A cornerstone. That’s what it felt like. Solid. Enduring. This is Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Right here in Los Angeles.
Founded in 1921 the first service was held for a small group. Reverend W F Troeger from Santa Monica led that first gathering. It wasn’t in a grand building. No. It began in a home. Mrs Josephine Walters’ home to be precise. For four years services continued there uninterrupted.
Simultaneously another group met. Pastor J W Theiss started a mission among African Americans. Their meeting place? Another home. Mr and Mrs Pollard’s home. He served them for three years.
Then in 1925 something remarkable happened. Pastor John McDavid arrived from North Carolina. He became the first resident missionary. On September 20 1925 these two small groups merged. Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church was born. Thirty-six souls formed this new congregation.
A modest church was purchased at 666 East 37th Street. By 1937 when Pastor McDavid passed away the congregation had grown. It numbered 172 members. Pastor Paul D Lehman continued the work. The church prospered. The current building was dedicated in 1955.
The church continued to grow and change. Pastors came and went. Each leaving their mark. Rev Harvey J Lehman served for 15 years. Then Rev Ronald Rehrer. Rev Carl E Robinson. Rev Glenn A Lucas. Each one guiding the congregation.
Under Rev Lucas’s leadership the church expanded. They bought the adjacent Mary Clay Preschool property. A strong youth ministry flourished. Music played a significant role. Dr John McDavid Lehman Jr has been the musical director since 1978.
The story of Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of growth and community. It’s a testament to faith. A beacon of hope in Los Angeles. It continues to serve the community. It’s a place of worship. A place of fellowship. A place of enduring faith. It’s a place of hope. And it’s a place of history. Right here. Before you. Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.