Concordia Lutheran Church (Geneseo, Illinois) Records

Record Group

Identifier: Collection ID-2595

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Voters' Meeting Minutes 1941 - 1973

Dates

Creation: 1941 - 1973

Biographical / Historical

List of Pastors

Rev. Ernest A. Fuenfstueck 1865 - 1868
Rev. Carl W. Ernst 1868 - 1869
Rev. Ferdinand D. Horn 1869 - 1874
Rev. Peter Hansen 1875 - 1877
Rev. Ernst L. Mangelsdorf 1877 - 1883
Rev. Ernst Heinemann 1884 - 1892
Rev. Alfred C. Doerffler 1893 - 1901
Rev. Christian Bergen 1901 - 1929
Rev. Henry J. Elling 1929 - 1954
Rev. Steve Persa 1954 - 1969
Rev. Robert T. Kuhn 1970 - 1977
Rev. Jack Heino 1978 - 1988
Rev. Donald E. Storrud 1983 - 1986 (Assistant Pastor)
Rev. Dean A. Dummer 1989 - 1998
Rev. Robert E. Yount 1991 - 2001 (Assistant Pastor)
Rev. Dr. Daniel A. Olson 1999 - 2008
Rev. Dr. John C. Wohlrabe, Jr. 2009 - 2012
Rev. Stephen M. Mueller 2012 - ?

Biographical / Historical

In 1859, a Pastor Markwart held services for the Lutherans in this area, meeting above the post office. Then, for about six months, Rev. Frohwein served the congregation, followed by F. Veitz, for four months. In 1864, the first LCMS missionary to the area, Rev. Doescher, also served Zion in Hampton Township and Saint John in Edford Township. Concordia was organized by Rev. Doescher on July 7, 1864. On July 24, 1864, this congregation decided to purchase property for a church building of their own. Rev. E. A. Fuenfstueck was the first installed pastor of Concordia. In 1868, a house was rented to serve as both a parochial school and parsonage. Concordia became a member congregation of the LCMS in 1874. A new church building was built in 1877, and was dedicated oon February 3, 1878. In 1879, the first actual parsonage was purchased. A cyclonic storm severely damaged this buiding in 1882, blowing the steeple from its foundation, landing on the roof. A new steeple was built and repairs were made. Extensive repairs and alterations were made to the church building in 1937. A rededication service was held on December 12, 1937. Unfortunately, a fire broke out on December 16. About one-third of the roof was destroyed, resulting in replacement of the entire roof. The 75th anniversary of the congregation was celebrated on July 9, 1939. The parochial school served the congregation for 50 years. German services were discontinued in 1941 due to World War II. In 1954, it was decided that a new church was needed due to overcrowding in the present building. Ground was broken on May 5, 1957, followed by a cornerstone-laying on October 5, 1957. The new building was dedicated on October 5, 1958. A new parsonage was built in 19959. The congregation became debt-free as of December 31, 1962. In an attempt to bring God's Word to the community, a half hour radio broadcast on Sunday morning srvices began on June 6, 1971. In 1981, these broadcasts were stopped and a tape ministry for Concordia's shut-ins developed. On August 21, 2000, Concordia Preschool opened. A vicar training program was initiated in 2003, and lasted until 2008. This congregation celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2014.