The Full Story
History of Faith Lutheran Church
Huntsville, Texas
The Beginning (1957–1963)
The roots of Faith Lutheran Church trace to January 1957, when Pastor L. F. Westermann of Navasota began Sunday services at Sam Houston State Teachers College, assisted by Pastor Niemeyer of Anderson. A local Gamma Delta student chapter soon formed to encourage student involvement.
By February 1958, plans were underway to organize a congregation and purchase a combined church and student center. Officers elected were Myles Knape (Chairman), Richard F. Krueger (Secretary), and Albert Baumgartner (Treasurer). “Faith Lutheran Chapel” was chosen as the name on March 9, 1958, the same week property at 1629 Ave. J was purchased.
Volunteers renovated the former residence for worship and student activities. The building was dedicated November 29, 1959, recognizing the efforts of local Lutherans and students who saw the need for a church in Huntsville. Charter members included Barrett, Baumgartner, Belcher, Craig, Gideon, Gregson, Kies, Little, McSween, Mitschke, and Reinhardt families. Pastor Ronald Reinhardt, a 1958 Concordia Seminary graduate, was installed July 6, 1958, and served until May 1961, when he accepted a call to St. Paul Lutheran, Decatur, Alabama.
A new name was decided and "Faith Lutheran Church" was formally organized May 4, 1959, with adoption of its constitution. Early officers included Harold Gideon (President), James McSween (Secretary), Albert Baumgartner (Treasurer), Herman Kies and Joe Little (Elders), and Howard Barrett (Trustee, Education). The first church picnic was held May 24, 1959, at the Herman Kies ranch near Dodge.
Early milestones:
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First baptisms: Carolyn Elizabeth Craig (Apr 28, 1957) and Mark Ronald Reinhardt (Sept 28, 1958)
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First confirmation class (Oct 30, 1960): Steven Hillman, Roy Kaase, Terry Little, Mary Stephens
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First marriage: Dardenella Barrett & Barry Belcher (Apr 4, 1959)
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First funeral: Mary Alma Stephens (June 29, 1964)
Growth and the New Building
(1964–1985)
On May 3, 1964, a new church building was dedicated on the site at 1629 Avenue J. Its construction was made possible by a loan from the Texas District Church Extension Fund in the amount of $113,883.91.
During our first forty years as a congregation, we administered:
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The Sacrament of Baptism to 276 persons
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The Rite of Confirmation to 274 persons
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116 marriages
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47 funeral services
Membership grew as follows:
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1959: 24 baptized (20 confirmed)
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1964: 89 baptized (65 confirmed)
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1969: 158 baptized (105 confirmed)
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1974: 219 baptized (161 confirmed)
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1979: 307 baptized (219 confirmed)
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1984: 323 baptized (237 confirmed)
In addition to Pastor Reinhardt, Faith has been served by these resident pastors:
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Pastor Richard F. Loesche (installed November 12, 1962)
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Pastor O. William Luecke (installed June 20, 1965)
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Pastor Donald L. Kaspar (installed February 4, 1968)
Relocation and the School (1985–1997)
On February 12, 1984, the Voters Assembly of Faith agreed to accept the offer of Sam Houston State University to purchase this building and the land on which it stood. Faith relocated to a five-acre site 1.7 miles west of Interstate 45 on Highway 30 and Sumac Road. The dedication service for the new facility was held on September 8, 1985.
The members of the Building Committee were:
Royce Carr, Chairman; Len George, Steve Balke, Jerry Driessner, and Don Kraemer.
The new facility was built in anticipation of beginning a school in the future.
Plans were soon underway for the beginning of Faith Lutheran School, and the doors opened for its first fall semester in September 1987 with 13 children enrolled in three classes for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds.
The school grew considerably with an enrollment of 87 children in six classes for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. In the fall of 1996, the congregation voted to expand the school to include elementary grades 1–4. First grade opened in the fall of 1997, with a grade added each year thereafter for three years.
Faith Lutheran Church & School (Present Day)
Today, we have 171 students enrolled in Faith Lutheran School, ranging from infants through elementary students. What began in 1987 with just 13 preschoolers has grown into a vibrant ministry of faith and learning that nurtures children in Christ-centered education every day. Our dedicated teachers and staff partner with families to help students grow academically, spiritually, and socially — preparing them to live out their faith in the world.
In 2024, we joyfully celebrated 65 years as an established church. Faith Lutheran Church continues to be a place where God’s Word is proclaimed, His sacraments are received, and His love is shared with our community. Worship, education, and service remain central to our mission as we seek to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Huntsville and beyond.
Our ministries include worship services, Bible studies, youth and family programs, community outreach, and ongoing support for Faith Lutheran School. Together, church and school form one mission: to make disciples of Jesus, nurture faith, and serve with compassion.
As we look toward the future, we remain thankful for God’s faithfulness and the generations of members, students, and families who have made Faith Lutheran Church and School a living testimony to His grace. We trust that He will continue to guide us as we grow in faith, love, and service to Him. We would love for you to join us.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8
