1925 - 1954
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Pastor William Nolte of Elmore, Minnesota, was called and inducted into office of February 1st, 1925 by Pastor F.C. Ahrens of Dodge Center. The present spacious parsonage was built in 1928, and at the time of its dedication the officating pastor pronounced it one of the finest Lutheran parsonages in southern Minnesota.
On October 6th, 1931, a Ladies Aid was organized with 15 ladies present. Since that time three divisions have been diligently working for the needs in the congregation wherever the help of the Aid was appropriate.
In 1932 a Young People's Society was organized to give the youth of the congregation an opportunity to assist in the church's activities. Regular Bible studies have been conducted, and interest in the Scriptures did increase.
From the very beginning the congregation maintained a Christina day school. So we also celebrate the many anniversaries of our school, and we thank our heavenly Father for graciously preserving this helpful agency to the church. As early as 1874 the congregation called a teacher for the school in the person of Candidate Drewer, and also built a teacherage the same year. The teacher was to instruct alternately in the northern and southern sections of the congregation. This plan, however, did not prove satisfactory, and after a short time, the teacher resigned.
From then on the pastors taught school as much as possible until in 1911 teacher Noerenberg was called. In 1919 he was called from his labors to his eternal reward; internment was made in the church's cemetery. He was succeeded for a period of six months by student A.H. Kramer. He in turn was succeeded by Mr. W. Haas and Mr. E. Mueller. From September 1925 to 1930, four ladies taught our school; Misses F. Polkow, L. Ross, L. Brauer and C. Stein. After which Mr. Kutz served as teacher until the spring of 1937. During the term for 1937-1938 the school was conducted by the pastor. In 1938 Mr. B.J. Luehrs of Wolsey, South Dakota accepted the call of the congregation and labored diligently fro school and Sunday school together with the pastor.
Since 1939 another educational agency, the Sunday school, has been employed by the congregation to help comply with the Lord's command, "Bring up the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." This agency is especially for such who cannot, for various reasons, attend the day school. May the Lord bless church and schools with His holy word through the labors of his humble servants and all who sincerely assist in the building of His kingdom.
It was 1940 at a special congregational meeting that it was decided a full basement under the church would serve as a place for holding social gatherings. The contract was given to Mr. William Ahlers of Owatona at a cost of $1520.33.
Another 25 years had passes and again the congregation paused to render thanks unto the Lord for all His blessings. Three special services held on August 25, 1940 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. The speakers were former pastors: John Herzer, William Rumsch and John Malkow.
In 1941, the congregation accepted the synodical pension plan for its workers. It was also the year the Teacher Winifred Clasen accepted the call to take the place of Mr. Luehr as teacher. He served the congregation until 1947, when he accepted a call to Brownton, Minnesota.
On November 1, 1944, Rev. Nolte, after serving the congregation faithfully for over 19 years, informed them that the shepherd's staff was too great a burden for his failing health and that he was going to enter retirement. A stading vote of thanks showed how much they appreciated his faithful labors in their midst.
The congregation was not without a pastor for too long, as on November 26, 1944 it was announced that Rev. William Schramm of Willow Creek, Minnesota had accepted the call and was installed on December 17, 1944. Under his leadership two congregations, Peace Lutheran of Claremont and Our Savior's Lutheran in Blooming Prairie were organized in the year of 1949.
During his stay major improvements were made, a complete water system in all church buildings at a cost of $2065, a telephone at the parsonage and a double garage between the parsonage and teacherage were built.
The congregation was saddened when Pastor Schramm was taken ill while conducting services at Peace and passed away that same evening at a hospital in Rochester. With mourning and the knowledge that it was the Lord's will for His servant that he may enter the Joys of his labors in heaven, the congregation paid their final respects on October 12, 1949.
St. John's congregation had never experienced a vacancy of any duration. Within a few weeks, Pastor Elmer Schwandt accepted the call. During his tenure, new art glass windows were installed, the church was redecorated, homes were painted, and a thriving Men's Club was organized. Pastor Schwandt accepted a call to South Dakota, later becoming pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Hay Creek Township, Red Wing, Minnesota.
In 1947 to 1950, George Alpers served as teacher of the school. In 1950, he resigned and went to Red Wing to live in retirement. Eswin Bergman taught the school terms of 1950 to 1952. Clarence Mack served as teacher from 1952-1953. In May of 1954, Teacher E. Grimm was called as teacher and held that position for 7 years when he moved to retirement in Owatonna in the year of 1961. He was succeeded by R.W. Stienbach, who served the school for four years.
