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

1858
1858 | Rev. Henry W. Kuhns
1858 | Rev. Henry W. Kuhns

In response to Kountze’s letter, Rev. Kuhns (1858-1870) arrives in Omaha City on November 19 as a missionary of the Allegheny Synod of Pennsylvania to the Nebraska Territory. Kuhns, a graduate of Gettysburg Seminary, is the first Lutheran Missionary in Nebraska Territory and receives a salary of $500 per year plus whatever he could collect in the field.

1858 | Emanuel’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

On December 5, Kuhns and fourteen prominent area residents organize Emanuel’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the first Lutheran church in Omaha and Nebraska Territory.

1862
1862 | First Building
1862 | First Building

After meeting in rented facilities, Emanuel’s dedicates its first building at 1210 Douglas Street on February 16. The building measures 35’ x 50’ and costs $5,000 to construct.