Church History

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church was established in 1833 as “Peace in Zion Church,” also referred to as Keelor’s Union Church. The cornerstone was laid on September 28, 1833, on 3 acres of land that was donated by local residents. Now, over 190 years later, we continue to hold our weekly worship services in that original church building – which has received several renovations over the years.

The church was originally organized to serve two distinct congregations– a German Reformed and a Lutheran Congregation, each with it’s own pastor and church officials. Each congregation held their worship services on alternating Sundays, with Sunday School classes combined each week to include both congregations. In 1967 the Peace in Zion UCC separated from St. Luke’s, constructing a new church in nearby Zieglerville. Since that time, both churches have continued to grow and serve the community separately, but with a continuing closeness borne of their shared history.

We have had many wonderful pastors serve our church over the years. They are:

  • Rev. Amy R. Smith – 2023 to Present
  • Rev. Christian McMullan – Interim Pastor – 2021 to 2022
  • Rev. Paul E. Chapman – 2012 to 2020
  • Rev. Arlene K. Greenwald – Interim Pastor – 2010
  • Rev. James A. Shelly – 1978 to 2010
  • Rev. Albert I. Douglass – 1971 to 1977
  • Rev. George Zacharda – 1966 to 1971
  • Rev. Sherwood L. Dieter – 1958 to 1966
  • Rev. Elton L. Angstadt – 1936 to 1957
  • Rev. Harry E. Herman – 1934 to 1935
  • Rev. Cyrus E. Held – 1910 to 1933
  • Rev. Charles F. Dapp – 1905 to 1910
  • Rev. William B. Fox – 1868 to 1905
  • Rev. William G. Laitzle – 1868
  • Rev. Francis T. Hoover – 1866 to 1868
  • Rev. Abraham Groh – 1865 to 1866
  • Rev. Henry Wendt – 1858 to 1864
  • Rev. Nathan Jaeger – 1853 to 1856
  • Rev. Conrad Miller – 1833 to 1852