St. John's Lutheran Church

Fritz Armrecht, accompanied by his friend August Spill, Sr., was reportedly the first Lutheran to arrive in this area. The men came from Comal County in the 1880s and bought property, bringing their families here in 1890. Armbrecht's land included the present site of the city of Winters; in 1892, he sold 100 acres for the city center and later donated two acres for use as a cemetery. As more Lutheran families arrived, the time was right to organize a church. The mission board of the Texas Synod of the Lutheran church sent missionaries to lead services held in homes and schools. Families dedicated a sanctuary in the downtown Winters area in October 1904 and formally organized on November 6 of that year as St. John's Lutheran Church. Members learned the railroad line would run adjacent to their property when it arrived in 1909, so they built a new sanctuary on the west side of town. Facilities have expanded over the years and include the present sanctuary, constructed in 1930. The congregation grew, and its members participated actively in Winters' development and social activities. Many parishioners operated local businesses, and others entertained the community with their musical talents. Although church members served in the U.S. armed forces, local anti-German sentiment during the first World War led to the congregation minimizing its services, which were held in German; relations slowly mended following the war. During the Second World War, congregation members maintained their visible and patriotic role in supprt of U.S. involvement overseas. St. John's members continue to serve their local and global communities. The church remains a spiritual home for many in the Winters area. (2005)

St. John's Lutheran Church is a historical marker in Winters, Runnels County, dedicated in 2005. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Runnels County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 60 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.9594, -99.9751 near Winters. The nearest cataloged historic site is Rock Hotel (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Winters Lodge No. 743, A.F. and A.M., Winters State Bank, and First Methodist Church of Winters.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5399013307. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.