Off the Map: St. Stephens Church growing in Atkins

Church has been part of community since the 1800s

By Katie Mills Giorgio, correspondent

November 10, 2014 | 12:01 am

ATKINS St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins has been a part of the community since 1866.

While the first services were held in homes on farm land surrounding the town, a permanent church was built in 1872. The building where the congregation celebrates today was constructed in 1941, with additions added to the building in 1973 and 2004.

And by the end of this month, the church will grow again.

Some six months ago, church members began construction on an addition that includes a fellowship hall and kitchen, a multipurpose room that will be used by the Churchs quilting group and the choir, and a new entrance with a covered drop off space off the new parking lot.

Pastor Doug Woltemath, who has been with St. Stephens for 14 years, said the project got underway after a survey of church members.

Everyone was very united behind the project, he said. I am amazed at how well the congregation has gotten behind it. And I think everyone is getting something they wanted out of the addition.

Woltemath said he looks forward to using the space for coffee and doughnuts after Sunday services.

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Off the Map: St. Stephens Church growing in Atkins