
History of St. Paul's
St. Paul's Lutheran Church tracers its origin to Lutherans who migrated from Germany. These people were farmers who bought some of the reasonably priced hilly lands around the region of Bear Creek, in Switzerland County, Indiana. The settlement grew rapidly, and soon their needs for Christian worship and education led to the providing of spiritual education in private homes. After a short time, it was decided to establish a church and secure the services of a pastor. A call was sent to Rev. Charles Gottlieb Obendorf, who was farming in a nearby community and was previously ordained in the Lutheran Church in Saxon, Germany.
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In 1846, plans for a church and its location were started. 70 acres of land were purchased for $103.43 in September of 1846. St. Paul's became a member church of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in 1879.
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In March of 1904, hard feelings and misunderstandings split the congregation into two factions. After one faction was refused entrance into the church proper, it was decided that for the continuance of the church in peaceful harmony, the faction without the use of the church would relocate. In February of 1919, the remaining 14 families were received into the congregation at Dewberry, with all forgiven in their love to continue to serve their Lord and Savior at St. Paul's of Dewberry.
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Through the years, St. Paul's has seen numerous pastors and a couple of church buildings, but one thing has remained the same: the Gospel of Jesus Christ has continued to be preached and continues to this day.