First English Lutheran Church
A Heritage of 169 Years
1832 - 2001

In the spring
of 1832, Rev. Francis J. Ruth organizes Mansfield's First Lutheran church with 15 members.  Services held in brick courthouse in Central Park.

1832

1836

Rev. George Lieter is first resident pastor and serves until 1846.

1840

1846

Rev. J. H. Huffman assumes role as pastor and serves until 1849.

Rev. Simon Fenner is named pastor at First Lutheran.  Graduate of Wittenberg College Seminary in Ohio,

1849

1850

The English and German members of First Lutheran decide to divide into separate congregations, and First English Lutheran Church (FELC) of Mansfield is incorporated.

A new church building is erected on the corner of Second and Walnut in 1851.  Building
is dedicated in 1853.

1851

1866

Rev. M. J. Firey is named as pastor and serves until 1871.

Rev. D. W. Smith assumes position of pastor due to Dr. Firey's resignation.  Rev. Smith served until 1883.

1872

1884

Rev. H. L. Wiles is named pastor of FELC, and a major turning point in Church history is begun.

The current church building cornerstone is laid in 1891,
and construction begins with an initial  budget
of $20,000.

1891

1894

The building that still serves First English Lutheran  was dedicated on October 21, 1894.  The final building cost was $40,000.

This closes the 1800 chapter of our FELC history timeline.

The 1900 chapter is currently under construction and will be posted at a later date.

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