ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH BELMOND, IOWA SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 1903-1978 FOREWORD "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, to sing praises to thy name, O most High." Psalm 92:1 As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of St. Lutheran Congregation, we recognize that God has been alive and real among the people of this church and community. The history of a congregation is always the story of God as He lives and moves among people, and then it becomes the story of people, as they respond to His love and the challenges that He sets before them. This book provides an outline of the happenings of the past years, and gives us reason to rejoice in the grace of god and in the faithfulness of God’s people. God is the one who has built and preserved St John Congregation in these past 75 years. He used people in the process, but His was the strength and the spirit. As we move on from here, we do not fear the future, for we believe that God continues to be the Savior of men, the Lord of the future, the Giver of life, the sure Hope of all who trust in Him. Our future, as our past, belongs to Him. May we continue to be responsive to His grace, and faithful to His leading. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Conrad Rolland Pastor Harris Hostager September, 1978 HISTORY OF ST JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THIS, OUR CONGREGATION.... God has come to us through His Word and Sacrament. To greater facilitate their bearing upon our lives. He has given the Church, as the dispenser of these Means of Grace. As we here peer into the pages of the past and see the unfolding of His plans in our congregation, and our many failings in the doing of His Holy will and desires, we humbly admit that God has indeed been good to us, whereof we are glad. BEGINNING UNDER PASTOR A WELLNER The year 1895 brought a number of Lutheran families into the Belmond community from Peru, Ill. In the words of Mr. Con Hoppel, the only charter member still with us, "We attended the existing churches here, but felt at home nowhere." Aligning themselves with other Lutheran families already here, the services of a pastor were desired. Such services were provided by Pastor A Wellner, who made his mission address in Goodell. Preaching places were established in school houses near Kanawha, in Goodell and east of Belmond. When the groups had reached strength enough to call a pastor, they called such a one from Hector, Minn. PASTOR E C SCHALINSKE, 1903-1907 Pastor E C Schalinski served the three above preaching stations together with the congregation at Britt. For his services he had been assured of an annual salary of $450.00, but learned upon arrival that it had been established at $275.00. In his own words he stated that Belmond seemed to present no hopes for organization as a congregation. Troubles however, arose in the Kanawha station "over a pan of hot biscuits" which led to an early dissolution of that station. Gradually the Goodell station lost its interest and attention began settling more upon Belmond. The year 1903, on Sept. 21, St. John congregation was officially organized in the schoolhouse 1 1/2 mile east of Belmond. When cold weather set in, the German Methodist Church, located on our present site, was rented at 50 cents a Sunday. The church and parsonage were soon purchased at $1600.00. Apparently a Sunday school was organized, and the south roofs of both buildings were shingled. Pastor Schalinski accepted a call to Linn, South Dakota. He had been able to instruct and confirm a total of 9 members, and to start another preaching station, at Alexander. PASTOR F DUERR, 1907 Pastor F Duerr was next the called pastor for the combined parish. It soon however became evident that parishioners and pastor could not harmoniously succeed in extending God’s Kingdom here. Thus followed crucial moments that almost caused the disbanding of the field. The Pastor then followed a call to Ohio, after 7 months of service here. In Oct. 1907, Student of Theology, W Meier was sent here from the Seminary in St Paul, with purpose in view of seeking to pick up the remnants, and seek to get the combined parish into full harmonious operation again. When he returned the following January to resume studies, Students K Winterfield and A Arnsdorf served successively for the next six months. PASTOR W MEIER, 1909-1917 Pastor W Meier was installed as the called pastor in July, to serve the longest pastorate in the present history of the congregation, a total of 8 years. He sought to build solidly, and seeing the need to auxiliaries in the congregation to more firmly establish Christ’s principles of Christian service, organized a Ladies Aid in 1913 and a Luther League in 1915. Steps were taken to make the church more Lutheran in its appearances, hence chancel furniture was made and installed, a tower and annexes erected. The parsonage also received new flooring in the kitchen and dining room. Steps were taken for needed change in policy, when an occasional service in the American language was conducted. Altho this was later to cause the "language question" problem, it nonetheless became a most necessary step in the furtherance of the congregation. On July 1917 the pastor accepted a call to Manson, Iowa. He had added 25 to the congregation through the rite of Confirmation. PASTOR M KNOLL, 1917-1920 The next three years Pastor M Knoll labored as God’s ambassador here in the congregation. It fell to his charge to increase the usage of the American language, so that there were an equal number of services in each language. It is well to recall that it was in this pastorate that in 1919 the American language was first used in a confirmation service. From all indications it became apparent at this time that Belmond should become the logical center of Lutheranism in these parts, hence the Goodell and Kanawha groups disbanded, with the larger percentage of the constituency transferring its membership to St John. The pastor followed a call to Linn, South Dakota, having added a total of 18 members thru the rite of Confirmation. PASTOR E WELKE, 1920-1921 The nest pastor to accept the call was Pastor E Welke, later in life to become the District President of the Minnesota District. He felt himself, upon arrival, to find it necessary to terminate his services here after a bit over one half year of services. According to his statement made later, it accepted that the congregation was in the midst of an extreme financial crisis, that it was questioned whether or not a pastor could be supported. However, with hopes for a revival, he succeeded in persuading the congregation to enclose its parsonage porch, connect the property to the city drainage system, and install bathroom facilities in the parsonage. He served until called to Halloway, Minn. PASTOR J F WIPPERMAN, 1921-1927 Upon the recommendation of the preceding pastor, Pastor Wipperman was next called from northern Minnesota. He was next in line to serve an extended ministry of almost seven years here. The congregation had been growing in numbers, altho quite slowly, so that after five years it became evident that a new church should become necessary. No improvements were made on the church because of the anticipation of the new. The Luther League had purchased a bell, which was later to be exchanged for another, when the new church was built. In 1926 the new and present church was built at a cost of $26,000.00. Much of the material in the old was salvaged for the new. It was a happy day when on Oct 10, 1926 the church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. District President Pastor C Ganschow, and pastors Schalinski and W Meier were guest speakers. It was in the realm of this period that the Alexander station dissolved, and some transferred their membership to Belmond. Pastor Wipperman moved to Hector, Minn, in October, having confirmed a total of 26 members. PASTOR A G LANGHOLZ, 1927-1933 Pastor A G Langholz came to us from Kansas. During his pastorate the nation plunged into its depression days so that finances again became one of the acute problems of congregation. Fortunately the church was new, so that it was not necessary to make expenditures of money on it, other than to seek ways and means of finishing the payment thereon. However, the congregation wearied of unpainted walls, so that the church interior did receive a decorative coat of paint. It was in 1928 that the congregation observed and celebrated its 25th anniversary of organization. Again here there was evidence of the fine pastoral work having been done by those who served, for membership continued its slow but steady climb. A total of 60 were confirmed during this pastorate. in 1933 the pastor followed a call to Preston, Iowa. PASTOR A P MEYER, 1933-1934 Due to ill health, Pastor Meyer relinquished his larger parish in Illinois, to accept the smaller parish in Belmond, hoping that he might be able to serve here under lesser burdens. It was however, God’s will that this trusted servant should lay down his reins, thus after almost nine months of service, he was summoned to the eternal Kingdom of Glory on April 26, 1934. He had however, in his short pastorate, seen the further improvements of properties, in that the sidewalk was renewed along the west front of the entire property. PASTOR R J HUCK, 1934-1941 Following his graduation from the seminary at Dubuque, Pastor Huck was installed. During his pastorate nothing much could be done to the physical properties of the congregation, but the pastor, as his predecessors, worked diligently toward the advancement of numerical and spiritual growth within the ranks. Seeing the need for a greater activity also among the male membership, the pastor guided the organization of a Brotherhood society, which today still exists and functions as best it can. It is to be noted also that at this time appropriate shrubbery was planted at the church frontage, and the fruit trees to the rear of the property. For some years the need had been felt, that a better parsonage be provided for pastor families, so preliminary steps were made toward that end, altho they remained in the formative stages of plan discussions. In 1941 Pastor Huck followed a call to Ottumwa. He had confirmed a total of 34. PASTOR H KNOPLOH, 1941-1944 Pastor H Knoploh was called from Bremer county, to serve here for the next two and one half years. He too served faithfully, adding to the expanding membership thru his ministry. Now that the depression days were past, some attention could be given to the unfinished business of the past, thus in due time the long standing indebtedness on the church could finally be liquidated. Again the "parsonage question" arose, and a building fund was established, with aim in view to build a new parsonage when the fund had reached a sufficient size Mr M H Hanson saw the need for a chancel chair and proceeded to construct the one now presently used, for the church. New articles of incorporation were drawn and adopted in 1942 when attempts to find the original 1903 articles proved futile. Today these have been voided thru the adoption of new articles to replace the original, which have been voided by expiration. In 1944 Pastor Knoploh followed a call to Woden, Iowa. He had confirmed a total of 21 members. The next six months the congregation was served by Pastor H Foege of Dows rural, who kept activities in the congregation going until another pastor could be called. He strongly urged the congregation to improve its house of worship thru remodeling and addition of needed facilities. PASTOR H SENFT, 1944-1951 Pastor H Senft followed the call to St John, to also serve a seven year pastorate here. The young pastor saw progressive times in his pastorate, thru the improved economic condition of the land. Not only was he able to see a continuing growth in membership, as did his predecessors, but through his leadership many improvements could be made in the physical properties of the congregation. Providentially the following improvements and accessions were made possible. The larger venture was the erection of the beautiful new parsonage in 1947, at a cost of $13,600.00, plus much donated labor. A new garage was erected at the same time. The church edifice was beautified and improved through the acquisition of a new Hammond organ, Art glass windows, chancel furniture and carpet, refinishing of church interior walls and floor, installation of a new furnace, and remodeling of kitchen with addition of new cabinets. In the summer of 1951 the pastor entered the chaplaincy of our armed forces. He had accounted for 46 confirmations. PASTOR LEO WIDDEL, 1951 In October the present pastor came here from Bremer county. He has been privileged by God’s grace to see the continuation of a degree of progress within, in that the congregation has reached and passed the mark of 200 communicant members. An Adult Bible class withing the Sunday School has been reactivated, a Post-Confirmation youth class organized and the organization of a Luther League was consummated. For a systematic offering, Duplex envelopes have been introduced. Members of the congregation cooperated in the renewed finish applied to church pews, balcony front, and interior doors in the church. the church parlors have been remodeled thru installation of new glass block windows, drapes, pictures, tile flooring, and construction of new folding tables, and an automatic water heater installation. Presently the Sacristy shall be improved by the installation of a new cabinet for Altar parament and Communion vessel, and choir music storage. A sum of almost two thousand dollars was raised for Community Hospital room and equipment fund. He confirmed a total of 42. In July of 1954 Pastor Widdel asked for a release and left St Johns to go to St Paul, Bouton, Iowa and St Peter, Grimes, Iowa. Pastor Widdel left in August and Rev Huck of Sheffield conducted church services during the interim before a new pastor was obtained. PASTOR WILLIAM HEINZIG, 1955-1964 St John congregation welcomed Pastor William Heinzig, his wife, and family in May of 1955. They came to Belmond from West Burlington, Iowa. Pastor Heinzig was dedicated to the work of the Lord, the uplifting of people, and his theme of never letting ourselves become too satisfied with things as they are. He seriously and energetically attacked a number of projects that would strengthen the church so that it could be an instrument for good and a symbol of brotherly love and kindness. He worked toward improved church attendance and participation in communion services. A number of projects successfully completed were: new carpeting in the Sacristy, rewiring of the church, and refurbishing of the outside bulletin board. The church and parsonage received painting and needed repairs. The paving of the street and the parking area south of the church were done at a cost of approximately $1,500. New hymnals and a new tone cabinet were appreciated additions to the worship service. In 1960 a merger of the three Synods resulted in the formation of the American Lutheran Church with which St John is affiliated. it was a historic occasion for Pastor Heinzig who served as Ordinator when his son Harold was ordained into the Holy Ministry on June 26, 1960. The men’s auxiliary, the Brotherhood, was an active organization and a strong force in the growth of the church during the 60’s. Members were encouraged to work toward fellowship and spiritual development through Bible study, home devotions, and communion attendance. The men also sponsored exceptionally good dartball teams that were highly competitive with neighboring churches. These social links helped to better the knowledge and understanding of our fellow churches. The Couples Club and the Luther League functioned for the good of the church and established friendly relationships through indoor and outdoor meetings. The Luther league initiated the Easter Sunrise services and assisted in the Christmas Eve services. Pastor Heinzig was released on December 30, 1963, to answer a call to Correctionville, Iowa. Pastor Heinzig had been a strong leader in guiding St John during his eight years of ministry in Belmond. He had reminded his congregation to be aware of their opportunities to grow spiritually and was rewarded by seeing evidence of renewed faith and purposeful activity. At the end of 1962 St John membership consisted of 307 baptized and 220 confirmed members. Pastor Schultz of Dows agreed to serve the congregation as a supply pastor until a new minister could be called. PASTOR LEO ANDERSON, 1964-1968 Pastor Leo Anderson and his wife from Coulter, Iowa, accepted the call to St John and assumed the pastoral duties in April of 1864. The Andersons were warmly greeted at a potluck dinner for the congregation and neighboring Lutheran ministers. Pastor Anderson was a vibrant force in the St John’s congregation. Strong in his religious convictions, he was a motivating influence in carrying out the dream of a new educational unit that had long been discussed, urgently needed, and cautiously planned for several years. Under Pastor Anderson’s leadership, the congregation voted on November 11, 1964, to undertake the building project that would make a dream come true. A ground breaking ceremony was held on November 15, 1964, with Conrad Hoppel turning the first spade of soil. On Sunday, July 18, 1965, Dr Siefkes dedicated the new educational unit and the improved sanctuary - a festive day for St John church! Total cost of the educational unit was $25,300.03. The Brotherhood was disbanded in 1965 due to declining attendance, but they had left the church a rich legacy of fellowship and leadership. In 1966 the church adopted a new constitution that would cover appropriate changes made necessary through the years. The church bulletins in 1966 contained a picture of the church on the front cover. Changes that became necessary during this period were: new doors to the front of the church, a unified budget system, and a vast number of church and parsonage repairs that became urgent after a tornado swept through Belmond and left havoc and destruction throughout the town on October 14, 1966. The storm left its marks on St John Church. Damage was centered on roof destruction, bell tower wreckage, breakage of beautiful stained glass windows, and interior water damage. The church insurance money and a disaster fund that was established to help the church and its members took care of the needed repairs. To reduce the cost of repairs many members of the congregation donated time and effort to restoring both the church and parsonage to their former or improved condition. The bell tower presented the greatest problem but it was eventually completed, and the bell of St John once again sounded the hour of worship as an invitation to worship the Lord. In 1968 St John’s baptized membership was 252 and the confirmed membership was 190. Pastor Anderson offered his resignation on February 7, 1968, to answer a call to Almont, North Dakota. Pastor Hagedorn served the congregation for three months before a new pastor was chosen for St John. PASTOR HERMAN J BRANDT, 1968-1970 Pastor Herman J Brandt, from Martensdale, Iowa, and his wife came to Belmond in May of 1968, and installation services were held the second Sunday in May. Pastor Brandt’s favorite song was "How Great Thou Art" and the Luther League purchased hymn inserts for the church hymnals as a gift to the congregation. Pastor Brandt’s philosophy and his great faith in God’s grace and mercy were always apparent in his lusty singing of his favorite hymn. Pastor Brandt took pleasure in playing records of sacred music each Sunday morning that could be heard both inside and outside the church. The sound of the music surely called people to worship services. St John’s Church directory was a project of 1969. The completed booklet contained pictures of all members as well as church scenes depicting Christian education, the sacraments of baptism and communion, and other church organizations. Pastor Brandt’s ministry to St John was closed with his death on February 2, 1970. Members of the church council were pallbearers at his funeral service, and his burial was at Hawkeye, Iowa. PASTOR CONRAD ROLLAND, 1970 - PASTOR HARRIS HOSTAGER, 1970 - The year of 1970 was one of transition for St John and heralded many important changes that loomed on the horizon. After many discussions, meetings, and votes, St John made a major decision on March 22, 1970, to join with St Olaf and Trinity to for the Belmond Lutheran Parish and to call two pastors to form team ministry to serve the Parish. Pastor Harris Hostager left two congregations at Akron and Chatsworth, Iowa, to answer the call to Belmond. He was installed on July 30, 1970. Pastor Conrad Rolland came to Belmond from Bethlehem and Our Saviour Churches at Inwood, Iowa. His installation took place on August 30, 1970. The Hostager and Rolland families were warmly welcomed to the newly formed parish, and began a challenging task of leading three congregations in fellowship, unity, and spiritual activity. Their spiritual compassion, their cooperative spirit of sharing pastoral duties, and their steadfast concern for helping young people assume a role in youth and church programs have been an inspiration to the three churches as they struggled to solve their problems and to recognize the great advantages from sharing their joys and their sorrows. St John’s confirmation was changed from eighth to ninth grade to conform with St Olaf and Trinity. The parish ministers appealed to all three congregations to let God’s spirit control their lives, to be strong in their faith, and to make Bible study and home devotions an influential part in their lives. The pastors cooperated in a program of devotions at the Belmond Nursing Home and on radio station KRIT at Clarion, and are active in the Belmond Ministerial Association. In 1973 the Narthex-entrance addition on the west side of the church was the result of a generous gift on money from George Heginger and an enthusiastic response from the congregation to raise the remainder of the needed financing. The interior was furnished by various memorial offerings, organizations, and individuals. Memorial gifts have been used in a variety of ways to improve the church appearance and to enhance the worship service. A church library was a major memorial gift intended to enrich lives by providing literature to be used in Christian study and enjoyment. The Bethel Bible study series was also added to an enrichment program offered by the Parish. A variety of changes that occurred in the last eight years are: creation of a board of education, new carpeting, and draperies and central air conditioning for the parsonage, new family room for the parsonage basement, redecorating of the church kitchen and balcony, paneling and carpeting for the church basement, shrubbery outside the church, and a new double garage for the parsonage. Closer working arrangements between Trinity and St John have been established with the combining for the two Sunday Schools and the Vacation Bible Schools. The Luther League is now a parish league and proving its effectiveness in working with larger groups. Since 1971, four Parish Youth retreats have been held in Colorado, involving 35 people in 1971 and 70 in 1977. In addition there have been eight shorter parish retreats of various kinds, in which youth from St John have been involved. Family emphasis at communion has been stressed by permitting children to accompany their parents to the communion altar to receive a blessing. Youth as young as late fifth grade are now permitted communion after they have received instruction, indicate their desire to commune, and have received the approval of parents and pastors. The continued growth and effectiveness of the Belmond Parish has been felt by the town of Belmond and has been accomplished by Pastor Hostager, Pastor Rolland, and all members of the three congregations working together to demonstrate Christian unity. To show their appreciation to the pastors, the Belmond Lutheran Parish presented to the pastors and their wives a trip to the Holy Land as a Christmas gift in 1977. The Rollands and the Hostagers made the trip in the spring of 1978 and completed their 16 day adventure on April 16. their time was divided between Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Greece. The ministers reported that they were received graciously wherever they visited, and because they wanted to share their experiences with the Parish and the entire community, they present Open House on a number of occasions to share their adventures in words and pictures. The Belmond Independent, aided by Bill Johnson and Lutheran Brotherhood, printed a special section of pictures and comments that would be a permanent record for all to keep. Official acts of the 75 years consisted of: 497 baptisms, (baptismal records for seven years are missing) 431 confirmations, 133 weddings, and 179 burials. St John Lutheran Church and the Belmond Lutheran Parish give thanks to God for strength, courage, and the faith to pilot the church over stormy waves and into safe waters. After numerous struggles to maintain the high standards established by the founders of the church, it is with deep humility that St John can be proud of past achievements and aware of the work that remains to be done. It has taken all members of the congregation working with the talents each possesses to advance spiritually, mentally, and physically. It is a testimony of "faith at work" for St John and praise to God who has made all things possible. HISTORY OF ALCW "Mindful that our Lord Jesus Christ, the divine head of the church, made use of the service and devotion of women during the days of his earthly ministry, and desiring in our day likewise to follow and serve him", St John’s Ladies Aid was organized in the year 1913 with very few members. Each year there were monthly meeting held to present informative and inspirational programs about the work of missions and the church. With the help and concern of all the women there have been numerous bake sales and mother-daughter banquets. The proceeds have been given for improvements on the church and parsonage and have helped support many missions. In 1960 when the ALC, ELC and UELC merged to form The American Lutheran Church, the women’s groups also merged into the American Lutheran Church Women. it was at this time that circles were formed for the basic purpose of involving all the women of the congregation in Bible study. A magazine, The Scope, was published with a monthly discussion guide for the group Bible studies. All confirmed women of the church are members of a circle. It is the purpose of the ALCW to encourage every member to be active in the program and activities of the church. St John ALCW each year pledges support to the budget of the National American Lutheran Church Women. Our organization sends one half of the circle and general meeting offerings directly to the treasurer of the ALCW, and all of this is used for mission of the church. Each ALCW member is presented with a thank-offering box at the beginning of each year for special personal offerings as each has been blessed. The thank-offering boxes are brought to our general meeting in November for a special thank-offering service. This money is all sent to the treasurer of the ALCW for its mission. One of our special projects for several years has been a chicken and biscuit dinner, bazaar and bake sale held at the church in October. Everyone in the community is welcome. We have an altar guild, appointed each year, which is responsible for the altar cloth changes and communion preparation. There is also a visiting committee appointed for the purpose of visiting the shut-ins and the sick. The flower committee is in charge of flowers at funerals and flowers for the altar each Sunday throughout the year. Each year the ALCW helps girls and boys of our church attend Bible camp. We also purchase Lutheran prayer books for each confirmand. We believe the ALC Women are important to the life of St John and contribute much to support the congregation, the Belmond Lutheran Parish, and the entire community. Praise God for the leadership He has provided and for every effort He inspires to do His work! Source: stjohn-stolaf-web.com/stjohn.htm **************************************************************************** Pastors at St. John Lutheran Church, Belmond, Iowa Genealogical Information researched and submitted by Sarah Thorson Little, 2010 Wrightgenie@gmail.com for Wright County Iowa Genweb. Pastor August Gottlieb Wellner Born May 13, 1874 in Germany Died December 1929, Loveland, Colorado Buried Menno, South Dakota ******************************** Pastor Emil C. Schalinske Born June 1871 Died December 3, 1956, Cook County, Illinois ******************************** Pastor F. Duerr ******************************** Pastor William E. F. Meier Born December 9, 1883, Germany Died November 1965, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Michael Knoll Born January 1, 1880, Maryland Died December 28, 1964, Aitkin County, Minnesota ******************************** Pastor Edward Arthur Welke Born February 22, 1889, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Died 1949 ******************************** Pastor John Frederick Wipperman Born December 13, 1892, Iowa Died June 4, 1943 ******************************** Pastor Arthur Gustav Langholz Born 23 January 1900, Minnesota Died July 4, 1968, Sterling, Nebraska Buried St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Sumner, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Armine Paul Meyer Born July 12, 1880, Lincoln, Illinois Died April 26, 1934, Belmond, Iowa Buried, Lincoln, Illinois ******************************** Pastor Roy J. Huck Born June 1, 1908, Iowa Died October 11, 2000, Waverly, Iowa Buried St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Waverly, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Henry J. Knoploh Born October 26, 1909, Bremer County, Iowa Died March 6, 1987, Waterloo, Iowa Buried St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Waverly, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Herman Paul Senft Born October 7, 1917, Spring Valley, Fillmore County, Minnesota Died August 30, 1996, St. Paul, Minnesota ******************************** Pastor Leo Henry Widdel Born 2 June 1908, Black Hawk County, Iowa Died February 2, 1974, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Buried Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Jubilee, Iowa ******************************** Paster William Heinzig Born December 1, 1907, Hanley, Saskatchewan, Canada Died April 24, 1993, Kingsley, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Leo Anderson ******************************** Pastor Herman J. Brandt Born August 21, 1915 Died February 2, 1970, Des Moines, Iowa ******************************** Pastor Conrad Rolland – Living Pastor Harris Hostager - Living ********************************
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