Janet Mueller. Second row: Nancy Pabst, Martha Quernheim, Shirley Naumann, Richard Gleiber, Donald Loehr, Wayne Van Pelt, Larry Van Pelt, Jack Wells, Willis Stemler, Donald Reifschneider, Robert Hoffmann, David Weihl. Third row: Ruth Ann Schaefer, Betty Hazelwood, Doris Goeddel, Carol Ann Mueller, Jacqueline Mueller, Laverne Mueller, Marlou Schewe, Betty Schewe, Beverly Hieronymous, Jean Wallhaus, Carol Ann Schewe. Fourth row: Carolyn Goeddel, Edythe Mae Schaack, Joanne Dalkert, Patricia Amrine, Oliver Wilde, Bob Wallhaus, Albert Butterweck, Kenneth Hartmann, John Pieper. Fifth row: Miss Lillian Hirsch, Miss Jessalyn Fritz, Mrs. Alfred Asselmeier, Miss Gladys Gauen, Miss Lucille Lenhardt, Miss Mamie Goeddel, Miss Edna Quernheim. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from i£. "--Proverbs 22:6. - 21 - The Junior Department Front row: Lucille Wedel, Gail Fischer, Georgia Faye Orrell, Barbara Hazelwood, Marlene Sparwasser, Joan Lee Koch, Charles Janson, Bobby Wells, Glenn Nobbe, Wayne Ahrons, James Siedle, Glenn Limestall. Second row: Earl Hoffmann, James Schaller, Elmer Naumann, Roger Fischer, Clyde Schaeffer, Reuben Reinhold, Wilbert Wetzler, Elizabeth Louise Goeddel, LuAnn Gleiber, Shirley Winkler, Janice Hogan, Merle Wischmeyer, Marilynn Fischer, Karol Weihl. Third row: Walter Winkler, Harvey Schaeffer, Paul Mueller, William Goeddel, Willis Pape, Elaine Mueller, Adelle Brandt, Delores Naumann, Shirley Korvas, Darlene Mueller, Jean Fridrichs, Gladys Stemler. Fourth row: Louis Gauen, Charles Gauen, Donald Reitz, Herbert Stemler, Alma Johanning, Geneva Lenhardt, Ruth Pape, Ruth Kolmer. Fifth row: Karl Nobbe, Roger Ahrons, Bobby Hazelwood, Louis Metzger, Marlene Libo, Mary Beth Goeddel, Ann Burton, Shirley Ruch, Louis Fischer, Bobby Burton, Roy Henke Sixth row: Mr. Fridolin Bersche, Mrs. Ruth Welsch, Miss Ruth Mueller, Mrs. George Miller, Mrs. Elmer Schewe, Mrs. Robert Meyer, Miss Dorothy Ann Leister. "And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and maw."— Luke 2:52. - 22 Intermediate, Senior, and Adult Department First row (left to right): Margaret Quernheim. Betty Kirsch, Jean Reitz, Mardell Valentine, Audrey Nobbe, Audrey Wehmeyer, Dorothy Naumann, Doris Leber, Norma Jean Mueller, Verna Rodenberg. Second row: Marlene Eitmann, Arlene Sparwasser, Patsy Mueller, Esther Sehroth, Edward Metzger, Russell Rippelmeyer, Allan Kolmer, John Wedel, Melvin Amrine. Third row: Shirley Josten, Tillie Steinmann, Beverly Amrine, Patsy Quernheim, Lynette Backs, James Fischer, Leroy Trost, Charles Crook. Gene Buss, Leroy Loehr. Fourth row: Arlou Janson, June Siedle. Betty Limestall, Vernon Mueller, Carl Rippelmeyer, John Schaller, Merl Rodenberg, Raymond Winkler. Fifth row: Edith Law, Barbara Keim, Arlou Wisehmeyer, Dorothy Stroh, Joseph Goeddel, Paul Quernheim, Charles Metzger, Otto Bassler, Jr., Rev. Otto C. Bassler. Sixth row: Betty Reifschneider, Adele Horn. JoAnn Schulz, Ray Schmidt, David Quernheim. Marvin Henke, Louis Stumpf. Seventh row: Mrs. Clarence Osterhage, Mrs. Louis Pieper, Mrs. Emil Quernheim, Pearl Mueller. Marian Orrell, James Heyl, Lee Deul, Donald Gleiber. Eighth row: Mrs. Ray Pabst, Dorothv Pohlmann, Mabel Mueller, Mrs. Emil Schaeffer, Mrs. Joseph Goeddel, Sr., Mrs. Walter Schulz, Mrs. Philip Kraft. Ninth row: Erwin Pottoff, Mrs. Erwin Pottoff, Mrs. Eugene Stumpf, Mrs. Gottlieb Ziebold, Mrs. Wm. Schewe, Sr., Edward Kolmer, Russell Gregson, Carlyle Morrison, Leroy Sehroth, Mrs. Carlyle Morrison, Emil Hartmann, Jr. Tenth row: Mrs. Herman Weitkamp, Elmer Schewe, Louis Pieper, Richard Schulz. James Miller, Morris Deul, Roger Nottmeier, Paul Nobbe, William Mohr, Albert Wiegand. "Be thou faithful unto gf The Senior Choir First row (left to right): Peggy Nienhaus, Mrs. O. C. Bassler, Dorothy Pohlmann, Lillian Hirsch, Mrs. Herbert Hoffmann, Mrs. Alfred Meyer, Edith Mehan, Mrs. Herman Weitkamp, Ruth Mueller. Second row: Louis Pieper, director; Cornelia Gaertner, organist; Mrs. Robert Limestall, Adele Goeddel, Mrs. Erwin Pottoff, Mrs. Robert Noelke. Third row: James Miller, Roger Nottmeier, William Mohr, Alvin Prange, Harold Goeddel, Vernon Goeddel, Norman Rodenberg. Ch Seated (left to right): Margaret Quernheim, Mardell Valentine, Audrey Nobbe, Patsy Mueller, Edith Law, Betty Ann Hauptfleisch, Lynette Backs, Dorothy Ann Leister, Marian Orrell. Standing: Cornelia Gaertner, organist; Dorothy Naumann, Doris Leber, Marjorie Werling, Audrey Wehmeier, Marlene Eitmann, Jean Reitz, Verna Rodenberg, Betty Reifschneider, Norma Jean Mueller, Ruth Richert, director. - 26- The Brotherhood Front row (left to right): Louis Mueller, treasurer: Louis Osterhage, secretary; Herman Eitman, vice-president; Armin Rippelmeyer, president; Rev. Otto C. Bassler; Walter Schulz, deacon; Armin Bechtold. Second row: Armin Kolmer, Henry Goeddel, Albert Heyl, George Crook, Edgar Zimmer, Clarence Osterhage, Charles Lutz, Oscar Hoffmann. Third row: Marcellus Hartmann, Louis Dalkert, Emil Goeddel, Ray Pabst, Walter Gleiber, Wm. Grosse, Sr., W. C. Heyl. Fourth row: Albert Quernheim, George Methier, Jacob Seyler, Louis Petri. John Schmidt, David Bishop, Fridolin Bersche, Emil Hartmann, Jacob Bersche. Fifth row: Louis Pieper, Otto Goeddel, Erwin Schewe, Clarence Douglas. Erwin Pottoff, Emil Schaeffer. Sixth row: Wm. Schewe, Jr., Karl Fritz, Erwin Mueller, Victor Schrader, Walter Wetzel. THE BROTHERHOOD Sunday, July 25, L920, proved to be a rod-letter day for the men of our con- gregation, for on that day the Brother- hood was organized. A week earlier, Mr. U. J. Heyl, who was then president of the East St. Louis Brotherhood, had met with 19 men and had given impetus to the Brotherhood movement here in our church. At the time of the organization, Mr. A. J. Koenigsmark was elected president of the local group and the mot- to, " Be Ye Steadfast, ' ' (ICor.15 :38) was chosen. One of the first activities of the men was the organization of the Brother hood Choir which rendered fine service for a number of years not only in the or- ganization but also the services of wor- ship. In the early years the members were active in visiting in other churches in the interest of Brotherhood work and many of the neighboring chapters were called into being through their ef- forts. Our men have at all times sup- ported the work of the church and one of their major contributions was the chairs for the Parish Hall. While the present membership is not as large as it formerly was, the Brotherhood still makes its influence felt in our congrega- tion and herewith wishes to extend a cor- dial invitation to all men to join their ranks, thus making their influence count for Christ and the Church. The following have served as presi- dent of our men s group : the Messrs. A. J. Koenigsmark, H. Emil Gauen, Dr. E. F. Stallman, Albert P. Heyl, Edw. G. Goeddel, C. H. Koenigsmark, Wm. C. Heyl, H. E. Hauptfleisch, Herman Wall- haus, Otis Rexroth, M. A. Koenigsmark, Russell R. Gregson, Fred Henke, Wm. Grosse, Sr., Louis Petri, A. Louis Keim, George A. Crook, Walter P. Schulz, Louis H. Osterhage, Emil Schaeffer, and Arm in Rippelmeyer. THE GIRLS GUILD (Left to right): Dorothy E. Jehling, Mabel Mueller, Pearl Mueller, Dorothy Pohlmann, Lillian Hirsch, Ruth Sehellhardt, Joyce Horn, Jessalvn Fritz, Marie Louise Kolmer, Adele Goeddel, Lucille Lenhardt. This is the most recent of our or- ganizations and was organized in 1945, during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. J. Schultz, under the sponsorship of our Women's Guild. The group, though small, is active in carrying out a regular monthly program and in rendering ser- vice not only in our congregation but also in the Greater Kingdom work. Recently the members made contributions to the Girls Guild Heifer Project and also pre- sented a three act play to an appreciative audience. They are anxious to increase their membership and interested young- ladies are invited to join the group. Miss Adele Goeddel is president of the group. YOUTH FELLOWSHIP In 1884, under the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Holke, a " Jungfrauen-verein" (Young Ladies Society) was organized, and this group was active until 1919 when it was replaced by a Young Peo- ple's League, including both voung wo- - 28 men and young men. A period of real activity followed in which the young people gave various programs and sought to accumulate funds, which might be used for a Parish Hall. When this Parish Hall became a reality, the young people were ready to contribute over The Youth Fellowship First row (reading left to right): Karl Fritz, sponsor; Norma Jean Mueller, secretary; Aileen Pape, president; Barbara Keim, financial secretary; Donald Gleiber, vice-president; Loren Mentel, treasurer. Second row: Eugene Voelker, Russel Rippelmeyer, Edward Metzger, Charles Crook, James Fischer, Leroy Trost, Gene Buss. Third row: Leroy Loehr, Verna Rodenberg, Marjorie Werling, Audrey Wehmeier, Dorothy Nau- mann, Doris Leber. Fourth row: Jean Reitz, Dorothy Leister, Audrey Nobbe, Mardell Valentine, Patsy Mueller, Marlene Eitman, Margaret Quernheim, John Schaller. Fifth row: Joseph Goeddel, Betty Wolf, JoAnn Schulz, Betty Hauptfleisch, Shirley Josten, Betty Reifschneider, Lynette Backs, Otto Bassler, Jr. Sixth row: Gladys Hoffmann, Marian Orrell, Edith Law, Tillie Steinmann, June Werling, Adele Horn. Seventh Row: Arlou Wischmeier, Arlou Janson, Beverly Amrine, Violet Hartmann, Patsy Nienhaus, Ruth Mueller, Wilda Bange. Eighth row: William Stallman, Morris Deul, Wilma Bange, Jules Werling, James Miller, Lee Deul, $4,500.00, and since that time they have always been willing to help and they have supported the work of the church in many ways. At the present time the group meets twice a month, holds regular Council meetings, and carries out a planned pro- gram of worship, business and fellow- ship. Last year they purchased a new Ampro Sound Motion Picture Projector and they have made it available to the ■congregation and to other organizations. 29 - At the present time they are gathering funds to purchase a heifer for relief. They assist regularly in our Pew Com- munion services and also plan and carry out the Easter Sunrise Service in Kol- mer Memorial Park. Mr. Karl Fritz is sponsor for the group and represents it on the Consistory. The following have served as presi- dents of the organization since its be- ginning in 1919: Willis Koenigsmark, < Mis Efcexroth, Edwin Jaenke, Fred Weit- kamp, Edgar Zimmer, Morris Binder, Sylvan Jaenke, Elmer Goeddel, Veranna Key, Clyde Hermann, Gladys Gauen, Herman Dalkert, Leona Zimmer, Irwin Goeddel, Clyde Mueller, Elmer Doc- litzsch, Paul Koenigsmark, Varnum Heyl, Eugene Kolmer, Jackie Williams, Karl Fritz, and Aileen Pape, who is serv- ing at present. OUR CUSTODIANS Another group of people deserve honorable mention in this Centennial booklet, and they are the ones who, through the years, have served as cus- todians of the church. Their work and efforts, though often unheralded and un- sung, have meant a lot in the life and work of our congregation, and we pay tribute to all of them. At the present time, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ruehle are serving us as custodians. CONCLUSION There is only one way in which a history such as this can be closed and that is with the words of the psalmist, "Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." All of us know well that the backward glance in life is not enough. There must also be a forward look to- ward the greater things which, with the help and blessing of God, are yet to be. Thus we use this anniversary as a time to rededicate ourselves anew to Christ and to His Church and as we go forth we will hold high the faith of our fathers and continue to build here a true and glorious Church of the living and ever- present Christ. May God grant us His power, His spirit, and His presence as we enter into the second century of our work as a Christian Church. A PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH We pray for Thy Church, which is set today amid the perplexities of a changing order and face to face with great new tasks. We remember with love the nurture she gave to our spiritual life in its infancy, the tasks she set for our growing strength, the influence of the devoted hearts she gathers, the steadfast power for good she has exerted. When we compare her with all human institu- tions, ice rejoice, for there is none like her. Rut when we judge her by the mind of her Master, tee bow in contrition. OGod, baptise her afresh in the life-giving spirit of Jesus! Put upon her lips the ancient Gospel of her Lord. Fill her with the prophet's scorn of tyranny, and with a Christlike tenderness for the heavyla- den and downtrodden. Bid her cease from seeking her own life, lest she lose it. Make tier valiant to give up her life to humanity, that like her crucified Lord she may mount by the path of the Cross to higher glory. Amen. From "Book of Worship" - 30 - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA III 3 0112 050756375