A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

German settlers, many who came from Cook and DuPage counties in northern Illinois, organized St. John's Lutheran Church on April 29, 1870. A constitution was adopted and the congregation affiliated itself with the United Synod of the Northwest. The charter members signing the constitution were: Fred Luhrsen, Fred Weber, F. Sandhagen, H. Lah, H. Volberding, John Schaefer, Henry Sprengel, Louis Lustfeld, William Poppe, Henry Krumwiede, Fred Engehausen, Henry Hartke, C. Wilkens, F. Rathe, W. Ahlden, L. Niemann, G. Jaster, August Gau, Carl Schuofft, Henry Hartke, Jr., and H. Waldschmidt.

The first church was built in 1870 on East Main Street at a cost of $1,800. Rev. R. Menk was installed as the first pastor in 1871.

On April 4, 1872, the congregation severed ties with the United Evangelical Synod and on April 14, 1873, Rev. S. Suess was installed as the first Lutheran pastor. On January 5, 1874 the congregation adopted a constitution in conformity with Lutheran doctrine and practice and for the first time the congregation became known as St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church of Buckley, Illinois.

On April 3, 1877, Pastor George Blanken began his thirty-year ministry in this community. During his pastorate the congregation continued to grow to such an extent that the first church could no longer accommodate the members. It was then that the congregation purchased the "Town Hall", located on the corner of Oak and South First Street at the cost of about $1800.00. This church was dedicated in December 1885.

The installation of Pastor Christian Braeunig took place on September 22, 1907, marking the beginning of a long and blessed ministry. After thirty-five years of faithful service he retired in the year 1942.

On May 21, 1916, the cornerstone was laid for the present church and on September 30, 1917, the present church was dedicated. After Pastor Braeunig's retirement, Pastor E. M. Goltermann was installed in May 1942. Under his pastorate the church numbered 1,039 souls, 778 communicants, and 202 voters.

On April 23, 1950, Pastor Walther Eissfeldt was installed and during his term of service, the LLL, PTL, and Sunday school were organized.

Pastors serving after Pastor Eissfeldt's departure in July 1960 included Pastors Fred Stennfeld, James Brammier, William Allshouse, Hugh McGhghy, Robert Smith, Gunard Heikkila, Mark Haller and Daniel Olson. Lay ministers Leonard Johnson and David Hagen also served the congregation. Rev. J. Kevin Wyckoff was installed on November 30, 2015, and is currently serving the congregation.