Church: Withee St. John's Lutheran (Break Ground – 1968)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Urman

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 11 Apr 1968

"Other Foundation can no man lay that is laid, which in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, blessed forever." With these words the Rev. L.A. Urman turned over the first spade full of ground at the ground-breaking service at St. John's Lutheran Church of Withee (Clark Co., Wis.), held last Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

The pastor also said, "Whereas, by the grace of God,w e are permitted this day to begin the erection of a church at this place,w ith this spade I now break ground in the anme of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, in order that the building which shall be constructed here may serve as a place where our god will record His name, where His honor will dwell, and where He will come until His children and bless them."

After the first spade full was turned, the spot of the groundbreaking was filled with enthusiastic children of the St. John's Sunday School, representing the future church. A variety os sizes and types of spades and shovels were used as the children participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies.

Following the children, members of the building committee and representatives of the architectural firm and construction firm took their turn with the spade.

Construction of the new $160,000 structure has begun. The contractor is Adams-Hagman, Inc. of Minneapolis. The new building will include facilities for worship, education and fellowship.