ABOUT US
HISTORY
St. Paul Lutheran Church is the oldest Lutheran congregation in Livingston County. We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Here is our history of change and growth.
1863: Norwegian Congregation 2 miles NW of Rowe
1866: Pontiac Norwegian Church organized at the home of John T. Jacobson
1871: Ladies Aid Society organized, now Women of the ELCA
1876: Main church in Rowe built
1880: Rooks Creek Norwegian Congregation organized
1890: St. Paul United Norwegian Congregation (Rowe) formed by merger of first two congregations. This church was built in 1875.
1953: Luther League organized
1962: Dedication of front addition to main church
1983: Dedication of parish hall
1987: Bell tower fire
2000 and beyond: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11
2003: Plans for building a new church begun
2006: Moved to present location at 210 Deerfield Rd. Pontiac, IL
VALUES
We are rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise that we are saved by grace through faith. Formed by the witness of Martin Luther and the Lutheran confessional tradition, we trust that God meets us in Word and Sacrament to forgive, renew, and send us into the world.
We value worship that is grounded in Scripture and centered on Christ. We cherish a welcoming community where people of all ages are known, cared for, and encouraged in faith. We believe every person has a calling from God, and we seek to live out our faith in daily life—serving our neighbors, supporting one another, and sharing Christ’s love in our rural community.
Guided by grace, strengthened in faith, and united in hope, we strive to be a church where God’s love is experienced and shared.
VISION
Rooted in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, we exist to receive God’s grace, grow in faith, and reflect Christ’s mercy in our community and beyond.
