“Deutsche Evangelish-Lutherische St. Johannes Kirche” once graced the pediment of this very building. That’s German Evangelical Lutheran St. John’s Church. We’re standing before St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenwich Village. Its story is one of faith community and architectural evolution.
St. John’s is a beacon of faith. It shares the love of Jesus Christ. The church has stood on Christopher Street since 1855. German immigrants founded it. They created a community here in Greenwich Village. This community thrived until World War I.
Before St. John’s, this building had other religious lives. It was first built in 1821-22. The Eighth Presbyterian Church called it home. This Federal-style building boasted a domed cupola. In 1842 St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church bought the property.
Then in 1855 the German Lutherans acquired it. They paid $13000. Over time St. John’s underwent changes. In 1886 Berg & Clark added Victorian features. They inscribed the pediment with its German name.
St. John’s is part of the Greenwich Village Historic District. This shows its architectural and historical value.
The church’s story goes back further. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran was officially organized in 1847. The services were held in German originally. The refusal to offer English services led to a split. This led to the founding of the Lutheran Church of Reformation.
In 1961 Austin Organs Inc. installed a new organ. It had electro-pneumatic action. The organ had 2 manuals 22 stops and 22 ranks. Some imported ranks were used. The existing organ cases were kept. Grill cloth replaced the facade pipes.
The Hauptwerk sits in the former case on the west. The Positiv chest is on the rear wall.
Before that M.P. Möller rebuilt the organ in 1940. It had been built by Hilgreen Lane in 1903. The new organ featured electro-pneumatic action. The console was updated.
Interestingly an earlier organ existed. It was built in Germany around 1856. St. John’s bought it in 1856 for $1250. It was enlarged in 1866. This organ served until 1904.
St. John’s has evolved. It has adapted to changing times. It remains a vital part of Greenwich Village. Its history reflects faith community and architectural significance.