1982 - Current
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With a vacancy created, a decision was made by St. John's to call a candidate. Thomas Braun, a graduate of Fort Wayne, Indiana accepted our call. He was ordained into the Ministry at his father's church, Bethlehem Lutheran in St. Paul on June 27th, 1982. He was installed as our pastor on July 11th, 1982. While he was with us St. John's experienced another period of growth. The upkeep of our property was a concern and it was decided to have the school house removed from the premises. This was done in 1983. The basement of the church was redecorated with paneling in the new room under the entryway and carpeting throughout the dining area. The parsonage kitchen was completely remodeled and a main floor bathroom/laundry room was added. Pastor Braun was with us for three years before accepting a call to Andover, Minnesota in October of 1985.
With the guidance and leadership of our vacancy pastor, Pastor R. Marquardt, we placed a call to Rev. Charles Wind of Lester Prairie, Minnesota. He accepted our call and was installed on June 29th, 1986.
The house was resided with aluminum siding. Also it was decided to enlarge the cemetery. It was accomplished by trading of land with the farmer to the south of the church. A grove of evergreens was planted along the south and east sides of the new property line. This was the first adjustment to the orginal deed. The playground equipment was moved to this area and a large sandy area is available for our children to play in. During Pastor Wind's tenure a Sunday morning adult Bible study was started. Also an altar guild was established to help with the care of God's altar. On May 8, 1989 Pastor Wind announced his retirement and would be moving to Fergus Falls, Minnesota on June 26, 1989.
Again St. John's vacancy was short. Pastor Giles Zimmer, a graduate of St. Louis, accepted a call to our church. On July 16, 1989 he was ordained and installed into the ministry of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
St. John's is a happy place. Continued growth means God's blessings continue to look favorable on His people. We continue to expand our Bible study habits. Our members want their children nurtured in the Word of God. The Bethany Ladies' Aid and St. John's Altar Guild build up each other and proclaim that God is good. St. John's Youth Fellowship guides our young people to adulthood in a God pleasing way.
St. John's is everchanging yet staying the same, proclaiming the Word of God. May all who worship here find peace.
