HISTORICAL TIME LINE 2010 We celebrated our 125th Anniversary on February 21. The Rev. Dr. Gerald Mansholt, Central States Synod Bishop was the guest speaker for worship. A potluck dinner followed. More than 150 people attended. 2008 A new computer was purchased for the office. 2007 Pastor Patsy Koeneke accepted our call to serve as full-time minister for the congregation of St. John. St John's first website www.stjohnkensington.com was created. St John joined with the community to Support Our Soldiers (Operation SOS) who are deployed around the world. 2004 Outdoor cemetery directory was erected with memorial donations. We completed a major challenge of restoring our Altar, Pulpit and Lectern with donations in excess of $20,000 from individuals and memorials. Pastor Frank Pekarek retired from full-time ministry. 2001 Sunday school rooms and Parish Hall were remodeled and windows replaced. 1999 New electric piano/organ combination was purchased. 1998 Memorial donation of Hand Bells led to the formation of the Bell Choir which performs monthly. 1997 Professional Ministry Assistant Judy Rahjes and others lead St. John until Pastor Frank Pekarek accepts our call. 1996 Interim Pastor Constance Morrow assists St. John in giving thanks and praise in celebrating its 110th anniversary. 1991-1995 Pastor Dan Breda became our pastor and our first computer was purchased for the church office. Air conditioning was installed in the church. Memorial funds purchased a new sound system, pew cushions and made the restrooms handicapped accessible. 1986-1990 With the help of Pastor Greg Gaskamp, we supported the Fountain of Hope church in Kansas City, Missouri with the donation of 500 lbs. of food and supplies to this mission church. During this time we also became part of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 1984 Early communion was made available at the fifth grade level. 1981-1983 St. John answers Seminary Appeal by donating over $33,000 from congregational members. Joint Vacation Bible School was expanded to include all four churches in Kensington. 1979 New Parsonage was built. Pastor David H. Sites helped with efforts of members from all four churches in Kensington to form a refugee ministry in our town. 1963 Pastor Virgil Anderson became our new minister and served 15 years. 1960 The broadcasting of a half-hour Sunday morning worship service with Pastor John Minneman began on KKAN 92.5 FM, Phillipsburg, Kansas. The broadcast has been in continuous operation for 47 yrs. and there are no plans to discontinue this service. The congregation celebrated its 75th anniversary with the dedication of the new parish hall. 1921-1952 Pastors serving during this period were Pastor O. Spehr, Pastor E. A. Stein, and Pastor A. Eggerling. The Sunday school program was expanded and Sunday evening services were conducted. Evangelism and parish education programs were introduced during this time. 1920 Our present church was dedicated by Pastor Charles Bunge. 1918 The Church building was destroyed by fire due to anti-German sentiment. Pastor L. Uhlman served during this difficult time of World War I. 1907 First parsonage was built during the pastorate of F.W. Hainke. 1892 The first church was built one-half mile north of Kensington with the leadership of Pastor John Gemaehlich. 1885 St. John Lutheran Church of Kensington, Kansas was founded by seven charter members. Services were conducted in a school house by The Rev. J.F. Dilges of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Stuttgart, Kansas. |
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