Church's History

The Rev. G.H. Weyganct answered Gods call and began to gather together the people of the Canal Fulton area who wished to worship in the Lutheran tradition. The year was 1827. The State of Ohio had been just that for only 2 dozen years and the Ohio-Erie Canal system was beginning to inch its way across the land. The first church building was a log building just south of town about where the route 21 bridge is presently located. Eventually the congregation of St. John and the congregation of the Salem Reformed Church joined and constructed a frame building which stood on River Road. Rev. Weygandt served this congregation faithfully until he resigned in 1847 shortly before his death.

Rev. Wegandt was succeeded as shepherd of the congregation by the Rev. D. Rothacker who remained with the flock until 1850.

During the years following Rev. Peter Buehl led the congregation from 1850 on through the tumultuous years of the Civil War. During Rev. Buehl's time with the congregation, the congregation of St. John and Salem Reformed peacefully separated. It was also during this time that a church constitution was written by St. John.

In 1854 the congregation moved again when it built a new structure west of the present building. The church measured 36x26 feet and had seating for 23 people. After completion of the church a steeple was added and a church bell was donated by Mrs. Anna Lang Simmons.

Mrs. Simmons was given the honor of ringing the bell when it called worshippers for the first time. Mrs. Simmons donation was the first of a long line of gifts stretching through our history. The list includes everything from appliances for the kitchen, vestments, hymnals, pictures, crosses, pianos, paraments, down to the elevator which has enable all our congregation to attend worship. The members of St. John, then and now, have always acted when a need arises.

In 1864 the mission in Massillon which Rev. Buehl had developed called him to be their pastor. He left St. John and was succeeded by Rev. Gotsh. In 1871 St. John united with several parishes to form one parish. Those congregations were St. Jacob Mudbrook, Zion in New Berlin and Emmanuel in Hartville. This parish was served by Rev. D.M. Martins for 3 years. The parish was served by several pastors until 1888 when Rev. Schillinger became Pastor. It was during this time 1888-1900 that the four part parish was dissolved. In 1895 St. John and St. Jacob joined as one parish. This union lasted until 1950 when St. Jacob dissolved the joint parish.

In 1912 the congregation purchased the present building. The bell and some furniture from the old church was moved into the new building.

1920 saw the beginning of the lengthiest pastorate. The Rev. Lawrence Fudge served the congregation from 1920 until 1950. Many changes were made to the building during this time. Art glass windows, the basement, choir loft and new ceiling are just some of those enhancements. In July 1941 a new pipe organ was dedicated.

From 1951-1968 the parish was served by Rev. Willman and Rev. Elosser. During this time the building was remodeled again. The newly remodeled building was re-dedicated in April 1960.

During the pastorate of Rev. Lawrence Meyer the present education wing was added. Pastor Meyer served our congregation from 1968-1977. In 1977 Rev. Ronald Jefferson served as our pastor until 1989. His successor was our first woman pastor Rev. Robin McCullough. Robin was with us from 1989 until 1997. Our present pastor Rev. Terry Mohr began serving our congregation in 1998.

The members of St. John have been active in many community endeavors. By both financial assistance and active support. Outreach activities by the congregation include, among many others, community Bible School, holiday activities and worship opportunities, community cupboard, holiday food baskets and gifts, World Hunger, AAA, scouting programs, Habitat for Humanity, charity fundraisers, the list goes on and on.

Our membership roll continues to expand along with our outreach programs. From about 2 dozen people at its birth the congregation has grown, 67 in 1867, 90 in 1912, 132 in 1939, 177 at our 125th Anniversary to today. Since 1992 we have added 50 new families to our roll. We now stand at 345.

In the early days of our history much of the care of the church and the congregation was the domain of the women of the church. Traditionally the distaff side was the group who stepped in with food, child care and nursing skills. They were the ones who provided Altar flowers, laundered Altar linens, swept floors and dusted pews. They made sick calls, rolled bandages, comforted widows and orphans. Thankfully that tradition continues today with one significant change. Todays church woman not only cares for her home and raises her family, but she often holds down a full or part-time job. This limits the time available to give to the church, but into the breech step the quiet army. Grandfathers and husbands donate more time than ever to fill the need. Men who work night shift set aside time during the day for Bible Study or housekeeping chores at the church. Couples give up their weekends to deliver furniture and to help an elderly person move to a new home. Young couples give up leisure time to drive youth groups on outings. Folks confined to their homes keep in touch with other shut-ins by mail, phone and email. The day to day functions of the congregation have become everyone's responsibility.

Today we look to our past with pride and look to our future with eagerness. Knowing that whenever God leads the congregation of St. John He will be beside us.

Submitted 2002 By: Bobbi Hume


Pastors of St. John Lutheran Church
(1827-2002)


George Henry Weygandt 1827-1847
D. Rothacker 1847-1850
Peter Jacob Buehl 1850-1864
G.Y. Gotsh 1864-1867
Rev. Luehl 1867-1871
D.M. Martins 1871-1874
John Humberger 1874-1877
George Young 1877-1888
B.F. Schillinger 1888-1900
J. Barthelmas 1900-1910
C.E. Mechling 1910-1920
Lawrence Fudge 1920-1950
Charles J. Willmann 1951-1955
Robert W. Elosser 1956-1968
Lawrence F. Meyer 1968-1977
Ronald L. Jefferson 1977-1989
Robin J. McCullough 1989-1997
John R. Long (served as interim) 1997-1998
Terry L. Mohr 1998- 2003

Rev. Erwin M. Smuda, Dmin (served as interim) 2003-2004

Pastor Michelle Nickodemus  2004-