Saint Peter United Church of Christ

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In the beginning St. Peter United Church of Christ was formed by men and women of German descent, of the Evangelical faith. St. Peter's building was dedicated on December 12, 1897. The movement to organize a congregation and to build started earlier in that year by word of mouth and signed petition, and culminated in a meeting on June 29. This was presided over by Rev. Henry Buchmueller, the then president of the South Illinois District of the Evangelical Synod of North America. The first worship service was held in the Red Bud City Hall on July 11. A permanent organization was effected the afternoon of the same day and steps were taken to incorporate under the laws of the State of Illinois. The need for a church building was felt from the start and soon plans were completed. The cornerstone was laid on September 5, 1897. Much labor and some mater ials were donated as well as money. The total cost of the building and furnishings was approximately $4, 500. Sunday worship services were dependent upon the availability of theological students from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and neighbor ing ministers until after the new building was dedicated. Then Rev. Albert Reusch became St. Peter's first regular pastor. He was followed by Rev. Henry Grotefend. These two each ministered for about four years. Pastor Henry Buchmueller was then called and he served the members faithfully for 21 years. He was succeeded by Rev. Paul Brink who shepherded St. Peter's flock until the end of the year 1945. Many changes had taken place both in the com munity and in St. Peter's congregation, as well as in the building and in the purposes for which the building was used. During the depression years a basement was dug giving a place for Sunday School classes, a kitchen, fellowship room, and space for a furnace to steam heat the completed area. Prior to this, heat was from two large stoves in the audi torium with long pipes leading to the chimneys at the west ( front ) end. Sermons and songs were in the German language, for the most part, before World War I. Then the emphasis changed to English for christening, confirm ation, and all other occasions. The last sermons in German were delivered some time in the early thirties. The Original sanctuary was designed with a center aisle and pulpit. Men and women did not sit together to worship. Men sat on the right of the center aisle and women and children sat on the left. Gradually men and women became accustomed to sitting together. Church membership was by individuals, not by families. No women served on the Council or the Board of Elders in the early years of St. Peter. They were however, given equal status with the men on the committees, boards, and had voice and vote at congregational meetings. The church in the early years of our nation was the center of social life in the community and St. Peter scheduled fellowship events and celebrations for church members and the Red Bud citizens. A big Pentecost Monday picnic was held annually for many years. Public school was dismissed and a church band led a parade to the church where pink lemonade was shared by all the kids. Two big meals were served annually to the Red Bud community, a Wurst Markt and Chicken and Dumpling Dinner. Other sociables were held at suitable times. The budget is supported through weekly offerings, donations and money raising events. There have been donations, bequests, and gifts from the start. The two bells in the tower were gifts ; a bequest of $25, 000 as a mem orial gave impetus to the erection of St. Peter Educational building. Many smaller sums presented from time to time since the church was founded, as well as regular pledges from devoted followers of Christ. They were all made freely and without reservation. All indicate the support we have had as a congregation in our endeavor to serve Christ and our fellowman. Other events during and since World War II have changed habits of worship and understandings about mor