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Our
History
| October
31, 1926 |
On this day
of celebration commemorating the church's namesake, Martin
Luther, seventy-six people gathered to attend a service at the
Masonic Temple. Their desire for spiritual fellowship led
them to seek the aid of the New York Synod to form a church in
our community. Worship services were held regularly in the
Junior Order Hall, Chestnut Street and Franklin place. |
| November
21, 1926 |
St. John's
first Sunday School meets at the Junior Order Hall. |
| December
22, 1926 |
The
Reverend Edwin H. Knudten is called as St. John's first regular
pastor. |
| January
15, 1927 |
Reverend
Knudten begins his pastorate at St. John's. |
| September
28, 1930 |
At a cost
of $36,000 during depression years, the first members of St.
John's dedicated its church building. |
| November
14, 1936 |
In a
special service held by the Board of American Missions, St.
John's, now a self-supporting church, burns its' $5,000
mortgage. |
| July
6, 1950 |
The
Reverend Knudten submits his resignation in order to accept a
call to become the first president of the newly formed New
Jersey Synod. |
| January
15, 1951 |
The
Reverend William H. Niebanck becomes the second pastor of St.
John's church. |
| In
the Year 1956 |
The
congregation added a wing to the church building at a cost of
$112,000, which was paid in full within four years. |
| November
17, 1963 |
The stained
glass windows were dedicated at service, Reverend Knudten
preached the sermon. |
| In
the Year 1971 |
A new
parsonage is purchased; existing parsonage is used as church
house, additional Sunday School space, and living quarters for
the sexton. |
| June
1, 1976 |
The
Reverend Albert Heusmann become the third pastor of St. John's
church. |
| In
the Year 1980 |
Chancel
renovation is done; altar rail is now more easily accessible,
and pastor can face the congregation from a free-standing altar. |
| In
the Year 1984 |
The church
house is sold, and the proceeds are invested toward the
stability and growth of St. John's. |
| November
1, 1984 |
The
Reverend Albert Heusmann submits his resignation to accept
another call. |
| September
16, 1985 |
The
Reverend Jeffrey L. Walters becomes the fourth, and present,
pastor of St. John's church. |
| October
1986 |
The
congregation of St. John's celebrates their sixtieth year of
fellowship. |
| October
2001 |
The
congregation of St. John's celebrates their seventy-fifth year of
fellowship. |
Reverend
Walters' pastorate has inspired a renewed spirit of enthusiasm,
devotion, and fellowship in both old and new members of St. John's.
With his guidance and leadership we can be confident that St. John's
will continue to grow in faith and prosperity, and that the future will
see this history lengthen with our achievements. We are now
looking forward to celebrating our 75th year of fellowship at
St. John's.
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