Consider this. The First Evangelical Church Plaque whispers tales of resilience and rebirth. This marker commemorates a congregation’s journey. It highlights their struggles and triumphs.
First Evangelical Church Plaque marks a place with a rich heritage. This church stands as a testament to faith. It also showcases community spirit in Houston.
Let’s step back in time. Picture Houston in 1851. A group of Lutherans led by Rev. Caspar Messon Braun founded the Erste Deutsche Evangelische Lutherische Kirche. This translates to First German Evangelical Lutheran Church. The State of Texas issued the church’s charter that September. This marked the beginning of the first Lutheran congregation in Houston. It was also the second in Texas.
Initially, the congregation gathered in a schoolhouse. It was part of the Christ Protestant Episcopal Church. But in 1854, they erected their first church building. It stood at the southeast corner of Texas Avenue and Milam Street.
As the congregation grew, they needed more space. In 1901, under the guidance of Pastor William L. Blasberg, a new church was built. It was at the northwest corner of Texas Avenue and Caroline Street. This new edifice was made of red brick and sandstone.
By the mid-1920s, the church became known as First Evangelical Church. In 1926, under Pastor Detlev Baltzer, they hired architect Joseph W. Northrop Jr. He was tasked to design a new sanctuary and campus on Holman Street. Northrop had overseen construction of the original Rice Institute. James West was the general contractor.
The church’s architecture is stunning. It features Italian Romanesque styling. Terra cotta roof tiles adorn the buildings. A campanile or bell tower rises majestically. The bell within was forged in 1880. It has rung at each of the congregation’s places of worship.
Inside, master woodcarvers from Oberammergau, Germany created the pulpit and altar. Northrop designed the pews and chancel furnishings. A 1903 Kilgen and Son pipe organ once filled the north gallery. Sadly, a fire in October 2011 destroyed it. But it has since been replaced with a new organ.
Through the 20th century, First Lutheran went through several denominations. In 2002, it reclaimed its Lutheran identity. It joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
However, in 2011, it joined the North American Lutheran Church. This change reflects the church’s evolving journey.
That same year, on October 10, a fire broke out. It caused substantial damage. But the congregation persevered. By Easter 2013, restoration was complete. The nave was restored. Improvements were made. The tile is limestone from Israel. The new organ was built by Martin Pasi.
First Evangelical Church Plaque stands as a reminder. It symbolizes faith, community and renewal. The church continues to serve its community. It welcomes all. It preserves its history. It also embraces the future.