We find the following names of these home-seekers recorded: Henry Longrehr, Henry Homeier, Henry Thurnau, Friedich Krueckeberg, Wilhelm Behne, Wilhelm Doepping abd Henry Blume with their families.

The favorable reports these pioneers sent back home encouraged other congregation members in Crete to come to Minnesota. Among these were Wilhelm Ohrmann and Edward Buehring. Leaving Crete in the spring of 1862, they traveled by rail to La Crosse, and from there to Rice Lake by stage coach; here they were cordially received by their Christian brethren. Mr. Edward Buehring says they found a fine settlement fairly well established, although conditions were very primitive. The settlers lived in log houses. It was an arduous task to clear the primitive forest and to convert the timber land into tillable farmland. If a farmer succeeded in having eight to twelve acres under cultivation, he was considered very fortunate.

The nearest store was in Ashland, about ten miles distant. The nearest railroad stations were in Hastings and Red Wing on the banks of the Mississippi River. The trips to those places were made in oxen-drawn wagons, and required about five days. There were only three spans of horses in the entire settlement; yet fine harmony prevailed among them.

Fellowship and concerns were consistent these days as hardships were many. They had no cushioned wheels with heat or air conditioned enclosures to deliver them at the church door. No, it was elements that versed the human flesh. Hat's off! to those persistent settlers.

But what was done in respect to religious and church affairs amoung these people? The first pastor who visited the settlement, preached the saving Gospel, and asministered the Sacraments here, was Pastor A. E. Winter, missionary for the state of Minnesota, and father of the late Rev. Martin Winter of Janesville, Minnesota. Later Rev. Horst of Red Wing served these people once every three months. Though divine services were held on week days, They were well attended even in harvest time. On Sundays and festivals so-called reading services were conducted by a certain Ludwig Meyer. According to reports these services were well attended also, which bears witness to the fact that there was a desire and love for God's Word among these earnest Christians. Services were held in private homes, since there were not even public school houses in the vicinity. In addition to conducting the reading services, Mr. Meyer, also taught school in private homes. When reviewing the early history of this settlement, one must give all credit due this layman for his zeal in keeping aglow the religious life in the community.

The settlers became terror stricken when in 1862 the report was noised about: "The Indians are coming! The inhabitants of New Ulm and vicinity have been massacred; they will appear here any moment!" Sad voices were heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning. But also supplications and prayers were addressed to the Heavenly Father in Jesus name. Thus we see that, although the means of grace were preached, taught and administered sparingly, yet, through the working of the Holy Ghost, they bore fruit. The cries of the terrified settlers were heard according to the Lord's gracious promise: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." The settlement remained unmolested.

Since our country was engaged in the Civil War at this time, the community passed through the ordeal of having men drafted for the Federal Army to meet the quota set for Havana and Aurora Townships. A few of the Lutheran brethren were also called to the colors. Mention is made of Messrs. Wm. Grunklee, Friedrick Krueckeberg, Edward Buehring and Henry Blume. One of those mentioned was exempted on the account of heart trouble and another was not taken because peace had been signed in the meantime. As veterans of the Civil War we find the names of two who were buried on our cemetery near the church, namely, F.H. Buehring and Henry Blume.

Under the leadership of two laymen, Ludwig Meyer and Edward Buehring, it was resolved to organize a Christian congregation. A meeting was called to be held on a weekday. Mr. Buehring presented a copy of the constitution of the Lutheran congregation of Crete, Illinois, for discussion. After a lengthy deliberation, the consitution was accepted and signed. Thus the Evangelical Lutheran St. John Congregation was organized in the year of our Lord 1865. The first deacons were Ludwig Meyer, Henry Homeier and Wilhelm Doepping. The first trustees were Edward Buehring, August Grunklee and Friedrick Krueckeberg. Edward Buehring was the first secretary. In this first meeting it was resolved to join the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states.

It was soon realized that if the newly organized congregation was to thrive, it would be absolutely necessary to have a pastor in its midst. A meeting of the congregation was called. The importance of calling a pastor was prayerfully and thoroughly discussed; the advisability and the objections were carefully considered and weighed; and finally the resolution to call a pator was adopted unanimously. Thus the small congregation observed the very first paragraph of the constitution: "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14,40), which paragraph still remains as the preamble of our constitution.

Correspondence had been carried on with Prof. A. Kraemer of our seminary, and he recommended Candidate John Herzer to the congregation. This man was called. The little flock rejoiced greatly when the report came: "Candidate Herzer has accepted the call." In September, 1865, he arrived by steamboat in Red Wing, having been promised some one would call for him at that point. While waiting in Red Wing, he served the already existing congregation near that place at Hay Creek.

Finally the anxiously awaited driver, Mr. Wilhelm Doepping, came with a farm wagon drawn, not with oxen, but with horses, for he was one of the few fortunate ones who owned a team of horses. After a weary journey of two long days the candidate was brought safely into the midst of the congregation on October 10th, 1865. On October 15th Candidate Herzer was ordained and inducted into the office of the holy ministry in a school house which had been erected in the meantime. Thus he becames the first resident pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran St. John Congregation.

Now the congregation had a pastor, but neither a church nor a parsonage. Nevertheless, as the Lord always provides for them that fear him, thus it was here also Mr. Wilhelm Doepping offered the use of a room of his log-house to the pastor, rent-free. When it became necessary, the congreation built an addition to the log-house which served as a parsonage. About 1867 a log parsonage was built on Mr. August Grunklee's Farm.

Divine services were held alternately, in the south in a school house, and in the north in Mr. Homeier's home. Christian day school and confirmation instructions were conducted in the living room of Mr. Ludwig Meyer's home. The pastor testified that parents sent their children to school and confirmation classes very regulary.

Pastor Herzer also came a very busy missionary, often making tours lasting weeks at a time. He served missions at Wheeling in Rice County, Minneola, Zumbrota and Red Wing. In 1867 he began a preaching station and organized a congregation in the village, which has since become the world renowned city of Rochester.

The congregation was not to enjoy the services of Pastor Herzer very long. He accpted a call from Trinity Church, Minneapolis. On July 19, 1867, his successor, Candidate Wilhelm Friedrich was installed by Pastor Krause.

It became more and more evident that the congregation needed a house of worship since the membership was steadily growing; but to find a suitable location seemed to be a hard problem. Finally, the present location, forty acres in the township of Havana, was decided upon and purchased. Every one who now takes notice of thus location admires the good taste and sound judgment of the forefathers.

Also provided at this time was the church cemetery where the church might bury those who fell asleep in Jesus. To this date, it is one of the most neatly kept cemeteries in the area.

The log house which had been built was taken down and erected on the new site. At the same time a church, 32 feet by 45 feet, was built. There was great rejoicing when this first house of worship was dedicated July 25, 1869. The preachers were Pastors Herzer, Horst and Krause. In 1871 Pastor Friedrich accepted a call to the Lutheran Church at Waconia. Pastor F. Johl of Adrian, Michigan, became his successor, being installed by Pastor Krumsig on October 8th.

The years 1874 and 1875 were a time of unrest for the congregation, since people of the so-called Evangelical Church succeeded in influencing a number of families to leave their congregation, and an opposition church was built. But not many years later that church was abandoned. In 1880 Pastor Johl accepted a call to Hart, Minnesota.