| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA |  |
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| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA | |
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Wapello, Iowa
Transcribed by Sharon Elijah, September 21, 2016
In the early spring of 1939 missionary Alton Koch and Pastor Krueger from Wellman drove through several towns in southeast Iowa to investigate prospects for new mission fields. As they drove through Wapello they noticed the small number of churches for a town of its size. Inquiries revealed that “The Lutheran Hour”, with Dr. Maier as speaker, had a good following in the community, indicating that a Lutheran church might have a good field in this section of the country. Further investigation revealed that no other Lutheran church existed in the county. Next a complete canvass was made of the entire city. On the basis of these reports the mission board of this Lutheran District gave instruction to begin work in Wapello.
The first Lutheran service was held on May 28th, 1939, in the American Legion Hall in Wapello. It was conducted by Alton Koch, missionary of the Iowa District East of the Missouri Synod. The following people were present: Mr. Arthur Hinderman, Mr. Weisser, Mr. Joe Schmeiser, Mr. Walter Lussky (organist), Mr. and Mrs. Albert Scheihing, Mrs. Margaret Holmquist, and Mr. Orval Schmeiser; a total of nine persons. The collection for the first service was $1.25.
The average attendance for the 37 services of 1939 was 17. The congregation at the end of the year numbered 18 souls and 7 communicants.
At the end of 1940 the congregation numbered 25 souls and 15 communicants. The average attendance for the 58 services was 16 and for Sunday School, 14. Pastor Koch, in 1940, in his combined pastorates of Mt. Pleasant, Wapello, Lockridge, and Mt. Pleasant State Hospital, conducted 157 services, made 225 pastoral calls and 363 mission calls, and conducted 88 classes. During this period the new duplex envelope system was introduced in the Wapello church.
Services in 1941 were held in the G.A.R. Hall in the evening. In 1942 services were held on Wednesday evenings and on the second and fourth Sunday of the month in the G.A.R. Hall.
From February to April, 1943, a community canvass of Wapello was conducted to locate unchurched families and Sunday School prospects.
On April 9, 1944, the services were transferred to the Webster building located at 714 Isett St. This building was converted into a small chapel; all the work being donated by the members.
The church continued to grow in 1944. A summer Bible School was held in May, and for the first six months of the year the Wapello Church had the highest average per communicant member in its contributions for missions of the 98 congregations in the district. In . . .
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. . . 1944 there were 26 souls and 11 communicants with an average attendance of 21. The next few years were marked with special events and activities. The congregation participated in the Peace Thank Offering in 1945. In 1945 and 1946 a summer Bible School was conducted. The congregation participated in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Synod in 1947. In 1948 the Ladies Aid was formed and Pastor Koch made a complete canvass of Wapello for the unchurched. Adult level Bible workshops were arranged for teachers and officers.
On July 10, 1949, a meeting of the Wapello Lutheran congregation was held near Pastor Koch’s cabin on Meyerholz Lake to organize the church for incorporation. The name “St. Paul” was chosen for the congregation. The constitution was accepted and adopted. The congregation voted to join the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
St. Paul Lutheran Church observed the tenth anniversary of Lutheran services in Wapello on October 9, 1949. The Rev. Fred Ilten was the guest speaker.
In 1950 the District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League donated $8,000 for a new Wapello chapel. In July the church purchased a lot from the City of Wapello for $1,375. The first Louisa County Courthouse, built around 1840, was located on this lot.
With the new chapel still in the planning stage, white pews were purchased in 1951.
Plans for the new chapel were adopted in May, 1952, and the district promised to loan $1,000 toward building costs. Construction began in July with Guy Watson as the local contractor. Members and friends and Pastor Koch donated many hours of work toward the new chapel.
Dedication of the new chapel took place on October 5, 1952. The Rev. R. P. Young, mission director of the Iowa East District, was the guest speaker and Pastor Alton Koch was in charge of the service. There was a short ceremony outside as the keys were handed over to the Pastor at the door and the congregation then entered the chapel for the dedication service. Work on the chapel and the grounds was completed in 1953.
Highlights of the following years are noted in church records. In 1953 the Ladies Aid purchased chairs for the Sunday School. In November of that year ten children were baptized in one service. A new organ was purchased in 1956 for $300. The Ladies Aid gave $125 of this amount.
In 1958 communion was scheduled once a month on a regular basis. An interesting practice for many years was that communicants announced their communion attendance by contacting the Pastor by postcard or telephone.
1959 was a notable year. All debts on the church were paid off and a new Lowry organ was purchased and dedicated. An organ concert was given by Mrs. Joan Yeater, followed by a 20th anniversary service with the Rev. Harold Roschke as guest speaker. In 1959 there were 88 souls, 44 communicants and an average attendance of 43 at worship.
The church started a “One-a-Month” Calling Night in 1961. Mr. L. C. Darby was placed in charge with the Couples Club doing the calling.
In October, 1961, the congregation purchased the house north of the church for $8,500. The owner, Dr. Christy, financed the loan for a 15 year period at 4 percent interest on the unpaid balance. This house was purchased for future Sunday School space or a parsonage.
In 1962 the Mission Board of Iowa made Wapello and the new mission in Muscatine a dual parish. The Rev. Leo Bruns was assigned to this position and lived in Muscatine.
The Lord called Pastor Bruns to his eternal rest on December 25, 1962, after he had served Wapello for six months.
Pastor Alton Koch filled the vacancy until the Rev. James Kalthoff was installed as pastor in 1963. Pastor Kalthoff stressed the importance of parents being involved in their children’s education and that we all be strong witnesses for Christ.
In 1967 the Rev. David C. Cloeter was installed as pastor. He served until 1971 when the Rev. Merlin C. Petersen became the pastor.
Maintenance and improvement of the church was performed on a continuing basis. In 1970 the church interior was painted and the aisles and the pulpit area was carpeted with the cost covered by individual donations and the Ladies Aid. In the summer of 1973 the new chancel area was remodeled and dedicated.
Exploratory services were begun at Morning Sun and Columbus Junction in 1973 but discontinued after a few months.
At the end of 1974 Pastor Petersen left Wapello to serve a pastorate at Garner, Iowa, and later became a missionary to Sri Lanka. The following six month vacancy was again served by Pastor Alton Koch of Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant.
During the vacancy a number of meetings were held with Muscatine to decide if the congregations were to call jointly as before. In March , 1975 the District Board approved the request of Muscatine to call separately. They suggested that Wapello continue to be served as a vacancy, apply for a vicar in 1976, or explore the possibilities of a Worker-Priest or a retired pastor.
In 1975 the church extended a two-year contract to the Rev. Orville Jank as a Worker-Priest. Reverend Jank purchased a home in 1976 and the congregation paid him a rental allowance.
Growth of the church continued. In 1979 an “Open House” brought many visitors and prospective members to the Church. New pews and a new organ were purchased. The increase of money gifts made the largest jump in years--$81 higher per communicant member than a year earlier. A young adult group was organized.
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1980 was the first year that the church constitution allowed women to participate in “Voters’ meetings.
The church continued its efforts to reach out. Church signs, listing six churches, including St. Paul Lutheran, were posted on highway 61 north and south of town. Ronald Johnston attended the Great Commission Convocation in St. Louis. Randy and Julie Hoeg began to use puppets in reaching children and became youth counselors.
In 1981 the congregation voted to build or to rebuild the present structure. They selected a building committee and started a building fund. The building committee included Randy Hoeg (Chairman), Orville Meeker, Nancy Hain, Ronald Fullerton, and Ronald Johnston. The designer was Jim Voigtman of Marengo and the general contractor was Tim Minner of Montezuma.
One hundred new hymnals were purchased in 1981, 75 of which were to remain in the sanctuary and 25 to be sold for personal use by members. “Lutheran Worship” began to be used on Easter Sunday with advance preparation by the choir. It was decided that the Sacrament be offered the first and second Sundays of each month and on special occasions. Communicants were asked to register as they entered the church before communing.
The second “Open House” was held in 1981.
August 9, 1981 marked 25 years of service as a parish pastor for Pastor Jank. The congregation noted this event with a special service followed by a reception in the Legion Hall.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new church were held on August 2, 1982. The cornerstone was laid following a Sunday service on November20, 1982. During the building project the church used rented facilities of McCulley Funeral Chapel for about six months.
It was during this period that Prayer Support Circles were begun and the members participated in the Synod’s “Forward in Remembrance” project.
The dedication of the new church building on April 24, 1983 was the highlight of the year. The building of the church was made possible by the local congregation’s full support in giving $31, 343, a $35,000 grant from Forward in Remembrance, $5,000 from the District Board of Directors, $5,000 from the district LWML, and a $75,000 loan from the Church Extension Fund. Many hours of time and effort were given by the member of the church to make the new building a reality.
The Rev. David Cloeter, former pastor, was the speaker for the dedication at the 10:00 a.m. Communion service. The Community service was held at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Alvin Barry, District president, as the speaker.
A new constitution and By-Laws were adopted for St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1983, delegating responsibilities to five major boards.
In the spring of 1983 the position of office secretary was established with Julie Hoeg filling the opening. An Over Forty group was also formed to promote fellowship and Bible study to compliment the Young Adult group which was meeting frequently.
1983 saw the most successful Vacation Bible School to date, with 71 enrolled—over half from outside the congregation.
The third “Open House” was held in 1983.
Five students were enrolled in Synodical Christian Schools in 1983; Rebecca Jank, Jonathan Jank, Teresa Krouth, Chuck Cartwright, and Timothy Jank.
A number of activities and happenings were noted in church records for 1984, the 45th anniversary year of Lutheran outreach in Wapello and in Louisa County. An Altar Guild was formed separate from the Ladies Aid. Pastor Jank was appointed Circuit Counselor of the Mt. Pleasant Circuit. For the fifth consecutive year St. Paul fielded a softball team in the county church League. The church lay delegates to recent District conventions included Harold Hain, Orville Meeker, Ronald Johnston, and Martin Hoeg. In November, 1984, Pastor Jank, Harold Hain, and Ron Johnston attended the Great Commission Convocation at St. Louis.
At the end of June in this 45th anniversary year the St. Paul congregation numbered 143 souls, 97 communicants, Sunday School – 31, Bible Study - 26, an Young Adults and Over Forty groups each averaged 13 in attendance. The average attendance at worship was 76.
Pastor’s annual report for 1984 listed 144 souls, 96 communicants, 3 baptisms, 2 confirmands, 4 transfers in, 7 new members by Affirmation of Faith, 36 Sunday School members and 50 attending Bible School. It was also noted that the adult choir had a very active year.
In May, 1985 Pastor Orville Jank and family accepted a call to Marshalltown, Iowa. Pastor Marlin Rempfer of Muscatine served as the vacancy Pastor until August 11, 1985 when Pastor Mark E. Latham was installed as St. Paul’s first full time Pastor.
Again in 1985 a number of happenings were recorded. The first annual bountiful harvest soup supper was held in November. In May a piano was purchased and dedicated for Sunday School use. In June, Dennis Meeker and Randy Hoeg attended the District Convention in Cedar Rapids.
St. Paul outreach activity continued. In September, 1986 a new mid-week school was started for grades 4, 5 and 6 with Dianne Fullerton teaching and assisting the pastor with confirmation classes.
1987 got underway as the first year St. Paul was without a District subsidy. Vacation Bible School was held from July 20 through July 24. In the fall Pastor and Pam Latham, and Ron and Janice Johnston attended the Iowa Great River Commission Convocation in Des Moines.
In June, 1988 Pastor Latham received and accepted a call to Cloverdale, California. Pastor Robert Sparrow of Burlington served as vacancy pastor until September 18 when he was installed as the full time pastor.
In 1988 a new lighted lawn sign was placed and dedicated to the memory of Marcella Fletcher, and a . . .
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. . . new lectern was purchased by the Graydon Knutson family and dedicated as his memorial.
A 50th year Anniversary Committee was appointed.
A committee was assigned to look into replacing the organ. At last report, $6,000 in memorials and pledges have been given.
Pictures were taken for the first pictorial directory of the church to be out in early 1989.
Recipes were collected and a cookbook was printed. Proceeds are going to help finance the 50th Anniversary Celebrations to be held in 1989.
In December the congregation purchased a parsonage located across the street west of the church.
The Evangelism Committee designated Sunday, February 5, 1989, as “Bring a Friend Sunday.”
The 50th Anniversary Celebration had the theme, “50 Years Proclaiming His Name” and featured on April 30, 1989, the Rev. James Kalthoff (1963-1966) at the morning service. The Rev. Alton Koch (1939-1962) was the guest speaker at the afternoon service. On May 28, 1989, the Rev. W. Leroy Biesenthal, Associate Director of Evangelism CMS, was the guest speaker at the morning service. On July 9, 1989, the Rev. Orville Jank (1975-1985) was the guest speaker at the morning service. A special banner was made and donated by Mrs. Ronald (Janice) Johnston for the occasion.
The organ committee voted unanimously to purchase a Rodgers organ.
The Rev. Robert Sparrow left in September, 1989. During this vacancy St. Paul was served by pastors from the Mt. Pleasant Zone.
The new Rodgers organ was dedicated to the Glory of God in a special service on Sunday, July 15, 1990.
On June 16, 1991 the Rev. Reinhold Dierks was installed as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran.
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wapello is the only Lutheran church in Louisa County. As of December 31, 1992, the St. Paul congregation numbered 152 souls and communicants, 113. The average attendance at worship was 60.
Thank you God for blessing St. Paul Lutheran Church with “53 YEARS PROCLAIMING HIS NAME.” “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19.
Picture: New Rodgers Organ & Organists
L to R: Nancy Hain, David Hoeg, Janice Johnston
Picture: Choir
Front row L to R: Jim Hodges, Julie Hoeg, Joy Meeker, Nancy Hain.
Back row: Harold Hain, Randy Hoeg, Janice Johnston, Mary Dierks.
Picture: St. Paul Lutheran Ladies Aid
Back L-r: Dixie Seitz, Julie Truitt, Shirley Truitt, LaDonna Underwood.
Front L-R: Mary Hodges, Mary Dierks, Betty Hain, Nancy Hain, Myrtle Hoeg, Jan Johnston.
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Picture: High School Sunday School Class
clockwise beginning at top: Christy Armstrong, Molly Stineman, Hailey Underwood, Brandie Seitz, Kelli Seitz, Joy Meeker, Melissa Hain, Casie Truitt, Chris Hoeg.
Picture: Sunday School Classes Teachers,
back row L to R: Julie Hoeg, Julie Truitt, Mary Dierks, Colleen Armstrong, Nancy Hain, Supt.
Picture: Sunday School Teachers Front row L to R: Lisa Meeker, Julie Hoeg, Nancy Hain, Mary Dierks. Back row: Dennis Meeker, Randy Hoeg, Roger Armstrong, Ron Johnston.
Picture: Laying the cornerstone -1982
Picture: 50th Anniversary – Rev. & Mrs. Orville Jank
Picture: Pastor Reinhold Dierks, Present Pastor
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Picture: Pastor Alton Koch, Founding Pastor
Picture: Church Elders
L To R: Joe Truitt, Ron Johnston, Dennis Meeker
Picture: Congregational Officers
L to R: President, Jim Hodges; Vice President, John Humphreys; Secretary, Betty Hain; Treasurer, Anita Odle (absent).
Picture: The Church in 1982
Picture: The Church in 1992