The First English Lutheran Church traces its origin to 1832 when fifteen members, under the leadership of twenty-six year old Rev. Francis J. Ruth, established the First Lutheran Church. In 1849 the English speaking and German speaking members separated into two distinct congregations with each calling a pastor of its own. The German speaking members went on to form what later became St. Paul's Lutheran Church, while the English speaking members gathered together as the First English Lutheran Church on May 4, 1850.

The cornerstone of the present facility at 53 Park Avenue West was laid in September of 1891 and the church was formally dedicated three years later on October 21, 1894. During that era, part of the congregation left and established St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Since then, several other building additions and modernization projects have been completed. At one time, First English was recognized as the largest Protestant church in Ohio and one of the largest Lutheran churches in the United States. This rich heritage strengthens our sense of mission as we move forward in further spreading Christ's message of love and peace throughout Richland County in this 21st century. Click here for a timeline.

Our Present

First English Lutheran Church of Mansfield enters the new millennium with a strong foundation, grounded in a heritage of over 169 years, and a clear vision for the future. First English is a church in perpetual motion, with a congregation of over 1100 members, an experienced and talented staff, a vibrant and growing Christian day school program and a rewarding mix of both congregational and outreach ministry programs. Our members participate in over 100 work and service oriented ministries that utilize a broad spectrum of time and talents.

We have initiated an exciting new Small Group Ministry program to focus on the needs of our diverse membership. At the same time our Evangelism and Members Care Ministry programs seek to reach out to visitors and those in our community who are looking for a place of worship, and a sense of family. First English provides a variety of scheduled services to best fit your particular needs, with four weekly worship opportunities at present, and a new contemporary service that will be offered later this year. And although our magnificent church building celebrated its 100th birthday a few years ago, you will find it to be a wonderful place to worship, at the same time both inspiring, and intimate. First English is a church in transition, with a focus on the future.

Our Future

Truly, these are exciting days to be a part of First English Lutheran Church! Beginning in August of 2000, our congregation took an important step forward to discern God’s will for our future. This process, which we have named Vision 2000, is our five-year plan for expanding the ministry of our church. Contracting with the Rev. Roy Oswald, Senior Consultant for the Alban Institute, we entered into an exciting and dynamic six-month process as we prayerfully sought God’s will for our future as a congregation.

Prophetically it declares in God’s Word “Without a Vision, the people will perish.” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV). This has been our goal: To seek God's Vision for our Future! Through a special process involving Bible study Cottage Meetings and a series of three Congregation-wide Meetings, we have worked together as the Body of Christ, praying together, sharing together, and listening together. We believe that God does speak through group wisdom. At the dawn of a new millennium, we know that we need God’s New Goal’s for a New Millennium! Click here for more on our future.