114th Anniversary Perspective – 1968

The dawning for Friedens Church dates back to the year 1853 when Jacob Eckels opened his home for religious services. A meeting for the formal founding of a church was held in January, 1854; it was called Friedens German Evangelical Lutheran Church. During these first years preaching services and the other spiritual needs were provided this new church by a visiting pastor, the Rev. Fleischer.

In 1855 a Rev. Stark was called to be the pastor; worship services were held in the public school. Under the leadership of Rev. Kandis in 1856 a lot was purchased at a cost of $50.00 The following year the congregation borrowed $63.00 at 12% interest. The record shows that in 1859 the church was sold by the sheriff and bought by E. Barth for $349.30.

The death of Pastor Kandis in 1861 left the congregation without a pastor; the Rev. Damman was called the following year. A pulpit and altar were built by Gottfried Walter. The years 1864-72 record a succession of brief pastorates by Rev. Gausewitz, Rev. Baart and F. A. Kleinert.

Some changes took place in 1862. A Ladies' Aid is organized; the church is disbanded and reorganized as the "Friedens Evangelical Church;" a large tower was erected onto the church front with a bell being installed in the tower the following year at a cost of $368.32.

1872-81 — The Rev. J. Frank was the pastor but his services here were shared with the church at Saukville. During the pastorate of F. P. Ebling (1881-1884) a parsonage is built; the congregation numbers 200. The Rev. E. C. Ernst was called in 1884. During this ministry the congregation had its first president, John Popilka; the janitor was paid a yearly salary of $25.00. A parochial school was held for some years. In 1889 the Saukville church became self-sustaining.

The Rev. Ed Schrader assumed pastoral duties here in 1888. A new church was built in 1889 at a cost of $7,000 and dedicated in October of the same year. The Rev. E. Seeger was called to be the pastor in 1897. Church records showed a congregational indebtedness of $1,525; voting members – 114. In 1899 the Ladies' Aid voted to pay for an addition to the parsonage; the following year a parish hall was authorized by the congregation – the contract for the school building was let at a cost of $2,862.

A resolution to install electric lights in the church was defeated in 1902 but three years later a similar motion was passed and electric lights were installed in the church at a cost of $98.45. About this time the church records show that women were received into full church membership; a youth organization was started. The congregation observed its 50th anniversary.

The Rev. G. Ehrhart moved into the parsonage in 1906. It was voted that caskets not be opened at church funerals; the constitution was revised. In 1908 a contract was let for a parsonage addition. Subsequent years indicated the formation of a Brotherhood, placing of concrete walks on church property, pastor's vacation voted to be two weeks, heating plant installed at the parsonage, concrete steps built in front of the church.

In 1912 the Rev. S. Lefkovics accepted the call of Friedens Church. The 60th anniversary was observed in 1914. The following year a ten register pipe organ was installed by the Schuelke Organ Company at a cost of $1,600.00. In 1915 it was voted to begin using offering envelopes; in 1919 it was voted not to have any English services – it was not until 1924 that English services were introduced on a once and then twice a month basis. German summer school was discontinued in 1926.

1929 marked the seventy-fifth anniversary. An individual communion set was purchased. The constitution was translated into English in 1930 but it was voted that there shall be no change in the church name.

The Rev. H. Armin Fleer is called as pastor in 1932. Major remodeling (1933) and an addition of 35 feet to the church was completed at a cost of $13,000. 1934 – German services were held only on the first Sunday of the month. In keeping with the denominational merger, the church is now a part of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

In 1939 the Rev. F. L. Rodenbeck began his pastorate here. Subsequent years reported various remodeling and redecorating projects. The 90th anniversary was observed with sons of the congregation in the ministry and former pastors invited as guests. In 1944 there were seventy-seven men and women from the church in the service of World War II. Weekly bulletins were introduced into the worship service in 1946. A resolution to lower the voting age to 18 was defeated in 1950. Daily Vacation Bible School was started.

The Rev. C. H. Boland began his pastoral duties at Friedens Church in 1952. Hobby shop classes were begun; a comprehensive renovation project was undertaken at a cost of $45,000. The church sanctuary is redecorated and parsonage remodeled marking the 100th anniversary in 1954. As a result of the denominational merger in 1957 Friedens Church became a part of the United Church of Christ.

With the purchase of property immediately to the west of the church (Milwaukee and Van Buren Streets), space was provided for the development of a hard-surfaced parking lot. The financial indebtedness incurred was liquidated in 1966 when the congregation met the challenge to raise sufficient funds to match the gift of an anonymous donor.

In August, 1967, Pastor Boland accepted a call to become the pastor of St. John's Church on Madeline Island, La Pointe, Wisconsin. The Rev. Philip J. Schowalter assumed his pastoral duties here September 15, 1967. The parsonage family included his wife Audrey and four children, Sharol, Naomi, joy and Kevin. In preparation for their arrival the entire parsonage interior was redecorated.

Many facts and names are not included in this brief history. it can only be said that in the past 114 years many lives have been touched through the witness of Friedens Christian fellowship. The commitment and dedicated service of faithful men and women have helped to make the history of Friedens Church something more than the mere passing of time. What will be written about tomorrow and its involvements will depend upon the genuineness of our commitment and the concern we have for the need of persons. May God's peace help us to be true to our calling.