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 St. James Lutheran Church
N 30° 18.033 W 099° 15.409
14R E 475305 N 3352117
The state historic marker for a cute Lutheran Church in downtown Harper, Texas
Waymark Code: WMPQ39
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 10/05/2015
Views: 6
This state historic marker stands in the front lawn of the St. James Lutheran Church on the US 290 in Harper.
The church is located at the US 290 and 4th Street, on the west side of Harper.
Marker Number: 16975
Marker Text:
In 1908, the first Lutheran missionary to the area, Rev. C. Stadler, came to Harper. In April 1910, he confirmed the first class of Lutheran young people. When there was no missionary assigned to the area, Lutheran pastors from neighboring congregations came to serve. The worship services were held at the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian church buildings or homes and the Harper Hotel when none of these were available.
The first Lutheran congregation officially organized on Mar. 9, 1913, led by Rev. B. Schliefer. Mrs. Sophie Klein donated half of her lot on Main Street, at the corner of what is now 4th street, for the building of a church. The name St. James was decided on at a meeting on Jan. 11, 1914. The church was built in the shape of a cross and its steeple was in the form of traditional German churches. At the time, it was Harper’s largest church building. The dedication service was on Jul. 26, 1914. Until 1918, the German language was used exclusively in the church. Over time, additional land has been purchased, annexes built, and remodeling done. In 1943, the constitution was revised and the church became affiliated with the American Lutheran church. The congregation later adopted a new constitution, which eventually became a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
The church has been a leading part of the community. It has organized a women’s society, young people’s group, vacation bible school and Sunday school. It has also hosted a revival-type event called Brush Arbor Days and raised funds for the Community Help Center. The church has hosted many celebrations from baptisms, confirmations, weddings and burials, to the ordination of pastors, holding of reunions and school functions.
175 Years of Texas Independence 1836 * 2011
Marker is property of the state of Texas
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