St. John Lutheran Church History Page

St. John's Lutheran Church

2149 Lutheran Church Rd - Beaufort, Missouri 63013 - (573) 484-3575

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List of Church Events

August 1852 - St. John Lutheran Church was organized with the following charter members: Friedrich Osiek and his wife Wilhelmena Charlotte, Martin Kleinebecker and his wife, John Bente and his wife, Henry Kampschmidt and his wife, Frederick Biest and his wife, William Kampsmith and his wife, William Hottmer and his wife, William Stumpe and his wife, Jurgin Dierking and his wife, Henry Hearth and his wife, Henry Fechtler and his wife, Henry Lohmeyer and his wife, Henry Wilbenscher and his wife, Henry Koch and his wife, Henry Temme and his wife, and Friedrich Koch and his wife.

October 28, 1852 - The original land investment of 20 acres was purchased from Friedrich Osiek and his wife Wilhelmena Charlotte, nee Kampschmidt for $30.00.

1852 - The first church building was built and made of logs, and used until 1876, when a brick church was built.

October 15, 1858 - 10 more acres were purchased for $25.00 making a total cost for the land of $55.00.

August 9, 1879 - School established and decision made to build new schoolhouse.

October 4, 1885 - St. John joined German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states.

January 1, 1891 - To build Tower / Steeple and have bell to call us to service.

1892 - The installation of a 1,200 pound bell in the steeple.

July 4, 1897 - School picnic.

July 29 1900 - St. John's Lutheran Church was built near the center of the village of Beaufort in 1876, only to have the town move away in pursuit of the railroad line.

1911- A new organ was purchased replacing the Melodian in use previously.

1911- The congregation voted to have sermons in English, rather than all in German which had been used heretofore.

1921 - Building addition to Parsonage.

1927 - School House destroyed by a tornado and replaced shortly afterward.

October 27, 1927 - Tabea Ladies Aid met and organized.

November 11, 1927 - Aid Association for Lutherans - Local Branch No. 972. First recorded meeting.

1930 - The first pipe organ was installed.

November 1936 - The St. John Walther League organized.

1936 - The "May Pole".

February 7, 1937 - St. John Ushers' Staff organized.

February 14, 1937 - To build a light line.

1938 - Weekly Bulletin began publication by the St. John's Ushers' Staff.

September 3, 1939 - Church Rededicated to the service and glory of God.

1941 & 1942 - The Auditorium was built as a memorial to those who served in WW II. It was built out of oak logs cut from the property by the congregation. The Auditorium was dedicated May 31, 1942.

August 9, 1942 - Ninetieth Anniversary Celebration.

September 1944 - The Ladies Aid decided to send Christmas boxes to the boys in service.

November 18, 1949 - Couples Club organized with 7 Couples.

1952 - A new pipe organ

August 10, 1952 - St. John Lutheran Church celebrated their Centennial year. Rev. Walter J. Gieselman was also installed as pastor of the congregation that same day.

November 16, 1969 - Drill a Well.

June 29, 1975 - Steeple completed with brick work and tuck pointing.

April 1982 - Decided to have a Pork Sausage Supper in the Fall.

April 12, 1982 - Siding project on Auditorium about completed.

March 1983 - Church pews refinished, interior walls painted, new floor tile installed in church by Ladies Aid.

October 17, 1983 - Change Church Picnic date to 3rd Sunday in May.

April 26, 1987 - Open House and Re-Dedication of the Parsonage.

Spring 1990 - The Picnic House demolished and replaced with Pavilion.

1991 - The Marquee was placed.

August 16, 1992 - St. John Lutheran Church 140th Anniversary Special Service.

1992 - Fall Cards group organized, the primary card game being Euchre.

1998 - Landscaping with curbing tiles in the front of church. The Ladies Aid introduced their new Cook Book.

Spring 2000 - Stone designating St. John Lutheran Church and Landscaping at road entrance.

Spring 2001 - Completed School House Renovation. Dedication service June 17, 2001.

Summer 2002 - 150th Year Celebration. August 24, 2002.


List of Previous Pastors

Rev. Adolph Picker
Rev. E. A. Elfeld
Rev. H. Holtgrew
Rev. G. Brueggmann
Rev. J. Luescher
Rev. F. Eschenfeld
Rev. Martins (vacancy)
Rev. Johann Cattenhusen
Rev. A. W. Mueller
Rev. Paul E. Wagner
Rev. Theodore J. Vogel
Rev. William C. Borchers
Rev. William L. Duerr
Rev. Carl F. Schmidt (vacancy)
Rev. Alfred T. Freund
Rev. Alvin W. Maack (vacancy)
Rev. Walter J. Gieselman
Rev. Donald P. Werchan (vacancy)
Rev. Lloyd E. Groenke
Rev. Clinton Koch (vacancy)
Rev. Luther H. Anderson
Rev. Ronald Hoehne (vacancy)
Rev. Kenneth E. Fischer
Rev. Dennis E. Schmelzer (vacancy)
Rev. Timothy C. Brown