About

St. John’s was founded in 1875 by German Lutherans who had settled in and around the southern Ohio village of Powellsville. From the beginning, the congregation has been dedicated to serving God and sharing the Gospel.

At that time, a church structure was erected on the present site of St. John’s Lutheran Church. This original frame structure, with later additions, has continued to serve as our worship center.

Over the years, a succession of faithful pastors and leaders guided the congregation. In 1913, St. John’s became a member of the Western District of the Joint Synod of Ohio.

Significant improvements were made to the church building in 1911, including the addition of a tower, two front rooms, an arched steel-clad ceiling, and a furnace. The building was rededicated on September 24, 1911.

In 1916, Rev. N. Rasmussen was called to serve the congregation. Under his leadership, the church grew in faith and ministry. During his pastorate, the congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and a new congregation was established in Portsmouth. After a life of faithful service, Rev. Rasmussen was laid to rest in our cemetery.

Through the years, the congregation continued to grow in the grace of God. Ministries expanded to include Luther League activities, a women’s missionary group, and church choirs. Beautification efforts were undertaken in 1941 and again in 1950, the year of the congregation’s 75th anniversary.

In 1962, the need for additional Sunday School space led to the construction of an educational building. Land was donated by a member of the congregation, and the members themselves dug a well to supply water. Groundbreaking took place in February 1963, and the educational unit was dedicated on June 7, 1964.

Construction of a new church building began on June 20, 1967, and continued through the winter, culminating in the completion of the building.

Throughout its history, St. John’s has been blessed by members who answered the call to full-time ministry, including Rev. F. J. Lange and Rev. J. C. Pilch.

For generations, the members of St. John’s have faithfully served and witnessed to the love of Christ. Since 1968, the congregation has continued with renewed dedication to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It remains our prayer that the Lord will continue to bless our work and ministry.