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

1884
1884 | Rev. John S. Detweiler
1884 | Rev. John S. Detweiler

Beloved pastor George Stelling dies of a sudden illness. Rev. Detweiler (1884-1890), president of Carthage College, is called.

1885
Easter 1885 | Second Building
Easter 1885 | Second Building

Kountze Memorial completes an impressive $50,000 building on the northeast corner of 16th and Harney Streets to meet the needs of its growing congregation. Due to financial hardship, the congregation never officially dedicates its second home.

1886
1886 | St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
1886 | St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Members of Kountze Memorial, wanting to worship closer to home, establish the first satellite church, St. Mark’s Lutheran at 21st and Burdette.