Our History

Christ’s Church in Sherman Center since 1855

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church & School has stood at Sherman Center since 1855 — not as a monument to human effort, but as a place where Christ Himself has gathered sinners to forgive, teach, and sustain them by His Word and Sacraments. From a small log church on the Wisconsin frontier to today’s congregation and day school, the Lord has continually “established the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

We are a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, confessing the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and holding fast to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. That confession has shaped this place from the beginning and still defines our preaching, teaching, worship, and school.

Frontier beginnings (1855–1902)

In 1855, German-speaking Lutheran settlers in the Sherman area organized a congregation and built a simple log church and parsonage. On August 5, 1855, they dedicated the church, celebrated their first baptism, and received the Lord’s Supper in this new place. A Christian day school began almost immediately; the pastor taught both in the classroom and from the pulpit.

Within a few years, St. John affiliated with the young Missouri Synod (then the “German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States”), publicly committing itself to confessional Lutheran doctrine and life. As the community grew, the original log structure soon proved too small, and in 1863 a 30×50-foot frame church was erected. The log church was moved and used as the school building.

St. John also became a mother congregation, sending members to form new churches in nearby communities. Over time at least three daughter congregations were planted in the surrounding area, including what would later become Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell.

The present church building (1902– )

By the end of the 19th century, the Lord had filled the church and school. With over 80 students in a single classroom and a growing membership, St. John resolved to build a new sanctuary. There was discussion about relocating to nearby Adell, but in 1901 the congregation decisively chose to remain at Sherman Center and build here. Members hauled more than 200,000 bricks by wagon from Boltonville — a 20-mile round trip over rough trails — doing much of the labor themselves.

The present brick church was dedicated on November 3, 1902. It measures roughly 44×74 feet and originally featured a 126-foot steeple and a tall, ornate altar and reredos. The cornerstone was inscribed with Psalm 90:17, a confession that the life of this place depends entirely on God’s favor and blessing.

Fires, trials, and God’s preservation

• During construction, a major lumber fire destroyed several wagonloads of building material.
• On Christmas Eve 1922, a kerosene chandelier crashed from the ceiling and ignited a fire just before services. Remarkably, no one was injured, and the fire was contained. Marks from that fire can still be seen on pews and flooring.
• Lightning has struck the tower, storms have battered the building, and yet the Lord has preserved the congregation and the ministry of the Gospel here.

From German to English, horses to automobiles (1900–1945)

For decades, services and school instruction were conducted almost entirely in German. In 1932, Pastor Edmund Huebner — then in his seventies — preached the congregation’s first English sermon. Over time English services increased while German services decreased. Through World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, the congregation continued to gather around Christ. Pastor Huebner served here for 45 years (1896–1941), shepherding the flock through massive cultural upheavals while steadfastly preaching Christ crucified.

Postwar growth and school expansion (1945–1980)

• A new brick school building was dedicated in 1949, replacing older wooden structures.
• A new constitution, regular Sunday School, and structured youth programs were developed.
• In 1955, for the 100th Anniversary, the chancel was remodeled: the pulpit was lowered, the altar repositioned, a communion rail added, and the sanctuary refreshed.
• In 1958, St. John entered a dual parish relationship with Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell, sharing pastors and working together in the Gospel for several decades.
• The 1960s and 1970s saw continued updating and building — a new parsonage, roof work, restroom additions, parking-lot improvements, and a major 1972 church renovation adding front and rear entrances and a second stairway to the balcony.
• In 1976, St. John became a member of the Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School Association, strengthening Lutheran secondary education for families in the region.

“Our Heritage of Faith”: 125th to 150th anniversaries (1980–2005)

• The pipe organ was rebuilt (1976), new classrooms were added (1981), and a school gymnasium with kitchen and lower-level classrooms was built and dedicated in 1991, greatly expanding ministry possibilities.
• A church library, an endowment fund for church-work scholarships, a Cradle Roll, lay-led ministries, and expanded youth and music programs were established.
• Women’s suffrage in congregational voting was adopted in 1986.
• A major capital campaign, LIFT — Living In Faith Together, was launched in 2000, funding the expansion and remodeling of the church narthex and accessibility improvements.
• In 1996, kindergarten was added to the school; early childhood programs followed later, reflecting a long-standing conviction that catechesis begins early.
• The congregation’s history was carefully compiled for the 150th Anniversary in 2005 under the title Our Heritage of Faith (1855–2005).

Into the 21st century: Word and Sacrament in changing times

In the early 2000s and beyond, St. John continued to adapt facilities and structures to support its mission: ongoing upgrades to school technology, security, and classrooms; support for missions at home and abroad, including short-term mission trips to places like Ecuador and Mexico; and expansion of congregational care ministries such as quilting, prayer shawls, assistance to the needy, and community outreach.

Like many churches, St. John faced disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Worship and school life had to adjust quickly; services were livestreamed, and families were supported through online devotions and resources. Yet even in that season, the Lord continued to gather His people by His Word.

St. John today

Today, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church & School remains what it has always been:

• A confessional Lutheran congregation gathered around Preaching, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Holy Supper of Jesus’ body and blood.
• A parish school where children are taught all subjects under the confession that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
• A community of sinners who live by the mercy of Christ alone and hand down the faith once delivered to the saints to the next generation.

Our buildings have changed, languages have shifted, technology has advanced — but the center has not moved. Christ crucified and risen is still preached here. Sinners are still baptized, absolved, and fed. Children still learn to pray, sing, and confess. Generations come and go, but the Lord continues to build His Church in this place.

Church Timeline

Before the congregation

• c. 1840–41 — A trader named Gregory builds a frame house and trading post on the Indian trail between Random Lake and Batavia; the area later becomes Sherman Center.
• 1854 — Land is deeded for “St. John Lutheran Church, Sherman Center,” preparing for a permanent congregation.

Founding & early years (1855–1901)

• 1855 — Log church and parsonage built at Sherman Center. On August 5, the congregation celebrates the Lord’s Supper, its first baptism, and the formal founding of St. John. A Christian day school begins in the same log building.
• 1857 — St. John joins the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States (now LCMS).
• 1863 — A larger frame church (30×50 ft) is built; the original log church becomes the school.
• 1866–1870s — Members living farther out are released to form daughter congregations in Cascade and Batavia.
• 1884 — A brick school building is erected across from the church.
• 1888 — A new parsonage is built west of the church.

The present church (1902–1939)

• 1902 — The present brick church is dedicated on November 3. The steeple rises about 126 feet, with Psalm 90:17 (“Establish the work of our hands”) on the cornerstone.
• c. 1903–1905 — The old frame church is moved and remodeled into the school.
• Early 1900s — A large bell (approx. 2,500 lbs) is installed in the tower; its inscription echoes Luke 2:14 in German.
• 1922 (Christmas Eve) — A kerosene chandelier falls and starts a fire shortly before services. No one is injured; burn marks remain visible on pews and floor.
• 1928–1929 — Electricity is installed in parsonage, teacherage, and church.
• 1932 — Regular English services begin; Pastor Edmund Huebner preaches his first English sermon at age 72.

Mid-century & centennial (1940–1959)

• 1941 — After 45 years (1896–1941), Pastor Edmund Huebner retires. His son Gerhard Huebner is installed as pastor.
• 1945 — 90th Anniversary service held August 26.
• 1949 — A new brick school is dedicated.
• 1952 — Rev. Edmund Zapf is installed December 7. A new English constitution is adopted.
• 1955 — 100th Anniversary: chancel renovation completed (pulpit lowered, canopy removed, altar moved back, new communion rail and carpeting). A centennial jubilee and historical pageant One Hundred Years of Grace are held.
• 1958 — Dual parish relationship with Emmanuel, Adell begins.

Remodeling, expansion, new ministries (1960–1990)

• 1965 — Church basement remodeled for Sunday School; garage added to teacherage; 110th Anniversary observed December 12.
• 1972 — Major sanctuary and exterior renovation: new front and rear entrance annexes, second stairway to balcony, blacktopped parking lot, full interior redecorating.
• 1976 — Pipe organ rebuilt, repaired, and cleaned.
• 1982 — Second large school addition completed; church governance restructured to include board chairs on Council.
• 1983 — Pastor Herbert Ries retires; Rev. Marvin Nicolaus serves as vacancy pastor. Cradle Roll established.
• 1984–1985 — Rev. Robert Lindau installed (1984). Church ceiling insulated, vents installed, sacristy updated, banner storage room added, first pictorial directory produced.
• 1986 — Women receive voting rights and eligibility for boards; greeters, Junior Choir, Youth Services, acolytes, and processional cross are introduced.
• 1987–1988 — Endowment fund for church-work scholarships established; church library organized; congregation’s name updated to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church; steeple repaired.
• 1990 — 135th Anniversary; new sound system installed and services begin to be recorded on tape.

Into the new century (1991–2015)

• 1991 — Cornerstone laid for a multi-purpose gymnasium with kitchen and lower-level classrooms.
• 2000 — LIFT capital campaign launched to fund the narthex addition and accessibility upgrades.
• 2002 — Dual parish with Emmanuel Adell formally dissolved. On November 3, the 100th anniversary of the present church building is celebrated.
• 2003 — Deacon Greg Laska is ordained and installed as pastor of St. John.
• 2004–2005 — Narthex addition with Friendship Room, bathrooms, and lift completed. 150th Anniversary of the congregation celebrated; Our Heritage of Faith history published.
• 2010–2013 — Annual Church & School Auction and other fundraisers develop into major support for ministry; mission budget restructured to monthly emphases.
• 2015 — Security system installed at the school and library remodeled into a conference/study room.

Recent years (2018–present)

• 2018 — All-School Reunion held August 25; part-time Technology Coordinator hired to assist with church and school tech.
• 2020 — Parsonage sold; COVID-19 pandemic forces temporary suspension of in-person services; worship and Bible study move online; the carillon is replaced.
• 2025 — St. John celebrates 170 years of Christ’s faithfulness, 1855–2025, with Word, Sacrament, and thanksgiving.

School Timeline

Beginnings in the log church (1855–1880s)

• 1855 — A Christian day school begins as soon as the log church is built; the pastor serves as both preacher and teacher.
• 1863 — The new frame church is built; the original log church is moved and used exclusively as the school building.
• 1867 — T. J. Brater becomes the first resident teacher, serving until 1873.
• 1884 — A new brick school building is constructed across the road from the church.

Consolidation, growth, and a new school (1890–1949)

• Late 1800s — Enrollment grows, eventually reaching over 80 pupils in one room by the turn of the century.
• 1936 — Teacher Carl Peters retires after 46 years of service; Teacher Elmer Mueller succeeds him and adds 8th grade to the curriculum.
• 1944 — With teacher vacancies at both St. John and Emmanuel, the congregations consolidate their schools and jointly call Teacher Edward Kurth.
• 1947 — The consolidation with Emmanuel ends and each congregation again operates its own school.
• 1948–1949 — The old school is torn down and a new red-brick school is built on the same site. Cornerstone laid October 31, 1948; dedicated October 2, 1949.

Postwar expansion (1950–1980)

• 1950s — Sunday School expands to cover Kindergarten through 8th grade; additional teachers called as enrollment increases.
• 1960 — Restroom facilities added in the church basement to support school and Sunday School functions.
• 1967 — The 1884 brick school across the road is removed to make space for parking.
• 1968–1970 — Additional teachers engaged; St. John joins the Random Lake hot lunch program.
• 1973 — First Sunday School Superintendent is elected.
• 1976 — St. John joins the Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School Association.
• 1978–1979 — Third full-time teacher added; Junior Handbell Choir and Grandparents’ Day begin.

Classrooms, gym, and early childhood (1981–2005)

• 1981–1982 — A major school addition of two classrooms and a full basement is constructed and dedicated August 29, 1982.
• 1983–1986 — Additional full-time teachers hired; classroom space reconfigured.
• 1991 — Cornerstone laid for a multi-purpose gymnasium with kitchen, fellowship space, and lower-level classrooms.
• 1995–1996 — Media Center built; Kindergarten formally added; Vacation Bible School begins.
• 2004–2005 — Narthex and Friendship Room addition improves traffic flow for school events. Preschool and Christian Child Care begin in Fall 2005, giving St. John a cradle-to-8th-grade Lutheran education path in-house.

Technology, security, 21st-century ministry (2006–present)

• 2006–2010 — Additional school roof repairs, thermostats, and structural upgrades completed; teachers integrate computers and updated educational materials.
• 2013 — Annual auction and pizza-sale fundraisers begin contributing significant support for the school’s budget and financial aid.
• 2015 — A security system is installed at the school; the old library is converted into a conference and study room.
• 2018 — All-School Reunion brings alumni back to Sherman Center; a part-time Technology Coordinator is hired.
• 2020 — During COVID-19, the school pivots to remote and hybrid modes while maintaining its confessional and catechetical core.