Peace Lutheran Church

In the heart of Texas, nestled in the charming city of Rockdale, stands Peace Lutheran Church. A beacon of faith and community, its story echoes through the generations. Peace Lutheran Church wasn’t always at its current location on Meadow Drive. Its roots trace back to 1870 in a small German community named Bushdale. The church was officially organized in 1883 by Reverend Immanuel Glatzel. The first resident pastor, Reverend Julius E.H. Schroeder, arrived in 1888. Under his guidance, the first church and parsonage were built. The journey to its current home was a testament to the congregation’s resilience and devotion. In 1909, a chapel was built in Rockdale, but services there were discontinued in 1913. For a period, Bushdale was served by a pastor from the more distant community of Detmold. Then, in 1925, Reverend F. Walther spearheaded a move to bring services back to Rockdale. The chapel was expanded. In 1931, the Rockdale and Sharp congregations merged, further strengthening the church’s presence. A significant moment in Peace Lutheran Church’s history came in 1939. The congregation acquired the former First Presbyterian Church building in Rockdale. A notable feature from this acquisition was the bell, cast in Baltimore in 1884 and originally donated by the Rockdale School Board. This bell continues to call the faithful to worship to this day. The present sanctuary on Meadow Drive was dedicated on October 29, 1967, marking a new chapter for Peace Lutheran Church. The congregation celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1983 and added a fellowship hall in 1993. More recently, Peace Lutheran Church joined the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) in 2014. The church marked the 50th anniversary of its Meadow Drive location in 2017. Through the years, numerous pastors have shepherded the flock at Peace Lutheran Church. From Reverend Glatzel to the current pastor, each has contributed to the church’s rich tapestry of faith and service. Peace Lutheran Church continues to be a vital part of the Rockdale community, a place where faith, fellowship, and history intertwine.