The missionary work of Rev. George Cronenwett led to the establishment of the first Lutheran church in the community. Under the leadership of Rev. C. Raths, a simple frame building was erected in 1867 on what is now our west parking lot. On June 7, 1869, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was formally organized and its first constitution was adopted.
Increasing membership and lack of space resulted in a resolution in May of 1882 to build a new church of brick and stone. It was located on the site of our present sanctuary.
In the spring of 1897, the congregation authorized the hiring of the first teacher for our Christian Day School, which met in the old frame church. A new school and Parish Hall were dedicated in December, 1912. The Parochial School closed its doors in 1929.
By 1923 the congregation was again outgrowing its worship space. The old brick building was razed in April of 1926 to permit construction of our present church. The cornerstone was laid that same month, and the beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated to the service of the Triune God on November 6, 1927. Total cost of the new church and furnishings was $169,000.
Through the years many things have been added to the church: side pews, the communion rail, stained-glass windows, the carillon, the Schantz pipe organ, and a cross for the steeple. In 1960 the Educational Unit, built where the former Parish Hall/School stood, was dedicated. The elevator and lobby area were added in 1979.
The 125th anniversary of St. John's Lutheran Church was celebrated in 1994. The grounds surrounding the church were landscaped, and a new sound system was installed in honor of the occasion.
In 1997, an new heating system was installed in the church, plus air conditioning in the church, memorial lounge, and the social room in the educational unit. The following year, the congregation voted to have masonry restoration of the bell in the bell tower, so it will once again toll freely.
But the beauty of our buildings cannot compete with the people within when they allow the love of Christ to shine through their words and their works.
Come worship with us!