In the 1800s,
many of the German people who settled in the Geneseo area were of the Lutheran faith. They faithfully worshiped together in various locations for many years. In the year 1864, the first missionary of the Missouri Synod came to the Geneseo area. Rev. Doescher, served people in Hampton Township, in Edford Township, and in Geneseo. Pastor Doescher organized the Geneseo members into a congregation and on July 7, 1864 they took the name Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church.
On July 24, 1864, the decision was made to purchase property at South Oakwood Avenue (originally Buffalo Avenue) and East North Street. Concordia then decided to proceed with purchasing a church building of their own (pictured). In early 1865, Rev. E. A. Fuenfstueck was installed as Concordia’s first pastor. Under his guidance, the church’s constitution was adopted in 1866.
A parochial school,
was started in 1868. A house was rented to serve as the school and also the pastor’s residence. The young congregation endured many early struggles, but with all faithfulness in the Lord, continued the mission of the Church.
In 1875, Rev. Peter Hansen became Concordia’s
fourth pastor, and in 1877 the congregation decided to build
a new church (pictured). The original church building was moved to a lot directly east of the church (seen in the far left of the photo) and was used as a school.
In 1889, Concordia celebrated it's 25th anniversary. The school numbers joyfully rose to 80 pupils and the turn of the century brought exciting technology updates to the Concordia - the old heating stoves were replaced by hot air furnaces and gas lights took the place of kerosene lamps. Other 'updates' during this time included the slow transition from German services to English.
For 50 years,
Concordia's German speaking school taught its students secular subjects with a Christian influence. Guided by faithful pastors and taught by dedicated teachers, the many students were blessed with a well-founded and strong Christian education. In 1917, World War I reached out to involve the United States. The anti-German feelings fueled by the war extended to the German language and in Geneseo, to the German Lutheran Parochial School. Even harsher feelings were generated after many local sons were drafted and sent to Europe to fight against Germany.
On October 31, 1918, a group of vandals broke into the one room schoolhouse and destroyed much of the school property. School trustees assessed the damage and determined, in consideration of the strong anti-German feeling in the Geneseo community, that it would not be safe to attempt to continue the school at that time.
During the 1930’s,
Concordia enjoyed the talents and enthusiasm contributed by the congregation's orchestra. Accompanied by the piano, the director led a group of musicians that included stringed instruments, reeds, horns, drums, and a flute to make a joyful noise to our Lord.
In 1937, the congregation undertook repairs and alterations of the aging church building. The steeple was removed and replaced with a tower and the facade replaced with brickote (pictured). A much needed restroom was also added. A rededication service was held on December 12. On the 16th, fire broke out and almost reduced the entire church to ashes. Efficient and talented work of the Geneseo Fire Department extinguished the blaze.
A Diamond Anniversary celebration (75 years) was held in 1939. With the onset of World War II, German services ceased in 1941. Pastor Elling, Concordia's 9th pastor, served faithfully and well for almost 25 years while helping Concordia grow and change leading to the wonderful need for a bigger building.
In October 1957,
corner-stone laying services were held for the new church building. As construction progressed, plans were made to remove the old church building currently standing side-by-side with the new. On Sunday October 5, 1958, the new house of worship was dedicated to the service of the Triune God.
Since our current building was constructed, an education wing was added in the 1970's, our preschool started in 2000, and our elementary school restarted in 2022. God has blessed us richly with God-fearing members striving to further His work through Concordia. As this mission continues, we ask our Heavenly Father to help us always support one another in prayer, grace filled words, loving action, and a heart that points others to Christ.