St. Paul's Lutheran Church

  New Ulm - Minnesota

120 Years of Christian Education at St. Paul's School…

In the early years following the organization of St. Paul’s in 1865, congregation members realized that there were weaknesses in the Christian education of their children. To effect improvement in this area interested members, with the support of Pastor C.J. Albrecht, formed a school society. The society recommended that St. Paul’s establish a Christian Day school using the old church building (located kitty-corner to the present church). The original church building on that location had been severely damaged by a "cyclone" or tornado in 1881.  

The congregation gave approval. On August 17, 1885, twenty years after the formal organization of the congregation, St. Paul’s school had its beginning.  

Seventy-five children enrolled in the school that first year. The first staff was comprised of Teacher Abele and a rotation of assistant instructors from Dr. Martin Luther College (DMLC) including Mr. Freund, a student of theology at DMLC. At the end of the first school year Mr. Abele chose not to return and was succeeded by Mr. Luebkert, who taught subjects in German, and Mr. Freund, a student of theology at DMLC, who taught subjects in English. All instruction took place in one room with each teacher teaching a half a day.   Because of crowded conditions, in 1886 St. Paul’s constructed a frame building to provide a second classroom. But problems arose in the following years with the turnover of teaching staff. However, God did bless St. Paul’s School with stability. In 1888 F.W. Blauert began what would be 49 years of service in our school, and in 1889 Mr. W.F. Muesing began his 25 years of ministry here.

Photo ca. 1890

	Due to steady growth St. Paul’s constructed a new two-story school at the corner of Second North and State Streets that was dedicated in 1900. Over the years this building was renovated to allow for more classrooms. In 1959 St. Paul’s purchased and adapted Concordia Bowling Lanes located next to the school; this enabled St. Paul’s to expand to 14 classrooms
Photo ca. 1910

In 1971 St. Paul’s replaced the old school dedicating the present school at 126 South Payne Street.  The current school has a gymnasium, locker rooms, conference room, cafeteria, kitchen, 15 classrooms, a library with over 5,000 books, a computer lab, and a band room. 

Photo 2004

For 120 years the Lord has blessed our congregation with Christian education for children through our Lutheran Elementary School. He has provided facilities and faithful faculty. Through it all God has blessed families, stirred faith, and prepared his people for works of service. To God be the glory as we celebrate 140 years of his blessing.

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