St. John’s beginning grew out of the need for Christians in this small community to have a place to worship God, one of the basic reasons their parents had emigrated to this free land years before.The Fred Polansky home was the meeting place until a regular log church structure was erected in 1870, only 5 years after they began meeting for services at Fred’s home. This church served the area Christians for 16 years, until the structure we worship in today was built.
In 1869, Sigel and Kellner congregations jointly called Rev. Leyhe. What a trip that must have been, without the modern transportation we enjoy today. (Kellner is about 16 miles from Sigel.) He continued this ministry until 1890.
In January of 1930, the congregation decided to erect a new parsonage, replacing the log house that had been erected in 1880.
In 1969, a new addition to the front of St. John’s was a welcome improvement. It enclosed the stairs, has a meeting room on the East side, a small furnace room and two restrooms to the west. A ramp leads down to the dining and kitchen area.
Our membership includes farmers, mill workers, retired folks and others. Many drive from town (Wis. Rapids) each Sunday to join us in song, sermon and fellowship.
St. John’s is a dual parish with Trinity Lutheran Church in Vesper. Pastor Douglas Schalow currently serves both congregations.
