by Karen B. Leidig
Fortitude, Friendship, Family and Faith – this is what has contributed to St. John Lutheran Church in Hamlin celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024.
The township of Hamlin in the northwest corner of Monroe County was incorporated in 1861.The growth of the area had been difficult due to the remoteness, and a plethora of wooded land and boggy nature of the area. However, by the late 1860s immigrants from the area of Mecklenburg, Germany, began their life in America here and established farms on which the character and history of Hamlin grew its roots. The humble beginnings of the “First Lutheran Reformed Society” began in 1869 in a small district school building, holding services on the corner of East Fork and Brickschoolhouse Road – aptly titled. These strong-hearted settlers desired to have their own building in which to gather and worship.
Eighty-two members were listed on the early rolls of St. John Lutheran Church as they built the first church on the rounding corner of Church Road and Lake Road West Fork, at a cost of $4,000. The price was a hefty sum at that time, but they were guided by their will and strong faith in God. Rev. Carl Staerker was the great-grandfather of Henry Lehning, a current and lifelong member of the church. Many of the ancestral roots have continued over the span of the church’s 150 years.
These are just some of the family names that have been a part of the church family throughout its history: Baase, Bauch, Bauer, Ergott, Freitag, Goltermann, Graupmann, Grimm, Heise, Hueser, Jacobs, Jennejahn, Kaiser, Klafehn, Koss, Ladue, Lardner, Lasch, Lemcke, Leverenz, Nettnin, Newman, Oehlbeck, Ophardt, Priem, Rachow, Rath, Rockow, Rose, Schepler, Seaman, Unterborn and Wolf.
As membership continued to grow, the church needed a larger facility. The current sanctuary was dedicated in May 1908. At a total cost of $20,000 for the church and the surrounding barns to house the horses that transported the members to church, the mortgage of $7,000 was paid off in 1914. St. John’s membership also helped monetarily to begin St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hilton and Concordia Lutheran Church in Brockport.
St. John Lutheran Church was the first congregation in the Rochester area to establish a Christian Day School. Classes were taught in German until English was introduced in 1903 by teacher A.G. Frinke. When World War I started, the focus on instruction in German ended. The 1940s brought the building additions of the Parish hall and more classrooms; Kindergarten was added in 1946 and pre-school in 1972. The Paul Klopp annex was built in 1995, and in 1998, the church’s majestic gazebo was donated by Margaret Bauch in loving memory of her husband, Fred.
The church’s baseball field has a history of hosting countless games, which at one time were “under the lights.” The gymnasium, besides being used for basketball and other sports, has been the site of plays and comedies by the youth, more church dinners and receptions than one can count, and wedding receptions. St. John’s Bazaar has become the church’s “Fall Festival,” utilizing the gym as well as other spaces on the church grounds.
In 1953, St. John Lutheran added something that has been very special and is still in use to this day – a bowling alley. Prior to being remodeled for classroom space, the basement was used for roller-skating.
The Dorcas Society (ladies) celebrated their 100th year as well this year. No church organization could be successful without the hard work of the Church Ladies, that they make look like a “well-oiled machine.” Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, Adult Choir, Ladies Trio, Praise Team, Celebration Ringers, Mission Group, Ushers, Altar Guild, Beautification Committee, Board of Elders, Board of Trustees, Worship Committee, Finance Board, Youth Group, organists, secretaries, and custodians past and present, M & M’s, Senior Citizens – everyone finds a way to share their talents and time.
Much has changed in 150 years. Parking lots are where the horse barns once stood. Electricity has modernized the buildings and heating and cooling as well as a speaker system. A beautiful, updated organ delivers music for services as well as a piano, electric piano, guitars and drums. Riding lawnmowers and a plow help maintain the grounds and keep the lots open for parking. A school is no longer a part of the church’s ministry, but many credit their quality Christian education as the core for their lives which they share with their children and grandchildren. The countless baptisms, confirmations, marriage ceremonies and meaningful funeral services of many are a part of that history.
The services are no longer in German, but in English. Seating pads make for more comfort, and handicapped access is now available.
Constant and enduring on the rounding corner of the Lake Road West Fork is their faith in God for 150 years of blessings.
Celebrating 150 years of God’s blessings at St. John Lutheran Church
The members of St. John Lutheran Church have held several events to celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary year in 2024.
Below, are some of the church members who attended the Reunion Weekend Picnic on July 20. Provided photos.
In November 2023, a pot luck dinner “kicked off’ the festivities for the year with many pictures and artifacts being displayed, for this church shares a rich history in the town of Hamlin.
In March, a thank you dinner for our area first responders was held in honor for the service and time that they have given to the members of the church and the Hamlin community.
“Reunion Weekend” on July 19 and 20 welcomed past or current members of the church, those who attended or worked for the school, or held any connection to St. John’s for two special events: “An Evening of Jazz and Comedy” with performances by the Ann Mitchell Trio, and comedians Dan Kulp and Dan Viola. Ann sang Jazz standards and special selected songs, accompanied by her talented musicians. Laughter and music are two wonderful forms of artistic expression that bless the soul. A great evening with delicious sweets and beverages were a marvelous accent to the evening. On Saturday, an indoor picnic graced the gymnasium with a delicious meal catered by the Hamlin Lions who did the grilling. It was nice to reconnect with many out-of-towners who returned to reminisce, dine and celebrate.
Near the end of August on a Friday evening with some clouds mixing in, the church held a concert by musician Chris Wilson. In addition to being a wonderful performer and songwriter well known for his concerts at The Barn, he recently opened Wilson’s Guitar Shop on Main Street in Brockport. The rain was tempted to fall, but it was not to be, thankfully. A large crowd dotted the lawn to the north of the church, and to make a great evening even better, Lugia’s ice cream.
The church will culminate its celebration of 150 years with a special church service on November 17, honoring the past, present and future of St. John Lutheran Church in Hamlin.
