Olney in Young County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Luke Lutheran Church of Olney

Photographed by James Hulse, July 25, 2024

1. St. Luke Lutheran Church of Olney Marker

Inscription. In 1883 when this area was still a roundup point on the cattle range, German families of the Lutheran faith began settling in the Salt Creek Valley. The following year William Bernhardt received a bible, prayer book, and a devotional book or "Hauspostille" from a visiting cousin. The families began using the books to conduct religious services in their rock and log cabins. Henry Kunkel, the pioneering son of a large family from Posen, Germany, acted as leader. They also started a Sunday School.

In 1886 the first formal service was conducted by Pastor Bartelo of Hamilton County. Through the years, several Lutheran pastors conducted worship services for the fellowship. In 1896 the Lutheran Board of Missions assigned Pastor F.M. Rudi to this field. On Reformation Day, October 31, 1897, Pastor Rudi officially organized the St. Luke Lutheran Church.

The members met in the Terrapin School Building until 1914 when a church house was constructed near their homes at a site which was two miles northwest of Olney. A second structure was built in 1926 at the same location. Many of the church members moved into Olney. In 1967 the congregation relocated in town and built this structure.

Erected 1979 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5055.)

Topics. This historical marker

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is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1897.

Location. 33° 22.387′ N, 98° 46.26′ W. Marker is in Olney, Texas, in Young County. It is at the intersection of West Oak Street and Hillcrest Drive on West Oak Street. The marker is located in front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1302 W Oak St, Olney TX 76374, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

It is also on the American Great Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Confluence of the Brazos, Trinity, and Red River Watersheds (approx. 3.3 miles away); Little Salt Creek Indian Fight (approx. 6½ miles away); Site of Cottonwood Spring (approx. 9.2 miles away); Extinct Town of Anarene (approx. 9.8 miles away); Megargel (approx. 10½ miles away); On Route of the Comanche Exodus (approx. 10½ miles away); St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church (approx. 11.2 miles away); Archer County (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olney.

The view of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Olney and Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 25, 2024

2. The view of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Olney and Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.