St. John Lutheran Church
A Great Beginning…
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ellinwood was organized on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1877, as the “Evangelisch-Lutherischen St. Johannes Gemeinde zu Ellinwood.” Rev. Phillip Hoezel, the first pastor, was chairman of the meeting. He also served as pastor of the church at Great Bend. It was decided that Pastor Hoezel should live in or near Ellinwood, and that he would conduct services in the district No. 2 schoolhouse until a church could be built.
Casper Schrepel, Carl Hammer, and Dietrich Bosse were elected the first elders of the new church. Those signing the constitution were J.H.D. Bosse, Herman Bosse, Heinrich Brewer, Charles Buenger, Carl Hammer, F. Hammer, Fritz Hauser, Herrman Hoeme, Julius Hoeme, Heinrich Koenig, Herman Koenig, Frank Neickels, Henry Panning, Casper Schrepel, and John Schrepel. Later, Friedrich Kleile, John Knop, and Ernest Isern also signed.
Later that month, on April 22, the congregation held a meeting and decided to unite with the sister congregation at Great Bend, then called “Emanualsgemeinde” or Emanual Church. At another meeting, on May 13, it was decided to send the three elders to Great Bend to affect the union, whether such a union was ever affected is not indicated.
Getting Down To Business
A year and a half after the church’s founding, the congregation decided to build a church. Casper Schrepel, Henry Panning, and Dietrich Bosse were elected to the Building Committee in a meeting on December 1, 1878 and were given not only the responsibility to build the church, but that of procuring the funds. A month later, on January 1, 1879, the committee announced that a 11 x 140 foot building site had been purchased from the Santa Fe Railroad for $1.00.
Three days later, on January 4, the congregation had a thorough discussion of the new church and there developed a grandiose plan. The new church was to be built of brick and have a tower while the size and structure were to be left to the Building Committee. Someone had second thoughts about that latter decision; however, the group later dictated that the style should be gothic and the ceilings arched.
The group was soon brought back down to earth when the Building Committee reported on January 13 that the proposed brick church would cost at least $1200.00, a prodigious sum, and pointed out that the church might not be able to raise that amount of money.
So, setting their feet on the more practical ground, the committee reported that the frame church would cost about $600.00, and the congregation agreed that this might be the best approach. The actual decision to proceed with construction was not made until a meeting on May 14, 1879. The Building Committee had apparently been busy with financial matters during this time, since the decision to proceed with construction was contingent upon a loan from G. Ashton, owner of the local lumber yard.
Mr. Ashton apparently felt that the church was a good risk and good business as construction got underway in September of 1879. The church was dedicated on October 19, after less then two months of construction time.
Painting of the exterior did not begin until 1881. Pastor Krause was sent on a shopping expedition to Great Bend to see if supplies were cheaper there. The members did the painting themselves, and later that year, it was decided to use the remaining paint to add a real frill – that of painting the interior also.
Conrad Schrepel was the general contractor for the construction, charging $150.00 for labor, while Mr. Ashton finished the lumber at the cost of $751.00. Of that amount, $160.00 was paid in cash. The balance was covered by a $591.00 mortgage to the Ashton Lumber Company for nine months at 12% interest. Portions of the original church are still in existance as part of the barn on the property now occupied by Dr. Samuel Tyson, D.V.M.
A parsonage was not far behind, and in this case the congregation was quick to act. The decision to build a 14 x 28 foot parsonage was made on December 31, 1879, and the congregation decided to get the lumber and start building the very next day (January 1, 1880). However, New Year’s Day got in the way, and the lumber was not hauled to the site until January 2. The parsonage was built with free labor, and two weeks later, on January 18, it was turned over to the congregation and the pastor. The total cost came to $198.61.
The congregation decided to affiliate with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in a meeting on September 16, 1877. In 1880 the church asked the Synod for permission to call upon other churches for help in paying the debt incurred in the construction of the new church and parsonage. That same year the church decided not to send a delegate to the Synodical convention because it was too expensive.
Pastor Hoezel left the congregation some time prior to 1879, and Pastor Krause appears in the church minutes of August 10, 1879.
The church decided on November 9, 1879 that Pastor Krause was to give religious instruction to the children in both English and German, and that the elders were to buy whatever was necessary for the school such as coal, a blackboard, water bucket, etc. Classes were held in the church.
The language question never proved to be much of a problem in the congregation’s long history. In spite of the decision to begin using and teaching English in the church composed entirely of German immigrants, in 1879 German remained the official language of the pulpit and administration. The generations passed. In 1924 it was decided to hold English services on Sunday evenings; three German, and three English communions a year. Also beginning in 1927, the minutes of church meetings were recorded in English along with the official German. This lasted but a short time. By 1930 English had become the official language for conducting church business. The constitution was then changed to English also.
In 1941 English became the language of the Sunday services, and German services were limited to twice a month. All German services were discontinued by 1944. There has been infrequent usage of the German language since.
The church’s constitution was translated into English in 1881 for purposes of incorporation in the state capitol at Topeka, but the German version remained official until 1930.
A few miscellaneous notes from this early period are worth mentioning briefly.
Rather than form an annual budget, for many years the congregation simply appointed collectors to raise funds as they were needed. For instance, when money to pay the pastor ran short, the collectors fanned out through the congregation to take a collection. Offerings from certain Sundays would be designated for certain purposes. In 1888 a Sunday collection was earmarked to reimburse Pastor Krause for coal that he had purchased. This method for paying much of the church’s expenses remained the same into the late 1950’s. In 1937, for instance, the church had sets of “collectors’ for the pastor’s salary, for building and operating expenses, and for the synodical budget.”
From the beginning, the church was mission-minded. Perhaps as a result of the early years when the local congregation was itself a “mission” for the eastern churches, which helped to reduce St. John’s debt. For instance, the first “Mission Festival” was held in the fall of 1887. In the year 1893 festival day offerings went to help the poor. In 1881 a Sunday collection went to the church at New Ulm, Minnesota.
Agriculture seemed to play an important role in the church at times. Early minutes reflect a number of meetings which had to be rescheduled because “most of the members are in the harvest fields.”
Growth and Change
Pastor Krause requested release in April 1884. The congregation decided at this time to enlarge the parsonage before calling another pastor.
Obtaining another pastor in the “frontier” congregation involved in considerable period of time. In this particular case, as in others, a “circuit rider” was called to serve the church for the year or two that they might have to wait. This meant that services would be held only once a month or less.
It seems that there was an energy crisis at that time also. In a meeting on January 1, 1883, the congregation decided that religious instruction would have to wait because of the high cost of coal.
In 1892 the church built its first school. The structure was 20 x 28 feet. Classes began in September of that year. On January 5, 1895, it was resolved that children should attend Bible Class after Sunday services until the age of 17. The first Sunday School was organized on July 5, 1900. The Vacation Bible School has been an effective teaching agency for many years.
A Turn Toward the Future
By the turn of the century the church facility was proving inadequate. On September 9, 1900, the congregation determined to build a new church. John Koch, Ernest Isern, and August Schrepel were elected to the Building Committee. The new frame structure was 32 x58 feet, and was located on the present site of the Ellinwood High School Vocation Agriculture Building, north of the High School. The minutes do not indicate when it was completed and dedicated, nor the cost, but the next reference to it is in April 1901, when the bills were paid, and the committee was excused with thanks.
The church was eventually raised. However, the bell was removed from the tower and is mounted at the front of the present Young Center. A new parsonage on East Third, adjacent to the church, was built in 1902.
Some miscellaneous notes following the turn of the century find, in 1913, the school being repaired and enlarged to make room for more children, and English hymn books being purchased in 1918. Each member was to buy his own, with two dozen purchased by the church for visitors.
By World War II, the church was again feeling a crunch for space. In August, 1944, it was decided to build a new church, and a Building Fund was started.
In June 1945, after much discussion, the congregation decided to stay in the same location. That was rescinded in August 1948, when the so-called “Panning Block” on West Fifth Street was accepted as a site: a gift from Mr. and Mrs. William Panning.
By October, 1945, $25,000.00 had been gathered for the project and Shaver and Shaver of Salina were hired as the architects. In September, 1946, the congregation resolved to gather an additional $30,000.00 by February 1, 1948, but in January 1947 a ceiling of $80,000.00 was set. This was rescinded in the August 1948 meeting along with the earlier site decision. The new price ceiling was set at $160,000.00 and the Building Committee was given the go ahead for construction in March 1949. The Ground-breaking was held on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 1950.
Pastors Dahlke, Goetzke Join the Church
In 1962 Pastor Victor Dahlke was installed. Pastor Dahlke initiated “The Word”, a 15 minute weekly meditation, which is aired over the radio station KVGB. For the past 22 years Pastor Dahlke, and now Pastor Goetzke, have proclaimed the message of the gospel to a large radio audience.
In 1977 the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary with special services, an Anniversary Directory, Centennial Plates, and numerous other activities.
While Pastor Dahlke served, the congregation went though a number of studies including “Life with God” and the “Kennedy Evangelism Training.” Through his leadership, mission festivals, projects, and activities were planned and carried out. Pastor Dahlke retired in November of 1982 but continued to serve until April of 1983 when Pastor William Goetzke was installed.
Under the direction and guidance of Pastor Goetzke and DCE Elane Whiteneck the congregation had expanded the number of Bible studies and increased participation in them. The Sunday School and Young program had grown, and the congregation had examined and was developing their spiritual gifts. Church Growth principles were being studied by several boards and was being prepared for presentation to the congregation.
In 1985 a computer system was added to the church office to handle record keeping, financial affairs, and the contribution records. It also handled most of the printing and day to day work of the office.
In 1986 Wanda Sieker was recognized for her 25 years as Church Secretary.
In the spring of 1986 the congregation supported a major maintenance project that sandblasted, tuckpointed, and sealed the exterior of the church. The project cost over $25,000.00 Special fundraisers brought in nearly $5000.00, with the rest raised by Building Fundy Envelopes and special gifts.
The congregation continues to have a keen interest in mission work throughout the district and the world. Each year, in addition to the District Pledge, the congregation attempts to give help and encouragement to new missions. In 1985 it was the Hispanic Mission in Garden City, and in 1986 it was the new mission in Gardner. It is that spirit of mission and evangelism that will lead St. John’s into ministry and growth toward its 125th anniversary in the year 2002.
Ladies Aid (1906-1981)
In March, 1906, the following women organized the Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. Anna Bockemohle, Mrs. Dick Bosse, Mrs. L. Isern, Mrs. Ed Isern, Mrs. Ernest Isern, Mrs. John Isern, Mrs. William Panning, Mrs. Carl Schmidt. Mrs. August Schrepel, Mrs. Fred Schrepel, Mrs. Mathilda Thurow, Mrs. John Wagner-Treasurer, Mrs. Henry G. Ziegenbusch, Mrs. H. H. Ziegenbusch-Secretary, and Mrs. Louise Ziegenbusch. Their purpose, as stated in the constitution, is: “Since God commands us not to be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9) the aim of our society shall be to support and further the interests of the Kingdom of God, both in our congregation and our church at large.”
The first minutes of regular meetings were recorded by Mrs. Alfred Isern in 1932. Only roll call and expense accounts were kept prior to this date. Answering roll call with a Bible verse was also started. Peak membership of 55 members was reached in 1940. The younger ladies of this group also organized the Dorcas Society. In 1941 the Ladies Ald Joined the Ark Valley Circuit of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and received their first Mite boxes. Beginning in 1948 a mid-morning lunch was served to the Vacation Bible School students and staff. Members appointed to the newly formed Altar Guild in 1951 were Mrs. Ed Isern, Mrs. Lester Bryan, and Mrs. Carl Kleile.
These are just a few of the many activities that have enriched the heritage of the church, which the members have sought to support in the interests of the Kingdom of God.
In 1981, after 75 years of faithful and loving service to St. John’s the Ladies Aid disbanded, leaving behind a legacy of Christian service.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (1940-1987)
The Dorcas Society was organized October 11, 1940. The first officers were Mrs. Verna Heitschmidt-President, Mrs. Elsie Panning-Vice President, Mrs. Elda Binger-Secretary, and Mrs. Allene Knop-Treasurer.
In November 1941, they joined the Ark valley Circuit of Lutheran Women’s Missionary league, and the first Mite boxes were received. In 1943 the Kansas District of the LWML was arranged, and our organization joined it. During the years the LWML has done sewing for local and national projects. They have also sent money to needy organizations. The name “Dorcas” was changed to LWML in 1956 when the membership was divided into circles to perform the work and hold their circle meetings. In 1961 they again had monthly meetings as one group and started the annual “Smorgasbord” luncheon.
The LWML continues to serve St. John’s, Circuit 12, and the Kansas District through its Mites, mission projects, and money raised through the sale of Bierocks. Recent mission projects supported through the money raised from Bierocks have been: the Scholarship Fund for Bill Pieper (former DCE) studying for the ministry, Lutheran Bible Translators, the Christian Children’s Concern in Guatamala, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Kansas City, KS., and King of Kings Lutheran Church (a new mission in Gardner).
Altar Guild (1951-1987)
The Altar Guild of St. John’s Lutheran Church was organized in 1951 with the help of Rev. Arthur Traugott, to enhance the service of worship in the new church.
This organization consisted of six people. Three were women from the Ladies Aid (Mrs. Lydia Isern, Mrs. Ruth Kleile, Mrs. Ida Bryant), and three were from the Dorcas Society (Mrs. Helen Isern, Mrs. Virginia Sieker, Mrs. Elsy Panning).
The Youth Program (1936-1987)
The Youth Program of St. John’s Lutheran Church was officially organized as the “Walther League” on June 27, 1936, when they were accepted as members of the “International Walther League.” Since that time, although no longer associated with the Walther League, the youth have been extremely active in both the spiritual and social life of St. John’s. In 1984 our youth league joined the new Synodical Youth organization, “Lutheran Youth Fellowship” (LYF). From 1961 they have had special guidance and counseling from a Deaconess, Gretchen Gaver Shults (August 13, 1961), and five Directors of Christian Education: Gary Norton (September 1, 1963), Ken Schkade (August 20, 1967, Wilfred Pieper (September 9, 1973), Dave Dittmar (September 25, 1977), and Elaine Whiteneck (October 1, 1982).
For this heritage we thank God as we observe the 110th anniversary of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
St. John’s Lutheran Church 1877-1991
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on East Sunday, April 1, 1877. The first church was built at the present location of the Vo-ag building. It cost $901 and was built in less than two months and was dedicated on Oct. 19, 1879. A parsonage was built next to it starting on Jan. 2, 1880. It was built with free labor, and two weeks later the pastor moved in. Total cost was $198.61
Another larger church was built in April of 1901 at the same location. A new parsonage was also built on East Third Street in 1902. A new church was planned in 1944, but pursuing further discussion, it was decided to stay at the present location until August of 1948, when Mr. and Mrs. William Panning gave the “Panning Block” at Fifth and Wilhelm to the church. A new church was started in March of 1949 with ground breaking May 28, 1950. It took two years to build the present church at a cost of $225,638.
A new parsonage was built in 1954 next to the church, and the Youth Center was built in 1970.
Pastors that have served the congregation were:
Ph. Hoezel, 1877-78
H. Hengist, 1878-79
H. Krause, 1978-1884
A. Ehlers, 1884-1885
Aug. Herring, 1885-1891
R. Hellwege, 1891-1891
L. Brauer, 1891-1907
J.Ruff, 1907-1912
Theo Meyer, 1912-1936
Fred Kramer, 1936-1947
Arthur Traugott, 1947-1961
Geo. Bruening, 1961-1962
Victor Dahlke, 1962-1983
William Goetzke, 1983-1991
Bode
J.A. Keltner, 1992-2006
Interim M. Lohrke
J. Frakes 2007-2015
T. Thierfelder 2017-Present
K.Abbott 2019 - Present
The congregation decided to have a Director of Christian Education and the following have served in this position:
Gretchen Schultz, 1961-1963
Gary Norton, 1963-1966
Ken Schkade, 1967-1973
Wilfred Pieper, 1973-1977
David Dittmer, 1977-1980
Ellaine Whiteneck, 1982-present
Chuck Merriman 2002-2015
Kate Luckemeyer 2009- 2017
The church also had an active Ladies Aid from 1891-1906. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League was organized in 1940 and continues today. An altar Guild was organized in 1951, with 16 members at present time. The Youth Program was started in 1936, and is very active today along with a very good Sunday School.
(Submitted by Marlin Isern, Elder)
The Ellinwood Leader
VOLUME V111 NUMBER 40
Thursday, December 19, 1901
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran church of Ellinwood was organized on Easter Sunday in the year 1877, by the Rev. Ph. Hoelzel of Great Bend, who continued to supply this church with preaching until in 1879, when Rev. R Krause was sent here as resident minister. In 1878 a church building was erected and soon thereafter the parsonage was built. In 1884 he was succeeded by Rev. August Hering, who remained until 1891, when Rev. Ludwig Brauer, who ever since and is now the faithful and efficient pastor. Under him the parochial school building was erected, and in 1900, the old church building being already too small for the congregation a new one was built and completed early in 1901, upon the site of the old one.
The congregation is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri and other states. The Ellinwood congregation now numbers 138 communicant members. At the time of organization in “77 the first trustees were Casper Schrepel, director; Charles Hammer, treasurer; D. Bosse, secretary. The board of trustees for 1901 are August Schrepel, Henry Lauderman and John Isern.
The parochial school, taught by the pastor, this winter has a usual attendance of thirteen.
The Sunday school officers at the present time are: Ed. Isern, superintendent; Marie Brewer, secretary; Emma Schmidt, treasurer.
Beside his church and schoolwork in Ellinwood, Ref. Brauer preaches every Sunday afternoon alternately at St. Paul church at Claflin and Immanuel church eight miles east of Ellinwood.
OTHER SERVANTS
Gretchen Shults, Deaconess…………………………………………………………………………1961-1963
Gary Norton, Director of Christian Education…………………………1963-1966
Ken Schkade, Dire. Of Christian Education…………………………………1967-1973
Wilfred Pieper, Dir. Of Christian Education……………………………1973-1977
David Dittmer, Dir. Of Christian Education………………………………1977-1980
Elaine Whiteneck, Dir. Of Christian Education………………………1982
A Great Beginning…
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ellinwood was organized on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1877, as the “Evangelisch-Lutherischen St. Johannes Gemeinde zu Ellinwood.” Rev. Phillip Hoezel, the first pastor, was chairman of the meeting. He also served as pastor of the church at Great Bend. It was decided that Pastor Hoezel should live in or near Ellinwood, and that he would conduct services in the district No. 2 schoolhouse until a church could be built.
Casper Schrepel, Carl Hammer, and Dietrich Bosse were elected the first elders of the new church. Those signing the constitution were J.H.D. Bosse, Herman Bosse, Heinrich Brewer, Charles Buenger, Carl Hammer, F. Hammer, Fritz Hauser, Herrman Hoeme, Julius Hoeme, Heinrich Koenig, Herman Koenig, Frank Neickels, Henry Panning, Casper Schrepel, and John Schrepel. Later, Friedrich Kleile, John Knop, and Ernest Isern also signed.
Later that month, on April 22, the congregation held a meeting and decided to unite with the sister congregation at Great Bend, then called “Emanualsgemeinde” or Emanual Church. At another meeting, on May 13, it was decided to send the three elders to Great Bend to affect the union, whether such a union was ever affected is not indicated.
Getting Down To Business
A year and a half after the church’s founding, the congregation decided to build a church. Casper Schrepel, Henry Panning, and Dietrich Bosse were elected to the Building Committee in a meeting on December 1, 1878 and were given not only the responsibility to build the church, but that of procuring the funds. A month later, on January 1, 1879, the committee announced that a 11 x 140 foot building site had been purchased from the Santa Fe Railroad for $1.00.
Three days later, on January 4, the congregation had a thorough discussion of the new church and there developed a grandiose plan. The new church was to be built of brick and have a tower while the size and structure were to be left to the Building Committee. Someone had second thoughts about that latter decision; however, the group later dictated that the style should be gothic and the ceilings arched.
The group was soon brought back down to earth when the Building Committee reported on January 13 that the proposed brick church would cost at least $1200.00, a prodigious sum, and pointed out that the church might not be able to raise that amount of money.
So, setting their feet on the more practical ground, the committee reported that the frame church would cost about $600.00, and the congregation agreed that this might be the best approach. The actual decision to proceed with construction was not made until a meeting on May 14, 1879. The Building Committee had apparently been busy with financial matters during this time, since the decision to proceed with construction was contingent upon a loan from G. Ashton, owner of the local lumber yard.
Mr. Ashton apparently felt that the church was a good risk and good business as construction got underway in September of 1879. The church was dedicated on October 19, after less then two months of construction time.
Painting of the exterior did not begin until 1881. Pastor Krause was sent on a shopping expedition to Great Bend to see if supplies were cheaper there. The members did the painting themselves, and later that year, it was decided to use the remaining paint to add a real frill – that of painting the interior also.
Conrad Schrepel was the general contractor for the construction, charging $150.00 for labor, while Mr. Ashton finished the lumber at the cost of $751.00. Of that amount, $160.00 was paid in cash. The balance was covered by a $591.00 mortgage to the Ashton Lumber Company for nine months at 12% interest. Portions of the original church are still in existance as part of the barn on the property now occupied by Dr. Samuel Tyson, D.V.M.
A parsonage was not far behind, and in this case the congregation was quick to act. The decision to build a 14 x 28 foot parsonage was made on December 31, 1879, and the congregation decided to get the lumber and start building the very next day (January 1, 1880). However, New Year’s Day got in the way, and the lumber was not hauled to the site until January 2. The parsonage was built with free labor, and two weeks later, on January 18, it was turned over to the congregation and the pastor. The total cost came to $198.61.
The congregation decided to affiliate with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in a meeting on September 16, 1877. In 1880 the church asked the Synod for permission to call upon other churches for help in paying the debt incurred in the construction of the new church and parsonage. That same year the church decided not to send a delegate to the Synodical convention because it was too expensive.
Pastor Hoezel left the congregation some time prior to 1879, and Pastor Krause appears in the church minutes of August 10, 1879.
The church decided on November 9, 1879 that Pastor Krause was to give religious instruction to the children in both English and German, and that the elders were to buy whatever was necessary for the school such as coal, a blackboard, water bucket, etc. Classes were held in the church.
The language question never proved to be much of a problem in the congregation’s long history. In spite of the decision to begin using and teaching English in the church composed entirely of German immigrants, in 1879 German remained the official language of the pulpit and administration. The generations passed. In 1924 it was decided to hold English services on Sunday evenings; three German, and three English communions a year. Also beginning in 1927, the minutes of church meetings were recorded in English along with the official German. This lasted but a short time. By 1930 English had become the official language for conducting church business. The constitution was then changed to English also.
In 1941 English became the language of the Sunday services, and German services were limited to twice a month. All German services were discontinued by 1944. There has been infrequent usage of the German language since.
The church’s constitution was translated into English in 1881 for purposes of incorporation in the state capitol at Topeka, but the German version remained official until 1930.
A few miscellaneous notes from this early period are worth mentioning briefly.
Rather than form an annual budget, for many years the congregation simply appointed collectors to raise funds as they were needed. For instance, when money to pay the pastor ran short, the collectors fanned out through the congregation to take a collection. Offerings from certain Sundays would be designated for certain purposes. In 1888 a Sunday collection was earmarked to reimburse Pastor Krause for coal that he had purchased. This method for paying much of the church’s expenses remained the same into the late 1950’s. In 1937, for instance, the church had sets of “collectors’ for the pastor’s salary, for building and operating expenses, and for the synodical budget.”
From the beginning, the church was mission-minded. Perhaps as a result of the early years when the local congregation was itself a “mission” for the eastern churches, which helped to reduce St. John’s debt. For instance, the first “Mission Festival” was held in the fall of 1887. In the year 1893 festival day offerings went to help the poor. In 1881 a Sunday collection went to the church at New Ulm, Minnesota.
Agriculture seemed to play an important role in the church at times. Early minutes reflect a number of meetings which had to be rescheduled because “most of the members are in the harvest fields.”
Growth and Change
Pastor Krause requested release in April 1884. The congregation decided at this time to enlarge the parsonage before calling another pastor.
Obtaining another pastor in the “frontier” congregation involved in considerable period of time. In this particular case, as in others, a “circuit rider” was called to serve the church for the year or two that they might have to wait. This meant that services would be held only once a month or less.
It seems that there was an energy crisis at that time also. In a meeting on January 1, 1883, the congregation decided that religious instruction would have to wait because of the high cost of coal.
In 1892 the church built its first school. The structure was 20 x 28 feet. Classes began in September of that year. On January 5, 1895, it was resolved that children should attend Bible Class after Sunday services until the age of 17. The first Sunday School was organized on July 5, 1900. The Vacation Bible School has been an effective teaching agency for many years.
A Turn Toward the Future
By the turn of the century the church facility was proving inadequate. On September 9, 1900, the congregation determined to build a new church. John Koch, Ernest Isern, and August Schrepel were elected to the Building Committee. The new frame structure was 32 x58 feet, and was located on the present site of the Ellinwood High School Vocation Agriculture Building, north of the High School. The minutes do not indicate when it was completed and dedicated, nor the cost, but the next reference to it is in April 1901, when the bills were paid, and the committee was excused with thanks.
The church was eventually raised. However, the bell was removed from the tower and is mounted at the front of the present Young Center. A new parsonage on East Third, adjacent to the church, was built in 1902.
Some miscellaneous notes following the turn of the century find, in 1913, the school being repaired and enlarged to make room for more children, and English hymn books being purchased in 1918. Each member was to buy his own, with two dozen purchased by the church for visitors.
By World War II, the church was again feeling a crunch for space. In August, 1944, it was decided to build a new church, and a Building Fund was started.
In June 1945, after much discussion, the congregation decided to stay in the same location. That was rescinded in August 1948, when the so-called “Panning Block” on West Fifth Street was accepted as a site: a gift from Mr. and Mrs. William Panning.
By October, 1945, $25,000.00 had been gathered for the project and Shaver and Shaver of Salina were hired as the architects. In September, 1946, the congregation resolved to gather an additional $30,000.00 by February 1, 1948, but in January 1947 a ceiling of $80,000.00 was set. This was rescinded in the August 1948 meeting along with the earlier site decision. The new price ceiling was set at $160,000.00 and the Building Committee was given the go ahead for construction in March 1949. The Ground-breaking was held on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 1950.
Pastors Dahlke, Goetzke Join the Church
In 1962 Pastor Victor Dahlke was installed. Pastor Dahlke initiated “The Word”, a 15 minute weekly meditation, which is aired over the radio station KVGB. For the past 22 years Pastor Dahlke, and now Pastor Goetzke, have proclaimed the message of the gospel to a large radio audience.
In 1977 the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary with special services, an Anniversary Directory, Centennial Plates, and numerous other activities.
While Pastor Dahlke served, the congregation went though a number of studies including “Life with God” and the “Kennedy Evangelism Training.” Through his leadership, mission festivals, projects, and activities were planned and carried out. Pastor Dahlke retired in November of 1982 but continued to serve until April of 1983 when Pastor William Goetzke was installed.
Under the direction and guidance of Pastor Goetzke and DCE Elane Whiteneck the congregation had expanded the number of Bible studies and increased participation in them. The Sunday School and Young program had grown, and the congregation had examined and was developing their spiritual gifts. Church Growth principles were being studied by several boards and was being prepared for presentation to the congregation.
In 1985 a computer system was added to the church office to handle record keeping, financial affairs, and the contribution records. It also handled most of the printing and day to day work of the office.
In 1986 Wanda Sieker was recognized for her 25 years as Church Secretary.
In the spring of 1986 the congregation supported a major maintenance project that sandblasted, tuckpointed, and sealed the exterior of the church. The project cost over $25,000.00 Special fundraisers brought in nearly $5000.00, with the rest raised by Building Fundy Envelopes and special gifts.
The congregation continues to have a keen interest in mission work throughout the district and the world. Each year, in addition to the District Pledge, the congregation attempts to give help and encouragement to new missions. In 1985 it was the Hispanic Mission in Garden City, and in 1986 it was the new mission in Gardner. It is that spirit of mission and evangelism that will lead St. John’s into ministry and growth toward its 125th anniversary in the year 2002.
Ladies Aid (1906-1981)
In March, 1906, the following women organized the Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. Anna Bockemohle, Mrs. Dick Bosse, Mrs. L. Isern, Mrs. Ed Isern, Mrs. Ernest Isern, Mrs. John Isern, Mrs. William Panning, Mrs. Carl Schmidt. Mrs. August Schrepel, Mrs. Fred Schrepel, Mrs. Mathilda Thurow, Mrs. John Wagner-Treasurer, Mrs. Henry G. Ziegenbusch, Mrs. H. H. Ziegenbusch-Secretary, and Mrs. Louise Ziegenbusch. Their purpose, as stated in the constitution, is: “Since God commands us not to be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9) the aim of our society shall be to support and further the interests of the Kingdom of God, both in our congregation and our church at large.”
The first minutes of regular meetings were recorded by Mrs. Alfred Isern in 1932. Only roll call and expense accounts were kept prior to this date. Answering roll call with a Bible verse was also started. Peak membership of 55 members was reached in 1940. The younger ladies of this group also organized the Dorcas Society. In 1941 the Ladies Ald Joined the Ark Valley Circuit of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and received their first Mite boxes. Beginning in 1948 a mid-morning lunch was served to the Vacation Bible School students and staff. Members appointed to the newly formed Altar Guild in 1951 were Mrs. Ed Isern, Mrs. Lester Bryan, and Mrs. Carl Kleile.
These are just a few of the many activities that have enriched the heritage of the church, which the members have sought to support in the interests of the Kingdom of God.
In 1981, after 75 years of faithful and loving service to St. John’s the Ladies Aid disbanded, leaving behind a legacy of Christian service.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (1940-1987)
The Dorcas Society was organized October 11, 1940. The first officers were Mrs. Verna Heitschmidt-President, Mrs. Elsie Panning-Vice President, Mrs. Elda Binger-Secretary, and Mrs. Allene Knop-Treasurer.
In November 1941, they joined the Ark valley Circuit of Lutheran Women’s Missionary league, and the first Mite boxes were received. In 1943 the Kansas District of the LWML was arranged, and our organization joined it. During the years the LWML has done sewing for local and national projects. They have also sent money to needy organizations. The name “Dorcas” was changed to LWML in 1956 when the membership was divided into circles to perform the work and hold their circle meetings. In 1961 they again had monthly meetings as one group and started the annual “Smorgasbord” luncheon.
The LWML continues to serve St. John’s, Circuit 12, and the Kansas District through its Mites, mission projects, and money raised through the sale of Bierocks. Recent mission projects supported through the money raised from Bierocks have been: the Scholarship Fund for Bill Pieper (former DCE) studying for the ministry, Lutheran Bible Translators, the Christian Children’s Concern in Guatamala, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Kansas City, KS., and King of Kings Lutheran Church (a new mission in Gardner).
Altar Guild (1951-1987)
The Altar Guild of St. John’s Lutheran Church was organized in 1951 with the help of Rev. Arthur Traugott, to enhance the service of worship in the new church.
This organization consisted of six people. Three were women from the Ladies Aid (Mrs. Lydia Isern, Mrs. Ruth Kleile, Mrs. Ida Bryant), and three were from the Dorcas Society (Mrs. Helen Isern, Mrs. Virginia Sieker, Mrs. Elsy Panning).
The Youth Program (1936-1987)
The Youth Program of St. John’s Lutheran Church was officially organized as the “Walther League” on June 27, 1936, when they were accepted as members of the “International Walther League.” Since that time, although no longer associated with the Walther League, the youth have been extremely active in both the spiritual and social life of St. John’s. In 1984 our youth league joined the new Synodical Youth organization, “Lutheran Youth Fellowship” (LYF). From 1961 they have had special guidance and counseling from a Deaconess, Gretchen Gaver Shults (August 13, 1961), and five Directors of Christian Education: Gary Norton (September 1, 1963), Ken Schkade (August 20, 1967, Wilfred Pieper (September 9, 1973), Dave Dittmar (September 25, 1977), and Elaine Whiteneck (October 1, 1982).
For this heritage we thank God as we observe the 110th anniversary of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
St. John’s Lutheran Church 1877-1991
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on East Sunday, April 1, 1877. The first church was built at the present location of the Vo-ag building. It cost $901 and was built in less than two months and was dedicated on Oct. 19, 1879. A parsonage was built next to it starting on Jan. 2, 1880. It was built with free labor, and two weeks later the pastor moved in. Total cost was $198.61
Another larger church was built in April of 1901 at the same location. A new parsonage was also built on East Third Street in 1902. A new church was planned in 1944, but pursuing further discussion, it was decided to stay at the present location until August of 1948, when Mr. and Mrs. William Panning gave the “Panning Block” at Fifth and Wilhelm to the church. A new church was started in March of 1949 with ground breaking May 28, 1950. It took two years to build the present church at a cost of $225,638.
A new parsonage was built in 1954 next to the church, and the Youth Center was built in 1970.
Pastors that have served the congregation were:
Ph. Hoezel, 1877-78
H. Hengist, 1878-79
H. Krause, 1978-1884
A. Ehlers, 1884-1885
Aug. Herring, 1885-1891
R. Hellwege, 1891-1891
L. Brauer, 1891-1907
J.Ruff, 1907-1912
Theo Meyer, 1912-1936
Fred Kramer, 1936-1947
Arthur Traugott, 1947-1961
Geo. Bruening, 1961-1962
Victor Dahlke, 1962-1983
William Goetzke, 1983-1991
Bode
J.A. Keltner, 1992-2006
Interim M. Lohrke
J. Frakes 2007-2015
T. Thierfelder 2017-Present
K.Abbott 2019 - Present
The congregation decided to have a Director of Christian Education and the following have served in this position:
Gretchen Schultz, 1961-1963
Gary Norton, 1963-1966
Ken Schkade, 1967-1973
Wilfred Pieper, 1973-1977
David Dittmer, 1977-1980
Ellaine Whiteneck, 1982-present
Chuck Merriman 2002-2015
Kate Luckemeyer 2009- 2017
The church also had an active Ladies Aid from 1891-1906. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League was organized in 1940 and continues today. An altar Guild was organized in 1951, with 16 members at present time. The Youth Program was started in 1936, and is very active today along with a very good Sunday School.
(Submitted by Marlin Isern, Elder)
The Ellinwood Leader
VOLUME V111 NUMBER 40
Thursday, December 19, 1901
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran church of Ellinwood was organized on Easter Sunday in the year 1877, by the Rev. Ph. Hoelzel of Great Bend, who continued to supply this church with preaching until in 1879, when Rev. R Krause was sent here as resident minister. In 1878 a church building was erected and soon thereafter the parsonage was built. In 1884 he was succeeded by Rev. August Hering, who remained until 1891, when Rev. Ludwig Brauer, who ever since and is now the faithful and efficient pastor. Under him the parochial school building was erected, and in 1900, the old church building being already too small for the congregation a new one was built and completed early in 1901, upon the site of the old one.
The congregation is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri and other states. The Ellinwood congregation now numbers 138 communicant members. At the time of organization in “77 the first trustees were Casper Schrepel, director; Charles Hammer, treasurer; D. Bosse, secretary. The board of trustees for 1901 are August Schrepel, Henry Lauderman and John Isern.
The parochial school, taught by the pastor, this winter has a usual attendance of thirteen.
The Sunday school officers at the present time are: Ed. Isern, superintendent; Marie Brewer, secretary; Emma Schmidt, treasurer.
Beside his church and schoolwork in Ellinwood, Ref. Brauer preaches every Sunday afternoon alternately at St. Paul church at Claflin and Immanuel church eight miles east of Ellinwood.
OTHER SERVANTS
Gretchen Shults, Deaconess…………………………………………………………………………1961-1963
Gary Norton, Director of Christian Education…………………………1963-1966
Ken Schkade, Dire. Of Christian Education…………………………………1967-1973
Wilfred Pieper, Dir. Of Christian Education……………………………1973-1977
David Dittmer, Dir. Of Christian Education………………………………1977-1980
Elaine Whiteneck, Dir. Of Christian Education………………………1982