Church History
In 1913, the congregation called for the erection of a church 35'x60' with a tall spire. A canvas of the members and businessmen of Allison resulted in the raising of $4,000. The church was built and dedicated that year (see picture).
The first resident pastor was called in 1921. In 1926, the house located beside the church was purchased for use as a parsonage.
In January 1947 the congregation voted to build a new church (the present structure) at a cost of about $100,000 which included the purchase price of the lots, the structure, and the church furniture. Ground was broken for the 40'x100' structure in May 1947 and the corner stone was laid October 5 of the same year. The new church was dedicated on Sunday, December 5, 1948. In June of 1963, ground-breaking services were held for a new Educational Unit to be added to the current structure. The structure, which was dedicated on May 24, 1964, is used for Sunday school and organizational meetings. A new pipe organ was dedicated on November 2, 1975. In 2004 an addition was added in the courtyard between the church and educational unit to provide offices for the pastor and church secretary.
The congregation has, by the grace of God, enjoyed steady growth throughout the years of her existance. Pastors who have served St. James since its conception are Rev. C. Weltner, Rev. A.C. Hoff, Rev. W.C. Nassen, Rev. Robert Niederwimmer, Pastor Ried Neve, Pastor Lowell Koch, Pastor C. Bruce Ulstad, Pastor Jerry Laehn, and Pastor Jeffrey Blank and Pastor Ruth Ann Shriver.
Our church has been blessed with several members who have been called to serve God in various ways. Dorothy Voigts Diemer served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for several years. Those who went into the ministry of the Word are Jerome Riggert, Jewel Neve Pierce, Calvin Fick and Rick Miller. Currently in seminary is Francis Green.