Waterville Lutheran Church congregation reflects on history in preparation for its final worship service

submitted by Waterville Lutheran Church

September 12, 2010 the congregation of Waterville Lutheran Church, a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will celebrate its final worship service. It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that the current membership made this decision – but those members stand as witnesses to the great things that God has done for over 133 years of active service to the Waterville and Paint Creek area.
The congregation is thankful for the discerning efforts of the parish's first pastor, the Reverend David Lynes who served Springfield Lutheran Church (rural Calmar). In 1877, Waterville Lutheran Church was a newborn faith community consisting of four member families. Waterville Lutheran began as a mission outpost of the Augustana Synod and then joined with the Norwegian Synod as they were served by such pastors. In later years, it joined the American Lutheran Church and finally in 1987 joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In its early years, many things took shape - namely the joint relationship held with the congregations belonging to the Norwegian Synod north of Waterville. East and West Paint Creek Lutheran congregations and their pastor, The Reverend Hagbert Harmann, came to serve the congregation in Waterville. Even with controversy and the doctrine of election which quickly divided the Norwegian Synod, Hartmann continued to serve.
In 1904 the decision was made to build a church building in Waterville. The women of the congregation, the “Ladies Aide”, took on the job of raising funds for this purpose.  Food was sold, dinners were held, and the women of Waterville Lutheran (given the later title of WOW) came to the aide of their faith community. November 4, 1906, the cornerstone was laid and by October of 1907 the building was dedicated.
Of note is the altar painting done by Sarah Rangland.  Church records indicate that when the painting arrived it was too small for the space in the altar. A very talented member completed the painting to make it fit in the space provided. The timeless image of Jesus reaching out to Peter has stood rightly as a symbol of God’s grace and mercy for this community of faith.
The first baptism was Ethel Rongstad in the spring of 1907. August 29, 2010 the congregation will celebrate the final confirmation service and baptism. Over the years many would call Waterville Lutheran their spiritual birthplace. Some members went on into mission work and ordained ministry. Others have sought work as leaders in other area congregations. The congregation of Waterville Lutheran has, throughout its history, been mission-minded and focused.
Over the years, Waterville Lutheran has shared ministry with other area congregations.  First was with the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Lansing (known now as Our Saviors Lutheran, Lansing) and the Norwegian Congregation of McGregor (known now as First Lutheran of McGregor).  Even though a formal relationship between Old East and West Paint Creek Parish was dissolved, these congregations have also assisted Waterville during various times of pastoral vacancy.
What many remember Waterville Lutheran for is its church dinners. The women of this congregation have prepared meatballs - but truly it was their Swiss Steak that stole the hearts of many in this area.  Food and fellowship served as a means to gather people together in an ever-changing world. While many church dinners offer buffet lines, the congregation of Waterville Lutheran continued to serve its meals family style. This was a statement to what was important to them - faith, fellowship, and family.

In future articles current pastor, The Reverend Kris Leland Snyder, will offer a reflection on the church and his ministry with them since December 2007 and a final article will be submitted sharing some reflections as this congregation concludes its ministry to the Waterville community.
The final service for Waterville Lutheran Church will be held Sunday, September 12 at 11 a.m. The Reverend Dr. Steven Ullestad, Bishop of the Northeast Iowa Synod of the ELCA, will be preaching and presiding over the service.  All are invited to this service.  Further details about this service will be forthcoming in The Standard.