Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Our History:

Back in the mid 1800's, German Lutheran immigrants in Oswego settled on the east side of the river among hills topped by oak trees. They dreamed of relatives, friends, and customs in Germany. They were anxious to build a church where they could assemble to praise God in prayer meetings and with hymn-singing.

On August 25, 1855, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was incorporated. Eighteen families met in private homes, at "Hart's Palace," and at "Market Hall" on Water Street in Oswego.

In 1858, a lot, 60 x 107 feet was purchased on the corner of East Sixth and Lawrence Streets for $350. An architect was engaged for $25 and plans for a church were drawn. Men and boys dug the cellar, carted away stones, and hewed the beams. The church was completed in 1859 at a cost of $4,000.

On August 1, 1860, the building was dedicated.

In 1877, Pastor P. Rizer was installed. He favored the English language and a division occurred in the congregation. The German and the English factions were granted permission to form separate councils.

In 1855, the young, English speaking congregants decided to establish their own church and St. Matthews English Lutheran Church was organized. Pastor O. F. Ebert, a master of twelve languages, from Heidelberg, then ministered to St. Paul's.

Through the years, many noteworthy events were recorded, such as the installation of a pipe organ, the construction of the parsonage, and the erection of a bell tower.

In 1947, a $50,000 campaign was started to erect a parish house and a new parsonage. However, it was not until September 13, 1953, that ground was broken for the parish house.

In 1954, the Kessler Memorial Parish house was dedicated, and on October 21, 1962, a service of gratitude was held to commemorate the burning of the mortgage and liquidation of the debt on the building.

In 1964, the church and parish house were joined by a two story connecting building.

Meanwhile, with a dwindling membership and mounting costs of building maintenance, the congregation of St. Matthew's voted to merge with St. Paul's. This merger was approved by the members of St. Paul's and on June 12, 1966, with a service of Thanksgiving, Grave Evangelical Church was formed.

In 1974, the connecting building loan was paid and the mortgage burned.

The year 2005 commemorated 150 years of Lutheran heritage in Oswego.