“How did a mansion become a church?” That’s the question many ask when they first see St. John’s Lutheran Church. Today we will delve into the history of St. John’s Lutheran Church. It is a unique blend of architectural styles and spiritual heritage.
St. John’s Lutheran Church began its journey in 1869. It was originally named Die Deutsche Lutherische Germeinde. This translates to “The German Lutheran Congregation”. It marked the beginning of Lutheranism in Atlanta. The church’s name changed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in 1871.
Initially, the congregation met in a small building. This was at the intersection of Forsyth Street and Whitehall Street. In 1885, they moved to a former Methodist church. This was located at Forsyth and Garnett Street.
The early 1900s brought changes. St. John’s Lutheran Church joined the German Evangelical Synod of North America in 1900. World War I caused membership to decline. Anti-German sentiment led members to the English-speaking Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
In 1924, St. John’s Lutheran Church demolished its building. They bought a former Presbyterian church at Euclid Avenue and Druid Circle. This marked another chapter in the church’s evolving story. 1945 was another turning point. St. John’s Lutheran Church joined the United Lutheran Church in America. This eventually became the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. St. John’s is still a member.
The most striking change came in 1959. The congregation purchased the Stonehenge Mansion. It is located on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Eastside Atlanta. This Tudor Gothic Revival structure was built in 1914. It was designed by architect Edward Emmett Dougherty. The mansion was originally home to Samuel Hoyt Venable. Also living there were his sister Elizabeth Venable Mason and her family. Leilla Venable Ellis, Samuel’s sister, created murals for the building. The granite came from Stone Mountain. Samuel and his brother William Venable owned Stone Mountain at the time.
St. John’s Lutheran Church bought the mansion for $60,000. They converted it into a church building. In 1969, architects Barker and Cunningham added a sanctuary. The octagonal shape represents the “eighth day of creation”. This symbolizes baptism into Jesus’ death and resurrection. The sanctuary seats 300 people around a central altar. This reflects St. John’s understanding of the church. It is the family of God gathered around God’s table. The altar features a four-sided cross made of faceted glass. A W. Zimmer & Sons pipe organ was added in 1983.
Today, St. John’s Lutheran Church stands as a testament. It reflects the evolving nature of faith and community. It has transformed from a small German-speaking congregation. Now it is a landmark blending history, architecture, and spirituality. The story of St. John’s Lutheran Church reminds us. It demonstrates how communities can adapt and thrive. They create unique spaces that reflect their values and beliefs.