St. Paul Lutheran Church
Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Kingsville's St. Paul Lutheran Church grew from early missionary efforts of the Rev. Frederick H. Eickhoff, an Indiana pastor working for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod of Texas. It began in January 1912 as one of his several charges in the region. Early members met at Flato Hall, on Kleberg Avenue, and later at First Presbyterian Church. In November 1913, Henrietta King donated this site to the church, which officially organized in 1918. Over the years, church programs have included the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, the Lutheran Laymen's League and a parochial school, as well as youth and service groups. (2004)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
St. Paul Lutheran Church grew from the missionary work of the Rev. Frederick H. Eickhoff, an Indiana pastor of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and began in January 1912 as one of his several regional charges. Early members gathered at Flato Hall and later at the local Presbyterian church until Henrietta King donated this site in 1913; the congregation formally organized in 1918. Over the decades it sustained women's and laymen's leagues, youth groups, and a parochial school.
Why it matters
The church reflects the German-heritage Lutheran communities that took root in South Texas and the outsized role of the King family in shaping Kingsville's civic life.
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Related people
- · Frederick H. Eickhoff
- · Henrietta King
Themes & tags
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