History of St. Johns 1861 to 2001. Some Reports From Annual Meetings and Other Events

Introduction

Early days in the Wilderness

Early settlers; John and Laura Aubrey and others

First Church Built in White Bear Lake

Church gets its name; Aubreys leave. 1861-1874

Move to a New Location in 1874

Early money raising events and other activities.1874-1893

Vestry Meeting Minutes

Items of interest from 1892 to 1925

Events after 1925

The old church is demolished and new church built

Stained Glass Windows

Windows from 1926 to 1999

Church Organizations

Early guilds and clubs

Events from 1928 to 1946

Rev. Davenport; Fulton Memorial Hall; World War II

After World War II

Mortgage retired; Rev. Barr; Rev. Haynes; Rev. Swenson. 1944-1982

Some Reports from Annual Meetings and Other Events

Rev. Campbell; selected reports of various activities. 1982-1999

A New Pipe Organ

George Mairs gift; dedication Oct. 2000

Epilogue

Some Recollections by Dorothy Haas

Clergy Who Have Served

Plates

Some Reports from Annual Meetings and Other Events

Rev. Campbell; selected reports of various activities. 1982-1999

Jan. 10, 1982 – Annual Meeting – SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT:

“The purpose of the Sunday School Committee is to engage the youth (pre-school through sixth grade) in Christian education and to enrich them with the values and knowledge of Christianity through the understanding: 1. The life of Christ, 2. The full context of Judeo-Christian faith and history, 3. The attempts of Christ’s followers to understand His teachings, 4. How they can take these values and knowledge and use them in their own lives as Christians in the world.”

– Jane Kyle, Chair

Jan. 8, 1984 – Annual Meeting – SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT:

“1983 was an active and exciting year for the Sunday School. It was a year of major change with the hiring of a part-time Christian Education Director, Sonja Hill. Events during 1983 included:

• April -- Mite Box Carnival -- Many parishioners enjoyed giving money to children to spend on these games.

• May -- Mother’s Day -- Recognition of the many mothers who are Sunday School teachers.

• May -- Blessing of the Pets -- Father Dan did an admirable job among the cats, dogs and geese.

• Aug. -- Bible school was a tremendous success with up to forty children in attendance.

• Oct. -- A Halloween Party was well attended.

• Dec. -- The Christmas Pageant received rave reviews. Our youth did an excellent job.”

-- Frank Dolliver, Chair

On May 6, 1984 a new, fourteen-rank, pipe organ was dedicated with the Rt. Rev. Robert M. Anderson, Bishop of Minnesota presiding. On June 24, 1985 two members of this congregation, Connie Spreng and George Glander, were ordained as Deacons at the Cathedral in Minneapolis,

Mr. Glander ordained as Perpetual Deacon. Other members of this parish who entered the ministry included: John Holman, and, more recently, Sue von Rautenkranz, Margaret Mattlin and Kathleen Kyle.

Jan. 13, 1985 – Annual Meeting -- MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

“The Men’s Fellowship Group has been operating for one year, starting off January with a farewell party for John McDanield and ending with taking our wives out for dinner at the new White Bear Country Inn. In 1985 we plan to be involved in, and discuss rest and relaxation, travel, finances, loss of partner, hobbies, and a visit to the Hazelden Foundation. All guys are invited to attend our Brown Bag Lunches at 11:45 a.m. every second Thursday of the month.”

-- Respectfully submitted, Archie Steele

(Note: the name of this group was changed to the Brown Baggers in 1992.)

Also in 1985, three ramps were installed to aid handicapped persons. Later, in the 1990’s, an elevator was installed to make the church handicapped accessible. On January 6, 1986, Constance Spreng was ordained a Priest. The celebrant was Bishop Robert M. Anderson.

1986, One-Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Anniversary

A luncheon program celebrated the anniversary on July 27, 1986. Entertainment was provided by members of the parish in eight skits as well as reminiscences and historical displays. Church dignitaries included the Right Reverend Robert M. Anderson, Bishop of Minnesota, and our Interim Rector, the Rev. Ernest T. Lottsfeldt.

The Rev. Edward Joseph Campbell Jr. (see Plates) began his rectorship here May 24, 1987, and continued until his death in

Plate. Rev. Edward Joseph Campbell Jr., Rector 1987 – 2001 (click here or on image for higher resolution views)

Plate. Rev. Edward Joseph Campbell Jr., Rector 1987 – 2001, second photo (click here or on image for higher resolution views)

September of 2001. During Joe Campbell’s rectorship, there was an increased feeling of belonging by families with small children. Those of us who served in the vestry got to know his wit and good sense.

Jan. 10, 1988 -- Annual Meeting -- RECTOR’S REPORT

“The first statement that needs to be made is my overwhelming sense of welcome as your new Rector. ... During 1987 much has happened. The rectory has been redecorated for it’s new residents; new boilers were installed in the parish hall and education areas. The computer capacity was expanded. A new committee was established to work in the area of memorials and gifts. A special task force has been working to prepare a new and effective format for a parish census and talent bank. ... New families and individuals have found us to be a good church home, and attendance has increased significantly.”

-- The Rev. Edward J. Campbell

Jan. 10, 1988 -- Annual Meeting -- FELLOWSHIP

“This year, it has been such a pleasure to see our group growing by leaps and bounds. To think, just a few years ago we started as “Young Adults” and how that has changed to include all ages. In February we had our second annual dinner dance which was well attended. This year it will move to the Dellwood Hills Country Club due to the fact that we outgrew the space at Kozlaks. Some of the other functions included board games, a square dance and a steak fry.

This fall we started our season with the All Parish Picnic and moved right into the Music in the Wilderness Series. Later came the Thanksgiving Eve Dinner, and then the hanging of the greens.”

-- Barbara Brosious, Chair

Jan. 10, 1988 -- Annual Meeting -- YOUTH MINISTRY

“Youth Ministry is alive and well at St John in the Wilderness! The senior high group meets on Wednesday evenings, and the junior high group meets on Sunday mornings. The weekly meetings are used both as a means of fellowship and as a forum to discuss issues involving youth and Christianity.”

– Committee members: Barb Brosious, Josh Chilton, Molly Harding, Kathleen Kyle, Gina Landucci, Larry Mahoney, Gabe Schenz, Kelly Semler, Gretchen Steltzner, Erik Tonder and Sue von Rautenkranz

Jan. 14, 1990 -- Annual Meeting -- ADULT EDUCATION

“The adult education class meets in the parlor each Sunday morning from September to May. The topics for this year are family life, transitions and wholeness. ... Our Wednesday evening Lenten programs include speakers from some of the groups to which our outreach contributes. ... ‘Reading in the Wilderness’ met for five Wednesdays to discuss stories written by Paulette Bates Alden. ... In October we added a new program, ‘Play Reading in the Wilderness.’ In addition to reading plays, the group attended a production of ‘Blithe Spirit’, at Lakewood Community College, under the direction of George Wade. ... On October 2nd., Father Joe began a Monday evening bible study series on the Gospel of Matthew that lasted through November.”

-- Sherri Afryl, Chair

The church is rich with memorials. In 1991, hand bells were given as a memorial to Carol Lees. These bells replaced the Haynes family bells (see Plate), used here during Rev. Haynes rectorship.

Sometime in the late 1990’s, we became a smoke-free facility. Ruth Mattlin remembered back to the time before women were on vestry, and as president of the E. C. W., she attended vestry meetings to represent the women of the parish. At that time, Rev. Haynes and the Sr. Warden smoked cigars at the vestry meetings. The smoke was so thick, it made her ill, and she often had to leave.

Jan. 14, 1990 -- Annual Meeting -- EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

“All women communicants of the Episcopal Church are automatically members of the ECW... Our programs include education, fund raisers, field trips, fun activities and Christian outreach programs. ... The ECW had another good year - thanks to our spring and fall rummage sale and the annual Christmas Bazaar.”

-- Bev Boyle, ECW President

ECW Finances May 1988 to May 1989 -- ECW Treasurer -- Nancy Peatross

Jan. 19, 1992 – Annual Meeting -- ADVENTURERS

“The church’s newest program, “The Adventurers”, was designed for those 55 or better, but is open for anyone interested in stimulating activities who is young at heart and free to cavort during daylight hours. It is anticipated the group will present four adventures each year in a variety of subjects and formats that promote mind-stretching, smile-stretching, and occasionally, tummy-stretching!”

– Sarah Taylor, Chair

Jan. 17, 1993 – Annual Meeting -- FINANCIAL REPORT for the YEAR 1992

(The difference between income and expenses made up from the “balancing fund” surplus. At the end of 1992, the balancing fund had a surplus of $9,648.)

Jan. 15, 1995 – Annual Meeting -- RECTOR’S REPORT

“Our staff has served with distinction and skill: It has been good to have Deacon Sue von Rautenkranz work more completely with her ministry as our deacon. Carol Wacek continues to be a genius with our office work. I am grateful to Mary Whitney, who puts in many hours as our volunteer book keeper. Elizabeth Uppgren has been a faithful and accurate clerk; one of the hardest tasks in any organization is to take minutes, and Tin has been excellent! ... Father Ed Wittenburg is a tremendous resource in our pastoral care. We have had a change in our music program, and how blessed we are to have such gifted interims as Bill Stump and Debbie Schoenberger. ... During 1994, we nominated John Butterfield and the entire ECW for Lay Ministry Recognition at the diocesan convention. ... During 1994 we honored the Rev. George Glander as Deacon Emeritus. ... In 1995 we hope to see Margy Mattlin ordained as a deacon.

We have so many gifted lay people in this congregation who are wonderful models for the ministry. You need to know how grateful I am for being able to walk together in our journey of faith.”

-- Edward J. Campbell, Rector

Jan. 15, 1995 -- Annual Meeting -- YOUTH MINISTRY

“The youth committee is made up of youth and adults who help brainstorm and plan events for the Junior and Senior High youth groups. ... The underlying source of fun, growth and stability of the St. John’s youth ministry program has been Sue von Rautenkranz, the full time youth minister. ... Under Sue’s guidance and with the help of Kira Seitz, Erik Johnson and Gabe Schenz, the Senior High youth group has energetic meetings every Wednesday night. ... The Junior High ended the ‘94 school year under the teaching of Cathryn Bashore. Thank you, Cathy, for five years of teaching the Junior High.”

-- Julie Pickering, Chair

Jan. 19, 1997 -- Annual Meeting -- RECTOR’S REPORT

“Over the years, I have named church members to receive the Rector’s Service Cross: Harold Mattlin, Bob Jagusch, Mary Whitney, Mary and Ellis Pope, and Roger and Joann Smith.

Today I am naming another couple. She has been a devoted Altar Guild member, teacher and compassionate Christian. He has been a faithful Lay Reader and visionary leader. Both have served on the Vestry, including terms as Wardens. I am pleased to name Judy and Jim Kroesch as this year’s recipients of the Service Cross!”

-- Edward J. Campbell, Rector

Jan. 18, 1998 -- Annual Meeting -- WARDEN’S REPORT

“We are embarking on a planning process that will carry us well into the next century. Our Strategic Planning Committee, of fourteen people, has been hard at work with monthly meetings and with members of the congregation at two at-large meetings. A survey was prepared and mailed to the congregation. An all-parish meeting will be scheduled in February or March.”

--- Chuck Brenner and Barb Van Steen, Wardens

At the annual meeting in January 1998, the parish voted to establish an endowment fund to help provide financial stability. The income from the fund was to be used for specific church projects. Harold Mattlin, a member for seventy-five years, provided the first gift to this fund from his estate. From this endowment fund came our Planned Giving Program and the St. John in the Wilderness Heritage Society.

Jan. 17, 1999 -- Annual Meeting -- RECTOR’S REPORT

“We entered 1998 concerned about a variety of serious issues, and fretted about them for nearly half a year. God heard our prayers!

• The problem of the pipe organ was resolved with the generosity of George Mairs. ...  A committee (Jan MacNally, Dixon Tews and Paul Toren) has worked hard and God willing, the new pipe organ will be here in eighteen months.

• The problem of finding a knowledgeable and gifted organist/choirmaster was resolved at a lunch arranged by Don Shepard to, as Don put it, ‘meet a fella who grew up in White Bear and is an organ player and consultant.’ That is how I first met David Gehrenbeck and his call to the ministry of church music.

• The problem of staffing youth ministry was solved when the Rev. Kathleen Galvin told me, that a gifted young priest needed a job. After meeting Brad Hauff at lunch, I knew God had given us Brad to be our youth minister.”

-- Edward J. Campbell, Rector

Jan. 17, 1999 -- Annual Meeting -- STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

“Visions and Strategies for the 21st. Century,” a report from the committee by Jean Tews. (The full report was printed in the 1998 Annual Report.) The Strategic Plan includes:

• I. Spiritual Development and Music -- suggestions for Liturgy, Prayer and Music

• II. Intergenerational Ministry -- (We will be a growing, open and friendly church.)

• III. Christian Education and Formation -- (Attract and keep children and young adults)

• IV. Outreach and Inreach, Lay Leadership -- (Become a valued community resource)

• V. Facilities -- (Consider how we can put our space to better use)

• VI. Finance -- (Financial security should be a high priority)

Jan. 17, 1999 -- Annual Meeting -- A FEW SELECTED REPORTS

CHILDREN AND YOUTH “My ministry, which will be growing and expanding (God willing), is to provide pastoral leadership for the Christian Education and Youth Programs. ... My life changed dramatically, and much for the better, when I was called to St. John’s. ... It is truly a joy to be in a congregation that is alive with the Spirit, and where ministry to and among young people is valued.”

-- the Rev. Brad Hauff

ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER “A year ago, St. John in the Wilderness was simply the parish alongside the little house on Clark Avenue where I spent the second year of my life. The church building then was six years old. ... Since mid-March 1998, St. John’s has become much more than the church next door of long ago. It has become a spiritual home for Helen and me, and a place to again make friends and music with dedicated souls, both in the choir and in the congregation. ... Starting out on Lent 3 was difficult enough for a baptized Presbyterian, and the existing organ did not make it any easier. Fortunately, that problematic instrument left the parish in early summer, and a new Cassavant pipe organ has been contracted. ... St. John in the Wilderness has a long and noble heritage of good music. May we continue our spiritual journeys together into the 21^st century.”

-- David Gehrenbeck

YOUTH AND BELL CHOIRS “St. John’s congregation has been gifted with bundles of energy and dedication in the thirteen members of the children and youth choir. This year we were again leaders at St. Mark’s Diocesan Music Festival as lectors and choral singers. ...

Our Bell Choir at St. John’s is a talented group of musicians who gave of time and talent to assure that our worship has many musical dimensions. ... The Lessons and Carols service was an expression of our talent used to our best ability.”

-- Deb Schoenberger

Jan. 17, 1999 - Annual Meeting - MEETING MINUTES (printed for January 2000 meeting)

“It was moved and seconded to have a new Article V, 5.1 which would read: A warden shall serve as Junior Warden in the first year of the term, and as Senior Warden in the second year of the term. The motion carried.”

Note: Back in 1980, a warden served three years as Junior Warden and then three years as Senior Warden. Later that was changed to two years and two years. Now it is one year and one year as Junior and Senior Warden.