Church/History

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Hay Creek Township

With MN becoming a territory in 1849 westward expansion would soon follow into this area with settlers coming from Europe looking for a better life for them and their families. In the spring of 1855 the first boat up the Mississippi brought a number of German families from St. Louis, MO. Among the passengers on the boat were the following people; William and Fred Tubbesing, a son Peter Tubbesing , also three brothers William, George F. And Henry Meyer, and Friedrich Dicke. George F. Meyer would settled in Hay Creek township and build a flower mill with John Hack. The two other Meyer brothers also would settle in Hay Creek township. The Friedrich Dicke family would first stay in Red Wing, MN the first two years and then move to Hay Creek township to Homestead in 1857. The Tubbesing’s would settle in Red Wing and in 1897 Peter Tubbesing would be the Architect and Superintendent for the woodwork that would be used in the new church built in Hay Creek. Also settling in Hay Creek township in the next few years would be Fred Saupe, and Heinrich Helmeke.

By the year 1858 there were several German families living 3 to 4 miles south of Red Wing in a beautiful valley called Flower Valley in Hay Creek township. These German families founded Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Hay Creek Township in the home of George F. Meyer. The other founding members of our congregation were Friedrich Dicke, Heinrich Helmeke, Fred Saupe, William Meyer, and Henry Meyer. Immanuel was served by William Wier who came and administered the sacrament twice a year, through the summer of 1861. In the fall of 1861 Pastor E. Winter came twice, and then on the advice of Pastor William Wier, the congregation extended a call to Pastor J. Horst who accepted the call “at the time of harvest” in 1862..

Although there were only about nine families who were members, they managed to erect a three-room building before Pastor Horst arrived. One room served as church and school with the other two were used for the Parsonage. It’s location was in the so called Flower Valley, between three and four miles south of Red Wing. It was a rare privilege of that time which this small congregation enjoyed in having their own resident pastor. However, Pastor Horst did not confine his attention to this congregation only, he also undertook extensive missionary journeys, especially towards the southern part of the state he located scattered Lutherans and founded congregations.

In the year 1865 one member of our small congregation moved to Red Wing, two joined the army to participate in the Civil War, and most of the other members were drafted for war service. Our congregation seemed to be doomed to dissolution, wherefore Pastor Horst followed a call to Waconia, MN. But the war then soon ended and our congregation was re-established, and God again provided us with a shepherd. Although the congregation was without a pastor of our own, we were not left without the Bread of Life. In the fall of the year 1865 Candidate John Herzer was enroute to the congregation at Claremont, MN to which he had accepted a call, but since the expected team and wagon did not arrive he served our congregation in Flower Valley for several months.

Meanwhile, some German Lutherans had settled in the southern part of Hay Creek township and wanted to join the Immanuel congregation in Flower Valley. The congregation then decided to divide in to two districts, North and South, and worship services with sermons should be held in each. The congregation decided to call Pastor Klinkenburg who accepted the call in the fall of 1866. It was during the year of 1866 that a Mr. W. Plote donated two acres of land to Immanuel with the condition that a church building should be built on it. The location of this land is at the present location of our church property. This piece of property is the area from the parking lot between the current parsonage and teacherage and where the current parsonage is located on.

During the tenure of Pastor Klinkenberg the size of the congregation increased by many members. Pastor Klinkenburg lived at the parsonage in Flower Valley but he preferred to hold services at the new location. For a while he conducted services also one and one half mile south of the new church site in the home of a certain Mr. Mehrkens.

The church building in Flower Valley was enlarged in 1867. In the summer of 1868 Pastor Klinkenberg resigned but he stayed until that fall.

Then the congregation extended a call for the second time to Pastor Horst in 1868 and he accepted the call. In the year 1868 the structure that served as the church and parsonage in Flower Valley was moved to our present location in Hay Creek . Another building on the two acres was rebuilt for a house of worship.

By the union of the northern and southern parts of the congregation, the foundation for the external growth of the congregation was laid. The willingness of the Lutherans in Flower Valley to drive six miles to the new church location for the sake of this fruitful union, is certainly worthy of acknowledgment.

Decade of the 1870s

In 1870 the congregation joined as members, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri and Ohio. At that time they had 53 voting members and 60 school students.

From the very start of our congregation gave thought to a Christian day-school. The pastor’s diligently taught school and prepared the children for confirmation. With Immanuel’s children numbering 60 the Immanuel congregation decided at the Christmas Festival of 1870 that the congregation should extended a call to Mr. Heinrich Augustin as the teacher for the school. A dwelling for the teacher was soon arranged by building a fourteen-foot addition to the parsonage. In this enlarged building, the pastor and teacher dwelled congenially under one roof.

The congregation grew considerably again, for example, on the 30 of April of 1871 eight new voting members were added.

In the meeting of April 30, 1871 it was decided that the congregation should be incorporated. In the same year, 1871, the congregation bought two more acres of land bordering the original plot. Offerings at festivals were designated for welfare outside the congregation

The voters in 1872, adopted the rule that children were to be fourteen years old at the time of confirmation.

Ten acres of woodland in Wisconsin were purchased from Mr. H. Helmeke for $100.00 in 1873 to serve as a source of supply for firewood. The Lord’s Supper was to be celebrated every six weeks. Family lots were sold in the cemetery and the first school board was elected.

In the year 1874 the congregation built a roomy school building and also a teacher’s home for $1,700.00.

On April 3, 1877 the congregation took a significant step in adopting a constitution .

Here are a few figures of the growth of the congregation. In the year 1875 the voters roster grew to 70, in 1876 to 82, in 1877 to 84, and in 1878 to 90 members. School students were in 1875 107, in 1876 in two schools 120, in 1877 in two schools 127, and in 1878 also in two schools 128.

In either 1878 or the beginning of 1879 a division in the congregation took place. In the year 1880 the same number of voting members, but one more school student 85.

In 1879, the voters expressed their support for the forming of a choir.

Decade of the 1880s

In the fall of 1880 our teacher, Henrich Augustin resigned his office. The congregation proceeded to call a new teacher. In January of 1881 it extended a call to teacher C. F. Arndt of Mayville, Wisconsin. He was installed on Palm Sunday 1881.

In the winter of 1882-3 Pastor Horst received a call from a congregation at Courtland, MN. On February 2, 1883 upon his request, he was given a peaceful release from the congregation and started his work in his new field after he had given his farewell sermon on the 4th of March 1883, three weeks before Easter. Pastor Horst served the Immanuel congregation for a total of 18 years. As was true of most pastors of these early years, Pastor Horst had been an active missionary beyond the borders of his own congregation and had founded congregations in the townships of Goodhue and Belevidere.

On February 18, 1883 a call was extended to Pastor W. Lange of Poplar Grove, MN. He accepted the call and was installed on the festival of Ascension, May 3, 1883 by Pastor W. Vomhoff. Under his leadership the congregation prospered, growing strong externally and internally. Although the congregation was then already encircled by sister-congregations, Pastor Lange found opportunity for mission work. In 1887, he began to serve a number of Lutherans in Bear Valley, Wabasha County, MN., who gathered about the pure Word and Sacraments. This work entailed a trip of eighteen miles every few weeks with team and buggy, but Pastor Lange continued this work until 1900, when the members in Bear Valley called a pastor for themselves.

In 1884, a church seal was ordered. The 10 acre Wisconsin woodlot was sold back to Mr. Helmeke for $150.00 in 1885.

In April of 1893 began the discussion of building a new church at Immanuel. At that time they discussed whether the members should fix the present structure or replace it. They voted to make only needed repairs and to collect signatures for a new church building during the next winter.

1897 Year Immanuel Church Built

Per our information there was no further discussion in the voter’s minutes until February 2, 1897. At this meeting they voted to take a vote whether or not they should have a discussion about building a new church. The result of the ballot vote was 28 yes and 4 no. They then voted to have an extra congregational meeting for the purpose of discussing building a new church .

Per the minutes the meeting was held on February 23, 1897 and they voted to build a new church by a vote of 54 yes and 3 no. Peter Tubesing of Red Wing presented a floor plan to the congregation. They then discussed whether the building should be brick or a wood frame a vote was taken and the result was 30 brick and 27 for a wood frame. It was also approved that the church should not exceed $4000.00. On this same day they voted to set up a pledge list for a 3 year pledge and the pledges received that day came to $3,635.00. They established a building committee of Henry Stehr Jr. Heinrich Bartels, Friedrich Meyer, Ludwig Ehlen and Heinrich Dicke. They also voted that the construction should take place this year by a vote of 37 yes and 19 against. It was decided that they should also contact Mr. Henry Kolshorn about purchasing additional land for the new church building.

On March 4, 1897 the voter’s assembly looked at the land offered by Christopher and Emma Fellmann and also the land offered by Henry and Mary Kolshorn. They voted to buy an acre from Mr. Fellmann which would also include some donated land. On this day the pledged amount for the new church amounted to $3,525.00 a slight decrease from the February 23rd amount. The voters examined plans of a Rochester Lutheran Church and a Morristown Lutheran Church but they voted to accept the first building plan presented by Peter Tubesing. They decided that the building committee should inquire about cost of building a brick church or a frame church.

On April 1, 1897 Immanuel’s voters approved to build a frame church by a vote of 40 to 14. They also approved to get colored glass for the church windows on a vote of 27 to 24. The other decisions made this day were as follows: the new church would have a balcony , a little alcove room next to the altar, the work on the church should be done by day wages, the church should be heated with a furnace, and there would be a celebration of the cornerstone laying.

On April 20, 1897 construction began on the church by laying the foundation wall. Please note at this time there was no basement dug for the church.

On May 2, 1897 the Immanuel congregation decided the celebration of the laying of the cornerstone would be in two weeks on Sunday May 16. The congregation also voted that Pastor Lange, Friedrich Dicke and Teacher Arndt should get a history of the congregation which would be laid in the cornerstone of the new church. Friedrich Meyer will see to it that the cornerstone would have an appropriate inscription. They also voted to buy the lumber for the new church in cash.

Laying of Immanuel Lutheran Church Cornerstone

On Sunday May 16, 1897 Immanuel celebrated the laying the laying of the cornerstone of the new church. On that Sunday 100 years ago there were approximately 600 people, including people from Goodhue, MN, Belvidere, MN, Frontenac, MN and Red Wing, MN that were present for this special occasion in the life of our congregation. The weather that day saw a high temperature of 75 Degrees and a low temperature of 42 Degrees

Reverend Nichols of Rochester came and preached on the text of Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Pastor Nichols reflected on the glory that Isaiah mentioned in laying of the cornerstone and directing us to build upon it at Immanuel Hay Creek.

Items Placed in Cornerstone Per the Red Wing Republican Newspaper, copies of the following items were placed in Immanuel’s Cornerstone. The Lutheran Catechism, Concordien Formal (Formula of Concord), Kern and Stern (publication meaning core of heart and star), Synodalbericht (Synod Report), Lutheraner ( like the Lutheran Witness publication), Missiontaube (Mission Messenger), Kranken und Weisenfreund (publication for sick and elderly), Kinder und Jugend blatt (leaflet for the children and youth of the congregation) Rund Schua (a newspaper with a world view), Red Wing Republican newspaper, copy of the list of members and officers of our congregation, and a history of the congregation and of the synod. Please Note the items in parenthesizes are what the German words mean in English.

That must have been a very joyous occasion here at Immanuel to see progress being made on their new church. It was only on February 23, 1897 three months prior to laying of the cornerstone that our congregation finally decided to construct our present church. At this time they established a building committee of H. Stehr Jr., Heinrich Bartels, Friedrich Meyer, Ludwig Ehlen and Heinrich Dicke. The actual construction on the church began on Tuesday April 20, 1897 by laying the foundation wall.

On Monday, May 17, 1897 Immanuel voter’s approved that the Trustees would have the right to borrow money in the name of the congregation. The amount that the trustees could borrow was $3,000.00 as they took into consideration the money that had been contributed thus far. The amount of lumber purchased so far amounts to $1,332.12. The building committee reported that a Mr. Harrison has been hired as the fancy wood worker. The congregation voted this day that a cross should be put on the steeple and the steeple should be shingled rather than decorated with flooring. It was also decided that the church floor should be level rather than a slope. Notice was given that the old church would be torn down the following Thursday, as the old lumber would be used for scaffolding.

After the old church was torn down church services were held in the school until Sunday November 7, 1897 when the church was dedicated to the glory of God.

The architect for the church was Peter Tubbesing. The lumber came from the Betcher Lumber Company in Red Wing MN. They were located near current boat harbor in Red Wing. Among others taking part in the manufacture of the woodwork of our church were the following members of the Tubbesing family, Peter who was the superintendent, Fred Sr., Ben, John, Henry, Albert and Fred Jr.

On June 29, 1897 Immanuel’s voters decided that the cross and the button on top of the steeple should be gilded. On this day they also decided that the work of plastering, chimney building and painting should be done by a contract arrangement. The color of the church should be painted white while the windows, corner strips and overhanging cornice should be in a little darker color. They stated that the steeple so far as it was shingled should be in a little darker color.

The voters assembly started planning for the dedication service on August 22, 1897. They invited Pastor John Horst Jr. the son of the former pastor that served here to be the guest preacher for the dedication service. It was determined that the dedication service should also be given in English. The Norwegian Lutheran congregation in Red Wing should be invited to this festive occasion. The voters extended an invitation to Professor Allen of the Ladies Seminary should be asked to have the English sermon.

On Sunday September 28, 1897 the voter’s decided to invite the following congregations to the dedication service. They were, St. Johns of rural Goodhue, Grace of rural Goodhue, St. Peter’s of Belvidere, St. John’s of Red Wing and the Mazeppa congregation. It was decided to ask Pastor Ferber of Belvidere to have the farewell sermon at the time of our dedication service at our school. The schedule for dedication Sunday was set as follows:

Dedication service in German held at 10:00 AM

Afternoon Service in English held at 2:00 PM

On September 28, it was also agreed upon to let the young people get a bell for the church.

The bell that the young people purchased arrived on Thursday November 3rd and it was hung in the bell tower on Friday morning November 4. The bell was came from St. Louis Missouri and weight approximately 1800 pounds. It bears the inscription of “Ehre Sei Gott in Der Hoehe” (Glory be to God on High).The cost of the bell amounted to $283.15.

November 7, 1897 Dedication Day

Dedication Day at Immanuel on November 7, 1897 was a very special day in the life of this congregation that had been founded 39 years earlier. Our congregation numbered 75 voting members and had 550 souls as members of the congregation. Special Train service was provided to Hay Creek from Red Wing with departures leaving Red Wing at 9:00 A. M. And at !2:30 P. M. The train will headed back to Red Wing at 5:30 P. M.

Per the Red Wing Republican paper Fully 1,000 people assembled at Hay Creek to join in the dedication services. People came from near and far, from Red Wing, MN, Zumbrota, MN, Frontenac, MN, Goodhue, MN and other adjacent points and from localities more remote, many former residents of that section having made this event the occasion for visiting scenes of their childhood. From Red Wing alone over 300 attended. The weather on November 7th saw a high temperature of 42 and a low of 34 degrees. Minneapolis recorded 16 hundreds of rain for that twenty four hour period.

The headlines of the Red Wing Republican paper stated the following along with what was printed in the paper on Wednesday November 10, 1897:

IMPRESSIVE SERVICES

Attend the Dedication of Immanuel German Lutheran Church at Hay Creek.

A Very Large Assemblage Marks the Occasion

Early in the morning people began to assemble and when the farewell services were about to commence at the old place of worship (while the church was being built the old church was torn down so worship services were held in the school ) the gathering was so large that only a small portion could gain admittance and the services were held in the open air. The parting words were delivered by Rev Ferber of Belvidere. He briefly called attention to the manifold blessings received from the Heavenly Father during the many years they had worshipped there; how the congregation increased since its organization in the early fifties; how their infants had been presented to the Lord in holy baptism at that place; how upon arriving at the proper age they had knelt at this altar and received the rite of confirmation; how at marriages and other joyous occasion their meetings of praise were held there, as well as the sad rites of consigning a beloved brother to his last earthly resting place. Yet while so many fond memories cling to that spot, how with rejoicing and gladness they should make their entrance into the new edifice.

The song “Lord dismiss us with thy blessing” was then sung after which the committee and the pastors present , followed by the members of the congregations and visitors, proceeded to the new place of worship.

A song was sung on reaching the new church after which Rev William Lange, the current pastor, opened the edifice in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

The building was soon crowded to its utmost capacity and although all available standing room was occupied a large number were compelled to remain outside. About 700 people crowed into the church.

After entering, a song was sung by the Choir of the church. Pastor Lange made extensive opening remarks and read the 23rd Psalm “The Lord is My Shepherd”

Then Rev John Horst Jr. Of Courtland, Nicollet County MN a son of the late Rev John Horst who’s so faithfully served our church for twenty years delivered a splendid sermon. Both Rev Lange and Horst urged all to be thankful for the blessings of the past, and invoked the blessings of God to preserve all in the future, - the new church from the fury of the elements and especially the congregation from any thing that may interfere with the peaceful relations among its members; to shield their place from all false and pernicuous doctrine. God grant that His pure and true word may ever be taught and preached there without hindrance, that the rites of the church may ever be administered there and bring their full blessings.

Rev. Horst reviewed the difference between the church of Christ, and the temples of heathendom; while he heartily congratulated the congregation, he was very explicit in declaring that not the fineness of the edifice or its furnishings made the real church. All this was eternal; the real church consisted of consecrated hearts willing to follow the bidding of the Great Master Jesus Christ.

After the sermon several other songs were sung by the congregation and the choir, after which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Horst.

AFTERNOON SERVICES

The services were in the English language. Long before 2 o’clock every seat and available place in the beautiful edifice were occupied, and hundreds were unable to gain admittance.

At 2 o’clock the Training school orchestra of twelve pieces began a series of appropriate selections. The choir of the Evangelical Trinity church of Red Wing (this church is now part of United Lutheran Church) was present and furnished several selections. Professor H. Allen of the Red Wing Lutheran Ladies Seminary, delivered the sermon.

Professor Allen took as his text the Epistle of Paul the Apostle, to Romans chapter 12 verse 2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A synopsis of the address is as follows: A true Christian, that is, a child of God, loves his Lord and Heavenly Father, and as long as he remains under His guidance and influence, this love always remains fresh and full of life. It is steadily increasing in power and activity, spreading itself abroad and doing good in the service of God.

God is the fountain of love. He is the source from whom all blessings flow, and is constantly working this love and its blessed fruits into the hearts of the believers. God and His children are united to one another by the most sacred ties of love. It is the daily practice of this love in the service of God which gives it its growth and activity.

The seed planted in the garden will never grow, thrive and bear fruit in abundance if weeds are allowed to grow at will around it. Just so it is with our hearts. The good seed, the Word of God, will never bear fruit if sin is tolerated in it. During his earthly career a child of God lets this God-given love shine forth both in words and deeds. He never tires of reading the Bible, it is his constant companion. Nor does he look upon it as a burden or a hardship to attend divine services in the temple of the Lord. It is his greatest delight to hear the chosen witness of the Lord expounding the Scriptures; and he has a longing for the sacrament of the altar.

A true Christian know how important it is to work honestly and faithfully and thus make proper use of the time of grace. Why do the children of God, throughout their whole life, continue to add to this spiritual power in their hearts? The do this in order that they may honor, love and obey God their Heavenly Father, who has commanded them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, and thus through His grace and mercy receive life everlasting.

We have a powerful enemy to withstand. Satan and his angels are forever striving to regain possession of the souls which they have lost. We can do nothing of ourselves, but God is our mighty fortress. If our hearts are temples for the Lord then it is a pleasure for us to abide by the will of the Lord in all things and if necessary even to die for Him who died for us.

In this world, which is so full of sin and strife, the hours of joy and happiness are few, but those of sorrow and distress are many. A follower of Christ knows full well that he cannot expect it different. Each and every one of us have our cross to carry and bitter cup of life to drink. Some have more trials than others, all according to the will of God. A true Christian does not murmur because his lot may be a hard one or his burden heavy, but follows where his God guides him.

There was a time when we lived in heavenly happiness, peace and bliss with our God and that was the short time spent in the garden of Eden. But through the allurements of the devil we sinned against our Lord and we were driven out of paradise. Great was our loss and deplorable was our condition. God in His mercy took pity upon us and sent us His son. It was indeed a day of great rejoicing when God so did Through His death and the shedding of His blood on the cross, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Man, atoned for the sins of the world. God has ordained the preaching of His word which treats of Christ and His wonderful words of love and mercy, that we may learn to know our Savior, believe in Him and obtain life everlasting. In order that this might be our lot we are also baptized and as a baptismal gift receive remission of sins. Furthermore the Lord has commanded parents and teachers to give children a good Christian education. As living members of Christian congregations we have established Christian school where our children are taught the way of salvation.

We have our church edifices where we gather as members of God’s kingdom on earth. To be a member of the Christian church is honor and glory greater than we can imagine or express. This temple which today has been dedicated to the honor and glory of the Lord, and as a place of worship stands here as an emblem of God’s great love and mercy and as a testimony of that. Although the world is filled with wickedness and the enemy is doing its utmost to hinder the progress of the Christian religion, and if possible exterminate it, the Lord has His followers whom He blesses and multiplies and protects as His own. He showers manifold blessings upon them.

But now we must remember that although we are the children of God, bought by His Son’s blood, we might be led astray by the tempter and thus sin against our God therefore we should be ever watchful and take his admonitions to heart. Do not listen to the sweet words of the tempters; they will only poison your souls, Do not let yourselves be led astray by their promises for their only intention is to lead you into the snares of sin and on into eternal death and damnation.

As followers of Christ we must remember that we are the servants of the Lord and as such have a sacred mission to perform in the world. We are the witness bearers of Christ; we are the carriers of the beautiful banner of the cross a banner upon which we find inscribed the words of truth, love and mercy, and deliverance from the bondage of sin, in Christ our Savior.

We all know that we are sinners. Even the best Christian sins against God; but we must bear in mind that as long as he remains a child of God he never commits a sin of malice. He does not sin knowingly or with pleasure, and for this reason his transgressions are called sins of weakness. As soon as a child of God sees that he has done evil he at once turns to his God and confesses his guilt and prays for pardon and mercy. Watch and pray and ask the Lord to continue the good work which has begun in your hears.

May the good Lord show us more and more what is His good and acceptable and perfect will and may He help us never to willingly transgress His will. Let us humble ourselves before our God and commit our fortunes to Him, and persevere in faith; then our temporal trials will be followed by everlasting peace, temporal sorrow by eternal pay, temporal sickness by eternal health, temporal poverty by eternal riches, and temporal death by eternal life.

Following the sermon the choir of Immanuel’s church rendered a selection. The congregation then joined in singing a hymn, and after prayer and responses the services were concluded.

Below is a summary of the cost to build our church.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Summary of Cost of Immanuel Church Built in 1897

Land

$     40.00 

Masonry work including the stone and board and room

$   232.50 

Lumber

$1,576.83 

Finishing Carpenters Salary and Room and Board

$   756.38 

Hardware including the weights in the Windows

$   185.12 

Plasterer

$   107.00 

Painting Labor

$   118.00 

Shellac and Varnish

$   120.30 

Furnace

$   135.00 

Pulpit, Benches, Altar and Baptismal Font

$   300.00 

Other Expenses

$   116.85 

$3,687.98 

Since that glorious day in November 1897 worship services have been held uninterrupted in this present structure. During these past one hundred years the church has provided a sanctuary to worship and praise God who has surely blessed us and been with all of us during the sad times and joyous times here on this earth.

After the new church building was completed and dedicated our congregation continued to prosper and today is still a vibrant church congregation in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ’s resurrection that we might have everlasting life.

In the spring of 1898 the congregation decided that a retaining wall should be put up along the road and build a wooden sidewalk in front of the church.

The Turn of a New Century

On February 2, 1900 the church voters decided that trees needed to be planted around the church. So with that the members planted a variety of trees including Elm, Boxelder and Pine trees. The Helmeke family donated pine trees to be planted around the new church. The seeds for these pine trees came from Germany and many of these pine trees are still standing today in 1997. Also in 1900 the congregation dug a new well and installed a pump for a cost of $92.50.

On New Year’s Day of January 1, 1902 the voters were presented an opportunity to replace the old organ and purchase a new pipe organ from an organ builder by the name of Vogelpohl from New Ulm for a total cost of $467.85. The old organ would be sold for $50.00 if another congregation would like it otherwise for $75.00 if an individual wants to buy it. The new organ was dedicated on Sunday June 8, 1902. This organ was used until 1946 when the congregation purchased the current pipe organ we have.

It was not until March 1, 1903 the congregation decided they would hire artist August Klagstad to paint a picture for our Altar from the engraving plate # 406, picturing the resurrection of Christ.

On June 29, 1906 Pastor W. Lange announced his retirement due to the fact of his physical weakness. The congregation granted him a peaceful release. His resignation terminated Pastor Lange’s twenty three years of pastoral service at Hay Creek. He then moved to Mower County, MN where he spent the evening of his life with his children. The Immanuel Congregation decided that the new pastor they would call should be able to preach in English and the Lord soon granted a successor to Pastor Lange in the person of Pastor J. C. Meyer of Fergus Falls, MN who was installed on August 12, 1906.

On October 20, 1907 the congregation decided to build a new parsonage next year. The new parsonage would replace the parsonage which was built in 1862 in Flower Valley. This building had been remodeled and enlarged a couple of times had served the congregation very well for the past 48 years. First as the church in Flower Valley, then moved to Hay Creek in 1868 and served as the parsonage and teacherage until a teacherage was built in 1874. The cost of the new parsonage amounted to $3,736.89. The old parsonage was sold and moved away from the church property.

Out of sincere gratitude toward the gracious Lord, who had so graciously protected and so richly blessed the congregation for 50 years, the golden jubilee was celebrated October 11, 1908. The church celebration that day included 3 sermons, a German service in the morning, and both a German and English service in the afternoon. Henry Meyer of the Prairie and William Meyer member of a Red Wing Congregation were specially invited since they were present at the founding of the congregation. They also invited former Pastor Lange and the widow of Pastor Horst to the golden jubilee also.

At the time of the 50th anniversary the congregational record which unfortunately dates back only to the year 1866 revealed the following numbers: 1,071 baptisms, 600 were confirmed, 214 marriages, 356 burials. The congregation at this time consisted of 504 souls, 330 communicants and 71 voting members.

The Decade of the 1910’s

In the spring of 1910 Teacher Arndt, having served here faithfully for 29 years, resigned because of increasing feebleness, resulting for his advanced age. He, with his family, moved to Red Wing where he spent the remaining part of his earthly life.

The Congregation extended a call for a candidate from one of our seminaries and received Candidate R. C. Walz, who was inducted into office and took charge of the school in the fall of 1910. During his tenure Mr. Walz saw the school building remodeled and the teacherage was enlarged and rearranged into it’s present size and arrangement at an expense of $2,647.00. In 1920 Teacher Walz followed a call to Sauk Rapids after 10 years of conscientious work in our school.

The 1920’s

Immanuel then extended a call to Teacher George Alpers of Altamount, IL who accepted the call and was installed October 17, 1920.

As the decade of the 1920’s unfolded the congregation saw the establishment of the Young Peoples Society on November 13, 1921, and on December 21, 1922 the Ladies Aid Society was organized. To this day both organizations are in existence here at Immanuel. In 1926 the church basement was dug out and improved for a cost of $700.00. This was done in conjunction with putting in a new furnace in the church replacing the original furnace. In 1929, after 23 years of service here at Immanuel Pastor J. C. Meyer accepted a call as Mission Director of the Minnesota District of the Missouri Synod. The Immanuel congregation called and received Pastor Henry Hardt of Convey Ohio who was installed on August 4, 1929.

The 1930’s

The decade of the 1930’s brought many material hardships to Immanuel’s members along with all of the citizens of the United States as the Nation was in the midst of the Great Depression. Even though the 1930’s were not the best of times the Immanuel members held steadfast to the Word of God and were grateful for everything that God provided for them. In 1933 the congregation celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the founding of the Immanuel Congregation. Below is what the members of the Congregation wrote for their Diamond Jubilee.

“Looking back over the past 75 years, this congregation cannot but acknowledge the infinite love and grace of God and express such acknowledgment with grateful hearts in songs of praise. God has preserved this congregation from severe visitations and disaster and from destructive internal strive, so that it could develop and prosper in peace. Above all, God preserved it in true doctrine and practice of His Word. In order to remind ourselves of God’s boundless grace and blessings, to offer up special praise and thanksgiving, and to implore God’s gracious protection and guidance for the future, the congregation decide to celebrate its diamond jubilee.

In the spring of 1933 the church plastered and improved the church basement by adding three more windows in the basement. In the fall of 1933 the congregation instituted the ‘Perpetual Care” plan for Immanuel Cemetery lots.

On April 21, 1936 while Pastor Hardt was attending the Pastoral Conference at Dodge Center the parsonage was destroyed by fire. Through the efforts of the boys from the C. C. C. Camp (located across from Faith Hawkinson farm house) and several of the members almost all of the contents of the house were saved. The cause of the fire was never definitely determined, though it was thought to have been the result of a faulty chimney or chimney fire. The house was completely destroyed by the fire.

With the parsonage destroyed by fire the congregation hired a Mr. Matthees of Goodhue to build a new parsonage. The parsonage was completed on September 20, 1936 for a cost of $4,905.49.

In 1939 the German language was discontinued in the instruction of religion in Immanuel. At this time also the German constitution of the congregation was translated into English by Pastor Norman Seebach and adopted as the official constitution of Imamnuel Lutheran Church. In 1940 the interior of the church was papered and other repairs undertaken, including the building of the new steps and platform at the entrance to the church.

The Decade of the 1940’s

On May 4, 1941 electric lights were installed in the church for a cost of $725.29

On July 4, 1943 the congregation established an organ fund to replace the old organ which was installed in 1902. It took until 1946 before the congregation purchased the new organ and on May 5, 1946 our current organ was installed and dedicated. The organ is a Wicks Organ. Victor Hardt was the guest organist for the dedication service.

During the 1940’s the Minnesota District of the Missouri Synod were of the conviction that a congregation should be established in Red Wing. At a special meeting on September 8, 1946 the Immanuel congregation consented to the establishment of the new congregation in Red Wing under the sponsorship of the Minnesota District of the Missouri Synod. When the preliminary arrangements had been completed, on April 6, 1947, Immanuel granted a peaceful release to a number of families and individuals, among them nine voting members, that Concordia Lutheran Church in Red Wing might be organized.

In the fall of 1947 Teacher George Alpers after 27 years of faithful service accepted a call to St. John’s Lutheran congregation near Claremont to teach. Pastor Hardt taught Immanuel school upon the request of the congregation for two weeks. At that time Miss Ruth Dahling ( now Mrs. Donald Dicke) accepted the position as teacher. Miss Dahling taught here until June of 1949.

On November 9, 1947 the congregation observed the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the church. The Pastors Reuben Langhans and Edward Dicke, both sons of the congregation, were the guest speakers that day. In April of 1949 Pastor Henry Hardt upon his request was peacefully released by the congregation that he might accept the call he received to Thorton Illinois. Pastor R. R. Schulz of Medford MN succeeded Pastor Hardt. Pastor Schulz was installed as pastor here at Immanuel on July 10, 1949. That same fall Mr. Delbert Knack was installed as teacher.

The Decade of the 1950’s

On July 18, 1950 the Immanuel voter’s decided it was time to build a new school. For the 1950 school year the congregation also decided to employ a second teacher to teach the primary grades. Miss Ardith Munstermann of Appleton MN was the first primary teacher.

In 1951 Immanuel installed a new oil burning furnace in the church and insulated the ceiling of the church. Also on November 19, 1951 the Fellowship club was established.

Construction of the new school began in 1952 and was completed and dedicated on October 26, 1952. The Rev. Hugo Gamber President of the Minnesota District was the guest speaker. The school was completed for a cost of $42,250.00, it was estimated that about $2,500.00 was donated by its members in volunteer labor.

In December of 1952 Pastor R. R. Schulz received a call to Campbell-Nashua, MN. Upon his request Pastor Schulz was granted a peaceful release and accepted the call.

Pastor Alfred Mock of Wykoff MN was installed as pastor of the congregation March 8, 1953.

In the fall of 1953 Mr. Delbert Knack was transferred to Peace Lutheran Church in Faribualt MN. Mr. Louis Rolf, who had retired from the office of teacher consented to serve the congregation as teacher of the upper grades. However, Mr. Rolf, after serving but a few months took seriously ill and was obliged to submit to surgery. The Lord called him out of his labor in His Kingdom and out of this life in February, 1954

Mrs. Harry Grosse took over the teaching position of the upper grades of the school until the completion of the school year. Mr. Robert Koring was installed as Principal and teacher of the upper grades on August 1, 1954.

In 1955 the congregation decided to discontinue holding German services here at Immanuel.

On November 6, 1956 the congregation was saddened by the sudden death of their pastor the Reverend Alfred Mock. The Lord called him out of his labors in His Kingdom through coronary thrombosis. The Funeral Service was conducted on November 29, 1956 and his bodily remains were laid to rest at Rochester MN.

Pastor Elmer Schwandt of Revillo, SD was installed as pastor of the congregation on April 28, 1957.

Teacher Robert Koring requested that he be released from his obligations here so that he might accept a call at Elgin IL at the end of the school year in 1957. The congregation granted his request. On June 23, 1957 Mr. John Groenke of Round Lake IL was installed as principle and teacher of the upper grades he served here until 1961.

During the summer of 1957 the church roof was reshingled by volunteer labor.

Also during 1957 the Immanuel congregation began planning for the centennial celebration of the founding of the congregation to be held in 1958.

At the annual meeting in January 1958 the time was set for the Centennial celebration with Sunday August 24, 1958 set as Centennial Sunday. Other arrangements followed. The spring and summer were filled with projects and work on the property. The entire main floor of the school was redecorated by volunteer labor. The chancel in the church was remodeled and the interior of the church was covered with sheet rock. The church was redecorated, the pews and the floor were refinished, carpeting was laid in the chancel, center aisle, and in the sacristy. In the Sacristy area the top portion of the altar was dismantled along with the two windows covered up with sheet rock. A communion rail was installed along with a Neon cross was hung over the altar. The wood work in the sacrasity was zolatoned. The pulpit was lowered and a piece was added to the side of the pulpit. The piece that was added to the pulpit came from the high altar. The pews in the balcony were replaced and both sets of double doors in the entrance were replaced with new ones. Landscaping and the work of providing additional parking facilities was done by volunteer labor. The overall cost, not including the many hours of volunteer labor, of all the projects was estimated to be approximately $4,500.00, much of it was covered by special free-will offerings in gratitude to the Lord for His wonderful guidance and blessings of Immanuel Lutheran Church during the past 100 years.

Immanuel Lutheran Church statistics showed the following in 1958: 346 souls, 238 communicants, 71 voting members; the school enrollment in 1958 showed 46 and the present enrollment in Sunday School totaled 55. The official records showed for the first 100 years (some of the records before 1866 are not available): baptized 1702, confirmed 1073, communed 65,650, marriages 409 and funerals 563.

The day of the centennial celebration on August 24, 1958 saw special services held with the following pastor’s participating: Pastor Henry Hardt, Arnold Meyer and Clarence Langhans as speakers and Liturgists were Pastors Reuben Langhans and Harold Dicke.

The Decade of the 1960’s

In 1961 Mrs. Glorian Hein served as principle of the school. Then in 1962 Mr. Arnold Wentzel served as principle until 1966.

In 1962, a mortgage burning ceremony marked the completion of payment for the new school.

A speaker system was installed in the church for $266.00 in July of 1965.

In 1966 Mrs. Helene Writer became principle of the school and served until 1969. In 1969 Mr. David Bode served as principle until 1970.

In 1969, Immanuel’s parochial school merged with Concordia Lutheran school in Red Wing to form Concordia Immanuel Lutheran School, with classes in both buildings. Mr. Jerome Klein replaced David Bode as principle in 1970 and served as principal until 1975.

The Decade of the 1970’s

The Decade of the 1970’s again saw change for Immanuel. In 1971 Pastor Elmer Schwandt retire from active ministry, and was succeeded by Pastor Robert Bleeke. In 1974, Pastor Bleeke accepted a call to Nebraska and was succeeded by Victor Meyr.

In 1975 the congregation decided that addition should be made to the church. This new entry way would enable handicap accessibility to the church along with providing an office for the pastor. This new entry way was completed and dedicated in April 1976. Myron Alms Construction designed and built the new addition for a cost of $10,400.00. This price was a real bargain as there were countless hours of volunteer labor donated to this great addition.

Also in 1975 Mr. Karl Meyer became principal of Concordia Immanuel School and served until 1980.

In 1976 a second bathroom was added in the parsonage for $1,000.00 and the ceilings were also redone in the parsonage for $250.00 In September 1977 the congregation had the church and the steeple cross painted for $4,300.00. This was the first time that members could remember that the cross had been looked at. The top of the steeple cross is 104 feet from the ground, with the cross measuring 8 feet by 5 feet with the beams being 5 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 inch in diameter.

During 1978 the driveway around the church was blacktopped and carpeting was installed in the balcony of the church.

The Decade of the 1980’s

As the 1980’s began, the church building was entered on “The National Register of Historic Places” in April of 1980. Also the congregation began planning for observing the 125th anniversary of the founding of the congregation.

Mr. Eugene Dierks became principal in 1980 and stayed here until 1985.

In August of 1982 a ceiling fan was installed in the center of the church to better circulate the air.

125th Anniversary of Founding of Congregation

In preparation for the 125th anniversary, the congregation made improvements to the church. The following projects were undertaken: Paneled and carpeted the church basement for about $1,572.00, Poured a concrete slab behind the school for $1,300.00, put up a new church sign on Hwy 58, Installed new linoleum in the church entryway, and purchased pew cushions for the church pews.

On July 24, 1983 the congregation had a German anniversary worship service with Rev. O. F. Hinrichs of Lake Crystal Mn preaching. 173 people attended this service.

Then the weekend of July 30 and 31st of 1983 the Congregation observed the 125th anniversary. On Saturday night a confirmation reunion service was held at the Red Wing Votech with approximately 475 people in attendance. Then on Sunday two worship services were held in Hay Creek. At 10:00 Am District President O. H. Cloeter preached with 488 people attending, and the afternoon service featured Rev Oswald Hoffmann of the Lutheran Hour preached to about 650 people behind the church under a tent. Other pastors participating in the anniversary worship services were Rev Clarence Langhans of Wellsburg Iowa, Rev Reuben Langhans of St. Paul, Mn., Rev David Mock, Kerarney Nebraska, Rev Joel Steging of Medford MN and Rev Victor Meyer of Hay Creek.

In 1983 the congregation established a Church Worker Scholarship Fund for members to utilize in furthering their education in becoming a pastor, teacher or other church worker in furthering God’s Kingdom.

In 1985 the New Horizon’s organization was started at Immanuel for young singles and couples of the congregation.

Also in 1985 Mr. Ken Buth became principal of the Concordia Immanuel School he served here until 1996.

In 1987 the church exterior was painted. Also that same year the cross that was on top of the steeple was replaced with a new cross along with a installing a light to light the cross at night. The cross was replaced by using a crane from Flueger Construction. The cost of this was which was funded through a memorial in memory of Alvin Diercks.

After the 125th anniversary their was discussion about possibly restoring the altar area to the way it was prior to 1958. Nothing became of the this until 1988 when prior to painting the interior of the church the congregation decided to uncover the stain glass windows in the chancel area and form a restoration committe to look at possibly to restore the sacristy to as it appeared in a 1908 picture. The members of the restoration committe were Myron Alms, Dan Banitt, Brad Diercks, Brad Kolberg and Neil Stemmann. At the annual meeting on January 30, 1989 the voters approved that the restoration committee should proceed with the restoration of the chancel area. This should be funded from the Evelyn Bartels estate which she bequeathed to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The restoration committe proceeded then to do the following: 1. Remove the zolatone on the wainscoting, doors and molding in the chancel area.

2. Rebuild the high altar top as close as possible to the original and have a picture painted of the same scene which was in the original picture. The scene is an original oil painting of the Lord’s resurrection.

The restoration committee hired Gary Stone to remove the zolatone finish from the wainscoting and doors in the chancel area. The late Les Fryer and Mike chauncey were hired to construct the high altar top. The altar top is made out of southern yellow pine to match the woodwork in the church. Also the altar top replica had to be made two feet shorter than the original for height considerations. Pastor Gerald Peterson of Plainview MN was hired to paint the picture in the center panel.

On October 29, 1989 the congregation dedicated the new organ chimes which were installed by Murray Burfeind in June of 1989 and the completed restoration of the chancel area. Below is a summary of the costs to complete these costs.

Organ Chimes and installation $ 3,400.00 Uncovering the two windows in the sacristy $ 699.49 Stripping zolatone from woodwork $ 750.00 Rebuilding High Altar Top Wood Shop for construction and lumber $ 5,904.96 Pastor Gerald Peterson painting of picture $ 1,000.00 Stain & Varnish materials $ 104.99

Total Cost $ 8,459.44

The congregation also installed new carpeting in the interior of the church along with new railings leading to the sacristy area and a new hymn board.

The Decade of the 1990’s

On July 31, 1994 Pastor Victor Meyr who had faithfully served this congregation for 20 years retired as being pastor of the Immanuel Lutheran congregation. Pastor Meyr is currently employed by the Minnesota South District of the Missouri Synod assisting congregations that have experienced problems.

On August 14, 1994 Pastor Jon Nack a recent graduate of the seminary, was ordained and installed as pastor of our congregation.

In November 1995 the congregation began supporting Pastor Peter Kirby in the Jamican Mission Field. The Jamican mission project is still an ongoing mission outreach of our congregation to this day.

In May of 1996 the church roof was reshingled. The cost of the new shingles amounted to $8,184.22. The cost of reshingling the church was low as from young to old many members contributed many hours of volunteered labor to complete this major project. The last time the church roof had been reshingled was 1957. The congregation also reshingled the parsonage in 1995.

100th Anniversary of Church Dedication

Our congregation started preparing for the 100th Anniversary of the building of our present church in June of 1996. Activities involving the 100th anniversary included recognition of the laying of the church cornerstone and the Fellowship club building a replica of our church that was displayed in the City of Goodhue Centennial Parade and Red Wing’s River City Day parade. The float won the heritage award in the Goodhue parade. Since the parade the church replica has been displayed in front of church. The replica has been accepted by the Goodhue Musuem after our redication service on November 9, 1997.

On rededication day former Pastor Victor Meyr who was very instrumental in our congregation remembering our church heritage will be the guest pastor. The church service will include special musical offerings by the church choir, and also will feature musical pieces with horns, flute and timpany. A potluck lunch is being planned at the school with a short program to remember our heritage here in Hay Creek MN. The New Horizons organization undertook a project of selling small crocks with a picture of the church on them.

CONCLUSION

It is quite proper that our congregation has arranged to observe the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our present church building. One hundred years ago this congregation, in solemn dedication service, set this building aside to be used for the administration of the means of grace, to the glory of God and the spiritual and eternal welfare of souls. By the grace of God, streams of blessings have flowed in our church through the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the holy sacraments. Only eternity will reveal how many souls have been led to repentance, encouraged and strengthened in following the way of life, fortified against temptations, comforted in sorrow, and prepared for a blessed end. Let us continue to use our church for the high purpose for which it was dedicated 100 years ago, to the glory of God and our own benefit. ( This was taken from our church bulletin 50 year’s ago)

Pastor’s of Immanuel - Hay Creek William. Wier 1858 - Summer 1861 3 years A. E. Winter Fall 1861 1 years J. Horst Summer 1862 - April 1865 3 years J. Hezer Fall of 1865( for a few months) E. Rolf 1866 ( for a few months) R. Klinkenberg Fall 1866 - 1868 3 years J. Horst Fall 1868 - March 1883 15 years W. Lange May 1883 - May 1906 23 years J. C. Meyer August 1906 - May 1929 23 years H. Hardt August 1929 - May 1949 20 years R. Schulz July 1949 - December 1952 3 1/2 years A. Mock March 1953 - November 1956 3 1/2 years E. Schwandt April 1957 - June 1971 14 years R. Bleeke July 1971 - January 1974 2 1/2 years V. Meyr July 1974 - July 1994 20 years J. Nack August 1994 -

Vacancy Pastors of Immanuel Hay Creek Wihelm Lange May 1906 - August 1906 J. C. Meyer April 1929 - July 1929 Wm. Schramm August 1929 (from St. Peter Belvidere) Arthur Drevlow May 1949 - July 1949 (from St. Peter, Belvidere) Ottomar Sylwester December 1952 - March 1953 (from Concordia, Red Wing) Ottomar Sylwester November 1956 - April 1957 (from Concordia, Red Wing) James Roberson June 1971 - July 1971 (from Concordia, Red Wing) Orriville Poellot January 1974 - July 1974 (from St. John, Rosemount)

Principals of Immanuel Hay Creek Henry Augustin January 1871 - Fall 1880 10 years William Horst Fall 1880 - 1881 1 year C. F. Arndt 1881 - Spring 1910 29 years R. C. Walz Fall 1910 - 1920 10 years George Alpers October 1920 - September 1947 27 years Ruth Dahling September 1947 - 1949 2 years Delbert Knack August 1949 - 1953 4 years Louis Rulf September 1953 - Feb. 1954 1/2 year Lorena Grosse Feb 1954 - June 1954 4 months Robert Koring 1954 - 1957 3 years John Groenke 1957 - 1961 4 years Glorian Hein 1961 - 1962 1 year Arnold Wentzel 1962 - 1966 4 years Helene Writer 1966 - 1969 3 years David Bode 1969 - 1971 2 years Jerome Klein 1971 - 1975 4 years Karl Meyer 1975 - 1980 5 years Eugene Dierks 1980 - 1985 5 years Ken Buth 1986 - 1996 10 years

History information compiled by Brad Kolberg, from research at Red Wing public Library, Minnesota Historical Society, Goodhue County Historical Society, Immanuel Lutheran Diamond Jubiliee booklet, Immanuel Lutheran Centennial History booklet, Immanuel Lutheran 125th Anniversary booklet,