SAINT PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL HISTORY
by
Harvey Bartig, Church Historian
(see a history of St.
Paul's Church)
It may surprise many of you to know that our congregation operated Christian
Day Schools at two different times before the present school was built.
From 1889 to 1891 the first school was open. It was located on the corner
of Elk and Shaurette Streets, as were the church and parsonage at that
time. The former parsonage can still be seen and is over 100 years old.
The second school was in existence from 1909 to 1914.
Our present school can be traced back to the pastorate of Rev. W. F.
Ludwig during which several parcels of property were purchased by this
congregation. In 1951 Rev. Herbert Wunderlich became pastor. Under him
plans were made and carried out to begin classes in the church basement
during the time the present school addition was under construction. Unfortunately,
Rev. Wunderlich did not see the completion of the building. He died following
heart surgery shortly before the building was completed.
Classes were organized in 1953 with Mr. John Roth as teacher and principal.
$14,000 was pledged by 13 families to build the school. The Stevens Point
Journal reported on September 5, 1957 that the bids for the school addition
totaled $123,822.
In the interim between Pastor Wunderlich’s death and Pastor Dake’s installation,
Mr. Roth relied heavily on the congregation and the Lord to carry out his
many responsibilities. He remained here for 15 years. Following his resignation,
Robert Luring became acting principal. Roland Golz served as principal
from 1969 to 1971, leaving to attend seminary and become a pastor. Mr.
Ronal Thies has served our school as principal since 1971.
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