A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. JOHN

The history of Lutheranism in Ogemaw County extends back to at least 1886, when in Klacking Twp. A marriage was performed for John Schmidt and Anna Reetz by a Rev. Eberhardt from Zilwaukee, Mi.

In 1895 a Rev. E. Partenfelder of Pinconning was also serving St. John of West Branch.

In 1899 a Rev. F. Rutkowski was installed as the first resident pastor at which time St. John was meting in the G.A.R. Hall west of the railroad tracks.

On August 5, 1900 a constitution was read and formally adopted, and St. John Lutheran Church of West Branch came into being.

In 1901, the congregation built its first house of worship on the corner of Houghtion Ave. and Fairview Rd. with lumber donated by the Mackenson family.

From 1913 to 1940, the congregation was without a pastor.In 1940 a full time pastor was installed and from that time on, the congregation has been served by a full time pastor.

Since 1900, 17 pastors have served the congregation.