St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Gazing upon St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, can you sense the echoes of its beginnings? St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s story began not in a grand edifice, but in the cozy confines of homes. In 1921, the first Lutheran service for the future congregation took place, led by Reverend W.F. Troeger from Santa Monica. Services continued in the home of Mrs. Josephine Walters for four years. Simultaneously, Pastor J.W. Theiss of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church began mission work with another group in Los Angeles. These two small groups, nurtured in separate homes, formed the heart of what would become St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In the summer of 1925, Pastor John McDavid arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina, to become their first resident missionary. He united the two groups, officially establishing St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on September 20, 1925, with a membership of 36 souls. The church purchased its first property on East 37th Street in 1926. Under Pastor McDavid’s leadership until his death in 1937, the congregation grew to 172 members. Pastor Paul D. Lehman continued the work, leading the congregation through growth and prosperity, culminating in the dedication of the current building in 1955. A succession of pastors followed, each leaving their mark on St. Paul’s. Reverend Harvey J. Lehman, brother of Paul D. Lehman, led the church through its 50th anniversary. Reverend Ronald Rehrer focused on leadership and worship. Reverend Carl E. Robinson emphasized community outreach. Reverend Glenn A. Lucas oversaw facility improvements, family ministry, and the establishment of a childcare center in the adjacent Mary Clay Preschool property. St. Paul’s has always placed a strong emphasis on music, with Dr. John McDavid Lehman Jr. serving as Musical Director and Organist since 1978. The legacy of faith and community continues at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a testament to the dedication and vision of those who first gathered in humble homes over a century ago.