The History of the First English Lutheran Church

Our Heritage: A Lasting Legacy of Faith, Believers who make an impact and practice their faith in God, by Building and Nurturing Relationships for Christ.

In 1912 in Victoria, there was group of people with the desire that the Lutheran doctrine might be proclaimed in the English language. After Pastor J.C. Felger, then pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas, received two urgent calls from Victoria, from Lutheran parties not affiliated with any congregation, he addressed a communication to the Rev. John Black Hudson, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Victoria. He was told by this pastor in a reply letter that about one-half of his official acts, such as baptisms, additions to membership, marriages, and burials were from Lutheran homes, and that almost one-half of his Sunday school members were from Lutheran homes because of the language condition, and the inability of many to understand the German language.

Rev. Felger decided to make the trip to Victoria to investigate the prospects under the prevailing conditions. Upon his arrival he first conferred with the local German minister, Pastor Karl Weiss, of Trinity Lutheran Church, and, having learned that no Lutheran services were being conducted in the English language, Rev. Felger then arranged for divine services to be held in the Ryan Hall, above the Ryan Funeral Home, an undertaking establishment, and he conducted two services there, the first one being in the month of October, 1912.

History Timeline

• 1917: On June 10, 1917, at 10:30 am, a farewell service was held at Ryan Hall followed by a dedication service at 11:00 am at the new church building on North Main Street. We have been located on the 500 block of North Main Street since then.
  
  
• 1918: Choir rehearsals began at Hauschild’s Opera House.
  
  
• 1921: Luther League was organized.
  
  
• 1928: On June 10, 1928, the first pipe organ was dedicated.
  
  
• 1938: Daily Vacation Bible School began – the first of its kind in Victoria.
  
  
• 1941: Beginning of regular radio broadcast of Sunday Services.
  
  
• 1952: January 20, 1952, dedication of new (present) sanctuary.
  
  
• 1962: September 9, 1962, dedication of new educational building.
  
  
• 1962: Repairs from Hurricane Carla were completed on church.
  
  
• 1993: Kovar Plaza was built.
  
  
• 1995: Hiller Activity Center was dedicated on April 23, 1995.
  
  
• 2001: First Heritage Day Celebration.