About

In the years 1853 and 1854, the first immigrants of the Lutheran faith arriving from Germany, settled in an area west of Stover near Haw Creek. Their first spiritual needs were provided by the Lutheran churches of Holy Cross and Lake Creek near Cole Camp, Missouri. Regular services were held in a log cabin owned by Henry Fischer.   As the number of worshipers increased, the members began plans for a new church on the John Koehring farm, located on the road now known as Victoria Drive.

In the midst of the unrest of the Civil War, the new church was dedicated in 1863. In 1872, the church was moved to "Old" Stover; and in 1873, under the guidance of student minister, Andrew Baepler, the first constitution was adopted, and the church took the name, The Evangelical Lutheran St. Maries Congregation of U.A.C. (Unaltered Augsburg Confession).  

In 1875, the congregation welcomed its first ordained pastor, G. Tonjes; and in 1879, the congregation was accepted into membership of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. It changed its name to Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul Congregation. The little church served as both church and school with classes being taught by the pastor at that time.  

In 1897, the cornerstone was laid for a new building with a more churchly appearance, and the church was completed that year at an estimated cost of $1,500. When the Rock Island Railroad was laid through this area in 1903, the town of Stover was moved three miles east to its present-day site. This brought about changes in the little congregation because town members began having services in the Farmers Bank Hall. In 1908, these members received permission to purchase a lot, and in March the cornerstone was laid for a new church on the site of the present-day teacherage.