“Deutsche Evangelish-Lutherische St. Johannes Kirche.” That’s what the pediment of Saint John’s Lutheran Church declared back in 1886. We are standing before a building with a rich history. Saint John’s Lutheran Church has been a fixture in Greenwich Village since 1855.
Initially, most German immigrants settled east of the Bowery. Yet, a German community thrived here until World War I. This Federal-style building with its domed cupola dates back to 1821-22. It is among Greenwich Village’s oldest religious structures.
The Eighth Presbyterian Church first owned this building. In 1842, they sold it to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Then, in 1858, German Lutherans purchased it for $13,000. Saint John’s Lutheran Church was born.
Architects Berg & Clark added Victorian features in 1886. This included the inscribed pediment declaring its German Lutheran identity. Saint John’s Lutheran Church is landmarked today. It lies within the Greenwich Village Historic District.
Let’s talk about music. Saint John’s Lutheran Church has a rich organ history. In 1903, Hillgreen, Lane & Company installed a new organ for $6,850. They even sold the old organ for $50. In 1940, M.P. Möller rebuilt the organ. They updated it with electro-pneumatic action. In 1961, Austin Organs, Inc. installed another new organ. Some pipes were imported. The facade pipes were replaced.
The church evolved over time. Rev. August Held founded Saint John’s as a German-speaking congregation. They first met in Hope Chapel. Later, they moved to New York University’s chapel. After three years, they raised enough money to buy this property. Saint John’s Lutheran Church expanded.
Saint John’s Lutheran Church grew into a diverse community. Its website proclaims a radical gospel. It embraces artistic spirit and LGBTQIA+ traditions.
In 1883, the church announced reducing its debt from $25,000 to $8,000. The pastor asked members to subscribe $4,000 more. Plans emerged for a larger church. The current building was becoming too small. By then, Saint John’s Lutheran Church had baptized over 11,000 children. It had hosted 5,163 weddings. Membership was around 1,500.
The broad congregation included tenement dwellers and wealthy businessmen. Charles Knox, a renowned hatter, held his wife’s funeral here in 1888. There were 150 of Mr. Knox’s employees in the funeral procession.
By 1896, Saint John’s Lutheran Church hosted the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of New-York and New Jersey. This tradition continued well into the 20th century. In 1905, the church celebrated being debt-free. They installed a new organ and received memorial windows.
Gradually, English replaced German in services. By 1922, The New York Herald noted German tradesmen assembling. They appeared Teutonic but spoke American.
Saint John’s Lutheran Church faced challenges during World War II. In 1940, the Lutheran Synod addressed the Nazi problem. They reported over half the world’s Lutherans under German domination. Many churches were closed. Ministers were in concentration camps. The Lutherans established a short-wave station for world broadcasts.
In the late 20th century, Greenwich Village transformed. Christopher Street became the heart of gay culture. German sermons disappeared. Yet, Saint John’s Lutheran Church remained a vital presence.
The church adapted to its changing environment. Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding, an interactive off-Broadway show, opened here in 1991. It ran for years. Locals and tourists watched Tony and Tina celebrate.
Saint John’s Lutheran Church stands as a testament to resilience. It embraced change and community. Today, Saint John’s Lutheran Church is a rare gem. It embodies Federal architecture and a spirit of inclusivity.