June 10,1849 - August 10, 1849

      On June 10, 1849 a handful of German Protestant Christians of St. Marys organized the "German Evangelical Protestant Congregation of St. Marys, Ohio" under the leadership of the Reverend Adolph Conradi who was then pastor of the St. Peter's Congregation in New Bremen, Ohio. According to a report made by Rev. Mr. Conradi to the Joint Synod of Ohio (now a part of the American Lutheran Church) the congregation consisted in the beginning of about thirty families. This congregation was destined to become the mother of the two fine, strong, congregations now known as "The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church" and "St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church", respectively. By an act of the State Legislature this congregation was incorporated in 1850 and the certificate of charter was granted. 

 Apparently the purpose for the founding of this congregation was twofold: (1) to provide a means of worship for German-speaking people and (2) to provide the type of religious liberty that the founders sought in coming to America from Germany. Fearful of ecclesiastical tyranny the Congregation was organized independently of any denominational affiliation.

      However, the first constitution provided for the preaching of the Word of God according to the interpretation of the Augsburg Confession (the doctrinal basis of the Lutheran Church) and the first three pastors to serve the congregation from 1849 to 1852 were affiliated with the Lutheran Church. After the death of Rev. Adolph Conradi on August 10, 1849.

  1850 - 1852

The Rev. August B. Gockelen, an ordained member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania, was extended a call to the pastorate of the new congregation with the understanding that he was to begin his work here on the last Sunday in January, 1850. It seems that his address was Wapakoneta, Ohio, and that the church in St. Marys was one of three churches served by him. His resignation was accepted on May 2, 1852.

1852 - 1853

           For a period of one year the congregation was served by Pastor Adam Henry I Siebel of St. Peter's Church in New Bremen, for a consideration of $100.00. He conducted services every two weeks from May 1 to November 1 and every third Sunday from November 1 to May 1.

           When, as was natural, and in accordance with the provisions of the constitution these pastors stressed the doctrines of the Lutheran Church it became evident that there were two distinct doctrinal tendencies within the membership. Thus the early history of the congregation is a history of controversy made inevitable by the lack of agreement on what doctrinal position, if any, should be held by an independent congregation

1852 - 1853

         On May 15, 1853, the Rev. J. E. W. Allardt was called to the pastorate of the church for a period of one year. In those early days the congregation elected its pastor for a one year term, subject to reelection each year. By way of contrast to his predecessors he was strongly Calvinistic in his religious views and thus gave expression to the convictions of those members who were not ready to accept the emphases of the Augsburg Confession without reservation. It is reported that he was an effective preacher and that his ministry was crowned with success. Apparently he was the first minister of this congregation to reside in St. Marys for the duration of his ministry. Although there is no available record of his resignation there is evidence that his ministry was terminated during the year 1861. 

Joseph E. W. Allardt

Born September 3, 1810 Stadtkreis Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany

Died 1895 (aged 84-85) Illinois, USA

Burial Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA

Wife Sofia Furst Allardt 

Born may 10, 1827 Utweiler, Saapfalz-Kreis, Saarland, Germany

Died 1884 (aged 56-57) Deerfield, lake County, Illinois, USA

Burial Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA

Children 2

Minna S. Allardt 1863 - 1914

Charles Jacob Allardt 1870 - 1933

1862 - 1964                                                          

 A call was extended to the Rev. J. Bundenthal, who began his ministry to the congregation on February 6, 1862. His call, a copy of which is still extant, obligated him to "provide the congregation with the preached Word of God, expounding the same pure and unadulterated, as it is believed, confessed, and taught by those holding the faith set forth in all the symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2 Tim. 2:15" and to "administer the Holy Sacraments according to the institution of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in conformity to the established form and usage of the Evangelical Lutheran Church". It seems that Pastor Bundenthal was true to the letter of his call. He stressed the doctrines of the Lutheran Church so uncompromisingly that the tension within the congregation grew and eventually culminated in the division of the congregation in 1864. An agreement was reached whereby the Independent Church retained the church property and the Lutheran group kept the cemetery on South Main Street.

 Pastor Bundenthal, who continued as pastor of the Lutheran group, retained the records of the early church and we herewith express our appreciation to the Zion Lutheran Church of this city for granting us access to the records for information relative to the founding of the original church. 

Rev. Johannes Bundenthal 

Born December 3, 1824 Germany

Died April 3, 1905 (aged 80) St. Louis County, Missouri

Burial Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, Augusta, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA

Wife

Clara Minnie Herbst Bundenthal 1852 - 1922 (Married 1867) 9 Children

May 1864 - October 1865

 The first task which confronted the congregation was the election of a pastor. On the 15th of May, 1864, the consistory submitted the names of two candidates to the congregation for election, namely the Rev. Ferdinand Weisgerber and Frederick Nestman. There were thirty one votes cast, of which thirteen were for Rev. Weisgerber, and eighteen for Rev. Nestman, as a result of which the consistory sent a call to Rev. Nestman. 

 He arrived in Saint Marys on the 29th day of May of the same year, and was formally installed by the Rev. Mr. Heise of New Bremen, who unselfishly showed many kindnesses to this congregation Rev. Nestman's pastorate lasted only about one and a half years, closing in October 1865.

  In this short time he accomplished several important things. He abolished the Augsburg Confession, and introduced Prof. Dr. Schaff's Catechism of Christian Doctrine. Dr. Philip Schaff was. professor of Theology in Mercersburg Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, located in Mercersburg, Pa. from 1844 to 1865. It was Rev. Nestman, then, who first planted the seed of definite Reformed Doctrine into the life of the young congregation, and the planting of this seed has not been without fruits and results. There was another achievement during the pastorate of Dr. Nestman, the organization of the "Frauenverein," the great woman's organization of the church, of which this history will speak later.

1865 - 1867

  On the 8th of October, 1865, the consistory submitted the names of three candidates to the congregation, of which Rev. John Grimm was elected for a period of one year, In those days the congregation voted upon the pastor each year. Rev. Grimm was re-elected for another year in July of 1866, but left the field in August 1867.

1867 - 1872

  On August 11th, 1867, the congregation voted on an offer which had been sent them from Rev. Wiehe to the effect that he would supply the congregation on trial for six months at a salary of $150.00 for that period of time. This offer was accepted, and Rev. Wiehe began a pastorate which continued for almost five years. The pastorate was marked by faithfulness on the part of the pastor in developing the spiritual as well as the temporal interests of the church. It was during this pastorate that the congregation showed a special growth.

George Wiehe (1817-1897)

Born: March 7, 1817; Braunschweig/ Brunswick, Prussia / Germany. Source: 1870 US Federal Census, 1880 US Federal Census

Died: 9 June 1897; Cincinnati, Hamilton County, OH at age 80. 

1873 - 1874

  In 1873 the Rev. N. Burkhart began a pastorate of one year. Although brief, this pastorate was not without splendid fruits. During this short time the church building underwent thorough repairs in the shape of a new roof, and interior redecorating. On account of the growth of the congregation a gallery was added to the interior of the church. It was during this pastorate that the congregation asserted its self-consciousness of growth by asking the Lutheran congregation to discontinue its services in the church building of the mother church. Thus the mother and daughter parted each one to grow in its own house of worship. To Rev. Burkhart belongs the credit of bringing the congregation upon a financial footing. During his pastorate the congregation began doing things, and has ever since continued doing things. 

1874 - 1875

            On November 25th, 1874, the pastorate Of Rev. Henry Krauss began and lasted one year. This annual election of a pastor resulted in such frequent changes that the expansion and growth of the congregation was constantly stultified. Under Rev. Krauss the matter of establishing a parsonage for the use of the pastor was taken up. A suitable house was purchased by the congregation and remodeled and improved by the Frauenverein. 

March 1876 - July 1877

            In March 1876, after a vacancy of several months, upon the recommendation of Rev. Burkhardt, a former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Rehsteiner was called to the pastorate of the congregation. Rev. Rehsteiner, like his predecessors, was installed by the Rev. Heise, of New Bremen.

  The pastorate lasted until July 1877. It seems as though under this pastorate the congregation did not grow, for they were not able to make up his salary, and he left with a claim against the congregation for back salary. After he left the congregation was vacant for about nine months, during which time repeated efforts were put forth to secure a pastor but without results. It seemed as though at this stage of the history of the congregation the dark cloud of discouragement hovered over the little flock, and one difficulty brought on another.

April 1878 - 1880

 On April 14th, 1878, the Rev. C. Schultz, of Marietta, Ohio, came to begin a pastorate which lasted until early in 1880. Again during this pastorate the money question was the issue of the day. Serious difficulty was again experienced in making up the salary. Upon suggestion of the pastor an assessment was placed upon each member, amounting to four dollars per year, but even this arrangement seemed to be a failure. After Rev. Schultz left there were many who questioned the advisability of continuing the congregation, and before another pastor was called the Consistory was authorized to canvas the congregation to ascertain the possibility of supporting a man.

July 1880 - March 1881

  Just as the congregation was about to disband, a certain Rev. Yelden came forward and offered his services, to the little flock without a definite guarantee of salary. He was installed by Rev. Buerkle of New Bremen. After he had served the congregation for nine months, both he and the congregation realized their mistakes, and he refused to serve any longer except the congregation promise to pay him $500.00 per annum. This the congregation felt unable to do, consequently Rev. Yelden's service ended in March of 1881.

1881 - 1884

      Now came a dark period in the history of the congregation. Effort upon effort was made to secure a pastor, but in vain. A certain Rev. Boetz, who before this had often helped the congregation secure a pastor, was again appealed to, but without results. All the previous pastors had been either of no denomination, or Of the Evangelical Synod of North America. Even though discouragement prevailed in general in the congregation, yet there was a nucleus that was hopeful of better days. During this time the Rev. Peter Greding, D. D., pastor of the First Reformed Church of Lima visited the little congregation several times. During these visits he did much to encourage and comfort the people, and upon his recommendation a call was extended to Rev. Heberle, a Reformed pastor in Kenton, Ohio, who accepted the call, which at that time and under prevailing conditions was a rather heroic thing to do. 

1884 - 1886

Rev. Joseph Schaatz was elected to the pastorate on the 31st of August, 1884, and began his labors immediately upon the removal of Rev. Heberle. Rev. Schaatz was a minister in good and regular standing in the Reformed Church in the United States. It is especially noteworthy that he was born and reared in an orthodox Jewish home, and is to be admired for the great sacrifice that he brought in becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

  His pastorate was crowned with success from the beginning to end. It was this converted Jew who first taught the congregation not to live for itself but for others as well. It was he who celebrated the first Mission Festival and lifted the first offering in the history of the congregation for benevolent purposes. The congregation had already existed for twenty-nine years, and never in the financial reports is there mention made of anything being sent away for the Kingdom of God at large until this messenger of Christ came. It is no wonder to the writer that in all the previous years the blessings of God did not visibly rest upon the congregation, for "a life that does not live for the world is dead in the world."

1886 - 1899

Rev. C. Badertscher began his pastorate on the 1st of October, 1886. He served the congregation until December 24th, 1899, namely thirteen years and three months, the longest pastorate in the history of the congregation. Rev. Badertscher, who is spending the evening of his life in St. Marys, told the writer in his congenial way of the beginnings of his work in this congregation. He had been serving a small Reformed congregation in the city of Findlay, but had been residing on his farm near Bluffton, Ohio, when Rev. Dr. Geding of the First Reformed 'Church of Lima challenged him in the name of this congregation to consider coming to St. Marys. He then visited in St. Marys and filled the pulpit of this church, but found that another minister had done likewise, and the congregation had already encouraged the other man to consider coming. The consistory decided, however, to place the name of Rev. Badertscher before the congregation also, resulting in his election. He states the election was a surprise to him, and at first he thought of declining, because it meant leaving the farm in which he was at that time very much interested. Then also some of the members of the church discouraged him, stating that sooner or later the congregation was doomed to disband. After carefully considering the whole matter, he decided to accept the call, and began his work here. He states having tried everything to encourage the disheartened congregation. 

1900 - 1913

Rev. P. S. Kohler, of the Reformed Church of Crestline, Ohio, was elected to the pastorate of Saint Paul's on the eleventh day of February, 1900, and began his work in the congregation on May 1st, 1900. The people were very anxious to make the advent of their new pastor as encouraging as possible, and therefore before his coming the interior of the church was redecorated, the old high pulpit was replaced by a new modern one, and the constitution of the congregation was thus revised and amended to agree to the letter to the prescribed constitution for any congregation of the Reformed denomination. Rev. Kohler's pastorate was one of thirteen years and proved a blessing to the congregation. During this time the membership was considerably increased, and the salary was increased from $700.00 to $1000.00, per annum. 

1913-1921

         The pastorate began November 1st, 1913. Early in the summer of 1913 the clerk of the Consistory wrote to Rev. F. H. Rupnow, at that time pastor of the Zion Reformed Church in Detroit, Michigan, asking him to supply the pulpit some time during the month of August. The 17th day of August was fixed and it was according to the thermometer one of the hottest day’s mankind has ever been called upon to endure. The writer expected a city mid-summer attendance but was agreeably surprised at the large enthusiastic Sunday school, and the very well attended services both morning and evening. He regretted, however, the inadequate equipment of the congregation, but felt convinced that such an enthusiastic band of people possessed the capability of remedying the inadequacy of equipment. The cordial hospitality of the people on that hot August day in the year 1913 will never be forgotten, and after six years of association the sincerity of this hospitality has become permanently established. A formal unanimous call was extended the writer about Sept. 1st, which after careful consideration and against the wishes of the Detroit Congregation he accepted. During the summer 1913 the congregation extensively improved the parsonage and equipped it with a hot water heating system, the total aggregating about $1200.00. 

1921-1927

 The Rev. Walter S. Rickard served St. Paul's church from 1921-1927. Be came to St. Marys from Sandusky, Ohio. During his pastorate the Endowment Fund was created. A motion by Mr. William Brodbeck, seconded by Mr. Theodore Siewert, the congregation voted to set aside $200.00 to establish this fund. Only the interest was to be used for carrying on the regular work of the church.

  The 75th anniversary of the church was celebrated. Former pastors Kohler and  Rupnow were present for the festivities. 

 In May of 1924 the congregation voted to erect a new parsonage where the vbrick church had stood. It was dedicated September 30, 1925. Gradually from 1914 until 1926 the worship services were changed from all German to all English. The church school had converted to English earlier. The chimes were presented to the church by Mr. Albert Herzing in memory of his wife in 1927.

 Rev. Walter S. Rickard was called to a church in Cleveland, Ohio in 1927. The congregation is indebted to him for his fine leadership during a difficult period.

1927-1932

  The Rev.  Harvey Burkett served our church from 1927 to 1932. Be came to St. Paul's from Indianapolis, Indiana. The congregation was coming off an expansion and making adjustments. In April of 1929 a plan was devised by the Consistory to free the congregation from the indebtedness it had incurred. Two thousand dollars was raised. It was very fortuitive that this occurred just previous to the beginning of the great depression. The constitution was revised during this period. The Rev. Mr. Burkett moved from St. Marys to a calling in Missouri. 

Rev. Harvey R. Burkett Born January 8, 1887 Died October 8, 1947 (Aged 60)

Burial Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Wife Elizabeth Jane Delbridge Burkett Born 1888-Died 1974 Married 1919

1932-1945

        The Rev. George P Kehl came to St. Marys from Indianapolis, Indiana. Be served here from November 1st, 1932 until March 1, 1945. The church's accomplishments under his ministry are many and varied. A mid-winter communion service was instigated and

then pew communion was administrated to more easily served the growing membership.

By vote of a small majority, Sunday evening services were discontinued in 1933. This had been a contentious subject for some time.

 With the merger of the Reformed and Evangelical churches into the Evangelical and Reformed Church the congregation voted to change its constitution to that name. They did not officially become a member of that denomination, however.

 In 1936 The sanctuary was painted at a cost of $1500 and necessary repairs brought the total project to $3000. The women then decorated the basement. The men built a stage in that area, too.

 Hearing aids were available in 1937 and the original amplification system was installed in 1939. That year also saw the beginning of St. Paul's bulletin to better inform the membership

of the activities of the church. In 1945 he was called to a church in Pennsylvania. He had served through a difficult time when about 130 young men and women had been called to the service

of their country. The vitality of the young people in the congregation promised much for the church. Benevolent given grew and in 1942 the church was able to pay its apportionment in full.

We are grateful for his ministry. 

 Rev. Kehl and his wife, Dorothy, had three children; Nelson, Lois and Cletus.

1945-1951   

        The Rev. John L. Schmidt was called to St. Marys from Nt. Tabor E & R Church in St. Louis on July 1, 1945. The president of Heidelberg College, Dr. Clarence Josephson, had served as interim for 4 months. Local pastors participating in his installation were Rev. J. C. Melchert of St. Paul in New Bremen, Rev. D. A. Bode of New Knoxville, Rev. George Diehm of Kettlersville, Rev. Reinhard  Wobus of Sidney and Rev. R. J. Loew of Wapakoneta. 

 A constitution was adopted for the church school in 1945. A worker's Conference and a Board of Christian Education were established to aid the church school. They met monthly for inspiration, training and to plan for the church school. A printed order of worship was instituted for services. A new constitution was drafted for the congregation in 1947. Men and women were coming home from the service to start families, begin careers and go to college. The attendance swelled. To welcome the many service men and their wives back to the community, a Young Adult Club came into being in February of 1946 to undergird the work of the church and to provide fellowship for that group for many good years. A beautiful outdoor bulletin board was erected in the memory of those who lost their lives in the service of their country.

1951-1956

        Charles Schwantes was born January 16, 1908, on a Wisconsin farm, the 8th of 9 children.  At the age of 15 he withdrew from high school, went home and told his parents what he had done, to their surprise, he announced he was going to Elmhurst Academy and College and then to Eden Seminary to become a minister. Summers  were spent working on the farms of his three brothers.

  His last year in seminary he was sent to intern at a 2000 member congregation in Cincinnati where most of his time was spent conducting funerals for non-members who were complete strangers. This bad experience almost caused him to reject the ministry in order to find work that he felt made a real difference in people's lives.

  In those years new pastors did not choose their first parish. They were assigned to their first parish. When Charles learned he was being sent as pastor to students at the University of Missouri, his first feeling was one of panic. Be realized the narrowness of his education and how little he knew about all the fields of labor and concerns of the other people. That summer he began a life-long search for knowledge about all facets of life and thought. Be remained a scholar and searcher until the end; firm in his conviction that the gospel of Love must and can be applied to ALL of life.  Read more.

1958-1960

          Rev. Paul Schlueter was born in Cincinnati in 1908 to parents who had emigrated from Germany in 1884. He was the younger of two sons, Julius being 2 years older.

 Be attended the University of Cincinnati to receive a degree in engineering. When he accepted a call to the ministry, he enrolled at Mission House College (now Lakeland College) in Wisconsin to pick up the necessary liberal arts courses to be eligible to attend seminary.

  He enrolled in Central Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. This was a Reformed Seminary which then merged with Eden Seminary in the St. Louis area, so for two years he was on the St. Louis campus. In 1936 he accepted a call to St. Luke's E and R Church in Dayton. He was married to Anne by this time and it was while they were in Dayton that their two children David and Nancy were born. 

 From Dayton, he moved on to a church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he served from 1941-1958. The large city church established a second location in the suburbs while under his ministry. Be developed an under shepherd like program for members to minister to each other. St. Paul's called him to our parish in 1958, where he was our teacher and leader for two and one-half years.

  His next call was to Bellville, Illinois for 2 or 3 years. Then he returned to Ohio, to Trinity Church at Wooster. While the Schlueters were there Anne underwent several procedures to aid her weakening heart. She died following the last one. Anne had been Paul's "right hand man" and he was devastated.

1961-1976

 Rev. Howard Poetter was born October 11, 1921 in Henry County the son of Rev. John Henry and Amelia Poetter. He was a 1943 graduate of Heidelberg College and in 1946 he graduated from Eden Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. He was ordained a minister in the Emanuel UCC in Doylestown, where his father was a minister at that time. Prior to coming to St. Marys he served the Pilgrim UCC, Leavenworth Kansas and the St. Paul's Lebanon, Ill.

On June 7, 1952 he was married to Marietta Highley. They were the parents of four children, Anne, Karl, Tom and Vivian. Rev. Howard Poetter began his pastoral services at the St. Paul's

United Church of Christ on April 5, 1961. For his 25th ordination anniversary the congregation honored him with a party. Howard Schultz, president of the congregation gave him a monetary gift and Phil Maurer presented him with a citation in observance of his 25th anniversary and in appreciation of his service to the church. Rev. Howard Poetter expressed his appreciation and introduced his brothers and sisters and special friends.

1975-1978

          Just as 1999 marks and anniversary for St. Paul's it also marks the 25th anniversary for Sandy. She graduated. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, in June of 1974 and was called. to St. Paul's, St. Marys, as Associate Pastor in January 1975. With this call came the laying on of hands for ordination on April 20,1975 at her husband's church, St Luke's UCC, Dayton. 

 Sandy enjoyed a very enriching and fruitful ministry for more than 3 years at St. Paul's. She shared in the full range of ministry with a focused. attention in Christian Education and youth. She was associate at the time of Rev. Poetter' s death and assumed more responsibility for a time.

  In April 1978 her husband, Kenneth was called. to be pastor in Mt. Eaton, Ohio. Their first Child, Matthew, was born in June of that year. For the next several years Sandy did not serve a church full time, but devoted. her attention to her family. Drew was born in 1980 and Travis in 1982. She stayed active in the ministry by serving pulpit supply for pastors on vacation. In 1984 she began what was to be her specialized. ministry for 11 years, that of interim minister. She served 5 churches in Eastern Ohio Association as Interim minister as well as 4 months in the Eastern Ohio Association office. In July of 1995 she was called as pastor and teacher of St. Paul's U.C.C. in Bellevue, Ohio, where she currently serves.

1977-1985

         Rev. Dennis Snell was born April 25, 1939 in Akron, Ohio. He married Janice Carol Poole. They were the parents of two daughters Jennifer Lynn and Tonya Leigh.

  Dennis Snell graduated from the William R. Boone High School, Orlando Florida in 1957. From June 1957 to June 1961 he was in the Navy and worked as a Training Devices Technician. In 1964 he graduated from the Memphis State University with a degree in education. In 1971 he graduated from the Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma with a Masters in Divinity. Among the short courses he completed was a Bethel Bible Teaching Orientation completed in 1975. From September 1965 to June 1966 he was a Sixth grade teacher at Hinckley, Ohio. From June 1966 to December he was the Dean of Boys at the Masonic Home and School, Ft. Worth, Texas. He worked for the Presbyterian Children's' Home and Service Agency, Itasca, Texas from January 1967 to August 1968. From September 1968 to September 1969 he was a student Pastor at the First Christian Church, Luther, Oklahoma. While in seminary he was a resident pastor of a rural congregation of 120 members, the First Christian Church, Helena, Oklahoma. After graduating from seminary he became the pastor of the large Pilgrim Christian Church, Chardon, Ohio. On February 1, 1975 he became the associate pastor of the Saint John's Evangelical Protestant Church, Columbus, Ohio. 

1979-1980

 The Rev. Thomas Triebel was associate pastor at St Paul's United Church of Christ in 1979 and 1980. He was especially involved with the youth of the church. Be then became associate minister at First Federated Church in Peoria, Illinois, his home church. 

 He was killed in a bicycle-automobile accident on Wednesday, March 4, 1988. He is survived by his wife Karen, who was with him in St. Marys, and three daughters. As this is being written (may 1999), his widow is the principal of a Christian school near Peoria and his oldest daughter is graduating from high school.

Associate Pastor, 1981-1985

        Rev. Michelle Auger was born in Hartford, Conn. the fourth of five children. She received her bachelor' s degree in biology with certification to teach high school from Central Connecticut State College in 1971. She received her master of divinity degree in 1980 from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass. She was ordained in her home church by Andover Association, Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ. She is a composer and guitar teacher. 

 Rev. Michelle Auger was installed as the associate pastor of St. Paul's on October 11, 1981. The main thrust of her position was to manage the youth program. She shared the pastoral duties of visiting and preaching. She prepared church callers under the "Reunion" program. In 1985 she was called as senior pastor of the United Church of Christ in Payne, Ohio.

Rev. Nathan Wierwille

Interim

1986, 1992 - 1993, 1989-1999

Nathan Wierwille was born near New Knoxville, Ohio, on September 12, 1918. Be attended Elementary and High School in the village schools. He graduated from Lakeland College at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He then graduated from The Mission House Theological Seminary at the same place. He was ordained to the ministry of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1943. This same year on August the 22nd he and Elmeda nee Fledderjohann were married.

 Rev. Wierwille served the following churches:

             First UCC in Bremen IN

             St Paul UCC in Bourbon IN from 1943-1947.

            St John's UCC Archbold OH from 1947-1966. During this time a 
             new church edifice along with an educational building and
             parish hall were built.

             St Paul UCC in Cincinnati OH from 1966-1984. 

             Upon his retirement he was named Pastor Emeritus.

 Rev. Wierwille served several years as vice-president of the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

 He served for 21 years on the Lakeland College Board of Trustees and was named Trustee Emeritus after his retirement from the Board.

 In retirement he served, Churches as an interim pastor.

 Three times be served St Paul's UCC in St Marys OH for a total period of 3 years (in 1986, from 1992-1993, and from 1998-1999) other churches blessed. By his interims were: Spencerville, Rockford, New Bremen, and New Knoxville churches. 

Rev. Nathan Wierwille was born September 12, 1918 and died September 7, 2002. (Aged 83)

Married Elmeda Fledderjohann August 22, 1943 

She was born December 13, 1921, died December 13, 1994. (Aged 72)

Burial Pilger Rue Cemetery, New Knoxville, Auglaize County, Ohio, USA

1986-1992

         Rev. Carl Mohr was born in Wausau WI, the son of Rev and Mrs. John Mohr. He attended public schools at Stratford and Campbellsport, WI and received his bachelor's degree from Mission

House (now Lakeland) College. His theological training was at Mission House Seminary (now United Theological Seminary at the Twin Cities in MN). His first pastorate was a two point charge at Garner IA where a new church was built for a growing congregation. Next he served rapidly growing Trinity UCC in Deer Park in Cincinnati. Six years before it had been a mission church but by now had 600 members. During his ministry there a new sanctuary was constructed and the membership grew to 1200. Trinity established itself as a guiding force in the Deer Park community. 

 His next call was to David's Church in Kettering, a 142 year old church. Under his guidance the church made the necessary transition to serve the surrounding suburban community. The next call was to Kirk of Bonnie Brae in Denver CO for five years He began his final pastorate before retirement at St Paul's in 1986. 

  Following 40 years of service in parish ministry, Rev Mohr retired. His wife, Baa, the director of Christian Education also retired. In reflecting over the past they had this to say: "It was nice to walk down the street of town knowing faces and they knowing us." Rev Mohr said, "I appreciate the (Family and generational) stability and continuity of St. Marys and the receptivity of the people of St. Paul's." He said he appreciated the basic loyalty of the "solid core" of people in the local congregation. 

 Rev. Nathan Wierwille

Interim

1986, 1992 - 1993, 1989-1999

Nathan Wierwille was born near New Knoxville, Ohio, on September 12, 1918. Be attended Elementary and High School in the village schools. He graduated from Lakeland College at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He then graduated from The Mission House Theological Seminary at the same place. He was ordained to the ministry of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1943. This same year on August the 22nd he and Elmeda nee Fledderjohann were married.

 Rev. Wierwille served the following churches:

             First UCC in Bremen IN

             St Paul UCC in Bourbon IN from 1943-1947.

            St John's UCC Archbold OH from 1947-1966. During this time a
           new church edifice along with an educational building and
           parish hall were built.

            St Paul UCC in Cincinnati OH from 1966-1984. 

            Upon his retirement he was named Pastor Emeritus.

 Rev. Wierwille served several years as vice-president of the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

 He served for 21 years on the Lakeland College Board of Trustees and was named Trustee Emeritus after his retirement from the Board.

 In retirement he served, Churches as an interim pastor.

 Three times be served St Paul's UCC in St Marys OH for a total period of 3 years (in 1986, from 1992-1993, and from 1998-1999) other churches blessed. By his interims were: Spencerville, Rockford, New Bremen, and New Knoxville churches. 

Rev. Nathan Wierwille was born September 12, 1918 and died September 7, 2002. (Aged 83)

Married Elmeda Fledderjohann August 22, 1943 

She was born December 13, 1921, died December 13, 1994. (Aged 72)

Burial Pilger Rue Cemetery, New Knoxville, Auglaize County, Ohio, USA

1993-1998

         Rev. Patrick McKinney was born in Piqua, Ohio on January 17, 1951. He graduated from Piqua Central High School and received his B.S. Degree from Bowling Green State University. He attended United Theological Seminary of Twin Cities in New Brighton , Minnesota, where he received his Master of Divinity. On May 30, 1979 Patrick McKinney was ordained by the United Church of Christ.

  His first parish was St. Paul's UCC, Marietta, Ohio, serving there from June 1976 to November 1979. Then he accepted a call to Trinity UCC in Thornville, Ohio, serving until October 1984. The next year and a half Rev. McKinney was employed as a resident

Chaplain/Staff Chaplain, Miami County Chaplaincy Council in Troy, Ohio. On this job he provided ministry to two hospitals, Dettmer and Piqua Memorial. He worked in specialized units, including the extended care and Mental Health units. This work gave him much experience with crisis and hospital visitation. Rev. McKinney was the pastor of Knob Creek UCC in Enon, Ohio. He was an active member of the Southwest Ohio Association serving on the Association Media Ministry Committee and on the Nominating Committee. He had been a General Assembly Delegate to the Ohio Council of Churches. 

Rev. Nathan Wierwille

Interim

1986, 1992 - 1993, 1989-1999

Nathan Wierwille was born near New Knoxville, Ohio, on September 12, 1918. Be attended Elementary and High School in the village schools. He graduated from Lakeland College at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He then graduated from The Mission House Theological Seminary at the same place. He was ordained to the ministry of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1943. This same year on August the 22nd he and Elmeda nee Fledderjohann were married.

 Rev. Wierwille served the following churches:

             First UCC in Bremen IN

             St Paul UCC in Bourbon IN from 1943-1947.

             St John's UCC Archbold OH from 1947-1966. During this time a
            new church edifice along with an  educational building and
            parish hall were built.

             St Paul UCC in Cincinnati OH from 1966-1984. 

             Upon his retirement he was named Pastor Emeritus.

 Rev. Wierwille served several years as vice-president of the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

 He served for 21 years on the Lakeland College Board of Trustees and was named Trustee Emeritus after his retirement from the Board.

 In retirement he served, Churches as an interim pastor.

 Three times be served St Paul's UCC in St Marys OH for a total period of 3 years (in 1986, from 1992-1993, and from 1998-1999) other churches blessed. By his interims were: Spencerville, Rockford, New Bremen, and New Knoxville churches. 

Rev. Nathan Wierwille was born September 12, 1918 and died September 7, 2002. (Aged 83)

Married Elmeda Fledderjohann August 22, 1943 

She was born December 13, 1921, died December 13, 1994. (Aged 72)

Burial Pilger Rue Cemetery, New Knoxville, Auglaize County, Ohio, USA

 Interim - 1998

Died Shortly after becoming Interum Pastor

2000 - 2006

 Rev. Patricia Minnich who is originally from Eden NY, holds a master of divinity from the Lancaster theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA. She was ordained at the Faith UCC in Boston, Mass. 

 She is divorced and has two adult children, a son-in-law and two grandchildren. before coming to St. Marys Rev. Minnick spent three and a half years ministering to a church in Whiting, Iowa. 

 As a younger woman, she spent her time teaching at day-care centers and preschools.

Sunday School “Creation Station "was started; and the

 Sunday school interior was repainted reflecting Creation Station. 

Interum - 2006 - 2008

2008 - 2018

Education

Associate of Arts: Lakeland Community College, Kirkland, Ohio, 1979

Diploma: Mentor High School, Mentor Ohio, 1968

B.A. in Psychology (Psi Chi): Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio1972

Master of Divinity: Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, 1975

Doctor of Ministry: Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, 2005

Career

Ordained June 15, 1975At Ripley Congregational Church, Greenwich, Ohio, by the Northwest Ohio Association, Ohio Conference, United Church of Christ.

Served:

Ripley Congregational Church, Green, Ohio, 1973-1976

Emanuel UCC and Mount Zwingli UCC, Doylestown, Ohio, 1986-1995

Gross Point Congregational UCC, Grosse Point Farms, Michigan, 1995-2007 

St. Paul's UCC St. Marys, Ohio, 2008-2018

 Interim - 2018-2019

Reverend Doctor Douglas Williamson

• Dynamic Preacher and creative leader of worship

• Effective administrator responsible for recognizing, revitalizing and administering professional doctoral program and field education internship at graduate school of theology

• Accomplished teacher with broad experience at university/college graduate and undergraduate levels, middle/high school courses, and training soccer coaches and players of all ages.

• Caring counselor sought out by students, parishioners, faculty and other professional colleagues in a variety of settings.

He elaborates in 4 categories of Ministry, administration, teaching and coaching under the "Professional Experience" heading in his resume.

Rev. Williamson's "Employment History" includes several positions around the county: interim pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, Chaplin, college professor, consultant, soccer Coach and trainer of soccer coaches.

2019 - 2024

         Rhonda answered her call to ministry in her first year of college.  She received her M.Div. degree in 1984 from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. And was ordained in the United Methodist Church and served congregations in Wisconsin and in Iowa for 20 plus years.

  She left parish ministry to respond to God’s next call to teach as an Adjunct Instructor at the Scott Community College in Davenport, IA, teaching courses in World Religions, Philosophy, and the Humanities. 

 She then took the lesson of nurture and fellowship to Indianapolis where she was the Manager of the Ronald McDonald House, located in the Riley Hospital for Children.

  Rhonda and her husband David subsequently moved to St. Marys, OH for David’s new job with Crown Equipment.  Rhonda and David began attending St. Paul’s UCC and Rhonda was soon invited to serve as the Supply Pastor.

  On October 2019 she was elected by the congregation of St. Paul’s UCC to serve as their Settled Pastor and was officially installed on March15, 2020. 

  Rhonda and David enjoy living on Grand Lake St. Marys with their dog Evanston.

Interim - 2025  

A Retired Senior Pastor with over 16 years of experience in providing spiritual

guidance and pastoral care to a congre-gation in the Northeast District UMC as a licensed Local Pastor. Proven ability to lead, foster, and motivate members of a congregation to grow spiritually and reach their full potential. Skilled in providing spiritual

and pastoral counseling and leading worship services. Also provided for youth ministries and led numerous adult and youth mission trips. After a time of rest and discernment, the call to interim ministry has become a focus at this time in my ministry journey.