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Welcome to historic St. John's U.C.C.! For over a century and a half, this country church has been serving the communities in Franklin County, Missouri. We're glad that you've chosen to visit us. Please read on, or click on the links which have been provided, to find out a little more about us. Genealogists will want to check our cemetery records. This may be done simply by clicking on the button marked "Cemeteries", to your left. For the photos of the church, including those published in the January 1999 issue of Country Extra Magazine, and a map, click on the "Photo Album" button. In 1957, the Congregational Church (the Pilgrims of old New England) joined with the Evangelical Reformed Church (German settlers in the Missouri River Valley) to form the United Church of Christ. You may find out more about this main-line denomination, by clicking on the "U.C.C." button. This friendly little church on a peaceful hillside invites you to visit us for our Sunday School/Bible Study groups any Sunday morning at 9:30. Our Worship service each Sunday is at 10:30. The ladies of the church quilt every Thursday. For information about our Ice Cream Socials, genealogy information, or anything else, you're invited to e-mail us at rmalone@fidnet.com or call (636) 583-4768. Churches should be centers for community service and gathering places for worshipers. Some are that and more. A special feature of our church is its place in the history of westward-moving America. Read below for a timeline of St. John's history. A Historic Timeline of St. John's Mantels Church 1836 - The German Settlers begin to meet with a circuit rider at the home of Wilhelm Kortjohann. 1841 - 80 acres is purchased next to the Kortjohann home. 1843 - The first church (made of logs) is erected and a cemetery is begun. 1849 - The Gold Rush creates a cholera epidemic in St. Louis, and other Missouri gateway cities. Countless '49ers die in Franklin County as they move west. Mass graves are dug and almost 40 years of burials begin in the trenches of the 1843 Cemetery. 1853 - The Reverend F. E. C. Mantels comes to St. John's to begin his 30-year term as Pastor. Ever since the church has been known to locals as the Mantels Church and the address has been on Mantels Church Road. 1861 - The men of St. John's formed the 54th Enrolled Missouri Militia. They distinguished themselves as a home guard unit and at the Battle of Pilot Knob. 1875 - The present brick & stone church is constructed. 1894 - The "new" cemetery is begun. 1902 - The parsonage is built. 1922 - The Frauen Verein (Women's Guild) is organized. It remains the heart of the church. 1938 - English is spoken for the first time in church. 1943 - The Centennial Year at St. John's. 1957 - The U.C.C. is formed. Stained glass windows are installed. Carpet comes to the sanctuary. 1966 - An indoor stairway is installed. 1968 - The German School and Calaboose are converted into a Fellowship Hall. 1987 - The Franklin County Historical Society takes the Parsonage and converts it into a Museum. 1992 - A 40' X 80' pavilion is erected for the Ice Cream Socials and other functions. 1993 - The Church celebrates its 150th year. 1994 - St. John's is air-conditioned. 1998 - Work is begun on erecting new tombstones for the 28 veterans of the War Between the States. This effort is still in progress. Special thanks need to be given to Doug Niermeyer, Missouri Commander of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion for his on-going efforts with this project. 1999 - St. John's is featured in Country Extra magazine (January, '99). Our founder's home is featured in Country Living magazine (August, '99). A state-of-the-art digital keyboard sound system is delivered. Plans are announced to replace the ornamental fence at the "new" cemetery with 80 maple trees. The "Pioneer Tree" is planted and dedicated by the Franklin County Historical Society and St. John's. It marks the 150th anniversary of the mass burials of 1849. The Mantels Church goes on the internet.
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