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Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran German School
Gillett,
Oconto County, Wisconsin
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SHAWANO EVENING LEADER
Immanuel Lutheran Evangelical German School - Gillett    A NEW SCHOOL
The first church, built of logs (1885),
had served as a school for many years. Since the number of children in
the congregation constantly increased, and since the old school became
wholly inadequate, it was decided to build a new school in 1909. The
contract for the new school, 36 ft. long and 28 ft. wide, was given to
Julius Lemke.During these early years, the average church contributions per family ranged from $2.00 to $ 10.00 per year. In 1911 the congregation was divided into two districts. Collectors were appointed for the East and West Districts. Contributions seemed to increase considerably. The metal ceiling was installed in the church building in 1925. The expense journal lists Helf Hardware Company steel ceiling $461.00 on October 19, 1925. On Nov. 10 the paint and painting labor amounted to $395.00, making a total of $856.00. Although the congregation did not officially join the Missouri Synod until 1948, they celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Synod on May 25, 1926. A special collection was taken. Mrs. Markworth was asked to teach at a salary of $200.00 per year. The minutes indicate that at different times other lady teachers or students for the ministry were engaged in teaching school. School was held for 6 months of the year starting October 1st. No English reading material was to be used in the German school. Math material could be in English in 1918. In 1926 new books and maps were purchased similar to those being used in public schools. By that time most children attended the school for 2 years of confirmation instruction. They also had instruction in secular subjects for half the day and returned to their public school classes after confirmation each spring. For some children, it was hard to catch up with the state requirements for public school graduation. From the minutes it also became apparent that the membership was more interested in furthering the German language through its school than to maintain it as a means of Christian education. As late as 1918 reading courses were still conducted in the German language. This may have been one of the chief factors why the school was later discontinued. |
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