The following is from Saleste, Paul H., Ninetieth Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical and Reformed Church, January 1, 1935.
The mantle of the succession of ministers was next laid on the shoulders of Rev. W. Duerr.
His was the pastorate of Civil war strife. No record of names of sons of the congregation, who entered the service of their country during those days survives. But inscribed honor rolls of those days have many German names on them, and you may be sure, some of them were sons of Saint John.
At this time the first organ was purchased, and by telegraph, so that it would be ready for the first Missionary Day, August 16, 1863. About this time, we also have the organization of the first "Ladies Aid" 1861.