History
Our History...
In April, 1886, a group of Lutherans who had previously belonged to Ebenezer Congregation of San Antonio Prairie, decided to erect their own sanctuary. The Ebenezer Congregation later relocated to the nearby community of Manheim. The newly formed congregation decided at that time to build a sanctuary that could also serve as a schoolhouse. There were eighteen original signers of the constitution which formed the new congregation which was called St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lincoln, Lee County, Texas. Pastors from neighboring congregations of Manheim, Fedor and Serbin offered their assistance in forming the new congregation. The original signers of the constitution were Peter Medack, John Schkade, John Proske, A. Niemtschk, Ad. Niemtschk, A. Mutschink, J. Koenig, A. Lehmann, A. Beisert, J. Mitasch, J. Leitko, C. Kunze, W. Petzold, J. Symank, W. Schulz, J. Bluemel, Adolph Koban, and C. Zimmermann.
Although in great poverty, the newly organized congregation decided to provide a place of worship immediately. Only a simple building, which served both as a school and church, was at first erected. When in 1892, a new church was built, the original building continued to serve as a school for many years.
During that first year, 1886 - 1887, the congregation was served by theological student W. Cholcher. According to the earliest records, Student Cholcher performed three emergency baptisms; otherwise all official acts were performed by Pastors Kaspar and Birkmann of neighboring congregations. The first children to be baptized were Bertha Maria Knobloch and Martha Selma Schkade, both baptized on January 14, 1887 by Pastor Kaspar. The first wedding was that of John Koban and Augusta Bluemel on April 12, 1887, also performed by Pastor Birkmann.
The first resident pastor of the congregation was the Rev. Th. Wolfram, who came late in 1889. Pastor Wolfram’s term of office must have been a very trying one because of a serious children’s disease which spread throughout the congregation. The records show that no less than fourteen children below the age of two years were laid to rest in 1888, among them Pastor Wolfram’s own infant son. In addition, one child of seven years and two adults were buried that same year. What faith and courage of pastor and people in those first few years. The next pastor of the congregation was Rev. H. Wunderlich whose activity extended from 1904 - 1907.
Rev. R. Osthoff became the pastor of the congregation in 1907 and continued to serve until 1944. Under his guidance and direction, the congregation grew numerically and spiritually. In 1933, the congregation hosted the district convention of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. In 1936, the congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary with special services and guest speakers. Speakers for the occasion were Professor H. Studtmann, D.D., then the President of Concordia Collage at Austin and the Rev. H. Schmidt of Serbin.
It was with reluctance that Pastor Osthoff’s resignation was accepted in 1944, but due to illness, the Pastor’s request was granted. His remaining years were spent in Giddings where he fell asleep in Jesus in August of 1949. Following the resignation of Pastor Osthoff, the congregation extended a call to Rev. H.A. Stroebel, who served the congregation faithfully and ably from 1944 to 1955. At this time the congregation also built its present modern parsonage.
When Pastor Stroebel accepted a call to Friona, Texas, the congregation called Rev. A.e. Gruetzner. He was installed on October 7, 1956, but was permitted to serve only about eight months. Although his term of office was short, his advise and leadership to the congregation in time of great stress will live on for years to come. On March 20, 1957, just as pastor Gruetzner was in the church preparing for the evening’s Lenten service, a sudden windstorm struck the area and so damaged the church that the Pastor had difficulty getting out and returning to his home. The Lord had spared him, for there was still much to do for the congregation and for the Kingdom of the Lord. Because of the extensive damage to the church building, it was decided to build a new church. Much of the planning for the new building was done under the supervision or pastor Gruetzner. But then suddenly the Lord called His servant to the heavenly home. Following an operation, which was not considered serious, complications set in and the Pastor died quite suddenly on June 29, 1957.
Following the death of Pastor Gruetzner, which was a great shock to the members, the congregation, nevertheless, continued with its plans for a new church building, and at the same time seeking to find a pastor for the congregation. In February of 1958, it was decided to extend a call to a ministerial candidate from one of the Seminaries. On July 6, 1958, Candidate Daryl D. Johnson was ordained and installed as minister of the congregation. Pastor Johnson remained with the congregation until March 1, 1959, when he accepted a call to New Jersey.
In the meantime, work on the new church building, planned by architect Eugene Wukasch, was begun. Many challenges had to be met and many obstacles overcome. But with the cooperation of the members, and especially with the help of the Lord, the congregation dedicated its new and beautiful church building to the Glory of God on January 17, 1960. The dedication sermons were preached by the former pastor, Rev. H.A. Stroebel and the vacancy pastor, Rev. A.F. Michalk. It should also be mentioned that two members of the congregation, Mr. Adolph Umlang and Mr. Fred Foerster served as contractors for the building of the church. Because much of the labor to construct the new building was donated by members of the congregation, the cost of the building was kept to a minimum; costing $60,000.00.
On February 21, 1960, Rev. Henry J. Gerike was installed in a service conducted by Pastor A.F. Michalk. On April 16, 1961, the congregation celebrated its Diamond Anniversary. A service of praise and thanksgiving was conducted by Rev. J.W. Behnken, D.D., President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; and the former pastor, Rev. H.A. Stroebel conducted a German Service. Afternoon and evening speakers were Rev. R.P. Wiederaenders, D.D., Second Vice-President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; and Rev. C.A. Gaertner, First Vice-President of the Texas District. After serving the congregation for about four years, Pastor Gerike was called to be with the Lord in 1964 during the Christmas Holidays.
Pastor Biar was called and installed in February 1965. Pastor A. Szegedin of Fedor served as Vacancy Pastor during the brief time after Pastor Gerike’s unexpected death. Rev. Biar served the congregation until his sudden death on December 31, 1973. A vacancy existed for almost two years until Rev. Barry Hildebrandt was installed on November 30, 1975. During Pastor Hildebrandt’s tenure in the early 1980’s, an auditorium, a 90’ x 100’ metal building, was added to St. John. In addition to adding much needed space, the building served as a gymnasium for the school and also as a place of fellowship for the congregation. Pastor Hildebrandt served the congregation until August 1981, when he accepted a call to South Carolina.
On January 31, 1982, Rev. Otto Brillinger was installed in a service conducted by the Vacancy Pastor, Rev. Bryan Sullivan of Elgin. Pastor Brillinger was instrumental in starting the Vacation Bible School program in June of 1982. An office for the Pastor was constructed in the school building and new glass doors were installed in the church north-ex. In 1986 the congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversary. That same year, Rev. Brillinger retired. The congregation then called Rev. Rolf Larson. Pastor Larson served the congregation until 1990.
After a short vacancy, Rev. David Ebert was called by St. John Lincoln. Pastor Ebert led the church from 1990 until his retirement in May of 1998. The Congregation then called Rev. Dale Bohm, the current pastor of St. John Lincoln. Pastor Bohm was installed in an afternoon service on November 15, 1998 and continues to lead the congregation in Word and Sacrament to date.
During Pastor Bohm's tenure there have been many changes. The school building was repainted, a new roof was installed and new air conditioning and heating units were installed in 2001. Many changes were made in 2003. A beautiful new front porch was constructed so that structural improvements could be addressed and that a handicap ramp could be constructed to code. New sidewalks and landscaping were also completed around the front of church. In the fall of 2003 a special service was held to dedicate the new stained glass windows. The custom designed windows depict the life and ministry of Lord Jesus Christ. A plaque, by the front doors, describe the events depicted and identify which members generously gave each window. Soon after this, the sanctuary received new carpet and a fresh coat of paint. A barbecue pit was added to the garage which recently has been resided. Improvements have been made to the cemeteries over the years. An iron gate was installed at the cemetery. New fence has been added and old fence replaced. Windows were added to the classrooms in the gym and the library was converted into a classroom. A paved parking lot is in place between the church and school buildings.
It was decided in 2009 to paint the gym and to add air conditioning. The gym is used for group functions as well as many family reunions and occasions. For the 125th celebration, several projects were completed. The walls in the gym were re-textured and painted. A new handicap restroom was installed. Hand railing were added. The stones in the old cemetery were repaired, restored, and cleaned as well as some in the new cemetery soon. All these projects and many others have been made possible through special collections and generous support of individual members and groups like the Ladies Aid, Men's Club and the PTO.
April 3, 2011, marked the 125th anniversary celebration of the congregation with the theme verse, "Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4. Two special services were held that day, with the Texas District President Reverend Kenneth Hennings as the morning preacher and congregational son, Reverend Clyde Kieschnick as the afternoon preacher. Also participating were congregational son Reverend Charles Kieschnick and former pastors, Reverend Otto Brillinger and Reverend David Ebert. Melvin Schiwart served as special guest organist. A noon catered meal was offered to all who wanted to rejoice with St. John's on the special day. Mr. Clarence Weiser served as the chairman of the Anniversary Committee. An 125th Thank Offering was approved by the congregation to go to six mission minded ministry opportunities at the state, national and international level. The amount equals $1 a day for 125 years. The total amount of $45,656 will go to: Lee County Lutheran Schools, Concordia University Austin, Lutheran Braille Workers, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, Brillinger Mission and Teaching Children Teachers Mission
On the morning of January 25, 2012 at 6:15 am straight line winds estimated at 115 mph. damaged the gymnasium. A structural engineer determined that the building was unsound and demolition of the building began soon afterwards. Demolition was finished on March 9th. A Building Committee had been formed to determine what to do with an aging parsonage. The committee soon had a bigger project to consider. Redesigning and building of a new structure are currently in progress. Mr. Spencer Schneider is serving as the chairman.
School History...
The history of St. John’s School goes back to the forefathers who were mindful of our Lord’s great command to teach and to baptize and, furthermore, being aware of the responsibility of the parents to bring up the children in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. They erected a school building immediately after the congregation was organized in 1886. This building served as a two-fold purpose, the place of worship and the place of training the ‘little lambs of Jesus’ according to the Holy Scriptures. This arrangement was continued until about the year 1892, when the church building was dedicated.
In the early years, the Pastors fulfilled the duties of both ministries of teaching and of preaching until about the 1890’s when the combined task became too difficult. The congregation decided to call a full-time teacher to relieve the Pastor of the teaching duties. The first residence was built in 1888, which was first used as a parsonage and later became the dwelling for teachers. A new teacherage was built in 1929. The year of 1952 saw the dedication of a new modern school building. The building included two classrooms, restroom facilities, a parish hall, a conference room and kitchen facilities.
In the spring of 1978, there was a conversation about the possibilities of building an auditorium. A meeting followed consisting of Principal Neal Greatens, congregational chairman, Martin Weiser, George Weiser, and Nelson Friedrich. Later that year, the voters approved to build the auditorium as funds were available. A school closing picnic was established to raise funds for the building. A six man building committee was elected by the voters. The committee consisted of Principal Greatens, George Iselt, Nelson Friedrich, Delbert Boriack, Billy Kunkel. aand Aurthur Knippa. Later five more members were added as construction began. They were James Schimank, Eugene Schimank, Howard Boriack, Edward Markert, and Curtis Schimank. Groundbreaking services were held in 1979 with Pastor Barry Hildebrandt officiating. In August of 1980 foundation work was started and the cement was poured and completed. In 1981 the building was erected. A debt retirement program was started to pay for the rest of the building. From 1981 until 1986 two classrooms, a board room, a kitchen, storage areas, bleachers were completed. Dedication of the auditorium was held on August 10, 1986. Participating in the service were: George Iselt, building committee chairman; James Schiman, chairman of the trustees; John Wachmann, school principal; Bea Ward, ladies aid chairwoman; David Birnbaum, youth league chairman; Nelson Friedrich, congregational chairman; Alfred Boriack, chairman of the elders; Eugene Schiman, school board chairman, and the Reverend Neal Greatens.
In 1989, the teacherage, which had served as the principal’s housing for 60 years, was approved by the voters assembly to be sold to Lonnie & Michele Schneider. The building was moved to their property 2 miles west of Lincoln on Highway 21 and still stands there today.
Teacher’s that have served the Lord in the school were: Herman Schroeder, Edward J. Gutzler, C.R. Schwart, Henry Wittmershaus, Rudolph Winter, M. E. Tschatschula, Martin Schuetze, Mary (Drews) Boriack, Daniel Friedrich, Alice (Woelfel) Fischer, Norma Boriack, Ruth (Woelfel) Wachsmann, August Horn, Helen Horn, Gilbert Brietwisch, Nancy (Brietwisch) VanHoy, Mildred Knobloch, Erhard Wolf, Helen (Schiwart) Fritsche,Patricia Becherer (first called teacher from college) Shirley Durow, Joyce Bauer, Mrs. Myrtle (Vanhrenkamp) Jantzen, Alan Paskett, Glenda Paskett, Howard Bleeke, Dora Marburger, Neal Greatens, Debbie (Boriack) Beisert, Golda Berger (first preschool/kindergarten teacher) Kevin Greatens, Samuel Pranschke, Joyce (Schlesslmann) Kroll, Penny (Pfeiffer) Schimank, Millie Brillinger, John Wachmann, Patricia Degner, Alleen Winkler, Steven Clausen, Mark Thorsen, Carol Thorsen, Maxine Bradshaw, Sandy Clausen, Audrey Ebert, Pastor Dale Bohm (Athletic Director, Coach and P.E.) and Lisa (Michalk) Bohm.
Principals who served the school from 1986 were John Wachmann, Mark Thorsen, Steve Clausen, Pastor David Ebert (interim principal), Mark Thorsen, Deborah Besiert (interim) and Mark McClain.
In 2006, due to a decline in enrollment over several years, the voters assembly agreed to close the school as it was no longer financially feasible to operate the school. Keeping in mind the importance of educating the children in a Christian environment, the congregation agreed to pay 80% of the tuition of the congregation’s school aged children who attend either St. Paul Lutheran School in Serbin or Immanuel Lutheran School in Giddings.
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