Pastors who left pastoral ministry to serve in other work:

• Leopold Moench to mathematics professor, Saint Paul Luther College, Saint Paul, in 1918

• Dr. Edward A. Welke to president of Minnesota District, American Lutheran Church in 1931 for 20+ years

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Seven members were ordained into parish ministry:

• Robert Grendahl 1959

• Allen Hastings 1964

• Gary Wees 1990

• Carl Glamm 1995

• Matthew Hausken 2000

• Jack & Dawn Coffey 2000

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Property

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• First parsonage was purchased from Albert Glamm in 1906.

• Present parsonage (213 2nd St SW) built in 1919. Pastor William Zibell lived in it first.

• In 1972 the (1919) parsonage got new siding, shingles, and interior remodeling.

• SPLC owned schoolhouse for religious instruction, used 4 days/week for 3 months/year.

• In 1916 Sunday School wing was added to the sanctuary.

• Fellowship hall built in 1957 with temporary wall – later opened to join to new sanctuary.

• Present sanctuary built in 1969 and dedicated Feb 22, 1970. Lord’s Supper scene from the original altar was built into the new altar.

• Bell tower built in 1970 with memorials and money raised by the women. Bronze Bell (1300 lbs) purchased by Ladies Aid in 1911 still calls people to worship.

• 1999 – Purchased Keane property for $140,000

• 2017 – Purchased Bruce property directly to the east of sanctuary at 208 – 3rd St SW, for $135,000.

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The Organ and Organists

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• First pipe organ dedicated in 1927. Completely rebuilt during this 75th anniversary year, enlarged to 15 ranks and moved to present location in balcony.

• Second dedication May 20, 1973 with organ recital by Rev. R. E. Scoggin of Rochester.

• Second complete rebuilding began in the summer of 1995. It is enlarged to 26 ranks, 10 pipe ranks and 16 electronic ranks. Dedicated during our centennial in 1998.

• Some organists served for only a “thank you”; some for $12 a year. Later our accompanists were paid a salary for their work. Our talented musicians include:

  • Hedwig “Hattie” Schultz (Mrs Leonard Lueck) (Hattie played German service 1/year after 1932)

  • Katherine Klingsporn 1932-2007

  • Amanda Birkholz (sub Katherine Klingsporn’s daughters births 1943, 1945, 1948)

  • Florence Lewis and Thelma Miller (also subbed for Katherine)

  • Diane Webb (pianist/organist) 2002-2017

  • Tianyao Xie (pianist/organist) 2017-2020

  • Garrett O’Connell (organist/accompanist) 2020-

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Firsts and Milestones

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• First baptism was Emma Clara Arndt on August 21, 1898

• First confirmands were Ida Krause, Agnes Stiller, Helen Remarkel

• First couple married was William Wobig and Amalia Stiller

• First couple married in sanctuary was Mr. & Mrs. Fred Glamm

• First recorded funeral is Albert Stiller, 13-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. August Stiller

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Significant changes

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1942 – German Seal of Saint Paul Lutheran Church is recorded in English.

1944 – Set of individual glasses for communion is purchased, replacing the common cup.

1947 – Envelope system for contributions is started.

1950 – Building Fund Committee for a new church: A. E. Wobig, Ed Starz, Marion Hopper

1954 – Congregation votes that all women members 21 or older are voting members.

1959 – Lorraine Smith becomes the first church secretary (as a volunteer).

1969 – New constitution is adopted. All members 18 years of age or older could now vote.

1971 – First Communion classes began for fifth graders.

1973 – Sunday School children (lower grades) attend 20 minutes of worship then go to class.

1974 – Service Groups begin and work well.

1975 – Office is built for the secretary. New blacktop is laid on the NE parking lot.

1977 – Church library begins by lending out books.

1978 – Kitchen is remodeled. We begin using, The Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). Carlyle Johnson becomes church custodian.

1979 – Congregation purchases the Glamm property, west of present sanctuary. Congregation sponsors missionary Pastor David Johnson and family

1982 – Stewardship Committee completes an “every member visit”.

1983 – Fellowship Hall gets new roof. Sell + move Glamm house + pave west parking lot. Doug Strandell becomes music director until 1988.

1984 – Diane Webb becomes choir pianist.

1985 – Grant Boyer became our parish assistant (June). Library moves to Fireside Room. New carpet laid in Narthex, Fireside Room + offices.

1986 – Anna Loos Estate gifts Saint Paul. Women make + present quilt to SPLC confirmed high school graduates each May. From 1986 – 2008 they made and presented 350+ quilts

1987 – Purchase and demolish Darrel Miller house to enlarge west parking lot.

1988 – New office addition and handicapped facilities were added. Diane Toogood is Minister of Music for 8 years, organizing and conducts 7 choirs.

1989 – Ruby Mohr gives Steinway grand piano.

1990 – Establish Building fund. Chime bells are a gift from Rudy Mohr. Youth attend Dallas National Youth Gathering. Stephen Ministers start training October.

1991 – Ratify “Amended constitution”. Trustees and deacons now called council members.  Secretary Lorraine Smith retires: 31 years. Karel Titus is new administrative secretary.

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1992 – Committee of 5 raises funds for office remodeling. Youth go on Boundary Waters canoe trip. Establish Bill Mahlke campership memorial. Office begins using computers for bookkeeping.  Jule McCullough is volunteer office staff.

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1993 – Congregation amends by-laws to establish a Mission Board. Church income is $196,180. Remodel the office area. Youth backpack trip at Sky Ranch, CO.

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1994 – G Youth attend Atlanta National ELCA Youth Gathering. Reshingle sanctuary roof. Repair hail damage on Fellowship hall roof.

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1995 – Congregation approves Mission (Board) Committee constitutionally. Fund begins for new sanctuary lighting. Fund begins for rebuilding the pipe organ. Seventh graders go on retreat at Good Earth Village to study the Apostle’s Creed. High School youth canoe trip to Boundary Waters. We adopt a “sister” congregation, San Lucas Lutheran, in Bogota, Colombia

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1996 – Kent Jurgenson becomes music director. Youth trip to Superior Hiking Trail on North Shore.  Paved the west parking lot.  Layed new Carpet in the sanctuary. Jule McCullough begins as additional paid office staff. Church Income is $205,777.

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1997 –  Centennial Celebration Committee oversee special event each month of 100th year. Congregation purchases adjacent Samuelson & Holte properties for $82,000. Youth attend New Orleans National ELCA Youth Gathering. Music Director: Doug Strandell. Financial Secretary: Marlow McGowan.  

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1998 – 100 years old. Dedicate rebuilt Pipe organ in honor of Katherine Klingsporn. Custodian Carlyle Johnson retires after 20 years. New pews upholstery, sanctuary lights, landscape. New picture directory of members celebrates Centennial.

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1999 – Purchase the Keane property for $140,000. Part-time Education Director: Lynn Ness. Replace 19 windows in fellowship hall with bequest. Custodians: David & Becky Radtke.  Paid Office Staff: Carol Larson.

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2000 – 30 Youth + Alfonso Corso (Bogota, Colombia) St Louis National Youth Gathering. Installed 2 new boilers.  New Custodians: Lonnie, Audrey, Kelly & Casey Sather

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2001 – Pastor Kip Groettum begins. Project worship words on screen (9/9). Give Scholarship $ to San Lucas in Bogota, Colombia. Largest special offering ever is Lutheran Disaster Relief (9/11), $3,000. Lead Music Accompanist: Diane Webb. Church Income is $299,481.44

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2002 – Education Director position: Lynn Ness & Laura Gathje share. Take down Sacristy walls. Move screen to back wall. We project worship words and pictures to screen. New picture directory of members honors Katherine Klingsporn for 70 years of Service in Music to the Glory of God, 1932-2002. Diane Webb was hired as Membership Secretary.

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2003 – A new education, youth, and music wing was constructed on the north side of the fellowship hall at a cost of $654,126. Dedication of the facility occurred at both services on November 9. 34 Youth attend National Youth Gathering in Atlanta, GA.

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2004 – The new addition is being used by youth, Sunday School, music groups, adult education, and has become a meeting place for the community. Through generous memorials and gifts landscaping was completed on the west and south side of the sanctuary and north side of the fellowship hall. Lori Weis joined the office staff as Administrative Secretary in August, and Karel Titus moved to Financial Administrator only.

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2005 – The Samuelson house at 209 Second Ave. SW was removed and fills and gravel was added to the property in preparation for adding a bituminous parking lot to the existing west parking lot in 2006. Our youth traveled on a mission trip to Appalachia, Kentucky.

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2006 – On February 4 a new contemporary Saturday worship service began. The west parking lot was completed with cement driveways, curb and gutter, and a sidewalk on the west, bituminous topping, and striping for a total of 52 parking spaces at a cost of $43,120.32. A rock wall was erected on the north side of the west parking lot by volunteers. Lydia Grant joined the staff as financial secretary. Our youth traveled to the San Antonio ELCA Youth Gathering.

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2007 – On April 14 the church had an auction that raised $4,204.30 for the parking lot, the building addition of 2004, adult/family mission trip, and benevolence. A landscape planting on top of the rock wall on the north side of the parking lot was donated. Our youth traveled in July on a mission trip to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana.

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2008 – At the Jan. 16, 2008 annual meeting we voted to adopt a new constitution and by laws. April 5 auction raised $10,000 plus for building materials which allowed 46 people to build 4 homes in Baja, Mexico as well as distribute food and clothing there Oct. 11-18. A new picture directory of members was created to celebrate our 110th year as a congregation.

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2009 – We ratified the new constitution at the January 21, 2009 annual meeting. Kim Fall began her duties as Financial Administrator as of July 1. Karel Titus retired in August. Heather Barker was hired as Financial Secretary. Children’s Choir began in Sept. under the direction of Heather Dale. An adult education committee rep was added to the Congregation Council.

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2010 – 15 youth and 4 adults volunteered their service in Chicago during the summer. Closer to home many people lent their hands to neighbors in the community due to the huge September flooding of Pine Island. An electronic viewing system replaced the old flip photo boards for our church members’ pictures.  Tracy Barsness joined Laura Gathje as a youth education director.

 

2011 – We raised twice as much money for the Baja Mission trip needs as we did in 2008; and on Oct. 15-22, 48 members helped build 5 homes, & distribute food and clothing in Baja Mexico.

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2012 – Jodie Shanahan was hired as the Financial Administrator in June. In September we began to use the Narrative Lectionary series in our worship experience with the theme, “Let God Be Your GPS.” The youth added a bazaar to their cookie walk in place of the WELCA bazaar. 37 youth and 8 adults attended the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July. Three furnaces were installed in sanctuary basement.

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2013 – On Jan. 6th, 27 members met at Assisi Heights for a Visioning Day to brainstorm where our ministry should be headed for positive growth and change. The congregational mission statement is: Called to be welcoming, loving, working people guided by God’s love – here, there, and everywhere.  A new projector and screen were installed. In July, thirteen youth served in Denver, CO doing mission work. Community Service Rally Weekend (Sept 7-8) saw members contributing 700 hours’ worth of volunteer work in two days around the community. Pictures were taken for a new church directory.

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2014 – Baja mission group held an auction in April to raise funds to build a school in Mexico. Pastor John Lohre retired in May. In August we hired Intentional Interim, Pastor David Beckstrom. Our west rental received a face lift. In August Jeremy Marquardt became the new financial secretary. In October, 66 individuals from Saint Paul’s and Minneola churches, plus other friends built a three room medical clinic, three school buildings and two houses in Vincente Guerrero, Baja, Mexico. They also dispensed food, worked in an orphanage, built beds, gave out clothing and visited previous home owners from previous trips.

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2015 – Pastor David Beckstrom resigned as our Interim Senior Pastor at the Annual Meeting in January. Pastor Audrey Lukasak was hired as the next Interim Senior Pastor. The Call Committee continued their search for a permanent Senior Pastor.

2016 – Pastor Audrey Lukasak left at the beginning of the year, and Pastor Darby Lawrence began as our permanent Senior Pastor on February 1. Pastor Kip Groettum resigned and left our congregation in May.  Pastor Craig Breimhorst joined us in November as a part-time Contractual Pastor.

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2016 – Pastor Audrey Lukasak left at the beginning of the year, and Pastor Darby Lawrence began as our permanent Senior Pastor on February 1. Pastor Kip Groettum resigned and left our congregation in May.  Pastor Craig Breimhorst joined us in November as a part-time Contractual Pastor.

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2017 – Anita Witthoeft took over as Handbell Choir director followed by Shane Titus in April. In March we held a 5-week Adult Forum on My Neighbor is Muslim.  The Baja Mission group held a very successful auction fund-raiser in April. In May we voted to purchase the Bruce property directly east of the church property. Laura Gathje, Tracy Barsness, Doug Strandell and Diane Webb (accompanist position) all resigned. Ashly Matzek and Cindy Dentz were hired as Youth Education Directors. Tianyao Xie was hired as the new accompanist and started in September. Kalle Akkerman was hired in August to be the new Director of Music. In September we went live with our new church website: www.saintpaulpi.org. October saw 58 individuals from age 12 on up head to Vincente Guerrero, Baja Mexico to build 5 homes for families in need. We discontinued our Christmas Day worship service in December.

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2018 – Jens Nielsen joined us as a resident seminarian through a new program with Wartburg Seminary. Pastor Craig Breimhorst and Kalle Akkerman both resigned and left Saint Paul’s the end of April. The end of June eight youth and three adults attended the National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX. Pastor Marie AK Anderson joined us in August as a part-time contractual pastor. Upon the resignation of Shane Titus as Handbell Choir director, Anita Witthoeft was hired. The Saturday evening worship service was discontinued in the fall, and we started Wednesday night Oasis with a meal, worship and confirmation, which included the addition of one-on-one mentors.  Jens (Nielsen) Narveson left in August. In October Pastor Anderson’s position was changed to full-time when Pastor Lawrence took an extended leave of absence.

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2019 – Pastor Darby Lawrence resigned. Pastor Marie AK Anderson was called for the Senior Pastor position. Myra Murray was hired as Music Director. Pastor Christopher Miller was hired as part-time contractual pastor.

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2020 – A Pandemic (COVID-19) spread across the country, as well as other foreign countries, causing many businesses to shut down. All worship services and activities were cancelled at Saint Paul Lutheran mid-March, and we began online worship. In July we began Parking Lot worship services, but continued with our online worship as well.  A Call Committee was elected to begin the process of hiring an Associate Pastor. Tianyao Xie resigned as our accompanist, and Garrett O’Connell was hired as her replacement. The October 2020 Baja Mission Trip was postponed until October 2021.

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2021– Pastor Jessica Bakken came in January. Live-streaming began on both YouTube and Facebook. In-person worship started back up in January.  This gave members and visitors three ways to join in on Worship opportunities: In-person, YouTube, or Facebook.  Lori Weis (Administrative Secretary) and Diane Webb (Office assistant) both retired in September.  The job went from two part-time positions to one full time position.  Sherri Emedo began as full-time administrative secretary in September. Pine Island Preschool started using our Fellowship Hall and classrooms during the week due to over-crowding at the school.  Baja Mission Trip  was postponed until March of 2022 due to COVID. We held our 1st annual Lent fest in March. COVID precautions continued affect the worship and other meetings at Saint Paul Lutheran and across the country.

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2022 – Pastor Jessica resigned to take a new call in Dodge Center, MN in October. Chelsey Haugen was hired as the new Youth Education Director. Sherri resigned in September and Ashley Gullickson was hired on as the three-quarter-time Administrative Secretary in October. The Pine Island Preschool and Cubbies daycare program left SPLC to go to their new building at the beginning of December.