History |
The History of St. Paul's Lutheran Church
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church has served the community of Warren, Illinois and southern Wisconsin for the past 116 years.The first congregation began in 1858, when a Lutheran Pastor met with a group of German immigrants to form a church. Plans for building a church soon led to construction, and by June 1858 the corner stone was laid. Pastors from Northern Illinois Synod, plus many other guests, were present for the celebration of this special event.
In 1860, M.M. Yeakle persuaded his fellow Lutherans to continue building the stone church. Unfortunately, by the fall of 1862, the funds ran out and they were forced to abandon the project. It was vacant until 1879 when H.V. Brown acquired the building by the purchase of the tax deed, and used it as a tobacco storehouse.
In 1900 a few Lutheran families, with the help of some Warren business men, raised the necessary money to restore the old stone church on the west end of town. The builders and families worked non-stop to complete the church, so the Lutheran congregation was officially organized in the summer of 1900 by Pastor J. Dachsteiner. On October 21, 1900 , the newly repaired and decorated church was dedicated. Services were held in German and English with about 250-300 people attending the afternoon services.
Two years later, a combined parsonage and school was built and dedicated. The following year a new bell belfry, and organ were dedicated. Finally the German Lutherans were able to realize their dreams of having a place to worship.
In January, 1966, the congregation approved the construction of the Parish Education Unit. The new building was to be 36' X 83', attached by a narthex and added to the south side of the church building. Dedication of the completed building was held on April 2, 1967.
More than 116 years have passed since the dedication of St. Paul's and today as we reflect upon the past, our roots, and our heritage, we are thankful for the great sacrifices and contributions made by the founders and their pastors. We are also thankful for the generations of leadership and endeavors that helped build the congregation we enjoy today. We must accept the challenges of an ever changing world, continue the mission of our church and build an even stronger congregation for the 21st century and beyond!
In 1860, M.M. Yeakle persuaded his fellow Lutherans to continue building the stone church. Unfortunately, by the fall of 1862, the funds ran out and they were forced to abandon the project. It was vacant until 1879 when H.V. Brown acquired the building by the purchase of the tax deed, and used it as a tobacco storehouse.
In 1900 a few Lutheran families, with the help of some Warren business men, raised the necessary money to restore the old stone church on the west end of town. The builders and families worked non-stop to complete the church, so the Lutheran congregation was officially organized in the summer of 1900 by Pastor J. Dachsteiner. On October 21, 1900 , the newly repaired and decorated church was dedicated. Services were held in German and English with about 250-300 people attending the afternoon services.
Two years later, a combined parsonage and school was built and dedicated. The following year a new bell belfry, and organ were dedicated. Finally the German Lutherans were able to realize their dreams of having a place to worship.
In January, 1966, the congregation approved the construction of the Parish Education Unit. The new building was to be 36' X 83', attached by a narthex and added to the south side of the church building. Dedication of the completed building was held on April 2, 1967.
More than 116 years have passed since the dedication of St. Paul's and today as we reflect upon the past, our roots, and our heritage, we are thankful for the great sacrifices and contributions made by the founders and their pastors. We are also thankful for the generations of leadership and endeavors that helped build the congregation we enjoy today. We must accept the challenges of an ever changing world, continue the mission of our church and build an even stronger congregation for the 21st century and beyond!
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Clergy - The Past to the Present
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Pastor John H. Schlichting (Founder)
Pastor A. J. Klindworth Pastor J. Dachsteiner Pastor Richard A. Salzwedel Pastor David Zeilsdorf Pastor J. Wendel Pastor O. Kubitz - Interim Pastor J. Buth Pastor August Kohlhoff Pastor Emil O. Schultz Pastor Otto Moke Pastor Eugene Ahl Pastor Otto H. Kreiter Pastor Karl F. Trost Pastor Oswald G. Mall Pastor Jerome S. Peterson Pastor Jack F. Maxim Pastor Orville C. Mitchell Pastor James Schwartz - Interim Pastor Craig A. Wagner |
1896-1898
1898-1899 1899-1902 1902-1906 1906-1911 1910-1911 1911 1911-1915 1915-1923 1923-1924 1924-1928 1929-1934 1934-1942 1943-1948 1948-1960 1961-1965 1965-1969 1969-1972 1972 1972-1976 |
Pastor Kenneth A. Halstead
Pastor Peter Kjeseth Interim Pastor Steven D. Berke Pastor Wlliam Wiederanders Pastor Bryan Robertson Pastor George Nelson - Interim Pastor Tina S. Koenig Pastor Arthur Stees - Interim Pastor Carole Andres Intern Laura Koppenhoefer Intern Pat Esker Pastor Margo Peterson Vicar Erik Rundquist Pastor Kenneth A. Halstead - Interim Intern Pastor Barb Otten Pastor Arthur Stees - Interim Intern Megan Preston Intern Bryan Odeen Vicar Michelle Knight Interim Pastor Dayna Weltzin Pastor Janice Diefenthaler - Interim Pastor Steve Kottke - Interim |
1976-1979
1979 1979-1984 1984-1987 1988-1993 1993 1993-1996 1996-1997 1997-2000 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2012 2012-2013 2013 2014 2015 2015-2016 2016-2018 2018-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-Present |