284..1 C333 CENTENNIAL JUBILEE TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, MILLSTADT, ILI INOIS, 1849-1949 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/centennialjubileOOslsn Centennial ^jubilee ft O e> sj> Trinity Lutheran Church Millstadt, Illinois 1849 1949 m t v?% "Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all His praise?" These words of Psalm 106 fill our hearts during these wonderful days of our Centennial Anniversary. God has truly been good unto us, and as we recall to mind how He has built and blessed His Church in our midst, we are con- strained to say: "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name forever : and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen." ''Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12 .*4 Edwin Hoelter, Pdj/or /** T Mist or y of Zrinity Cut hewn Church Millstadt, Illinois 1849 1949 he first Lutheran service held in Millstadt, Illinois, was conducted in the fall of 1848 by the Rev. George A. Schieferdecker, who was at that time serving congregations at Waterloo, Illinois (Wartburg), Columbia, Illinois, and Holy Cross congregation, Sugar Loaf Township. Several men living in Millstadt, then known as Centerville, 111., express- ed the desire to have services in their village. This request was granted, and thereafter services were held every two weeks, on a week-day eve- ning, in the home of Mr. Philip Buecher. The Lord blessed the preaching of His Word among these people, and early in the year 1849 they organized as a congregation, which then be- came a part of the Wartburg-Columbia-Sugar Loaf parish. The young congregation resolved to build a church in Millstadt and called the Rev. Schieferdecker as their pastor. Since Pastor Schieferdecker was required to travel extensively to serve all the people in this parish, he soon asked for and received his release from the Wartburg congregation. He could now devote his time to the three congregations — Columbia, Sugar Loaf, and Millstadt which, in the shape of a triangle, formed his parish. On Ascension Day in 1849 he de- livered his introductory sermon as the first called pastor of Trinity con- gregation. In the meantime work had been started on the new church, a building which eventually cost $865.00. Members of the young congregation pledged $200.00 toward their house of worship, and when a plea for help was directed to the Lutherans living in Saint Louis, a gift of $100.00 was received to help defray the cost of the new building. The remaining money needed was borrowed. Some opposition to the building of a Lutheran Church in Millstadt was led by the pastor of the Evangelical Church, and efforts were made to hinder the construction of the building, but they all came to nought. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS tf URBANA-CHAMPAIGN On Second Pentecost Day in 1849 the cornerstone of the new church was laid. Pastor Schieferdecker delivered the sermon on that occasion, and the congregation voiced its thankfulness and trust in the Lord by singing Luther's great hymn: "A mighty Fortress is our God." Late that same summer work on the church was interrupted for a time by an epi- demic of cholera in the community. Within one week seven members of the young congregation were snatched out of the land of the living, and in PASTOR S HOME Millstadt about 50 people died in the space of four weeks. But this epi- demic also had its salutary effect, for an early chronicler reports that many people were moved to repent of their sins, and the members of the congregation showed a greater regard and love for the Word of God. . On October 21, 1849 the congregation was privileged to worship in its newly-built church for the first time. Lutherans from nearby congrega- tions joined their fellow-Christians in Millstadt in praising God on that occasion. Dedicatory services were conducted by Pastor Schieferdecker, Pastor Schliepsick of Wartburg, and Pastor Johannes of Sulphur Springs, Mo. Shortly before the dedication of the new Church took place, Pastor Schieferdecker received a call to the congregation at Altenburg, Perry Count}'. Missouri. The congregation was reluctant to release its pastor when he was inclined to accept this call, but upon the advice and counsel of the Rev. C. F. W. Walther, they granted him his peaceful release. The congregation was guided by Pastor Walther in calling their next pastor. A call was extended to candidate Henry Wunder who was completing his studies at the theological seminary in Altenburg. He accepted the call and was ordained and installed on Dec. 16, 1849, by Pastor Walther. For a time Pastor Wunder served all three congregations which con- stituted his parish. Then a request was made that a parochial school be opened and taught by the pastor. This additional work made it impossible for him to take care of this large field, so the Columbia and Sugar Loaf congregations decided to call their own pastor. The Rev. I. C. Rennicke was called to be the pastor of those two congregations. In 1850 the congregation resolved to join the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, and thereupon sent its first delegate to the synodical convention. About the middle of the year 1851, Pastor Wunder received and accepted a call to St. Paul's Lutheran con- gregation in Chicago, where our beloved Synod was born in 1847. Pastor F. W. Holls was called as successor to Pastor Wunder. He came from Pomeroy, Ohio, where he had been an assistant pastor, and was installed on Sept. 10, 1851, by Dr. Sihler, assisted by Pastor Rennicke of Wartburg. In 1855 the congregations at Sugar Loaf and Columbia once more be- came a part of the Millstadt parish, when Pastor Rennicke accepted a call. These two congregations called Pastor Holls to be their shepherd also and he was installed by the Rev. J. F. Buenger. Nov.- these congregations were confronted once more with an old problem : What was to become of the parochial school ? It was obvious to all that the pastor could not teach school and serve three congrega- tions so widely scattered. So they resolved to call a teacher for the school work, and in 1856 Mr. Gottlieb Sebold became the teacher of Trinity congregation's Christian day school. In 1858 the congregation built a new parsonage, making it possible for the pastor to move from rooms connected with the church, into a regular home. The next years saw much growth in the congregation, so that in 1864 it was necessary to build a school to accommodate the children. In 1871 the congregation built its second church. The building was of brick construction, 50 by 30 feet, with tower and bell, costing $2449.00. It was dedicated on the 20th Sunday after Trinity. That same year teach- SCHOOL BUILDING er Schaus succeeded teacher Sebold, but was forced to give up his work after one year because of illness. Teacher Sebold then resumed the teach- ing duties, and served the Lord faithfully until called to his eternal rest in 1881. He had served Trinity for almost 25 years. In 1883 the congregation obtained its first organ, which was purchased from the congregation at Carondelet, Mo., for the sum of $200.00. This instrument was replaced in 1908 by a large reed organ. In 1882 the congregation at Columbia severed its connection with this parish and called its own pastor. Since then the parish has consisted of the two congregations — Trinity in Millstadt and Holy Cross of Sugar Loaf Township, seven miles northwest of Millstadt. In 1883 Pastor Holls, who had served Trinity for 32 years, accepted a call to another congregation. The Lord had blessed his work during those many years and permitted him to see many fruits of his faithful labors. Trinity's next pastor was the Rev. C. Lenk, who came here from the Bethlehem congregation in St. Louis. During his pastorate Mr. Theo. Deffner was called to teach in the school and a home was built for the teacher which, in later years, became the parsonage. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL In 1889 Pastor Lenk accepted a call to a congregation of the Free Church in Planitz, Germany. His successor was Pastor L. C. Knief of Havana, 111. In 1891 teacher Deffner accepted a call to Belleville, 111. Student F. Knief then was called to fill out the school term, and in 1892 teacher Diesener was called, and taught the school until 1894. From then on the congregation had no more regularly called teachers. The school, however, was not closed ; but the burden of teaching fell upon the pastors, who were assisted at various times by students Weber, Wyneken, Fischer, Knief, Steffen, Miss Wilk and by Mr. W. Buecher, a member of the congrega- tion. In 1894 Pastor Knief received a call to the state of Oklahoma, and be- cause he was in ill health he was prompted by this to accept. That same year Candidate A. Sieker of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis was or- dained and installed as Pastor of Trinity. His successor in the spring of 1895' was Pastor Theo. Lohrmann, who was privileged to work here with success for 10 years. During his minis- ladies' aid try a new school was erected in 1901. When Pastor Lohrmann in 1905 accepted a call to Decatur, 111., the congregation then called Pastor Theo. Sorge of Golconda, 111., who served as Trinity's pastor for two years. For a number of months a Student Steffen took care of both the school and the preaching services, until the congregation called Pastor A. C. Ilten of Paducah, Kentucky. Illness, brought on by the climate, caused Pastor Ilten to accept a call to Marcus, Iowa. In September of 1908 Pastor H. W. Meyer became the Pastor of Trinity and served the congregation faithfully until February, 1912, when he ac- cepted a call to Wiilmette, 111. For over a year the congregation was then without a pastor. After call- ing five times unsuccessfully, the prayers of the congregation were an- swered when Pastor William Rueter accepted their call and was installed in September 1913. In the fall of 1916 a hot air pipeless furnace was in- stalled in the church. In the fall of 1917 Pastor P.ueter accepted a call to Blue Point, 111., and Pastor- Edward Fischer of Ruma, 111., was called as his successor. In June of 1920 Pastor Fischer, because of ill health, was granted a peaceful re- WALTHER LEAGUE lease from Trinity. He is at the present time living in Gotha, Florida, where he is Pastor of Zion congregation. ' Pastor Fischer was succeeded by Pastor Ziemendorf in 1920. During his ministry here a Sunday school was organized, which the Lord has richly blessed. Mrs. Edward P. Baltz, who was one of the first teachers when the school was organized has faithfully and capably served the church in that capacity' for over 25 years. In the spring of 1923 the old steeple on the church was removed because of its hazardous condition, and a new front entrance with a modified steeple was constructed. On October 19, 1924 Trinity was privileged to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee. On January 24, 1927, Pastor Ziemendorf accepted a call to Gar Creek, Indiana, and the congregation called Pastor August Deichmann of Mel- lowdale, Alberta, Canada. He assumed the pastorate of Trinity in July of 1927. Prior to his arrival the congregation remodeled the parsonage from an L-shaped structure to its present appearance, except for the study, which was a later addition. OLDEST MEMBERS L. to R. Mr. Edward Wets, Mrs. Lena Schmidt, Mrs. Mary Buecher, Mrs. Katherine Bruehl, Mr. William Boemer. In the spring of 1929 a used and rebuilt pipe organ was purchased from the Kilgen Organ Company of St. Louis. This instrument is still being used today. In 1932 the basement of the parsonage was enlarged and modernized with the addition of running water, piped into the house. In 1935 a study for the pastor was added to the house. This room re- placed a porch which faced to the west and adjoined a summer-kitchen. In 1936 the parochial school, which had been operated successfully since 1850, was closed. Lack of children, lack of funds, as well as lack of interest were the factors which made the closing necessary. The chil- dren of Trinity who desire to obtain a truly Christian training are able to attend the parochial school in Belleville, 111., and over the years a num- ber of children have attended that school. In 1938 Trinity congregation became a charter member of Synod's Pension Fund through which Synod seeks to provide financial protec- W6^(2 CHURCH BOARD L. to R. Mr. George Buecher, Mr. Emit Krupp, Mr. Walter Sauthoff, Mr. Clarence Wets, Mr. Walter Werner, Mr. Fred Bense, E. Hoelter, Pastor. tion for its disabled and aged workers and their dependents. Since 1939 services have been conducted in both English and German. Up until that time German had been used almost entirely in the services. Since Nov. 1948 only English is used in the services. On November 19, 1939 the congregation was privileged to observe its 90th Anniversary. That same year an architect was engaged to draw up plans for enlarging the school-hall and beautifying the church. This project was later on dropped, when the war years made building almost an impossibility. In 1940 The Lutheran Hymnal was adopted by the congregation and is used regularly in all the services. In 1942 a new furnace was installed in the church. The interior of the church was redecorated, the floors were refinished, and art glass win- OFFICERS L. to R. Mr. Oscar Krick, Mr. Edward Buecher, E. Hoelter, Pastor, Mr. Robert Kessler, Mr. Lloyd Osick. dows were installed. These windows were a project initiated by the La- dies' Aid. In 1943 the Ladies' Aid affiliated with the Lutheran Women's Mis- sionary League of our Synod. The congregation in 1947 was made the beneficiary of the Hartmann Estate, under the terms of the will of the late Mr. Wm. Hartmann. The will specified that this gift was to be used for some major improvement in the property, and according to the terms of the will it will so be used at an opportune time. As this is written, the congregation has no definite plans for the future, so far as building is concerned. Lack of space for meetings, for the work of the Sunday school, and the like make it im- perative that some such building be done in the near future. On June 29, 1947 Trinity congregation honored Pastor and Mrs. Deich- mann at a special service, the occasion being the twenty-fifth anniversary of Pastor Deichmann's ordination into the holy ministry, his twentieth as pastor of Trinity, and the silver wedding anniversary of Pastor and Mrs. Deichmann. VOTERS ASSEMBLY The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sunday school was observed on Aug. 3, 1947, on which occasion Mrs. Edward P. Baltz was presented with a pin and a certificate for her 25 years of faithful service rendered to the congregation in the capacity of a teacher. On June 22, 1948, Pastor Deichmann accepted a call to St. Paul's con- gregation, New Gehlenbeck, near Worden, 111., having served Trinity for over 21 years. On November 14, 1948, Pastor Edwin Hoelter was installed in Trinity congregation and also in Holy Cross congregation, Sugar Loaf Township. During the course of the past year Trinity congregation has been busy planning for the observance of its Centennial Anniversary. And now that the Lord of the Church has permitted us in His grace to reach that glori- ous milestone, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude as we think of all the blessings He has showered upon us. From a few families in 1849 the congregation has grown, until today it numbers 219 souls, 174 com- municants, 44 voting members. The Sunday School has an enrollment of 42 pupils. As we go forward into the future, we do so trusting firmly in the Lord who has brought us to this historic moment. He has used our church for a century now in His service. We pray that He will continue to use us in the future and make us a blessing unto many. Now keep us, holy Savior, In Thy true love and fear And grant us of Thy favor The grace to persevere Till, in Thy new creation, Earth's time-long travail o'ei 4 We find our full salvation And praise Thee evermore. (b o o V SOLI DEO GLORIA Organizations SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF Mrs. Edward P. Baltz. Miss Emily Louise Baltz. Mrs. Ida Seib. Miss Shirley Blick. Mrs. Edwin Mappes. Miss Arlene Weis. Mr. Richard Heerboth. Miss Myra Jane Baltz. Mrs. Louis Peterson. Mr. Orville Pruetzel LADIES' AID Mrs. Erwin Heller, President. Mrs. Walter Blick, Vice-President. Mrs. Lloyd Osick, Secretary. Mrs. Concordia Hettenhausen, Treasurer. WALTHER LEAGUE Emil Krupp, Jr., President. Robert Weis, Vice-President. Shirley Blick, Secretary. Emily Louise Baltz, Treasurer. MIXED CHOIR Mr. Walter Seib, President. Mrs. C. Hettenhausen, Secretary-Treasurer. 28i]c UN,v £ Rs,Tyo F , L u Nols . URBANA CENTENNIAL JUBILEE S.L 3 0112 025277044