1955 - 1981
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The tenth pastor of the congregation was Rev. Herbert Mueller of Niagara, North Dakota. He served the congregation until August of 1956. Rev W. Schultz followed him and was installed on December 9, 1956. He served as pastor until he moved to Mountain Lake, Minnesota in October of 1959.
Rev. Alvin Barry of Minneapolis bacame the 12th pastor being installed on March 27, 1960. On March 30, 1962 he was granted a release to serve Trinity Lutheran Church of Trimont, Minnesota. He is now holding a position in Iowa District East.
Pastor Harvey Ehlers was installed on August 12, 1962 coming from bridgeport, Nebraska. It was during his calling that we celebrated the Centennial year of God's grace for St. John's on September 12, 1965. The speakers were Rev. Dr. Oliver Harms, president L.C.M.S., Rev. Alvin Barry, Rev. Lyle Muller, Rev. Grant Krueckeberg, Rev. Norman Shramm and Rev. Wilmer Schultz. The celebration was well attended by former members and friends of the congregation.
On August 9, 1965 Teacher Ronald Stienback resigned and joined a school at Ohio City, Ohio. Robert Galen then accepted the position and was installed on January 2, 1965. Due to difficulties, Teacher Galen asked for a resignation on July 26, 1966. A question whether to continue with school or close it was up to the voters. On December 22, 1966 the vote was unanimous to close the school.
On August 24, 1967 Pastor Ehlers announced that he had received a call from Redeemer of Owatonna, and was accepting the call.
Rev. Streyfort of Faribault was our vacancy pastor until we could call a candidate from St. Louis. On July 7th, 1968 President Lieske installed Rev. Bert Schmidt at a 2:30pm service. Rev Schmidt was with us for 7 years, when he received a call from his home state. He accepted the call to St. Mathews & Tabor Lutheran congregations of Wisconsin. He Was granted a peaceful release on May 28, 1975.
At a call meeting, September 22nd, 1975 a decision was made to call Rev. Jerald Jeskewitz of Forbes, North Dakota. He accepted the call and was installed November 1975.
A decision to enhance and enlarge the entryway to the church was undertaken. The small front porch and winding stairs to the basement were replaced with a ground level entry, a handicap ramp and a wide stairway to the basement. The church was also completely sided with aluminum siding. New carpeting was installed in the main part of the church. A communion rail was added, allowing us to kneel as we receive the Lord's Supper. An acolyte program was also started, where our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students help with the church services.
On September 13, 1981 Pastor Jerald Jeskewitz announced he had accepted a call to Deerfield, Kansas.
