CHURCH: St Martins Lutheran Church, Benton County This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. by Leniegh Schrinar ********************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material,must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legalrepresentative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWebarchivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Copyright c) Nov 2001 by Leniegh Schrinar. ********************************************************************* Transcription by Leniegh Schrinar Riverton, Wyoming November 10, 2001 100th ANNIVERSARY BOOKLET St. Martin's Lutheran Church 1868-1968 History of St. Martin's Lutheran Church St. Clair Township, Benton County, Iowa Marengo, Iowa 1868-1968 (Photo of Interior of Present Church) This History of St. Martin's was read during the Homecoming on the 100th Anniversary Prepared by the present pastor with the assistance of Mrs. Donald Hacker. Page 1 The beginning of St. Martin's Lutheran Church is closely connected with that of the St. Paul congregation of Luzerne. Pastor Ph. STUDT, who came to Luzerne as a ministerial candidate and was instrumental in organizing a church there, began preaching in St. Clair Township on the first Sunday in February 1866, at first once a month to about four or five families. As more families became interested, the frequency of the services was gradually increased. The services were held in a school house, and this arrangement continued for about ten years. During this early period the congregation was formally organized as St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Clair Township, Benton County, some time in November 1868. In 1876, when the membership had grown to 17 voting members, an acre of land was purchased from Wm. JURGEMEYER, and a church erected. The building committee consisted of John DAHNKE, Frederick KARSTEN and Ludwig JURGEMEYER, with Fred EBERT the treasurer for the building fund. The cornerstone was laid, on August 20, and the new church dedicated to the glory of God on November 19. The building cost was $1300.26 of which all but $150.00 was paid off by the day of dedication. Officers serving the infant congregation at this time were Ludwig JURGEMEYER and Joachim POSSEHL as elders, and H. HEIDEN and F. KARSTEN as trustees. With the congregation owning its own house of God, services were now conducted every other Sunday until the first resident pastor, Candidate Henry SEMMANN, was ordained and installed November 9, 1879. (Photo of Pastor SEMMANN) Regular congregational minutes were begun with the annual meeting of 1880. In this meeting the following officers were elected. Frederick BOBZIEN, elder; Page 2 Frederick EBERT, chairman; Frederick KARSTEN, trustees; Henry POSSEHL, secretary; and Karl POSSEHL, custodian. The latter is the father of Gus POSSEHL, who is the oldest member of the congregation at this writing. On March 22, the congregation resolved to build a parsonage adjacent to the church, a 16 x 20 structure 16 feet high, with a 13 x 10 basement, six feet deep. From the dimensions it would appear that only humble and careful people were expected to venture into that basement. Later in the year a barn for the pastor's horse was provided and a sidewalk laid from the parsonage to the church. In 1881 a summer kitchen, 8 x 10 and seven feet high, was added to the parsonage. Almost from the beginning the congregation showed proper concern for the instruction of its young. A Christian Day School was organized in 1880, with the pastors serving as teachers. The school was maintained for more than half the congregation's history. Quite regularly during the early years, entries in the congregation minutes bear out the fact that the school was considered an integral part of its total mission. For years it was by congressional resolution that the school term began on the first Monday in December and continued until the second or third week in May, affording approximately six months of instruction each year. Pastor SEMMANN offered his resignation on July 2, 1882, for reasons of poor health. Pastor George BAYER was called and ministered to the spiritual needs of the people for almost 28 years, longer than any other pastor. It was under his devoted leadership and guidance that St. Martin's experienced rather rapid progress. (Photo of Pastor BAYER) When the congregation's property suffered considerable window damage from a hailstorm in 1883, the Page 3 church building was insured against storm and the parsonage against fire and lightning. In 1884 a chicken house was added to the parsonage facilities. The annual meeting of 1889 appears to have had the first experience with a deficit in the general fund, and resolved that all members should be solicited in the amount of 50 cents. The year 1890 witnessed a 16 x 20 addition to the parsonage. At this time too an organ was regularly rented at an annual cost of $5.00. The minutes of the nineties reflect the problems generally associated with a young, struggling congregation. We might mention too that they posed a considerable problem for the reader. No doubt the secretaries who served during these years were good and dedicated men, altho there is little to be said in favor of their usage of the German and their handwritings. Many of the decisions of the voters became clear only by a stubborn laboriousness to decipher the intent of the minutes. During this decade improvements and building repairs were made when they were needed and as finances permitted. A cistern was dug and equipped with a pump. Hitching posts were installed for the tieing of the horses, which propelled the wagons conveying members to the Sunday services, and whose backs afforded transportation for the children attending the school. Outdoor rest rooms were constructed and boardwalks laid. Pasturage was rented for the pastor's horse. Communion vessels were purchased, and non-members who wished to send their children to the pastor's confirmation class were assessed a tuition of $1.00. A Sunday School was first organized n 1896, but apparently it did not meet with immediate success. In July 1897 a bell was placed in the tower and duly dedicated. Instructions regarding the use of the bell were properly formulated by the August voters and duly recorded in the minutes. In 1899 both the parsonage Page 4 and the church were reshingled. 1901 was observed as the 25th Anniversary Year of the dedication of the church. The celebration took place on the last Sunday in December, with District President CLOETER delivering the anniversary message. The anniversary year was marked also by the erection of a larger school building, a 16 x 20 structure. Pastor BAYER's ministry came to a close in 1910, and a call was extended to Pastor K. J. PRITZ of Macoun, Saskatchewan, Canada. His salary was set at $500.00. A copy of the letter accompanying the call was made part of the minutes, and it indicates that the language question had become one of critical concern...Written by the then vacancy pastor, Gottlieb F. SCHROEDER, it is of some interest to us today. Translated it reads: 'To the congregation of Pastor K. J. PRITZ (Photo of Pastor PRITZ) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Beloved brethren in the Lord: On the first Sunday after Trinity, May 29, 1910, we extended a call to your present pastor and soul-shepherd, Pastor K. J. PRITZ, in the name of God. We plead with you most earnestly to give him leave to transfer into our midst here in Iowa. The reasons you should consider are these: Not from you pastor himself, but from another source, we have been informed that his health is not the best and that a change in climate to the United States is urgently necessary; and since St. Martin's Congregation of St. Clair Township, Benton Co. Iowa, is quite desirable, so that, God willing, your pastor's talents may be preserved to the welfare of the church. True, we at first had some misgivings about calling your pastor from his blessed activity in the mission field, but if you will evaluate and consider our circumstances, you will quickly realize that our mission field here is of greater importance than yours. There exists in St. Clair Township, Benton Co., a congregation of 28 voting members and Page 5 approximately 250 souls, with good prospects for growth. The local congregation, which will soon be 40 years old, has endured much inner unrest during the last years, and since a Day School is lacking, in which the English language is the teaching medium, we have lost a sizable number of young people, who are no longer conversant with their mother tongue. Unfortunately our former pastor could only communicate with these people in the German language. Of your pastor, however, we have learned that he would be able to regain these people for our congregation thru the English language. Also, it is very likely that an English congregation can be called into existence in the nearby town of Blairstown. There is, therefore, ample opportunity for mission work here. Indeed, if this position is Iowa is not filled by a pastor, who is able to function in German as well as the English language, there is very real danger that our congregation will have to be dissolved. This is our difficult situation and need should prompt you, dear brethren, to permit your dear pastor to move in peace. The Lord will bless such a sacrifice of love on your part in His mercy, and will help you find a way to satisfy your temporary need from elsewhere. In the name and by order of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Martin's Congregation of St. Clair Township, Benton County, Iowa, the present vacancy pastor, Gottlieb F. SCHROEDER. Needless to say, this persuasive, touching letter was instrumental in securing the services of Pastor PRITZ. During his 5 year ministry many changes in the interest of progress took place. English services were instituted, and at first conducted once a month on the third Sunday. Some English instruction was added to the school curriculum. The school term was lengthened, so that the year began in the third week of Oct. The first Christmas Eve service was held. Lights were installed in the church, first on approval, then permanently. And in 1911 the time-honored custom of an annual Mission Festival began, with invitations extended to Luzerne, Newhall, and Marengo Page 6. and with a service in German and one in English. The visiting congregations were guests of St. Martin's at the Mission festival lunch, whose menu was painfully spelled out by a resolution of the voters to consist of potato salad, cold cuts, biscuits, bread, butter, jelly, and coffee. A temporary, but serious illness prompted Pastor PRITZ to tender his resignation; however, he yielded to the plea of the congregation to reconsider. A certain student MACK (there is no way of telling where this was his given or family name) from the Springfield Seminary was engaged until such a time that the pastor's health would permit him to resume his full duties. On March 30, 1912 a resolution was adopted to join the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. Also during this year a church was rented in Watkins, and services conducted there every other Sunday, the tow places alternating. During 1913 St. Martin's contributions to Missions were $274.71, and the pastor's salary was $700.00. There was also a decision made to establish a congregation cemetery. However, in the very next meeting the purchase of land was postponed indefinitely. During the year 1914 St. Martin's released six families to join the newly-organized church in Blairstown. An experiment was made in engaging a lady teacher for $45.00 a month, together with the Blairstown group. English services were now being held every other Sunday. In 1915 a telephone was installed in the parsonage, and extensive improvements made on all buildings at a cost of $630.77. A proposal from the Blairstown congregation, that the pastor, whose services the two congregations were sharing, should live in their parsonage, was rejected. But its effect was only temporary. On Nov. 28, Pastor PRITZ was given his peaceful release to become the first president pastor Page 7 of St. Martin's daughter congregation, Grace of Blairstown. After five unsuccessful attempts at calling, Pastor C. F. HINRICHS (Photo of Pastor HINRICHS) of North Dakota accept St. Martin's call. His salary was to be $700.00. He arrived and was installed in the spring (1916) as the congregation's fourth resident pastor. During the first year of his ministry, St. Martin's scored another first, hosting the Southeast Iowa Pastor's conference. In this year too we have the first mention of autos and the problem of where they should be parked in connection with the arrangements Pastor HINRICHS for Mission Festival. A monthly envelope system was introduced, and for the first time the Christmas Eve service was held in English. The minutes also make vague mention of some kind of anniversary that was celebrated, very likely the 50th of the beginning of church services in St. Clair Township. In 1917 E. H. KETTLER was the Circuit delegate to the Convention of General Synod in Milwaukee. The pastor was given permission to endeavor to start a mission station in Watkins. An English pulpit Bible and Agenda were purchased, and the former is still in use at the lectern today (1968). St. Martin's joined with the other congregations of the Cedar Rapids Circuit in observance of the 400th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the festival service taking place at Van Horne. And the congregation resolved to contribute to the support of a missionary at Camp Dodge, Iowa. A tremendous step forward occurred in 1918 when English was used for the first time in the voters' meeting, and the minutes of July 7 and thereafter are recorded in the language of the land. These were difficult years of World War I... Page 8 For awhile English was the only language used in church and school. Those who had difficulty worshiping in English were given private ministrations by the pastor. There is a record of an offering for the Army Navy Commission, as well as the adoption of the Lutheran Hymnal. A Ladies' Aid was organized in 1919 with a charter membership of fifteen. Meetings were held in the homes of members until the church basement became a reality. The same year water was piped to the parsonage from the cistern, and a church remodeling project was undertaken at a cost of $3000.00 $2150.00 of this amount was pledged by the members present at the meeting, and a soliciting of the remaining membership brought the total raised to $3015.00. The church building was raised two feet, a basement provided a house a furnace, the ceiling and walls were covered with metal sheathing, and addition was made to the rear of the building, a new altar, new pulpit, new pews, spouting and eaves troughs, new arched windows, and new doors were installed, and the tower remodeled. Finally in this year too the Sunday School was reintroduced, and Wm. WITTENBURG solved a problem of long standing by offering henceforward to provide free pasture for the pastor's horse. The District Convention was invited to Benton County in 1920 and held in Newhall; St. Martin's working together with the neighboring congregations as host. The pastor was given a raise in salary to $1000.00, and the very next year advanced to $1500.00. Nevertheless, in connection with the latter decision, the minutes make the first mention of a ballot vote on such delicate matters. In the early twenties St. Martin's supported a Synod-wide drive for funds for the building of the new Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and pledged to raise its full quota of $190.00. School was now in session from the first Monday in September to the middle of June, with time out for corn husking vacations. Page 9 In 1922 a new school was built. The old one was sold at auction. The building contract was awarded to Larsen and Willhoyt of Norway. The total cost was $3534.44, of which $1700.00 was secured by means of a loan from the Church Extension Fund. At this time the congregation became incorporated, The articles of incorporation were signed by E. H. EBERT, John WIEBOLD, Wm. HACKER, C. J. POSSEHL, W. F. KARSTEN and Adolph G. MILLER. The name of the congregation was officially given as the Evangelical Lutheran St. Martin's Congregation of St. Clair Township, Benton County, Iowa. Former Pastor Bayer died during the year, and the congregation fittingly expressed its condolence to the family by sending a basket of flowers. A Young People's Society was organized in 1923. The annual report of 1925 listed 138 communicants, 70 voters, and an enrollment of 24 children in school. The congregation returned to having German services every other Sunday. By resolution, children not attending the Day School were to receive two years of instruction before being eligible for confirmation. A teacher was called; unfortunately, there is no record of his identity, and his salary set a t $80.00 a month. 1926 brought the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the dedication of the church building. Former Pastors SEMMANN and PRITZ preached in the September 12 services, the former in the morning, and the latter in the afternoon. The experiment to have a called teacher was discontinued, and it was back to the school desk for the pastor. In March, 1927, Pastor HINRICHS received a call which he accepted, and on the second effort, Pastor Robert GROTE (Photo of Pastor GROTE) of Persia, Iowa, was called and installed on the first Sunday in July. His salary was set at $1200.00, and upon his request it was paid in monthly rather than quarterly installments, which had been the practice (Pastor GROTE) Page 10 until now. Pastor GROTE's ministry was of brief duration. Already in July , 1928, he was compelled to resign for reasons of health, and St. Martin's called Pastor R. P. YOUNG form Hartley, Iowa. Evidently, the new pastor was the proud possessor of a car, and the congregation rose to the necessity of building a garage. A few months later the hitching posts were removed. The church had to purchase a new church seal, since the former one could not be located. The church's constitution was translated into English. The 1931 budget called for the sum of $1382.80 for all purposes. In 1932 a reunion service was held for all who had been confirmed here. Pastor YOUNG (Photo of Pastor YOUNG) was given his peaceful release on March 8 and with Pastor STOLL (Photo of Pastor STOLL) serving as vacancy pastor, the congregation resolved to call a supply pastor, but stipulated that he must reside in the parsonage. He was to receive $50.00 a month for teaching school and conduct services occasionally to relieve the acting pastor. As it developed very quickly, he was in charge of all services. This brought the Rev. William STOCK to St. Martin's in September 1932. One of his first requests was to the ladies to arrange for some furniture in the parsonage. Eventually, he made an even more far reaching request, which led to the doubling of the parsonage occupancy. He married Miss Lillian HACKER, a member of his congregation. Student Stock was hereupon extended a regular call on April 30, which he accepted. He served St. Martin's until 1935 when he followed a call to Cherokee. The days of the depression were reflected in the congregation's 1934 budget, which called for a total Page 11 amount of $863.00 for all purposes, pro-rated as follows: $120.00 for Synod, $600.00 pastor's salary, $18.00 for organist, $50.00 for anticipated repairs, and $5.00 for fuel. The pastor was to receive the customary perquisites, and was given the use of the garden and parsonage. Also he was to receive the offering on Communion Sundays, but must furnish the wine and wafers. During the vacancy following Pastor STOCK's acceptance of his call, a student names KRUETZ, son of the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, Lincoln Township, was engaged to conduct the services until February 10, 1935, a call was extended to Pastor E WEISS (Photo of Pastor WEISS), stationed at Oxford. His salary was to be $800.00. During his stay at St. Martin's, electricity came to the church property. IN 1939 the congregation participated in the celebration of the Saxon Centennial in Cedar Rapids. They also did their part in the Centennial Thankoffering. CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL (Photo)....Left to right: Doris ECKERT, Max KIMM, Martha FURLER, Dean KIMM, Wilman EHLER, Eddie EHLER, Edward WITTENBURG, Darlene ECKERT, Donna HACKER, George EHLER, Bertha MEYERS, Ernest FURLER, Donald ECKERT, Selma FURTGER, Kenneth KARSTEN, Myran DICKINSON, Alfred KARSTEN, Eleanor HACKER. On March 24, 1940, the ministry of Pastor WEISS was ended and on May 18, the Rev. Richard GUTKNECHT. Page 12 was called. Now the congregation entered Synod's Pension Plan. A Saturday School was instituted, and the new Lutheran Hymnal adopted. It was about this time that the Fellowship Club was organized. Unfortunately, however, several families saw fit to transfer their membership to the Marengo and Blairstown congregations. Pastor GUTKNECHT (Photo of Pastor GUTKNECHT) took ill in December, necessitating the closing of the school for the balance of the year. However, it was reopened in the fall. Pastor GUTKNECHT stayed until April, 1943. There followed an extended vacancy, lasting until April 1, 1947. During this time Pastor Theordore ROTTMANN (Photo of Pastor ROTTMANN) of Marengo served the spiritual needs of St. Martin's. Without a resident pastor, St. Martin's school became a thing of the past. When Pastor ROTTMANN accepted a call away from Marengo, the congregation turned to Pastor H. C. WOLTERS (Photo of Pastor WOLTERS) of Luzerne, who served until the end of 1949. He was in turn succeeded by Pastor ROTHE of Van Horne, and Pastor SCHREIBER (Photo of Pastor O. SCHREIBER) of Newhall. Pastor SCHREIBER arranged for the congregation to be served by student interns for the next two years; Candidate Carl BRUMME (Photo of Pastor BRUMME) from Page 13 1950 to 1951, and Pastor Gilbert MESEKE from 1951 to 1952. During these years the school building was dismantled and the church basement renovated. On June 23, 1952, Pastor William SCHREIBER (Photo of Pastor SCHREIBER) of Iowa Falls became the last resident pastor of St. Martin's. He was installed on September 7. He led the congregation in the celebration of it's 85th Anniversary on November 15, 1953; former Pastor WEISS being the festival speaker. As Pastor SCHREIBER approached the age of retirement, a discussion began of the future of the congregation. Would it be possible for its members to transfer to neighboring congregations without undue hardship, or should St. Martin's continue as a congregation? Pastor SCHREIBER's retirement became effective on June 30, 1957. With the transfer of 9 families to neighboring congregations, and more in the offing, the congregation instructed its elders to arrange with a pastor from a neighboring congregation for spiritual care. Pastor Walter NIERMANN of Blairstown responded to the need and served from June to October, at which time he accepted a call to Iowa City. The elders then approached Pastor Martin H. SONNTAG (Photo of Pastor SONNTAG) of Trinity Conroy. Beginning October 6, 1957, he has served the needs and interests of the congregation...with the exception of a period in 1963 from February to November, until the present time. Pastor E. EGGOLD of Luzerne served during the emergency period. During the eleven years of the present ministry, regular Sunday morning services have been conducted, as well as Sunday School, meetings of the Ladies Aid and Fellowship Club are being held each month, and from Page 14 September to Easter a Saturday School for children in grades 5 to 8. An annual Vacation Bible school continues part of the congregation's spiritual concern. At the time of its 100th Anniversary, St. Martin's numbers 63 souls, 37 communicants, and 18 children in Sunday School. The Ladies Aid has a roll call of 14, and six couples with their families comprise the Fellowship Club. Five teenagers are regular members of a joint Walther League with Trinity, Conroy. The annual budget for 1968 is $3400.00 for all purposes. SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN - SEPTEMBER, 1968 (Photo of Sunday School Children) Left to right front row: Lisa SCHUTTERLE, Arlin KARSTEN, Lori SCHUTTERLE, Alan KARSTEN, Tammy KARSTEN, Timmy KARSTEN. Second row: Kay Karsten, Steven Karsten, Wayne Schutterle, Steven Hacker, Ronald Hacker, Wilfred Karsten. Back row: David KARSTEN, Raymond HACKER, Lee HACKER, and Melanne SCHUTTERLE. During its 100 years, St. Martin's records show among its official acts: 761 baptisms, 327 confirmations, 157 marriages, and 179 burials. The first baptism was that of John Frederick KUCH, son of John and Katherine KOHLER KUCH on Oct 7, 1866. The first confirmation class was received in 1880, with Page 15 the name of William DAHNKE entered first Carl POSSEHL and HARTZIG were the first couple married on Jan 15, 1871, and the first recorded burial was that of a four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl POSSEHL on March 17, 1883. A son of the congregation Pastor E. L. WITTENBURG (Photo of Pastor E. L. WITTENBURG) is serving God in the ministry at Slater, Missouri. Also the late Pastor Louis WITTENBURG (Photo of Pastor Louis WITTENBURG) who was summoned to his heavenly home on February 9, 1961. Our loving God and Savior has been with us in the past with His abiding presence and strength. Beseeching his blessings upon the uncharted paths that beckon with the future, may all of us, young and old, pastor and members, dedicate ourselves whole-heartedly to labor shoulder to shoulder to the glory of God and for the building of His kingdom in the souls of redeemed sinners. To him be praise and glory, for out yesterdays, our todays, and forever. THE LADIES AID On October 9, 1919, fifteen ladies met at the home of Mrs. Eldo EBERT to organize a Ladies Aid Society. A constitution was written and adopted. The objectives of the Society are to support the work of the true Christian Church, especially in our own congregation; to practice Christian charity within and without the congregation; and to foster Christian fellowship among the women of the congregation. The Society adopted the name Tabitha Ladies Aid. The first officers were rs. Martin KIMM Mrs. Ernie ECKERT Mrs. William STOCK Martha WITTENBURG Mrs. Ray HARTZ Mrs. Edmund WEISS Mrs. Theo. MEYER, Sr. Mrs. Edmund WEISS Mrs. Lyle KUCH Mrs. Owen SIMMONS Mrs. Florence UTTOFF Mrs. Frieda SCHUTTERLE Mrs. George SCHULTZ Mrs. Byron FINLEY Mrs. H. C. WALTERS Mrs. Theo, MEYER, Jr. Mrs. Regenald KENNY Mrs. Carl BRUMME Mrs. Gilbert MESEKE Inez MILLS Mrs. Adolf G. MILLER Mrs. George SCHROEDER Mrs. Donald HACKER Mrs. Kenneth KARSTEN Mrs. Max LACHER Mrs. Ernest GRIMM Mrs. Melvin SCHUTTERLE Mrs. Victor STANERSON Mrs. John HACKER Mrs. Kenneth HACKER Mrs. William WITTENBURG, Jr. Mrs. Leroy SCHUTTERLE Mrs. Marvin LEONARD Page 18 LADIES AID - 1968 (Photo) Left to right front row: Mrs. Henry SCHUTTERLE, Mrs. John HACKER, Mrs. Mary SCHULTZ, Mrs. Donald HACKER, Mrs. Melvin SCHUTTERLE. Back row: Mrs. Leroy SCHUTTERLE, Mrs. Alfred KARSTEN, Mrs. Kenneth HACKER, (Mrs. Kenneth KARSTEN--handwritten name), Mrs. Lyle KUCH, and Mrs. Martin SONNTAG Absent were: Mrs. William WITTENBURG, Sr., Mrs. Mary KENNY, Mrs. Ernest GRIMM, and Miss MILLS. THE FELLOWSHIP CLUB In a meeting held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred BRUESTLE on October 30, 1940, and a couples club was organized. Original members were Henry SCHUTTERLE, Art POSSEHL, Loyel VOGT, Ray HARTZ, Fred BRUESTLE, Joe MCMANN, Miss Martha WITTENBURG, Mrs. Florence UTHOFF, and Pastor R. J. GUTKNECHT. The society adopted the name Willing Workers, and resolved to meet once monthly at the homes of members in alphabetical order. Its first officers were: Mrs. A. J. POSSEHL, president; Mrs. Bred BRUESTLE, vice-president; Mrs. Loyel VOGT, secretary-treasurer, and Mrs. Ray HARTZ, social chairman. The club's purpose was to promote the interests of and aid the church in any practical way, to famili- Page 19 arize its members through Bible study and other sources of practical and theoretical Christianity; to foster friendly association and fellowship of congregation members who have no other society to promote this phase of their welfare and who desire broader opportunities. On October 20, 1950, the name of organization was changed form Willing Workers to Fellowship Club. Above starting from left to right the couples are: John HACKERS, Alfred KARSTENS, Lyle KUCHS, Leroy SCHUTTERLE, Kenneth KARSTENs, Rev. and Mrs. SONNTAGE, and Mrs. Donald HACKER. During its existence the club helped to buy hymn books, the wooden chairs and many (items) with the budget. It made a donation to send gifts to the boys in service. It contributed to the Peace Thank Offering, an effort in which St. Martin's led all congregations of the District in average gift per communicant. At Christmas time it remembers a charity of their choice, and annually makes a gift on Mission Sunday. Under the sponsorship of the club a Dartball Team competed with those of other congregations, and for the 1951-52 season won the championship of Iowa East. Page 20 Present officers are Leroy SCHUTTERLE, president; Kenneth KARSTEN, vice-president, Mrs. Donald HACKER, secretary: Mrs. Lyle KUCH, treasurer; and Mrs. Donald HACKER, historian. DARTBALL CLUB - (Photo) Started in 1950 and continued for two years. The St. Martin's men came out Champs for the year 1951-52. Seated: Henry SCHUTTERLE, Loyel SCHUTTERLE, Pastor Gilbert MESEKE, Eugene FINLEY, Kenneth KARSTEN. Standing: Theophil MEYER, Reginald KENNY, Owen SIMMONS, Alfred KARSTEN, Leo POSSEHL, Leroy SCHUTTERLE THE WALTHER LEAGUE A Young People's Society was first organized in April, 1923. Members originally included: Leona SCHUTTERLE, Eleanor VOGT, Jacob SCHUTTERLE, Fred SCHUTTERLE, Lena WITTIG, Henry SCHUTTERLE, Dorothy HACKER, Irene DICKENSON, Florence SCHROEDER, Arthur POSSEHL, and Grace FRIESE. Named the St. Martin's Young Peoples Society, its objects followed closely those of the International Walther League, to assist in keeping the young people with the church; to furnish opportunity for education. Page 21 especially in matters pertaining to the Lutheran Church and its work; to foster Christian fellowship and sociability among the young people of the church; to provide wholesome entertainment, and to assist in the charitable endeavors of the church. WALTHER LEAGUE - 1945 - (Photo) Loyel SCHUTTERLE, Alfred KARSTEN, Melvin SCHUTTERLE, Clarence TRADE, Kenneth KARSTEN, Earl TRADE, Ed WITTENBURG, Bill WITTENBURG, Dorothy UTOFF, Harold WITTENBURG, Andrew MILLER, Evelyn KRAMER, Eleanor HACKER, Shirley POSSEHL, Inez MILLS, Dora SCHULTZ, Vera SCHULTZ. First officers were Fred SCHUTTERLE, president; Dorothy HACKER, vice-president; Grace FRIESE, secretary; Eleanor VOGT, treasurer; Ferne DICKENSON, librarian; Dorothy HACKER and Eleanor VOGT, entertainment committee; and Florence SCHROEDER and Henry SCHUTTERLE, membership committee. In January, 1029, the Society joined the International Walther League. Through the years the League helped at various times in such undertakings as contributing to the support of charitable institutions of the church and community, as well as to the general budget of the congregation. It made regular gifts to Missions, and assisted the school. When the membership of the congregation dropped off, the League too became too small to operate, and for a number of years they attended the meetings of Page 22 the Fellowship Club. In 1965 the present Leaguers became members of a joint-league with those of Trinity, Conroy. WALTHER LEAGUE - 1968 (Photo) From left to right: Rev. SONNTAG, Patricia HACKER, Mary Ann HACKER, Debra HACKER, Marcia SCHUTTERLE, and Paul SCHUTTERLE. Pastor Gilbert MESEKE 1951 - 1952 (Photo) Page 23 (Photo) Above picture was taken within the first 20 years of the church. (Photo) Church today.