A Brief History of the
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Shreveport, Louisiana
1912-1987In November, 1911, Reverend I. J. Haag was sent
to Shreveport, Louisiana, as a representative of the Mission
Board of the Synod of Texas, a district of the Synod of Iowa,
to investigate the possibility of establishing a Lutheran
Mission in this city. He found a small band of believers in
the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ who felt that this community
should have the benefit of the Lutheran Church and its teachings.
This group started the work of contacting others who would
also be interested in joining their efforts to establish a
Lutheran congregation here. Women took the lead in this evangelism
calling, while men prepared for material needs of the congregation.
Reverend Haag announced that the first services would be
held on Sunday, November 4, 1911, in the K. of P. Hall in
the Times Building. Thirty people attended the morning service,
and forty were present for an evening service. In a special
meeting after the evening service, it was unanimously resolved
to hold services twice a month, dependent upon the Mission
Board’s ability to provide visiting pastors. After a year
of following this plan, the desire was felt more strongly
to organize a congregation and call a permanent pastor.
On November 10, 1912, a congregational meeting was held with
the Reverend W. Utesch of the Texas Synod presiding. Those
present formally organized the congregation, adopted a constitution,
decided to call a resident pastor, and selected the name of
Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. The first
church council elected consisted of the following officers:
President Mathias Auer, Vice President Julius Gleimer, Treasurer
Henry Goedeken, Secretary A. M. Kittler, and Deacons Oscar
Schleipake and C. A. Thoman.
Charter members of the congregation were Mathias Auer, Julius
C. Gleimer, Henry Goedeken, C. A. Thoman, Anton Nissen, Oscar
Schleipake, A. M. Kittler, S. W. Rodefeld, Mrs. Augusta Rodefeld,
Mrs. Emilie Hudson, August Hannemann, Mrs. J. Specht, and
Mrs. Sophie Guice.
The Reverend P. Pichler of Beloit, Wisconsin, accepted the
Call to become the congregation’s first pastor, and was installed
on November 29, 1912. However, after being in Shreveport only
a few months, Reverend Pichler decided that due to reasons
of health, he would have to give up his pastorate here. He
ended his tenure of service on January 26, 1913. During the
vacancy that ensued, the congregation was supplied occasionally
by Texas Synod pastors.
 Reverend
I. J. Haag of Llano, Texas, was extended the Call to become
the pastor of Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church. He
accepted the Call and was installed as the pastor on June
8, 1913. Services were conducted for a time in the W.O.W.
Hall on Texas Street, and then in the City Hall.
The need for a church building of their own soon became apparent
to the congregation, and the members begain raising funds
for that purpose. In the spring of 1914 a building committee
was appointed to make plans toward the erection of a church.
However, several events occurred which brought the congregation’s
plans to a standstill. One was the breaking out of World War
I, creating a strained financial situation.
God does not forget His people, and He had not forgotten
His little struggling congregation in Shreveport. In the fall
of 1916, Mr. B. A. Kobler, a staunch member of the church,
and his wife, offered to give Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran
Congregation a building site on East College Street. The offer
was thankfully accepted, with the understanding that the congregation
would erect a church building on the site within two years.
 The
members went to work, and in May of 1917, ground was broken
and actual construction began on the building. The Iowa Synod
Church Extension Board granted a loan of $2,000 to the congregation
for three years without interest. On September 30, 1917, the
new church home of Martin Luther Congregation was dedicated
to the service of the Almighty God amid the praises, songs
and prayers of His children. Reverend Henry Schliesser of
Pflugerville, Texas, was the guest speaker for the dedicatory
service.
Up to June, 1914, services had been conducted in both the
German and English languages. As time went on, it became evident
that the German service was no longer necessary since the
younger people in the congregation no longer spoke or understood
German, nor they attended the service. After suspension of
the German language, the congregation became known as the
English Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of
Shreveport, Louisiana.
Reverend Haag tendered his resignation, which was accepted
by the congregation, to become effective May 1, 1919. According
to the annual summary of congregational finances in its Parish
Record books, financial expenditures at the termination of
Pastor Haag’s tenure had reached the annual amount of $921.20
for all purposes, and numerically the congregation was composed
of 86 baptized persons, 60 of whom were confirmed members.
 On
May 9, 1919, Reverend Hugo Probst began his tenure as pastor
of Martin Luther Congregation. Discouraging situations arose,
but they seemed to draw the congregation into closer Christian
fellowship to overcome the obstacles. Growth and progress
under the blessing of God took place. An indebtedness of $2,831
on the construction of the church was liquidated. During and
after the first World War many of the members of German origin
moved elsewhere, leaving only a handful of people active in
the work of the church. With diligent effort, the membership
grew from a low of 12 adults to 56 confirmed members and 90
baptized persons. Financial expenditures had reached the figure
of $1,508.45 annually for all purposes. In April of 1930,
the congregation reluctantly agreed to grant pastor Probst’s
request to accept a call elsewhere. In later years, the congregation
was most happy to learn that Paul and George, sons of Reverend
and Mrs. Probst, who were born in Shreveport and spent their
early boyhood days here, also embraced the work of their father,
becoming ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 Reverend
C. L. Mollenkopf accepted the call to become pastor of the
congregation on October 31,1930. In spite of the trying years
of the depression, the pastor and congregation never wavered
in the work which resulted in a growing church. The Fair Share
in Benevolence Offering was met and even exceeded at times
during these trying years, and local accounts were paid when
due.
A new building fund to prepare for future development and
expansion of the church was started. As an aid in this endeavor,
as well as in the general financial affairs of the church,
the duplex envelope system was adopted. The congregation also
decided to use the complete liturgical setting of the church
service incorporated in the American Lutheran Hymnal, which
had just been published as one of the results of the merger
of the Iowa, Texas, Ohio and Buffalo Synods into the American
Lutheran Church.
On January 31,1936, the congregation granted the request
of Reverend Mollenkopf for a release to accept a call elsewhere.
During this period the congregation had grown to 108 baptized
and 76 confirmed members, with an annual expenditure of only
$1,145 during the depression era.
 After
a vacancy of four months, Reverend A. L. Pfennig assumed his
duties as pastor on May 30, 1936. The vacancy had an adverse
effect upon the life of the congregation, but everyone rallied
to a fresh beginning. Existing organizations were revitalized,
and a Brotherhood for the men, Junior Mission Band, and Daily
Vacation Bible School for the children were organized.
The year 1937 marked the 25th Anniversary of the organization
of the congregation, and it was appropriately observed with
Reverend Theo Streng, a member of the Texas District Mission
Committee, as guest speaker for the occasion.
In 1939, the congregation was able to declare itself capable
of financing its own program of work, and finally became a
self-supporting congregation after twenty-seven years of existence.
In was with deep appreciation that the membership looked upon
the many years of support from the Mission Boards of its sponsoring
synods, and with thankfulness to God they now assumed their
new responsibilities.
The years that followed brought on World War II which also
had its effect on the work of the congregation. Fourteen of
the young men who were among its confirmed members went into
the armed services of our nation, but thankfully all were
permitted to return safely home. Being located close to a
large military installation, Barksdale Air Base, the congregation
ministered to many service men and war workers during these
years. It was during this period that it was found advisable
to change the name of the congregation to the First Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, and it was subsequently
incorporated under that name.
In 1944, a parsonage at 554 Merrick Street was purchased
for $6,250, permitting the second story of the church building,
formerly used as the parsonage, to be renovated and converted
into Sunday School rooms. The debt incurred for these purposes
was paid by the end of 1946. Later in 1944, the corner lots
on Line Avenue and Merrick Street were purchased and paid
for in cash from the building fund at a cost of $4,050 as
a site for the location of a future church building.
Reverend Pfennig concluded his work in Shreveport on October
19, 1947. During this period, the property evaluation of the
congregation had risen to $10,500, with an annual financial
expenditure of $3,285. The membership had grown to 168 baptized
persons, 112 confirmed, and 108 communicants.
In the months that followed, several calls were extended,
but not accepted. The Texas District and Texas Lutheran College
supplied the congregation with many visiting pastors for which
it was most grateful. In the summer months of the vacancy,
Mr. Joel Mayer, a ministerial student from Capital Seminary,
Columbus, Ohio, was in residence. He rendered fine service
and the congregation remembers him with much love and appreciation.
After completing his studies and ordination into the ministry,
he entered into foreign mission work in India, following the
path of his father who has been a missionary in India for
many years.
A project during the vacancy was the purchase of an electronic
organ to replace the old reed organ which had been used from
the congregation’s earliest days. The new organ was dedicated
in a special evening service on September 26, 1984, by the
Reverend Robert B. Simen, with a dedicatory organ program
presented by Mrs. Bertha Moore.
 In
August of 1948, Reverend Simen had been extended a call to
become pastor of the congregation. After graduation from Capitol
Seminary, and ordination into the ministry, he accepted the
call. He was installed in a morning service on September 26,1948,
by the Reverend C. N. Roth, President of the Texas District
of the American Lutheran Church.
The eleven-month vacancy had taken a heavy toll upon the
membership and spirit of the congregation. Now being supplied
with a pastor to lead the congregation again, the members
revived in spirit and devoted themselves to the tasks ahead.
The congregation began to realize that its thirty-year old
church building was beginning to show signs of age, and that
the location was not the best to attract the visitor for worship.
It was decided that a new church building should be the main
emphasis for 1949. At the annual congregational meeting in
January of that year, after prolonged discussion of a new
church, a building committee was named. Authority was given
to the church council and this committee to employ an architect
to draw plans for a new church, to be erected on the site
at Line Avenue and Merrick Street.
Having decided on the details of design, arrangements, and
financing, having authorized the church council and building
committee to proceed according to the specifications, and
having given legal authority to the council to act in behalf
of the congregation, the architect was authorized to receive
bids for the project. A final bid was accepted for $44,800,
and the architect and contractor proceeded with construction.
The congregation also authorized the sale of the old church
and lot for $6,000. This enabled the congregation to purchase
furniture for the new sanctuary costing $2,000.
The complete sanctuary and first unit of an education wing
were formally dedicated to the Glory of God and His service
on Sunday, December 10, 1950. Guest speaker for the morning
service was the Rev. C. N. Roth, President of the Texas District
of the American Lutheran Church. The Reverend Hugo Probst,
of Rosenberg, Texas, a former pastor of the congregation,
also took part in the dedicatory service. In the evening service
the Reverend A. L. Pfennig of Galveston, Texas, also a former
pastor, was the guest speaker for the dedication of the educational
wing.
After another year in this pastorate, Reverend Simen was
granted his request to accept a call elsewhere, his release
to be effective December 3, 1951. During this period, the
congregation’s property evaluation had grown to $76,815, with
an annual expenditure of $8,370 for all purposes. The baptized
membership had reached 181 persons, 133 of whom were confirmed
and 126 communing members.
 On
February 6, 1952, the Reverend Arthur Bliese entered into
his work of ministry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Shreveport. Under God’s blessing, the new location of the
congregation, along with an active visitation program conducted
by the membership, resulted in a fine increase to the Church
and Sunday School membership lists. Before long the increased
Sunday School enrollment necessitated additional educational
space. In 1955, a second educational wing was built at a cost
of $32,000.
With the purpose of acquiring land in close proximity to
the church for future development, the fourth house and lot
on Merrick Street east of the church was purchased in 1957
for $9,500. In 1958, the second house and lot on Merrick Street
east of the church was purchased for $15,000. In 1960, the
church and educational wing were air conditioned at a cost
of $16,000. That fall the Tenth Anniversary of the congregation
in its location at 2115 Line Avenue was celebrated.
In August of 1960, the first Service of Ordination to take
place in the church was conducted for a son of the congregation.
Loren Bliese, son of Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Bliese, who
had just graduated from Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa,
was ordained into the ministry, and commissioned as a missionary
to Ethiopia, in a service in which his father officiated.
On December 31, 1961, Reverend Bliese was given a release
from the congregation to accept a call elsewhere. During this
period, the property evaluation of the congregation had risen
to $182,917, and the annual budget was $24,977 for all purposes.
The statistical report at the end of 1961 showed a baptized
membership of 479 persons, 334 of whom were confirmed, and
231 who were communicant members.
 First
Lutheran had an interim pastor, the Reverend M. C. Hoermann,
in early 1962. Shortly afterward, the Reverend H. K. Flathmann
accepted the call and was installed on February 18, 1962.
That year also marked First Evangelical Lutheran Church’s
50th Anniversary. Former pastors Reverend Robert Simen and
Reverend Arthur Bliese were the guest speakers at the celebration
ceremony for this memorable occasion. Another noteworthy event
was the retiring of the note on the old white house property
which was later torn down and removed. Although 1959 to 1967
were population growth years for the Shreveport area, five
new Lutheran churches were built, which caused a slower period
in both membership and financial growth for First Lutheran.
Reverend Flathmann was released to accept another call in
1967.
 July,
1968, marked the introduction of Reverend Arthur Sander to
First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reverend Sander made many
progressive strides during his seven years of faithful pastoral
service. The Bethel Bible Series was implemented, a Sacristy
was completed adding much needed space, and a new parsonage
was purchased. The new parsonage, 1946 Bayou Drive replaced
the older parsonage, 554 Merrick Street, which was subsequently
sold. Pastor Sander was instrumental in arranging for the
Southern District’s annual convention to be held in Shreveport
and hosted by the Ark-La-Tex Conference Churches. The convention
was held in April, 1975, in the Civic Center with Governor
Edwin Edwards as the welcoming speaker. All of this was considered
quite an accomplishment for the small churches of the Conference.
A native Texan, Reverend Sander become fond of the Ark-La-Tex.
In September, 1975, he accepted a call to the Prince of Peace
Church in Arlington, Texas. Some years later, he returned
to this area and accepted a call to Christ Lutheran Church
in Texarkana, Texas.
 Reverend
John Willmann became the pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran
Church on February 8, 1976. During Pastor Willmann’s tenure
several changes took place within the church. He pioneered
both the children’s sermon and the blessing of the children
during communion. There were steady increases in church and
Sunday School attendance as well as financial contributions.
These financial increases resulted in the debt liquidation
of the 739 Merrick Street property, the Sacristy, and the
church’s air conditioning system. Pastor Willmann also oversaw
the renewal of the Bethel Bible Series with congregational
participation. In 1979, Pastor Willman accpeted a call to
another church and once again First Lutheran was dependent
on the faithful assistance of Reverend Lothar Kleinhans and
Reverend L. D. Braun.
 Pastor
David A. Tietz accepted the call to serve First Lutheran and
began in May, 1980. He chose to receive a housing allowance
from the church instead of living in the parsonage, so the
parsonage was sold. At the same time, the congregation was
able to purchase a fourth lot and house to the east of the
church, the lot that actually bordered the church property,
thus making available all four lots for further building and
expansion. The “Butler House” was then moved to
the farthest lot and became the office and headquarters of
the Highland Restoration Association.
In 1982, the congregation voted to begin an ambitious building
program that included the complete remodeling of the Sunday
School wing, remodeling and extension of the sanctuary, and
the addition of a new fellowship hall, kitchen and offices.
Groundbreaking was on Easter Sunday, 1983, and the completed
building was dedicated to the Glory of God on May 6, 1984.
Within the next two years an upstairs meeting room was finished
and a large and comfortable youth room was added. In the fall
of 1987, a new Allen digital computer organ was purchased
to aid the congregation in worship and praise.
A significant outreach and community service program began
in the fall of 1984 with the establishment of the First Lutheran
Church Pre-School and Day Care Center. After much hard work
and some tenuous beginnings, the Center has grown to 60 children
and operates on a budget well over $100,000 a year, employing
a staff of eleven.
As First Evangelical Lutheran Church prepared to celebrate
their 75th Anniversary, the annual operating, benevolence,
and building budget neared $150,000, the total assets of the
church exceeded $2,200,000 and a staff of five was employed:
full-time pastor and secretary, part-time director of Christian
education, music director, and custodian. But these numbers
and statistics are only a reflection of the true purpose and
mission of the congregation: to proclaim the good news of
Jesus Christ in word and in deed to all people. All of the
building, programs and projects are geared toward that end.
November 8, 1987, marked the date of the 75th Anniversary
celebration of First Lutheran Church. Pastor Robert Simen
was the guest preacher at the morning Communion service, and
Bishop Mark Herbener of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana
Synod of the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
preached at the all-Lutheran festival worship service at 4:00
that afternoon. A fellowship meal was served for everyone
in attendance following the service.
This history reflects more than 75 years of God working in
and through the lives of many dedicated Christian men and
women who have given of themselves in the furtherance of the
Kingdom of God. From the original charter membership of thirteen,
First Lutheran now consists of 155 families, 325 baptized
members. And during the first 75 years 616 people were baptized
into the Christian faith, 473 made public affirmation of their
faith in the Rite of Confirmation, 333 couples were united
in marriage, 253 funerals were conducted, and since 1950,
over 1,400 people have been received into membership.
“Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within
me, bless His Holy Name.
Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
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