NEGenWeb Project

HISTORY OF
ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Colfax County, Nebraska

Note: The following information appeared in The Schuyler Sun, September 3, 1998
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, southwest of Leigh, was organized in May 1881. Meetings were held in members' homes until the first church was built in 1883. The present church building was built more than 100 years ago, in 1898. It was constructed with a 75-foot bell tower with two bells. Worship services were held in German.

In 1916, a new pipe organ replaced the original reed organ and a 32-volt electric plant was installed. The building was connected to the rural electric system in 1938.

During the 1920s, worship services began to be said in English.

In 1958, the basement was renovated, including a modern kitchen, rest rooms and a central heating system. Stained glass windows were installed in the church proper.

New pews were installed in the 1960s.

In 1974, lightning struck the steeple and caused a fire. A new steeple, lower in height, was constructed the next year with an electronic bell ringer. An air conditioning and heating system was installed in 1996.

In 1998, the church had a congregation of 75 families.

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