History
Services conducted between 1868 and 1870 by Iron Creek pastor Rev. R.S. Siegler, identify the beginnings of this congregation. Following organization of a congregation in early 1871, September 19, 1871, marks the dedication of a German-Norwegian Lutheran Church in Menomonie, with the first pastor installed in 1872. On July 16, 1878, St. Paul's congregation organized and joined the Wisconsin Synod. One year later the parsonage was added. In 1887 the present brick church (now entry-way and back of church) was remodeled to serve as a school. Between 1903 and 1912 this schoolhouse was replaced with a new brick building erected at an approximate cost of $3,000. In 1912, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the new church building, the present bell was hung in the steeple. The year 1921 saw a new parsonage at a cost of $13,000. The Wangerin pipe organ was installed in 1925 at a cost of $5,000 which required an addition to the balcony.
The 50th anniversary of the dedication of the church was celebrated in 1937. Ten years later in 1947 the church was completely redecorated, including a new altar and new chancel furniture to complement the celebration of the 76th anniversary of the congregation and the 60th anniversary of the church building. In 1951 the parish hall was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $27,000 and in 1959 the church building was sandblasted. Steeple lights were added in 1960. October 29, 1962 marked the ground-breaking for the church addition with dedication services for the newly-built and remodeled church on July 7, 1963.
September of 1971 marked the celebration of centennial which included installing stained glass windows in the narthex, adding a carport, and placing chandelier lights in the nave. The carillon was installed in 1977. Ground breaking in June, 1977 started the new school building which was formally dedicated in August, 1978. After working several years with a vicar, St. Paul's called a second pastor in 1980 and has been served by two pastors since that time. In 1985, the congregation bought the property on the corner of 11th Avenue and 10th Street, thus completing ownership of the whole city block bounded by 9th and 10th Streets and 11th and 12th Avenues. That same year, pre-school was added to the offerings of the day school. A major overhaul of the organ was completed in 1986.
The kitchen of the parsonage next to the church was remodeled in 1990. New lighted outdoor bulletin boards were also installed in 1990. In 1991, the congregation purchased a second parsonage at 2000 9th Street. The school staff currently consists of five full-time teachers and one part-time teacher.