1880 - 1924
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Pastor G.P.H. Schaaf of Rochester was installed as the next pastor of the congregation on February 8th, 1880. He served preaching stations in Owatonna, Sommerset and Dodge Center. In 1886 he was transferred to Potsdam, Minnesota.
Pastor G. Rumsch came here in the fall of that year and began serving this congregation for the long peroid of 22 years.
It was also during the era of Rev. G. Rumsch that a new order of communion was used. In approaching the altar a line was formed by those receiving the Body of Christ. They then circled behind the altar. When they emerged to the front of the altar a offering was placed into the basket. The parishioners then received the Blood of our Lord and Savior and proceeded to their pew. Holy Communion was offered four times a year with the announcing for communion to be done on the Saturday before.
During his pastorate the congregation did not only grow in number, but a noteworthy building program was carried out. The parsonage of that time was enlarged by an addition, 16 by 24 by 12 feet. In 1893 the present beautiful church edifice, 32 by 60 by 18 feet, was built. With great rejoicing the new church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. Speakers for the occasion were Pastors Wilhelm Friedrich, R.V. Niebelschuetz, H. Schultz and G. Rumsch. Pastor Rumsch stated later, "That day was one of the most joyful of my pastorate." Besides this parish, Pastor Rumsch also had charge of Owatonna, Deerfield, and Dodge Center. In 1899 the congregation resolved to build a new school house, 24 by 36 by 12 feet. This resolution was carried out the following year. In 1909 Pastor Rumsch received and accepted a call to Inver Grove, Minnesota. Pastor C.F. Malkow of Elizabeth, Minnesota succeeded him, being installed on May 2nd by Pastor A. Paul.
During his time of service in this parish, a Kilgen two-manual pipe organ was purchased in 1910. A teacherage was erected in 1914. Pastor followed a call to Webster, Minnesota in 1924.
