Here you will find a pictorial listing, of the pastors who have served the congregation of the First United Church of Christ over the years.
This list contains only the pastors here at the First Church. It does not include the pastors of the Zion E&R Church or the Harrisburg Church pastors. Both churches joined or congregation after they were well established. Please see that corresponding church page for more information.
| During the years 1850 to 1858 many Swiss immigrants came to this community. They desired to have Reformed services and in about 1854 were able to persuade a minister by the name of Rev. Spender, to come here from Switzerland on missionary work. Services were then held in the local school-house. His efforts to organize a congregation remained fruitless and after about a year he left them. |
1858-1859 Rev. John T. Etters
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Rev. John Etters served the Town of Prairie du Sac congregation and also laid the foundation for our congregation. He succeeded on October 13, 1858, in organizing the Protestant Reformed congregation in the local schoolhouse, with 30 members. The roll, however, is not in existence. Mr Kehl, Mr. Obrecht, Mr. Hantsch and Mr. Fausch had drawn up a constitution that was adopted on November 14, 1858. Here the first steps toward organization were made and the congregation was to be united with the Sheboygan Classis. Differences, however, induced Rev. Etters to leave in August 1859. He had worked diligently. |
1859-1861 Rev. Nathaniel Ruetenik
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Rev. Nathaniel Ruetenik took over in September 1859 and on October 14, 1859 the congregation was officially incorporated and six days later was received into the Sheboygan Classis of the Reformed Church in the United States. Thus for the first time the church became an intrinsic part of a denomination. The incorporation papers bear the names of Rev. Nathaniel Ruetenik, President, Ruduloph Winter, John Erbe and Peter Alleman.
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1861-1864 Rev. H. August Winter
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Rev. H. Aug. Winter came here from Milwaukee in October 1860. On the 26th of May, 1861 a new constitution was adopted and the name changed to "First German Reformed Congregation". 44 members submitted to the new church rules.
In August of 1862 a new 26 by 42 foot stone church building was dedicated to the service of the Triune God on the site of the present church. The following year a parsonage was built which was later moved to the southern part of Sauk City. Rev. Winter resigned in November 1864 and moved to Madison. |
1864-1868 Rev. J. J. Brecht
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During the ministry of Rev. J. J. Brecht a strong emphasis was placed upon the proper instruction of youth in preparation for church membership and life. Rev. Brecht came in 1864 and four years later resigned to become the Pastor of the Town of Prairie du Sac charge. |
1868-1870 Rev. Dallmann
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1870-1872 Rev. F. Herold
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1872-1877 Rev. F. Kuenzler
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Rev. F. Kuenzler responded to a call in December 1872. His call stipulated that he receive $300.00 per year, free use of the parsonage and that feed for his horse be furnished. The Harrisburg and local congregation then formed one charge and the pastor was obligated to reside one year at Sauk City and one year at Harrisburg. That Rev. Kuenzler was well versed in song and music was made evident by a fine church choir, and the magnetism with which he befriended lovers of music in the village. He resigned in 1876 and moved to Waukesha. |
1877-1911 Rev. J. J. von Grueningen
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Rev. J. J. von Grueningen, pastor of the Watertown Church, was unanimously elected Pastor of both the Harrisburg and Sauk City congregations on October 8, 1876. He labored earnestly, and was Pastor of both churches until June 1896 when he ceased serving the Harrisburg Church. From 1892 until 1910 he also served as Pastor of the Dane Immanuel's congregation. His faithfulness was richly rewarded. On the 28th of June 1903 he was privileged to celebrate his 25th anniversary as Pastor of our congregation.
Mrs. von Grueningen, passed away in February 1887. Some time later he married Miss Mathilda Buerki. On June 11, 1909, she too passed away. In his advanced years he keenly felt this loss and wished that his labors might be terminated. His long faithful pastorate was brought to a close when he passed away in May of 1911. A large memorial window was placed in the new church. |
1911-1922 Rev. C. M. Zenk
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Rev. C. M. Zenk was unanimously chosen pastor of the congregation on July 16, 1911. On April 20, 1913, the congregation unanimously decided to build a new church.
During these years the congregation experienced splendid growth. Sunday evening services were held in the English language. In 1912 it was decided to use the individual communion service. In the spring of 1913 thirty-seven adults were received into the congregation through confirmation. The "envelope system" and the "Every Member Canvas" were introduced. |
1922-1929 Rev. C. J. Walenta
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The ministry of Rev. C. J. Walenta began in June 1922 and continued until his death on January 12, 1929. An outstanding achievement during these years was the purchase, for $5,000.00, of a splendid pipe organ which is still in use. |
1929-1941 Rev. George Grether
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Following the death of Rev. Walenta, Rev. George Grether became Pastor and served until the end of 1940. The records indicate that in 1937 the church membership was two hundred and ninety three. The church was remodeled to the extent of a new roof and ceiling. Various improvements were made in the parsonage where a new furnace was installed. |
1941-1969 Rev. Wilson Bixler
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Rev. Wilson M. Bixler was born in Berne, Indiana on January 26, 1902. He received his early education in the Berne Public Schools and some years later attended Mission House College and Seminary. Upon his graduation from the Seminary on May 24, 1936, he began his pastorate at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Neillsville, Wisconsin, where he served until June 4, 1941 when he became the Pastor of the First Evangelical and Reformed Church of Sauk City.
His marriage to Marie Hilty took place at Berne, Indiana, on August 6, 1936. She had rendered much valuable assistance throughout his ministry. They had one son, John, who graduated from Lakeland College. |
1969-1988 Rev. Roger L. Wentz
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Rev Roger Wentz was born May 1, 1930 at Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Graduated from Sheboygan Schools. He secured his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lakeland College and Bachelor of Divinity Degree from United Theological Seminary.
Rev Roger Wentz was wed to Frances, his wife, in 1955.
He was ordained to Christian Ministry in June 1956 at Sheboygan Zion Church. Was called to be Assistant Minister at Milwaukee Faith Church in 1956. Then called to be Pastor at Kaukauna Immanuel Church in 1959. In 1962 was blessed with daughter, Renee Louise. In 1970 Rev. Roger wentz was called to be Pastor at Sauk City First Church. |
1988-1989 Rev. Jean Dickson
(Interim Pastor)
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1988-2004 Rev. Robert D. Rieke
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2001-2006 Rev. Denise Cole
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2004-2005 Rev. N. Kendell Nordstrom
(Interim Pastor)
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2005-____ Rev. William Kapp
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