Our History

Amer Cleat Knoedler

Bach Clos Messersmith

Bauder Daum Meyer

Beckmen Edinger Roschi

Beudal Eleger Ruff

Bloom Free Wachter

Buerkley Grau Wagel

Buser Gross Wagner

Bush Kalb Wittmeier

Later the church was renamed Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Around the year 1900 the congregation joined the Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio - a synod noted at that time for its conservative Lutheran theology. 

On July 23, 1910, the congregation purchased property in Chatham from O. C. and Ella R. Carlisle for $1500. The house located on this land served as a parsonage for the pastor's living quarters.

It was in 1927, under the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Foster, that the congregation decided that the old house of worship at Locust Creek was no longer adequate. They began to seek a new location in the vicinity of Chatham, where the parsonage was already located. Much credit is due to the pastor at this time, for it was largely through his untiring efforts and vision that the new structure was erected.

Discussion about the new structure began in 1924. However, the first stages of planning did not begin until 1927. Accounts of this project are depicted in the following paragraphs, which include excerpts from the original records and minutes.

At the quarterly meeting of the council held September 7, 1924, the first mention of a new church building was made. The previous year a tornado or strong wind had damaged the belfry on the Locust Creek church. Repairs to the belfry were authorized at the May 13th meeting in 1923. The work was completed by May 4, 1924. When the suggestion was made at this September meeting, to build a new church structure and also to move its location, the Council decided to "take some time for consideration."

Not until November 14, 1926, was the subject again brought up at a meeting. The Reverend Robert Wulff, pastor from 1923 until 1926, had recently accepted a call to Melville, Canada. As a result, Rev. W. F. Frey from Arnheim, Ohio was filling the vacant chair at this meeting. The motion was made, at this time, to authorize the Trustees to get a "subscription to build a church at Chatham. This motion carried." At the same time a motion was also sustained to move the church to a different location.

By August 21, 1927, Rev. H. W. Foster had been installed as Pastor. On that same day, the church council made two important decisions. First, they consented to allow Rev. Foster to preach at the Chatham Chapel. Secondly, they recommended that a five-man committee be appointed to "get estimates and plans to build a church at Chatham; seating capacity of about 200. Plans (to be) of both brick and frame." This was accepted by the congregation at the November 22nd meeting.

This special committee reported back to the congregation at the called meeting on October 16, 1927. It was then decided to table their report for one week, thus enabling further consideration. The following Sunday, October 23rd, a motion was made by John A. Buser and seconded by John C. Kalb to "accept the plans and recommendations as supplied by the planning committee.”

The recommendations were as follows: (Quoted from the minutes or the meeting)

1. To leave the old building for a trial period. The future of the building to depend upon the response of the people of that selection (Locust Creek area).

Services to be held once or twice a month. But at the same time services to be held weekly in the new church.

2. To build a brick church 30 X 50 ft. following the plans used in building mission chapels. Capacity to be about 200.

3. The new church to cost about ($10,000) Ten Thousand Dollars. The cost to be held down by the amount of labor donated, and whatever material can possibly be donated.

4. Additional space for church building to be secured from Mr. Kinnett. The building committee to negotiate with Mr. Kinnett and secure the approval of congregation before closing deal for same.

5. Building committee of (3) three to be elected by congregation.

6. Congregation to elect a finance committee of (7) seven to devise ways and means of raising the ($10,000) Ten Thousand Dollars with which to pay for the new church building. Said committee to raise the funds.

Plan Committee was elected as follows: Rev. H. W. Foster, Chairman; J. A. Buser, F. W. Roschi, John Weiss, and Adam Kalb.

Building Committee was elected as follows: Fred W. Roschi, John C. Kalb, Edward Wagel.

Finance Committee: Fred Dorn, John A. Buser, Fred Weiss, Fred Kalb, Adam Kalb, George Kalb, and George Bush.

Meeting adjourned, John C. Kalb, sec.

At a congregational meeting prior to Thanksgiving that year, the building committee reported that, "Mr. C. E. Kinnett's proposition was to sell us a lot of 40 X 100 ft. for Two Hundred Dollars or exchange the above amount of land for twice the amount below the stable of the parsonage lot." The congregation empowered the committee to make a trade of the land.

Following Thanksgiving, the committee returned saying that Mr. Kinnett had decided not to trade, but that he would rather sell the congregation a lot for $200.00. This offer was accepted, only to discover that Mr. Kinnett again had changed his mind. Now he would sell a lot "45 X 126 ft. from the center of the State road for $225.00." This new offer was accepted and the deed was issued to the Trustees.

With the land secured the building committee was able to begin letting out contracts for the construction of the new church. This work began by the end of May 1928. The basement was dug and the foundation soon laid. The work was done by local craftsmen with much of the labor donated by individuals of the congregation.

With the construction underway, the decision had to be made on a name for the new structure.

This matter came up at the congregational meeting on July 29, 1929. At this time consent was given to allow the ladies of the congregation "the right to help suggest names for the new church and also to vote upon the name." The following six names were suggested: St. Paul, St. John, St. Luke, Peace, Grace, and Hope. August 5th was set as the day when the decision would be made.

The report at this meeting simply states, "The name of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the name of the new church at Chatham, Kentucky." Without pomp or fanfare, but in a quiet and direct way the hard and loving work of so many faithful people received its name.

As the fall weather set in, construction of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church continued. It would stretch into the beginning of the winter. On November 11th the Trustees were authorized to borrow whatever money was needed to finish the new church.

During this time, plans were also being made for the dedication service. Sunday, December 23rd was set for this occasion. A dinner was planned and a price of 50¢ per plate was set to cover the cost. Among the dignitaries who were invited was Dr. J. A. Dell, a former pastor and current professor at the Theological Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Also invited to participate were Rev. W. F. Frey (a faithful friend from the sister congregation in Arnheim, Ohio) and the President of the Western District of the Joint Synod of Ohio, Rev. H. J. Schuh D. D.

The celebration began on Sunday, December 23, 1928, and extended throughout the following week. During that holiday season, the people celebrated not only the birth of their Lord, Jesus Christ but also the birth of their church community as it would live and grow at its new location in Chatham.

Many firsts took place during the following year. On December 30, 1928, one week after the dedication ceremony, the very first confirmation in the new building took place. Those confirmands were Mrs. Fred Weiss (Lillian) and Mr. George Meir. During 1929, the first confirmation class was held. Members of the class were Helen Francis Gerhard, Paul Wilbur Gerhard, Mary Katherine Kalb, Norma Margaret Kalb, and Edna Lois Case. These first. students were confirmed in their faith on March 31, 1929. The first baptisms at the new building also occurred on that same day. These newest members of the church were Louise Elizabeth Kalb, Joseph Henry Kalb, and Edna Lois Case.

For the next few years the congregation maintained both the new church and the old one at Locust Creek. On March 15, 1931, the Council gave consideration to a request for permission to use the old church building for worship. But by April 12th, the Council had to recommend the disposition of the old building since the roof was in poor condition. On April 19th the congregation decided in favor of offering the old structure for sale. Finally on March 5, 1933, approval was extended to accept an offer of $140.00 from Mr. Joe Claypoole for the purchase of the property. The "old church building known as the First German Protestant Church in Bracken County located on the Berlin-Augusta Pike near Locust Creek" was sold.

In 1930 the congregation joined the American Lutheran Church Synod. This church body was organized through the merger of the Buffalo, lowa, and Ohio Synods of the Lutheran Church. (This merger was later expanded again, and reconstituted in 1960.)

From time to time improvements were made at the church. In 1947, a new organ was purchased. The parsonage was modernized and other improvements were made in 1948. In 1949, the Luther League bought new carpet for the church. An oil furnace was acquired in 1950 and later converted to natural gas.

In 1953, the church basement was remodeled under the auspices of the Luther League. This organization also purchased the bulletin board.

In 1968, a mimeograph machine was purchased. The 40th anniversary of the present building was celebrated in 1968, and to mark the celebration a public address system and tower speakers were installed.

New altar covers were made in 1969. In 1970, the Luther League purchased a new communion set and improvements were again made to the parsonage.

It became increasingly difficult to keep a pastor at the small country church. A similar problem was occurring at Trinity Lutheran Church in Maysville, Kentucky. However, Trinity, holds its synodical membership in the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church. This led the two churches and the districts of the two synods to embark upon the plan for calling a pastor to serve both churches.

In 1971, St. Paul and Trinity Lutheran Church called a single pastor, Rev. Fred Boelter, to serve both congregations. The cooperative efforts between Trinity and St. Paul, and the synods they represented, mark a fresh new development in the movement toward Christian unity.

When asked about this unique position, Pastor John Seraphine (1973-1977) remarked, "I have already been amazed at what the Spirit can make of this situation. We have two very different parishes here, but in many ways the people are feeling and showing that they are one in faith and purpose. My only hope is that many more people will find what it means to be in Christ because we have broken down the synodical barriers to work and worship together." This unique cooperative spirit still exists today.

A new natural gas furnace was installed in the church in 1972, and then next year the church was re-decorated.

St. Paul’s sister church, Peace at Arnheim, Ohio, gave the congregation new lights for the church, which were installed in 1974.

In 1975 the congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The altar cross, candleholders, and offering plates were replated in brass and the families of the congregation donated new doors. The basement was redecorated with new kitchen cabinets that were donated and installed during the same year.

In 1978 the congregation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the present church structure. During that year, the parking lot was enlarged and upgraded. The Youth of the Church donated a hot-water tank for the kitchen. The largest contribution during this time was the installation of new carpeting throughout the entire church sanctuary.

With the merger of the Lutheran Church of America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), St. Paul became a part of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on January 1, 1988. Our congregation is located in Region 6 and a member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. The headquarters of the ELCA are in Indianapolis, Indiana and James Stuck serves as bishop. Bishop Stuck is the son of Rev.Werner Stuck who served St. Paul from 1937-38. 

From 1968 through 1971 Pastor Henry Young lived in the parsonage along with his wife. He was the last church pastor to live in this house. For the next 19 years, the parsonage served as the home of various families who rented from the church. In the fall of 1990 the parsonage caught fire because of faulty wiring. During a congregational meeting called specifically to discuss the parsonage, the motion was made and passed for its removal. Bobby Pickrell tore down the house in exchange for the lumber and logs. The parking lot was then enlarged and graveled.

During a congregational meeting on May 29, 1993, a suggestion was made to repair the front steps and sidewalk of the church. After much discussion and years of planning a report was given on August 10, 1997, that the front steps and ramp were completed. A thank you was given to Mark Weiss and other trustees for their hard work.

On November 27, 1998, the church purchased 6.36 acres with house from Jackie R. and June Ritchie for $75,000.00. The money was obtained through a $15,000 certificate of deposit and a forward of $60,000 on a Real Estate Mortgage Loan. However, 1.05 acres of the lot including the house was sold on December 11th of that same year to Laura Ellen Thomas for $45,000.00. The tobacco allotment was also sold in March of 1999. The profits from these sales as well as the generous donations from congregation members helped repay the Real Estate Mortgage Loan on March 25, 1999.

In October of 1999, the church also sold 1.96 acres to Barry and Talia Thomas for $2,500.00. After this land transaction the congregation owned 3.178 acres adjoining the church property free of debt.

The present site and church structure is well famed for its striking beauty not only by the residents of the community but also by those far and near who have visited here. The improvements that have occurred over the many years have come together to create this beautiful place of worship...a structure that shows a presence of faith, service, and strength. Truly it has served well its purpose to glorify God.

This history, however, is much more than buildings and events. History is never complete because it is an ongoing process. Mentioning buildings and improvements of property only tells us of the slight surface of activity. The true story of St. Paul must be a history of faith. Such a history cannot be written for it is still being lived. Many of the families that joined the first assembly of believers in 1875 are still strongly represented today. With God's grace they will be represented hundreds of years from now. However, the church is always changing. It must change to bring to the people of each age the life giving message of Jesus Christ. During the past 125 years, hundreds of men and women have been born, lived, and died in faith in this Christ - all because St. Paul Lutheran Church was here.