Our History

FIRST AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

OUR HISTORY

In the fall of 1873, Pastor Charles Lieb (1874-1875), a traveling missionary, came to Oconto for the first time. He discovered that the Evangelical Lutherans in the community were worshipping with a Methodist congregation served by a pastor from Green Bay. When Pastor Leib offered to establish a Lutheran congregation here, the Lutherans gratefully accepted his offer and called him to be their pastor.

The Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel's congregation was formally organized on January 1, 1874. A parsonage was purchased for the pastor’s residence, and also for a place of worship. On November 22, 1874 the first church building was dedicated - a modest frame structure, thirty feet by forty feet

Pastor Lieb stayed with the congregation until 1875. Pastor W. Buehring (1875-1879) followed. During his tenure, the Evangelical Lutheran Christus congregation of Pensaukee was organized, which he also served.

Pastor C. W. Allbrecht (1879-1881) was followed by Pastor H. Burnmann (1881-1884), who was followed by Pastor G.F. Keller (1884-1886). Pastor Keller organized Evangelical Lutheran Zion congregation in Stiles.

After Pastor Keller’s death, Pastor C.M. Weltner (1886-1891) agreed to serve the congregation. In 1889, the first church building was partially destroyed by fire. The present brick structure, which still serves, was erected.

After Pastor Weltner accepted a call to Ohio, he was succeeded by Pastor John Luepke (1891-1892). Pastor Luepke’s health forced him to resign within they year. A call was then extended to Pastor Herman Eisenbach (1892-1933) of Van Dyne, Wisconsin

Up until this point, the worship services were German. In July of 1913, it was voted to hold one English service per month. In April of 1919, it was voted to have two English services and three German services a month.

Other changes appeared, as well. In 1921 the segregation of the sexes to opposite sides of the sanctuary was discontinued. In 1935, women were given the right to vote on all church matters, though they were not eligible to hold church office. A woman would not serve on the church council until 1973.

In July of 1930, the church was badly damaged by a roof fire. Worship was held at Trinity Lutheran Church until repairs could be completed.

After Pastor Eisenbach’s retirement, Pastor E.T. Reiff (1933-1941) of Wausau was called. On January 7, 1943, the congregation voted to use English at every 10:15 a.m. service, and German at every other 9:00 a.m. service.

On April 7, 1935, the congregation voted to change the name of the church from the Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel's congregation to “First American Lutheran Church.”

Pastor Reiff was succeeded by Pastor Herman Cronrath (1941-1945) of Nekimi, Wisconsin. Pastor Cronrath’s ministry covered turbulent years of World War II. After Pastor Cronrath left, there followed a frustrating period when several calls were extended and returned.

In the interim, Pastor Frank Zaiser (1945) of Marinette served the needs of the congregation..

Pastor Rudolph Huget (1945-1955) of Calgary, Canada became the twelfth pastor of the congregation. After Pastor Huget accepted another call, Pastor Frank Zaiser (1956) served briefly as the interim Pastor.

Pastor Ralph Hanusa (1956-1959) was followed by Pastor Wayne Keotz (1960-1961), who was followed by Pastor Leonard Domke (1962-1966), under whose leadership, plans were laid to build a new educational unit and parsonage. The old parsonage was sold in July of 1969 and moved off-site. The present parsonage was then built at a cost of $25,000 and dedicated on April 9, 1967 .

When Pastor Fredrick Mai (1967-1975) arrived, the congregation was poised for the most extensive building project to date--a new educational unit with classrooms, offices, kitchen, and lounge, nursery, and fellowship hall with gym facilities. An ambitious stewardship campaign was launched and, with a timely bequest from the Hattie Steer estate, the dream became a reality. The new building was dedicated on August 30, 1970.

Pastor Harold Aasland (1976-1987) Under Pastor Aasland’s guidance, the Bethel Series was started in 1980. This was an intense study of the Bible. Also, Lutheran Lay Renewal was introduced to our congregation. The front addition was added to our church.

Pastor Merle Ries (1988-1996). Pastor Jerry Kuehn (1997) served on an interim basis until Pastor DeBenedetto accepted the call

Under Pastor Richard DeBenedetto, our church became a teaching congregation. The Intern Program was started soon after his arrival and to date, eight interns have each left their mark on our church. Pastor Rick was the supervisor and mentor to each of them. A contemporary weeknight chapel service was started and is still going strong today. Traditional Sunday School was moved to Wednesday nights, with the new name of High 5 and a family meal being served before classes start.

Our congregation was forever changed when our office secretary’s life was taken tragically by her estranged husband in the educational unit of the church. Brenda Bradshaw was a beloved member of the church and active in the youth program. She will be sadly missed by all.

Pastor Mary Zupansic (2009 to present)

1874-1875

1874

1875-1879

1881-1886

1886-1891

1891-1933

1919

1921-1973

1930

1933-1941

1935