Thorndale in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. Paul Lutheran Church, School and Cemetery
Later in 1890, Karl Michalk donated ten acres of land for a church, school and cemetery. The church building was dedicated in 1891. The first burial in the cemetery was that of the infant son of Ida Schultz in 1891. A.W. Kramer was called as St. Paul's first full-time pastor in November 1893. He arrived in March 1894 and also assumed the role of teacher for the school.
As the economy rose in Thorndale, Lutherans continued to arrive. By 1899 St. Paul's had 208 members, and in 1900 the church congregation moved into a new building. The first full-time schoolteacher, J. Jaeckel, was called in 1900 to improve the school and its facilities.
Church membership reached 654 by 1911; the parish boasted 830 members in 1939. A tornado damaged the church building beyond repair in July 1940, and a new one was erected later that year. Sunday School began in 1948. Services were held in both English and German beginning in World War I. By 1952, there was one German service each year. Women became voting members of the congregation in the 1950s. Always involved in community development, both church and school remained active at the close of the 20th century.
2nd Plaque
1881-1891 G. Birkmann
1891-1893 E.P. Gesterling
1894-1918 A. W. Kramer
1919-1959 F. Stelzer
1959-1994 Vernon Appel
1994-1996 (Interim) Marty Steyer
1996- James K. Mann
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12156.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Education • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1894.
Location. 30° 36.823′ N, 97° 12.609′ W. Marker is in Thorndale, Texas, in Milam County. Marker is at the intersection of North 3rd Street and Quinn Street, on the left when traveling north on North 3rd Street. The marker is located on the east side of the church grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North 3rd Street, Thorndale TX 76577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. John Lutheran Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Locklin Cemetery (approx. 4.7 miles away); Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery (approx. 5˝ miles away); Town of Thrall (approx. 5˝ miles away); a different marker also named St. John Lutheran Church (approx. 5˝ miles away); San Gabriel Christian Church (approx. 5.7 miles away); Site of Gano Community (approx. 6.4 miles away); Apache Pass River Crossing (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thorndale.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.