The History of St. John's
S
aint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, organized in 1844 and was the first Missouri Synod congregation established on Long Island. Founded by German farm workers living in the area, it has remained primarily a working class parish ever since. Originally worshipping at P. S. 3, members erected their first building in 1847 at Ten Eyck Street and Graham Avenue where I. S. 49 is now located. Sometime later at another location in the immediate area, a single church-school edifice was built. On November 3, 1883, the cornerstone of the present gothic structure at 195 Maujer Street was laid, with the school building following in 1909.
Originally the congregation accepted both Lutheran and Reformed (Calvinist) teachings using both Luther's and the Heidelberg Catechisms. However, Lutheran doctrines where exclusively adopted under the Rev. Christian Weisel (1853 - 1877), who led the independent congregation into the Missouri Synod in 1861. Until his pastorate, Unionist (Lutheran and Reformed) clergy from Germany had shepherded the congregation.
Under a succession of related clergy, Pastors J. P., A. J., and Paul Beyer (1880-1928) the congregation reached its height as an orthodox German Lutheran parish. Membership and finances peaked enabling St. John's to "mother" several other Lutheran congregations: St. Paul's, Knickerbocker Ave.; St. Peter's, Hale Ave.; St. Matthew's, Canarsie; and in 1926 a mission in Glendale also called St. John's. The Rev. H. C. Wolk pastored the congregation during the Depression and World War II (1928-1944). Because of financial difficulties the school was closed in 1937 and remained so until 1965, when it was reopened as an alternative to poor public school education in the community.
The Rev. Martin Steege (1944-1953) moved the operation of the existing congregation to the Glendale mission and separated in 1953 from the remnant on Maujer Street. The assistant pastor since 1948, Rev. Richard Klopf, became pastor (1953-1961). He integrated black members into the congregation and introduced Anglo-Catholic liturgical traditions, which he believed closely reflected those of the earliest Lutheran clergy in Germany. Luther's Small Catechism was followed in Confirmation Instruction. The Rev. Samuel Hoard, who was the the congregation's first black clergyman, served as assistant from 1958-1960.
From 1961-1977, The Rev. Richard Neuhaus led the congregation. Under his pastorate, social-action, and ecumenical ministry and theology were emphasized during the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of this era. During 1965-1966 The Rev. F. E. Nelson served as assistant. The Rev. John Heinemeier was called to be associate pastor addressing himself heavily to a community-oriented social action ministry from 1967-1976. The Rev. Harvey Von Harten served as assistant pastor to this ministry from 1973-1978. In the mid-seventies Vicar Juan Martin of neighboring St. Mark's Church, with Rev. Heinemeier established a Spanish ministry here.
In 1977, the congregation called The Rev. Nathaniel Richmond, who involved the parish in the synodical ministry movement led many black pastors, teachers, and lay people. Traditional, orthodox Lutheran theology was emphasized, especially Luther's Small Catechism. Under his pastorate, the church building, which had suffered extensive fire damage, was rededicated to the glory of God. Upon Pastor Richmond's untimely death, the Rev. Willie Lucas was ordained and installed here in November, 1979. During Lucas’ tenure the steeple of the church underwent a major renovation project. Following Rev. Lucas, the congregation was served for several years by an interim pastor, Rev. Steinke.
In 1990, St. John’s called Rev. Doyle Theimer, who served the congregation until 1997. Rev. Theimer was actively involved in the church's parish school ministry as well as serving on the Atlantic District Praesidium. Another interim pastorate followed with Rev. Paul Nordeen. Rev. Nordeen had come to the congregation during the years of Rev. Neuhaus and had served at one of St. John’s sister congregation’s St. Marks on Bushwick.
In 2002, the congregation called Rev. Jonathan Priest, who continues as pastor of St. John's to this day. Under Rev. Priest's leadership the congregation has grown and received new members from Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Manhattan. Some of these members have generational ties to the neighborhood, others have recently immigrated to the city. In 2010, the congregation underwent major renovations, replacing its 126 year old slate roof for the first time, as well as significantly replastering and repainting its expansive gothic ceiling.
God has blessed St. John’s congregation for over 160 years in her service to “Preach the Gospel unto all Nations”. She has baptized and taught many disciples from many nations according to Christ’s command. The neighborhood continues to change, populations continue to move. But God has blessed St. John’s with an unchanging mission—to be His witness, His salt, His light. May God continue to keep St. John’s faithful in the years to come!