Saint John, Sycamore Celebrates 150th Anniversary

June 2026

On May 31, 2026, Saint John Lutheran Church in Sycamore, Illinois held a special service with the theme of “His Faithfulness to All Generations” (Psalm 100:5) in honor of 150 years of Christ-centered Word and Sacrament ministry to Sycamore and the surrounding communities.

NIDnews.org was able to speak with Rev. Paul Mumme, who has served Saint John since September 2019. He shared more details of the various events and activities which celebrate this milestone over the course of 16 months.

Two previous festive services have already been held: September 7, 2025, “The Church’s One Foundation,” which marked the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking for their present location; and February 8, 2026, “Refined by Fire,” marking the anniversary of the fire that destroyed their previous facility near downtown in 2004 and celebrating God’s graciousness in rebuilding their future from the ashes.

The 3rd festive service held in May marked 150 years of God’s faithfulness since their first service on May 28, 1876. Rev. Mumme served as liturgist, three former pastors served as lectors (two happen to be sons of the congregation), and NID President, the Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss served as preacher for the celebratory service. Attendees enjoyed special music from the adult and children’s choirs, handbells, brass, strings, and a specially commissioned anniversary hymn titled “O Steadfast Love of Every Age.” The service was followed by a banquet and program offsite.

A large display of history items were shared with visitors: a cross from atop the steeple, stained glass remnants, a Saint John banner (from the ruins of the second church), numerous photos, newspapers, posterboards, timelines, books, directories, banners, a china setting, a silver tea set, former offering plates, plaques, ceramics, trophies, Sunday School attendance pins, and more.

When asked to share a bit more of the congregation’s history, Pastor Mumme said, “Saint John has had 22 called pastors during its 150-year history. We also currently have a full-time Director of Parish Music (Nick Hansen) and a part-time Deaconess (Carol Brown)… Our congregation has had three church facilities throughout our history. We rejoice in God’s graciousness to us in each location.

“At our founding, an LCMS pastor from Immanuel Lutheran in nearly Hinckley, Illinois invited a small group of five German Lutherans to an initial worship service in his home. Soon after, the new congregation. met for worship in the jury room of the county courthouse. A few years later, we purchased a vacant church building as our first church facility (1885-1938). A newly constructed church just south of downtown served as our second church facility (1938-2004). After a devastating fire in 2004, a new church was constructed on the northwest edge of town in 2007 and it serves as our present site.”

Pastor Mumme also shared a special moment celebrated at the May 31, 2026 banquet—They were able to recognize their oldest member, LaVerna (102 years, 3 days), their youngest member, Margaret (born at 9:01 a.m. that morning), and their longest tenured member, Rosemarie (baptized in the first church in 1936, worshipped in the second church its entire existence, and continues in the third church to the present day).

In regard to Saint John’s congregation today, Pastor Mumme elaborated, “Saint John is a vibrant and growing congregation featuring faithful preaching, liturgical worship, and beautiful music. Our members are evenly distributed from young to old and come from all walks of life. Adult catechesis is offered regularly, resulting in four adult baptisms so far this year. In addition to numerous internal Christian education, fellowship, and youth opportunities, the congregation reaches out to our community through things such as our Lending Closet (loaning out durable medical equipment), Journey to the Cross, Meals on Wheels, VBS, Oktoberfest, a float in the Pumpkin Fest Parade, a community Thanksgiving meal, and a Living Nativity. I love the people here, their hunger for Christ’s gifts in Word and Sacrament, and their zeal for reaching out to our community with the Gospel.”

Saint John’s congregation plans one more festive service, which is scheduled for December 6, 2026, titled “God’s Graciousness to Saint John,” recalling their congregation’s namesake. The service will be followed by a congregational meal. They are also planning for a “Music at Saint John” performance and a theological conference for pastors and laity.

We celebrate this milestone with Saint John and the pray for God’s continued blessings on the congregation, its members, and the surrounding community!