About St. John’s Lutheran Church – Covington, Ohio

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Covington, Ohio, is a welcoming and vibrant congregation rooted in faith, service and tradition. As an affiliate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the church is a center for evangelical mission, where people of faith celebrate, learn and connect with one another and others around the world through service and weekly worship. 

With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, St. John’s Lutheran Church has been a spiritual cornerstone for generations in the Covington area. The congregation is dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth through worship, fellowship and outreach, offering services for individuals and families. Whether through local community service or global mission work, St. John’s Lutheran Church is passionate about sharing God’s love and making a positive difference in the world.

Currently St. John’s is led by Pastor Rachel Patterson with the assistance and guidance from congregational members.

History

This timeline traces the rich 100-year history of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Covington, Ohio, from its humble beginnings in 1855 to its centennial celebration in 1955, to the 170th celebration in 2025. Founded by German immigrant families under the leadership of Rev. Konstantine Koeberlin, the church grew steadily through faith, perseverance, and community dedication.

Across the decades, St. John’s witnessed major milestones — from the purchase of its first worship space and the construction of its iconic church building, to the addition of stained-glass windows, a bell tower, and expansions in ministry and outreach. The timeline also highlights key pastoral leadership, pivotal historical events like World War II, and the merging of congregations that shaped the church’s evolution.

Through challenges and triumphs, this century-long journey reflects the enduring faith and fellowship that define the St. John’s community. The timeline stands as a tribute to the generations who built and sustained this spiritual home.

1847 – Rev. Isaac Hursch moves to Covington, possibly beginning Lutheran ministry in the area.

1855 (July 8) – St. John’s Lutheran Church officially organized by Rev. Konstantine Koeberlin.

• Charter members listed (33 men, many German immigrants).
• Council elected on July 29; introduced August 19.

1863 – Congregation purchases a house at 312 South High Street for $325, converts it into a church.

1875 – Current church site (Wall and Bridge Streets) purchased for $300.

1876 – New church building dedicated (exact date unknown).

1876 (July 7) – Death of founder Rev. Koeberlin in Greenville.

1884–1890 – Rev. Winterhoff serves; builds parsonage north of the church in 1885 ($1,449.96)

1893 – Church steeple and bell tower added. Bell still in use.

1904 – Major church renovations:

• New pulpit, pews, 10 stained glass windows.
• Church rededicated October 23.

1905 (July 8) – 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee).

• Three charter members still alive: Boehringer, Drees, Steinhilber.

1906–1917 – Pastors Brown and Brandt lead through early 20th century.

• Notable events: lodge controversy, organ upgrades, youth and women’s group activities.

1921–1936 – Rev. Brady L. Stroup serves a transformative 15-year pastorate:

• 1924–1925: Major remodel (nave, chancel, organ, Sunday School rooms).
• 1925 (June 14–21): Church rededicated.

1938 (Jan 9) – St. Paul’s Church (sister parish) burns down. Many members join St. John’s.

1941 (Dec 14) – Church mortgage fully paid off and ceremonially burned.

1942–1954 – Pastors Plasterer, Miller, and Allbeck serve.

• WWII: Church loses 3 young men (Drees, Meier, Potts).
• Youth ministries and membership grow.

1955 (May 1) – Rev. R. Paul Stroup (son of Brady Stroup) becomes pastor.

1955 (July 8–10) – Centennial Celebration (100 years):

• Communion service, open house, recognition of oldest parishioners.
• Sermons by Rev. Samuel Hoeflich, Dr. G. W. Miley, Rev. Paul Stroup.
• Installation of Rev. Stroup and fellowship events.

1957 (July 31) – Rev. R. Paul Stroup (son of Brady Stroup) leaves St. John’s.

1958-1968 – Rev. George M. Stadler serves as pastor.

1968-1972 – Rev. Gerhardt E. Mengers serves as pastor.

1972-1978 – Rev. Robert M. Lezenby serves as pastor.

1979-1985 – Rev. Lynn T. Williamson serves as pastor.

1986-1992 – Rev. Stephen K. Kimm serves as pastor.

1992-1998 – Rev. Terry L. Mohr serves as pastor.

1998-2002 – Rev. Barbara A. Simmers serves as pastor.

2003-2019 – Rev. Stephen L. Nierman serves as pastor.

2020 (Dec 5) – Rev. Rachel E. Patterson becomes pastor.

2025 – The congregation celebrates it’s 170th anniversary.

• An overhaul of the church landscaping takes place including, new mulch and replacement of shrubs and other plants.
• A new mobile cross is built for placement around the church property.
• The wall behind the altar gets fresh paint. A handmade cross by former member Rick Longenecker was dedicated for the celebration. The cross matches the existing woodwork and was installed above the alter.
• Former Pastor Stephen K. Kimm retires after 39 years of ministry. A celebration of his ministry was held at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek on Sunday, June 29.