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Grace, MarlinNo. 8 in the Congregational History SeriesSubmitted by Rev. Gerald N. Epperson The beginning of Grace Lutheran Congregation dates back to April 3, 1907, when the Rev. Henry P. Studtmann, pastor of Trinity, Riesel, surveyed the Marlin field for the possibiliy of opening a preaching station. About a month later, May 5, he conducted the first Lutheran service in Marlin. This service was attended by ten individuals and was held in the reading room of St. John's Episcopal Church. Later the Marlin Lutherans rented the local Christian Church. In 1911, work in the Marlin field was placed under the supervision of the District's Mission Board, served by the Rev. G. Falsken of Battle, Tx. The Rev. W. Urban of Waco served from 1912 to 1916. The Rev. E. Zabel of Battle served from 1916 to 1923.
The Marlin mission's first resident pastor was the Rev. George J. Beyer. He was installed by Pastor Studtmann on November 18, 1923. Under Pastor Beyer's leadership the congregation was organized on December 30, 1924 with a membership of 39 souls, which included 30 communicants and six voting members. The first church was built in 1925 and dedicated on July 19 of that year. The parsonage was finished August 24, 1925. The congregation later became self-supporting.
The pastors who have served Grace over the years are: Rev. G.W. Obenhaus (1948-50) under whose leadership the churched was enlarged in 1949. Rev. L.J. Werner (1950-57) under whose leadership Grace purchased Zion, Otto's building and remodeled it as a Parish House and Sunday school room in 1953. Rev. M. Erich Knippa (1957-61) during whose service a new parsonage was built and the old one made an Educational Building. Rev. C.J. Burmeister (1962-66) whose service saw the building of a new church facility which was dedicated February 20, 1966. Rev. J. Louis Konz (1968-74) Rev. Bert Klein (1975-77) Rev. A.H. Wagner (1978-80) Rev. Timothy J. Dinger (1982-86) Rev. David Baker (1986-90) Rev. Kent A. Heimbigner (1990-97) Rev. Gerald N. Epperson (1998 - ) |
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