"For we who are many form one body, that is the church."

Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church

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. 

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This website was last updated on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.