history

History of St John's - Sullivan

            In 1847 The Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church was founded by German immigrants to combat what they saw as the liberalization of Lutheranism in America. In Wisconsin in 1847, there was only one congregation (Trinity in Milwaukee) that belonged to the Missouri Synod. By 1853 there were six congregations. In 1855 the church at Watertown obtained its own pastor Rev. A. Wagner. He undertook missionary work in Reeseville and his successor founded the congregations in Sullivan and Concord. By 1873 the District had 32 pastors and 50 congregations belonging to the Missouri Synod. Twenty eight congregations were listed as actual members of the synod. In 1854 it was organized as a separate Synodical District. By 1928 there were 140 churches in the district. Lutheranism in the Golden Lake Sullivan area dates back as early as 1852. This is when the pastor from St. Johns, Watertown canvassed the area and discovered many Lutherans living here. Worship services were begun in private homes but soon moved into a school. This building still stands across the road from the present church. Among others, a “Rev. Evert” is known to have served the people here. On April 1, 1861, our congregation was organized under the leadership of Pastor Henry Flack with one of the founders being Carl Zahn, grandfather of many families still belonging to our congregation. The surnames of other Charter members included;Bente, Bernhardt, Buth, Glamm, Gleichman, Kummrow, Koch, Meyer, Schlender, Schwager, Vinz, Wenzel, Will and Zastrow. Records show 94 members by 1863. From 1862 until 1867, Pastor Carl Nietman guided us. During this period our first church was erected. The land was donated by Mr. John Meyer, great-uncle of Lester and Harold Meyer. John Meyer was the great great grandfather of David K.Miller. It is believed that John Meyer was also related to Asmus Meyer- a founding member of St. John's who moved to the Summit area in 1845. John Meyer was a boot-maker born in Wurtemburg in 1829. John and Katherine Meyer immigrated to the United States in 1853.
They purchased the land where the church currently stands for $100. The location of St. John's is where the John Meyer boot and shoe shop was originally located. John Meyer also built a hotel at the Southern end of Golden Lake known as the Golden Lake House. John Meyer passed away on October 7, 1873 at the age of 43. Rev. Carl Nietman baptized 76 children, confirmed 64 people, married 9 couples and officiated at 30 funerals while serving this office as pastor. In 1868, Pastor Conrad Stoeffler was installed. His salary was $275.00 a year. While serving this congregation for 12 years, many developments happened: In 1870 a parsonage was erected. In 1878 the church basement was extended and a church steeple was erected. A bell was purchased and transported from Racine by Mr. August Vinz using a team of oxen. This same bell is still “ringing” for our congregation. Pastor Stoeffler died on June 22, 1880 and is buried here in our cemetery. Pastor M. Claus was installed in 1880 and retired, after serving for 2 years, due to poor health. Leaving the congregation vacant, the Rev. G. Feustel of Concord became vacancy pastor. On March 5, 1882 Rev. T. G. Gruber was called for a salary of $400.00 a year. The parsonage was enlarged during his tenure of office at Sullivan. On December 27, 1887, Pastor Gruber announced that he would deliver his farewell sermon on January 1, 1888. Our next pastor was Pastor G. Schilling with an annual salary of $525.00 a year. At this time a barn was erected to accommodate his horse. During his 29 years the following improvements were enacted: In 1891 the church was renovated, in 1903 the church pews were renovated by Mr. William Zaunter, and in 1905 land was purchased from Mr. Carl Wenzel for additional cemetery. Pastor Schilling is buried in our church cemetery. The Rev. R. H. Rubel of Concord became the interim pastor. Pastor R. Schwertfeger was installed at St. John’s in 1917. He conducted services in both German and English languages and conducted religious classes 5 days a week, 8 months a year. In 1917 extensive renovation was begun. The balcony was shortened, a new pulpit and alter and pews were purchased, and a new furnace was installed. Sullivan and Dousman telephone lines were installed in the parsonage. In 1918 the Pastor’s salary was raised to $1200.00 a year and it was voted to join the Missouri Synod. This also brought the envelope system to be used by our congregation. In 1920 electric lights were installed in the church and parsonage, front entrance built to enclose steps, and a new organ was purchased. During the renovation program a tent was erected between the old cemetery and church until the program was completed. The class of 1917 registered under the tent as Pastor Schwertferger wanted to find out what type of books we were using. The renovation plans were done by Mr. Otto Zahn.
             In 1922 The Ladies Aid was organized with 12 Charter members. They purchased light fixtures for the church and parsonage and had a sidewalk built from the road to the church and to the parsonage. Their revenue was gained by holding an annual ice cream social next to the old church, handing the hamburgers, etc. through the basement windows. On November 9, 1924, Rev. Scwertferger accepted a call to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Horicon where he labored faithfully until the time of his retirement. In addition to his activities at St. Stephen’s, Pastor Scwertferger served as District President for a period of 12 years, of the South Wisconsin District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The Rev. Karl Wedel of Mondovi, Wisconsin, was called to succeed the Rev. Schwertferger, on November 16, 1924. He declined the call. Receiving it for the second time, he reconsidered and accepted it on December 14, 1924. He was installed on February 8, 1925 as pastor of St. John’s. Rev. Rubel of Concord again served during the vacancy. Under the leadership of Pastor Wedel the Young People’s Society joined the International Walther League in the year 1926. The first officers were: Walter F. Zahn, president: Gustav Schlender, vice president; Ruben Krohn, secretary: Sadie Adams, W.L. secretary: Selma Zahn, treasurer: Edna Krohn, librarian. The executive board consisted of the following; Mrs. Reinhold Fritsch, Rudolph Krueger, and Rev. Karl Wedl. The following committees were elected; membership, Esther Boettscher and Walter Bente: entertainment, Grace Friesch; Arnold Gleichmann and Mable Vinz, hospice, Mrs. Reinhold Fritsch, Mary Schlinder, and Anita Thom. In 1927 the church steeple was rebuilt and the church was redecorated in 1928. 1930 brought the erection of a garage and chicken house. The lumber used was from dismantled sheds which sheltered horses during services. Some of the footings remain to this day. Mr. Otto Bilau donated a parcel of land south of the church which was eventually used as a parking lot. On June 13, 1936 St. John’s Lutheran Congregation observed the diamond jubilee of the organization with three special services. The speakers for the occasion were the Rev. Fred A. Schwertferger, Horicon: the Rev. J.F. Boerger, Racine: and the Rev. F.H. Eggers, Watertown. A new organ was purchased for the occasion. On July 11, 1937 a Cemetery Association was formed. It was named St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery Association of Golden Lake, Wisconsin. The congregation also adopted Synod’s Pension Plan in the year 1937. A loud speaker and earphones were installed that year. In 1940 the congregation observed the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the church edifice. The offering on that occasion was for the District Church Extension Fund. In 1946 the parsonage was resurfaced with brick and new hymnals were purchased.
In 1947, Mr. Herman Krohn asked to be relieved of Elders position after serving 35 years. A new oil furnace was installed in the church in 1949. In 1950 Mary Lichtenberg, Arlene Fritsch, Shirley Pipkorn, and Gwen Gleichman organized our Saturday School for children kindergarten through 6th grade. Over the years the Saturday School grew to such large proportions that the school across the road from the church had to be used. The School Board of the Sullivan District kindly gave permission for the church to use the school on Saturdays. During the vacancy between Pastor Cattau and Pastor Zuberbier, the parsonage was used for classes. All the rooms were occupied including the basement and the kitchen. Mary Lichtenberg was the organist for the children’s singing. The teachers and children were grateful for the facilities in the new church. After serving St. John’s congregation for nearly 32 years, the Rev. Karl Wedel announced his retirement form office on October 7, 1956 to become effective at the end of that year. The congregation was sad to have to accept the resignation of its faithful shepherd. The congregation observed Pastor and Mrs. Wedel’s farewell in the Summit Town Hall on December 30, 1956. After resigning from the pastorate at St. John’s, Rev. Wedel became chaplain of the Home for Aged Lutherans, Wauwatosa, where he labored faithfully until and untimely death following an auto accident in 1957. His mortal remains also rest in St. John’s cemetery, on a lot provided by the congregation. On December 16, 1956, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. Raymond J. Cattau, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska, which he accepted and was installed on February 24, 1957. It was during Pastor Cattau’s ministry that the Young People’s Society rejoined the International Walther League. Under his leadership much thought was given to a building program. Cottage meetings were held and committees visited many churches to get opinions of the people and ideas of church buildings. The property of the congregation was surveyed and a topographic map was made of the same. Pastor Cattau asked for his release from the congregation before the congregation decided on a definite step toward the building program. He delivered his farewell sermon on February 9, 1958 having accepted a call to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Janesville, Wisconsin. On February 23, 1958 St. John’s extended a call to the Rev. G. W. Zuberbier of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Chilton, Wisconsin. He declined the call. As it had done before, St. John’s congregation again extended the call to Pastor Zuberbier. After reconsidering it prayerfully, Pastor Zuberbier accepted the call on Sunday April 13, 1958, and was installed on May 4, with special services being conducted in the afternoon. The Rev. Christoph H. Clausing, Oconomowoc, preached the sermon. Rev. Schroeter served the congregation as vacancy pastor before and after Pastor Cattau’s pastorate. During this time the congregation had authorized the Planning Committee to engage an architect for plans of a new building, but after careful consideration the congregation went on record on July 10, 1958 to erect a church and parish hall combination. On October 19, 1958 the congregation launched out on a fund raising campaign, with excellent results. The constitution of the congregation was revised, and on January 18, 1959 Mr. Karl Bilau was elected the first vice president of the congregation. The Lutherans Women’s Missionary League was organized on January 30, 1959 with 28 members. The first officers were: Mrs. Roy Wenzel, president: Mr. William Traeder, vice president; Mrs. Palmer Bartel, secretary; and Mrs. W. Lester Pfefferkorn, treasurer. On May 13, 1959, the congregation authorized the Building Committee to award contracts for the erection of the new church and parish hall. Between services on Sunday, May 24, ground breaking ceremonies were held. The pastor and every member of the original Building Committee turned over the first spade of ground. With the turning over of the last spade the form of a cross was completed. Mr. Harold Meyer, president of the congregation, donated the spade for the occasion. Cornerstone laying ceremonies were conducted on August 16, 1959 with a special afternoon church service in which former pastor Fred A. Schwetfeger of Horicon delivered the sermon. The trowel of the occasion was donated by the General Contractor. In the fall of 1959 St. Johns participated in the Waupun, Madison, Watertown Preaching, Teaching and Teaching program. Services were conducted every evening from October 25 to 29th , beginning with the Sunday morning services. At this time it was resolved to place the statue from the old alter in a niche in the narthex of the new church and also transfer the lighted cross and bell to the new church. The bell was now electrified and placed into the tower of the new edifice.
Bids were opened on May 5th. A resolution was passed to pay 5% interest to anyone loaning money to the building project. With one exception, all notes were from members of the congregation. Cost of the church and parish hall, bid $215,000.00. On April 24, 1960 our new church was dedicated with 70 degree weather. Three services were conducted. Speakers were Pastor Herbert Baxman, president of the South Wisconsin District, Missouri Synod and Pastor Alton Wedel, son of our former pastor. The guest organist was Karl Wedel, also a son of our former pastor. A listing was made showing the many donations to items for equipping and
beautifying the church and parish hall. In June of 1960 discussions were held regarding the taking down of the old church. Landscaping of the new church was done my many volunteers of the congregation. In 1961, St. Paul’s of Neosha purchased the pews from the old church. In the same year, St. John’s celebrated its centennial anniversary. Rev. Raymond Cattau, former pastor, preached the sermon. Rev, Herbert Berner, vice-president of South Wisconsin District Missouri Synod was the speaker for the evening service.
The Ladies Aid served a noon meal. A couples club was organized in 1961. Trees and evergreens were planted around the church. The Ladies Aid furnished the new kitchen with china, silverware, and utensils. During the year of 1962, the Ladies Aid celebrated their 40th anniversary. Pastor Alton Wedel was the speaker. That year the flags for the front of the nave were donated. Individual communion cups were donated in 1963 and in 1964 the Walther League Youth purchased a lighted nativity scene for outdoors. In this year the congregation enjoyed its largest statistics; 583 souls; 421 communicants; average church attendance 352; 2 services every Sunday. Mr. Rudolph Wenzel established the church library in 1966. In the same year, the entire parking lot was blacktopped.
In 1969 it was noted to have one Saturday night service and one Sunday morning service. 1970 brought the 10th anniversary of the church dedication. Pastor Alton Wedel was the guest speaker. Mr., and Mrs. Dallas Henning donated the baptism candelabra. In 1971 our church building debt was paid. The Ladies Aid served a pot luck dinner to observe Pastor Zuberbier’s 40th anniversary in the ministry and Pastor and Mrs. Zuberbier’s 40th wedding anniversary. In observance of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kummrow’s 50th wedding anniversary the children donated a wedding candelabra. It was an unanimous vote to build a parsonage in 1972. Also that year the Ladies Aid celebrated their 50th anniversary. On July 16th the young people of the congregation helped serve a pot luck dinner and Pastor Zuberbier delivered the sermon for this occasion. The last part of February in 1973, the new parsonage was dedicated. The old garage was moved to its present location. The old parsonage was sold to the highest bidder and moved to the present site- ½ mile west off of Highway 18. An organ was purchased for the parish hall by the Ladies Aid in 1974. In 1976 The Alter Guild was organized. On August 29, 1976 a service was held for Pastor Zuberbiers’s retirement from active service in the ministry. A pot luck diner was served for all “well wishers”. Pastor Lester Dumer, St. John’s North Prarie, served as vacancy pastor. Pastor Charles H. Chaveriat of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Racine, accepted our call and was installed on November 28, 1976. The flag pole at the east entrance of the church was erected and donated by Lester and Harold Meyer in memory of their sister, Elva Newman. In 1979 the congregation purchased a new Allen electronic organ. It was dedicated October 7. The Ladies Aid served a pot luck dinner in observance of Pastor Chaveriat’s 25th year of ordination. Daniel Gartzke was ordained in our church in 1980. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gartzke, members of the congregation. 1982 was the dedication of our new hymnals. The children of Lester Gaugert donated the Eternal Light in his memory. In 1981 fans were installed in the church. New drapery for the parish hall was donated in 1983 by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Zahn. In 1984 new alter and pulpit paraments were donated and purchased. Pastor Chaveriat underwent major heart surgery. Through the many prayers of the members of the congregation, God restored him to good health. Fans were donated and installed in the parish hall by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Zahn in 1985. Our congregation voted to purchase the house and a parcel of land from Emily Wenzel to be used for future cemetery purposes. After many years of having Saturday School for the children’s instruction, in 1985 it was changed to Sunday School. Stained glass windows were designed and crafted by our Pastor and dedicated in February, 1986. They were given in memory of Roy Wenzel by his family and placed in the narthex. Former Pastor Raymond Cattau passed away in May, 1986. In July 1986, additional stained glass windows were designed and crafted by Pastor Chaveriat. Pastor Schmidt served at St. John's from 2/4/1990 until 1/25/2004. Pastor Christopher Irelan served St. Johns as vacancy pastor from January 2004 until July 2004.
Pastor Dean Zemple began serving as vacancy pastor in July 2004, and accepted the call to become the current pastor in October 2004.

Other Dates / Facts about the Sullivan Area:
            1837 Cyrus Curtis was the first permanent settler of Sullivan Township in section 34 near Oak Hill
            1840 Cyrus Cushman built the second house in Sullivan Township. Both men established saw mills.
            1841 The remaining Winnebago Indians were removed by US Dragoons.
            1875 Statistics of Wisconsin shows 757 males, 726 females in Sullivan Township.
            1879 The Post Office was established as Winfield. The post office was operated from Henry Zahn's store.
            1881Village of Sullivan laid out by Earl Newton and Enoch B. Fargo.
            1883 The Post Office name was changed to Sullivan. Sullivan was named for Major General John Sullivan, a revolutionary war
            soldier and governor of the state of New Hampshire.
            1906 First telephone installed in the village of Sullivan
            1915 Sullivan incorporated into a village.
            1916-1921 Sullivan News was published weekly. Agnes Fitzmorris Buth was the editor of this 4 page newspaper.

Bibliography
            This history was written from materials found in:
              Brief History of St. John’s Lutheran Church -Sullivan, Wisconsin
              The Wilkening/Meyer Story provided by Dave Meyer
              History of the Southern Wisconsin District of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states by Otto F.
              Hattstaedt 1928
              Sullivan Town 6 North 1970 by Janneyne Longley Gnacinski and Louise Baneck Longley

              Images of America Jefferson County Wisconsin by W. F. Jahnke

            More History Links
              http://chi.lcms.org/lcms/synod150.htm The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod at One Hundred & Fifty Years 1847 to 1997
              http://www.lcms.org/NAFZGER.HTM The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod A Brief History by Dr. Samuel Nafzger
               http://www.loc.gov/rr/european/imde/germchro.html Library of
              Congress website: The Germans in America: Chronology
             http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html
              Project Wittenberg is the first step towards an international electronic library of Lutheranism
            Note: If you have corrections or additions to this history- we would love to incorporate them!