History of Emmaus Lutheran Church 1910-2010
Life in the world today is much different from what it was 100 years ago. Everyday things
have changed drastically. We have machines to help us in all aspects of our lives which save time and manual labor.
One of the most common of these is the automobile. It has made travel so easy that we often overlook what a blessing it is. An eight-mile trip today that we can make in ten minutes or less could take up to half a day of hard traveling with a horse and buggy in 1910 which was the standard form of family transportation a century ago. The fact that the roads were not paved or sometimes even graveled and not plowed in winter made travel just that much more difficult.
These were the conditions faced by a group of thirty families living in southern Lind and northern Saxeville Townships. For many years these families endured the burden of traveling four to six miles to Christ Lutheran Church at West Bloomfield, the nearest Lutheran church, for worship on Sundays and on weekdays to take their children to the parochial school to prepare them for confirmation.
This was especially a problem during the cold winter months and many times children living far away had to board with families living closer to the church. Their pastor Rev. W.T. Naumann suggested that a second school or even a second church could be built in the southern part of the Town of Lind to alleviate this problem.
The matter came up at congregational meeting on February 27, 1910. It was decided to hold a special meeting March 13, 1910 for the people living in that area to discuss the matter in greater detail. At the March 13 meeting held at Christ Lutheran Church it was decided to build a combined church and school in the northwestern part of the parish. A committee was appointed to take charge of the matter. It consisted of Otto B. Timm, Ernest Behm, and Wilhelm Kleist.
At a subsequent meeting on March 23rd held at Behm’s cheese factory a petition asking for release from the Bloomfield congregation was drawn up and signed by 30 members. The members present pledged $2,130 toward the new church and asked the mother congregation to assist them in constructing a new church.
Heinrich Zaudtke offered to donate one acre of land for the church at the present church site, but the group thought that was not big enough and he was not willing to sell more off his parcel. He said that he was willing to sell the whole twenty acres, but the church did not want that much land. In the end Otto B. Timm agreed to purchase the twenty acres from Mr. Zaudtke. He would then sell four acres to Emmaus church for $100 per acre as a building site. This was acceptable to everyone
March 23rd was the Monday after Easter. The gospel lesson for the day was the account of Jesus appearing to some of his disciples on the way to Emmaus. Hence, the name “Emmaus” was chosen for the name of the church. The church has often also been referred to as the Behmsville church due to its proximity to Ernest Behm’s cheese factory and store.
At a meeting on March 28th at Christ Lutheran Church the petition was accepted, and the release was granted. A collection was taken there and raised about $1,000.00.
Another meeting was held April 3, 1910 in Ernest Behm’s wagon shed for the purpose of forming a new congregation. The assembly resolved to incorporate under the laws of the State of Wisconsin as Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church U.A.C. (Unaltered Augsburg Confession).
A committee which had previously been appointed to come up with ideas for the architectural style of the new church reported that they had visited the new St. John’s
Lutheran Church at Baldwin’s Mill north of Weyauwega and liked it very much. The group decided to build a similar building with dimensions of 50 feet by 36 feet by 16 feet. It was also resolved that this committee should become the building committee. At a later meeting the width size was reduced to 34 feet.
The first trustees of the church were then elected. They were Otto B. Timm 3 years, Carl Kienert 2 years, and Herman Paap 1 year.
Since the last meeting Ernest Behm acquired from Carl Kienert the 40 acres adjacent to the west of the planned church parcel and was willing to sell two acres to the church at $100 per acre. Otto Timm had agreed previously to sell four acres to the church at the same price per acre but upon closer examination that would not have left Mr. Timm with as good of a building site for himself so in the end it was resolved to purchase two acres each from both Mr. Behm and Mr. Timm. These total four acres were to form a square. Mr. Timm eventually built the home directly east of the church now owned by Craig Smith. At a subsequent meeting on June 12th it was decided to construct a parsonage that year yet.
The next item of business was to obtain a pastor. Pastor Naumann agreed to serve them until a fulltime pastor could be found. It was first suggested to call a recent seminary graduate. Unfortunately none were available. The congregation then resolved to call an active pastor and set a salary of $500 per year with the pastor also being responsible for teaching the parochial school 3-4 days a week.
The first call was to a Pastor Th. Frank which was declined. The second call was to Pastor A. E. Schneider of Poy Sippi which was declined. The third call was to Pastor Carl Hesse of Gleason, WI which was also declined. The fourth call was to Pastor C.F. Schrein of Greenwood, WI who accepted.
Pastor Schrein was installed in January 1911. Pastor Oehlert of St. Peter’s in Weyauwega preached the sermon for his installation and Pastor Naumann installed him. Pastor Schrein served the congregation until July 1914 when he accepted a call to a congregation in Nebraska.
Julius Stroschein of Weyauwega was hired as construction foreman of the building project with the church members providing as much of the labor and materials as possible. Total cost of the church and parsonage approached $5,000.00.
The cornerstone for the new Emmaus church was laid on July 24, 1910 at a special service at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Pastor Naumann conducted the service using both German and English languages. The West Bloomfield wind ensemble accompanied the hymns.
On October 9th a meeting was held in the basement of the church still under construction. Carl Behm, Heinrich Schooss (Schoohs), and Wm Weidemann, Sr. were elected to the council as elders for three years, two years, and one year respectively.
Mr. W. Weidemann, Jr. accepted the post of sexton for one year for $9.00 with the understanding that he is not expected to scour the church. It was also resolved that each member would provide two cords of wood annually.
On November 6, 1910 the Emmaus Church was ceremonially consecrated. Pastor A. Schneider of Poy Sippi conducted the dedication service in German in the morning. Pastor R. Kretzmann had an English service in the afternoon and Pastor Zuberbier preached the evening service in German.
Charter Members
Building of the beautiful church and parsonage all in one year was a major undertaking for a small group of German farmers. It definitely shows their love and dedication for their Savior Jesus Christ. Many of these charter members have family descendents today who are still reaping benefits from the decisions and hard work done 100 years ago.
Carl Kienert lived on the farm directly west of the Church on Hwy A and was the father of John, Walter, and Lonia (Grunwald). Helen and Carl Schoohs are direct descendents.
Otto B. Timm lived on the Rodencal farm on Schoohs Road until purchasing the parcel from which two acres were split off for the church site. He built a new home now owned by Craig Smith on the balance and retired there. He had four children one of whom was Lena Winske. Raymond Winske is her son.
John Prill owned the farm now operated by LeRoy Niemuth with his brothers Friedrich and Rudolf. At one time he lived in a small home formerly located across the road from where Jerry Loehrke currently resides. David Prill, Dennis Prill, and Pam Lilach and their families are all descendents.
Wilhelm Behm Sr. lived on Pine Hill Rd on the former Edgar Lubeck farm. Ardella Lubeck, Eunice Kempf’s deceased husband Arden, Mike Kempf, Mary Wendt, Dan Wendt, Brenda Batten and their families are all descendents.
Friedrich (Fred) Buchholz was a grandfather to Ray Buchholz and lived where Ray lives now.
Albert Pufahl sometimes spelled Pofahl lived where the Brent Dittmann farm is now. He and his wife had no children.
Friedrich Prill was a brother to John Prill above and lived on the farm now operated by Leroy Niemuth. No direct descendents are currently at Emmaus.
Adolf Anklam farmed on Zabel Road on the first farm east of Pufahl Rd. He was an uncle to Ruth Larson and grandfather to Ona Schoenick and Lillian Vergin who still live in the area.
August Oehlke, Sr. lived on Pine Hill Rd on the farm where Harold Oehlke lived for many years.
Descendents include Harold Oehlke, Lucille Haase, and Ray Buchholtz.
H. Ferdinand Paap lived on Hwy A where Jerry Loehrke now lives. Descendents included Emil Paap, Edwin Paap, and Edna Ratzburg all now deceased,
Heinrich Schooss later known as Henry Schoohs Lived on 30th Rd first place on the right going southeast from Clark’s Mill. Carl and Evan Schoohs and their families are direct descendents.
Heinrich (Henry) Buchholz lived on 29th Rd on the property now owned by David Timm. Harry Buchholz who is deceased was the last descendent to be an Emmaus member.
William Weidemann, Sr. lived where the Rita Thews farm is now. He sold his farm to Martin Strey a few years after Emmaus Church was built and moved from the area.
Rudolph Prill was one of the brothers who owned the farm now operated by LeRoy Niemuth.
Carl Pufahl (Pofahl) lived on Saxeville Rd on the farm formerly owned by Karl Pofahl. No direct descendents are known. Carl may have been Karl’s uncle.
Herman Kienert lived on the farm now owned by Keith Loehrke. He later moved out of the area.
Carl (Charles) Behm lived on Pine Hill Road on a farm known now as the Rolfs property. Lucinda Loehrke is a direct descendent.
Arthur Zabel lived on Pufahl Road on the only farm on the west side of the road now occupied by Wilbur Pufahl. Linda Smith who recently passed away was the only daughter. Arlene Smith is a descendent.
Martin Klavitter: Information not available.
Heinrich (Henry) Zaudtke lived on Clarks’s Mill Rd on the farm now owned by Jeff Larsen.
No current members are descendents. A Local descendent would be Viona Nowak.
Julius Johr (Yohr) lived on Hwy X across from where Arnie and Lyla Kempf’s farm is. No current members are descendents.
Ernest Behm had a residence, small store, and cheese factory on the corner of County X and County A. No descendents are current members of Emmaus.
Herman Timm lived on the farm near the corner of Hwy X and Hatton Rd. His son was Art Timm and one grandson was Paul Timm both now deceased.
August Vetter lived on the property formerly owned by Jeff Zabel.
Carl Buchholz lived on the farm where Randy Loehrke has his residence. Clarence Buchholz was his son and Carol Magdanz is a direct descendent.
Gustav Dittmann owned the Rick Jones farm of Hwy X. Direct descendents include Betty, Steve, Nancy, Neal and Sandra Loehrke, Sherry Blomberg and Larry, Glen, David, and Rosalie Timm families. Brent Dittmann, Mark Dittmann, and Judy Barker are also descendents.
Albert Kienert lived on the farm now owned by James Loehrke. Locations of descendents are currently unknown.
John D. Behm was the son of Ernest Behm. No further information is available
William Kleist was the father of Alma Kleist a member of the first confirmation class
Herman Paap lived on the farm with the driveway near the intersection of County A and Clark’s Mill Road. Virgil Paap, Pastors Eugene and Kermit Lauterbach and their sister Carol are direct descendents.
Wilhelmine Loehrke was the widow of August Loehrke Her husband had been killed in a logging accident on Christmas Eve Day in 1902. She lived on the farm where Delores Loehrke now lives. All the Loehrke families in the area are direct descendents. Susan Lubeck wife of Pastor Thomas Lubeck is also a descendent.
Many other local families became members of Emmaus soon after and also became instrumental in helping the church grow and prosper. They included the Louis and Anna Timm family, the Otto F. and Augusta Timm family, the Herman Lipke family, the Gust Schmidt family, the William Magdanz family, the John Streich family, the Otto Stolzman family, the Albert Handrich family, and the Martin Strey family among others as the years went by.
It is interesting to note that nearly all of these families lived within two to three miles of the church. Today, in 2010, Emmaus members come from a 40-mile radius with many members even living outside the state. Even our current pastor Rev. Jordan drives to church from Stevens Point.
Our Pastors
After Emmaus’ first pastor Rev. C. F. Schrein left for a warmer climate for health reasons in 1914 he was succeeded by Pastor L. H. Klussmann of Lenroot, WI. Pastor Klussmann served Emmaus until October 1919 when he resigned due to ill health. He passed away shortly thereafter.
In 1920 Pastor Traugott Fiess of Gresham accepted a call to Emmaus. A copy of part of his autobiography is included in a later part of this document. He served until March 1929 when he accepted a call to Neshkoro, WI.
In the fall of 1920 Pastor Fiess and his wife lost an infant son. The congregation paid for the cost of the coffin and a place of burial in Hatton Cemetery.
Pastor Fiess introduced English language services. They were conducted Sunday evenings once a month at first. Before that English was used only on special occasions such as the church dedication.
Pastor Fiess was succeeded by Pastor William Lauterbach of Ironwood, MI. Pastor Lauterbach served Emmaus congregation from April 1929 to September 1944. During that time he married a local girl Lillian Paap and had three children Eugene, Kermit, and Carol.
Early during his tenure week-day school was discontinued and Saturday School, summer school, and Sunday School were introduced. There also was a gradual change to more English language services and less German language services. Several families who did not have a German heritage joined the church.
The next pastor to guide Emmaus congregation was Rev. Leonard Bernthal from Beaver Dam who served from 1945-1952. Pastor Bernthal also served as the chaplain at the Veterans Home at King. Pastor Bernthal’s wife Esther was taken to her eternal rest November 29, 1949.
Pastor Otto Messerschmidt was installed as pastor of Emmaus in April 1952. He was called to the Church Triumphant when he died in the Lord October 27, 1953.
Rev. Oscar Rockhoff answered the call to serve Emmaus in December 1954 and served until December 1959.
Three different pastors served Emmaus during the 1960’s. They were Rev. August Bachanz 1960-62, Rev. Erwin Wendling 1963-66, and Rev. Theodore Predoehl 1967-1969.
Pastor Willard Krueger served as our vacancy pastor after Pastor Predoehl left. He suggested that Emmaus congregation form a dual parish with Zion Lutheran Church Caledonia whereby one pastor would serve both parishes. Both congregations agreed to do this in 1970.
A call was placed to Concordia Theological Seminary for a pastoral candidate. The result was Noel Koss was assigned to serve both congregations and arrived and was ordained in January 1971. His wife Linda was lonesome for her family in the state of Washington and when Pastor Koss received a call from there he decided to leave Emmaus and return to their roots. They left in March 1973.
Another call was made to the Concordia Seminary in Springfield, IL for a seminary candidate. This time Emmaus was blessed to receive Richard E. Mundt who was ordained and installed at Emmaus in June 1973. It is interesting to note that Pastor Mundt’s wife Cathy was a granddaughter of former Emmaus’ pastor Rev. L. H. Klussmann.
During Pastor Mundt’s service Emmaus began its support for the Dale Federwitz family working with the Lutheran Bible Translators in Liberia, West Africa, the church kitchen and dining/teaching area in the church basement were extensively remodeled , and support for The Lutheran Hour broadcasts on WDUX-AM radio began. Pastor Mundt moved to Hemlock, MI in 1990 after serving Emmaus faithfully for 17 years.
Pastor Edward Knuth came from South Dakota to serve at Emmaus in 1990. He served until December 1995. At this point the dual parish agreement with Zion at Caledonia was dissolved.
Rev. Paul Hartrick the retired pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Fremont agreed to serve as a permanent vacancy pastor starting in December 1995. This arrangement was very successful until Pastor Hartrick became ill and was called to serve in the Church Triumphant of our Savior in heaven in June of 2002.
Following the loss of Pastor Hartrick an agreement was reached with Calvary Lutheran Church at King for their pastor Rev. Paul Alliot to also serve Emmaus. This arrangement was successful until Pastor Alliot left Calvary in 2005.
Since them Pastor H. William Jordan retired pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Manawa has been performing the pastoral duties at Emmaus.
Emmaus congregation has indeed been blessed by God to have so many good and faithful shepherds to lead their members to a stronger faith in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Church Improvements
A church redecoration project was done in 1935 followed by the installation of electricity and lights in 1937. The old gas lamps were sold for $1.00 each.
In 1940 it was resolved to purchase spirea (bridal wreath) shrubs around the church as well as new hymnals.
Another renovation project occurred in 1948 when approval was given to purchase stained glass windows for the church at a cost of about $2,700.00. A Renovation Sunday was set for December 12, 1948. Pastor Clausing of Bloomfield preached the morning service and Rev. Irwin J. Habeck from St. Peter’s in Weyauwega who was also president of the North Wisconsin District-Wisconsin Synod preached in the afternoon service.
Four new lights were purchased for the sanctuary of the church in 1960. These lights were made by former Pastor Traugott Fiess after he retired and lived in Wautoma.
In 1965, the Narthex, front of church was added on the church.
In 1972 the church again underwent a complete renovation with redecoration, new pews and new carpeting at a cost of about $9,300.00. In 1974 a new communion set was purchased.
During 1977 the interior of the church basement was completely redone. A new kitchen and combination dining area/classroom was installed. A dedication service was held May 23, 1978 with Rev. Noel Koss as our guest speaker.
In 1999 with the help of many volunteers and donations by many members a new baseball field was constructed for use by the Emmaus Youth Group and others. The year 2000 saw the church driveway and parking area paved with blacktop.
In 2003 Ray Buchholtz at the age of 76 with the assistance of several volunteers redecorated the interior of the church. The most recent major improvement was the construction of a large storage shed/pavilion behind the church. Dan Niemuth was the foreman of the construction crew.
Emmaus Organizations
Emmaus congregation has had a very active youth organization over the years. Originally it was known as the Young Peoples Society, later as the Walther League, and is now known simply as the Youth Group. Providing the newly confirmed youth of Emmaus with wholesome activities has been an important goal of the church. Randy and Marge Loehrke have been successful youth leaders for many years.
For many years Emmaus had an active Ladies Aid and LWML group. They met monthly for bible study and could always be counted on to provide service to the congregation wherever it was needed.
Off and on over the years Emmaus had many different choir groups. They added much to the worship services. Medora Magdanz is the current Choir director.
A set of bell chimes was donated to Emmaus as a memorial to Joan Timm a long-time choir member. A group has formed which is learning to play them for special services.
Emmaus Organists
Emmaus church has been blessed with many members who were able to serve as organists for the church. Former organists were Lonia Grunwald, Nina (Timm) Baehman, and Mary Lou Oehlke. Current organists are Virgil Paap, Louise Buchholtz, Tara Reinert, Judy Jordan, and Linda Danke.
Emmaus Officers
Church officers for 2010 are Larry Timm, President, Nancy Timm, Secretary, Leroy Niemuth Treasurer, and Betty Loehrke Financial Secretary. Elders are Robert Magdanz, Jack Hartman, and Randy Loehrke. The trustees are Scott Olson, Dan Magdanz, and Dan Niemuth. The Board of Education consists of Brian Loehrke, Medora Magdanz, and Janet Olson. Marge Loehrke is Sunday School Superintendent. Serving on the financial committee are Rita Thews, Karen Kimmel, and Delores Loehrke.
Statistics
During the 100 years from 1910 to August 2010 pastors at Emmaus have performed 658 baptisms, confirmed 615 persons in the faith, married 259 couples and had funerals for 288 departed souls. Gertrude Magdanz at 95 years young is our eldest member. Bernard Hunt is our senior male member at 90 years of age. Baby Suehs son of Randy and Molly Suehs is our youngest member.
At the start of 2010 Emmaus had 345 baptized members including 262 confirmed members.
Anniversaries
The silver jubilee (25th anniversary) was held on April 7, 1935. Rev. W. Naumann the former pastor of Christ Lutheran at West Bloomfield who helped establish the Emmaus congregation in 1910 was the guest pastor in the morning service in German. Rev Martin Strasen of Berlin delivered the afternoon service in English.
A chicken dinner was prepared for 400 guests and served at noon. Each member family was requested to provide 2-3 roasted chickens, 2-3 pies and whatever other food was required. A copy of the request list for each family still exists and is available for anyone to see.
The 50th anniversary was celebrated on September 25, 1960. The guest pastor for the morning service was Rev. William Lauterbach, former pastor of Emmaus. The guest pastor for the afternoon service was Rev. Henry Naumann of North Prairie, WI son of Rev. W Naumann who helped establish Emmaus congregation.
The guest pastor for the 75th anniversary of Emmaus was Rev. John Fiess son of former pastor Rev. Traugott Fiess. The 90th anniversary of the church was also celebrated.
For the 100th anniversary two celebrations were planned. On August 22, 1910 which was near the date of the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone a catered meal of roast beef and roast turkey with all the trimmings was served at noon. Rev. Eugene Lauterbach and Rev Kermit Lauterbach sons of former pastor William Lauterbach were invited to preach at the services at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Due to health problems Pastor Eugene was unable to travel from Indiana. Pastor Kermit delivered the sermon written by his brother at the a.m. service and his own sermon at the p.m. service
The second celebration is planned for November 7, 2010 the day after the actual anniversary of the dedication of the original church building. Pastor Richard Mundt of Hemlock, MI has been invited to preach the sermon. The Youth Group will serve a chicken and pork dinner followed by an informal get-together and hymn sing. A joyous reunion with Rick and Kathy is anticipated.
Conclusion
As we look back over these years of grace, a feeling of unworthiness comes over us and we are moved to say with Jacob of old “I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies and all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.”
In the confident hope of the future, we ask our gracious lord to continue to be with us with his Word and Sacraments, to guide, lead, keep, and perfect us in that good work which He has begun in us.
“To God ALONE BE ALL HONOR AND GLORY!”