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St Paul United Church of Christ
History

 1890

1938

Today

The history of the present St. Paul Church of Barrington dates back to the period of the Civil War between the States.  In a time when most of the male members of the community were away from home, fighting for the preservation of the Union, their families friends who remained at home desired to be united in a church that would be founded along the lines of their religious tradition.

Is it not symbolic then, that the first function of a congregation organized in a time of war was the dedication of a cemetery, and that the building of a House of Worship was coincident with the cessation of hostilities?

The official record of what appears to have been the first regular meeting of the newly organized congregation gives the following data covering the initial steps in the organization. Following is a reproduction of the record as it appears in the original language: 

The Translated the record reads:

The first worship services were held in the public school building and in one or the other of the then standing local churches. The Methodist Episcopal and the Baptist churches had already been built.

The first pastor to serve the congregation was Pastor Alberti of Long Grove, who was succeeded by Pastor Bond of the Evangelical Church at Plum Grove. Both pastors continued in their own churches in addition to serving this congregation.

On February 13, 1865, it was decided to build a House of Worship. However, the original plan to build the church on the same plot of ground with the cemetery was abandoned when a more suitable location became available in the very wonderful gift of the renowned Pastor Hartmann who presented to the congregation the building lot, size 66ft by 180ft, on which the church now stands.

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General U. S. Grant at Appomattox and the Civil War came to an end. The returning soldiers soon found opportunity to take a hand in the building of the church. The Corner Stone Laying Ceremony was conducted by Pastor Bond on June 2, 1865, who also officiated later when the church was dedicated on a certain very rainy week day. 

The congregation now had it’s own church home. The next need was for a pastor who would live in Barrington and give his full time to the service of the new congregation. The first full-time resident pastor was the Rev. Mr. John Hunzicker, who began his local pastorate on November 19, 1865. He resigned the following year and accepted a call from the St. John's Evangelical Church, Plum Grove. It may be interesting to note that the fact that the congregation owned no. parsonage at that time, making it necessary for the pastor to rent a home, is given as the chief reason for Pastor Hunzicker's leaving. Apparently there were not many houses for rent in those days. 

There followed a rather difficult period during which the congregation was unable to secure a resident pastor. Services were conducted for a while by Pastors Hafenbrach and Hartmann, professors at Melanch thon Seminary, Lake Zurich, and by Pastor Alberti, pastor of the Long Grove Evangelical church. Melanchthon Seminary had in 1865 been purchased by the German Evangelical Synod of the Northwest and moved to Lake Zurich from Waukegan. The Seminiary was again relocated in 1869 when it was moved to Elmhurst, Illinois. It is now known as Elmhurst College. 

In the January, 1867 meeting of the congregation, it was decided to close the doors of the church for an indefinite period. Actually, the congregation remained inactive for a period of one and one-half years.

Pastor R. Krueger became this congregation's second resident pastor in August, 1868. He served until October of the following year, but returned after a few months' absence and served until October, 1870. 

And so the pages of this church's early history are replete with accounts of the difficulties under which our forefathers labored. Frequent changes in pastorates, the debt on the church building, and possibly the general unrest following the close of the Civil War combined to create many hardships. Valiant endeavors were made to retire the debt. Again and again the young congregation was urged to manifest its loyalty by contributing liberally to the debt fund. The determination was there that the church must live and prosper to the Glory of God and for the service of man! But the burden was great and progress but slow. 

The third resident pastor was a graduate of Melanchthon Seminary and candidate for the Christian ministry in the person of Rev. Mr. W. Huss. His very successful pastorate in which he endeared himself to the people, terminated in his untimely death on May 7, 1872. The congregation honored his memory in that it not only made itself responsible for the entire funeral costs but very generously continued his salary until October, 1872, paying the same to his bereaved widow. 

Pastor Gustav Koch became the fourth resident pastor on Aug 5., 1872. 

Congregational growth and advancement which first became noti eable during the previous pastorate continued definitely under the 1 dership of Pastor Koch. Three adjoining lots were purchased. A house standing on the new property became the congregation's first parsonage after an addition had been built to it. Also, a school building was built on a portion of the new property. The school was dedicated October 31, 1873. The congregation was now about ten years old. 

Pastor Koch left on August 5, 1877 after having served the congregation five years. 

Pastor C. W. Starck became the fifth resident pastor on August 8, 1877, but because of ill health he was forced to resign on October 10 of the following year, as was also his successor, Pastor Ch'. Mauermann, who served from October 13, 1878 to October 31, 1880. 

Pastor H. Gyr became the seventh resident pastor in November, 1880 and served until April, 1883. The congregation became debt free in March, 1882 when a final payment in the sum of $468.68 was made. 

Pastor E. Rahn became this congregation's eighth resident pastor on June 6, 1883. Material improvements on the church property and evidences of congregational growth and development during his pastorate are to be noted as follows: 

(a) In 1890 the old steeple was replaced with a new and larger one, and a church bell installed.

(b) A festive occasion was the celebration of the 25th anniversary. Anniversary services were conducted by the pastor with the assistance of the pastors Rahn of Niles, Michigan and Dorjahn of Plum Grove.

(c) A new parsonage was built in 1894 and dedicated in September of that year. It is interesting to note that the parsonage was not only paid for in full when built, but that a balance of $55.00 remained in the treasury after all bills had been paid. This parsonage still stands and is being used as s<uch, and remains in good repair. The original parwnage was moved to North avenue (then known as Hawley Street)

and still stands at 311 North Avenue.

(d) Organization of a branch church at Cary, Illinois. A church was built in 1890, but when in 1905 the church was destroyed by fire and it was found that because of the failure to renew insurance policies no insurance money could be collected, the congregation disbanded. 

Pastor Rahn resigned on September 26, 1897 after a very blessed ministry of fourteen years.

In 1895 the congregation changed its name by eliminating the word "United" from the name, "German United Evangelical St. Paul's Church." This action was in keeping with the policy of the German Evangelical Synod of North America, with which denomination the congregation had been affiliated from the time of its organization. 

On October 17, 1897, Pastor A. Menzel became this congregation's ninth resident pastor and served the church six years, until May, 1903. Again there is evidence of continued growth, also under the new pastorate. If such material improvements as the installation of running water in the parsonage and electric light in the church are mentioned, they are merely to be accepted as proof that a live and flourishing congregation existed, a congregation which has at all times been conscious of its own strength and anxious to keep abreast of the times. 

Upon the resignation of Pastor Menzel the congregation called Pastor G. H. Stanger to become the tenth resident pastor. He also served a six-year pastorate, namely until May 2, 1909. Under his leadership an attempt was made to organize a church choir. Indeed, a choir was formed, but continued in existence only about three years, so that we read the plaintive cry in the Golden Anniversary Booklet (1913) of how sorely a choir is missed in the worship services of the church. All generations of Christian congregations, it seems, have considered the ministry of music an essential part of the worship service of the church.

A reading of the official records of congregational meetings in the first decade of this century reveals a very simple but effective financial policy in practice at the time. It may be of interest to describe it here. The church, apparently did not believe in accumulating an indebtedness. Therefore something had to be done about it when year after year, the treasurer's annual report showed a deficit. Namely, report for 1902: Receipts, $748.73; Expenditures, $748.72; Balance in Treasury, $0.01; Unpaid bills, $55.00. Solution: Special Assessment per member $1.00 "extra." Report for 1903: Receipts, $808.24; Expenditures, $ 8 3 4. 75; Deficit, $ 2 6. 51. Solution: Special Assessment per member $1.00 "extra." Report for 1904: Receipts, $800.08; Expenditures, $915.16; Deficit, $115.08. Solution: Special Assessment per member $2.00 "extra." Report for 1905: Receipts, $1,023.19; (Note: An increase of about $300.00 in receipts for the year as compared with the report for 1902. Indicative of congregational growth, and very noteworthy!) BUT, Expenditures,1905, $1,113.48; Deficit, $90.29. Solution:

(a) Secretary instructed to prepare two lists. One list to include names of members who have voting privileges; the other, names of members who do not have voting privileges. (b) Special appeal to be addressed to all voting members who failed to meet their obligations in full for the year. (c) Failure to pay unpaid "dues" to result in forfeiture of voting privileges. (d) Special assessment per member: $2.00 "extra." 

Our fathers, it seems, knew how to balance the budget.

Further reading of the records of earlier years shows that although the congregation may have been bound by tradition in some things, there has, nevertheless, been a willingness to employ new methods and to reshape old policies in order to effect a more workable program for the church. We cite as an instance the fact that the women of the congregation were granted the right to vote in congregational meetings as early as January, 1906. 

Pastor Stanger left this church in May, 1909 and was succeeded by Pastor E. Wilking, whose pastorate began on June 15, 1909, and who became the eleventh resident pastor to serve the church. 

Material improvements to the church property were effected during this pastorate, chief among which is recognized the building of a basement under the church. The building was set back twenty-five feet and was raised four feet. The renovation service was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1910. It may be of interest to note that one of the officiating clergymen at this event was Pastor J. H. Ellerbrake, father of the present pastor of the church. Numerous other improvements date from this period, namely, the installation of stained glass church windows in 1911, the wiring of the parsonage for electric light in 1912, addition of a porch across the entire front of the parsonage in 1913, and many others. 

When in the fall of 1913 this congregation celebrated its Golden Jubilee it was reported that during the first fifty years of this congregation's history, the following "official acts" had been performed by the various pastors: Baptisms, 1,427; Burial, 490; Marriages, 254; Confirmations, 730; Communion services, 11,880 guests. 

The congregation was still a predominately German speaking fellowship. Worship services were conducted solely in the German language. Confirmation instruction was given in German. In the year 1913 confirmation instruction was given in the English language for the first time. It will be interesting to recall in this connection what precautionary measures were instituted by our fathers of a quarter century ago, lest the English language become too popular, or shall we say, "too popular too quick." It has already been seen that our church leaders in the early 1900's had their own very effective financial system which sought, and achieved, a balancing of the budget after each annual deficit. Apparently the services of the same financial genii were sought when the increasing demand for the use of the English language created a problem which could no longer be evaded. For, here was the solution: Any child demanding confirmation instruction in English should have his wishes granted, but at a cost to that child of $1.00 monthly, payable to the pastor. It is reported that the use of the English did not become "too popular too quick"! 

Pastor Wilking announced his resignation at the annual congregational meeting, January 12, 1915, terminating a very successful ministry of about five and one-half years.  Pastor Herman Tietke became the twelfth resident pastor, beginning his years of service in April, 1915. With the beginning of this pastorate the start was made, too, with reference to English worship services on a regular schedule. The congregational meeting of January 13, 1916 decided that English worship services should be held on the last Sunday of every month. 

The congregation continued to grow in membership. The church property, including the parsonage, church and cemetery was improved from time to time, and hardly an annual meeting passed that failed to vote an increase in the pastor's salary. The janitor and organist likewise shared in the general affluence of the congregation. 

A building program which finally culminated in the rebuilding of the church edifice in 1922 was in the "discussion stage" as early as the spring of 1919. The growing church needed a larger church home.

The various organizations of the church, namely, the women's organization, Young People's Society, and Men's Brotherhood functioned actively in the interest of the church and agitated in behalf of an enlarged and more adequate church building. 

The work of rebuilding the church was finally undertaken in the year 1922 and when the dedication service was held on August 6, 1922, the congregation had the additional pleasure of installing a two-manual pipe organ, the gift of the Young People's Society. There remained a debt against the church in the sum of $1,500.00. 

Pastor L. Kleeman became the thirteenth minister to serve this church on June 19, 1923.

The inevitable transition from the German to the English language became more pronounced when in the spring of 1923 it was decided to have a Sunday evening service once each month, the same to be conducted in the English language. The minutes of the annual congregational meeting of January 13, 1924, were the first to be written in English. Minutes of all succeeding meetings have been written in that language. 

The congregation has through the years taken an active part in the life of the community, trying with the help of God and in cooperation with other churches to build a community life founded upon Christian principles. This church has since 1928 supported with financial aid the teaching of courses in Religious Education in the public schools of Barrington. 

Poor health caused Pastor Kleeman to resign on August 28, 1928. He was succeeded by Pastor Hermann E. Koenig who became this congregation's fourteenth resident pastor on November 26, 1928 and continued as such until May 31 of the Diamond Jubilee year. 

During his pastorate, vast improvements were made in the organization and administration of the church, and under his leadership, the congregation was able to pass through the trying years of the economic depression. Salary increase for pastor, janitor and organist continued well into the depression period, and it was not until 1932 that a definite retrenchment program was inaugurated. Valiantly the congregation, church council and pastor put forth every effort to economize. The official records from this period tell the tale. Time and again the familiar phrase is heard: "Motion was made to pay the bills when the money is available." Salaries were reduced. Then salaries were fixed at definite figures with the note appended: "with bonus, if possible." The WILL to do was there, but only with fear and trepidation did one trust his ability to do. 

In 1930 the name of the congregation was changed to "St. Paul Evangelical Church of Barrington, Illinois." Significance of the change was that the word "German" was dropped from the original name. In the meantime the congregation since January, 1929 had been having English services on every Sunday, and German services on the first and third Sundays of every month. The German services were held after the English worship hour. Later the schedule was again changed to allow for three English and one German service every month" 

A new choir loft was built in 1934, the same being the last change to date in the structure of the building. A choir, for which there was such a stirring appeal made in the Golden Anniversary Booklet, has been in existence since the early 1920's. Mr. A, L. Wiedenbeck was the leading spirit in the founding of the choir and served as its director for ten years or more.

Since 1935 there has been in effect a summer schedule of services whereby the Sunday school and congregation meet for the combined service at ten o'clock. These combined services are held during the months of July, August and September. 

A Kingdom Service Committee whose chief function it is to supervise and encourage the congregation's support of charitable causes at home and abroad was formed in 1936. A year later the Constitution of the church was formally amended to provide for such a committee as a regular agency of the church. The committee also assists the pastor in the development and up-building of the congregation. The committee consists of twelve women who must be members of the congregation.

To date no woman has served as a member of the church council, the official board of the church. From this fact we are not, however, to conclude that the congregation is lacking in the true democratic spirit, or that there is in any sense of the word, any discrimination against either sex in any department of the church's work. The fact is that the women of the church were asked in the annual meeting of January 5, 1936 if they would like to elect one or more of their number to the church council. This question, incidentally, arose on the thirtieth anniversary of the granting of voting privileges to the women of the church. In true humbleness of spirit rather than out of a desire to avoid the acceptance of the consequent responsibilities, the ladies declined the offer to serve as Church Council members which was made in the January 5, 1936 meeting. The fact has been established, however, that any member in good standing, regardless of sex, is eligible to hold the office of a council member. 

A report offered to the congregation in a meeting on May 19, 1936 showed a remaining church debt in the sum of about $375.00, with the congregation facing the necessity of making various costly repairs to the church property. The congregation authorized the pastor to personally attempt the collection of sufficient funds for the purpose of "clearing up the present debt and to make necessary repairs." "The balance, after payment of bills incurred, of the amount pledged was to enter the Building Fund" (quoted from the official records). 

About this time, or while the collection of funds for debt liquidation and repairs was in progress, and the minds of the people were directed to the urgent need for repairs to the church building now seventy-one years old, certain definite interest became manifest among the members of the church in behalf of the building of an addition to the church and the rebuilding of the church proper. The need for additional rooms and more space for Sunday School purposes, as well as for a larger room for social gatherings and fellowship functions were the main consideration. At a meeting held September 22, 1936, plans for such an addition to the church building were presented before the congregation. The congregation thereupon authorized the sale of bonds in the sum of $12,500.00 for the purpose of financing the building of the proposed addition. Apparently anticipating the possible failure of this venture, however, the same meeting authorized the church council to make whatever immediate repairs seemed necessary "should the bond sale be unsuccessful." 

The repairs were made. 

The report is entered into the records that there did not seem to be sufficient interest in behalf of the building of so costly an addition to the church, The building, dedicated in 1865, at the close of the Civil War, has after all served a full period of usefulness, and served it well. A growing sentiment in the congregation, recognizing the doubtful wisdom of spending a large sum of money upon the old building, seemed to favor investing the money in an entirely new building, or in what would be the first unit of a new building, And so the congregation began to mark time, With the dream of a more adequate church home constantly before it, and in the knowledge that that dream must one day became reality, the congregation entered its Diamond Jubilee Year.

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