Our dear Synod is starting to move into and ahead in Texas. Despite many hindrances that were thrown in her way, also from their relatives, our Synod, blessed by God, goes courageously through the thick forest and across the wide prairies, without letting it be discouraged by many a noise. She is truly not alone, and is certainly not giving in to its own pernicious way in which they could go according to their own will. Since about a year ago, our Synod had sent four pastors to Texas, and a fifth one will, God willing, arrive in the next few days. So also last year, more churches were dedicated to the service of our Lord, and of such a dedication, namely the one in Houston, about which, by request of Brother Braun and the local pastors Zimmermann and Pallmer, a report was to be given the readers of the “Lutheraner.”

The earlier church of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Houston had burned down. Pastor Braun, the first Lutheran pastor in Texas, was therefore compelled to conduct the worship services in a lowly damp schoolroom. Trusting in the grace and help of God, he worked under much stress with great perseverance, so that a new house could be built. Up to December of the previous year, he gathered about $1,000 in pledges, and even though this would cover only a small part of the forthcoming expenses, he started in the New Year, trusting in our only Helper, to build the church. And God provided His rich blessings, so that on the site of the old church, he was permitted to build a roomy and neatly arranged House of God. The same was dedicated on the 10th Sunday after Trinity. The rite of dedication was done by Pastor Braun jointly with Pastor Zimmermann and Pastor Pallmer, and with the undersigned. Pastor Braun, with his special enthusiasm, was successful in seeing to it that the rite of dedication was very beautiful, lovely and attractive for the listeners, who were not all able to find enough room in the church. In the morning, Pastor Pallmer preached and the undersigned in the afternoon. So now there is one more House of God in this prosperous city in which the pure Word of God and the Unaltered Sacraments of God’s grace are offered and received.

May Christ Jesus, our faithful Shepherd and Guardian, guard and protect us with His strong hand against all enemies of this dedicated house, and with His great Shepherd faithfulness lead many erring souls into the same, and serve them in this newly found pasture.

Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen!

A. D. Greif, Pastor

[Translated by Ed Bernthal]