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
1955
1955
1955 | Central States Synod Convention
Kountze Memorial hosts the Central States Synod convention in May.
1958
1958
1958 | 100th Anniversary
Kountze Memorial celebrates its 100th Anniversary of ministry on December 5, 1958.
1962
1962
1962 Rev. Paul deFreese
Under the leadership of Rev. deFreese (1962-1985), Kountze Memorial begins weekly television broadcasts of Sunday worship services and holds many large annual Rally Dinners. Rev. deFreese was called to Kountze Memorial from First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE.