History:

A dozen families gathered and constituted St. John's Church in August 1862. Today, there are nearly 1,500 members. This growth, made possible over the past 150 years by thousands of active and dedicated church members, was inspired by five evangelical-minded men under the leadership of Rev. Kroehnke of Rock Run, Illinois. The fruits of their labors have far surpassed the bounds of their hopes and imagination. Known as the founders of the church, they were: J.J. Tschudy, a man of books and learning who was registrar of deeds for many years; John Kaderly and Peter Spahr, two Monroe tailors; Samuel Schneider, a harness maker; and Andreas Lanz. The five men were selected as trustees at the first organizational meeting, along with Mrs. Jacob Weber and Henry Walter.

The first church building, a little white frame structure, was dedicated on Aug. 31, 1862. It was constructed on the present church site for a cost of $400. Records show the first church meeting, however, was held two years earlier in the home of Andreas Lanz (corner of 17th Avenue and 12th Street) There are no pictures of this first church, but windows were arched and the first known decorations were oak leaves. Rev. Kroehnke and several guest pastors officiated at the dedication.The first Holy Communion was held in the church on that Sunday in August, and so was the first baptism. The baptized child was Samuel Schuler, who spent his entire lifetime as an active member of the church.