First Lutheran Church - LCMS
A Brief History





The Lenten season of 1940 saw the beginning of First Lutheran Church in Plattsmouth, Nebraska.
It was at that time several families, including Aust, Haden, Heil, Schroeder,
Tiekotter and Wiles
began worship services upstairs at the Eagles Hall.  They were a mission congregation,
served by H. G. Cattau.  A Sunday School was begun on April 14, 1940.

Until the first building was dedicated on June 20, 1948, the congregation met in various locations,
including the Horton Funeral Home, the public library and the Caldwell Funeral Home.

In May, 1946, land was purchased from Miss Anne Heisel as a building site.
In July 1947 it was agreed to purchase all of her triangular block of land (see diagram).



From the fall of 1945 until the summer of 1955 there was a dual parish arrangement
with Pilgrim Lutheran Church of Bellevue.  The two congregations were served by:

Rev. Leo Kautsch October 5, 1945 - February 7, 1950
Rev. George Mundinger February 18, 1951 - Easter, 1955

The first resident pastor was Rev. Carlton Spatzek, ordained and installed August 7, 1955.
The first parsonage was at 322 North 7th Street.

On July 31, 1960, Charles Nenow was ordained and installed.

Shortly after this time, plans were set in motion to build a new church,
to be connected to the existing building.

To see a diagram, click here

Groundbreaking took place on May 9, 1965.
Cornerstone laying followed the Reformation Day service on October 31, 1965.
Dedication for the new facilities was on March 27th, 1966.

Pastors who served the congregation during these building years were:

Pastor Date of Installation
Rev. Richard W. Claybaker June 28, 1964
Rev. Walter Hartman April 28, 1968
Rev. Dean Boernke August 26, 1973
Rev. Norman Porath January 8, 1978
Rev. Gary Granzotto March 25, 1985
Rev. Norman Friedmeyer October 4, 1987
Rev. Martin Greunke (Vacancy, Jan 1, 2007)
Rev. Lloyd Stuhr July 27, 2008



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