StJohn

Our Story

St. John had its beginning in 1851 when 20 families organized a Lutheran Church in the Ballwin, Ellisville community. It probably comes as no surprise, but even our predecessors were nonconformists! For twenty years the congregation maintained complete autonomy from any Lutheran Synod and was originally called (in English) Concordia Lutheran Church (The actual name was, “Evangelische Lutherische Eintrachts Gemeinde”). In those days the church and its school were located on Reinke Road about a mile east of the present site.

In 1871 the church relocated to Manchester Road on an acre of ground donated by a local farmer. Three years later the congregation purchased 24 more acres from Mr. Hutchinson, a visionary decision in those days. The 1871 “stucco church” served the congregation for 85 years until 1956. Its successor was razed earlier this year to make room for the Next Generation Building now under construction. The history of St. John has been one of constant growth and change. The present sanctuary was built in 1992 followed quickly by the Cornerstone Youth Center and a Ministry Center that houses our offices, choir room, and early childhood ministry.

From the beginning, the Next Generation has always been important to St. John congregation. Some of St. John’s first buildings were dedicated to teaching children the essentials of the Christian faith. We are also privileged to provide one of the best Christian elementary schools in the state of Missouri. Our staff is state certified and recognized experts in their field of study. Our 300+ students learn in a Christian environment surrounded by excellent role models. And their test scores in all academic subjects exceed those of the excellent public schools in our area! St. John Lutheran School is a tremendous asset to our members and our community.