Although in great poverty, the newly organized congregation decided to provide a place of worship immediately. Only a simple building, which served both as a school and church, was at first erected. In 1892, when a new church was built, the original building continued to be used as a school for many years.

During the first year, the congregation was served by theological student, W. Cholcher. Student Cholcher performed three emergency baptisms, otherwise all official acts were performed by Pastors Kasper and Birkmann of neighboring congregations.

The first resident pastor of the congregation was the Rev. Th. Wolfram who came late in 1887 and served until early 1889. Pastor Wolfram's term of office must have been a very trying one because of serious children's disease which spread throughout the congregation. The records show that no less than fourteen children below the age of two years were laid to rest in 1888, among them Pastor Wolfram's own infant son. In addition, a 7-year old child and two adults were buried that same year.

Beginning in 1889 and continuing for 14 years following, the Rev. Louis Ernst served the congregation and supervised the erection of a new church building, dedicated in 1892. The building was severely damaged by a tornado in 1957.

Class Photo. A group of St John's school students with their teacher. The story behind St. John's school will appear at a later date in the Education section of the site. Photo courtesy of St. John's Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Texas.

The Rev. H. Wunderlich served St. John briefly beginning in 1904 before the Rev. R. Ostoff became pastor in 1907. It was under his guidance and direction that the congregation grew it's numbers and flourished spiritually. It was with reluctance that Pastor Ostoff's resignation was accepted in 1944, but due to illness the pastor's request was granted. His remaining years were spent in Giddings where he fell asleep in Jesus in August of 1949.

Ostoff's terms was followed by the Rev. H.A. Stroebel, serving from 1944 - 1955. It was during this period that the current pasonage was constructed. Pastor Stroebel left St. John's to pursue a call to Friona, Texas.

The congregation of St. John's, Lincoln then called the Rev. A.E. Gruetzner. Installed on October 7, 1956, Gruetzner only served for about 8 months. Although his term of office was brief, his advice and leadership to the congregation during a time of great stress remains a model example to this day.

Rev. A.E. Gruetzner. Gruetzner's bizarre yet inspirational story during his brief 8-month term in the mid-1950's suggests that the importance of one's calling is not limited by time. Photo courtesy of St. John's Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Texas.

On March 20, 1957, just as Pastor Gruetzner was preparing for the evening's Lenten service, a sudden windstorm struck the area and so damaged the church that the pastor had difficulty getting out and returning to his home. The Lord had spared him, for there still remained much ahead of him.

As a result of the extensive damage to the church, it was decided that a new building would need to be constructed. Much of the planning for this building was done under the supervision of Pastor Gruetzner. Then, suddenly, the Lord called His servant home. Following an operation, which was not considered serious, complications set in and the pastor died quite suddenly on June 29, 1957.

Gruetzner's death proved to be quite a shock to the congregation. Nevertheless, they moved forward with efforts to build a new church while at the same time pursuing the search for a new pastor.

On July 6, 1958, Candidate Daryl D. Johnson was ordained and installed as pastor. He remained until March 1, 1959, leaving to pursue a call to New Jersey.

In the meantime, work on the new church building finally began. The construction process, headed by Architect Eugene Wukasch, confronted many problems and obstacles that had to be overcome. Two members of the congregation, Adolph Umlang and Fred Foerster served as constractors during the building process. As a result of their efforts and donated labor by members of the church, the cost the building was kept to a minimum of $60,000. On January 17, 1960 the new church building was dedicated.

Historical Marker. A Texas history marker greets visitors to St. John, Lincoln with notes on the church's importance to the heritage of Lee County. Photo by Tim Ristow

On February 21, 1960, the Rev. Henry J. Gerike was installed. Tragically, Pastor Gerike died unexpectedly during the Christmas holidays in 1964.

On April 16, 1961, the congregation celebrated it's Diamond Anniversary. A service of praise and thanksgiving was conducted by the Rev. J.W. Behnken, President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Fromer Pastor H.A. Stroebel conducted the German service.

Except for the years of World War I, only the German language was used in church. since World War II the English language began to be used extensively, during this time period, came to be used exclusively in the school and church services.

Pastor Biar was then installed in February of 1965 and, in a passing that strangely mirrored that of Rev. Gerike, served until his sudden death during the Christmas holidays on December 31, 1973.

A vacancy existed for almost 2 years until Rev. Barry Hildebrandt was installed on November 30, 1975. Early in the 1980's an auditorium building was added to the St. John's campus. Pastor Hildebrandt served until August of 1981, upon his accepting a call to South Carolina.

Then, on January 31, 1982, the Rev. Otto Brillinger was installed as pastor. Brillinger was instrumental in starting the VBS program in June of 1982.

The founding of St. John's took place in the 50th Anniversary year of the founding of the Republic of Texas. The Centennial of St. John's in 1986, therefore, coincided with the sesquicentennial of the great state of Texas.

Currently, Rev. Dale Bohm serves at St. John, Lincoln, having been installed in 1998. The church continues to serve the Lord in a simple, picturesque, rural setting . The story of St. John, Lincoln is yet another reminder of the Texas District's courageous people, unique history and committed ministry!

Banner Photo: Christ's Crucifixion is depicted in stained glass at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lincoln.