The Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church
of the City of Madison

Author unknown.

This denomination was organized into a church and incorporated the 21st day of July 1842. The church building first occupied by this congregation was one which had been built by the Episcopalians on the corner of what was then called Grafton and Main Cross streets. It was located where the residence of Dr. Hanna now stands. The Episcopalians vacated this church building because it was too far to town and for other reasons. The first trustees of the Lutheran church were B. Waide, D. Schneider and P. Gautzhier, with Mr. Applenalb as Secretary. As soon as they were organized, they obtained a minister in the person of Rev. Krack. Those prominent in the church of that day were the Rists, Dubachs, Freidersdokks [probably Friedersdorff], Scheiks, and Lotz, beside the above named trustees and secretary. Early in the Church's History the women "put their shoulders to the wheel" organizing the first sewing society in December 1847. This is probably the parent of all other Ladies's Aid Societies in the county.

They were always a music loving company of worshippers. For twenty five years, Miss Louise Huber, was organist and leader of the choir.

Not until 1872 did the Lutherans leave their little house of worship for the present building which was formerly St. John's Methodist Church, built in 1831.

This is the only Lutheran church in Jefferson county. It has always been large and flourishing.