St. John United Church of Christ

The History of St. John United Church of Christ

Located in Mascoutah, Illinois, St. John United Church of Christ (UCC) has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1843. With deep roots in German Evangelical Protestant traditions, the church has played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Mascoutah.

Early Beginnings

Before the arrival of German immigrants in the late 1830s, the Mascoutah area was sparsely settled, with religious services conducted by traveling ministers and laypersons. As more German settlers arrived, they sought to establish a place of worship that reflected their faith and traditions. In 1843, they founded the Evangelische Protestantische St. Johannes Kirche (Evangelical Protestant St. John Church), which later became St. John UCC.

Growth and Development

The congregation initially gathered in Union Hall, a small frame building west of today’s city hall. As the church grew, it relocated in 1863 to its present site at First and Church Streets. The original brick church, measuring 40 x 60 feet, featured two interior galleries and was later enhanced with a tall steeple in 1891.

Throughout its history, St. John UCC has been committed to serving the community. In 1847, the church established a German School Association, which later merged with the congregation in 1848. The school provided education until 1860, when Illinois mandated public schooling.

Legacy and Modern Presence

Today, St. John UCC continues to be a beacon of faith and service in Mascoutah. The church remains dedicated to its mission of worship, education, and community outreach, honoring the traditions of its founders while embracing the evolving needs of its congregation.

For more details, visit St. John UCC’s official website here.

Some of the first local area German-speaking immigrants arrived in the early 1830s before our town of Mascoutah was founded in 1837. One of these early settlers was Siegmund Spiess, a highly educated man, born November 20, 1797 in Bavaria. Small churches of various denominations already existed in our area, but the new immigrants missed the religious traditions and language of their German heritage.

Spiess was asked to conduct religious services in the homes of various settlers and our St. John records show that he performed a marriage ceremony on July 31, 1840 and conducted a funeral on October 11, 1840.

In 1843 a number of these German immigrant settlers united and organized an Evangelical Protestant Church. Rev. Spiess became the first pastor and services were held in a building which stood just to the west of the current Mascoutah City Hall. Although the names of the original members of the 1843 congregation have not been preserved, the first known members on an 1846 list include Charles Alt, Philip Benz, Christopher Benz, Lorenz Leibrock, Philip Grasser, Nicolaus Dilg, Andrew Justus, J.

Espenschied, Jacob Renth, Adam Scharth, Adam Renth, A. and G. Emig, Jacob Andres, Fred Matzenbach, John Blum, Conrad Sauter, Charles Klingel, Fred Dietz, and H. Wortmann.

By 1863 four lots had been purchased in a more favorable location and plans were formulated for a new church building to be constructed on that property at the corner of present-day First and Church Streets.

The contract for a brick structure with a steeple and two inside galleries was awarded to the local firm of Stahler and Teichmann. On May 11, 1863 the comerstone was laid and, in spite of war conditions, the building was completed by fall. The church was dedicated October 31, 1863. In failing health, Rev.

Spiess resigned from the pastorate of St. John in 1865 after 22 years of service. He died May 3, 1877 and is buried in the Mascoutah City Cemetery where his gravestone still stands.

Following the resignation of Siegmund Spiess in 1865, Rev. Friedrich Herold was chosen as his successor. In 1866 the congregation purchased a dwelling for $1,850 to be used as a parsonage. During 1867 differences concerning church doctrine arose between Rev. Herold and some members. This resulted in the January 1868 withdrawal of Rev. Herold who, along with some dissenting members, established Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mascoutah.

remaining until 1876.

The next four pastors were Rev. Anton Reusch, 1877-1884; Rev. Edward Klietsch, 1884-1888; Rev. Paul Branke, 1888-1890; and Rev. William Wiese, 1890 who died after only a few months of service to the congregation. He was buried in the Mascoutah City Cemetery and his tombstone still stands in the

southeastem area of the Cemetery.

Rev. Friedrich Hempelmann served from 1890-1892. In 1891 a new steeple was added to the 1863 church building and two bells were purchased, the larger one a gift of the Ladies' Aid Society. A Young Ladies' Society, later called the Mary and Martha Society, was organized in 1891.

The next pastor was Rev. Hermann Walz, 1892-1897. During his tenure electric lights were installed in the church in 1893. On May 27, 1896 a destructive cyclone struck Mascoutah, severely damaging the church property. The north gable of the church was blown in, the roof was tom off, and interior furnishings were badly damaged. While the church was being repaired, services were held in the public school.

Rev. Hermann Krull served as pastor from 1897-1911. He was followed by Rev. William Schlinkmann, who served from 1911-1916. A new parsonage was built in 1912 at a cost of $4,400. The 1912 parsonage was used by pastors, rented out for a time, restored for pastoral use, and ultimately sold and moved to a lot on West Patterson Street where it still stands today in beautiful condition. In 1913 the Ladies' Bible Class was organized along with the Evangelical League for Young People.

Our next pastor was Rev. Bemard Heithaus, serving from 1916-1921. The wish for a modern and more convenient church that would accommodate the Sunday School and various societies was discussed and a 1916 committee solicited subscriptions in the amount of $7,000 for a building program. However, the amount was insufficient for work to begin so the fund campaign continued. The entry of the United States into World War I and resulting high prices prevented the parishioners from realizing their dream of a new church building for the 75th Anniversary of the congregation.

Rev. Daniel Moritz served from 1921-1928. In December 1921 the Everfaithful Sunday School Class was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Oscar Stock. Their class song was "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown". The aim of the class was "to encourage true faith".

In 1922 work began on the foundation of the present church building. The cornerstone was laid on October 29, 1922 and the dedication was held a year later on October 20, 1923. Robert Schubert of Mascoutah was the general contractor for the building project. The initial cost of the church building was $50,000. Added to this was the expenditure of approximately $15,000 for pulpit, pews, organ, and other interior furnishings. About one-half of the cost was paid in cash by the time of the dedication. The remainder of the indebtedness was financed by the issuance of bonds. Also during 1922 the Men's Brotherhood was established.

Rev. Moritz left the congregation in 1928 and was followed by Rev. Arlie Hoelscher, who served from 1928-1950. In 1933 negotiations were begun at the national level for the merger of the Evangelical Church and the Reformed Church. The final merger action was concluded in 1938 resulting in the creation of one church body known as the Evangelical and Reformed Church. St. John then became known as St. John E & R Church.

During the World War II years (1941-1945), a Soldier Service Committee was formed to keep the servicemen in touch with their church and community. After serving for 22 years, Rev. Hoelscher left St.

John in 1950. Rev. Theodore Wimmer became our next pastor, serving from 1951-1959. With the increase in church membership, a larger parking area was needed for Sunday moming worship services.

In June 1953 the lot across the street to the west of the church was purchased for $625.

The

membership of the church continued to grow and with it the enrollment in the Sunday School. On July 11, 1954 a ground breaking ceremony was held on the north side of the church for an educational building.

The three floor building was dedicated on April 24, 1955. This structure currently houses our offices, gathering area, and various Sunday School rooms.

In 1957 the Evangelical and Reformed denomination and the Congregational Christian denomination merged in accordance with the decision made by delegates of both groups at a national convention in Cleveland, Ohio. This action marked the beginning of the United Church of Christ denomination. As a result, our new name became St. John United Church of Christ.

In 1959 Rev. John C. Riggs arrived. June 5, 1960 marked the beginning of our current schedule of two Sunday moming services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. An extensive renewal of the building included renovation of the sanctuary, some new sanctuary furniture, rebuilding the organ, as well as some exterior changes to building entrances. The newly renovated church was dedicated on January 20, 1963.

During 1966, in response to a member's need of a kidney machine, the Local Benevolence Fund was created to assist members and others in the wider community with a variety of medical equipment and other needs. This Fund continues to assist our church and community in many ways. The traing often of our members as Stephen Ministers in 1991 led to a lay are-giving program to assist

our Pastor.

The Schulmerich Embassy Ill Carillon, given as a memorial by Delmar Klotz, was dedicated on September 20, 1992. The hymns and carols broadcast daily from our church tower continue to be enjoyed.

1993 was the 150th Anniversary of St. John with many activities scheduled throughout the year. An anniversary quilt, a gift from the Everfaithful Evening Guild and the Happy Quilters, remains on display on the back wall of the sanctuary. Rev. Causer submitted his resignation in November 1994 and departed St. John in January 1995. During the following interim period Barbara Van Ausdall was hired as Lay Associate with an emphasis on Youth and Christian Education. Rev. Jack Spratte was called to serve St. John beginning in October 1996.

Christian atmosphere of academic and recreational activities after regular school hours. In July 1998 a Mission Fair was held for Heifer International as well as a Blanket and Tools of Hope sale for Church

materials relating to the history and ministry of our congregation, was permanently established in November 1998 and continues to fulfill its mission. By the year 2000 interest intensified in UCC missions in Honduras and Ecuador. A mission fair was held during June with representatives from fourteen organizations. With encouragement and leadership from Pastor Spratte, involvement increased in the Ecuador Partnership, leading to a May 2001 mission trip to Ecuador. Also during 2001 the office hallway at the rear of the sanctuary was renovated to create a more useful and inviting space which became known as the Gathering Area.

In 2002 the St. John Brotherhood, organized in 1922, was disbanded after 80 years of faithful service.

Over the years this group contributed sizable donations to many church projects. Pastor Spratte submitted his resignation and his last Sunday with us was June 15, 2003. An interim period followed.

Rev. Hugh Fitz was called and began serving St. John as our 21st pastor on July 11, 2004. His formal installation was celebrated on September 26, 2004. Our international mission involvement continued by sending a team to Lesotho, Africa. In addition, financial support was given to international students at Eden Seminary in St. Louis. St. John members hosted a fundraiser auction for the Local Benevolent Fund which serves a variety of human needs in our church and community. Support for local ministries including Leu Civic Center and the Mascoutah Food Pantry also continued.

In 2005 a new Ministry structure was created with ten ministries, each coordinated by a Church Council member. Using memorial funds, we continued to improve our church facilities with a newly remodeled and fumished parlor as well as a lovely outdoor garden and patio area on the southeaster side of our building. New sound and video projection was installed in the sanctuary and a new hymnal "Worship and Rejoice" was approved and is still in use today. Strong support continued in 2005 for numerous missions including Hoyleton Ministries, DuBois Center, Eden Seminary international students, and Hurricane Katrina relief.

During 2006 a set of hand chimes was purchased to use along with our handbells. A "Heavenly Chimes" group was developed to involve younger children in playing the hand chimes. Central air conditioning was extended to the Christian Education wing as well as the third floor Sunday School classrooms. A new, updated, and lighted church signboard was installed on the First Street side of the church. A special worship series known as "Fifth Sunday" was instituted in 2007. This provided an opportunity for our congregation to worship together on fifth Sundays in one unique service with a variety of guest

musical groups.

In July 2008 Joseph Feldmann was called to become our Associate Pastor for Youth and Christian Education. A Hearts In Service group was formed to provide outreach to church and community members includina hospital. home, and telephone visits. cheer baskets, cards, meals. monthly worshio services in local care centers, and much more. Two youth members were fortunate to learn more about our UCC denomination by attending the 2009 General Synod held in Grand Rapids. Michigan.

Fellowship Hall received a major upgrade including beautiful stained glass for all the windows.

During 2010 our mission zeal continued by donating backpacks filled with supplies for the homeless, providing tuition support for a child at Uni-Pres Kindercottage in East St. Louis, planting a Giving Garden with produce going to the Mascoutah Food Pantry, assisting with contributions for a Nurses for Africa project, and providing funds for an Ecuador scholarship program. Also during this year our first Mascoutah Habitat for Humanity house was completed.

Children's Church began in 2011, giving our younger folks an option for attending a special worship experience designed for them. The church building was tuckpointed and a stained glass window was added to the staircase off Fellowship Hall.

In 2012 Associate Pastor Feldmann resigned and a search began for a minister of Christian Education.

Sunday School rooms were upgraded with flat screen televisions and DVD players and a security system

Candice Stone was hired in July 2013 as our Minister of Youth and Christian Education. Planning began for another Habitat for Humanity House to be constructed in the spring of 2014. A mission trip to Kansas City in the summer of 2014 provided a meaningful experience for some of our youth. The planning process began for a renovation of the church library as well as an update of the Fireside Room. In August Candice Stone resigned her position as Minister of Youth and Christian Education and Shawn Fitzpatrick was hired to replace her beginning November 2014.

2015 saw a major project for the preservation of the stained glass windows in our 1923 sanctuary. New laminated glass coverings were installed for enhanced beauty and protection. Our church participated in community support of a summer lunch program for needy children. This continues as a much needed and appreciated mission project. With the departure of Shawn Fitzpatrick at the end of the year, the Youth and Christian Education position was again open.

Rachael Bearth was hired in 2016 as our Minister of Youth and Christian Education and provides many opportunities for Christian education, involvement, and service. Throughout 2016 and 2017 St. John members continued our tradition of strong support for local missions including Mascoutah Food Pantry, Senior Meals on Wheels, Leu Civic Center, summer and weekend lunch programs for school children, preparing and delivering free Thanksgiving meals for the homebound and others in our community, and much more. The Happy Quilters have created beautiful handmade quilts for many years and their 3gth Annual Quilt Show in April 2018 continues a tradition of supporting various missions, especially DuBois Center. The community Vacation Bible School program, hosted for many years at St. John, remains a vibrant, valuable experience for children. Our extensive mission generosity also includes ongoing contributions to Hoyleton Ministries, DuBois Center, Kindercottage, flood, hurricane, and tornado relief. As we reflect on 175 years of St. John history, we know that much has changed and altered the lives of our people since our church was first founded in 1843. However, so many of the most important things remain the same. Our mission has always included worship and Christian education, being alert to those in need, and sharing Christian love with others through our words and actions.