A centennial is an event which most of us will celebrate only once in a life time, and many persons will never celebrate. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spencer will observe its 100th anniversary in 1978. It takes many people to plan the events of a centennial. This includes mailing invitations, compiling a centennial book, preparing worship services, meals, and exhibits, and many other activities too numerous to mention. Many hours were donated by many people, all of whom must be thanked. It would be impossible to list all who helped. We give special thanks to the Centennial Committee, who worked tirelessly for months, to the ministers who participated in our services, to Gertrude Graupner for translating many of the old German records, to those who composed the 75th anniversary booklet, to Barb Ault and Eileen Bruesewitz for compiling our centennial book, and to any other organization or individuals who helped in any way.

Centennial Committee Co-Chairmen: Ronald Bruesewitz & Jerry Neumann

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE:

Row 1: Mrs. Emil (Norma) Leupke, Mrs. Gerald (Jane) Neuman, Mrs. Dave (Barb) Ault, Mrs. Maynard (Elda) Neumann, Mrs. Leota Schwantes.

Row 2: Mrs. Ron (Eileen) Bruesewitz, Mrs. Gehardt (Isabelle) Klein, Lori Stroetz, Lynette Wachholz.

Row 3: Gerald Neuman, (co-chairman), Arvin Podevels, Ron Bruesewitz, (co-chairman), Olaf Manthe

Not pictured: Alvin Habeck, Pastor Dave Ault, Mrs. Leona Wachholz

In Retrospect

In producing this book, we have conscientiously and faithfully performed our task of preserving for future readers the story of the beginnings and progress of our congregation. In doing so we have tried to use every source available. Our thanks to those who helped to obtain information and photographs. In doing this you have helped us preserve and share our heritage.

No work of this kind can be without errors or escape criticism. We hope you will treasure the book and think kindly of our inaccuracies.

CHOIR

Row 1: Mrs. Donald (Karen) Hanson, director; Mrs. Dave (Barb) Ault, Sara Stroetz, DeAnn Hanson, Mrs. Bill (Marshal) Martens, organist.

Row 2: Lynette Wachholz, Mrs. Ken (Lois) Mellenthin, Mrs. Ron (Karen) Seefeldt, Lori Stroetz, Penny Hanson

Not Pictured: Janell Mellenthin, Mrs. Ron (Eileen) Bruesewitz

ORGANIST: Mrs. William Martens

CUSTODIANS: Mr. And Mrs. Herbert Wachholz

CARETAKER: James Bluhm

CEMETERY COMMITTEE: Rudy Lynn, Olaf Manthe, Maynard Neumann (Sexton), Robert Schwantes