St. John Lutheran Church will celebrate 150 years on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The church itself had its beginning in a one room country school house in Columbia Township about 6 ½ miles southwest of Tama in 1876 by a group of German immigrants.

In 1894 after having outgrown its schoolhouse church it was voted to build a house of worship across the road from the Maple Grove Cemetery. Total cost including furniture and an organ was $1,647.00.

In 1960-61 the old structure was incorporated into a new and larger addition due to the rapid growth of the church. The structure still stands today.

Pastor LeAnn Stubbs, SE IA Synod Representative will be assisting Pastor Gary Kinkel with the 10:30 AM worship service. Please note the time change. Trinity Church will also worship with St. John this day. There will be men directing traffic and helping park cars. An elevator is available for anyone needing help with the stairs.

A potluck dinner will follow at 12:30 PM in the basement. Meat, potatoes, rolls, drinks and table service will be provided. Please bring a dish to share.

The afternoon program will begin at 2 p.m. The program will consist of songs, special readings, music, trivia, video, poems and memories.

There will be a time to share a favorite memory, story, special moment or meaningful connection you have with St. John. Please be thinking of a memory now, so you are prepared to share with us that day.

The day will conclude with 150th cupcakes and refreshments.

A new history wall was created in honor of the celebration and will be on display to view. Silent auction items and raffle tickets will be sold and winners announced during the afternoon program. Commemorative ornaments will be available all day and are on sale for $10. All monies raised will go towards the cost of the celebration.

All friends, neighbors, relatives, former members and especially present members are cordially invited to come and enjoy this special day.