St. Paul History: 125th Anniversary Celebration Observations

125 years in any organization is an important milestone, but especially in a church. It shows longevity and commitment but especially God's grace. To organize the year long celebration in our church, a committee was formed in early 1997.

Early work by the committee involved planning meetings and organizing priorities. A subcommittee was formed to work on this very book you are reading. Much research and organization was involved in acquiring, organizing and laying out of this book. Others on the committee took all the pictures of St. Paul's pastors and matted and re - framed them to preserve them for future generations. The committee worked to locate and frame as many confirmation class pictures as possible. The committee restored the outdoor sign that was used for the 100th anniversary, and then added the 125th anniversary sign to the opposite side. This sign was then hung in the car port to welcome all worshippers to St. Paul. Another anniversary sign was designed and added to the church road sign along Highway 175 to announce the special occasion to all passers by. A large 10 foot wide banner with the same design as the 125th car port sign was made and hung from the rafters of the main church to proclaim the anniversary to all in attendance. Several commemorative items were ordered. Anniversary pencils were ordered and given as gifts to all worshippers on May 17, 1998. Anniversary plates and ornaments were made with designs of both St. Paul churches, past and present, on them. These two items were sold to any interested members. The committee also organized and assembled a church cookbook.

Four dates were chosen to celebrate the 125th anniversary in 1998. A pattern was formulated for these dates. The first date focused on St. Paul's history. The second date, the actual anniversary date, focused on the overall anniversary and our place in God's church and in the WELS. The third date focused on our church today. And the final date focused on our church in the future.

Our first anniversary date was observed on January 18, 1998. Our guest speaker on that day was former Pastor George Enderle. Pastor Enderle's sermon focused on God's grace over 125 years. You can find excerpts of his sermon in this book. In our 10:30 festival service, the children's' and adult choirs provided music for the worship service. Following the late service a "chili dump" dinner was served. Members were encouraged to bring their favorite homemade chili and all the varieties (except for Pastor Cooper's extra hot flavored chili) were dumped together. With help from AAL and the Ladies Aid, the meal was a great success enjoyed by all. Following the meal several games of Bingo were played. Bingo prizes were available and everyone had the opportunity to win. After Bingo, the dartball board was set up for several games. Dartball has not been played at St. Paul for a number of years, so it was quite nostalgic and fun. As a result of this dartball event, a new coed team was formed and they joined a local league in the fall of 1998.

The second scheduled date was the actual church anniversary date which was May 17,1998. Our guest speaker was Pastor Karl Gurgel, WELS synod president. This day featured special service times at 9 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. followed by a dinner catered by Komp Brothers of Hartford. Over 200 members and visitors attended the meal. Music was a special part of the day with music provided by both choirs, the Sunday School, and included computer driven keyboard instrumentals. Period clothing was provided by a number of members, and displayed for all to view. A picture display of many past members and church events was also assembled. In the afternoon, a program containing music from the Adult and Childrens' choirs, readings of church history, member remembrances, door prizes, and more was presented.

The third anniversary date was August 30, 1998. The day began with an outdoor service at 9 A.M. attended by over 200 people. St. Paul's current Pastor, Pastor David Cooper lead the service. Following the service, the annual congregation picnic was held featuring a pig roast. Also served were chicken breasts, potluck dishes, lemonade, punch, root beer and ice cream. For entertainment adults played bingo for prizes and the children enjoyed a fish pond for prizes. The committee purchased several sports equipment items for the day and for future church use. This included a portable basketball standard, volleyball net and poles, two horseshoe pits, a basketball, a volleyball, a soccer ball, a football, several play ground balls, and baseball bases. These items were enjoyed by all and will serve the congregation well in the future.

The final anniversary date was held on Reformation Sunday, November 1, 1998. On this day we looked forward to the future and the years of Grace to come. A special 9 A.M. service was scheduled. The speaker was Matthew Schwartz, our Student Assistant for 1998 - 1999. Following the service, worshippers assembled outside for a congregational photo. This photo will hang on the wall for future generations to remember the congregation of 1998. After the service and the picture, everyone was invited to a fellowship in the lower level. The delicious desserts, beverages, and opportunity for Christian fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Many hours of planning and hard work went into these anniversary observances. I would like to thank Pastor Cooper and the committee members for a job well done. The committee members are: Pastor George Enderle, Janet Fick, Audrey Johnson, Joan Kearns, Krista Kohl, Monica Kohl, Rick Kohl, Linda Korbar, Jackie Toll, and Lorna Weber.

In Christ

Tom Schall, 125th Anniversary Committee Chairman

Excerpts from Pastor Enderle's sermon, January 15th and 18th, 1998

Genesis 3:1-19

The theme for this anniversary celebration is "125 years of grace." Since the grace is eternal, it is not at all surprising that this grace of God was there at the founding of the congregation, that the grace of God was there during these 125 years, and by the grace of God, we can look forward to enjoying that grace in the years to come.

When the Lutheran congregation in Slinger was founded, it was founded as union congregation. What that means, it was going to be a so-called big hearted, open minded congregation, embracing people of both the reformed and Lutheran persuasion. Simply stated the Lutheran persuasion is that God says what he means and means what he says in his word. The reformed position is that God says what I think he means and means what I think he says in his word. Truth and error don't mix. Unless error is rooted out, it grows. Error, at first, demands toleration, and once that is achieved, domination. This is what happened in the original Lutheran congregation in Slinger. Over the years the reformed position became the dominant position.

By 1873 the situation had become so intolerable that the group of Lutherans withdrew and eventually formed a new congregation. It was a group of ten men who on May 17, 1873, signed a declaration stating their intention to support the Lutheran position on Scripture. This is the date that marks the beginning of St. Paul.

It is hard to imagine the hardship these people went through and the courage it took to take such a step. God does not forsake his own. The group grew.

But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. While it is not true of every pastor, over the years there have been a number of pastors who left the congregation on less that harmonious terms. Yes, there are thorns and thistles. But never underestimate the grace of God.

When I was asked to preach for this anniversary service, the thought was expressed that I should look back at the history of St. Paul. I knew quite a bit of the history of the congregation, having grown up in the congregation and also serving the congregation as pastor for 16 years. But I had never really looked at the history as 125 years of God's grace. I thank you for the opportunity for it led me to a greater appreciation of the truth, God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. May God grant that in some way you too have gained a practical appreciation for 125 years of grace.