This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ChgoKid Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/17259/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Shawano Leader Oct 9, 2009 St. Martin Church to mark 150th anniversary By Carol Wagner, of the Leader staff St. Martin Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine will celebrate 150 years on Sunday with a service and dinner attended by past ministers, and current and former members. The Rev. John Smith has officiated there since 2004. "It's a nice congregation," Smith said. The church was established by the Rev. Frederick Ruhland, who came to the area from Oshkosh. Ruhland was instrumental in starting 26 churches, all of which are still open. "He wanted to make sure everybody could walk to church," Smith said. On Oct. 23, 1859, the first constitution for St. Martin was drafted. Services were held in a private home. In 1868 a legal title was obtained for the property of the present church building. The little log cabin church remained until 1869 when the first church was finished. It stood until 1907 when the present structure was built. In 1991 a new addition was constructed on the front of the church. It included a lift to make it handicap accessible, a larger narthex, bathroom, meeting rooms and storage. People have brought in pictures from 100 years ago, which will be on display along with pictures from throughout the years. Smith was previously the minister there from 1983 to 1993. He and his wife Sandy are happy to be back at St. Martin. "It's just like we hadn't left," John said. Sandy is the choir director, Sunday school teacher, secretary and does the decorating. The parsonage is just down the road from the church. "We love it out in the country," Sandy said. Pastor Smith keeps busy visiting the sick and shut-ins and takes his turn at preaching at Pine Manor. He said the church is doing fine financially. "That's a blessing," he said. The couple enjoys the just less than 200 members they serve. "They're very friendly and faithful," Sandy said. "They want to stay close to the true word of God and teachings of the Bible." Last summer air conditioning and a new furnace were added. Smith, 67, said he hopes to keep on at St. Martin as long as his health holds up. "It's just the right size for one person." The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dinner, for which reservations have closed, will be served in two shifts. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.