| Biography |
- BIOGRAPHY: Rev. H. U. Rahn Completes Fifty-five Years As Minister (1942) The Rev H. U. Rahn, who was pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church at Casco seven years and four months, preached his farewell sermon last Sunday and this week moved his household goods to Edwardsville, Ill., where he will make his home with his daughter and son-in-law.
There are some interesting facts to relate with reference to Rev. Rahn's career as a minister over a period of 55 years. When the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination as a minister of the Evangelical and Reformed Church was observed at Casco July 18, 1937, it was pointed out that in a half century devoted to serving six congregations, Rev. Rahn missed only one Sunday preaching service on account of Illness, and he was absent from only one annual district conference. In the 55 years, he baptized almost 1,500 children, confirmed over 900 confirmands, married over 635 couples, and conducted over 720 funeral services, besides preaching several thousand sermons.
One of Five Generations The Rev. Rahn, who is nearly 79 years old, was born in Gasconade County August 30, 1863. He is one of the fifth generation of the Rahn family, who have continuously carried on the vocation of the ministry for the last 233 years. Three of them served in the cause of Christ's Kingdom in Switzerland, and the last two (missing).
Rev. Rahn is one of five children born to his parents. His mother died when he was only ten years old, and at the age of fifteen his father died, the children becoming orphans. After completing his studies in school, he received his preparation for the ministry at Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill., and the Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, being a graduate of both institutions.
The Rev. Rahn began preaching at Zion's Evangelical Church at Ursa, Ill., and remained there five years. From there he went to the Evangelical Church at O'FalIon, Ill., and preached nine years. He served next as pastor of Eden Evangelical Church at Edwardsville, Ill., for twenty-four years; at St. John's Church, Evansville, Ill, two years; at St. John's Church, Bellefontaine, St. Louis County, nine years, and at the St. John's Evangelical Church at Casco over seven years. During his ministry he was president of the Illinois Pastoral Conference, member of the first Synodical Sunday School Board, president of the South Illinois District, member of the board of directors of Hoyleton, Ill., Orphanage, member of the Board of Home Missions eight years, member of the Board of Religious Education, and member of the Board of Trustees of Eden Theological Seminary. He was also a delegate to five consecutive general conferences.
Came In 1935 Since coming to Casco in April, 1935, Rev. Rahn published several booklets in the interest of the congregation. The first was the history of the congregation after it was decided Nov. 20, 1935, to build a new church. Another was issued when the new church was dedicated Oct. 18, 1936, and when the congregation was 88 years old. Then followed a brochure dealing with the golden anniversary of the minister, July 17, 1937. The fourth publication dealt with the 90th anniversary of the congregation observed on August 14, 1930. Rev. and Mrs. Rahn celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on October 17, 1938. Mrs. Rahn died May10, 1939.
On April 23, 1939, the Parsonage occupied by Rev. Rahn at Casco burned to the ground with all its contents. The parsonage was built In 1907 and was 32 years old. Two weeks after the fire, the congregation decided to build a new parsonage and it was dedicated Dec. 10, 1939.
Regret His Departure The people of Casco very much regretted to see Rev. Rahn leave, but being left alone at Casco since the death of his wife and the recent marriage of his daughter, who will live at Edwardsville, they readily realized the situation confronting their beloved pastor and peacefully granted his release and wished him God's blessing.
Although almost 80 years old, Rev. Rahn is in good health and high in spirit. He has lost no energy and enthusiasm in carrying on his wife's labor of love. His physical fitness has been well preserved, and his mental faculties have been undisturbed. He has a good word for everyone with whom he has come in contact. Trials and tribulations along the pathway of life have left no scars on his genial and pleasing personality. No one has made a more lasting and affectionate friendship than Rev. Rahn.
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1863 - 1945 (82 years)
