St. James Lutheran Church
Llano, Llano County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1897, St. Jakobi Evangelish Lutherisch Kirche was organized to serve German Lutherans in the growing community of Llano. Pastor Hugo Krienke, also serving churches in Mason and Leiningen, held German-language services first in Llano's northside school, then in a small frame house on the south side of the river, and later in the First Presbyterian Church until land was purchased in 1908. By 1910, the Lutherans had a small building, and after 1920 services were conducted entirely in English. The members of St. James Church dedicated a new building in 1958. (1997)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1897 as St. Jakobi Evangelisch Lutherisch Kirche, this congregation was organized to serve the German Lutherans settling in the growing town of Llano. Its early pastor rode a circuit among several churches, holding German-language services in a schoolhouse, a frame house, and even the local Presbyterian church until land was purchased in 1908. Services shifted entirely to English after 1920, and a new building was dedicated in 1958.
Why it matters
The congregation's journey from German-language worship to English mirrors the broader assimilation of German immigrant communities that gave the Texas Hill Country its distinctive cultural character.
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Related people
- · Hugo Krienke
Themes & tags
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