"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran ChurchSaint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church    


Home
Up
News and Notes
Worship Services
About Us
FAQ
Calendar
Church Building
Organizations
NextGen Youth
Confirmation
Pastor Appreciation
Former Pastors
History
Fun Stuff
Resources
Contact Information
Wanted
Guest Book
Thank You

 

 

 

 

Please take a moment to sign our Guest Book.

Thank you!

 

FIRSTS

A few notes that might be of interest

written in 1944 by Pastor G.H.Geiger

John Henry Zahrte of Sparta was one of the first to be christened in this community by Pastor A. Schroedel on May 27, 1877.


George Zahrte, son of the late Wm. Zahrte, of Millston, was the first child to be christened in the first church, being baptized on July 1, 1900, the day of the dedication. The baptismal font, still in use, was donated by the father of George at this time. (The members had made a rule that the one who would be the first to have a child baptized in this church would be expected to provide the baptismal font.)


John Henry Zahrte and Alvina Birkholz were the first couple to be married in the first church on May 15, 1902.


Henrietta Birkholz, wife of the late Gotlieb Birkholz who died November 17, 1904, was the first funeral conducted from the first church.


Adolph E. Schroeder and Clara Boettcher were the first couple married by Pastor A. Hanke, who was the first resident pastor here, being married November 11, 1914.

Back Row: Albert Boettcher, Rudolph Heeler, Bertha Schroeder Birkholz, Lena Boettcher Heeler

Front Row: Adolph Schroeder, Clare Boettcher Schroeder

Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Hanke, 1914


Rosella Mae Schroeder was the first child to be baptized in the present church. She was baptized on the day of the dedication of the new church, May 11, 1930.


Members of the first confirmation class in the new church were: Gilbert Schroeder, Huber Hueler, Sylvester Heeler, Norma Zahrte, Leona Kemp, Alvin Schroeder, Robert Miller, Roland Boettcher. They were confirmed on June 21, 1931.


The first couple to be married in the new church was Clarence Seflow and Adela Schroeder on June 25, 1931.

Adela (Schroeder) and Clarence Seflow


The first funeral conducted from the present church was that of Wm. Henry Zahrte, Sr., on July 5, 1931.


It is interesting to note that the last funeral that has been conducted from the church up to this writing (October 10, 1944) was that of Mrs. Wm. Henry Zahrte, Sr. on May 23, 1944. She was the wife of the first person to be buried from the new church.


Julie Lee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jorgensen is to be baptized during the forenoon anniversary service on October 15, 1944. In her honor her parents have donated a pair of electric candelabra which shall adorn our altar henceforth. 

 
Connect

 

  St. Matthew Church is on Facebook!

   Don't forget to "LIKE us and add us as a friend!  

 

Questions or comments about this website? Dead links? Incorrect information?
Send an e-mail:

This website was last updated on Friday, February 03, 2012.   This website is best viewed with Internet Explorer.