Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church

History

Founded in 1858 with just 14 residents and a mission to establish a Lutheran church in Omaha, Kountze Memorial has grown and evolved to become a beacon of hope, love, and service to the community. The church’s early beginnings paved the way for a series of community partnerships, allowing for the establishment of numerous satellite churches and Sunday School Missions throughout Omaha. True to its mission of spreading Christ’s love, the church has continually sought innovative ways to reach out to the community. Alongside regular traditional Lutheran worship, Kountze Memorial offers services, including a weekly food pantry, a free healing medical clinic, and counseling services through Lutheran Family Services Counseling, all of which reflect the church’s unwavering commitment to serve and care for those in need and in search of Christ’s love. With its rich history of faithful ministry and dedication to service, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church looks forward to continuing to grow into Christ’s calling and serving its neighbors with love and compassion.

Cool Timeline

1854
1854 | Kansas-Nebraska Act

President Franklin Pierce signs this historic act, creating the territories of Nebraska and Kansas. Omaha City is founded that same year.

1856
1856 | Augustus Kountze
1856 | Augustus Kountze

Shortly after arriving in Omaha City, Augustus Kountze writes a letter to his former pastor, the Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff of Canton, Ohio, asking him to send a Lutheran minister to Omaha.

1857
1857 | Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff
1857 | Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff

The Pittsburg Synod sends Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff to Nebraska Territory to purchase church lots.