Haven’t you noticed how the St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church Plaque stands as a testament to faith and community? It marks a church with deep roots. St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church began its journey in 1890. German and Swiss immigrants founded it. They sought a place to worship. They wanted to maintain their heritage.
The German Evangelical Synod of North America sent Reverend Heinrich Siegfried to Dallas. His mission was to establish a congregation. The first service was held on December 1, 1889. It took place in the former German Presbyterian Church. This was at the corner of Texas and Liberty Streets. The formal organization occurred on New Year’s Day in 1890. The sermon text came from Hebrews 10:23-25.
Eleven charter members signed the constitution on April 27, 1890. Four trustees signed the charter on June 14, 1890. The city of Dallas chartered it as Deutsche Evangelische St. Pauls Gemeinde. The Texas Secretary of State endorsed the charter on June 25, 1890. St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church formally joined the German Evangelical Synod of North America on June 29, 1890.
In 1921, the Synod dropped the word “German” from its name. This took effect on October 1, 1922. The Evangelical and Reformed Church was formed in June 1934. It later merged into the United Church of Christ in 1957.
By 1952, St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church needed to relocate. The congregation had grown. The neighborhood at Texas and Florence Streets was changing. A building fund was started. A search for a new site began.
A new location was selected. It was at the northern edge of Dallas. This was where Lovers Lane ended. The new church building was dedicated on April 7, 1957.
In June 1957, the Congregational Christian Churches merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches. They formed the United Church of Christ. St. Paul’s reclaimed its original identity in 1985. The corporate name became “St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church”. It is still part of the United Church of Christ.
St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church has a history of community involvement. It participates at various levels of the United Church of Christ. The church has survived challenges. It has grown stronger through experience.
A banner honors St. Paul’s veterans. These veterans served in various wars. They include the Spanish American War and World War I. They also served in World War II and the Cold War. Thirty-nine men and women served during World War II. Sixteen were members of the church. The congregation had less than 250 members at the time. Some received lifelong wounds.
Today, St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church continues to welcome all. It is a warm community. It is conveniently located in Dallas. The church celebrates its 133rd anniversary this year. It remains a beacon of faith. It is a testament to its founding members’ vision. It is a vibrant part of Dallas’s history. The St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church Plaque reminds us of this rich heritage. It celebrates the enduring spirit.