Our Story

In 1864, Massillon was a small community, concerned with its canal and the trade of wheat and coal and was suffering the agonies of the Civil War.  In 1863, 17 Lutheran Families joined to form the first Lutheran Congregation in Massillon.  The first church was directed and organized under the leadership of the Rev. P.J. Buehl, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Akron.  Formal organization of St. Paul’s took place on January 1, 1864.  At that time St. Paul’s numbered 90 Communicants, 210 Souls, with a Sunday School of 65.

In the beginning the congregation met and worshiped in Hoffman’s Church.  Located at 212 North Avenue NE.  This building was used until February 1865.

In 1864, the property bounded by Mill, Cherry, Hill and Harvard Streets was purchased from Arvine Wales for $600.

On February 1, 1865, the congregation moved into the 2^nd place of worship, the Masonic Building – located on Charles Street.  Members worshiped there until the dedication of the first church.

On October 18, 1870, a new church located at Cherry Road was dedicated.  It had a single spire that extended 170 ft into the sky.  The landscaping around the building was the result of the genius of Pastor Buehl.  Carefully trimmed hedges, beautifully graveled walks and paths made the scene a delight.  The building was finished at a cost of $40,000.00.  In 1926, it was dismantled to make place for the present structure.

In 1893, the Rev. L.H. Burry of Shelbyville, Illinois became the pastor.  He remained pastor for 20 years befpre leaving in 1913.  In 1913, the Rev. F.B. Hax was installed as pastor.  His ministry is the longest to date–lasting 31 years.

On May 6, 1928, the present church was dedicated.

On the death of the Rev. Hax in 1944, the Rev. Paul Baumgartner of Toledo, Ohio became pastor. He was succeeded in 1951 by the Rev. James R. Long of Baltimore, Maryland.  Pastor Long remained until 1962 when he accepted a call to Houston, Texas.

Under Pastor Long’s leadership, the Educational Building was built at a cost of $210,000.

In March of 1962, the Rev. Maurice White was installed at pastor.  During his tenure, a new Schantz Organ was installed at a cost of $159,477.00.  The 43 rank, 422 pipe organ has complimented the Worship for many years.  In 1983, Pastor White resigned after an extended period of disability.

In 1984, the Rev. Robert J. Groenke was installed as pastor.  Between 1985 and 1995 three different renovation projects were completed at a cost of $1,000,000.00. During Pastor Groenke’s time members help to start the Massillon Habitat for Humanity raising funds, serving on the board and construction committee.

In 2002, the Rev. Mark Oster became pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. During his tenure, he was closely involved in the Family Living Center and instrumental in helping purchase the building on Lincoln Way.  In 2011, Pastor Oster resigned to take a position as Chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic.

In August 2014, the Rev. David R. Saylor became pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He relocated to Massillon from the Pittsburgh area.

In 2016, Rev. Ron Jefferson became the interim pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church followed by Rev. Dan Cammarn.

In December 2018, Rev. Mark Kreemer joined us as our pastor.  He and his wife, Veronica, moved here from the New York City area.  We are happy to have his leadership as we look to the future.

We hope that you will take the time to walk through this historic church.  See the beautiful stained glass windows.  Listen to the wonderful Schantz Organ.  Experience the presence of God in wood and glass.  But, know most of all, that we are here to serve you and to be a continued witness to Massillon that God is the same – yesterday – today – and forever.

SOLA DEO GLORIA

TO GOD ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY