Explosion in Their Centennial Year: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Red Wing, Minnesota

Abstract

Dennis Belter’s historical essay recounts the doctrinal and congregational crisis that struck St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, during its 100th anniversary year. The conflict stemmed from broader tensions between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) over unionism and doctrinal fellowship, culminating in WELS’s suspension of fellowship with LCMS in 1961. Belter details how Pastor George Barthels, influenced by these debates and his own conscience, led St. John’s into a period of internal division. After months of tract meetings and synodical discussions, the congregation voted against Barthels’ resolution to break fellowship with WELS. Barthels resigned, along with two teachers, and formed Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, later affiliated with the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC). Belter highlights the role of Pastor Gerhard Horn, whose timely acceptance of a call to St. John’s helped stabilize the congregation. The essay concludes with reflections on the congregation’s recovery and continued growth, attributing its endurance to the grace of God and faithful Gospel preaching. —Generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)