USA > Iowa > Bremer County > Sumner > The centennial story of St. John Lutheran, Buck Creek, R.R. 2, Sumner, Iowa > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
The next pastor to be called by the Buck Creek congregation was a son of the first resident pastor. Rev. H. L. Adix, also serving at Bennington, as did his predeces- sor, accepted the Call and was installed in the fall of 1913.
It was not until Rev. Adix's pastorate that the resolution about employing a full time parochial teacher, which had been made a year earlier under Pastor Schedtler, was carried to completion.
Because the enrollment in the Christian Day School had grown to such proportions it was also deemed necessary to enlarge the school facilities. Therefore, a new brick school house was erected on newly acquired land across the roadway from the church. The cost was $4,628.12 including the acre of land purchased from Mr. Jacob Glatley.
By the year 1915 it became necessary to do interior renova- tion in the church. After much discus- sion, it was decided to excavate a base- ment under the en- tire church, and to move the church back from the road- way a distance of 15 feet. A gasoline powered blower was also purchased and installed to pump the organ.
During this period the language question became a constant source of irritation. "Should the services be changed from the German language to English?" This was not an easy question to resolve, and was not answered until 1950 when the German in church services was dropped completely!
In 1918 the present parsonage was built at a cost of $5,233.26. For the occasion of the church's Golden Anniversary a new fence, made of ornamental wrought iron with brick end and gate posts, was erected along the front of the cemetery.
When the n the 50th Anniversary was held on June 21. 1925. 1
community received a rain of such proportions that it is still clearly remembered today by many who participated in the celebration.
In 1926, Rev. Adix followed the Call ex- tended to him by the congregation in Monti- cello, Iowa.
Rev. J. Graening, 1926-1927
Pastor J. Graening, living in retirement at Waverly, was asked to serve the Buck Creek Congregation until another Pastor could be called.
At first he did so, commuting from his home, but then he moved into the parsonage for a few months. He served in full ministerial capacity here and was permitted to rejoice in confirming a class of ten young people on Palm Sunday of 1927.
The following Sunday, Easter, he ter- minated his services here.
1 1
Years of Growth
Rev. Herman Kuhlmann, 1927-1935
Rev. Herman Kuhlmann of Limestone, Illinois, served our congregation during the years of 1927 to 1935. Unfortunately, his pastorate coincided with the nation's period of financial depression. Because of this depression, the congregation was limited in what could be done to the physical properties of the church. However, one improvement was accomplished, that being the installation of electrical lighting facilities.
The Luther League of today was organized back in 1927 during his pastorate.
In June of 1928, in connection with the annual Mission Festival, Rev. Kuhlmann ordained his son, Gerhardt, who was soon to take over from his father here at Buck Creek.
Due to ill health, Rev. Kuhlmann resigned in January of 1935.
Rev. Gerhardt S. Kuhlmann, 1935-1945
Rev. Gerhardt S. Kuhlmann had been teaching at Texas Lutheran College at Sequin, Texas, when he was called as pastor of Buck Creek in January of 1935. This same year was the 60th Anniversary of St. John's, so Rev. Kuhlmann began immediately to guide the planning and preparing for this celebration.
In preparation for this observance, the divider was removed from the pews and an aisle placed down the middle. The interior of the church was decorated with Nu-Wood and Cellotex.
A new, hand-carved oak altar and pulpit, which still grace our house of worship, were donated to the church by the Kuhlmann family.
At that time, the work was still predominantly German, one service a month being conducted in English and religious instruction in the school conducted entirely in German.
With the coming of better times, much needed repairs and improvements were made on the organ. In 1937 it was rebuilt and electrified.
On February 1, 1940, the school house was gutted by fire, but since the walls remained intact, it was rebuilt the same year.
Rev. Kuhlmann started serving the Grove Hill Congregation in October, 1940, and was issued a Call by them in January of 1941. He was given permission by the congregation to accept.
BUCK CREEK MEN'S CHORUS - Active during the 40's - Sang throughout the community for many different occa- sions. Those standing in back: Henry Tegtmeier, Robert Judisch, Henry Zell, Herman Zell, Rev. G. S. Kuhlmann, Ed Tegtmeier, Bill Seehase, Henry Judisch and Herb Judisch. Those sitting in front: Henry Haar, Ernest Nuss, Ernest Seehase, Herb Seehase, Elmer Schnadt, Henry Schedtler, and Otto Meier.
A men's chorus was organized by Rev. Kuhlmann in the spring of 1935 to prepare for the 60th Anniversary and was active all the years of
- 6 -
Years of Growth
his pastorate. Among the special performances given by the men were a Christmas program at the Sumner High School and at the Children's Home Festival at Waverly and throughout the community at different churches during their Mission Festivals.
He also saw the need for women working in God's Kingdom, so in 1940 he sought to organize a Women's Missionary - Ladies Aid Society, which today is our A. L. C. W.
In August of 1945 he accepted a Call to St. Paul's in Des Moines, Iowa.
Rev. Kuhlmann retired from the active ministry in 1968 and is now living in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Rev. Adolph J. Lechner, 1945-1949
In August of 1945, Rev. A. J. Lechner accepted the Call extended to him.
During his tenure here, it was decided that Lenten Services should be all English, 1946; the stables were sold in 1947 for $700; a new well was dug and a deep well system installed at the parsonage, 1947; the Articles of Incorporation of the Congregation had expired and were renewed, 1947; $650 was approved to furnish a sick room in the Sumner Community Hospital, 1949.
Also, at the 1948 annual meeting, the German-English question was a main item of business. A schedule was adopted to leave the choice of the German Service to Pastor, Good Friday only double service, Sylvester Eve Service to English, second holiday in German. This schedule was voted down in 1949.
As time neared for the observance of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the congregation, at Rev. Lechner's suggestion, plans were started for a thorough renovation of the church. It was also decided to add 12 feet to the east end of the church and 4 feet to the west end, together with a deepening of the basement room.
In May of 1949, Rev. Lechner resigned and followed the Call to Toluca, Illinois. Rev. Lechner is presently serving at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tonica, Illinois.
Rev. Leo Widdel, 1949-1
When Rev. Leo Widdel arrived of 1949, he found the rebuilding proj underway, so as to be completed be: 75th Anniversary to be held in Au 1950.
Much landscaping was done changed the appearance of the property completely. In September all the trees, which included 12 larg trees and 13 Chinese elm, were r from the church yard, leaving only the trees that bordered the parsonage dr In October of 1949 evergreen shrub planted and 19 more specimens of shrubbery were planted in the of 1950.
With the additions to the church, a new sacristy was built chancel enlarged on the east end and a nursery added to the we Also new stained glass windows were installed and the church sided.
The full basement now contained a modern kitchen, larg room, and a new oil-burning furnace.
In the nave of the church were added new pews, car- peting and flooring. Also the organ was completely rebuilt and relocated.
In the fall of 1949 the Sunday School and the Brotherhood Society were organized.
4
The use of the German language in worship services was discontinued in 1950. Also, in 1951 the parochial school was closed and Lenten Services were changed from Friday even Wednesday evening.
In September of 1951 Rev. Widdel resigned to accept a Belmond, Iowa.
-
Years of Growth
Rev. Allan J. Stoa, 1968-
Our present pastor, Rev. Allan J. Stoa, was installed here at St. John on June 23, 1968, by the Executive Assistant to the District President, Rev. Alvon Nelson. Prior to this he was ordained, on June 9, at his home church, First Lutheran of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Soon after his arrival, Rev. Stoa began serving St. Peter's of Oran and was issued a Call from them on June 6, 1969. Until 1955, when it was moved to the town of Oran, St. Peter's Church was the Grove Hill Congregation just south of Buck Creek, which was organized in 1902 by Rev. Fred Schedtler while he was pastor here.
In October of 1969 the new entrance was dedicated, giving our growing congregation much needed space. Another much needed improvement, due to the acoustical problem in our church, was the installation of a public address system in June of 1971, with an earjack for the hard of hearing.
Other items which contribute much to the worship service are the new piano, which is used mainly to accompany our choirs; the gold cross on our altar, which replaces the old wooden cross that could not be seen clearly; and the Carillion Bells, installed at Christmas time last year, that greet our members as they come to worship.
Some of the innovations Rev. Stoa has made during his years here as pastor have been to change the electric candelabra to live candles and to initiate the Acolyte Program in 1973; to establish the Junior and Senior Choirs; and to create the interest of the small children in worship services by calling them to the front of the church for a mini-sermon, with some visual aid being used, and to view a baptism periodically.
During the past two years many improve- ments have been made in preparation for our 100th Anniversary celebration on July 6, 1975. The organ has been completely rebuilt at a cost of $2,000 and if cared for every year will last indefinitely. The church was insulated, humidifiers put in to stop the cracking of the church furnishings, a sump pump installed to stop water from flooding the basement in the spring, and new cloth placed behind the grills on each side of the chancel. Also, the church has been painted throughout and the bath- rooms paneled and papered. In 1974 evergreens were planted and this spring the line fences were taken out and the land cleared and the parking lot enlarged.
As the time for our Centennial Celebration grows closer, many plans are being made and carried out by various committees, all under the supervision of the main planning committee, appointed at the 1974 Annual Meeting, and under Rev. Stoa's advice and direction. By the time July 6, 1975, arrives every member of our congregation will have been involved in some manner toward helping to make our Centennial a success.
The Legacy
We of the Centennial Committee have attempted to present to you, the reader, what we believe have been some of the "highlights" of the "Buck Creek" Congregation. As these pages bear witness, these past one hundred years have truly been a "Century of Growth and Grace" as Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. From humble beginnings, the Lord has prospered the work and witness of His people in many ways.
We are grateful for the opportunity that has been ours to plan and present this Centennial observance. So now we pass on to you, the future church, the challenge to "grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." We, your elders and forefathers, have planted and watered. May the next one hundred years find you, too, living in the grace of God.
- 9 -
Years of Growth
Rev. Allan J. Stoa, 1968-
Our present pastor, Rev. Allan J. Stoa, was installed here at St. John on June 23, 1968, by the Executive Assistant to the District President, Rev. Alvon Nelson. Prior to this he was ordained, on June 9, at his home church, First Lutheran of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Soon after his arrival, Rev. Stoa began serving St. Peter's of Oran and was issued a Call from them on June 6, 1969. Until 1955, when it was moved to the town of Oran, St. Peter's Church was the Grove Hill Congregation just south of Buck Creek, which was organized in 1902 by Rev. Fred Schedtler while he was pastor here.
In October of 1969 the new entrance was dedicated, giving our growing congregation much needed space. Another much needed improvement, due to the acoustical problem in our church, was the installation of a public address system in June of 1971, with an earjack for the hard of hearing.
Other items which contribute much to the worship service are the new piano, which is used mainly to accompany our choirs; the gold cross on our altar, which replaces the old wooden cross that could not be seen clearly; and the Carillion Bells, installed at Christmas time last year, that greet our members as they come to worship.
Some of the innovations Rev. Stoa has made during his years here as pastor have been to change the electric candelabra to live candles and to initiate the Acolyte Program in 1973; to establish the Junior and Senior Choirs; and to create the interest of the small children in worship services by calling them to the front of the church for a mini-sermon, with some visual aid being used, and to view a baptism periodically.
During the past two years many improve- ments have been made in preparation for our 100th Anniversary celebration on July 6, 1975. The organ has been completely rebuilt at a cost of $2,000 and if cared for every year will last indefinitely. The church was insulated, humidifiers put in to stop the cracking of the church furnishings, a sump pump installed to stop water from flooding the basement in the spring, and new cloth placed behind the grills on each side of the chancel. Also, the church has been painted throughout and the bath- rooms paneled and papered. In 1974 evergreens were planted and this spring the line fences were taken out and the land cleared and the parking lot enlarged.
As the time for our Centennial Celebration grows closer, many plans are being made and carried out by various committees, all under the supervision of the main planning committee, appointed at the 1974 Annual Meeting, and under Rev. Stoa's advice and direction. By the time July 6, 1975, arrives every member of our congregation will have been involved in some manner toward helping to make our Centennial a success.
The Legacy
We of the Centennial Committee have attempted to present the reader, what we believe have been some of the "highlights "Buck Creek" Congregation. As these pages bear witness, the one hundred years have truly been a "Century of Growth and as Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. From humble beginnings, th has prospered the work and witness of His people in many wa
We are grateful for the opportunity that has been ours to pl present this Centennial observance. So now we pass on to y future church, the challenge to "grow in the knowledge and g our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." We, your elders and foref have planted and watered. May the next one hundred years fin too, living in the grace of God.
Daughters of the Congregation
St. John of Buck Creek is especially thankful that it has been able to send forth four Sons into the ministry and one Daughter into parish work during these 100 years!
Rev. George Krueger, now deceased, served his last parish in Texas.
Rev. Henry J. Knoploh attended Wart- burg College, Clinton, Iowa, and graduated in 1931. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary at Dubuque, Iowa, and was ordained into the ministry here at Buck Creek in 1934. He has served five parishes in Iowa and two in Illinois and is presently serving St. Peter Lutheran Church, Crescent City, Illinois.
Roger W. Hoppenworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Hoppenworth, re- ceived his B. A. Degree at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, in 1957. During the year of 1959-60 he received practical Seminary Training while serving his internship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, San Diego, California. He graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, and was ordained here at Buck Creek on May 28, 1961. He is presently serving Elvira Zion Lutheran Church at Clinton, Iowa. He is also serving on the Executive Board of the Lutheran Homes at Muscatine and is also a member of Jane Lamb Memorial Hospital's Chaplaincy Corps in Clinton ..
Mrs. Arlin Ness, the former Barbara Zell, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zell. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she took a two-year course on parish work and was commissioned as a parish worker on July 30, 1961, by Rev. Robert E. Glaser. She served one year at Our Savior Lutheran at Spring Valley, Minnesota, and four years at Estherville, Iowa. She is presently residing at Van Wert, Ohio, on the Campus of Starr Commonwealth for Boys, a residential treatment school for boys. She assists her husband in his work as director of the school in public relations.
Richard E. Schedtler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Schedtler, is in his second year of studies at Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, and is a veteran of Vietnam. While at Seminary, Dick served as Youth Director at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minnesota. He is presently serving his internship at First Lutheran Church in Mondoui, Wisconsin. Dick will complete his seminary training in 1977.
- 11 -
1
Sons and Daughters of the Congregation
St. John of Buck Creek is especially thankful that it has been able to send forth four Sons into the ministry and one Daughter into parish work during these 100 years!
Rev. George Krueger, now deceased, served his last parish in Texas.
Rev. Henry J. Knoploh attended Wart- burg College, Clinton, Iowa, and graduated in 1931. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary at Dubuque, Iowa, and was ordained into the ministry here at Buck Creek in 1934. He has served five parishes in Iowa and two in Illinois and is presently serving St. Peter Lutheran Church, Crescent City, Illinois.
Roger W. Hoppenworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Hoppenworth, re- ceived his B. A. Degree at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, in 1957. During the year of 1959-60 he received practical Seminary Training while serving his internship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, San Diego, California. He graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, and was ordained here at Buck Creek on May 28, 1961. He is presently serving Elvira Zion Lutheran Church at Clinton, Iowa. He is also serving on the Executive Board of the Lutheran Homes at Muscatine and is also a member of Jane Lamb Memorial Hospital's Chaplaincy Corps in Clinton.
Mrs. Arlin Ness, the former Barbara Zell, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zell. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she took a two-year course on parish work and was commissioned as a parish worker on July 30, 1961, by Rev. Robert E. Glaser. She served one year at Our Savior Lutheran at Spring Valley, Minnesota, and four years at Estherville, Iowa. She is presently residing at Van Wert, Ohio, on the Campus of Starr Commonwealth for Boys, a residential treatment school for boys. She assists her husband in his work as director of the school in public relations.
Richard E. Schedtler, son of Mr. and Mrs Ernest Schedtler, is in his second year o studies at Luther Theological Seminary, St Paul, Minnesota. He is a graduate of Iowa Stat University, Ames, Iowa, and is a veteran o Vietnam. While at Seminary, Dick served a Youth Director at St. Michael's Luthera Church in Roseville, Minnesota. He i presently serving his internship at Firs Lutheran Church in Mondoui, Wisconsin. Dic will complete his seminary training in 1977.
- 11 -
These Happy
Oldest Married Couple: Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Tegtmeier Married February 24, 1916 (59 years)
Oldest Member: W. H. Tegtmeier, 85 (Born 1890) Oldest Baptized Member: Mrs. W. H. Tegtmeier (Born 1895) (Martha Westendorf)
Heavenly Father, we thank Thee, For these Friends who came before;
For the Heritage they leave us, At our Church's open door.
Help us realize that the wisdom They impart through all our hopes and fears;
Comes from your loving guidance, Throughout the circling years.
We ask your richest blessing, for these, These young of heart but old of years; That they may know the joy of . . . of these . . . "These happy, golden years!"
Amen.
We dedicate this page to the senior members of our congregation.
Henry Bonorden
Reinhard Buhr
Clarence Burggraf
Mrs. Fred Elsamiller
Albert Erhardt
Mrs. Albert Erhardt
Ted Hoppenworth Henry Judisch
Mrs. Henry Judisch
Herbert Judisch
Mrs. Herbert Judisch
Mrs. Viola Judisch
Ernest Knoploh
Albert Kuhlmann
Leonard Mohlis
Alfred Nuss
Mrs. Alfred Nuss
G. O. Rich
Mrs. G. O. Rich
Mrs. Edwin Schwan
Emil Spier
Mrs. Emil Spier
W. H. Tegtmeier
Mrs. W. H. Tegtmeier
Mrs. Ted Wedemeier
Herman Westendorf
Mrs. Herman Westendorf
Louie Westendorf
Mrs. Louie Westendorf Werner Westendorf
Mrs. Werner Westendorf
Henry Zell
Mrs. Henry Zell Herman Zell Mrs. Herman Zell
- 12 -
Golden Years ...
Herman Westendorf &
Amanda Judisch Married December 11, 1919
Emil Spier & Bertha Steidler Married November 10, 1921
Herman Zell & Hulda Knoploh Married November 30, 1922
Heinrich Zell & Helena Judisch Married February 13, 1923
Louis Westendorf & Esther Judisch Married November 14, 1923
Herbert Judisch & Louisa Pipho Married February 14, 1924
13
Christian Education
The Confirmation of Youth
Oldest Confirmation Class Picture Available, 1909
-
Centennial Year Confirmation Class, 1975
Under the Christian Education Program here at Buck Creek children who are members of the congregation shall be admitted to confirmed membership after a preparation period of three years. They must be 11 years old before November 15 of the year they begin catechetical instruction.
Notes of interest from the files of Confirmation Classes over the last 100 years:
- No confirmation class in 1905.
Smallest confirmation class, 1876, one confirmed.
- Largest confirmation class, 1890, 20 confirmands.
- Two classes confirmed in 1950, New Year's Day and Palm Sunday.
- Two classes with all boys, 1911 and 1969 (excluding the adult confirmed).
- Two classes with all girls, 1940 and 1947.
- 14 -
-
Christian Education
Sunday
School
To strengthen the religious education program of the congregation our Sunday School was organized in 1949 under the leadership of Rev. Leo Widdel. The first session was held on Sunday, October 2, of that year with 125 persons present. Mr. Ted Hoppenworth was our first superintendent. Although she has not taught continuously since 1949, but has the last 14 years, it must be mentioned here that Mrs. Merlin Buenzow, then Miss Jean Thurm, helped teach in the first Sunday School.
In October of 1959 the Associate Teacher Program was introduced by Rev. Robert Glaser. Each class has an associate teacher who teaches on the third Sunday of the month.
Many faithful teachers have worked with the Sunday School. Two of these teachers have taught over 20 years: Mr. Elmer Schnadt for 23 years, and Mrs. Gerhardt Schwake for 21 years. Four of our teachers have taught over 10 years: Mrs. Melvin Buhr, 15 years; Mrs. Merlin Buenzow, 14 years; Mrs. Marvin Nichols, 13 years; Mrs. Allen Buhr, 12 years.
In the early 1950's a Vacation Bible School was started in connection with the Sunday School. It is held every summer in June. Up till a few years ago it was held for two weeks but now is for only one week. A note of interest is that Mrs. Gerhardt Schwake has taught VBS for 17 years.
Our present Sunday School has 106 pupils and 27 teachers.
Opening Devotions, Upstairs with the Juniors, Pre-teen, Junior High, and Senior High Departments. Standing at the front are Henry Platte, Associate Sunday School Superintendent, on the left, and Ron Tegtmeier, Superin- tendent, on the right.
Opening Devotions, Downstairs with the Nursery, Kindergarten, and Primary Departments. Mrs. Melvin Buhr, leading devotions.
- 15 -
Sunday School
Staff
Superintendent: Mr. Ronald Tegtmeier Assoc. Superintendent: Mr. Henry Platte Secretary: Mrs. Virgil Erhardt Assoc. Secretary: Mrs. Gene Craun Treasurer: Mrs. Duane Mohlis
Sunday School Staff - Left to right, front row: Mrs. Gale Nichols, Mrs. Virgil Erhardt, Mardell Kay Nichols, Mrs. Wendell Meyer, Mrs. Ellsworth Zell, Mrs. James Boevers, Mrs. Dennis Mohlis, Mrs. Henry Platte; second row: Mrs. Norman Bohle, Mrs. Marvin Nichols, Mrs. James Lohmann, Mrs. Lavern Wehling, Mrs. Gerhardt Schwake, Glenda Nuss, Mrs. Arnold Bohle, Mrs. Melvin Buhr; third row: Mrs. Lloyd Nuss, Mrs. Ron Thurm, Mrs. Reinhard Buhr, Mrs. Bob Elliott, Mrs. Ralph Mohlis, Mrs. Vernon Thurm, Mrs. Dale Meyer; back row: Vernon Thurm, Elmer Schnadt, Ron Tegtmeier, Henry Platte.
Regular Teachers Nursery
Mrs. Melvin Buhr Miss Kay Nichols
Kindergarten
Mrs. Gerhardt Schwake Mrs. James Lohmann Mrs. Dennis Mohlis
Mrs. Dale Meyer Mrs. Ralph Mohlis Mrs. Ellsworth Zell
Mrs. Ronald Thurm Mrs. Robert Elliott
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.