This information on the 75th anniversary of the town of Palmer was sent by Lee Himan. It was published as a supplement to the local newspapers in 1975.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer

On May 19, 1902, St. Paul Lutheran Church was organized in Palmer under leadership of Pastor William Weltner, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Lizard Township, Pocahontas County, Iowa. At this organizational meeting, enough money was subscribed to erect a church which, was dedicated on Nov. 17, 1902.
It was a group of 21 men with their respective families, totaling 84 persons, who brought about the organization. In this group of charter members were: John Ihnen, Karl Wiegert, Ontke Ihnen, Henry H. Peters, Enne Peters, Tjark Ihnen, Herman Beneke, D. G. Hartman, Heio Wiese, William Wiegert, Fritz Bruns, John Arends, Folkert Folkerts, John Nomann, Juergen Behrends, Henry Ihnen, Arend Arends, Christ Suhrbier, Garrelt Janssen, Christ. Ihnen and William Lage.
The first church served the growing congregation until it proved to be inadequate in size in 1939. In May 1939 the congregation decided that the church should be remodeled and enlarged with full basement. This building was dedicated on Nov. 19, 1939.

Pastors

Pastor William Weltner, while remaining pastor of St. John's Church in Lizard Township, served the new church until 1911 when members of St. Paul's church felt that they could support a pastor of their own. Pastor U. F. Groth then began his pastorate in Palmer in September, 1911, continuing until his death on June 28, 1932. From the latter part of October 1932 through October 1935, Pastor L. G. Hannemann served. He was succeeded in November 1935 by Pastor G. Wolf who remained until October 1938. Next to come was Pastor AJ. Lechner whose service continued until September 1945. Pastor A. G. Rausch arrived in April 1949 with interim pastor having been Pastor J. G. Baermann. Pastor R. Wagner assumed duties in October 1949, serving until July 1964. He was succeeded in September 1964 by Pastor M. Reitz who remained for five years when the present pastor, Pastor Richard Buchholz, came and was installed on Nov. 23, 1969.

Building Program

In 1967 the congregation acquired the former Methodist Church property which became known as St. Paul Lutheran Church Hall and, since 1970, served the congregation for Sunday School class room. Discussion took place concerning the possibility of repairing the old church at the congregation's annual meeting in 1972 and this was elected to study with C. I. Hersom Construction of Laurens. Iowa. possibilities for remodelling or a complete new structure. Remodelling was rejected and a new structure voted. A financial drive was conducted during July and August and the congregation voted on Sept. 29, 1972, to sign a contract for a new church and education unit with Hersom Construction. Base bid was $155,620.00.
Ground breaking took place on Oct. 22, 1972, and the concluding service in the old church was held on Feb. 25, 1973. This included confirmation of six young people, Kathy Foley, Brenda Hartley, Patty Ricklefs, Lavonne Widlund, Leon Aden and Dennis Hartman, and family celebration of holy communion. The next day volunteer labor from the congregation began to dismantle the building and by March 3 only the brick wall of the basement remained standing.
Worship and Sunday School were held in St. Joseph Catholic Church of Palmer during the interim of building. Weddings and funerals were conducted at St. John Lutheran, Lizard Town ship. On March 22. 1973, the work of construction of the new church began and the cornerstone was placed on July 1, 1973. Dedication took place on Nov. 18, 1973, at which time baptized membership totaled 361 persons of which confirmed membership was 282 persons.

 

Original document provided by Lee Himan
Transcribed by Tim Meyer
Posted online Pocahontas County IAGenWeb project-Aug 2020

:Last update:  15 Sep 2020