The following is from Saleste, Paul H., Ninetieth Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical and Reformed Church, January 1, 1935.
An early anniversary booklet says, "the turning point in the history of Saint John's came with the election of Rev. Theodore Dresel. During this time, the merger of the eastern and western branches of the 'German Evangelical Churches' was consummated. The preliminary steps for this union were taken in Saint John's in Mansfield in 1860. The congregation did not join until 1866. A parsonage was purchased during Rev. Dresel's sojourn here, which will is one of the landmarks of a Mansfield of by-gone days!"