The History of American Lutheran Church

The Beginning

In the latter part of 1929 there arose some serious desire for the founding of a Lutheran Congregation in Rantoul, IL. Some of this desire did not spring from Christian motives, but what followed was to show that God in His wisdom and power can use even the sins of men to serve His own glorious ends. A number of Lutheran families had been gradually moving into the Rantoul community. At 2:00 p.m. February 23, 1930, a group of Lutheran families from and around Rantoul gathered in the local Methodist church for worship. The Reverend C.F. Haffermann from Danforth, IL, was in charge of the service. The next Sunday, March 2, the group returned for worship. Following this service, Pastor Haffermann encouraged them to develop some form of organization to purchase the property. Negotiations were immediately begun. On May 1, 1930 the title of this property passed from the First Congregational Church to St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rantoul, IL, for the sum of $3,500.

From March 16, 1930 on, services were held each Sunday in this newly acquired property. When he was available, Pastor Haffermann drove down from Danforth, IL, for services in the afternoon. At other times Chaplain Moehlman, then stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, was in charge of services. German and English services were held alternately. It was not until October that the decision was made to call a full-time resident pastor. A call was extended to Reverend F. Lambertus from Wisconsin.

The Lutheran congregation in Rantoul was planned and was beginning to take root, but trying times were ahead. The inability of the group to support and retain the pastor was clearly evident. Pastor Lambertus advised the group they should affiliate themselves with a synod and receive home mission support. He referred them to the American Lutheran Church. On October 11, 1931, Pastor Lambertus followed a call to Ohio.

October 15, 1931, the Reverend M.P.F. Doermann, President of the Illinois District of the American Lutheran Church and the Reverend J.S. Altpeter, Secretary of the Illinois Home Mission Board, arrived in Rantoul. They immediately advised the Rantoul group to join with the synod and apply for help from the mission board. At the same meeting a resolution was passed which united the Rantoul congregation with synod, application was made for $2,000 loan from the Parish Fund for the financing of the unpaid portion of the property and also to cover the cost of improving the property, aid from the home mission board to the extent of $680 per annum was also applied for. In the same meeting a call to the Reverend Alfred G. Rausch was made and he preached his first sermon in Rantoul November 15, 1931. Expansion was difficult due to the depression and the church felt the pinch of hard times. In May 1935, Pastor Rausch accepted another call. On June 16 a call was extended to Pastor Elmer Nelson who had just finished his seminary work. He preached his first sermon in Rantoul on July 21, 1935. The first five years of the Rantoul mission were ended. In those first years outward growth had been slow, but in those same years the roots of the mission had gone deep in the hearts of the founders and they were beginning to spread out into that community. The full story of how our church came to be built will never be told. In brief, it is a story of vision and hope, of perseverance and prayer, of labor and sacrifice, of courage and strength in times of trial. Above all, it is a story of Gods love, His guidance and His help and His blessing granted to unworthy supplicants.

The First Years

In the later part of 1929, a number of Lutheran families had moved into the Rantoul community. They felt the need for a Lutheran Church to be established in Rantoul: a Lutheran Church where English was spoken.

The dream of what is now American Lutheran church began with four men: Henry Sjoken, Fred Kapmann, William Lohmiller and Everett Bergman. On February 23, 1930, a group of Lutheran families from and around Rantoul gathered in the local Methodist church for worship. Worship was in the afternoon, led by Pastor Hafermann who came from Danforth to lead this group. On March 2, 1930, the group met for worship again and following this service Pastor Hafermann encouraged them to develop some form of organization to purchase property. That day, the following families signed their names in the agreement to form a congregation and proceed; Henry Sjoken, Fred Kopmann, Everett Bergman, Frank Bartell Jr., H.C. Zander, John Baermann, Pete Busboom, Joe Goldstein, John Helen, and William Lohmiller. (At this writing, March of 2005, Henry Sjokens daughters, Louise Stonestreet and Emma Baermann; Frank Bartell Jr.s daughter, Marjorie Johnson; and John Bergmans daughter, Velma Wolken are currently members of this congregation.) The following officers were elected: Henry Sjoken, chairman, Bill Lohmiller and Everett Bergman as trustees and Fred Kopmann as secretary-treasurer. These men solicited a pledge sheet for the purpose of purchasing property and this pledge sheet was circulated among businessmen of Rantoul and other interested parties. The result of this campaign showed that $3,250.00 would be available for the purchase of property and the establishing of a Lutheran congregation. Negotiations were immediately begun. The first church was purchased from the disbanded Congregational group at the corner of East Belle ad Chandler Streets (now Route 45). That building was the first church built in Rantoul in 1867. The property was purchased for $3,500.00. From March 16, 1930, and on, services were held each Sunday in this newly acquired property. When available, Pastor Hafermann drove from Danforth for services in the afternoon. At other times Chaplain Moehlman, then stationed a Chanute was in charge of services. German and English services were held alternately. It was not until October of 1930 that the decision was made to call a full time resident pastor.

A call was extended to Reverend Lambertus from Wisconsin. He preached his first sermon as pastor for the congregation on November 16, 1930. Pastor Lambertus introduced the full service in English, the Klingelbeute was replaced by offering baskets, the individual communing system was introduced, a pledge system with weekly envelopes was started for financial support, a Sunday School was organized, and confirmation instruction began.

The seed for a Lutheran congregation in Rantoul was planted and beginning to take root, but trying times were ahead. It was difficult for the group to support and retain a pastor. Up until this time, this new church had survived without aid or mission status from the Synod. Pastor Lambertus advised the group to affiliate themselves with a synod and receive home mission support. He referred them to the American Lutheran Church. In October of 1931, Pastor Lambertus accepted a call to Ohio. October 15, 1931, the Reverend Doermann, President of the Illinois District of the American Lutheran church and the Reverend Altpeter, Secretary of the Illinois Home Mission Board, arrived in Rantoul. They immediately advised the Rantoul group to join the synod and apply for help from the mission board. At that time a resolution was passed which united the Rantoul congregation with the synod and an application was made for a $2,000.00 loan from the Parsonage Fund for the financing of the unpaid portion on the property and also to cover the cost of improving the property. Aid from the Home Mission Board to the extent of $680.00 per year was also applied for. In the same meeting a call was extended to the Reverend Alfred Rausch who preached his first sermon November 15, 1931. Expansion was difficult due to the depression. In May of 1935, Pastor Rausch accepted another call. On June 16, 1935, a call was extended to Pastor Elmer Nelson who had just finished his seminary work. He preached his first sermon in Rantoul on July 21, 1935.

Under the leadership of Pastor Nelson, a steady growth was seen in all departments and phases of the churches work. While the Lutherans rearranged the interior and painted the exterior at the time of the purchase, no major improvements were made until the summer of 1936. The basement ceiling and walls were covered with plasterboard to make a place for Sunday School, a stem heating plant was installed and a new roof was put on the parsonage. In the fall of 1938, a Hammond Electric Organ was purchased through the help of the Luther League. On January 1, 1940, the congregation became self-supporting and they could start a building program free of debt. The building was too small for the growth that had taken place. The Auditorium and chancel were enlarged. Pastors study, a choir room, and a mothers room were added. In the basement, there was an assemble hall, a kitchen, six individual classrooms, and complete toilet facilities. This was dedicated September 17, 1940.

American Lutheran Church grew not only in numbers, but in strength, in vision, and in faith.
Written by Rhonda Roesch
Presented at the Choir Cantata on February 13, 2005

The Vision Becomes a Reality

It was in 1943 that the desire and efforts to establish a building fund to be used for a suitable and permanent church edifice began to bring definite action. Thus a building fund was established in 1943. At the end of 1943 the total in the building fund was nearing $8,000. The fund continued to grow. The drives for war bonds were coordinated with the building fund drives. At the end of 1945 the fund totaled $24,000. Again the leadership of the congregation showed wisdom and courage in facing a major problem. Inflation was growing. This would mean that dollars given would buy less and less as inflation mounted. The only solution was to invest the money collected in assets, which would increase in value and thus preserve the buying power of our funds. The investment program came to mean that practically twice the number of dollars were available over what would have been the case with a straight bond program.

The location of a church building is always important. It was fortunate the congregation could purchase 38 acres on the north edge of Rantoul from the family of Carrie Flesner, a member of our congregation. The plan was to subdivide the area and sell the lots. The income from the sale of these lots was $146,452, the cost of the addition was $125,968 showing a profit of $20,483. Much money was saved by the combined efforts and dedication of the board and building committees who agreed not to have a general contractor. Instead, the committee would buy the materials directly themselves, let sub-contractors where possible and simply hire labor and craftsmen for the rest. This called for a constant supervision and coordination. The wisdom of this method saved the congregation considerable. It was a rare and valuable service, which with this committee together with all who cooperated with them rendered the congregation. The testimony of their labors will stand for many generations. July 9, the congregation voted to proceed with building operations. August 30 groundbreaking services were held and in the month September 1950, the foundations were laid. It was the first of April when the walls began to rise. May 20th the corner-stone laying service was held.

It was then 16 years before construction was again considered and on December 11, 1966 the main sanctuary, as we know it today, was dedicated. A new parsonage was also built at this time. The former sanctuary is used as a chapel, numerous classrooms and offices. The church spire with a cross was added to the Bell Tower in 1982. American Lutheran Church Christian Day Nursery School began in 1980 and continues to be one of our most successful outreach programs for the community. In 1987 our congregation merged with other Lutheran Churches to be known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Eden Park area is still recognized today as one of the most desirable residential sections in Rantoul. It is also the finest of church building sites. The memorial park in front keeps it open for a fine view from the highway and railroad, a playground behind provides the children with a safe place to play. The church is the center and heart of the sub-division.

Today there stands in the center of Eden Park a memorial to the power of prayer and a testimony of the vision, the faith, the courage, the strength, the labors, and the sacrifice of a small group of people who knew that God helps those who willingly help.

(This history of American Lutheran Church was taken from the various Church Directories we have had through the years.)

Words from our forefathers in the 1930-1955 church directory

For the instruction and edifying of those who come after us, we herewith set down these facts, that they might see and know that God accomplishes His work here on earth through the commonplace and everyday acts of men. And the greatest blessings of God come only to those who are willing to do their part. Seek and you shall find, ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you.

A History of American Lutheran Church of Rantoul Like people, congregations are born and pass through childhood, youth, adulthood, old age and, finally, they pass away. It is possible that the life of a congregation may always be calm and gentle throughout, but more likely it will have periods of turmoil at some time or other. There can be wildness during youth or a battle of egos in middle age or grouchiness in old age.

When one reads the story of the children of Israel, one must marvel at the patience of God in dealing with them. Time after time, when they repented of their disobedience, God took them back in his mercy and blessed them. Likewise, one must marvel how God uses occasionally intemperate and foolish groups of Christians to build his kingdom
—Written by John Baerman

In 1943, St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church, MS of Dewey, founded in 1882 was disbanded. The congregation spread itself between Immanuel Lutheran of Osmond, American Lutheran of Gibson City, and American Lutheran of Rantoul. Our congregation welcomed nearly 40 new members from the Dewey Church. Many of them and their descendants continue to contribute to the life of our congregation today. Those transferring members were: August and Jane (Blue) Meuser; Albert and Zena (Taylor) Meuser; John and Anna (Franzen) Mueser, Dale and Darrell; William and Alma (Blue) Meuser & Gertrude; John and Katherine (Matthias) Heien, Grace, Reiner, Bertha & Margaret; Carl and Bertha (Stettner) Sepp, Ervin & Lucille; Raymond and Thelma (Walker) Sepp & Gene; Edwin and Fern Whitmore) Sepp; Ray and Mary (Sepp) Little; Robert and Ethel (Sepp) Keith, Dale, Betty & Donald; August and Alma (Blue) Lutz, Elmer, Lucille & Helen.

In 1943, a building fund was established and by the end of the year the fund had grown to nearly $8,000.00. At the end of 1945, the fund totaled $24,000.00. “In 1946, 38 acres were purchased from the Carrie Flesner estate for $11,500.00. This was to become the Eden Park Subdivision including a church, park, cemetery and lots for private homes. The first building and the attached parsonage were dedicated December 2, 1951, at a cost of $235,000.00 plus a lot of volunteer labor. The mortgage was totally paid off in 1955.

In the 1950s there would be 250-300 children enrolled in Vacation Bible School for a 3-week program. Members with hand freezers made ice cream for the free social following the final program. American Lutheran Church in 1953 hosted the Illinois District Convention with about 200 pastors and delegates attending. The ladies of the church served meals. The radio broadcast of our church service was started in 1952. Church records of the 1950s and 1960s show a constant problem of always dealing with the flat roof. Just 4 years after the church dedication in 1951, all flat roofs were replaced. Three years after the new church was built in 1966 flat roof areas were leaking. Permanent solutions have been taken, but troublesome areas remain.

On Palm Sunday of 1958, there were a total of 88 youth and adults confirmed, the largest group on record. In 1958 the reference to gender was eliminated when discussing the church vestry. In 1973 the board tabled an issue whether girls should be acolytes. Pastor Elmer Nelson became President (Bishop) of the Illinois District of the American Lutheran Church in 1960.
—Taken from Eldon Quick's presentation at the Choir Cantata

Pastor William Wittig served the congregation from 1960 to 1963. In 1965 a new church sanctuary was purposed with the 1951 sanctuary being converted to a chapel and Sunday School rooms. The cost estimate was $345,000. Ground breaking on May 2 took place with 3 of the oldest members present, Mrs. Nannie Coleman, Mrs. Wuebke Schluter, and Mrs. Kathrena Sjoken (only remaining charter member in the congregation).

On November 25th a windstorm collapsed 8 of the wooden arches and 7 of the freestanding walls. Since the wooden arches had to be rebuilt and shipped from the northwest, construction was delayed until the following spring. Pastor Langholz and his family moved into the new parsonage, which was dedicated on May 8 1967. The final construction cost of $427,757.00 did not include furnishings, lanterns, bell tower, and spire. Many members contributed toward special items. (A list is in the Narthex.) In 1968 Pastor Langholz began his battle with cancer, which took his life on May 11, 1971.

Pastor Remmers declined a call by the congregation on April 19, 1971, as did 2 more pastors. On June 20, Pastor Nelson, now District President, informed the congregation that if Pastor Remmers and his family arrived, there wasnt enough money to pay the movers. A monthly payment was scheduled and the movers agreed to unload the van. Pastor Remmers was installed on August 1, 1971.

At a time when we had a severe debt problem, pastor Remmers fist goal was to increase Sunday School attendance. A second service at 8 a.m. was added. In 1976 Pastor Dennis Meyer was installed as our first associate pastor. A Christian and Community Network (Channel 10 CNN-TV) was dedicated in 1978. Services were broadcast from the current Upper Room. A Nursery School was established in 1979.

When we celebrated our 50th anniversary on March 2, 1980, the mortgage was paid off 5 years early and was burned at the 10 o’clock service. Art Bartell declared, Holy Smoke, as the fire seemed to get out of hand.

Pastor Remmers served as Senior Pastor from 1971 until 1993 when his health became a factor. He served as Associate Pastor through 1995 under Pastor William Shields. Due to illness, Pastor Remmers retired in 1997. He continued to be a vibrant part of the Rantoul community. Along with Father Malinowski he was named Rantoul Co-Citizen of the Year. Pastor Remmers was called from this earthly home on February 1, 2005.
—Taken from Jack Spitz's presentation at the Choir Cantata

Pastor Shields served as Associate Pastor beginning in 1987 and became Senior Pastor in 1993 until 1997. Pastor James Walker was called as Senior Pastor in 1998 serving until 2001. Pastor Jeffray Greene accepted our call in October of 2004.

At the Choir Cantata, J.R. Sipes presented what American Lutheran meant to him and his family as a part of the military . First was friendship as he was made to feel wanted and needed. Second was support as he traveled in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Oklahoma; people from ALC continued to care. Lastly was security. Even serving on the church council and knowing some of the problems, the church was and is solid in its belief in God.

Pam Cheek talked at the Choir Cantata, about the many volunteers serving this congregation. The list is long and includes some as follows: church council, worship stewards, lectors, ushers, greeters, choir members, soloists, acolytes, sound and video operators, runners to take the tape to the radio station, counters of the offering, nursery, altar guild, Sunday School teachers, Bible Study leaders, parish nurses, W.E.L.C.A., 50 Plus, funeral meals, quilters, Children’s Christmas Party, confirmation mentors, and Vacation Bible School. There are many committees of volunteers in music and worship, building, youth board, preschool board, and the W.E.L.C.A. board. Work parties again bring volunteers! At this point the choir sang the anthem, I THANK MY GOD FOR YOU!

Early in 1931 American Lutheran Churches Luther League was formed but didn’t last. Again in 1936, with an earnest desire for the organization, regular meetings and outings were held. In August 1936, the youth had a redecorating of the auditorium project. They helped purchase a Hammond electric organ in 1938 and in 1939 purchased the outdoor-lighted bulletin board. One of the biggest events remembered under Pastor Nelsons leadership were the plays. Eventually the plays were moved to the Rantoul High School to accommodate the crowds.

The LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) is currently involved with the VBS, national conventions, conference meetings, annual ski trips, the Easter Sunrise Service and breakfasts, lick-ins, food drives, and service projects like the one planned in 2005 in Florida for hurricane victims.
—Taken from Tim Broekers report on the History of LYO at the Choir Cantata

History of Senior Pastors

History of Associate Pastors

Sons and Daughters of the Congregation having served, or serving in the ordained ministry

Presidents of the Congregation

History of Parish Workers

History of Interns

History of Interim Pastors

We pray that we will all continue to be open to the Lords plan for the future of American Lutheran Church and Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6