Our Story

First English Lutheran Church was founded in 1884 by second-generation German settlers who wanted church services conducted in English rather than German. By 1895, they had constructed a beautiful church on the southwest corner of South A 11th Streets. That same year, Dalbey's pictorial history of Richmond was published and described First English as "one of the prettiest churches in the city."

The congregation continued to worship at this site until 1960 when the present church was built at 2727 East Main St., along the historic National Trail. The contemporary design of the church was unique for its time. In September of 2000, the congregation adopted a proposal to expand the existing building. The construction was completed and dedicated in December of 2001. The expansion provides more space for youth activities, outreach ministries, the Adult Day Care center, and music ministries. The covered atrium and large fellowship hall give First English the flexibility to host many church and community related activities.

First English Lutheran Church has been part of the Richmond community for over 140 years and continues to be a place that welcomes ALL people with grace. In 2024, the congregation adopted the new mission statement of Reaching Wider, Growing Deeper, and Loving Stronger. The members work hard to reach out into the community as the hands and feet of Christ, grow deeper in faith, and love other people.