September 2, 1956, saw Candidate Tom Peterson ordained and installed as missionary for the new church. At first, prayer meetings were held in the homes of members. God responded and sent Pastor Peterson to the principal of LaVega High School to ask permission to use school facilities for worship. 137 people attended that first worship service on September 17, 1956!

On September 23, 1956, in a Voters’ Meeting, the mission selected its name. Sensing its missionary obligations, its great challenges and possible rewards, the mission was named after the great missionary, St. Paul. In October, 1956, the congregation was officially organized and the first constitution was completed, accepted, signed, and a full Board of Officers was established. By this time there was an active LWML, Men’s Club, and Youth Group. God responded and heard the prayers from His new congregation and by January, 1957, just four short months after their official beginning, the congregation became self-supporting. Truly this beginning was richly blessed by God.

Thirteen acres in the present location were purchased, and in November, 1957, ground breaking ceremonies were held. But then Texas State Highway Department announced plans for what is now IH-35. By June, 1958, four and a half acres were determined for the highway right of way. Construction of the permanent church began the same month. The new church was dedicated on November 8, 1958. The church had grown at this point to 223 souls and 132 communicant members.

The years have held many blessings and many challenges for the congregation at St. Paul. A parish hall and additional Sunday School classrooms were added in 1964. In 1968, twelve more Sunday School rooms were built and a church office as well. 1971 saw a critical time, financial troubles, decreased membership, partly due to the closing of Connally Air Force Base. The congregation answered those woes by pledging to designate the FIRST $100 of every offering to Missions. From that day on, the church at St. Paul has only known God’s richest blessings and has grown in all phases of spiritual and physical life.

Pastor Walter Albers accepted the call to St. Paul and was installed on August 29, 1971. With his and God’s guidance, St. Paul was again faced with the need to expand. First the sanctuary and parish hall was enlarged. Then in November of 1977, a new sanctuary was approved. Dedication was finally set for March 4, 1979. The warmth of the interior was highlighted with pews—for the first time in 20 years!

One of the most successful ministry programs at St. Paul, the Vicar Intern Program, was begun in 1984. The first full-term vicar was our own Senior Pastor, Joel Boesche. To date, 21 vicars have interned at St. Paul, with Vicar Joel Holcombe currently in this position. Several years later, a Director of Christian Education (DCE) position was added to minister to the growing needs of our younger members. The DCE has alternated between being an intern and a called position. Currently, St. Paul is blessed with the dynamic presence of DCE Deacon Andy Bates, who was called in October 2004.

Twelve more classrooms and a chapel were added in 1985, to accommodate the ever-increasing membership who freely give of their time, talent and treasury, as they devote themselves to the Apostle’s teaching and fellowship of breaking bread and the prayers.

The 1994 addition of the Family Life Center, new offices and remodeling of the former sanctuary/ parish hall into classrooms and attic storage further enhances the ministry of St. Paul. For the first time, the choir and music program has a permanent rehearsal hall and storage. Steve Randolph continues to lead the choir and congregation as Music Director and chief organist. The library has been doubled in size and function and all staff members have adequate office and workspace. There are larger meeting spaces and dinner-fellowship seating for 400-plus.

As membership rolls inched toward the 400? Mark, the pastoral staff increased to meet the needs of an energetic and vital congregation. Rev. Walter Fisher became the Visitation Pastor, with a special emphasis on senior members, both active and shut-in. Although he is now retired, Rev. Fisher continues to minister to the needs of the senior membership. On July 11, 1999, Rev. Joel Boesche was installed as Associate Pastor.

The millennium began with a remodeled sanctuary, including new pews, carpeting, woodwork around the altar, and an extra stairway to access the balcony. Later, the Sunday School wing was redecorated, and updated by replacing the asbestos flooring with carpeting. The nursery received a cheery new look when it was enlarged, refurbished and customized to meet the needs of His littlest lambs.

The Health Ministries program includes parish nurses, and cares for the physical, spiritual and emotional health of all congregants. In September 2004, the Midweek Program was expanded to encompass a family meal, an adult Bible study, and classes, activities and music for children of all ages.

On April 8, 2004, the Lord called Elna Albers home, and left a void in our church family that cannot be replaced. The graceful statue of a figure with outstretched arms was placed in front of the church in her memory by the Albers family. On December 31, 2004, Rev. Albers retired as senior pastor but remained throughout the call process. He continues to minister on a part-time basis to the needs of our members. On August 28, 2004, Rev. Boesche received the call to be senior pastor. On September 11, he accepted the call, and is now the Senior Pastor for St. Paul. As we face the future with God’s grace and guidance, may we continue to grow and nurture one another in His holy name.