The First English Lutheran Church of Columbus, Indiana, was founded in 1893 as congregation of the “General Synod” (The Evangelical Lutheran General Synod of the United States of America). As like-minded Lutheran synods merged in the twentieth century, First English Lutheran Church became known as First United Lutheran Church, and eventually adopted its current name, First Lutheran Church (FLC).
First Lutheran is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a result of multiple mergers. FLC came into the ELCA through the General Synod, the United Lutheran Church in America, and the Lutheran Church in America. FLC relates to the ELCA and global Lutheran family through the Indiana-Kentucky (IK) Synod.
Mrs. Johnathan Smith offered her home for the congregation’s first worship services in 1893. First then used the Colulmbus Normal School building at the corner of 11th and Chestnut for a few months before beginning to construct their first home at the same intersection. When the school building sold, First Presbyterian Church in downtown Columbus invited First English Lutheran Church to share their worship space for a few months. First’s Chestnut Street building was dedicated in October 1894.
In 1968, FLC began construction of its current facility on the east side of Columbus. This building was dedicated on June 8, 1969. The Calvary Community Church of the Apostolic Faith currently meets in the Chestnut Street building.
First has hosted a variety of ministries and programs in addition to worship, Sunday School, and other typical church activities. Just Friends, a senior adult daycare program, met at First before moving to Columbus’ Mill Race Center. SonRise, a Bible study program for people with developmental disabilities, meets on Monday nights throughout the school year. Neighbors use FLC’s grassy areas for walking and playing. Two worship services involve different styles of quality music.
First Lutheran seeks “to know Jesus Christ and bring him to the hearts of others”. All are welcome to join us as we explore life in God’s unconditional love, introduce our neighbors to God’s grace, and work for the fullness of God’s kingdom of love and grace in this world.
Grace is with us all!