The beginning of this congregation dates back to the early seventies of the former century.

Most of the charter members were poor and needy. They had settled in a primeval forest, and it required good courage and a strong faith to live with their families in such forbidding surroundings.

There were no real country roads, only the so called logging roads and it often was an arduous task to procure the mere necessities of life.

Only a very few pastors of our Synod were then located in the northern part of the State. But our Synod has been diligent in doing mission work from its very beginning and has sought to take care of the settlers. Serving them with Word and Sacrament, traveling missionaries gathered them into congregations which grew and increased until, in the course of time, they were able to call their own pastor.

The first attempt to bring a congregation into existence here was made about the year 1873. Rev. W. C. Schilling, then located at Stevens Point, came to Spencer on one of his mission trips. He was the first Lutheran pastor to serve the new settlers.

The first services were held in a log school house on the Naatz farm, two miles north-west of Spencer.

Wm. Naatz family, taken in 1900.

L to R: Clara, Anna, Bertha, John.

Mrs. Naatz, Linda, Wm. Naatz, and Emil

It was Rev. Schilling whose efforts led to the founding of the congregation. The organization took place October 27, 1878, the minutes revealing this date, and speak of the existence of the congregation. For that reason we consider Rev. Schilling as the founder of the congregation.

In the first congregational meeting Rev. H. Erck of the town of Wien, Marathon County, Wis., was unanimously called as pastor. He was asked to hold a preaching service every fifth Sunday, and to give the necessary instructions in Christian doctrine to the children and young people. The congregation didn’t decide what it would give for the bodily support of the pastor, but declared themselves ready to support him according to their means.

According to the minutes of December 21, 1878, Carl Stoltnow, Herman Boeder, and Gustave Matter were elected as deacons of the congregation. August Bruesewitz was the first secretary, and Rev. H. Erck acted as the first chairman.

Rev. H. Erck 1878 – 1880

The records available to us are not as clear as might be desired,

but we believe the following to be the CHARTER MEMBERS:

The constitution of the congregation was adopted at a meeting held February 13, 1879. February 16, 1879, the congregation resolved to buy a building place. Mr. Frank Mellenthin lent St. John’s the money for two months with two dollars interest. Pastor’s salary was set at $50. August Bruesewitz and Franz Frankfurth were to conduct services when the pastor was not present.

In a meeting held September 5, 1880, Rev. Schuette was called jointly by St. John’s and the Lutherans that lived in Spencer, to the Village of Spencer. It was decided to pay him a yearly sum of $150, also half of the house rent; and to pay him 25 cents a month for each child as school money.

December 25, 1880, it was resolved to build a church. In the course of the winter, various members brought the necessary logs to the saw mill at Romeo, where they were sawed into lumber.

The first St. John’s Spencer – 1881

The first church, a frame building, was built in 1881, by a Mr. Parker, for the sum of $200.00 for his labor. The building site was the one on which the present church stands. The land was acquired from Mr. Frank Parrett.

On May 21, 1881, Trinity Congregation, Town of Spencer, was organized. The two congregations formed one parish and were served by one pastor. Rev. J. Schuette served from September 5, 1880 to 1884.

During the short vacancy, Pastor Buenger was called as a traveling pastor to serve our parish along with twelve others.

On April 14, 1884, Rev. F. Seibrant was called. He served well and efficiently until July 1893, when he accepted a call to trinity congregation at Merrill.

Rev. J. Todt 1893 – 1899

A call was then issued to and accepted by Rev. J. Todt. He labored faithfully in church and school for six years, then accepted a call to Trinity congregation at Manistee, Michigan.

In 1899, Rev. A.F. Imm was called to succeed Rev. J. Todt. He served both congregations here and at Spencer until 1909, when he left the parish.

Rev. A.F. Imm 1899 – 1909

A call was then sent to and accepted by Rev. K.E.J. Schmidt, pastor of St. Paul’s Congregation of Stevens Point. During his pastorate the new church was built by Mr. Krasin, in 1910. Built on the old church site, the new building was of brick veneer, 32 x 56 feet, including the chancel, 72 feet long. The members of the building committee were:

H. Manthe A. Bruesewitz

F. Neumann A. Voelker

C. Andre A. Schulz

Pastor Schmidt

Rev. K. E. J. Schmidt 1909 - 1912

During the pastorate of Rev. Schmidt, St. John’s Congregation resolved to terminate its union with Trinity as one parish and to call its own pastor.

The new church was dedicated to the service of God in January, 1911.

St. John’s Church, dedicated in 1910.

On April 12, 1912, two acres of land were purchased from Mrs. Parrett. During a special meeting on June 2, 1912, it was resolved that the contract for the building of the school and parsonage, with the exception of the basement, be awarded to Mr. Herman Schwantes, who submitted a bid of $2273. This contract included furnishing all material and also doing the frescoing. Both buildings, like the church are of brick veneer.

The basement of the parsonage was built by various members of the congregation. Those who came to work by hand or those who brought a team of horses for the excavation work received $1.00 and $2.00 a day respectively, also $1.00 for a load of stone.

Rev. A.F. Ziehlsdorff, located in Swanville, Minnesota, accepted the call to come to St. John’s and was installed by Rev. Schmidt, Nov. 4, 1912. The call included $500 salary, free heat, free dwelling and 3 acres of land. As the congregation was not able to support a teacher, Rev. Ziehlsdorff taught school 8 or 9 months a year. A barn was built for the pastor in 1913.

On February 16, 1913, the members of St. John’s voted to join the Missouri Synod. In June of the same year, William Marten was the first member to be elected as a delegate to a synodical convention. In 1916 the synod was divided into two districts.

Rev. A. F. Ziehlsdorff 1912 - 1930

In 1918 flags were purchased for the church and the schoolhouse, the schoolhouse flag was to be put on a pole.

In 1919 it was resolved to have English services once a month.

In 1920 an eleven hundred pound bell was bought from Henry Struckstead of St. Louis, the church was painted, and other improvements were made at a cost of $1500. An alter, pulpit, and baptismal font were purchased for $570 and painted by Kavert and Son.

In 1921 it was resolved to buy the piece of land south of the church property for $100. Each member was to pay $2.00 towards it and the fence.

A Hinners pipe organ was purchased in 1923 for $2200.

The Pipe Organ purchased in 1923

On September 9, 1928, St. John’s celebrated its 50th Anniversary, glorifying God with praises and thanksgiving. Three festival services were held. Rev. Schmidt, Rev. Herman Daib, President of North Wisconsin District, and Rev. Todt delivered the sermons.

Rev. Ziehlsdorff continued to serve the congregation until September, 1930, when he resigned. In the fall of 1931 he accepted a call to Charlotte Hall, Maryland.

During the brief vacancy, Rev. Arthur Staple of Spencer served the parish. After Rev. Ziehlsdorff resigned, St. John’s extended a call to Rev. H.C. Hinz, pastor of St. John’s Congregation, Emerald, Wisconsin. He accepted the call and was installed by Rev. Staple, November 23, 1930.

Rev. H. C. Hinz 1930 – 1950

From January 1931 to 1942, services were held alternately in English and German; from 1942 to 1945, German services were limited to one sermon a month, and in 1945, it was resolved to discontinue the German entirely.

Week-day school was discontinued when Pastor Hinz was called to serve the congregation. Confirmation instruction was to be held on Saturday forenoons, and after public schools closed, each week-day until time of Confirmation. It was at this time (1931), that the German instruction was discontinued and the confirmation instructions were given only in English.

In 1931 electricity was installed in the church, school and parsonage.

In 1932 lightning caused a fire which entirely consumed the altar. Considerable damage was done by smoke and necessitated the renovation and redecoration of the church, during which time services were held in the Spencer church.

In 1937 the church basement was deepened and fitted for meetings of the Ladies’ Aid and Young People’s Society. Most of the work was done by the members themselves.

On September 11, 1938, the congregation celebrated its 60th Anniversary services, also the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Saxony immigration.

Services were held in the forenoon, afternoon and evening with the former pastors Rev. A. F. Imm, Rev. Karl Schmidt preaching, also Rev. Herman Daib, president of the North Wisconsin District.

Charles Neumann was voted to be the delegate to the district synodical convention in April of 1939.

A special collection was taken in May 1941 for the Army and Navy commission for the benefit of the boys in training camps who hadn’t had the opportunity of receiving the Word of God otherwise.

During the same year it was decided to reshingle the roof of the school house. The work was to be volunteered and the trustees attained the needed supplies.

In April of 1945, authorization was given to the President and Secretary to have the church seal changed as a direct result of St. John’s church voting to become incorporated. The purchase of a new furnace stoker and blower was also made. Other improvements were approved on the church properties, one being a parking lot on the south side of the church road.

1947 was the centennial year for the Missouri Synod. St. John’s held a house to house collection. This drive resulted in the collection of $92. The celebration services were scheduled for April 27th. Gifts of money were given to the Bible Society and the Lutheran Hour.

This year also saw the members of St. John’s decide to buy the new Lutheran Hymnais. Each member was to pay for his own. The Lutheran Laymans League of St. John’s was granted the privilege of organization at this time.

In July 1949, lightning again struck the steeple of the church so it had to be taken down just above the belfry. The church was also reshingled and the interior walls were covered with composition wood. The total cost of this work was in excess of $3000, of which the sum of $1500 was received from insurance.

On July 9, 1950, at the voters meeting, Rev. Hinz made the announcement that he intended to retire from the active ministry because of old age and failing memory. He had served the congregation faithfully with Word and Sacrament for twenty years. His resignation was to take effect the last of August.

Pastor Hinz preached his farewell sermon the first Sunday in September, 1950. The text was Luke 11:28. "Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.’~ The theme was: How blessed you will be if you continue to hear and keep God’s Word.

A farewell service and social gathering was given for him with Rev. Otto Hoffman, Colby, and Rev. Randolph Mueller, Spencer, speaking. On September 15, 1950, Rev. Hinz and his daughter, Lydia, moved to Neillsville to make their future home. Mrs. Hinz had passed away in 1944.

During the vacancy following the departure of Rev. Hinz, considerable work was done in remodeling the parsonage. A new furnace was installed and a bathroom built. The kitchen was remodeled and most of the rooms redecorated with linoleum, rugs and carpeting put in three rooms. A new water system was also added.

A barn that had been used to house the former pastor’s horse, cows, chickens, and car was sold and moved away. In its place a new garage was built.

After Pastor Hinz left, St. John’s was now in need of a pastor. The congregation prayerfully sent out several calls without success. A call was now sent in for a seminary graduate, with Rev. Richard Scholz of Springfield, Illinois, accepting the call. Pastor Scholz arrived with his wife and family and was installed on June 17, 1951, by Rev. Mueller of Spencer, Wis.

Rev. Richard Scholz 1951 – 1954

After the installation services an open house was held at the parsonage, and a reception was given in honor of the pastor and his family in the church. As St. John’s again had its own pastor, the church once more began to grow and flourish.

The North Wisconsin District held its convention at Clintonville in 1952. Gust Frank served as delegate from our congregation. At this time the North Wisconsin District has a membership of 54,000 and the membership of the Missouri Synod was 1.8 million. The average district communion attendance was 2.75 times per year.

While Rev. Scholz was pastor a number of additions were made to the church properties. Small tables and chairs were purchased for use by the Sunday School children, and hymnal racks were placed on the back of the benches.

1953 was a year of joy for this church. St. John’s celebrated 75 years of existence through services of worship. Pastor Richard Scholz used his talents in producing a "75^th Annivsary Commemoration Booklet" and leading our worship services.

Pastor Mueller served as vacancy pastor as four calls were sent with three being returned. The fourth call was accepted by Pastor Saremba of Warren, Wisconsin. He was installed January 9, 1955 with "Ye are My Hands" as his sermon theme.

Rev. August Saremba 1955 – 1959

On May 1, 1955 the church services were scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. A porch was also added to the parsonage.

In 1956 Rev. Wilbur Neumann, the first son of the congregation to become a minister, preached his first sermon at his home congregation.

Wilbur Neumann

Several improvements and additions were made to the church property in 1957. A seven foot electric cross was ordered in December, and installed. New doors and windows were also purchased. The pipes for the organ were painted gray, and the school house and garage were given a coat of new paint. The north windows behind the altar were bricked in when it became apparent that numerous repairs would have to be made in the chancel area. A pancake supper was held with benefits to go for a power mower for the cemetery committee. It is interesting to note that our congregation was the highest district contributor for the first quarter in 1957.

Pastor Saremba passed away on September 25^th, 1958. Four calls were sent before Pastor Milford Yonker accepted a temporary call. He was installed September 1, 1959.

Rev. Milford Yonker 1959 – 1968

A new well was drilled at a cost of $717, and blueprints were drawn up for a parish hail and narthex.

Many discussions were held, and in 1960 a building committee was named. This group consisted of Arnold Seefeldt, Arvin Podevels, De!bert Rinehart, George Oeirich, and Lester Bruesewitz. Wilbur Wilmer was awarded the building contract at a cost of $21,453, the heating went to Mauer’s of Marshfield for $1640, and Abbotsford Hardware did the plumbing and wiring at a cost of $2275. It was decided that one half of the estimate of $25,368 be raised before the building would be started. As has been apparent in the past, the congregation soon had the amount raised. The new addition was completed in 1961.

St. John’s new addition dedicated in 1961.

While Pastor Yonker was serving St. John’s, he suffered the loss of both his daughter and his wife. A call was given to Pastor Yonker by St. John’s of Riplinger on September 18, 1963. He accepted, and a cooperative arrangement was made between the two parishes where by Pastor Yonker would serve both churches. The Riplinger congregation shares in the cost of the pastor’s salary, car allowances and other pastoral expenses. This satisfactory arrangement continues to the present time.

The balcony was sanded and varnished in 1964.

The narthex was painted and a church sign was placed along the highway to announce the time of the church services.

In June of 1965 the Concordia Welfare Plan for ministers was voted on and accepted by the congregation, and in 1966 individual communion cups were first used.

A new organ was dedicated on May 7, 1967, and storm windows were purchased for the west side of the church,

During late 1967 and 1968 there were special meetings with the Riplinger congregation and also with the district President to deal with a very difficult problem. Pastor Yonker left the congregation September 1, 1968. Pastor Ruhbush served as interim pastor with Pastor Goetz leading the Sunday services until July 1969, when Pastor David Ault was installed.

Rev. David J. Ault 1969 –

In 1970 the church ceiling was insulated and the windows between the church and parish hall were closed off. A mail box for the members was placed in the narthex as a memorial. Communion cards were implemented as a means of replacing the personal communion announcement. An office for the pastor was also built in the south west corner of the basement.

A major issue of the Synod in 1970 was whether or not to accept fellowship with the ALC. In July our congregation voted to accept the option of having altar and pulpit fellowship.

Loudspeakers were purchased for the church in 1971 and also a church directory was made. St. John’s voted to change the voting age of male members to 18 in all church meetings. The congregation’s second son Richard Klein was ordained July 11, 1971 with former vacancy Pastor Krueger officiating.

Richard Klein ordained by Pastor Krueger

In 1973 another major synod option of woman suffrage was brought before the voters and was rejected. The voters also approved a standing resolution to borrow money to meet our mission pledges should our offerings fall short. More church repairs were also made. Tile was added to the church basement floor, the church pews were refinished, and trim on the church and parsonage was painted.

In 1975 the church windows were given a stained glass effect by covering them with a plastic covering. A memorial gift of a copier and mimeograph machine was received by the church. A new door was purchased for the parish hall.

A major remodeling of the chancel area was undertaken in 1976. Memorial contributions furnished the chancel area at no cost to the congregation. April 18, 1976, the dedication service was held. Memorials throughout the years have provided St. John’s with many needed items which the church would not have been able to buy or would have taken a number of years to get.

At the 1977 annual meeting it was decided to remodel the upstairs of the parsonage. A building committee of Ron Seefeld, Norbert Schultz, and Art Kopp were asked to obtain bids and report on the progress of the remodeling. New windows were placed in all the upstairs rooms. Paneling, ceiling tile, and carpet were installed throuqhout. The job was completed in February of 1978. Women’s suffrage was accepted by the voters in April, 1978.

In preparation for the hundred year celebration St. John’s has voted to make a few improvements in the church facilities. The church basement floor has been painted along with the walls in the parish hall. A new door has been placed on the church entrance, and carpet was installed in the balcony.

The Lord has mercifully blessed our congregation during the past 100 years. From its beginning of 12 voters, it has increased to a present 239 voters. Our communicant membership totals 269, and we have 356 baptized souls. The history of St. John’s has been varied and interesting over the past one hundred years. As we begin our second century, we look forward to serving our Lord and our fellow man.

St. John’s with new addition dedicated in 1961	Remodeled Chancel 1976	Backview of the church