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St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is
a historic Lutheran church in downtown Springfield, Ohio.
Founded as a German-speaking parish in Springfield's early
days, it grew rapidly during its first few decades, and its
present large church building was constructed in the
1890s under the direction of one of Springfield's leading
architects. The congregation remains in the landmark church
building, which has been named a historic site.
Springfield's First Lutheran congregation was
organized in May 1841, and a separate group of German
Lutherans began meeting soon afterward. After a period of
worshipping in the county courthouse and in various
rented properties, the group was formally organized in 1845 with
a charter membership of seventy-five. A number of short-tenured
ministers served the congregation, with six in succession over
forty years, but by the 1880s the congregation's roll had
approximately four hundred names, and its property was valued at
$20,000. As the congregation continued to grow, the present
church building was erected; the cornerstone was laid
on November 3, 1895, and the finished building was consecrated on
April 26, 1897. By 1908, the church property was valued at
$50,000, and the membership had grown from four hundred
individuals to four hundred and fifty families. This growth was
accompanied by linguistic change: many members still worshipped
in German, but English services had also begun by this time,
facilitated by a minister who was fluent in both languages.
Traditional Lutheran Church with traditional
worship. Offer a thrift store, food pantry, and Friday Rainbow
Table lunch for homeless, working poor and anyone who wishes to
have a hot lunch on Friday from 12:00-1:00 pm.
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