Imagine a church that has been a beacon of hope. It stands tall in the Phillips community of south Minneapolis. That church is St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran. For over 125 years, St. Paul’s has been sharing the good news of God’s love. It shares this love in Jesus Christ.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith. It is also a testament to community and service. Founded on July 6 1872, under the leadership of Pastor O. A. Bergh, St. Paul’s has deep roots. The first officers included B. Aasen and M. J. Rudd.
In the early days, the Ladies’ Aid played a vital role. It was active from the very beginning in 1872. Josephine Oppedahl, the last charter member, passed away in 1953. Her dedication is still remembered.
Pastor Chr. O. Brohaugh took over in May 1874. In June, the congregation bought property. It was located on the northwest corner of 4th Street and 15th Avenue. The cost was $2500. In 1876, St. Paul’s joined the Hauge Synod.
Under Pastor F. H. Carlson in 1883, a major decision was made. The old church was moved. A new house of worship was built. A newspaper clipping from 1927 recalls this event. It mentions the first horse-car line between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis had a population of only 50000. The new church was dedicated in June 1885.
Pastor Eistinson served from 1884 to 1893. In 1887, St. Paul’s had 330 members. The choir started in 1890. It continues to this day. In 1893, a crisis led to some families leaving. The congregation soon recovered.
Pastor N. J. Lohre’s arrival in 1898 brought changes. English services began. The Young People’s Society became the Luther League. By 1901, it had 75 members.
Finances in 1899 totaled $1935. A steel ceiling was installed in 1900 for $540. The church debt was paid off in 1902.
Pastor Martin Norstad continued the work from 1903 to 1911. Regular programs included prayer meetings and Bible classes. The Helping Hand Society was formed in 1905 to promote missions.
A pipe organ was installed in 1912 under Pastor Edward Johnson. In 1913, the Rice Lake Mission was started. It later became Our Redeemer Lutheran.
The congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1922. The Ladies’ Aid redecorated the church. It replaced gas lights with electricity.
In 1925, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church property was purchased. It was on the northwest corner of 18th Street and 14th Avenue South. The first service was held in January 1927. The former church was sold to St. James African Methodist Church. The stones in the new church came from the old Westminster Presbyterian church.
During the Depression, the congregation faced financial challenges. The Busy Bees Society became the LDR. Pastor Solberg ended his ministry in 1937.
Pastor H. O. Egertson continued the ministry. The church office and pastor’s study were built. The interior was redecorated.
Pastor L. C. Masted renewed the radio ministry in 1941. The congregation supported missionaries. In 1946, the mortgage was burned.
Pastor Maynard Halvorson bought the parish house and an annex. Some of the first meetings of the Lutheran Evangelistic Movement were held here.
Pastor Caroll O. Satre arrived in 1957. The church purchased the former First Presbyterian Church property. It was dedicated in 1964. The bell in the tower called village meetings in the early days of Minneapolis.
In 2010, St. Paul’s moved from the ELCA to LCMC. Pastor Roland J. Wells, Jr. began his ministry. He developed the House Church structure.
Today, St. Paul’s continues to serve the Phillips community. It offers programs for all ages. These include Bible study and art projects. The church is a hub of activity.
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith. It shows community and unwavering service. Its story is still unfolding. Its mission continues to bring hope. It shares the love of Jesus Christ.