Historical Marker

St. John Lutheran Church

Historical marker location:
300 East Main Street, Bishop, Texas
( NW corner of 300 block of East Main Street)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

IN MAY 1913, REV. F. J. LANGE HELPED THIRTEEN LOCAL FAMILIES ORGANIZE THE ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SERVED AS ITS PASTOR UNTIL 1915. THE CONGREGATION MET AT THE WEST WARD SCHOOL AND AT THE R. R. MENN FARM UNTIL 1917, WHEN IT BUILT THE CHURCH SANCTUARY, MAINLY WITH THE LABOR OF CONGREGATION MEMBERS. TO ENSURE THE CHURCH’S SELF-SUFFICIENCY, MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONGREGATION DEPENDED ON PROMPT PAYMENT OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS. FAILURE TO PAY MEANT BEING DROPPED FROM THE MEMBERSHIP ROSTER.

FROM 1913 UNTIL 1939, MOST CHURCH SERVICES WERE CONDUCTED IN GERMAN FOR THE PRIMARILY GERMAN AMERICAN CONGREGATION. ANTI-GERMAN PREJUDICE PROMPTED THREE KU KLUX KLAN MEMBERS TO BURN THE SANCTUARY IN 1919. THE CONGREGATION WORSHIPPED IN HENRY BERTRAM’S COW BARN UNTIL THE SANCTUARY WAS REBUILT LATER THAT YEAR. ALL GERMAN LANGUAGE SERVICES WERE DISCONTINUED IN 1939.

THE CHURCH CHANGED ITS NAME TWICE. IN 1915, THE NAME BECAME ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND, IN 1963, THE WORD “EVANGELICAL” WAS DROPPED. IN 1940, THE CONGREGATION PURCHASED THE PRESENT CHURCH SITE FOR JUST UNDER $300 AND IMMEDIATELY BUILT A PARSONAGE AND AN EDUCATION BUILDING, REUSING MATERIAL FROM THE OLD CHURCH. WHEN WORLD WAR II DELAYED CONSTRUCTION, THE CONGREGATION WORSHIPPED IN THE EDUCATION BUILDING UNTIL THE NEW STONE SANCTUARY BUILDING’S DEDICATION IN 1951. FROM 1955 TO 1958, THE CHURCH PROPERTY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE REST OF THE BLOCK AND NEW OFFICES, CLASSROOMS AND RESTROOMS. IN 1972, A NEW PARSONAGE WAS BUILT. FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE CHURCH HAS SYMBOLIZED THE PIETY AND PERSEVERANCE OF ITS GERMAN AMERICAN FOUNDERS AND SERVED THE COMMUNITY OF BISHOP.

(2014)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

churches Lutheran denomination
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Nueces County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area first saw human habitation thousands of years ago, with Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples inhabiting the region. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for the Spanish crown. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first permanent settlements were established.

In 1828, the Mexican government granted land to Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney, an American entrepreneur, who founded the trading post of Kinney's Trading Post near the Nueces River. This marked the beginning of Anglo settlement in the area. Nueces County was officially established in 1846, following the Texas Revolution and subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States.

Throughout the 19th century, Nueces County played a significant role in Texas' development. The town of Corpus Christi, which served as the county seat, became an important regional trade center due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The county flourished as a shipping hub for livestock, cotton, and other agricultural goods.

The county's history was greatly influenced by its participation in several military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Corpus Christi served as a center for Confederate forces, and the county witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation. Additionally, the county played an important role during World War II, with Corpus Christi becoming a major training center for Navy pilots.

In recent times, Nueces County has continued to grow and evolve. The county's economy has diversified, with tourism, oil and gas, and the military being major contributors. The region boasts numerous attractions, including beautiful coastal beaches, cultural sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Today, Nueces County remains an important and thriving part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Nueces County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Nueces County is established as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state of the United States, and Nueces County remains part of the state.
  • 1848 - The county seat is established in Corpus Christi.
  • 1850 - The population of Nueces County reaches 756 residents.
  • 1852 - The Corpus Christi Cathedral is constructed, becoming a significant landmark in the county.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Nueces County, leading to increased economic development and population growth.
  • 1875 - The Nueces County Courthouse, built in the Renaissance Revival style, is completed.
  • 1900 - A devastating hurricane strikes the county, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1914 - The Port of Corpus Christi is established, becoming a major hub for trade and industry.
  • 1931 - The Nueces County Courthouse is expanded and remodeled to its current appearance.
  • 1940 - Nueces County experiences a population boom, with the county's residents totaling over 101,000.
  • 1987 - Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread destruction in Nueces County and the surrounding areas.
  • Present - Nueces County continues to be a thriving center for commerce, industry, and tourism.