A Congregational History of St. John's Lutheran, Frankenmuth, Michigan

Abstract

Brad Bode’s historical study traces the development of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, from its founding in 1879 to its anticipated relocation in the 1990s. Formed by members dissatisfied with St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and other nearby groups, St. John’s emerged as a Wisconsin Synod congregation committed to doctrinal integrity and community service. Bode details pastoral leadership, liturgical transitions from German to English, and the congregation’s evolving relationship with the larger Frankenmuth community. He highlights key milestones such as the construction of the Parish Center, the launch of the “Frankenmuth Lutheran Hour” radio ministry, and the centennial celebration. The paper also explores the congregation’s decision to relocate and build a new church, reflecting both practical needs and spiritual unity. Through interviews and archival sources, Bode presents St. John’s as a resilient and faithful congregation, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in mission. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)