It appears that the Lutherans have built in Woodstock, the county seat, at least three successive church houses: One in 1803, one in 1822, and another (the present one) in 1884. This enumeration does not include the church in which Muhlenberg preached from 1772 to 1776. That building was probably erected prior to 1761, but just when or by whom we have no records to show. Evidently it was used by English and Germans together; and after the Establishment broke down in 1776 it is probable that the Germans of the community (both Lutherans and Reformed likely) continued to meet at least occasionally in the old (Muhlenberg) church for worship. In 1803, it appears, the Lutherans built a church for themselves; and it is probable that the Reformed did the same thing about the same time or shortly thereafter.

For many years the Lutherans of Woodstock worshiped in a substantial brick church, which stood on, the same lot as the present structure, though not exactly on the same site. That old brick church was perhaps the one erected in or about 1822.

In the Woodstock Herald of October 30, 1822, was printed the following notice, which throws a good deal of light on the situation, after more than a hundred years.

The Commissioners of the Lutheran Church will receive proposals in writing, until Saturday, 9th of November next, for finishing the Joiner work of the Church. The proposals to be left in Woodstock with Mr. J. Ott. On the above day the Commissioners are to be punctual in attendance, at 10 o'clock, a. m. Those Joiners who may think proper to offer for the work are invited to attend.

The present Lutheran church in Woodstock has recently been remodeled and redecorated, and is not only commodious and convenient, but also beautiful and attractive. In this church, in January 1926, an interesting and inspiring program, extending over several days, was carried out in celebration of the Muhlenberg Sesquicentennial.

The following list of pastors who have served the Woodstock Lutheran congregation during the past 150 years was supplied on January 12, 1927, by Rev. R. H. Cline. Mr. Cline is the present pastor. He is also president of the Winchester Conference of the Lutheran Synod of Virginia.

Peter Muhlenberg, 1772-1776. The congregation had no regular pastor from 1776 to 1806, a period of 30 years. During this long interval the congregation was kept alive by visiting Lutheran pastors, Rev. Henry Moellen, Rev. C. F. Wilbaum (1776); in 1786 Rev. Jacob Goeing; in 1792 Rev. Christian Streit of Winchester; in 1793 Rev. J. D. Young of Martinsburg.

In 1805 the Virginia Conference held its annual meeting in Woodstock. On this occasion Revs. Streit, Carpenter, Henkel, and Spindle were present. In 1803 the corner stone of the brick church, which stood a little northeast of the present church, was laid. The Virginia Synod was organized in this church in 1829. The church was dedicated at that meeting, the Rev. M. Mayerhoffer preaching the dedicatory sermon.

The next regular pastor who succeeded the Rev. Muhlenberg was the Rev. Nicholas Schmucker, who served the congregation for 40 years. In 1833-34 the Rev. J. Ulrich served as pastor. Then for about ten years the congregation apparently had no regular pastor. In 1844 the Rev. J. F. Campbell, D. P., was called as the first English pastor. Dr. Campbell was succeeded by the Rev. J. P. Clime, who served this congregation in connection with the New Market pastorate for eight years. Rev. Levi Keller served six years; Rev. J. A. Snyder, five years; the latter during the trying period of the Civil War. Rev. Levi Keller became pastor again, this time for three years. Rev. Peter Miller served eight years; then Rev. A. A. Bushong, for a period of 22 years.

The Rev. J. F. Schenk was pastor for about five years; Rev. Kitzmyer two years; Rev. Jacob Scherer about two years. The latter was succeeded by the Rev. S. W. Kuhns, who served for a period of 11 years. The present pastor, Rev. R. H. Cline, came to Woodstock four years ago.

Excerpted from John W. Wayland's A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia

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