First Lutheran Church’s History

Our church was organized on December 4, 1867 “ to serve German speaking immigrants.” The congregation was first served by Rev. Gustav A. Schmidt from St. John’s Church in Meriden. Membership was in the New York ministerium and it’s successors. The lot where the church stood was donated by William Sturmann and the main part of the chapel was built in 1871 by Adna Woodruff at a cost of approximately $2,000. “English speaking people donated $1,000.” This was in keeping with the New England practice of factory owners helping to provide worship for their foreign-born employees.

 The dedication took place February 25, 1872, and just 109 years later, that same building was demolished. It’s interesting to not that according to the constitution of the church. “The church is never to have debt upon it.” The chapel was gradually converted to a church, as money was available. A school was added in 1888 and the choir loft in 1896. In 1898 the bell tower was added and electric lights were installed in 1904. In 1913 and 1914 the structure was “raised” so that fellowship hall and kitchen, inside plumbing and a furnace would be added.

 In 1917, which was the 50^th anniversary of the congregation, the stain glass windows were installed. At the same time also, the altar and a new pulpit were built.

 Since this was a German-speaking congregation, English services were held only occasionally until 1917 when English began. By 1940 the need for German language ended and two English services were held.

 By 1950 a new parsonage was built adjacent to the church. And in 1953 the old church had an addition called the Parish Education Building. This was the first mortgage of the congregation. In 1963 the house was moved and the present church building was begun. By 1967 the church building was finished and dedicated. In 1980 parts of the office wing and lounge were completely renovated. In 1981, for safety reasons, the old church building was demolished.

 It is interesting to note that the original selection of the Bristol St. site was a good choice because it was the geographical center of the town. Much of the present parking lot was created by filing in part of Stowe’s pond, after the pond was eliminated and the river was straightened out. Title to the pond land was given to the congregation by a daughter of early members, Miss Etta Keller. The buildings stand today as we celebrate 125 years, as a witness to the hard and dedicated work of many early people who came to this country in search of a fuller life and to worship the Lord in whom they believed.