Theophil Stoerker

     Theophil was born in Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois, USA, on 9 September 1896.^{2,3,4,5,6,7,8} He was the son of Conrad Friedrich Stoerker and Wilhelmine Cuno.
     Theophil Stoerker was baptized on 4 October 1896 at St Paul United Church of Christ, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois, USA.⁹

     Photo of Theophil Stoerker in 1896. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)


     His common name was Stex Stoerker.

     Photo of Conrad Stoerker with sons; Paul, Fred, and Theophil. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)


     Theophil Stoerker was listed as Fred Stoerker's son on the 1900 Federal Census in Plum Hill Township, Washington County, Illinois, USA, enumerated 2 June 1900.⁷ His birth date was listed as September 1896, age 3. He was born in Illinois. His father was born in Germany. His mother was born in Germany.⁷

     Photo of Theophil Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Theophil Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Back: Julia, Theophil, Flora, Adolph
Front: Gottlob, CF, Wilhelmine, Paul.¹⁰



     Photo in 1907. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Standing -- Paul, Alma, Flora, Josephine, Ella, and Julia Stoerker, Frieda and Christian Mohr
Seated -- Conrad, Wilhelmine (holding Theodore) Stoeker
Ground -- Gottlob, Theophil, and Adolph Stoerker, Waldemar Mohr.¹⁰



     Photo in 1912. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130). Stoerker Family 1912 -- Back: Fred, Hilda, Theophil, Flora, Alma, Frieda Mohr, Julia, Christian Mohr -- Front: Waldemar Mohr, Conrad, Wilhelmine, Gottlob.



     Photo. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130). Back Row: Julia, Theophil, Flora, and Adolph Stoerker
Front Row: Gottlob, Conrad, Wilhelmine, and Paul Stoerker.



     Photo of Theophil Stoerker circa 1914 at Elmhurst College, Elmhust, Illinois, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)

Theophil Stoerker witnessed the of Flora Stoerker and Adolph Stoerker in February 1914; Miss Flora Stoerker
New Haven, MO

Moses 4,6,24

Dear Flora:

May the Lord grant you many more birthdays.

Congratulations to your 20th birthday.

Theo and Adolph.¹¹
     He graduated from at Elmhurst College, Elmhust, Illinois, USA, in 1915.

     Photo of Fred, Hilda, Ted, Conrad, and Paul Stoerker in August 1915 at Parsonage, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo between 16 August 1915 and 25 August 1915 in Missouri, USA. Motor Trip.



     Photo of Flora Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Back: Ella Stoeker, Rev Bronke, Josephine, Theophil, Flora, Paul, Hilda, Fred, Julia Stoerker
Front: Adolph, Conrad, Wilhelmine and Gottlob Stoerker
Hartsburg, Missouri Hartsburg, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172).¹⁰


     He graduated from at Eden Seminary, Webster Groves, St Louis County, Missouri, USA, in 1918.
     He resided in New Albin, Iowa, USA, between 1918 and February 1923.
     He resided in Hartsburg, Missouri, USA, on 5 June 1918.⁵
     Theophil Stoerker was employed on 5 June 1918 at Evangelical Synod of North America, New Albin, Iowa, USA.⁵
     World War I continued to escalate and the United States found it necessary to institute a second draft registration on June 5, 1918. This was for men who had turned 21 since June 5, 1917, so it added those born between June 5, 1896 and June 5, 1897. Two months later, a supplemental registration was held on August 24, 1918 for men who had become 21 years of age since June 5, 1918, adding the names of men who were born between June 5, 1897 and August 24, 1897. Theophil Stoerker filled out a draft card on 5 June 1918 in Hartsburg, Boone County, Missouri, USA. He was employed as (an unknown value) at Evangelical Synod of UA in New Albin, Iowa. He was described as medium height and medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair. Conrad Friedrich Stoerker was listed as his nearest relative.⁵
     
The
Greatest
Christmas
Ever

December 25, 1918
PREFACE


     The contents of this booklet are a true, factual experience of my first year in the ministry. It could have been written under two other titles, like "The Beginning of my Ministry" or "The 1918 Subversive". But I finally decided it would come to no conclusion unless these bizarre, humorous, potentially explosive events would culminate in the experience of "The Greatest Christmas Ever". I have tried to write in the third person. My identity in the text will not be hard to find.


With the Season's Greetings

     Theophil and Frieda Stoerker


St. Charles, Missouri
December 1975.
The Greatest Christmas Ever

Chapter One
"Launch out into the deep"

June 3, 1918

     A small Missouri town. At the end of the street, a little white church, at the foot of a hill. A creek was in back of the church. Sometimes it housed a bubbling brook, once in a great while it could be a gushing torrent. There was a white country parsonage, enclosed by a paling fence between the church and the hill.
     The pastor of the Deutsche Evangelische Friedens Gemeinde (German Evangelical Peace Congregation) sat in his study. He had ministered almost exclusively in the German language since his ordination in 1874. Two of his sons had followed in his footsteps. His third son, Theophil, was with him in his study He had been ordained the day before (June 2, 1918); the father and his two brothers officiating. His baptismal sponsor had preached the ordination sermon.
     In those days in the German Evangelical Synod, the ministry of a newly ordained student of theology began with an assignment. By directive of the President of the Synod, the young pastor was to go to St. Peters German Evangelical Church, New Albin, Iowa, as the first resident minister; although this congregation had been served by visiting pastors since 1885. He had been informed that the work had been done exclusively in the German language. He had not been informed how he would be housed or what salary he would receive. In fact, it had not been decided. But "Go" he must. No matter what the work would be like, it would be in his own interest to stay at least two years. If he left sooner, it could in some way reflect upon his pastoral competence for his future ministry.
     Suddenly the father looked at the son. In the newspaper he had been reading there was the copy of a proclamation of the Governor of the State of Iowa. The father read it to the boy and his mother:


IOWA WAR PROCLAMATIONS
LANGUAGE PROCLAMATION

To the People ol Iowa:

     WHEREAS, our country is engaged in war with foreign powers; and
     WHEREAS, controversy has arisen in parts ot this State concerning the use of foreign languages;
     Therefore, for the purpose of ending such controversy and to bring about peace, quiet and harmony among our people, attention is directed to the following, and all are requested to govern themselves accordingly.
     The official language of the United States and the State ot Iowa is the English language. Freedom of speech is guaranteed by federal and State Constitutions, but this is not a guaranty of the right to use a language other than the language of this country — the English language. Both federal and State Constitutions also provide that "no laws shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Each person is guaranteed freedom to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, but this guaranty does not protect him in the use of a foreign language when he can as well express his thought in English, nor entitle the person who cannot speak or understand the English language to employ a foreign language, when to do so tends, in time of national peril to create discord among neighbors and citizens, or to disturb the peace and quiet of the community
     Every person should appreciate and observe his duty to refrain from all acts or conversation which may excite suspicion or produce strife among the people, but in his relation to the public should so demean himself that every word and act will manifest his loyalty to his country and his solemn purpose to aid in achieving victory for our army and navy and the permanent peace of the world.
     If there must be disagreement, let adjustment be made by those in official authority rather than by the participants in the disagreement. Voluntary or self-constituted committees or associations undertaking the settlement of such disputes, instead of promoting peace and harmony, are a menace to society and a fruitful cause of violence. The great aim and object of all should be unity of purpose and a solidarity of all the people under the flag for victory This much we owe to ourselves, to posterity, to our country and to the world.
     Therefore, the following rules should obtain in Iowa during the war:
     First. English should and must be the only medium of instruction in public, private, denominational or other similar schools.
     Second. Conversation in public places, on trains and over the telephone should be in the English language.
     Third. All public addresses should be in the English language.
     Fourth. Let those who cannot speak or understand the English language conduct their religious worship in their homes.
     This course carried out in the spirit of patriotism, though inconvenient to some, will not interfere with their guaranteed constitutional rights and will result in peace and tranquility at home and greatly strengthen the country in battle. The blessings of the United States are so great that any inconvenience or sacrifice should willingly be made for their perpetuity.
     Therefore, by virtue of authority in me vested, I, W. L. Harding, Governor of the State of Iowa, commend the spirit of tolerance and urge that henceforward the within outlined rules be adhered to by all, that petty differences be avoided and forgotten, and that, united as one people with one purpose and one language, we fight shoulder to shoulder for the good of mankind.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and caused to be affixed
the Great Seal of the State.

Done at Des Moines, this twenty third
day of May, 1918.
W. L. HARDING

By the Governor:
     W. S. ALLEN
          Secretary of State.

     Alter the reading, there was a silence. But. strange to say, it was not an alarmed trio sitting in the parsonage. No one asked “What now"? No plans were changed. To go to Iowa next month and begin his ministry was not only an assignment lo the twenty-two year old inexperienced pastor, it was now more than ever his own decision.

"Launch out into the deep
O let the shore-line go;
Launch out. launch out
In the ocean divine.
Out where the lull tides flow".


Chapter Two
Out into the world.

Friday July 26, 1918

     La Crosse. Wisconsin, 6:50 A.M. Time to leave the Pullmann. Almost at the end of the trip to New Albin, Theo finds that he has just a very few dollar bills and no change. It was the first time in his life that he dec ided that he could not afford to tip the porter, and stepping off the train he tried not to notice him. But as he was walking to his station, he felt some one take him by the arm; he turned and faced the pullmann porter.
     “I shined your shoes” the porter said, in the friendliest southern English.To which Theo responded "I know you did, and I haven’t any change and I cannot spare a dollar. Surprisingly the answer was "How much do you wan. to give me?" – Answer “Fifty Cents”. In all his life the minister never got five dimes back from a dollar bill any faster.
     In about an hour the little train which would take him the last thirty miles would be ready. As he stood on the station platform a boy of about 16 years angled up to him. It was soon apparent that this boy not only had an impediment in his speech, but that he probably suffered from a borderline I.Q. Out of it all he learned that the boy was stranded, so he said to him:
     "I'm going to New Albin."
     "That's where I live" said the boy "I have no money to go home".
     Theo replied "I am the new minister of St. Peter's Evangelical Church in New Albin".
     The boy laughed "Mister, there's no church like that there."
     "What churches are there?"
     "The Catholic, the Methodist, and a little Lutheran Church" Theo looked at the somewhat unkempt boy and felt prompted to ask: "Have you had anything lo eat?"
     "Not since yesterday".
     So two of the porter's dimes supplied a breakfast for the boy, "Leith Collard".
     The two went out on the station platform again. A police officer, who had probably watch Leith since yesterday, came and took him by the arm and said: "You come with me".
     Theo said "Officer, I'll take him home".
     "See, that you do" and the man of the law walked away. The Railroad ticket took the rest of the dimes and a dollar bill. Leith said "I will pay you, when I get home."

__________________________________________________________


     The congregation in New Albin, Iowa, had been informed that the new minister would arrive Friday, July 26. He was single and would need to board somewhere. There were two boarding houses in the town One was above the butchershop, facing the city square. The widow who operated it was a meticulous housekeeper and a very good cook. She considered it an honor that one of the little town bankers was a permanent boarder. And she was a member of St. Peter's Church. The other boardinghouse was at the corner of the town, next to a quiet cow pasture; and in the shadow of one of the big hills, which significantly bore the name Mount Oneata. The operator of this boarding house was also a widow, who had moved from the farm with her three daughters. She was the mother of a pastor who was doing well in the church. And she also was a member of St. Peter's Church.
     Both widows wanted to board the pastor. They both "had a right to this distinction" The church board, under these circumstances, thought it best to make a decision and to get this problem out of the way before the pastor would arrive. And they decided for the house at the end of the town. Weeks later, when the pastor "through the underground" heard the story of the decision, he was glad that it was not left to him.
     Mr. Karl Jordan was the treasurer of the church, and met the minister at the train. He walked right up to him and greeted him in a friendly pomeranean German. "No one looking like that had ever gotten off the train in the little town." So. it was not hard to identify him. Upon his inquiry, he told the minister "The service next Sunday will have to be in the German. We have only German song books." "Yes," he knew about the Governors proclamation, but no one knew just what it meant. He did not seem to take it very seriously.
     In the meantime they had walked to the boarding house. Here he met Mrs. Dora Fruechte. She was old enough to be his mother, and as she showed him his room and other parts of the home, he felt that it would really be a place where he would not feel strange very long. She told him where to find the church building and he took his first observational walk through town. He found the Catholic and Methodist Churches, and then he came to a little white church with no name on it. This must be it: St Peter's German Evangelical Church, which his friend of the train ride only knew as "a little Lutheran Church".
     He tried the church door and found it locked. As he turned away, he saw a face disappear behind a closed door, across the street. On impulse he walked to the door. A nice little old lady greeted him. She seemed happy and she looked guilty. She knew that she had been caught peeping, but she was happy that her curiosity had brought the minister to her door. She had concluded that he was the new pastor and informed him that a church key was entrusted to her because she was the member living nearest to the church. She gave him the key. If she sensed that he would rather see the church alone, she was right.
     The church had a center aisle. There was room for about 50 or 60 people on either side of the aisle. The pulpit was against the back wall, quite high for the ceiling of the small building. There was a big boxlike altar in front of the pulpit. In the corner was a service flag with seven stars for the boys in the war.
     A wonderful chandelier hung from the ceiling, above the center aisle, not very far from the altar platform. Rural churches of that day took pride in having lighting equipment of that kind. The chandelier had a heavy center stem from which six iron scroll brackets extended two feet, to carry coal oil lamps in a hexagonal arrangement. The Germans called these things "Kronleuchter". (Literally translated "A crown that sends out light".) The pastor immediately figured out that when one would stand in the pulpit, this "Kronleuchter" would hide the face of the minister from some members of the congregation. But this situation was also something which was not so peculiar to little churches in 1918. The "Kronleuchter" had the right of way ....


Saturday morning, July 27, 1918

     Mr. Jordan, the church treasurer came to call. The church board had had a meeting (the pastor never found out where), and had changed the worship language for the next day. The sermon was now to be in English. This was early in the morning and in the afternoon good natured Mr. Jordan was at the boardinghouse again looking for the minister. It was Saturday and more members had gotten together with the board members and the opinion was now definitely for a sermon in the German. Out of this the pastor concluded that he might as well wait for a Sunday morning decision. He had two written sermons, one in the German and one in the English. He had preached the German one four times and the English one three times. Since in a church like this, the first Sunday had the atmosphere of being a "Probation Sunday", he felt that he would probably "pass" and be accepted in either, if he could keep the "Kronleuchter" out of his mind. Besides, in that day, that congregation was expected to accept a man who had just been ordained. There was no vote.


Chapter Three
The Shepherd meets his Flock

Sunday, July 28, 1918

     It was a glorious northern summer morning. New Albin was a town built on bottom land between the Mississippi river and a range of mountainous hills. The windows of the little white church were open to the balmy air. The tower doors were open, providing an entrance of about five feet. From the doors there was a walk slightly wider, running to the street walk level about 20 feet away. It was about time lor the service, but the congregation stood at both sides of this walk. The new minister was coming from the boarding house, a distance of about four blocks. It seemed they all wanted to get a good look at him as he walked into the church. Trying to read their faces and exchanging words of greetings with them, he felt their warmth, their interested expectation and love, and also just plain curiosity. He walked to the open door. But at the threshold he had to stop. There was a little old man sitting in the middle of the doorway.
     The minister looked down at him. He looked inquisitively up at the minister Then he broke the silence "Predigen Sie heute deutsch?" ("Will you preach in German today?) The pastor answered "Sehr warschemlich" ("Very probably"). That is all Theo could say. But the little old man arose and said "Gut, dann geh' ich Vein" (Thats good, then I will go in)
     After the service there was a congregational meeting. The language was to alternate in the services; one Sunday German, one Sunday English. The pastor sensed that this was not in keeping with the text of the Governor's proclamation, but he decided to await the outcome. English hyrnnbooks for "Church" and Sunday school, the latter to be organized and conducted entirely in the English, were to be purchased. Then they asked the pastor whether anything else needed consideration. He did not tell them that he was practically broke financially; but, he did ask them whether he was to receive a salary. They had thought about that and they had asked an older minister what they should pay the young man. He said "Fifty dollars monthly". And so the graduate of Eden Seminary was given the right of way, undergirded by $50.00 monthly. The monthly rate at the boarding house was $25.00, but the kindly matron reduced it to $24.00.

__________________________________________________________


     The boarding house could not have been more interesting. Selma was Mrs. Fruechte's daughter. She worked in one of the grocery stores in town, and this same store housed the telephone central for the whole community. Selma was clerk and switchboard operator. From this store there was a special cable to a duplicate switchboard in the dining room of the boarding house. At night and on Sundays, we had the telephone central next to our dining table.
     The second boarder, Emma, had a business education and worked at the bank. She was a nice girl and slightly younger than the pastor. Selma's sister, Hanna, a high school senior, was also in the house. All three including Mrs Fruechte, were members of the church. There was room in the house for an occasional boarder, but the five of us were the regular group at the table at noon and in the evening. The morning routine, everybody getting ready for their special "stint" of the day, made it practical for the minister to have his breakfast alone, after the others had eaten and gone their way.
     In addition to the dining room the house had a kitchen, a "front" room, one bedroom on the first floor and several upstairs. There was heat from the kitchen stove and a base burner in the dining room. There was no heat on the second floor, where the pastor had his room. To keep this room from getting too cold in winter, when the temperature would drop to 30 below zero, the doors of the rooms upstairs were left open and a dining room door near the stairway was left open. Some of the base burner warmth managed to get up there.
     The pastor's trunk and books were in his room. This was still July, but the landlady saw a problem for the pastor before he did. He could not study in a cold room. So, the pastor's roll top desk was moved into a corner of the dining room, where the switchboard was at the other end. Theo soon knew the store hours, the banking and the high school hours. Those were the periods of the day when he could sit at his desk undisturbed. He finally came to plan the ministry of the next few years around the periods of silence in the dining room.
     The three boarders were the top information committee. At the noon and evening meals business and banking and high school were discussed in such a way that one only had to listen. And with the telephone system some of the community night emergencies were known before folks in town heard of them.
     It was not hard to start a Sunday school. The pastor with the three girls at the boarding house were the teachers.
     In addition to the Sunday services, the congregation had only one established organization. This was a German Frauenverein (German Women's Society), meeting monthly in the homes of the members. The language was exclusively German. If any one knew that the whole thing was in defiance of the Governor's proclamation, there was no evidence of it. And the pastor did not suggest that the lanugage be changed to English, which would have destroyed the fellowship.


Chapter Four
The Council of Defense

     The little town had a weekly newspaper, The New Albin News. Its editor, Ludwig Schubert, was a school teacher, who had left Germany, it could have been unceremoniously, at an early age. Fortunately he landed in the little town of 700 people; where with his German education, which included a knowledge of English, he towered academically, and in terms of experience, above most of the people in town
     Ludwig published the paper and operated a job printing press. He had no competitor. He made himself one of the leading citizens of the community.
     There was an attic above the little one room building in which he conducted his business. There were jugs and other equipment up there the contents of which were usually in the various stages of fermentation. He did not realize any financial return on his "product". It provided a sort of congenial 1918 "Coffee break" for those "friends" who could be trusted up there, in the dry state of Iowa.
     When the United States entered the First World War, and the structure of communities was organized in terms of defense, it was not hard for the "German school teacher printer" to be appointed Chairman of the local Council of Defense. Ludwig enjoyed the power which circumstances had put into his hands. He probably inspired others to do some of the things that happened in the little town. There was the country minister who preached in the German on Sunday afternoons, before Theo came. There was the town "Joe", who probably assumed that it was his patriotic duty to stick flags all over the aged pastor's horse and buggy, outside the church during the service. The pastor was a quiet Swiss Christian, who loved his country; and probably "Joe" never realized that his "joke" was an unfriendly stab into a loving heart.


Monday, July 29, 1918

     Into Ludwig Schubert's print shop walked a 22 year old, clean shaven young man. In the mind of Ludwig probably an agent for ink or newsprint. He surely did not expect to hear: "Good morning, Mr. Schubert, I am the local pastor of St. Peter's Evangelical Church." Ludwig was very congenial and the pastor decided that he had a loving disposition. Like almost every one else, he expected a "German" to have a beard, and some resemblance perhaps to the German Kaiser. The Governor's proclamation was not mentioned and he accepted the church notes, which included announcements of services in the German, with a friendly face.


Chapter Five
Voices out of the dark

     The flat, sandy projection toward the river lent itself ideally for the squares (city diocks) which constituted the little town. After sunset the pastor enjoyed walking In meditation along the quiet streets. After a few evenings, he noticed that he was being followed by a number of boys who never came any closer than half of a town block. When the pastor came to a street intersection, they would retreat to the other intersection. From there they could conveniently yell "Kaiser", "German preacher" and some off-color appelations. But, as soon as the pastor turned to look they disappeared into the cross street. At one time, when they called him "German ---", he turned and called out into the darkness "If you come closer, I will talk to you". Of course, they did not come, but the pastor came to the conclusion that the boys were being put up to this, perhaps even paid for it. He gradually learned that there were a few adults in town, on the part of whom this was the first move to harass the "German Preacher", who for them, especially at this time was a "persona non grata", an unwanted addition to the population.
     It seems strange, even now in retrospect of 57 years, that these experiences did not bother him. He did not make them the boarding house conversation, nor did he call upon the mayor. He was having a wonderful counteractive experience in the deep simple love for him and the appreciation of his work, which he found in the fellowship of the german-American farmers, including the church member in town whose house had been painted yellow, and farm widows now living in town who spoke only broken English, for which the "100 percent Americans" downgraded them.
     On one of the weekly visits to the printshop, there was the following conversation, or rather statement on the part of Mr. Schubert:
     "Pastor, you know by this time that I am the Chairman of the Council of Defense. There are four minute speeches to be made in all public gatherings, to stimulate patriotism. I make a four minute speech every week at the moving picture show. Others can make them and they thereby become my lieutenants. Rev. Piper of the M.E. Church makes a speech in every church service. I would like to ask you to do this in your church. The text for the four minute speech is supplied for us, and it is something that you can cover in four minutes".
     There was a somewhat extended silence, in which both probably felt that they had come to an impasse. Finally the minister said "I will think it over, but if I make four minute speeches, I will write my own text". This was not said out of a blue sky, because in the meantime Ludwig had handed him copies of two speeches, which the pastor had hurriedly scanned.
     The chairman of defense would not consent to that freedom of speech, and made it understood that the lieutenant should use the assigned text. The decision was postponed and neither mentioned it to the other again. But Ludwig did not forget, as a later happening will reveal.


THE WAR SONGS

     The first world war was an exceptional experience in the life of our nation. The German language was persecuted and the German speaking Americans suffered under it. There were fanatics who took advantage of this situation. In Pomeroy, Iowa, a "German" Church was burned to the ground.
     But there was still a big sensible middle class which functioned in various ways; who also wanted to win the war but who were not disposed to carry on the war In the United States.
     The war was idealized by most of the young people, and it seems that this was the outcome of the War Songs, which captivated them and produced a sort of happy spirit. Almost every evening the ice cream parlor of the town was crowded with young people, who would sing, sing, sing; so much that the songs were also heard on the streets, at school and in the homes. Some will remember these song titles: "Keep the Home Fires Burning"; "There's a long long Trail awinding into the Land of our Dreams"; "K-K-Katy, beautiful Katy, you're the only Girl that I adore"; "When you come back (from the war), and you will come back, there's the whole world waiting for you". There was also a song aimed at the American Germans: "If you don't like your Uncle Sammy, Just go back to your home o'er the sea". There was a piano in the ice cream parlor and the singing was accompanied by Mr. Schubert at the piano. He did a good deed keeping the young folks together.


Chapter Six
Loyalty Meeting at the High School

September 11, 1918

     By appointment of Governor Harding, a Rev. Dr. J. C. Orth traveled all over the State interpreting the war program. He spoke of the fierceness of the German culture as "Schrecklichkeit" and of the United States position in the war as loyalty to God and man.
     This meeting was chaired by Mr. Schubert, of the Council of Defense. Before it began he asked the M.E. Pastor to sit on the platform and offer the invocation. Then he spotted Theo in the group that was assembling and requested his presence on the platform also. Theo consented.
     Ludwig, in his introduction of the speaker, identified himself as the Chairman of the Council of Defense, that he made four minute speeches at the moving picture show and that there should be no disturbance during that time, presumably because this was a message from the government of the United States. Then he said that he was a captain and others who made four minute speeches were his lieutenants, and one of them was the Rev. Piper of the M.E. Church, and he pointed him out to the assembly. Finally he turned lo St. Peter's minister, sitting on his other side, and there was a notable period of silence. It could only mean "This man is not one of my lieutenants". If that was the silent message, he was right.

Pastors' Loyalty Meeting at County Seat

September 13, 1918

     New Albin is in Allamakee County, Iowa. The County Seat is Waukon. Theo received a summons from Judge Murphy. He had been reported as a minister preaching in the German language, and was therefore notified to be present in the Court House at Waukon, Friday, September 13, 1918, for instructions. One or two members of his church board could be with him. On the appointed day the pastor with Otto Luettchens and Fritz Meyer, drove to Waukon. Ministers of Norwegian, Swedish and German blood were there. Dr. J. C. Orth, having been introduced by Judge Murphy, then endeavored to explain to the clergy under what conditions they could continue their pastorates." Those who defy the Governor's proclamation must move out". He then dwelt on the allegiance which Americans of German birth or descent owe to this country. He said that "German Kultur" was responsible for the atrocities which were being committed and referred to in the statement which he was asking the ministers to sign, as authentic and proven by absolutely dependable evidence. The printed statement was circulated.


THE LOYALTY DECLARATION

     I, ______________________________, being desirous of having extended to me the privilege of making addresses in a foreign language, in public, in Allamakee County, Iowa, do hereby declare myself upon certain fundamental propositions, as follows:
First — That violations of international law and disregards of the rights of American citizens by the German authorities were solely responsible for the declaration of war between the United States of America and Germany.
Second — That the United States of America used every medium consistent with international honor to avoid a state of war, and entered into such state of war only when compelled to do so by the action of the German authorities.
Third — That the German military authorities have countenanced and permitted atrocities in foreign territories, invaded by the German armies, and such military authorities are directly responsible for the commission of said atrocities.
Fourth — That it is the duty of every person residing within the territory comprising the United States of America and its possessions, to make every effort, sacrifice and endeavor to assist the Government in the further prosecution of the war, and that no peace should be declared until peace terms as defined by the United States of America, as a condition precedent to the cessation of hositlities, have been unqualifiedly accepted by the enemy nations.
Fifth — That in the event any reference is made to war conditions, in public addresses made by me in the future, such reference shall be in accordance with the propositions above set forth.
Sixth — That, as a condition precedent to making an address in a foreign language, the entire
address so made, shall first be delivered in English and that no person not present throughout the entire English address, shall be permitted to attend the meeting at which the address is afterwards given in a foreign language.

                              Signed _________________________

     
     Most of the ministers signed the statement. Then came the request by a number that they be permitted to alternate; conduct a service in English one Sunday and in a foreign language on the following Sunday. The privilege was denied. Item Sixth of the Loyalty Declaration was to be followed.
     Theo, with his two rural church members, sat unrecognized. Finally he walked up the center aisle and introduced himself to Judge Murphy: "I am Rev. Theophil Stoerker of New Albin, Iowa".
     The Judge looked up surprised and said "Why you are a young man"
     "Yes Sir".
     "Where were you born?"
     "Staunton, Illinois".
     "Then you are a citizen of the United States"
     "Yes Sir"
     Of Item Six of the Loyalty Declaration, Theo said that he did not think that there was any law that could make a congregation lock its church doors during worship. In answering that and other inquiries, the pastors were informed that they could go back to their charges, and, if they got themselves into language difficulties, not to expect any help from the County seat. The clergymen were also told that upon their signature, they would receive a certificate entitling them to preach in their native tongue under the conditions of the Loyalty Declamation. Theo did not receive a certificate and he does not know whether others received it.


The Way Home

     The three felt like having escaped an unpleasant situation when they were again in their car. Now they could decide what might be done to keep St. Peter's Church, in New Albin, functioning. The Sunday school and the work with the young people was in English. Two or three worship services each month were also in English. They decided to have the service in German every other Sunday. The church doors would not be locked. The Sunday school would sing one song in the English in the German service. The pastor would preach in German for twenty minutes. Preceding the German, there was to be a five minute outline of what was to be said in the German. This outline was to be in English.
     Thus it was done for the remainder of the war months. Of course, the rabid criticism, "the persecution of the German tongue", continued. But our services were not disturbed. Seven weeks passed Then came November 11, 1918.


"ARMISTICE DAY"

     The war was over. What a day! Rejoicing and dancing in the streets. Thankfulness openly expressed. Gratitude to God, by folks alone in their rooms, in tears on their knees.
     A big celebration was announced for the evening. In the city square there was the making-ready of an effigy suspended from a large tripod of poles. Jeans and shirt stuffed to the tearing point with straw, so that it would appear big and visible from all parts of the square. The head was a large pumpkin, properly carved.
It was about noon. The church bells were ringing. Theo in the boarding house could clearly hear the sound of St Peter's Bell. He decided to go over to see the janitor. Just as he entered the church door the janitor stopped ringing the bell for a pause.
     A teacher training class meeting had been scheduled for the evening of that day. It was to be held in one of the homes on the other side of the town square. The three girls in the boarding house were in this training class. They were Sunday school teachers by this time. Early in the evening the pastor and the teachers walked to this class meeting. The walk took them along the edge of the city square. They stopped and watched the rejoicing, singing and yelling. The effigy was ready to be set afire. After the class meeting, as they walked home, the effigy of the German Kaiser was in ashes.


Chapter Seven
The Final Perversions

     The minister wondered how he would be featured now. Surely the pressure would go down. The Germans in New Albin had lost the war with the Germans in Europe. That these German Americans were also thankful that the war was over did not occur to those who had found something subversive in the German tongue.
     Selma had come home from the store. At the dinner table she told us of the conversation in town. It ran about like this:

     At noon, on Armistice Day (November 11) when all the bells in town were ringing, the German minister was seen, hurrying out of the boarding house, in his shirt sleeves, to the church tower vestibule, where he ordered the janitor to stop ringing the bell immediately.
     But the best was yet to come. On one of the following mornings the minister walked to the butcher shop. He at times got the meat for the landlady. It seems that Mr Meyer, the butcher was waiting for him. At least he greeted him with a big grin, and said something like: "How can you be so dumb?"
     "Alright, what is it now?" said Theo.
     You and three girls in the boarding house, went to the burning of the Kaiser last Thursday".
     "Yes, we passed there going to the training class"
     "Yes, and you came back when the fire was about out. when most of the crowd had gone. Then you and the girls carefully scraped the ashes together and carefully carried them to a place in the alley, behind Jarvis¹ blacksmith shop, and there you buried them ceremoniously."
     Theo said "Mr. Meyer, do you believe that?"
     "Well — no. But there are people in town who believe it"

     How right he was. After three years there were still people in town who believed the story of "The Kaiser's burial'

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS EVER

November 11 — December 25, 1918

     It was over. There would never be another war. The Germans had surrendered on the basis of Wilson's Fourteen Points. The boys were coming home. In the church fellowship there had been no casualities. It was really true. The nations would disarm. The potential of the Armistice was that the bells meant peace on earth.
     We watched the freight trains pull through the little Iowa village. We were glad to see them again. They were not munition carriers any longer. The clanking of the rails was a song of peace.
     I do not know whether all over the nation there was this simple faith and trust in the future as in this rural community. But in the fellowship of St. Peter's Church, the last weeks of the year led up to the greatest Christmas ever, as
"Back through nine centuries and ten
Faith's memory led to Bethlehem
To hear the song, since never heard.
Good will and peace to men on earth
In Christ there's brotherhood of men
And Fatherhood of God through him"

__________________________________________________________


     The "Greatest Christmas Ever" was 57 years ago. When Wilson took his fourteen points to the Paris Peace Conference, they met with hatred and the sinister darkness of revenge. The war was not over. It had changed its nature.
     Disillusionment! Was that all that followed December 25,1918? No. There was a great reality about it.

Faith see things which are prophetic.
     
     One day a Christmas will come, which will be true, followed by no disillusionment. Can you think of anything greater than the angels' song?
"The blessed time will come again
When through the hearts of mortal men
And through the ages without ends
That song of songs its echo sends.
Then peace shall cover all the earth,
Its blessed ancient splendor fling.
Give back the song the angels sing."


POSTSCRIPT
     In working in the Eden Seminary archives, in 1972, I found a statement in a German language publication (The Friedensbote) of May 26. 1918. which would have changed all that I have recorded, had I found it at the time of publication. If it would have been submitted in the little Iowa Court House in 1918, Mr Helming and I would have won our points. The statement is printed below: (Italics mine):

     We have received word that in some states of the middle West mobs have broken into churches and disturbed the services because these were conducted in the German language. In some instances the leaders of the mobs declared that they acted in the name of councils of defense and in at least one instance they declared that the President of the United States wanted such services to be discontinued.
     There is in this country no federal or state law in existence by which religious services in the German language or in any othei foreign language are prohibited.
     The actions of these persons are reprehensible and unworthy of citizens of these United States, and directly in violation of our constitution and of our laws.
     In each such case the matter should be reported to the State's or District's Attorney of the county and also to the Governor.
     A delegation of the Episcopal Methodist Church of America recently was received by President Wilson to make him acquainted with the German language work of their organization. An official Church organ afterward stated: "The President regretted it very much that Americans of German descent were misunderstood so often and urged that we beg our constituents not to lose patience in regard to molestations, because after the war they would earn higher credit. He gave us the assurance that no plans were laid before the administration that would tend to eliminate the German language from our churches or Church literature."

— Theophil Stoerker
I on 25 December 1918.¹²

     Photo of Theophil Stoerker circa 1920. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Manfred, Theophil, and Paul Stoerker circa 1920. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)¹³


     Theophil worked. He worked as Minister.
     

According to Art Tiedemann (#190), in 1920, Theo was 23 years old and living as a boarder in New Albin, Allamakee County, Iowa. He was working as a clergyman at the time. I believe that this information was extracted from the 1920 census records. in 1920.

     Photo of Theophil Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)


     Theophil Stoerker married Frieda Johanna Philomina Frankenfeld, daughter of Justus Wilhelm Frankenfeld and Emma Hulda Roehrig, at Emmaus Chapel, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, on 15 June 1921 . Flora Stoerker gave Theo and Frieda a lovely sugar bowl and coffee creamer as a wedding present. They kept it over the years and recently (1991), Toosie gave it to John Altenbernd who now has it in his possession.^4,14
     Theophil Stoerker was employed as a minister between 1923 and 1929 at St Paul's Church, Donnellson, Iowa, USA.
     He resided in Donnellson, Iowa, USA, from February 1923 to 1929.

     Photo of Julia Stoerker (#62) and Theophil Stoerker (#64). Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers(#132.)



     Photo of Theophil Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)


     Theophil Stoerker was listed on the 1925 Iowa State Census Iowa, USA, enumerated 1925. Also living in the house were Frieda Johanna Philomina and Justus Winfred . His age was listed as 28. He had real estate valued at $5000 and had debt against the property in the amount of $0. He was able to read. He was able to write. His highest grade of education completed was 6 years college. He has been in the US 28 years. He has been in the Iowa 6 years.¹⁵

     Photo of Winfred, Ruth, Theophil, Marian, and Frieda Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Stoerker Golden Wedding Anniversary -- Back - Theophil, Julia, Paul, Conrad, Ella, Fred, Adolph -- Front - Alma, Wilhelmine, Frieda, Flora, and Gottlob on 2 November 1926. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)¹³


     He resided in Donnellson, Lee County, Iowa, USA, in 1927.¹⁶
     He resided in St Charles, Missouri, USA, in 1929.
     Theophil Stoerker was employed as Superintendent between 1929 and 1964 at Emmaus House, St Charles, Missouri, USA.
     The following item appeared The Marthasville Record, Marthasville, Missouri, USA, on 26 April 1929


     When John was quite small his uncle Theo and family came to the Altenbernd farm for a visit. Theo was quite excited about a new jigsaw he had bought. He found it to be a lot of fun to work with.

"I'll cut out something from wood for you, John," he said to John. "What would you like?"

John said the first thing that popped into his head.
"A lion."

True to his promise, Theo soon sent a little box through the mail to John. Inside was a sawed out line with all the intricate cutting around the mane. It was painted yellow with black markings. On the lion's back was painted in black letters, "John's Lion."

John kept the lion, although the tail has long since broken off and disappeared.

Asof 2023, Sheila Altenbernd has the lion circa 1933 near Altenbernd Farm, Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA.¹⁸



( Kansas, USA.)¹⁹
     Theophil Stoerker and Frieda Johanna Philomina Frankenfeld lived at Emmaus Home, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, in August 1938.⁶
     Theophil Stoerker traveled on 20 August 1938 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Arriving New York, New York on August 28, 1938 aboard the Statendam.⁶
     Theophil Stoerker provided information on Wilhelmine Cuno's death at 216 Meramec Street, Clayton, St Louis County, Missouri, USA, on 20 March 1940.^4,10,20
     Theophil Stoerker was employed as a member of the Board of Directors on 25 April 1942 at Emmaus Home, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA.²
     He resided at Emmaus Home, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, on 25 April 1942.²
     On 16 September 1940, President Roosevelt signed into law the first peacetime Selective Service Act. During WWII, the Selective Service System conducted six draft registrations. The fourth registration was on April 27, 1942 for males between the ages of 45 and 65 not eligible for military service. Theophil Stoerker registered for the 4th draft on 25 April 1942 while living at Emmaus Home, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA. His serial# was U1523. His phone number was yes. His date of birth was listed as September 9, 1896 at Staunton, Illinois. He was employed at Board of Directors of Emmaus Home, St Charles, Missouri. Alma Myers was listed as the person who would always know his address.² His race was white. He was 68" and his weight was 150. He had gray eyes and brown hair. His complexion was light. Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification include an appendectomy scar.²

     Photo of Theophil, Adolph, Fred, and Paul Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd(#172.)¹⁰


     Theophil Stoerker was mentioned in a lettter sent by Adolph Stoerker residing at Aurora, Kane County, Illinois, USA, to Flora Altenbernd on 23 November 1948.


     Photo of Frieda and Theophil Stoerker in St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Theophil, Adolph, Fred, and Paul Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)



     Photo of Ruth, Winfred, Marion, Theophil, and Frieda Stoerker. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)





( Berger, Missouri, USA, in 1954.)²²

     Photo of Julia, Theo, Frieda, Adolph, and Marie Stoerker on 21 August 1957 in St James, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)²³



     Photo of Airview of Emmaus Home, St Charles, Missouri at Emmaus Home, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)

Theophil Stoerker was retired in 1964.

     Photo of Frieda and Theophil Stoerker, April 19, 1964, Retirement Dinner on 19 April 1964 at Golf View Inn, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)


     The following item appeared Alton Evening Telegraph, Alton, Madison County, Illinois, USA, on 8 November 1969





( in 1971.)²⁵
     He resided at Parkside Meadows, St Charles, Missouri, USA, in 1977.
     He resided in Saint Charles, Saint Charles County, Missouri, USA, in November 1984.⁸
     Theophil died on 12 November 1984 in St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, at age 88.^4,26,27 He was buried on 15 November 1984 St John's Cemetery, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, at. Theophil is buried in lot number 263, section A.^27,28,4,29
     Theophil and Frieda left the Emmaus Home at the right time. It had been a custodial care home while they were there, but was in the process of changing to an Independent living home when Theophil retired.³⁰
     Picture of cemetery marker taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) in August 1992 St John's Cemetery, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, at.¹³