St. John

Here is the history of St. John Lutheran Church

The information was taken from several sources.

From the “Between Long Lake and Last Mountain” history book Volume 1 published in 1982.

Families of Lutheran background with their primary roots in the German speaking areas of Europe began settling in what was then the Strassburg area in 1884. In the midst of the struggle to carve out a home and a future for their families, these people had a concern that the teachings of their faith be a part of their community. At first, they had to be content with occasional services of worship conducted by various travelling missionaries. The first Lutheran service in the area was conducted by a Rev. Schneider from Balgonie. For this service the people gathered in a log schoolhouse. Other occasional services were provided in homes or the schoolhouse by Pastors Willing, Rabenberg, Uebelherr and Gerke. The desire for more regular worship and a permanent house of worship was strong and in 1906 Lutherans in the community gathered to organize into a congregation.

Pastor Julius Zaetschky was called as the first resident pastor and installed on May 27, 1906. Mr. Theodor Moeller donated two acres of land which was to become the site of the church and parsonage. By Aug. 7, 1907 the church building was up, and the congregation met to dedicate their house of worship and to give thanks to God for his goodness. At that time there were about 70 communicant members.

Pastor P. F. Peterson followed Pastor Zaetschky in 1911 and was in tum succeeded by Pastor T. Lassen in 1914 who served until 1920. These years were years of regular worship and consolidation. The building debt was retired and under Pastor Lassen the Ladies Aid was organized.

Pastor C. H. Kohlmeier served from 1921-1930 and the congregation grew to 185 communicant members. During the difficult depression years Pastor C. Schmidt served the congregation (1930-1936). In 1931 a Luther League was organized and enjoyed a peak membership of 65. Following Schmidt, Pastor J. Mohr served briefly from 1937-1939.

Pastor C. J. Daechsel served the congregation from 1939-1946. It was at this time that a building fund was established to provide more adequate facilities. Also, it was in these years that regular English services were introduced. From 1947-1949 Pastor A. Ewald served briefly and plans for building proceeded. These plans were interrupted by a period of pastoral vacancy from 1949-1952. The vacancy ended with the arrival of Pastor Robert Herrboldt and the building program proceeded. The cornerstone was laid and the church dedicated on Nov. 9, 1952. Over 6,000 hours of volunteer labour went into the present house of worship, a building 32′ x 72′. District President Karl Holfeld and former Pastor C . Kohlmeier were speakers at the dedication service. The interior and furnishings were completed and dedicated by Dr. Holfeld at a service Dec. 20, 1953. In 1954 a new parsonage was completed next to the new church on a spacious four lot site.

From 1955 to 1958 Pastor David Schaefer was the pastor. It was in these years that St. John Lutheran Brotherhood was organized. Also, the Baldwin organ was dedicated in Oct. of 1957. At the 50th anniversary observances in 1956, it was noted that 567 baptisms, 355 confirmations, 177 weddings and 135 burials had taken place under the ministry of the congregation. At that time the congregation had a baptized membership of 421, a confirmed membership of 285 and a property debt of $7,500.

Pastor Schaefer resigned in Aug. of 1958 and in Jan. of 1959 Pastor Harold Martin was installed. Pastor Martin has the longest record of continuous ministry in the congregation serving until 1970. Many changes took place during his ministry. In 1959 sewer lines were installed in Strasbourg and plumbing completed in the parsonage. Bathrooms were installed in the church in 1964. November 1960 saw the congregation’s debt retired on property then valued at $60,000. In 1961 the church and parsonage were repainted. Also, in 1961 the Service Book and Hymnal was introduced. The illuminated cross was installed and dedicated in December of that year. In 1962 the basement was supplied with nesting tables and stacking chairs, thanks to the LCW. 1963 saw the new lighting fixtures installed in the church. 1965 brought natural gas to Strasbourg. The line was brought to the church and to the parsonage, where the furnace and the water heater were converted. 1966 brought about parish realignment as St. John entered into a parish arrangement with Norrona. It was in that year that a daughter of the congregation Dr. Lila Yauck was commissioned for service with World Brotherhood Exchange at Garoua Boulai Cameroun West Africa. District President Dr. Holfeld, Pastor C. J. Daechsel and Pastor H. Martin officiated at the commissioning at an afternoon service on October 30th. The same year a PA system was installed in the Church and dedicated as a memorial.

Records indicate that in 1966 the congregation had a baptized membership of 467, a confirmed membership of 322 and a Sunday school enrollment of 127. As well in 1966 St. John celebrated their 60th church anniversary.

In 1968 a Lutheran Academic Mobilization Plan was organized under the heading “Lamp”, an achievement to raise money over a period of 3 years. The receipts to go to the Seminary, Campus Ministry and to provide facilities for three schools of the church.

Pastor Martin continued to serve until Nov. 1970. A brief vacancy was experienced until the installation of Pastor James Buenting in Sept. of 1971. During Pastor Buenting’s ministry the church building was greatly enhanced with the installation of the colored windows which were dedicated as a memorial. It was under Pastor Buenting ‘s ministry that Our Saviours Altar Guild was formed . This group has served faithfully in keeping the altar and altar furnishings fit for worship services. In 1971 cathedral windows were installed in the nave of the church. Pastor Buenting in Feb. of 1973 resigned to accept a call to Trinity Lutheran in Regina. The vacancy at this time was short lived when Pastor Gerhard Preibisch was installed in July 22, 1973. During his ministry the parsonage was extensively renovated. The basement rumpus room was finished with panelling and carpets. The kitchen, living room and dining room all underwent renovation, which added greatly to the comfort of the pastor’s family. At the church during this period considerable work was done on the basement including the insulating of the walls.
Pastor Preibisch served the congregation until the summer of 1979 and resigned to accept a call to Winnipeg. He was succeeded by Pastor Harold Lovrod who was installed in Oct. of 1979.

St. John celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the congregation’s life in 1981. Former Pastor David Schaefer was present as guest speaker for Anniversary Services on June 28. At that time review of pastoral records showed that since 1906 there had been 909 baptisms, 655 confirmations, 311 weddings and 239 burials . Under the theme, “The Word of the Lord Abides Forever”, the congregation gave thanks to God for blessings of the past and renewed their dedication to continue faithful to the Word in the future.

From the “Between Long Lake and Last Mountain” history book Volume 3 published in 2007.

Since the last history book in 1982, St. John has continued to provide a church home for many in the Strasbourg area. The congregation has seen some changes during that time and has also been a constant in the life of the community. In 1984 our church, through merger, became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Pastor Harold Lovrod died in late 1984 and in the summer of 1985, Pastor Lois Knudson arrived to begin serving in Strasbourg, her first parish. Pastor Lois served until the end of 1977. Pastor Rick Schulz began serving our parish in 1998, continuing until 2002. St. John is currently served by Pastor Don Hansen who began ministry here in 2003.

Pastor Lovrod was a valued member of the community as well as our church family and his sudden passing was a shock to the parish and to the whole community of faith.

Pastor Lois Knutson arrived in Strasbourg after ordination at Dahlton Lutheran Church in July 1985. Pastor Lois, who is to date the longest serving pastor in our parish, saw during her ministry here the beginning of several groups in our parish. These included the St John Norrona joint choir and the St John Norrona musical group. Pastor Lois helped start a visitation committee and also a Faith and Life group that organized special events in the life of the church. A stained glass window was donated and installed above the altar during this time.
St. John Norrona was also Pastor Rick Schulz’s first parish after ordination in Assiniboia. Pastor Rick was a presence in the community as well as the church. During Pastor Rick’s ministry a new piano was placed in the church sanctuary and the praise and worship band Spirit Led was formed to enhance the worship services. A women’s study group called PMS was organized.

Pastor Don Hansen has continued to lead us with his ministry since coming to our parish in 2003. Pastor Don helped us look beyond our community by his interest and involvement in native ministry and his global outlook in the faith community.
St. John Church has continued to support our church schools, bible camps, Circle of Life Ministry, The Canadian Food Grains Bank and our church missionaries as well as our own Sunday School and Youth Groups.

St. John is planning it’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2006 and looks forward to many more years of ministry and service to the community.

In 2003, air conditioning was put into the church. In 2006, an addition was built and an elevator installed. St. John is the only church in Strasbourg with air conditioning and an elevator.

60th Anniversary 1966 Book

A Brief History

First Church Building Dedicated in 1907

St. John Church and Parsonage 1966

1906 – 1956

1884: Families of Lutheran background settled in the Strasbourg area.

1884-1906: Pastor Schneider from Balgonie conducted the first Lutheran service in a log house. During this period, other missionaries, travelling by ox and horses, supplied occasional services. Such traveling missionaries were Pastor’s Willing, Rodenberg and Uebelherr.

May 27, 1906: Pastor Juluis Zaetschky was installed as the first regular and resident pastor. He served the congregation until 1911.

August 7, 1907: In gratitude, the congregation dedicated a new house of worship. Soon after, the parsonage was completed and dedicated. There were about 70 communicant members. In 1 911, when Pastor Zaetschky left to follow a call to Alberta, only a debt of $800. 00 remained on the Church property.

1911-1914: Pastor P. F. Peterson briefly served the St. John congregation.

1914-1920: Under the Ministry of T. Lassen, the original debt of $800. 00 was liquidated. In 1915 he organized the Ladies’ Aid with a membership of 15. There was a commicant membership of about 45.

1921-1930: During the ministry of Pastor C. H. Kohlmeier, the parsonage was renovated. By 1926, the communicant membership was about 185.

1930-1936: In the Depression years Pastor C. Schmidt faithfully served the congregation. In 1931 the Luther League was organized and enjoyed a peek membership of 65. English services were also introduced. By 1936, the communicant membership dropped to about 160.

1937-1939: Pastor J. Mohr briefly served the congregation.

1939-1946: Pastor C. J. Daechsel accepted the Call in 1939. Under his leadership the first Building Fund was established to provide adequate Church property. The first Regular English services were introduced with just the Parsonage family and Bieber family in attendance. Slowly the attendance grew. By 1946, the communicant membership was about 170.

1947-1949: Under the brief ministry of Pastor A. Ewald, the congregation was encouraged to proceed with their building plans.

1949-1952: A period of vacancy.

1952-1955: A vast building program was undertaken during the ministry of Pastor Robert Herrboldt. The present house of worship was dedicated in 1953. The Sunday School was re -organized into departments and an adequate Sunday School staff was trained. In 1954 the new parsonage was completed and dedicated. A Junior Choir, also, became a reality. At this time the property was valued at about $40,000.00

1955-1958: During this period, under the ministry of Pastor D. Schaefer, the Brotherhood was organized in November, 1955 with 18 charter members. A Junior Mission Band was also started. Under his leadership, the 50th Anniversary of St. John Lutheran Church was observed. On July 8, 1956, Pastor C. J. Daechsel and Pastor William Riekert were guest speakers. A Golden Jubilee Yearbook was published. In this period of 50 years, a total of 567 baptisms, 355 confirmands, 177 weddings and 135 burials took place. In 1956, the Sunday School had an enrollment of 84; the Ladies’ Aid became the W. M. S. with a membership of 20; the Luther League had a membership of 22 and the Brotherhood enjoyed a peak membership of 22 members. The congregation had a Baptized membership of 421; a Confirmed membership of 285 and a property debt of $7,500.00

The Last Decade

1956 – 1966

October 1957: On Thanksgiving Day, at the evening service, a new Baldwin organ was dedicated.

August 1958: Pastor D. Schaefer followed a Letter of Call to a Mission Package in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

January 1959: On January Il, Pastor H. W. Martin was installed as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church at Strasbourg and St. John Lutheran at Silton, Saskatchewan.

July 1959: The sewer lines were installed in the town of Strasbourg and in August the plumbing installations were completed in the parsonage.

October 2, 1960: A happy and unusual event took place when all original confirmands, 10 in all, and their pastor attended a Confirmation Reunion Service. After the service, all the members gathered at the home of Mrs. Ludwig Reithmeier for a dinner. After dinner, Pastor C. H. Kohlmeier, addressed this Class of 1921 recalling many fond and precious memories.

November 1960: At another joyous occasion, Pastor D. Schaefer was the guest speaker at the debt retiring service. Within a period of eight years, a House of Worship, and a parsonage on a spacious 4 lot area were built and debt free. The property was valued at $60,000

November 22, 1960: In line with the newly formed, The American Lutheran Church, a new constitution was adopted by the congregation. The W. M. S. also became the St. John Lutheran Church Women, forming into two circles with a membership of 25.

1961: A year of Improvements. The Church and parsonage exterior were painted. The Deacon’s room was completed. Town -water replaced the parsonage pressure system. In July, the new Service Book and Hymnal was introduced and then used regularly. In December, an illuminated cross ( 10 t x 5′) was installed and dedicated as a memorial to sainted members of St. John Lutheran Church.

1962: The Church interior was decorated. A supply of nesting tables and stacking chairs were purchased, thanks to the LCW.

1963: New light fixtures were installed in the church and dedicated as a memorial. Some improvements were also made at the parsonage.

1964: Bathrooms were a welcome installation in the church. A 14 x 22′ garage was also built in June. Attendance at the Vacation school exceeded the 100 mark. Pastor D. King was the guest Spiritual Life Mission speaker, with a record attendance.

1965: When natural gas came to the town of Strasbourg, the gas line was brought to the church. In the parsonage the oil furnace and electric water heater were replaced by a gas furnace and gas water heater. The pastor, on a supply basis, began to serve the vacant congregations of Norrona and St. John at Silton.

1966: On January 1, Norrona Lutheran and St. John, Strasbourg became a two-point parish. In the year of our 60th Anniversary, an opening Jubilee service took place on June 12. Pastor D. Schaefer was guest speaker. In the afternoon, a variety program followed by a potluck supper was held at the Memorial Hall. Despite an all-day rain, many members enjoyed the day’s events. At the Dominion Day parade, a 60th Anniversary float, entered by our church won second prize. Concluding Anniversary services and festivities took place on the weekend of October 28, 29 and 30. At these services Pastor C. J. Daechsel preached a series of three messages on the Anniversary theme, ‘t Magnify Him for His Mighty Works” (Psalm 34:3). Dr. K. Holfeld, the District president, spoke at the morning Jubilee service on October 30. This was followed by a congregational fellowship dinner in the basement of the Church. At the afternoon service on October 30, Dr. K. Holfeld and Pastor C. J. Daechsel assisted Pastor H. W. Martin at the commissioning of Dr. Lila V. Youck, a daughter of the congregation. Dr. Youck will serve for at least one year at the Protestant Hospital in Garoua Boulai, Cameroun, West Africa, under the auspices of the World Brotherhood exchange program. As of October 30, 1966 St. John Lutheran Church has a Baptized membership of 467 and a confirmed membership of 322. The Brotherhood has 14 members; the Luther League 27 and the St. John LCW has 25 members. The Sunday School enrollment is 127.

Dr. Lila V. Youck and five of her brothers

Pastor’s Message

Greetings to all, in the words of the Psalmist: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Thy Name give glory, for the sake of Thy steadfast love and Thy faithfulness. (Ps. 115:1)

Congratulations to the members and friends of St. John Lutheran on the commemoration of your 60th anniversary. To God belongs all the glory and honor for the ‘t success” of the past sixty years.

The real church is always its people. It is people that God calls out of this world to be the Church. Because the Church is people, the history of a congregation is really the history of its people – how they live and work and witness, their joys and sorrows, their success and failures. When HIS people do the work of the Church, it is God working through them. God, therefore, sustains his people AS His Church. To them, God’s love is never ending and His grace is without measure.

Anniversaries are times of remembrance. We remember a loving God and all His wonderful blessings. With gratitude we remember God’s dealings with us these past 60 years; how He led us through years of plenty and years of famine. Sometimes we feel disappointed and discouraged but the gift of remembrance gives us courage, strengthens our faith and restores our confidence in the Lord, in His Church and in His people.

However, the value of a Church anniversary is not to be found only in its past but in its future. We must always move into the centre of life to make our witness for Him who comes to be the Ruler of His people. May the people of this church and community (and wherever life may lead you), continue to hear about the Savior and His Kingdom from your lips and see it in YOUR lives. Be the CHURCH and continue to hear and do His will. As such, you can be assured of HIS continued blessings. “Magnify Him, for His mighty works”

Your shepherd and friend,

Pastor Harold W. Martin.