Anamosa - A Reminiscence 1838 - 1988

finally disappeared, the Catholic demomination
acquired the building. It was named for Father Robert
Powers.
The building used as a chapel from 1924-1931 was
moved from the lot where the present Lutheran
parsonage is now, down on west Main St. and is the
private home immediately east of the APCO business.
The first baby baptized, upon the organization of the
church, was Duane Herren Sept. 26, 1923. The first
marriage was Edward Mohr and Viola Litts Sept. 12.
1924.
The first confinnation class was composed of four
young ladies. They were: Louise Gerdes, Mildred
Heiken, Hanna Ehlers and Frances Dircks.
Mrs. Henry Rickels was the first organist. Charter
members were Warner Heiken, Ed Harms, Carl
Westphal, Henry Ehlers, John Ehlers, Ralph
Zimmerman, Albert Fisher. Henry Doden. John
Gerdes, Henry Rickels, Chris Dircks and Charles
Fiedler.
The parsonage and adjoining lot were purchased
June 15, 1924, for $5,000 from A.W. Preston. In the
summer of 1924, construction was begun on the
chapel. The congregation used the chapel for worship.
education and youth work until 1931. In the summer of
that year. upon the advice of the Iowa District Mission
Board, the congregation purchased the present church
building, called Power's Court, for $4,000.
The original building was erected by the
Presbyterians in 1903. On Dec. 17. 1914. the property
was purchased by the Catholic Guild. It was used by
that congregation as a place of worship from 1926, after
the Catholic Church on the corner of High and
Broadway streets was destroyed by fire, until 1928
when their new church was completed on North
Garnaviilo St.
In August, 1931. the Board of Trusties of St. Paul
Lutheran Church purchased the building from the
Catholic Ladies Guild.
In addition to the initial renovations in 1931, the
Lutheran Church was completely remodeled in 1954.
The first service held, after the work was completed.
was on New Year's Eve of that year.
A new parsonage was constructed in 1958; the
Educational Unit was built in 1965.
Former pastors of St. Paul Lutheran Church include
the Revs. Werner Fritschel. 1924-27; August Matthias.
1927-39; H.L. Buesing, 1939-50: Howard E. Hahn,
1950-55; James A. Siefi-res, 1956-61; LaVerne C.
Beener, 1961-69; Walter A. Behrens, 1968-73; Ralmer
Sevig, 1971-72: Richard Kling and Victor Nelson. 1980-
83; Victor Nelson, 1983-86; David Hagstrom and Jane
Hagstrom, 1987 and presently serving.
From its small beginnings the congregation has
grown to include 704 confirmed members.
Member. Dennis Dirks. has been ordained into the
ministry.
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l947 Confirmation Class of St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, Anamosa —front row. Betty Hulls. Flofeflee
June Hults, Rev. H.L. Buesing, Bette Soper. Leola
Bartels, John Oltmanns. (Photo submitted by Dorothy
Osterkamp, Clarice Wessels, Mary Jo Prull, Betty Buesing Johnson)
Thoien. Back row, LaVern Ulferts, Phyllis Hubner.
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