BRIEF HISTORY OF
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
1848-2003

    The story of St. John's is one of hard work, determination, challenge, discouragement, blessings, and growth. It owes what success it enjoys today to the blessings of God, dedicated leaders and workers, and the faithful use of Word and Sacrament.

    In the spring of 1848, three men from Jefferson County went to Dr. C. F. W. Walther, head of the newly established Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, seeking Lutheran preaching in their midst. With Dr. Walther’s blessing, St. John’s Lutheran Church was organized. By June of 1848 the congregation called its first pastor, Rev. J. Michael Johannes. Worship services were held in a small log building on a two-acre piece of property.

     This small log building was renovated and enlarged in 1882 and used until 1929 when it was replaced by the present building, with a seating capacity of about 250. In 1998 a narthex with overflow seating, an elevator and two classrooms was completed to better serve the growing congregation. St. John’s broke ground on October 13, 2002 for a  600 seat sanctuary which was dedicated on Palm Sunday 2004.  The 1929 Sanctuary was turned into a multi-purpose room and is now called Founder's Hall.  Offices, classrooms and a music room have been built under the new sanctuary.

      In the Fall of 1848, St. John’s began a Christian Day School taught by the pastor. Classes were held in the church until 1888, at which time a small log classroom building was erected. This building was used until 1910 when a larger school was built. In 1950 a new four-room brick school was dedicated and was enlarged in 1966 and again in 1985. St. John’s Christian Day School has an enrollment of 120 in Grades K-8 and 68 in Pre-kindergarten with a teaching staff of 13.

    St. John’s is located on 12 acres. The campus includes the church sanctuary and fellowship hall, church office, Circle Get Connected Book Store, school classrooms and office, gymnasium, cafeteria, athletic field and playground, a teacher’s residence, cemetery and parking lot.

    St. John’s has a membership of over 1,600. Rev. Jack Miller is the Pastor, Rev. Scott Patschke is Associate Pastor, Burnell L. Hackman is Director of Music Ministry and Tori Perry is Youth and Christian Education Leader.

      St. John’s worship services are held on Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm and Sunday mornings at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes begin at 9:15 am.

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03/30/08