Clifton Town

Clifton Town

Lnmanuel's Lutheran church more commonly known as "Dorset church," is located five miles northAvest from Kendall. It was organized, in all probability, in 1870, upon the suggestion of ]\Ir. Hugo AVetzel, who Avas the first German pioneer in this vicinity, coming from Dodge county in 1861. In the summer of 1870 a parsonage and a church were erected of hewn logs upon a site deeded to the organization by Ernestine AYetzel on March 28, 1870. During the same year, in the fall, Rev. Phil. "Wetzel arrived from Hustisford, AYis., and preached at irregular intervals to Hugo AYetzel, Christian Ililke, Henry Zarling, Fred Thurow, Carl Glander, Christian AYolkow, Carl Radloflt" and Fred Raabe. But since ]Mr. AYetzel Avas no ordained minister nor connected Avitli a Lutheran synod, the Rev. A. F. Siegler, pastor at Ridgeville, Avas called upon to perform the duties of an ordained clergyman. He preached in the parsonage and in the incomplete church until Rev. "\Y. Bergholz Avas chosen first resident pastor, serving at the same time St. Peter's at Clifton and St. MatthcAv^s at South Ridge.

In a joint meeting AA'hich Avas called by the Dorset, Clifton and South Ridge congregations, January 10. 1877. it Avas agreed to appoint Rev. C. Zlomke from Atlantic. la., to the charge. He entered the field during !May. preaching on tAVO consecutive Sundays at Dorset and Clifton, and devoting every third Sabbath day to missionary Avork in the South Ridge and AYilton settlements. His salary amounted to $325, Immanuel's contributing $125. When he Avas granted an honorarj' dismissal, June 27, 1880,

Evangelical Lutheran Churches 567

In October, 1880, the congregation came under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Badke, who had been connected with the Illinois Staatszeitung, in Chicago, until he determined to prepare himself for the ministry, graduating from Concordia seminary, Springfield, 111., in June, 1880. He moved into the parsonage on the 26tli of October and delivered his introductory sermon on the last of the same month. Under his administration, February 11, 1883, the board of trustees was enlarged, consisting now of six members instead of the customary three, viz. : Carl Siekert, Ferd. Waege, Fred Raabe, Fred Thurow, Fred Steingraeber and Henry AVestphal. In January, 1883, Rev. Badke decided to move to Wilton. This caused considerable dissatisfaction on the part of the congregation, and the visitor. Rev. Phil, von Rohr, Winona, Minn., was called upon to settle the difficulties. The result was that the congregation, consisting of thirty-six families, changed the constitution and called a Reformed minister.

On May 13, 1883, Rev. John Wirz, stationed at Ridgeville, where, in 1873, under similar conditions, a Reformed church sprang into existence, spoke his first sermon and was soon after, June 3, chosen as preacher. In consequence of this change a few members deemed it inconsequent to have a Reformed pastor preach to Lutheran people and withdrew. They were : Fred Zimmermann, August Klatt, Fred Thurow, Carl Zimmermann, August AA^olfgram, Henry Koehler and Carl Bellack.

Rev. F. Steyer, who had been appointed by the remaining three congregations, took up his residence at Clifton and came to preach in the Strozinsky school house to the few aforenamed Lutherans. Instruction for confirmation was conducted in a vacant house belonging to Mr. Bruno Krueger. After a few months they worshiped in district school house No. 5. At last, the congregation failing to collect the promised $200 salary, the Rev. Wirz was asked to resign, June 4, 1886. On April 17, 1887, Rev. Steyer was allowed to preach in the church, whereupon he was chosen pastor May 2d.

In the spring of 1889 Rev. Steyer dissolved his connection with this congregation in order to go to Fair Haven, Stearns county, INIinnesota, and Rev. J. Himmler came to fill the vacancy, his installation taking place on the 7th day of July, 1889. He labored diligently in the midst of this congregation and at Clifton, South Ridge and Wilton, having in the meantime separated from this charge with intentions of calling their own minister.

Rev. Iliinnilcr. luning been called to St. Peter's ehurch at lleleiiville, AVis.. in the spring of 1895, was succeeded by Rev. II. Yiosteuz, who had last held a position as pastor of several Lutheran organizations in the town of Greeufield, Sauk county, Wisconsin. Soon after ills arrival it became evident that a larger edifice was essential to the prosperity of the congregation, and it was decided to erect a new church structure. The l)uilding committee was composed of the following men: Fred Zimmermann. Christian Glauder and Fred Raabe. In the fall of 1898 the elegaiil cliurch, 28x44 feet in size, Avith a seating capacity of 250, Avas completed, the dedication taking place on October 23, Rev. AV. Parisins officiating in tlie forenoon and Rev. G. Bergeinann i)reaehiiig an ai)i)r()pi-iate sermon at the afternoon's service. In 1902 Rev. Yiestenz' health began to fail and he was finally obliged to discontinue his work on that account.

After his departure the congregation gave a call to Rev. Im. Brackebusch. the i)resent pastor, who was installed into the pastorate of linmanuel's Lutheran church on the 9th of ]\Iarch, 1902, by request of Rev. Phil, von Rohr, late president of the Wisconsin synod, the Rev. J. G. Glaeser delivering the sermon.

The church enrollment nuiii])ers at present forty-two voting and eleven paying members. The present board of trustees are; Eniil Pasch. president; August Raabe, secretary; Christian Glander, treasurer; Ed. AYendorf, Al. Gloede and Carl Glander, elders. The churdi pro[)erty is valued at $4,500. Every other year German school is held during six months, the average attendance Ix'ing .dxuil Iwenly-iive. Public serAices are conducted every alternate Sunday. The minister occupies the parsonage at Clifton, six miles north.

St. Matthew'S, Town Of Wellington

Tlie nucleus of Si. .Matthew's Lutlieian churcli, al the junc- 1ion of South Ridge and Pleasant Ridge, in lise town of \Yellington. may be found in a conversation between Louis Friske and a Lutheran from Ridgeville. at Enderby's uiill in Wilton, in the fall of 18()!). When lojd aliout ihe existence of a Lutiieran church at Ridgevide. Louis Friske and his h -oilier Julius walked fourteen miles to hear a Lutheran sei-mon. .'\s a result Rev. L. Ebert. i)astor of St. .loim's Lulhci'an church in the town of Ridgeville. inaugurated Lutheran |)reaching at South Ridge. whci'c until then .Methodist ministei-s from Spring A'alley had been condui'ling services at the .Musch schot)l house with Lutheran people. The homes of Peter Friske and John Klaehr were the tirst gathering places. Those who attended here Avere : Louis Friske, ]\lilliam Schatz, Carl Brandenbvirg, Peter Friske, AVilliani Pahl, Carl Rohde, William Arndt, August Bartz, Louis Ziebart, Fred ^laluege, Julius Friske, Louis IMusch. AVilliam Brandenburg, John Klaehr. Pastor Ebert conducted divine worship once a month on week days, administering Holy Communion on Sundays, this hai)pening four times during the year.

AVlien, in April, 1871, Rev. Ebert resigned at Ridgeville and chose some other vocation, the Rev. A. F. Sicgler was appointed to fill the vacancy. He continued the good work of his predecessor and came to labor among these Lutherans during midweek, mostly on AVednesdays, accompanied by AV. AYaegner, a devout layman. On account of large attendance Air. Siegler abandoned the services in private houses and began preaching at the Alusch school house.

Noticing that the care of fifteen congregations and preachingstations exceeded his power, the Rev. Siegler insisted upon calling a special minister for Dorset Ridge, Indian Creek and South Ridge. The proper man was found in the person of Rev. AA". Bergholz, who took up his residence in an old-time log house on the Dorset ridge in 1873. He came every third Sabbath day, often walking the distance of fourteen miles. The minister's salary at that time was $3 per member.

Rev. Bergholz. in the meantime having received a call to the eastern part of the state, was followed by Rev. C. Zlomke, who Avithdrew from the Iowa synod in 1875 on account of doctrinal differences. His installation took place on Alonday before Pentecost, Alay 14, 1877, and w^as effected by Rev. A. F. Siegler. Air. Zlondvc. who served in the Second squadron of the First Royal Hussar regiment at Danzig, Germany, in 1864, made use of his skill as a horseman, coming on horseback from Dorset to teach the children the fundamental truths of Christianity on Saturday and preaching Christ every third Sunday.

After three years' service Rev. Zlomke was succeeded by Rev. J. Badke, who came from the fatherland in June, 1864, and after many hardships finally entered the ministry, serving the congregations at Dorset, Clifton, AA'ilfon and South Ridge as his first charge. During his incumbency, January, 1881, the resolution was i)assed to build a church. January 7, 1883, the church officers, Gottlieb Jesse, Louis Ziebart, Henry Klaehr, were authorized to purchase a tract of land comprising one acre from Frank AVebb, at a cost of $60.

for whom a parsoiiaj^e liad hoeii l)iiilt at Clii'ton, beginning his ministry in 1884. Difficulties arising during the building period, 1880-1887, (h'manded i)rea('hing ;i1 the red ])riek and the Ileffernan school liouses, until the new diurrli, ;i0xr)0x20 feet, Avas completed, and October 16, 1887. approi>riately dedicated, the Rev. A. Schroedel delivering the sermon and the local pastor ably conducting the dedicatory services. Rev. Steyer preached his last sermon on Easter ]\Ionday. April 22, 1889, and then removed to Minnesota, where he united with the ^Missouri synod, which, together with the AVisconsin, ^Minnesota, ]Michigan and Nebraska synods, forms the synodicnl conl'erence, the largest Lutheran church body in Americn.

In the spring of 1889, by the ri'comnieni'ation of the .synod, this parish, comprising four congregations in the eastern section of this county since 1873, divided, St. Peter's at Clifton and Ininianuel's at Dorset forming one charge, and St. Paul's at AVilton and St. Matthew's at South Ridge the other. The latter at once extended a uninamous call to Rev. .1. Ziebell. who accepted and took charge July G, 1889. Immediately after his installation he settled at AVilton, six miles northwest, from which place this congregation was supplied until it becanu' an independent charge, in 1908.

A several years' vacancy occurred when Rev. Ziebell resigned in the winter of 1892. During this time, 1892-1895, St. Alatthew's had the service of Rev. C. Koehler, from Ridgeville. lie conducted divine worship every third Sunday, tending at the same time to tlie construction of a parsonage at AVilton. towards which this congregation contributed il<250.

The next incumbent was Rev. J. Ilering, at one time assistant professor in the seminary of tlie Towa synod. During his ministry, in 1899. an organ was bt)uglit ; two bells were dedicated in 1905. January 25. 1908, it was agreed to separate from the AVilton charge and engage a minister. A property opi)osite the cliui-cli was securetl from F. F. Alachus at .$1,500 to serve as a i)arsonage.

Rev. PI. Zimmermann, foriiierl\- at Shickley, Neb., followed the call which was extended to him on the 11th day of June, 1908, thus becoming the first resident jiastor. Authorized by the president of the synod, the Rev. Ziunnei-mann Avas installed as pastor o! this conogregation by Rev. J. Ilering on the 2d of August, 1908. I'pon his instigation a seccnid organ was obtained, which served for the first time on the 28d of ^lay, 1910. Rev. A. F. Siegler preaching a special sermon upon this occasion.

Evangelical Lutheran Churches 571

The present church membership consists of 88 voting, 8 contributing and 310 communicant members, 451: souls. This church also maintains a day school, which has an enrollment of forty pupils, German and religion being the principal studies. Regular monthly English services have become a permanent institution. The following are the present officers : Wm. Graewin, president ; Otto Schnell, secretary ; Louis Klaehr, treasurer ; Albert Neitzel, elder. The value of the church property, including parsonage, is about $6,300. The church will be ready for re-dedication about the 1st of September.

St. Paul'S, Wilton

When, in 1873, upon the request of Rev. A. F. Siegler, until then the only stationary Lutheran minister in Monroe county, the Rev. W. Bergholz was chosen pastor of the Indian Creek, Dorset and South Ridge settlements, this field of labor was soon, in 1875, extended by the addition of a preaching post in the vicinity of AYilton. The names of those assembling for divine services at the Mitchel school house, one and one-half miles south of the village, were: Christian Holch, John Jesse, AYilliam Arndt, August Bartz, Carl Liefke, August Rohde and Carl Brandenburg. They contributed $20 towards the support of the minister.

Upon the departure of Mr. Bergholz, which occurred in 1877, Rev. C. Zlomke was elected to serve the society, the Rev. A. F. Siegler supplying the pulpit until his arrival. Pastor Zlomke came to proclaim the gospel to this little flock every third Sunday on his return from South Ridge, where he preached in the morning. His annual pay was $30. In 1880, when the same call had been tendered for the second time, Rev. Zlomke moved to Illinois, and from there to St. Joseph, ]\Iicli., vvdiere he was connected with Trinity Lutheran church for twenty-eight years, retiring from active service in 1911 after a continuous service of thirty-eight years.

In 1880 Rev. J. Badke was appointed to take charge of the four congregations belonging to this parish: Immanuel's at Dorset Ridge, St. Peter's at Indian Creek, St. Matthew's at South Ridge, and St. Paul's near Wilton. On account of inconvenience of location and insufficient accommodations, it was determined in May, 1882, to discontinue preaching at the Mitchel school house. Services were now held at the L^nited Brethren church, in AVillon. \\liicli "was rcnitod for an in<h>finite period at $16 per iiiimiiii. Ju .Januai'v, 1883, Rov. Badkc found it expedient to live in AViitou and consequently vacated the parsonage on Dorset Ridge. Here he eanie in contact with Rev. Phil. AVetzel, who, in consequence of advanced age, had retired from the Dorset Ridge in the I'ail of 187:^, preaching occasionally to his family and a circle of close friends. After tlie arrival of Rev. I^adke. .Mr. AV(4zel refrained from public preaching, and soon, ill 1884. rctui-ned to Watertown, AVis., his former home. Avhei-e he-died JMarch 8, ]890, eighty-four years of age. In 1884, Api-il 2. tile coiigregation adopted a constitution by which it shall be govci'iicd. The church ot'ticers appointed at l!iis meeting were: W. Arndt. II. .Mittag, J. Schroeder, F. AVaege. Rev. Badke connnenced preaching every alternate Sunday in the afternoon, for wliicli service he received $30, since 1883, $50.

Air. Badke was succeeded in 1884 by Rev. F. Steyer, who preached to his parishioners in the chapel ov ned by the United Brethren, coming foiu'teen miles froni ("lit'lon, Avhere a roomy and comfortable parsonage had been built for the pastors of this charge. Fel)ruary 7, 1887. the congregation organized under the state laws in the presence of Air. August Newhouse, the justice of the peace. Soon the necessity of possessing a place of worship Avas severely felt. Ste]is Avere. therefore, taken to secure a site on whicdi to er(»ct a suitable church edifice. A tract of Innd was ])ui'chased from Frank Farmer, one block west from tiie Knglish eluireli. Two hundred and sixty-four dollars were signed by the thirty-four members, and $11.") were collected from the Inisiness people and neighboring congregations. The completed church building was appropriately dedicated December 11, 1887, Revs. A. Schroedel, of Ridgeville, and A. Sehlei, of AVonewoc, AVis.. officiating Avith the pastor. In the spring of 1889 ReA'. Steyer accepted a pastorate in Alinnesota, but soon moved to Arkansas, Avhere he lias ser\'ed a number of congregations attached 1o th(» Alissouri syiuxl for more than eighteen y(»ars.

After Rev. Steyer 's honorary dismissal, the synod advised to divide this charge, lu'oposing Rev. J. llinnuler for Indian Creek and Doiset Ridge, and Rev. J. Ziebell for AVilton and South Ridge. Thi' inslallation of Rca'. Ziebell. formerly of Elroy, occurred on the 7th of July, 1880. the sermon of the occasion being given by Rev. A. Schroedel. July 14, 1802. tAvo acres of lai:d Avere bought from O. \. Ilillger for a cemetery, tlie ground being consecrated on Ihe 31st of July, (^n December 5,

Evangelical Lutheran Churches 573

During the interim which followed Rev. Christian Koehler, jiastor at Ridgeville, supplied the congregation with regular preaching from December, 1892, to January, 1895. He superintended, in 1893, the erection of a parsonage on the lot adjoining the church. In the construction of this parsonage, main part 24x16x16 feet, addition 24x16x10 feet, an expenditure of $881 has been made. South Ridge congregation contributing $250.

December 14, 1894, Rev. Julius Hering, who received his classical training at the universities of Leipsig and Rostock, Germany, was called from Norton, Minn. The call was accepted and by authority of the president of the Wisconsin synod, the late Phil, von Rohr, the Rev. C. Koehler installed Mr. Hering on the 27th of January, 1895. An organ was purchased in 1896, a bell was placed in the belfry in 1898, church furniture was obtained in 1899. a marble baptismal font is used since 1911. On January 23, 1897, the spire of the church ^\as struck by lightning, causing considerable damage. July 4, 1897, it was decided to repair the damage and add sixteen feet to the old church. ]\Ir. Adolf Prochnow, the contractor, finished the work in November.

The membership of this church is represented by about seventy families. A parochial school is held under the auspices of the church, with about thirty-five in attendance, in a special building bought for this purpose in 1906. The present church officers are : Fred Schroeder, president ; Ferdinand Waege, secretary ; Hugo Limp, treasurer ; Emil Friske, elder. The amount of the pastor's salary is $550. Since 1908 St. Paul's is an independent charge.

St. John'S, Kendall

The first attempt to gather the few scattered Lutherans in and about Kendall into a local congregation was made by Rev. John Wirz, a Reformed minister, in 1884. Mr. Wirz, who lived on the Dorset Ridge, where, besides Salem's Reformed church at Ridgeville, he served Immanuel's Lutheran church, came here every third Sunday to preach to eight families : Julius Raabe, Henry Paeth, Ernest Siekert, John Boetzel, August Rosenkranz, Carl Sumke, August Raabe, George Krause, receiving $8 per member for his salary. But when, in the summer of 1886, ]\Ir. Wirz accepted a call to Cincinnati, 0., this little flock disbanded, some of its adherents moving West, the remainder at-

The second effort to establish a Lutheran cliurch was made twelve years later by Rev. AVm. Parisius, wiio resided at Klroy, and i)i(;i(li((I to a congregation in the town of Glendale, four miles southeast of Keiidnll. lie conducted divine services every alternate Sunday, especially in the shoe shop of ]Mr. Jul. Friske, the former toAvn hall, having about twenty persons in the audience, among others: H. ]'rielii)p, August Rlieden, Julius Friske. Frank Schankc, Ijouis Jahnke, Emil Friske and Fred ^Mantzke. In 1899 failing health compelled liim to limit his woi-k to the congregations at Elroy, Glendale and Ilillsboro. thus leaving Kendall Lutherans without a spiritual guide. His successor, Rev. L. Ranch. i)reached twice in the house of ^\v. IT. Prielipp, in 1900.

After five years Rev. Im. l^r.ickebusch, pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran church at Clifton, endeavored to organize a Lutheran congregation. Upon the urgent request of Mr. Fred Zimmermann, an elder of the Dorset charge living in Kendall, Rev. Brackel)usch wrote to the Home Mission Board of the "Wisconsin synod, asking them lo commission a pastor for Kendall. But they did not deem tlic plan expedient and nuittcrs Avere dropped. Then it happened that the Rev. Brackebusch called the attention of Rev. Phil, von Rohr. at that time president of the AVisconsin synod, to this inviting and seemingly ])romising field, whereupon the responsiliility for the provision of these i)eople rested with the ])resi(lent himself. In Alay, 190t), the superintendent of the home Alission board, Rev. E. F. Dornfeld, came to investigate the religious outlook, advising to form a congregation and raise $100 as a salary for a pastoi". A meeting was called for the 17th of -lunc. Id lake i)lace at the home of Fred Zinnnermann. A call sisiiicd l)y August Wolfgram. August Zirk. Fred Zimnun-mann. Ilein-y Kiel. George AViese, Ilernum Prielipp and Henry Stade, was delivered to Rev. Brackebusch. instructing him to a])pear with it before synod, assembling at Alilwaukee, June 20-2(). The result was that Senior E. Alayerhoff was induced to look after the spii-ilual welfare of these Lutherans. Coming from AVonewoc. Wis., by rail, he ])ri;u"lu'd six times in the Alethodist church until, in October, he was called to Norwalk to officiate as vicar.

In 1907 Rev. Otto Engel came to Norwalk as a graduate from the tlieological seminary in Alilwaukee, AVis.. with instructions to resei've (^'erv third Sundax' for Kendall, lie deli\('re(l his first sermon at Norwalk on the 25th of August, and came to Kendall to rent a church and advertise Lutheran services on the last of the same month. The Rev. Engel preached his first sermon to a Kendall audience September 8, 1907, at the Baptist church, then located in the northern section of the village, near the Catholic church. When the small band of faithful Lutherans were refused the use of this house of worship, they rented the English Methodist church. Soon after a Sunday school was commenced, Avith jMrs. Sophia Kiel, Manda AA'iese,, IMinnie Waffle, Paulina Pasch as first teachers. After several informal meetings a special meeting was announced for the 12th of January, 1908. On that day an organization was effected, the society resolving to adopt the name, "Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation." The founders were: Fred Zimmermann, August Krause, Fred Flatow, Henry Kiel, Herman Prielipp, George Wiese, August Klatt, Henry Stade, William AVitt, August Heseley, Fred Apmann, Gustave Gruhlke. Having as yet no church property of their own, they at once decided to accept a lot donated by Mr. H. P. Waffle, a descendant of the Mohawk Dutch in New York, and proposed to build a church. George Wiese and William Witt comprised the building committee. On the 10th of May, 1908, a regular congregational meeting was held for the purpose of incorporating according to the laws of the state. May 13 rules and by-laws for the government of the church were accepted and signed at the house of Henry Kiel. The new church, a frame building in gothic style, 80x56x18 feet, was solemnly dedicated on the 28th of October, 1908, the following pastors participating: Rev. Im. Brackebusch, of Clifton; Rev. H. Zimmermann. of South Ridge ; Rev. 0. Kuhlow, of Wonewoc, Wis. The total cost of the building was $2,800. The first mission festival was held September 12, 1909, Revs. H. Viestenz, Greenfield, Wis. ; G. Baum, North Freedom, Wis., and H. Zimmermann, South Ridge, delivering mission sermons. The first confirmation took place March 20, 1910, six being taken up into membership.

At present the congregation numbers twenty-five voting, five contributing and about seventy communicant members. The summer school, whose organization is contemporaneous with the beginning of the church itself, has an attendance of seventeen pupils. The church property is valued at $3,500. The present trustees are : August Krause, president ; Fred Zimmermann, secretary; Henry Kiel, treasurer. ^Meetings are held every third

St. John'S, Shennington

This eongregation is located on the boundary line of ]Monroe juitl -luneau eounties, the majority of its nnmibers living in the town of liyroii, .Monroe county.

The first Lutheran minister of the AVisconsin synod who visited this district Avas the Rev. G. E. Bergemann, then residing at Tdinah, thirteen miles southwest, the occasion being the burial of ]\Ir. AVill's child, February. 1897. Those M-ho came to hear the i)reaching of Christ and Ilim crucified, were members of the families of AVill, Kunkel and Koppehengst. The Rev. Bergemann labored very acce])tably for two years, when he was called to Fond du Lae, Wis., where, since 1908, he serves in the capacity of president of the "Wisconsin synod.

This preaching post Avas now supi)lied by the mini.sters occupjdng the parsonage at Clii'ton. hi 1S99 the Rev. II. F. Yiestenz entered the field, having ])r('viously been preaching at a school house two and one-half miles north of Oakdale. Under his energetic guidance St. John's was organized at the red school house, one and one-half miles west of Shennington. Those who signed their names to the constitution were : Fred Laudon, J. B. Helmuth, August Schmeckel, Henry Busse, F. Kunkel, C. Tiedemann, Henry Busching. John Schmidt and Herman Baumann.

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

The next pastor was Rev. 0. B. Nommensen, a candidate for the ministry, his ordination and installation taking place on the 25th of August, 1907, Rev. B. P. Nommensen, Wm. Nommensen and Brackebusch officiating. In December, 1907, New Lisbon was added to this charge, and Rev. Nommensen removed to that place. February 7, 1909, an honorary dismissal was granted to Rev. Nommensen, allowing him to accept a position as pastor at South Milwaukee.

The present pastor is Rev. H. Brockmanu, who came to this field from Beaver Dam, Wis. He has established for himself a reputation as an artist, having painted the life-size portraits of Rev. Phillip von Rohr, late president of the Wisconsin synod, and of Rev. John Bading, venerable president of the synodical conference, for Northwestern college, Watertown, Wis.

The present membership includes eighteen families. The present board of trustees consists of the following members: Gust Woggan, Fred Laudon, August Schmeckel. The value of the church property is $1,700. The church is served every alternate Sunday from New Lisbon.

St. Luke'S, Town Of Glendale

The German element in the town of Glendale, to the greatest extent Lutherans coming from the metropolis of the state during the panic of 1893, at first attended church in Elroy, where a Lutheran congregation existed since 1885. In the winter of 1894 Rev. Wm. Parisius, who is closely related to the famous dramatist, Henric Ibsen, conducted school in the Schauer valley, instructing children from five to fifteen years of age, and through them gaining their parents for church. In January, 1898, a number of Lutherans assembled at the home of Gustav Schauer for the purpose of organizing a congregation. There were thirteen charter members, as follows: William AA^allberg, Fred Schauer, Robert Holtz, Ferdinand Ziese, Gustav Schauer, William Knoll, Julius Weber, Carl Schauer, William Weisspfennig, John Zirk, William Ludwig and William jMatz. On the 12th of February, 1898, it was proposed to build a church on the site deeded to the congregation by Gustav Schauer. The building committee consisted of AVm. Wallberg, Rob. Holtz and H. Ziese. The church, though small, 20x36x14 feet, is neat and churchly in appearance. The dedicatory services were held by the pastor. Rev. Parisius, in the fall of 1899, the sermon being

Wlieu Rev. Parisius, in 1900, assumed a pastorate in Jiurr Oak, LaCrosse county, Wisconsin. Rev. L. Raueh, of Fountain City, Wis., was vnianimously elected to ])e pastor of Zion's at Elroy, St. Paul's al Ilillsboro. and St. Luke's at Glendale. lie accepted in August, sup|)lying the pulpit of Ihc last mentioned congregation every second wecl\. During his administration the fii'st mission festival was celebrated, October 15, 15)11, Rev. K. Mayerhoft' preaching the morning sermon and stud, theol. 11. Zimmci-mann i-endering a suitable sermon in the afternoon. ri)on his instigation a Sunday school was organized, with ]\Ir. AVm. Wallberg as superintendent and the following as teachers: ^Messrs. Jul. Seefeld, Wm. Ludwig, Carl Schauer, Rich. Ziese, Carl IMatz, and .Miss Bertha Ziese.

Pi-()])()sim1 by Dr. Stoecker, the court chaplain, foi- a pastorate in IJeilin, Germany, Rev. Ranch resigned in the fall i)f IHO^i and was succeeded by Rev. P. Schroeder, who had been serving congregations at Hartland and Pewaukee, Wis., since 1897. In 1905 the congregation purchased an organ and communion ware. The lodge (piestion, which caused a rupture in the congregation at Klroy in 1906, also agitated the members of this congregation, but without serious results.

Rev. E. Diierr became successor to Rev. Schroeder. who resigned in order to accept a call to Germania. Wis. His stay was of short duration, vacating the charge in the fall of 1010, by folloAving a call to the Zicui-Rosendale charge in Fond du Lac county.

Shortly after the resignation of Rev. Duerr. Rev. H. Zimmerii'.ann. of South Ridge, served as a supply for nine months, until, in July, 1911, the present pastor. Rev. G. Westerhaus. a late graduate from the seminary at ^Milwaukee, came to take up his ministerial duties. He introduced regiilar English preaching with much success, and teaches a summer school.

The congregation has seventeen voting and a few paying members on the roll, and has a graveyard of its own. The present board of trustees are : Carl Schauer, vice-president ; Win. Matz, secretary; Fred Schultz, treasurer. 'Pliis little flock contributes $125 per annum towards the su]iport of the pastor.