The following is from Saleste, Paul H., Ninetieth Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical and Reformed Church, January 1, 1935.

The second church was built on the same ground, which had been consecrated by the twenty-five years of service of the first church. Rev. F. Lenschau, its builder was possessed of a regenerated heart, a benevolent intention, an indefatigable zeal, and a unique gift of organization. The second church stands to this day, as a memorial to his vision for an expanding church, reaching out more and more to a greater and greater number of German-speaking Christians. I am told by one of the members still living, and remembering the zeal of the former days, "that there was possible no beam or pillar, brick or mortar, which he did not reverently handle and assign its place." Another member says, "I still remember how Pastor Lenschau and my father, went day after day into the woods not far away, with axe and saw, to prepare the timber that was to be used." So the minister carefully directed the work of building the house of God, in the spirit of Haggai, who heard these words from heaven, "Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Go up to the mountain and bring wood, and build my house: and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified therein." Haggai 1:8. And with the same response of that ancient people, the members went to work. A vein of quicksand was uncovered in the work of excavation, and many a wagon load of rock was poured into the quivering sands, that the house of God might be both physically and spiritually founded upon a Rock.

The dedication of the church was on June 25th, 1871. It was a glorious summer day. Three inspiring services marked the celebration of the first day. In the morning, Rev. Theo. Dresel of Louisville, Ky. former pastor preached the dedication sermon. Rev. Kroenlein of Loudenville, assisted at the altar. In the afternoon service Rev. Quinius of Indianapolis, a friend of the pastor, was guest minister, assisted by Rev. Seybold of Hayesville. In the evening the ministers Piritt, M. E. Hall, Presbyterian, and Fairfield, Congregational, brought the greetings of sister churches in Mansfield. The offering was $616.61.

Because the second church was built on the same site as the first church, and the congregation hampered by the absence of a house of worship during construction days, the new church was used as soon as possible. We find therefore, that the church became a place of worship a early as November of the preceding year, with the first service being held on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1870. The cost of the completed structure is given as $21,000, of which the major portion was paid on the day of dedication. You will observe this trait of Saint John's all through its history, to pay for its buildings and obligations at once, ant to remain out of debt at all costs. And that means sacrificial giving.