Rev. Krueger was a busy man. The congregation of St. John church continued to grow. Rev. Krueger performed 18 christenings and 3 adult baptisms. During his time 49 members were added to the church rolls by the rite of confirmation, 24 marriage ceremonies were performed, and there were 15 deaths.

    In 1948, Rev. Krueger answered a call to ministry in Newton, Kansas which resulted in the Rev. Carl H. Kluge arriving with his wife in November to become our third settled pastor.

    Rev. Kluge had a vision for St. John that resulted in a decision to build a new church structure in 1951. The existing church building, built in 1906, would be torn down and replaced. Preparations began. On October 7, 1951 a motion was made, seconded, and carried that the Church Council be empowered to carry out plans for the construction of our new church being governed by a building committee.

    On December 5, 1951 a motion was made and carried that we give our approval to the committee report and pledge our support. The Trustees were: A.W. Staas, President; W.G. Peplow; John Ashleman, Secretary; H.T. Neumann, Treasurer; Wesley Grube; William Kettler; and John Koerth.

    February 10, 1952, at the age of 99 years, 4 months, and 28 days, Rev. John Strauss passed from this life. He came to Texas for his health and had a long life here.

    The dedication of the third church structure for St. John's church was celebrated on August 31, 1952.

    On April 1, 1953 Rev. Kluge resigned his pastorate with St. John and answered a call to ministry in Kyle, Texas. During his time with us he performed 47 christenings and 5 adult baptisms; there were 38 confirmands, 14 marriage ceremonies, and 17 deaths.

    He was replaced by Rev. Theo F. Schumacher who, with his wife Evelyn, arrived on July 17, 1953 to become our fourth settled pastor.