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St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Watertown

100th anniversary of current house of worship

WDTimes, 04 11 2008

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of its worship facility during special services this weekend. Services are planned at 6 p.m. Saturday and at 7:45 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

St. John’s Church in Watertown had its beginning in 1852. The first new church building dedication followed on June 25, 1865, at the corner of North Fifth and Cady Streets. The cost of that structure was estimated at $15,000, a very large sum in those days.

Early in 1907 it was decided to build a new and larger church to meet the growth of the congregation. On April 5, 1908, the construction was finally completed, and with great rejoicing the congregation was able to dedicate its new house of worship. Dedication services were held in German and English.

The church was built at a cost of about $45,000 in a Roman style of architecture. The roof is covered in slate shingles. The foundations are of Portwing red sandstone, and the remainder of the church is built of St. Louis hydraulic red brick. The north steeple, the higher of the building’s two towers, extends 112 feet in the air, and contains three large bells which were saved from the earlier church building. The main sanctuary of the church could seat 800 individuals, and at that time, the balcony could seat 375. A new pipe organ was installed at a cost of $4,650.

The next renovation/building program did not take place until 1968. The interior of the church was completely modernized with the balcony wings removed to uncover the large stained–glass windows. The interior was greatly changed from the original ornate and Gothic furnishings to a very plain nave and chancel. The free-standing altar and baptismal font, as well as the tops of the pulpit and lectern, were covered with Travertine marble. A wing was built onto the east end (Sixth Street) of the church containing the sacristies, two pastor’s offices, the church business office, a reception area, the council chamber, restrooms, and an east and west entrance. In the front of the church an addition covered the front steps and contained a chapel, restrooms, and north and south entrances. In the basement there were 10 Sunday school rooms, an altar, fellowship hall, kitchen and restrooms.

On Aug. 30, 1971, congregational voters met in the church and voted to leave the Missouri Synod. This ended an association with Missouri Synod which had lasted 117 years. On June 9, 1975, St. John’s voted to apply for membership in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The congregation together with its pastors and teachers were accepted into the WELS in August 1975.

Another renovation of the interior of the church and dedication was held Sept. 18, 1988. The studios of Potente were selected as the architect for the renovation project. The original Gothic interior was restored with the soft colors and design painting. The central focal point was the 17-foot linden wood cross and carved figure of the ascending and blessing Christ on the center wall of the chancel. This cross and figure of Christ were carved in a small woodcarving shop in Italy.

The front narthex has been repainted and the golden altar missal stand refinished. A special 100th anniversary banner has been constructed and will hang in the church.

Historical picture displays of the church may be viewed in the lower level of the church. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome