History of the Church
With grateful hearts we acknowledge, “The Lord hath done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:3.
St. Paul’s Lutheran church began as a mission church in the summer of 1913 by the Nebraska District of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri. The first pastor was installed on January 11, 1914 and the congregation held its first service a week later at the Fireman’s Hall in Beatrice. Seventeen souls attended this first service. Services were held at this location until the space became too small. In August of 1914, the congregation purchased an existing church building on the corner of 8th and High.
Fireman's Hall - Beatrice
First Church at 8th and High
The congregation held its first congregational meeting on October 26, 1914. The German English Evangelical St. Paul’s Congregation officially adopted a German constitution on January 28, 1915 with missions being one of the first objectives. In 1918, they trialed the envelope system for offerings which is still in use today as well as started using individual cups for communion. Due to the pressure of WWI, an English constitution was adopted in 1918. The services also started to incorporate more English. A short English sermonette was given at 9:30 on Sunday mornings with a full German service at 10:45.
As the church body continued to grow, it was determined that a Christian day school was needed. St. Paul’s Luther School was established in 1915.
The 1930s brought the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Like many others around the country times were tough. To keep the church afloat, the parsonage at 7th and High was sold and the pastor was given $33 a month as a rental allowance.
As the church body continued to grow, it was determined that a Christian day school was needed. St. Paul’s Luther School was established in 1915.
The 1930s brought the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Like many others around the country times were tough. To keep the church afloat, the parsonage at 7th and High was sold and the pastor was given $33 a month as a rental allowance.
The 1940s brought WWII. Many members of the congregation served in the armed forces and were celebrated with a reception on their return home. During this time, the church experienced a slow, but steady growth in membership. In 1947, the German services were dropped. A new mission was started in 1949 with the beginning of the local radio station. The church started broadcasting on station AM 1450 or KWBE. While initially only 15 minutes, it was later expanded to one hour to accommodate the entire worship service as it is today.
Parsonage
Church building under construction
Placing the cornerstone
Due to continued growth, the congregation outgrew the current building and purchased the property at 10th and High for $11,500. They completed the parsonage first and then began construction of the current church basement in 1950. Services were held in the basement for five years. The cornerstone of the current church was laid in July of 1954 with the dedication of the completed building being held on September 4, 1955.
The 1990s saw many updates. The chancel was updated in 1990. This new layout is still seen today. This plan was put in motion in order to accommodate more members at the communion rail and to allow for better flow during communion. The basement underwent remodeling in 1993. The stage was removed and the current church offices were built in its place. The following year the elevator was added to allow better access to the basement as well as the church proper.
The 1990s saw many updates. The chancel was updated in 1990. This new layout is still seen today. This plan was put in motion in order to accommodate more members at the communion rail and to allow for better flow during communion. The basement underwent remodeling in 1993. The stage was removed and the current church offices were built in its place. The following year the elevator was added to allow better access to the basement as well as the church proper.
As with many other organizations around the world, COVID brought challenges to the church. In March of 2020, services within the church were brought to a halt. The church was able to pivot and start using more technology. In order to allow for social distancing, parking lot church was held. The pastor stood on the front steps and the service was broadcast over the FM band and live-streamed on YouTube. Communion was given drive thru style. In person services were held again in late 2020.
The 2020s saw another round of renovations. The parsonage was completely remodeled during the summer of 2020 by generous volunteers. July 2022 saw a severe thunderstorm complex that dropped softball size hail. Roof replacement and elevator railings were completed at the end of 2023. During 2025, other updates have been made in and around the church with new front steps, an updated color scheme with paint and flooring in the sanctuary, front doors on the church, and the installation of screens for ease of worship.
From humble beginnings with seventeen faithful and pioneering souls in the firehall to worship at 10th and High, St. Paul’s has continued to grow and spread the love of our God and Savior.