While the war was raging in Europe, President
Woodrow Wilson
assured the American citizens that they will not be drawn into
this European conflict! German immigrants all across the
country were facing persecution for Germany's involvement in the
war. Pastors were being called away from their
churches to serve as Army Chaplains in the battle zones, leaving a
shortage of Pastors here at home. Needless to say, this was an unsettling time.
"At the beginning of the war in 1914 there was talk of a religious revival in the various countries. The churches for a time were filled. The opening of the war drove men to God."
~ "With our Soldiers in France" by Sherwood Eddy (1917) ~
On March 9, 1913, Reverend James A. Boehm began his pastorate.
On April 1, 1913 , Rev. Kosman left. Note the slight pastoral overlap during
March. In this period, German speaking services were abolished.
On February 11, 1917, Rev. Boehm resigned.
On July 15, 1917 Reverend Robert A. Bausch began his pastorate and
remained as the pastor at St. Paul's for the next six and a half years.
Shortly after Armistice Day (November 11,
1918), this commemorative group photo was taken
of Reverend Robert A. Bausch with his congregation.
Click Here to see an exploded view of the
Photo!!
