SS Peter and Paul's Pastoral History
[This history is derived from the 1967 Centennial Booklet and
the 1985 pictorial directory. Rev. Robert Paul added information for the years
1985 to 2000.]
Our congregation had its beginnings in the mid-1800’s during mining
boom that gave the Copper Country its name. Lutheran immigrants, distressed by
the lack of properly called, trained, and ordained ministers, wrote to Dr.
C.F.W. Walther, president of the Missouri Synod, requesting a pastor.
Eventually, in response to this request, Rev. I.E. Wuebben arrived in Houghton
in 1866. In January of 1867 the first Lutheran congregation in the Copper
Country [and probably in the whole of Michigan's Upper Peninsula] was formed
under the name "German Evangelical Lutheran Peter and Paul's Congregation
at Hancock."
In the first year of its existence the congregation conducted services in
the public school on Franklin Street in Hancock and in the county courthouse in
Houghton. However, later in 1867, the first Lutheran church building in the
Copper Country (now our parish hall) was built on a lot donated by the Quincy
Mining Company. On April 11, 1869 a great fire destroyed nearly the entire
village of Hancock. The church was one of only a few buildings left undamaged
by the fire.
Rev. Wuebben remained until 1873 and was followed by Rev. C.F. Ebert. These
two men did exploratory mission work throughout the area from Eagle Harbor to
Ontonagon to Marquette. The organization of St. Paul's in Laurium and Trinity
(now Redeemer) in Marquette were offshoots of their labors.
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During the pastorate of Rev. Philip Wambsganss (installed in 1878), the
issue of building a new church nearly split the congregation. The members from
Hurontown, who made up almost half of the congregation, wanted to build in
Houghton or buy the old Houghton Fire Hall, which had been offered at a low
price. However, the congregation stayed together and the new church was built
on the corner lot next to the old church. (The lot was obtained on a 99-year
lease from the Quincy Mining Company and at the end of the same purchased for
$1.00). The new church was dedicated in 1881 and still serves as our church
building.
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The ministry of Rev. Edmund Huebner (installed 1887) was difficult due
to economic changes in the community and the growth of activities harmful to
the church, such as itinerant preachers and lodges. But he continued to lay a
good foundation for the future. Three large bells (Glaube, Liebe, and Hoffnung)
were installed in the belfry. The old church became the congregation's one-room
parochial school building and continued to be used as such until 1917.
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With Rev. Gottlieb Traub's ministry (1896-1922) the congregation began
to move into the modern era. In 1906 the congregation began to have English
language services (once a month). Steam heat, electricity, gas, and plumbing
were installed. A choir, Sunday school, and ladies' and young people's
societies were organized. He served preaching stations at Atlantic Mine,
Trimountain, Topaz, and Bergland.
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Rev. E.W. Feldscher's pastorate (1922-1962) was the longest in the
congregation's story. He extended ministry to Painesdale (resulting in Trinity
congregation, which merged with SS. Peter and Paul in 1957) and a preaching
station in Redridge (the source of some of our presentday members). He led
major renovations and the Hasse organ project, but one of his most noteworthy
contributions was initiation and development of ministry to students at what is
now Michigan Technological University. He was one of the fathers of campus
ministry in the LCMS. Back in the 1960s, alumni established a scholarship fund
at MTU in his memory.
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Rev. Robert Paul was installed as the congregation's seventh pastor in
1962. His ministry carried on Rev. Feldscher's work in maintaining a stable
congregation and pursuing campus ministry. A thriving Gamma Delta student group
metamorphosed into (Lutheran) Beta Sigma Psi fraternity (Theta chapter) with
its own house on College Ave. in Houghton. Beta Sigma Psi played a positive
role in the campus scene for several years but was undone by the campus
turmoils of the late 60's and early 70's and is now the (independent and
secular) Beta Sigma Theta fraternity. He was called to serve a town and campus
congregation in Wisconsin in 1967. After ministry there and another pastorate,
he was called back as our tenth pastor in 1975.
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Rev. Carlton Spatzek came to SS. Peter and Paul after service as a Navy
chaplain. Although well liked, he served here only about a year (1967-1968).
The Copper Country climate affected him and his wife adversely, and he felt
constrained to continue his ministry in another location.
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Rev. Vernon Schwartz was called by our congregation from a town and
campus ministry in Illinois and served 1969-1975. He made contributions in
parish organization and new initiatives in campus ministry. Upon his
recommendation, the North Wisconsin District purchased a house a half-block
from the heart of MTU's campus, which became Concordia Lutheran Student Center.
Ever since, it has been the connecting link between the church and the campus.
The monthly student suppers he initiated are still a primary venue for student
fellowship and ministry.
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During Rev. Paul's second pastorate (1975-1995), a large part of
ministry was involved with serving an aging segment of the congregation and
fostering student involvement in the life of the congregation. The ties that
developed between members and students were cherished by both. The two major
projects during this pastorate were the narthex addition and the elevator.
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The ministry of Rev. Patrick Boomhower (1995-1998) took a spirited
approach to outreach, with the result many new members were added to the
congregation. He also used his considerable artistic and musical talents to
oversee a beautiful redecoration of the nave, chancel and altar, and a
much-needed renovation of the organ.
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Through its long history, the congregation has had only one long vacancy
(1978-79). Most have been 6 months or less. Rev. David Weber came in the fall
of 1998. His approach to ministry is straightforward and evangelical. He, too,
has musical talents and has used them to add vocal and instrumental music to
the informal setting of Sunday's early service. On occasion he has also
enhanced other services by singing and playing (guitar), his own compositions.
Another mark of his ministry is to be highly active in standing by and helping
people in times of sickness or other needs. Under his leadership the
congregation looks to expand its ministry and facilities. Two new ministries
already in place are the Mother's Day Out child-care program and Senior
Ministry.
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