First Evangelical Lutheran Church over 150+ years

We give thanks for the faithful members of St. Paul’s, Holy Trinity and First Evangelical Lutheran churches who have served their Lord, his church, and the world. We give thanks for the witness of pastors and members through the years. Most of all we give thanks to God whose love and grace have sustained us this far and who continues with us in our present and future ministry. We let our thanks be heard as praise to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

April 13, 1862

St. Paul’s Lutheran Parish

St. Paul’s Lutheran in Humberstone was organized. Services were held in a Methodist chapel until their own church was built. Property was purchased on Cranberry St. (now Elm St.)

April 13, 1862

August 1, 1863

First Constitution

In 1863 the first constitution of the church was adopted.
Sunday school was formed with German being the language for the first forty years.

August 1, 1863

January 24, 1864

Dedication

The first church building was completed at the end of 1863. Dedicated took place on January 24th 1864. The first Pastor was Rev. Alex Kuhs. The parish became a member of the German Canada Synod.

January 24, 1864

August 3, 1867

Cemetery property

Cemetery property was purchased in Bethel on Chippewa Rd. to become St. Paul’s Cemetery.

August 3, 1867

August 3, 1884

Re-dedication

The church was re-dedicated following the turning of the building and a new foundation being laid. The tower and high spire were added at this time.

August 3, 1884

August 1, 1903

Holy Trinity Lutheran

Holy Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed. It was located on King St.

August 1, 1903

August 1, 1925

Amalgamation

By the 1920’s St. Paul’s and Holy Trinity were both worshipping in English. They amalgamated into the present First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Holy Trinity became the Parish Hall for First Evangelical Lutheran.

August 1, 1925

June 1, 1941

Renovation and Expansion

The new church building was built around the former structure. Memorial stained glass windows were installed. The present spire was added to the tower. The bell from Holy Trinity was added to the tower. It continues to be rung to this day as a symbol of unity of the two congregations.
Dedication took place in June 1941.

June 1, 1941

August 1, 1952

Parsonage Dedication

The new parsonage was dedicated, replacing the old one on Union St.

August 1, 1952

August 1, 1955

Church Hall and Sunday School building

The Parish Hall (former Holy Trinity Church) was sold in 1953 to the Optimist Club. The new Parish Hall was completed and dedicated in 1955

August 1, 1955

August 1, 1985

New Offices

The new office building was dedicated.

August 1, 1985

August 1, 2011

Accessibility Renovations

Accessible ramp and washroom are completed.