NEW ULM – Few institutions in New Ulm are as deeply steeped in tradition as St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

From a heart-stoppingly beautiful Christmas service carried out entirely by the children of the congregation, to a Confirmation service that always happens on Palm Sunday; from disciplined Bible studies to a playful symbolic “mortgage burning” to celebrate conservative monetary stewardship, the congregation functions as a unique, close-knit, yet friendly, community with its own special rituals; both steadfastly grounded in its past and planning and reaching out to its future.

St. Paul’s is celebrating its 150th anniversary this fall, with special worship services in August, September and October.

St. Paul’s was founded by Lutheran families who came to New Ulm in the 1860s. Among the new arrivals in New Ulm after the Dakota Conflict of 1862 were Lutheran families who joined other Lutherans already in New Ulm to organize a Lutheran church. On July 30, 1865, a group of men met in the home of Friederich Boock to discuss the organization of a congregation and the erection of a church building. They organized the Evangelical Lutheran Reformed St. Paul’s Congregation.

“Reformed” was dropped from the name of the church in 1870. Jonas Laudenschlaeger was elected chairman; August Hellmann, vice-president; Friederich Boock secretary; and Herman Kiessling, treasurer. Trustees of the congregation were Charles Pauli, Carl Fritsche and Heinrich Steinhaeuser. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession was made the statement of faith for the new congregation.

The voters’ session proceeded to make plans for a new house of worship. Three lots on the corner of State and Second North Streets (now a parking lot across from the present church building) were purchased from Heinrich Steinhaeuser for the sum of $130, and the erection of a brick church, 26×46 feet, was begun. The cornerstone was laid on Sept. 3, 1865. The church was dedicated on June 17, 1866.

That building was severely damaged by a tornado in 1881, and a new church was completed in 1882. That building was on the site of the present church building.

Almost double the size of the original church, the new 44×70-foot structure was completed with a 12-foot square 115-foot tower for a Seth Thomas clock and bells. A pipe organ was installed in 1883.

Rapid growth of the congregation necessitated additions in 1899. Transepts measuring 40 x68 feet, sanctuary, sacristy and organ chamber were added to the original structure, giving the church the form of a cross.

Another major expansion was done in 1950, and a third remodeling project was completed in 1991. A magnificent Wicks organ, installed by the son of the builder of the original instrument in the church, beautifies the service from Sunday to Sunday.

A Parish Center addition was completed in 2001.

St. Paul’s was first served for a short time by a theological candidate named Popp. Pastor A. Kenter served the congregation in 18671870, and he was followed by Pastor Gottlieb Reim. Trained both as a theologian and in the rudiments of medical practice, he led the congregation with energy and ability, but did not live to see the day of dedication of the church building he had helped build. An accident during a sick call caused a fatal fall and his pastorate terminated with his death.

Pastor C. J. Albrecht was called to St. Paul’s in 1882 and served until his death in 1924. His pastorate was unusually long and successful. He became the first president of the Minnesota Synod in 1883, and, keenly feeling the need for a synodical school for the training of workers in the mission fields, he was instrumental in the formation of Dr. Martin Luther College, one of the predecessors of Martin Luther College.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School was founded in 1885. After several building transformations over time, plans are being developed currently for remodeling and expansion of the present school building to meet growing enrollment and changes in education. The current principal is Greg Thiesfeldt.

In 1947 St. Paul’s organized a daughter congregation, St. John’s, on the south side of New Ulm. The two congregations continue to cooperate, including in the operation of St. Paul’s Lutheran School.

Many of the education students of Dr. Martin Luther College and Martin Luther College have spent part of their training in the classrooms of St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School.

The ministerial staff of St. Paul’s today includes Rev. Donald Sutton, Rev. Timothy Smith and Brandon Steenbock, who serves as staff minister of family and youth. Ken Board is employed as church administrator, Renee Giefer is administrative assistant, and Lynette Scharlemann and Faith Wels serve as member ministry coordinators. Rev. Nate Scharf is expected to join the staff as the third pastor in the near future.

The last of three special services marking the major anniversary is Oct. 18. The service will focus on looking to the future and how St. Paul’s will continue to do ministry for years to come. The president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) Minnesota District, Rev. Charlie Degner, will be the guest preacher. A special choir concert and organ recital are also being planned for that day.

St. Paul’s welcomes the community to join in celebrating the milestone.