In 1850 a small band of German Lutherans feeling the need of a place of worship met for their first Divine Service in the home of Gottfried Brombacher, 517 Walnut Street. Following this first meeting other families invited the Church into their homes. These meetings continued for quite a while with only laymen in charge.

In 1859 the congregation took two forward steps; the first was to call Rev. John Lautenschlaeger as their pastor, the next was to petition the Court in November to buy property located on East Fourth Street from the Second Presbyterian Church.

February 11, 1860, they entered into a contract with the Presbyterians to pay $450 for said property and in October of 1862 the deed was transferred to them. The Presbyterians retained the bell for their own usage because the Lutherans were too poor to pay the price asked for.

A German parochial school was organized. After a few years it was disband in favor of a Sunday school which was organized for all children over six years of age. John C. Baus was the first Superintendent of the School.

In 1864 the Ladies of the Church felt they should have some part in the work of the cause, organized a Ladies Society.

In 1866 the Church Council petitioned the Court for authority to incorporate which was granted them April 10 of that year.

After the resignation of Rev. Lautenschlaeger in 1869, Rev. Constantin Koeberlin was called to be the pastor of the Church.

In 1870 a difficulty arose between the Synod and the local congregation which caused them to withdraw from the Synod and become an independent Church. During this period a petition was filed in the Court by a Darke County Lutheran Church to take the property away from these people. The Court rejected the petition on the grounds that Church property belongs to the worshippers and not to some outside organization.

In 1876 Rev. John Hinderer was called as the pastor, after the death of Rev. Kocberlin. Rev. Hinderer was at that time serving Zion Lutheran Church, Wakefield, and his acceptance of the call united these two Churches into one Parish.

In 1880 a difference of opinion arose among the ladies and they divided into two groups; one was called Mission Society and met after Services in the Church, the other was the Ladies' Society and met in the member's homes.

In 1881 Rev. Wm. Funkey was called as pastor after the death of Rev. John Hinderer.

In 1882 Rev. Funkey organized the first choir. From this originated the present Choir.

In 1883 English was used for the first time in the services of the Church. Rev. Funkey preached German and English with fluency, as the occasion demanded.

In 1885 Rev. Wm. Gettle was called to this parish after the resignation of Rev. Funkey. Little progress was made during these trying years, but the parish continued steadfastly.

In 1889 Rev. E. E. Ortlepp was called to take over the work of this Church and immediately planned for advancement.

In 1891 a new Church was erected at the cost of $7,500 including a bell purchased by the two Ladies Societies.

In 1893 the first Luther League was organized with Rev. E. E. Ortlepp as its first president. The purpose of this society was to give the young people of the Church an active part in the work of the Church, and to develop them for future leadership. This organization has been in continuous operation since the day of its beginning, and has served the purpose for which it was founded; for many of the leaders of the Church today have received their training in this society.

On June 20, 1897 a newly installed Moller Organ was dedicated. The Church was redecorated for this occasion and gifts were presented as follows: An Altar, a Pulpit, a Hymn Board (all of San Diego mahogany), brass Crucifix and Candlesticks. The total cost of decoration and gifts was $3,500

In 1900 the Church was again redecorated. A steam heating plant was installed and a slate roof replaced the wood shingled covering. The following Gifts were presented at this time: Fresco, relief decorations, carpet, four large oil paintings, Pulpit Lights, glass doors, two Memorial Candelabras for the Altar, and Altar lighting. These improvements with gifts totaled a cost of $5,400.

In 1901 Rev. E. E. Ortlepp resigned so that he could devote his time to travel and writing of theological works. Rev. Bruno Lederer was called to be the pastor of the congregation.

In 1903 the Ladies of the Church, finding it impracticable to have two small societies, united into one group called the Ladies' Aid.

In 1904 Dr. E. E. Ortlepp again became pastor of the Church, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rev. Bruno Iederer.

In 1907 additional property was purchased in the rear of the Church facing Walnut Street at a cost of $1,900. The purpose of this purchase was to obtain ground to build a Parish House for future educational and social work of the church.

In 1912 the first Mission Band was organized under the capable leadership of Hildegarde Schopp, who carried on the work in her home unassisted for 18 years. After the erection of Lutheran Center the class was transferred to the Parish House with Madge Heine as assistant. This Mission Work among the children of the Church continued until 1939 when it was replaced by a new program sponsored by the Church at large. "The Children of the Church" which took its place, was organized under the leadership of Madge Heine. This work was to be a part of the Women's Missionary Society of the United Lutheran Church of America and to be, under the direction of the local Women's Missionary Society.

In 1920 the first Parsonage was purchased for the sum of $9,205. The members banded themselves together and signed a note to borrow the remainder so that none of their Church property should ever be mortgaged; none ever had been up to this time.

In 1922 Dr. E. E. Ortlepp again resigned to give himself to research and writing. Students from Hamma Divinity School of Springfield, Ohio supplied the pulpit for the remainder of that year.

On May 1, 1923, Rev. Christian Charles Wessel was called to be the pastor. They presented him with a substantial cash-wedding gift and gave him a month's vacation before he entered his duties. He preached his first sermon June 3rd of that year. In October of that year the Church became a member of "The Synod of Ohio United Lutheran Church in America," at Canton, Ohio.

On September 25, 1923 the Ladies of the Church organized a Bible Class.

In October 1923 the Tabitha Class was organized with 24 members enrolled. They held their monthly meeting in various home's of the members. After the Parish House was built they held social meetings on the second Tuesday of every month in this building.

May 20, 1924, the Women's Missionary Society was organized.

In 1925 a parsonage debt of $5,400 was paid and the congregation elected a building committee to raise funds and look after the remodeling of the old church.

In 1926 the Church School was reorganized and a Junior Department added.

July 14, 1931, ground was broken for the $25,000 Parish House known as Lutheran Center. August 9 the corner stone was laid. Dedication took place on December 13. $11,500 was borrowed from the banks and individuals without mortgaging the property.

In 1932 a Sewing Circle was formed to do the sewing for the needy of the Church as well as institutions of mercy.

In 1932 the Miami Valley Sunday school Association held its convention here.

In 1933 a Bible Study Class organized in November, to read definite passages of Scripture every day and assemble once a month to discuss these passages read.

January 16, 1939 a Men's Club was organized for education, devotion and recreation among the men of the Church.

May 6, 1939 the Building Committee burned the Parish House note of $11,500.

In October 1939 a Junior Choir was organized.

In the first ninety years of its history this Church had eight regular pastors to serve it, namely: Rev. John Lautenschlaeger, Rev. Constantin Koeberlin, Rev. John Hinderer, Rev. Wm. Funkey, Rev. Wm. Gettle, Rev. Bruno Lederer, Rev. E. E. Ortlepp, D. D., and Rev. Christian Charles Wessel.

In 2000, we held a year long celebration of our 150th anniversary.