St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Jenera, Ohio) records

The story of St. Paul's begins with a small band of German immigrants from the grandduchy of Hesse Darmstadt. Conditions in the home land had become unbearable. Famine, high taxes, and the unpopular compulsory military service made these people look to America for a new home.

On July 4, 1831 a group of 149 men, women, and children left Bremen, Germany on a small British vessel. During the night of September 16th, a terrible storm arose. The small vessel took a terrific lashing. It seemed impossible that they could remain afloat, but when dawn broke they found themselves on a sand reef near the Virginia coast. At daybreak a boat was lowered and a rope was stretched to the shore. All persons were saved. Most of these survivors plus other immigrants settled in and around Van Buren township. During the early years, from time to time, some itinerant pastor would visit the community and administer to them the means of grace.

The first Lutheran pastor who labored in this community was the Rev. Burger 1843-1845. During his pastorate the first class of 24 children were confirmed. Rev. Burger was followed by Rev. Fuerk who was followed by Rev. Schambor. Services were held in home and school houses. Rev. Schambor attempted to have a church built but was unsuccessful. Difficulty stemmed from conflicting religious views of the people.

The first called pastor was Rev. A. Michaelis who assumed his duties on January 31, 1853. A constitution was drawn up and the name given to the congregation was "The Lutheran and Reformed St. Paul Congregation." This arrangement did not prove successful. On November 7, 1853 the Lutheran element organized the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran congregation. This organization has enjoyed an uninterrupted existence until this time.

The first parsonage was constructed of logs. The third and present parsonage was built in 1916. The first church which was a frame building was dedicated on May 18, 1856. Later this building served as a house for the parochial school and a parish house. It was razed in 1955. The second church whose bricks were burned on the church property, was dedicated September 21, 1884. The east and west walls of this building are incorporated in the present new structure.

The present baptized membership is approximately 425 and the present pastor is Luther A. Muehlbrad.

Source: Jenera Diamond Jubilee, August 5, 1958, Jenera, Ohio. [s.l.: s.n., 1958?]