St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Building Celebrates 100 Years

Casco, MI — This Thanksgiving the parishioners of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church have more to be thankful for due to the 100-year anniversary of the dedication of their church building this year. 

The corner stone was laid in the spring of 1912 and the largely attended dedication of the building of the second church was held on January 13, 1913.  The musical program by the choir of Holy Cross Lutheran church of Detroit assisted the local choir and was splendid, as reported in the original newspaper article.  Due to the number of people who came to worship that day, there was a morning, afternoon and evening service provided by three different Reverends.

One hundred years later, it’s hard to imagine that multitude of attendance requiring three services.  Today, the economy has hit many of the area churches hard with the sharing of pastors or having to close their doors entirely.  However, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located on Palms Road in Casco Township continues to thrive 150 years later with the same passion for helping the area community and assisting its members. 

Born and raised nearly next door, Dr. Susie Ross is one of four generations of Volkman children baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  “Even when I was living elsewhere, St. Paul's always felt like my home church.  It was a wonderful place to grow as a Christian and I feel so fortunate that my children get to be part of the same vibrant Sunday School.  There are so many kind, generous and selfless people in our congregation.  It's a group of people that feels like an extended family, the kind of people you know you can count on in times of need.  The truth is, they do the same for complete strangers in need, by supporting local food pantries, donating to global causes and delivering holiday meals and gifts to local families.  It's such a wonderful example to give to my children, especially during a time when positive Christian examples can be hard to find.” Dr. Ross expressed. 

The history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the small farming community of Peters, dates back to 1850s when the earliest German settlers came to the area.  In 1857, Dr. Sigmund Fritschel of Detroit was on his way to Marine City to conduct services.  As he walked along Marine City Highway one hot summer day, he stopped at the home of August Leich for a drink of cold water.  Here Dr. Fritschel learned that a large number of young Lutheran Germany families had settled in the area.  Arrangements were made for services to be conducted at the school (still standing today) on the corner of Palms and Springborn the following Sunday afternoon.  It was so well attended that services needed to be conducted in the school yard using an old stump as the altar, lectern and pulpit. 

A rough log church was erected in 1858 and a small log parsonage on the south side of the log church.  The first Pastor’s salary was $60.00 a year.  On a Sunday in January of 1864 the congregation approved the construction of a new building.  Originally made of wood at a cost of $1,821.14, the old frame church was torn down, and usable materials were used to build the new church in 1912 at a cost of $12,526.92.  Dedicated in January of 1913, this ‘new’ building provides the worship services today for the members and guests of St. Paul’s. 

When looking at the beautiful stained glass windows, it not only makes you appreciate the craftsmanship but takes you back to imagining the numerous discussions that must have transpired between architects, designers and church members as they decided which pattern and colors the windows would display.  Elegant windows standing the test of time while retaining the many memories and heritage of a strong congregation. 

Even though St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Casco is steeped in history and traditions, they are proud of the technology that has been developed to enhance their worship services with the use of sound and visual equipment pieces (overhead screen and projector, confidence monitor, two choir/drama microphones, one balcony microphone, mixer lights and CD/DVD duplicator system) due to the generosity of two member’s families. Possible future streaming Internet broadcasts of its services is in the planning stages. The technology wonderfully complements the building’s acoustics as the music fills the church with the exceptional talents provided by organist & Clavinova pianist, Janet Teltow.

Don and Judy Little of Algonac have gone to other churches throughout the years, but have always been drawn back to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. “After visiting many churches in the area over a two year period, looking for a new church home, we always gravitated back to St. Paul’s because of the friendliness of the people and Pastor MaGinn's preaching.  Even though Pastor MaGinn has moved on, we still enjoy being a part of the St. Paul's family!” said Don.  

As you approach the historical church, the 150-year tradition of welcoming warmth continues with a greeting by Sunday School children and members who hand you the church bulletin with a smile as you walk through the magnificent carved oak doors. 

Church members were excited for the centennial celebration which was held in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which featured Pastor Heather Holland, Assistant to the ELCA Bishop.  She delivered the message at both morning services on Sunday, September 15 with Interim Pastor Jan Marvar conducting.  (St. Paul’s is currently close to calling their next pastor.) The later service was followed by a hot dog and corn roast with the many famous desserts provided by St. Paul’s bakers. 

Pastor Holland relayed her story of growing up in a similar farming community in west Michigan yet did not inherit a ‘green thumb.’  As she tried her hand at growing a Crown of Thorns plant, she discovered that pruning made the plant flourish, just as God helps everyone flourish by pruning away pessimism, hopelessness and unnecessary baggage. 

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church offers a Sunday School for ages 3 years to 12th grade, an engaging Vacation Bible School (VBS), a very active Women’s group, numerous food pantry’s support, a lively Chili Cook-off, Christian fellowship, a prayer shawl ministry, participation in missions and several basket ministries in which the church takes up special collections for families with needs.

“There’s no place like this church,” Dr. Ross said. “You feel God’s presence envelop you as soon as you walk through the doors.”

About St. Paul’s Lutheran Church:

A historical Lutheran congregation in a community changing from rural to town & country, St. Paul’s family is rooted and grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Sunday Worship - 8:30 am and 10:45 am. Located at: 5322 Palms Road, Casco, MI  ph: 810-765-4808, Email:  stpauls@casco.comcastbiz.net www.stpaulscasco.com