Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-06-17
ST. JOHNS Ev. LUTHERAN
Next Largest to the Many Beautiful Churches
IN the City-Has Large Congregation and
Enjoys Healthy Growth.

Rev. Wagner next took charge OF
the church, and under his guidance
the erection Of church was COM
rnenced, which Was dedicated June "a,
1855, by Revs. Frederick Wyneken,
+, Levibmer annd l.. Geger, the latter
making an impressive address at the
door. This first church was frame
building 4Ox26, and occupied the corn
er where the old school house now
stands. The congregation grew rapid
ly and over 100 families soon enrolled.
Rev. Wagner also looked after the ed
ucation of the children and the work
moved on in perfect harmony.
In 1859. the people were fortunate
in securing the services of Rev. G.
Strasen of Collinsville, ILL.,, Rev, Wag-
ner having responded to a call from
Freistadt Wis, when on Jan /, 1859
he commenced his work. The de-
1 parture of Rev. Wagner was much re-
gretted and considerable difficulty was
experienced in securing another min
lister, but Rev. Strasen finally accepted
after being called three times. On
July 8, 1858, be was installed here by
Rev. Wagner and Geyee. He served
this congregation faithfully for period
OF Al years of the time also held SER
vices at Concord and Lowell,
The membership increased to 200 in
Ave years and the church work pro-
gressed rapidly. Although money was
scarce, the people were very liberal
and Gid much for the church. At this
time the school was In charge of G.
Dreger until May, 1860. when he re-
signed owing to i'll health. Next came
Mr.. Griese from 1860 to 1868. Carl
Gaetner filed the position from April,
1868, to August 1864. Then came Prof.
Fuerskenau in 1864, who rem aimed
until July, 1901. Mr.. Schmoling came
here in Dec. 1867 as second teacher
and remained until 1868. He was
succeed ed by F. H. Meyer, who now
has charge Of the school, La Nov.
1890, a. Mack was called as teacher of
the first class and remained 2 years,
H. Schumacher came in April 1898,
and took charge Of the arst class and
still remains. +. w. Grothe was
called here in January, 1892 and is
teaching the third class. Miss Eliza
beth Mayer also tonight the third class
for number of years
Owing to the rapidly increasing
membership it became necessary
to build large church. This was
in 1868 at the time of Rev.
Strasen's ministry. A piece Of land in
near the center of the city was pur-
chased and the wall was built 10 the
fall of the same year. On June 25,
1865, it was completed at cost of
$4,000. This is the same structure
where services are held today at the
corner of North Fifth and Cady street.
In May, 1868 rectory was built, The
school building was also inadequate
add in 1869 a frame building was
erected, size 32x22x14. This answ-
cred the purpose until 1881 when
plans were drawn and in 1885 the
present structure was built. The
building accommodates 169 children
and costs $6,024.
During the year 1888, a number of
the members who resided about 10
miles north erected church, the Rev.
Strasen had been holding services In
private homes then until the compile
of the new church in January, 1898.
when it was dedicated At this time
A. Grothe was installed as msnister.
In 1870, in company with st. Marks
congregation, another piece of land
was purchased to be used as ceme-
terry. The land was located 2 miles
north of the city.
After service of Al years, Rev.
Strasen resigned in July, 1900. owing
to old age, and was succeeded in Sept.
1900, by Rev. F. H. Eggers, of Mil
waukee, the present pastor.
On the first day of January, 1908.
the number Of families was 331; COM
bined membership, 1914; commmui-
cants. 1106; confirmed 1881; school
children, ia. In the past so years
there were married 666; baptized,
1885, buried, 1897.
The church elders are A. Seefeldt,
j. Foljahn. H. Tetzla if, w. Scheel, II.
Schumacher and F. Schmidt; trustees,
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