Since 1758, Baltimore's first and only Lutheran church, the German Lutheran Church (now Zion Lutheran church), conducted all services in the traditional German language. American born and immigrants alike were drawn to a new American identity, at the heart of which was the English Language. The German language, then considered "common tongue" of Lutherans, was gradually becoming uncommon and many families were joining other denominations that worshiped in English.

On October 27, 1823, a small group of members from the German Lutheran Church met to establish an English Lutheran Church in Baltimore. Two evenings later, the group fortified their resolve and contacted the newly established Lutheran Synod for aid and assistance. Unfortunately, the call for a pastor to lead a Lutheran worship service in English was not so easily accomplished and a great competition between competing cities arose. Almost a year of a few proponents' tireless effort and ceaseless prayer secured the help of Reverend Charles P. Krauth of Martinsburg, Virginia. Finally, on August 30, 1824, it was resolved to establish the English Lutheran Church in Baltimore.

The City of Baltimore's first English Lutheran services were held thereafter in a humble schoolroom located within Mr. John Creery's school on the east side of Howard Street, north of Pratt Street. With regular services commenced, the congregation slowly grew and within six months the small schoolroom congregation ambitiously resolved to construct a glorious new church. As English Lutheran was settling its physical foundations, Reverend Jacob Medtart formally became the new congregation's interim pastor.

Lexington Street
On April 4, 1825, a suitable lot was purchased on the east side of Lexington Street between Park Avenue and construction began. From the boundless generosity of those great and small arose an inspiring neoclassical church. On May 28, 1826, the joyous congregation now known as The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church first worship within their new church proclaiming, We have built Thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for Thee to abide in. I Kings, 8:13. With the idea of an English worshiping Lutheran congregation in Baltimore now accomplished and instated in their new sanctuary, Reverend Medtart resigned.

It would be a young Gettysburg seminarian, Reverend Dr. John Gottlieb Morris, who would establish First English Evangelical Lutheran Church as an integral participant in the spiritual, charitable and cultural life within Baltimore. With a youthful enthusiasm that would apparently continued for the next 33 years, Reverend Morris preaches his first sermon on December 17, 1826. Under his administration First English instituted its core ministry traditions that continue to present day. The Church became a place that cared for the needs of Baltimore, feeding the soul, mind and body. Our Sacred Music Concert Series, Community Outreach Programs and Spiritual Development, all have their beginnings during this period. Within only five years of Reverend Morris' ministry, the Church needed to significantly expand its sanctuary. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church now defined itself, not by the language of its worship, but through its services to Baltimore.

As the country was rapidly approaching the Civil War, Reverend Morris resigned after 33 of loyal service to First English Evangelical in 1860. That same year, 96 parishioner withdrew and organized St. Markıs Lutheran Church, by now the fifth English speaking Lutheran congregation in Baltimore. Reverend Dr. John McCron became the second minister and shepherded the congregation through turmoil of the Civil War and reconstruction of the Country.

Lanvale and Fremont
On July 29, 1872, Reverend Dr. Joseph H. Barclay became the third minister of The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church. Within four days of his first anniversary, Reverend Barclay would witness fire complete destruction of the beautiful sanctuary and parsonage. With the same pioneering spirit and ambitious attitude that brought First English into existence, Reverend Barclay and his fellow parishioners rebuilt the church. Exactly two years from the destruction of the church on Lexington Street, a new and even more beautiful church was ready for worship at the corner of Lanvale Street and Fremont Avenue.

During these years when First English Evangelical Lutheran Church resided at Lanvale and Fremont, the congregation expanded itıs social ministry within Baltimore and supported missionaries abroad. The ladies of the church raised money by serving dinners, selling baked goods and filling barrels with items of need. The church's role in educating the young also expanded, with the organization of Sunday school, adult Bibles classes as well as a grade school. Under the auspices of many different ministers, First English's time at Lanvale and Fremont is best remembered for its dedication to serving those outside its sanctuary.

Charles and 39th
The next evolution of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church came when another young and dynamic minister, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther Enders, took the pulpit in 1925. His sermons poured forth in an unfailing flow of heartfelt words and his inspiration led the church to its present home at the southeast corner of Charles and Thirty-ninth Street. There, on February 19, 1928, the magnificent Gothic church was dedicated. It was regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in the city, exactly as the first building on Lexington Street had been. With one of the most beautiful churches in the city and an even more eloquent minister, the congregation swelled within their new home. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, known since its first home as The Church Beautiful now became recognized as The Church With A Message.

From the very heart of the city, First English Evangelical Lutheran Church continues to deliver its message to Baltimore. While the names of the ministers and locations of the church have changed, the dedication of our founders to call people to Christ in a message that can be easily understood has and remains ever present. The concerts of sacred music first begun under Reverend Morris are still regularly given in the sanctuary. Expanded social ministries championed by Reverend Barclay continue to serve those in need, both in Baltimore and around the world. The sermons are as inspirational as they were when Reverend Enders preached. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church is a traditional church and we owe a great debt to the men and women who risked and sacrificed so much to bring it into existence. Born only fifty years after the founding of the United States of America, our forebears felt God's presence in the world and broke from tradition to create a new and vibrant Christian community in Baltimore. The present generation continues this progression so that First English Evangelical Lutheran Church forever remains a church for today.

This brief history was compiled entirely from Beverly Fertig Kabernagel's A Narrative History of The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Baltimore, Maryland. Her time, talent and dedication to documenting our church's history is truly a gift from God.

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