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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

1904
1904 | Rev. John E. Hummon
1904 | Rev. John E. Hummon

The congregation calls Rev. Hummon (1904-1911), a graduate of Wittenberg College and Seminary.

1906
1906 | Third Building
1906 | Third Building

Following the sale of the second building for $90,000, portions of the structure are salvaged for use in the new church at 26th and Farnam. Until the basement of the new building is complete, worship takes place in rented facilities, including Creighton Hall, the YMCA, and the Metropolitan Club. Herman Kountze and his brothers contribute $28,000 of the $124,000 construction and land costs, allowing the church to be dedicated debt-free on May 27, 1906.

1909
1909 | Gethsemane Lutheran Church
1909 | Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Kountze Memorial establishes a second Sunday school mission at 19th and Castelar that later becomes Gethsemane Lutheran Church. It was sold in 1948.