St Paul Church

History

St. Paul was founded in 1847 by German immigrants who decided to settle and farm in Stephenson County. These families, new to the United States, first met in their homes and then in the first stone church built in 1849. As these founders’ faith and families grew, they built the second church building, a beautiful wood frame structure, in 1885-1886.

During this time, the services were held in German. The importance of the German language to the founding families served as part of the roots of Christian Education at St. Paul. However, times have changed and since the mid 1940s, the services are now in English.

Tragedy struck on January 30, 1959, as the wood church burned to the ground. However, the congregation drew together and rebuilt the church, which is the building we worship in today.