First English Evangelical Lutheran Church

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, established on January 15, 1837, holds the distinction as the first English-speaking Lutheran congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this church has played a significant role in the history of American Lutheran communities.

Founding and Early History

The congregation was first led by Reverend J.C.F. Heyer, who was not only the church's first pastor but also the first American Lutheran pastor to serve as a missionary. He spent his missionary years in the Andhra region of India. Other notable figures in the church's history include Reverend Dr. William A. Passavant, who founded the Pittsburgh Synod of 1845 and was a pioneer in Lutheran social ministries, and Reverend Dr. Charles Porterfield Krauth, a prominent Lutheran confessional scholar who later became a professor of Dogmatic Theology at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and Vice Provost of the University of Pennsylvania[1][3].

Current Church Building

The present church edifice was dedicated in 1888 and has undergone extensive renovations and restorations over the years, serving as a testament to the enduring message of Christ in the heart of Pittsburgh[1].

Mission and Activities

First English Evangelical Lutheran Church focuses on fostering Christian faith and fellowship in downtown and metropolitan Pittsburgh, while actively engaging in community service and outreach[3].

Affiliation

While specific information about its current affiliation is not detailed, the church is part of the broader Lutheran tradition in the United States. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a major Lutheran denomination, is headquartered in Chicago and encompasses many congregations across the country[2].

Historical Documentation

A comprehensive historical account of the church's early years is detailed in "The History of the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, 1837-1909," available through various libraries and archives[4][5]. This work provides insights into the church's development and contributions to the community during its formative years.

[1] https://flcpittsburgh.org/about/history/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Lutheran_Church_in_America [3] https://flcpittsburgh.org/about/ [4] https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/012295642 [5] https://www.loc.gov/item/09017338/