OUR HISTORY

In 1900, over a century ago, in Hanover it was chosen to be. Here sixteen chartered members met, made plans to build this church you see.

This meant hard work, but they had faith; Trees were cut and hauled to the mill. Many volunteers offered help  as they labored to do God's will.

In 1902, this church was dedicated and named St. Paul's. Here these German folks  and sang in their native tongue, dear to them all.

This old tradition, men on one side and the family across the aisle strange to us now, but so it was now history and quite out of style.

The Reverend William Beiswanger was called and accepted with prayer. In 1912 the school bell rang gathering the children on time. Now this bell rings in Memorial Camp in Onamia, they hear its chime.

On July first, the year 1923, twenty-three ladies organized to aid each other. They blessed the Lord, the community and many a child and mother.

In the spring of 1938 Pastor Beiswanger heard God call his name. His labors here on earth were through but fond memories still remain.

Reverend Otto Herder pledged to serve and in ernest worked with us all organizing our first Sunday School and a Luther League by fall.

The Junior Lutheran MIssion Band inspired many a young heart to think beyond the river and the sea and of their blessings to give away a part.

The old pump organ, having done its part, was now replaced with pipes and chimes. In 946 the plain glass windows disappeared, replaced with symbols of Bible times.

Working, praying and time for play with gatherings enjoyed by all that home-made sauerkraut and roasted pig was something to look forward to by fall.

Pastor Herder served until 1951, then Pastor Kaiser took his place. For fourteen years he preached the word relying on God's inner grace.

In 1965 Pastor Larry Koehn led our way  And earnestly 'mongst young and old, set an example for each day.

In 1972 our church again asked the Lord for leadership Godly and through God's love and love for man Wendell Shiell shared his life and family.

After many years of growth and change, old buildings fell and new ones rose. The parsonage lived on as bricks in the library and the old school moved to Rockford.

In 1995, another crossing was faced as our pastor went on to bigger ministry. God answered one more prayer by grace, sending us Pastor Paul and Jane Anne Settergren.

In 2000 St. Paul's family grew quite large, an addition was put in place. Sunday school rooms to hold each and every face.

In 2003 Pastor Settergren left St. Paul's to lead a new congregation in doing God's work.

Pastor Estenson accepted our call, joyful we are to have a man of God who blesses us all.

In 2006 Associate Pastor Kathryn Zurcher came to work with the youth in leading them to Christ.

St. Paul's membership of today stands now above nine hundred. Hundreds have confessed their faith in God, Thousands baptized and become his kindred.

The old bell in the steeple still rings sending out a message so clear. Listen - can't you hear it beckoning? Come...God loves you! You're welcome here.