About
German settlers came to this area in the late 1860’s and early 1870’s. Historical records show that Lutheran services were first held in a little school house which still stands on the east side of the railroad tracks in Danforth. On December 5, 1874, the first group of Lutherans organized a congregation and voted to build a church and call a pastor.
On October 10, 1875, less than one year after organizing, this group gathered to joyfully dedicate their house of worship and install their first pastor, Rev. W. Thoele. The Sunday School was started soon after in 1876. It was during Rev. Johnson’s pastorate that the first ladies group, Tabea Frauen Verein, was formed and continued until 1948. Pastor H. Staehling served St. John’s from Dec. 1, 1886 until November 20, 1928.
St. John’s congregation continued to grow during Rev. Staehling’s ministry. The church sanctuary was enlarged in 1889 and again in 1910 when the balcony was added. The first Luther League was organized on November 14, 1920, and the Ladies Aid began on November 7, 1924. The first Lutheran Parish News was published in March of 1928. Pastor C.F. Hafferman came in the fall of 1929. In 1930, the congregation agreed to have English services every Sunday, and German every other Sunday.
On September 5, 1948, Rev. C.E. Boebel, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, was installed as pastor of St. John’s. Groundbreaking for a new church building was on May 14, 1951. On June 22, 1951, the cornerstone was laid.
The first services in this Lannon stone structure, seating 370 in the nave, were held on June 8, 1952. Total cost of the church, parish hall, and furnishings was approximately $218,000. We thank God for those who worked, planned, and sacrificed to provide the beautiful facility we have today. Within 15 years, the sanctuary and parsonage were paid in full. What a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of its members! The cornerstone had been laid well. Accepting the call to serve as our next pastor was Rev. R. Kolberg. He was installed in April 1964.
The 1960’s and 70’s were a time of prosperity and mission zeal for St. John’s: $35,000 to Hope Lutheran in Indianapolis, $8,800 to the ALC Ingathering for education, and $31,000 to the United Mission Appeal.
In 1970, the Lutheran Home for Aged Development Corporation was formed, incorporating 13 area Lutheran churches into its membership.
Our ninth pastor, Rev. Edward Gabel, was installed in January 1979. During Pastor Gabel’s pastorate, the church chancel area was renovated. Pastor Raymond Barclay came to St. John’s in September 1983 from Southern Indiana. Major organ repairs were completed in 1984 with funds from the John H. Tammen estate. Pew cushions were also installed during this time. Pastor James Gerth from Greenbush, Minnesota, was installed in August of 1995.
In its 134-year history, St. John’s has also sent four sons and two daughters of the congregation into the ministry. Rev. Elmer Henrichs was the first. Pastor Henrichs served congregations in both Illinois and Iowa. John Paul Dexter, a member of the 1946 Confirmation class, also went on to become an ordained pastor, serving several congregations in Illinois. Eldor Windhorn was the third son to be called into the ministry. He was a very successful pastor in New Mission settings. Harold Borchers was the fourth son to respond to the call of ordained ministry.
Over the last four years, Karen Gerth and Chris Schoon attended seminary to prepare for ministry. Karen graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and has accepted a call to serve as a Spiritual Care Giver at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. Chris graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa in the spring of 2007. She was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. She is serving as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL.
There is another young woman of St. John’s that is serving Christ in some unique ministry. Katie Campbell is serving with Athletes in Action through Campus Crusade for Christ.
It is clear that God is continuing to call and equip people from this congregation to serve in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May future generations be attentive to how and where God is calling them into mission and ministry!
Over the last ten years, St. John’s has continued to search the Scriptures and gathered around the Sacrament for guidance and vision for the present and future. That cornerstone of faith in Jesus Christ established 134 years ago still holds us fast and challenges us to cintinue to grow in faith, keeping St. John’s ministry strong in the community and in the lives of its members into the next century. We thank God for the blessings of the past, the hope of today, and the promises of the future. Our Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, is sure; a great heritage and legacy.