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Rev. H. Hilleman, pastor of the German Lutheran Church of Menominee, Michigan, is a native of Hanover, Germany,
born on the 16th of November, 1851. His father, Rev. J. G. M. Hilleman, was also born in the same province, was
educated in the land of his birth, and in 1866 crossed the broad Atlantic to America. After his arrival in this country
he was ordained as a minister of the German Lutheran Church, and is now in charge of a congregation in Howard's Grove,
Sheboygan county. He married Anna E. Lackmann, a native of Bremen, and this worthy couple became the parents of
nine children, and two of the sons are ministers.
Rev. H. Hilleman began his education in the fatherland and completed it in Philadelphia after the emigration of the
family to the United States. Reared in a Christian home and early surrounded by those influences which develop true
manhood, he also determined to enter the ministry, and was ordained at Detroit, Michigan, on the 28th of April, 1874. His
first pastoral work was in Winona county, Minnesota, where he remained for seven years, beloved by his parishioners and by
the public at large. His labors built up a prosperous church and through his example many were led to accept the better
life.
In 1881 Mr. Hilleman was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Otillia L. Kemnitz, a native of
Fort Howard, Wisconsin and a daughter of Theodore Kemnitz, proprietor of the Kemnitz Furniture Factory at
that place. Four children have been given them, - Ada A., Calla H., Meta L., and Martin T.
Mr. Hilleman left Minnesota on being called to the pastorate of the Lutheran church in Menominee, Michigan, and for
fourteen years he has devoted his time and talents to the work of the Master in this locality. This church was organized
with a membership of eleven families; now has a membership of 100 families, and is in a flourishing condition. The church
edifice is located on Dunlap avenue, and on the same block stand their fine brick schoolhouse and a commodious and
pleasant parsonage. The first pastor and the organizer of the church, Professor Huebner, was succeeded by Rev.
Peter Lange, and he by Adolph Toepel. They resided in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and came to Menominee simply to
supply the pulpit. Rev. Hilleman was the first resident pastor, and when he assumed charge the congregation
numbered but fourteen families. He became pastor on the 4th of March, 1881, and he, too, made his home in Peshtigo until
a parsonage was erected in Menominee in 1883. This building has since been enlarged and is now a pleasant, comfortable
residence. Through the instrumentality of the present pastor both it and the schoolhouse have been built. He was the
first Lutheran minister who preached in Marinette, going there in 1883, and, having organized a congregation there, has
since served as its pastor, the present membership being 135. He also built the house of worship and schoolhouse there,
and has ever been a most indefatigable worker in the cause of Christianity. In the early days of his ministry he often
delivered three sermons on Sunday, riding fifty-four miles to the different churches. In the Synod he has been an active
worker, serving on various important committees. The life of Rev. Hilleman has been one of true nobleness,
earnest, hopeful and consistent. He believes in the Christianity that makes the world brighter as well as better, and
directs his attention to the good rather than the evil of life. He has not only the respect but love if his members, and
the people of other denominations hold him in the highest regard. As a speaker he is able, forcible, and entertaining,
not afraid to give utterance to his firm conviction, but constantly striving to point to the Saviour of men.
Copyright 1997 - 2009 by Debie Blindauer
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