A Brief History of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

            In 1872 a group of German immigrants extended a call to a Lutheran pastor and made plans for building a church. The church was built near the present spot in 1873. Services were in German (which continued until around 1938). It was a small 28 by 50 foot structure and was dedicated in September of 1873.

            In June of 1879, the Reverand E.H. Caselmann was called to be the pastor and served for 38 years until 1917. During those years, more lots were purchased including the corner lot where St. John stands today. A school was built in 1884 and a larger cross shaped church was built on this spot and dedicated in 1893.

            When Rev. Caselmann died in 1918, he left his estate to the church which was later dismantled and rebuilt in 1924, as the main body of the present church. It was dedicated as the Caselmann Memorial Church. Many outstanding pastors have served during the years overseeing more additions and improvements to the church and church property.

            St. John has always been recognized as a compassionate leader in the Charles City community. Our doors are always open in times of emergency and we serve with many outreach ministries. We pride ourselves in being a very active church family.

            We thank our ancestors for their foresight as we continue to live our mission : God’s Work, Our Hands.