History of Our Church

First Church

Worship services were held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on East Maple Street in Liberty Center until 1934.

First Pastor

Vicar R.T. Mueller was instrumental in the formation of St. Paul’s congregation in Liberty Center.

Early Members

Shown left to right are: Miss Secrist, pianist; Mrs. Lavanche Ort, S.S teacher; Mr. William Panning, Elder; Miss Laurena Panning, S.S. teacher; Mrs. Emma Bartels, Miss Velma Ricker, Mr. Henry Vagen, The Rev. R.T. Mueller.

The Second Church, 1934

Present Church, 1957

For many years, the members of the congregation realized the need for larger facilities due to their growing attendance at worship services and Sunday School. The need was finally fulfilled to the glory of God in 1957.

On April 28, 1957, groundbreaking ceremonies were held under the leadership of Rev. Arthur C. Senn. After considerable planning by the building committee, it was a delightful occasion to see that what was once a dream was now about to become reality.

With the cornerstone laying ceremonies held on August 25, 1957, the architect and builder (Martin Youngman) was now able to complete the aspiring structure. The edifice itself was constructed of solid masonry and measured 40 by 80 feet, with a seven-foot extension into the Chancel for the stone Altar. The main floor included a mother’s room, organ chamber, and Sacristy. The seating capacity in the nave and balcony was approximately 325. The full basement below provided room for Sunday School rooms and fellowship, a kitchen, a furnace room, and restrooms.

Erected to the glory of God and the proclamation of His Word and Sacraments, the church was dedicated on December 1, 1957, with a structure pointing into the heavens, all who came upon it were reminded of our loving Heavenly Father in Whom we trust and with Whom we will live eternally.

St. Paul’s Pastors

Rev. R. T. Mueller, 1931-1932

Rev. H. L. Krueckeberg, 1932-1937

Rev. C. H. Matthias, 1937-1942

Rev. L. K. Zank, 1942-1945

Rev. Fred Rediger, 1946-1956

Rev. Arthur Senn, 1956-1961

Rev. Alex W. Roegge, 1962-1966

Rev. Theodore W. Schroeder, 1966-1972

Rev. Raymond Reinbolt, 1973-1978

Rev. Paul Baumann, 1978-1983

Rev. Robert J. Swearer, 1983-1988

Rev. William E. Thompson, 1988-1998

Rev. Randal Gragg, 1999-2002

Rev. Jeffrey Stone, 2003-2008

Rev. Keith Witte, 2009-2017

Rev. Jeremy Kleino, 2018-2019

Rev. Paul Dancy, 2020-2020

Vacancy Pastor: Rev. Charles Kramer Jan. 2021 – Aug 2021

Rev. Steven Geske, Aug 2021

Vacancy Pastor: Rev. Charles Kramer Sept. 2021 – July 2023

Rev. Charles Kramer, 2023-present

BUILDING PROJECTS

The Rev. Arthur Senn served both our congregation and St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wauseon, during the late 1950s. In the 1960s, during the leadership of Rev. A. W. Roegge, the Trustees of the congregation felt that our church needed a full-time minister to provide us with God’s Word. In 1962, plans were made for the present parsonage to be built east of the church. The three-bedroom home was built of brick and stone to complement the church building.

In 1970, with the encouragement and help of The Rev. Theodore Schroeder, an education building was built on the west side of the church. It was constructed with portable dividers to make eight separate classrooms to accommodate the growing Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School children. In 1971, a Lutheran Nursery school was begun with fourteen students attending that first year. In 1984, the total enrollment topped the 50 mark for the very first time in the history of the Pre-School. Presently, the Education Building also houses the Church Office and Pastor’s Study.