St. John's Lutheran Church to celebrate 125 years years ago
St. John's Lutheran Church, Lincolnville, will celebrate 125 years of existence Sunday with special speakers and music.
Former pastor Walter Wehmeier is planning to attend the special event.
The day of celebration will begin with a Christian education hour at 10 a.m., followed by a worship service at 11 o'clock. Howard Patten, president of the Kansas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod will be guest preacher.
At 6 p.m., the congregation will enjoy a barbecue/covered dish meal with time for visiting and fellowship.
Beginning at 7 p.m., a brief program will feature organist Eugene Hicks, Herington, soloist Andrea Schultz, Salina, and the choir of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Wichita.
Brief notes of historical significance will be included in the program.
The church was formed on Aug. 19, 1877, meeting in members' homes until 1886, when the congregation constructed a building one and one-half miles northeast of Lincolnville.
In 1894 the congregation voted to construct a church building in town. The white frame church was replaced in 1925 with an imposing brick structure which continues to serve the congregation well.
The church conducted a Lutheran parochial school for many years, having a total of 15 teachers. It was closed in 1950.
Pastors serving the congregation during the 125 years include: Ernest Mueller, 1887-1890; A. Grambauer, 1891-1896; George Haefner, 1896-1903; Martin Senne, 1904-1923; E.J. Dierker, 1924-1928; K.J. Karstensen, 1929-1940; Fred Wegener, 1940-1949; Andrew Sabo, 1949-1953; Richard Hasz, 1954-1955; Alfred Rehder, 1956-1962; Waldemar Wehmeier, 1963-1967; Fred Lammert, 1967-1974; Otto Truog, 1975-1983; Walter Wehmeier, 1984-1993. The present pastor is Alan Stahlecker, who has been with the church since 1993.
Membership peaked in the 1930s and 40s, reaching as high as 475. Current membership is 278.
Pastor Stahlecker said membership has remained relatively stable during his tenure. He said the congregation remains vital and alive, with children and young people making up a large portion of the congregation.
