“First Lutheran, a sanctuary of faith.” That is what they call First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston.
Originally known as Erste Deutsche Evangelische Lutherische Kirche. It began with Pastor Caspar Messon Braun in 1851. The state of Texas issued its charter that September. This makes First Lutheran the first Lutheran congregation in Houston. It is also the second in Texas.
The congregation first met in a schoolhouse. This was at Christ Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1854, they dedicated their first church building. It stood at Texas Avenue and Milam Street.
In 1901, under Pastor William L. Blasberg, a new church arose. It was built at Texas Avenue and Caroline Street. This red brick and sandstone building was in the Gothic tradition. By the mid-1920s, it was known as First Evangelical Church. Later, the name reverted to First Lutheran.
The congregation sold their second structure in 1926. They then bought the Holman Street site. Pastor Detlev Baltzer hired architect Joseph W. Northrop Jr. Northrop had overseen the construction of Rice Institute. James West was the general contractor.
Northrop’s design is Italian Romanesque. It features terra cotta roof tiles and a bell tower. The buildings are made of interlocking concrete tiles. These are covered with buff-face brick and white sandstone trim. The bell, forged in 1880, has been at each of the congregation’s locations.
The education building connects to the nave. It has classrooms, offices, auditoriums, and a stage. Inside the nave, master woodcarvers from Oberammergau, Germany, crafted the pulpit and altar. The American Seating Company designed the pews and chancel furnishings.
In 2002, First Evangelical Lutheran Church was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Throughout the 20th century, First Lutheran shifted through various denominations. In early 2002, it reclaimed its Lutheran identity. It joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2006, Rev. Edwin D. Peterman became Interim Pastor.
On October 9, 2011, First Lutheran left the ELCA. It joined the North American Lutheran Church. The very next day a fire broke out. It started in the sacristy. The fire caused substantial damage. The 1903 Kilgen organ was destroyed.
By Easter 2013, the restoration was complete. Contractors worked to restore the building to its original style. They installed limestone from Israel and a new organ by Martin Pasi.
Today, First Lutheran continues to serve its community. It offers traditional worship and reaches out to non-believers. The church is known for its music and outreach. It hosts Theology by the Pint. This outreach combines theology discussions and craft beer. First Lutheran is a welcoming place for all.