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History of Friedens Church:
1917-1922

Read on February 13, 2000

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      Pastor John Dippel came to Friedens in March 1917.
      In a report dated July 14, 1918, it was noted that since raising the necessary money for expenses was falling short, it was resolved that Friedens Evangelical Church of Troy, Illinois adapt the method highly recommended by the Synod and known as the "Duplex Envelope System" as their new method of raising money.
      In 1918 a flu epidemic prevailed and a quarantine was placed upon all churches and schools. The first meeting since July 1918 was held in January 1919.
      At this time English language began to be used in the church. The change was gradual - - one service a month was in English - - then it became one service a month in German - - finally all services were in English except the communion service on Good Friday.
      Money seems to have always been a big concern. Notation made of unpaid salaries in the amount of $121.00. The cash on hand of $2.37 was paid leaving an unpaid balance of $118.63 as the actual debt.
      In May 1919 complaints about the condition of the cemetery was brought before the Council and it was also known that the men did not have the necessary time to take care of it. The chairman moved to appoint 3 ladies to get the cemetery cleaned up. The ladies were Mrs. Alice Bone, Mrs. John Wilhelm and Mrs. George Ottwein. These ladies set to the job as noted in later meetings. They enlisted the help of Mrs. Bone's Sunday School Class and after cutting and raking, a farmer hauled away the hay, but the minutes for the following year noted that the farmer cut the hay and hauled it away, however the Sunday School Class earned $50.00. Later, there was a motion at the meeting to have signs printed, and a notice put in the Troy Call prohibiting livestock from -grazing in the cemetery!
      In July 1921 a motion was made to vote on building a new church and in January 1922 it was decided to tear down the old church and dig a new basement. The Presbyterian Church again offered their church basement for services. On October 8, 1922 a motion was made to ask individuals for money at 4% interest and the balance amount needed from the Bank of Troy.
      On November 5, 1922, at a special meeting, it was decided to sell the old parsonage to the highest bidder at public auction. After a final decision was made on a definite plan for the new building, bids were sought and on February 28, 1922 Hug Lunber of Highland was chosen with the lowest bid. On March 2 some changes were proposed that amounted $656.00 bringing the contract price to $15,496.00 without windows and a pipe organ. The organ from Treu Pipe Organ Company of St. Louis was chosen with 8 set of pipes at a cost of $1,766.26.
      The art glass windows came from Jacoby Art Glass Company in St. Louis and cost $1,207.00.
      Pews and furniture was purchased from DeMoulin Brothers and Company in Greenville at a cost of $1,561.20.
      The committee then called for volunteers that saved many dollars. It is noted that Mr. Henry Buhrmester of Edwardsville furnished the paint at cost, and that included his labor. The cost of paint and labor was $86.81. The final figure was approximately $22,000.00 for the building and furnishings. The Building Committee was honorably discharged with thanks.