St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor has a rich history dating back to 1890. Begun as a tiny mission effort that failed at first, it was resurrected in October, 1913, by a group of dedicated women of Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Taylor, who wanted to organize a Ladies' Aid Society for their devotional needs. Pastor Reinhardt arranged for such a meeting at the home of Mrs. Albert Wolters on October 14, 1913. The first officers were Mrs. Barbara Dollinger, President; Mrs. Flora Wenk, Secretary; and Mrs. T.W. Falkenberg, Treasurer.

With the assistance of Mr. T. W. Falkenberg and Mr. Albert Wolters, the newly formed Ladies' Aid soon began a Sunday School for the Lutheran children in town. Once the Sunday School began, there followed the desire for regular church services. Neighboring pastors conducted services twice each month in the Odd Fellows' Hall.

In the fall of 1914, the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Taylor was organized by the Reverend C. Stadler in an upper room of the Grau Building on Main Street. For the next six months, pastors of the Texas Synod conducted worship services. Rev. H. Schliesser, father of the Rev. Raymond Schliesser, who later served as a visitation pastor at St. Paul, served as one visiting pastor.

Because St. Paul was not financially able to call a pastor, the young congregation sought cooperation with Immanuel's West Taylor. At a joint meeting conducted in the West Taylor church on April 2, 1915, the Rev. AC. Hartmann of San Antonio was called as the first pastor of the newly created dual parish. By March 1916, St. Paul severed its connections with Immanuel, West Taylor, and became a self-supporting congregation with Rev. Hartmann as the first resident pastor.

In the past I 00-plus years, St. Paul has had, in addition to Rev. AC. Hartmann, the following senior pastors: Theo Krinke, AD. Rode, George Krueger, H.C. Ziehe, Roald Braulick, E.A. Heye, David Heidtke, David Bulgerin, Robert Letalien, David Tietz, Gary Veit, and George Qualley. St. Paul has had four interim pastors. Manfred Holck and Glen Sandquist served prior to David Tietz being called as senior pastor. Pastors David Seddlemeyer and Mark Gruebmeyer also served St. Paul prior to Rev. Veit' s arrival in August 2008. James Preece served as lay pastor following Pastor Veit' s departure until the installation of Rev. Dr. George Qualley in September 2015.

During Pastor Rode's tenure (1930-1944), the custom of having both German and English worship services was terminated. Often, German was used for the morning worship and English for the evening service, with the order being reversed the following week. The meetings of the Ladies' Aid Society, however, were conducted in German during the more than 50 years of the life of the organization.

Associate Pastors, hired as needs arose, were Brian Gigee, Robert Letalien, Sandi Wilcox, Kim Gaddy, and Jennifer Fuhr. Visitation Pastors of St. Paul have been Ewald Herber, Raymond Schliesser, August Hanneman, and Walter Miller. Interns who served were Ronald Doberwich, Mark Lucke, and Daryn Holdsworth. Sons of the congregation who entered the holy ministry were Leon Braun, Alvin Bohls, H.L. Anderson, Arthur Rode (who became the first Bishop of the Southwestern Texas ELCA Synod), Clifford Schmidt, John Braulick, Robert Ray "Bob" Braun, and Kent Bohls. Brian Gigee returned to St. Paul to preach in Sept. 2014 as part of the l 00th Anniversary Celebration and Kent Bohls delivered the afternoon message at the October 5, 2014 Celebration.

From its beginning, St. Paul has been involved in a strong building program. As early as December 1915, the church council called a special meeting of the congregation to discuss erecting a church building in response to Mr. Fritz Fuch's offer to contribute $1,000 for that purpose.

The building program was revived in 1916 when Mr. R. J. Eckhardt gave the church the comer lot on Sixth and Fowzer. Mr. H. Struve was engaged as architect and Ernst Groba' s offer to construct the first church out of hollow tile and stucco for $9,000 was accepted. The cornerstone was laid March 25, 1917; the church was dedicated on July 1, 1917; and a week's celebration followed.

Property for a parsonage was purchased from the Bridges estate in 1920, and by the end of the year, a seven-room parsonage was completed and dedicated. The congregation continued to prosper. In the spring of 1931 the congregation held an out-of-debt celebration. In the fall of 1932 the old Baptist church and an adjoining lot across the street were purchased for $2,500. Dedication services for the Parish House (the old Baptist church) were held on November 13, 1932.

By the time St. Paul celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1939, the congregation had ample facilities for worship and Sunday school, owned four and one half city lots without any indebtedness, and numbered 600 members, with 484 confirmed members. A Lutheran Brotherhood was formed in connection with the 25th Anniversary. Through the years, the Brotherhood has sponsored the Annual Bratwurst Supper. In the past, the group also sponsored the Easter Morning Breakfast. For 35 years, St. Paul sponsored a Thursday prayer breakfast for members of St. Paul and other Taylor churches.

When the Parish House (old Baptist church) was sold, the Lutheran Center was built for Sunday school and congregational fellowship and meetings. It was dedicated in 1948. In 1955 preliminary plans for a new church building and one educational unit were approved. Contract for the new building was let on July 1, 1956. The service for the laying of the cornerstone was held on February 10, 1957, with Rev. E. A. Heye conducting the service.

On May 26, 1957, the present church and one educational wing were dedicated to the Glory of God. The cost of the new sanctuary, complete with a wing for offices and a small chapel, approximated $240,000.00. Two former pastors returned to deliver messages on dedication day. Pastor Braulick spoke at the morning service and Pastor Krueger at the afternoon service. St. Paul had grown to more than 1,100 members with 900 communicant members.

In 1965, as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration and to enhance the beauty of the sanctuary, faceted glass windows portraying the life of Christ were installed. New lights in the sanctuary were dedicated in 1984.

In March 1971 the current educational building was enlarged and dedicated. The St. Paul house, formerly the Hartmann home, was purchased in 1982 and staff offices were moved from the church wing to that site in 1985.  During 1998-2000, the chapel wing and altar room were renovated, and the St. Paul House ( church offices) was remodeled. In 2012, the tile, carpet, and pew cushions in the sanctuary were replaced in anticipation of the 100th celebration. Grace Bulgerin Lidell and a group of dedicated members also added a prayer garden between the sanctuary and educational building.

St. Paul Lutheran Church has always focused on the youth in its ministries. The Sunday School began in the spring of 1916, at least six months prior to the organization of the congregation. The early church women realized that the future of the church depended on the Christian training of the youth. The first Confirmation class in 1916 numbered 26 confirmands. Edward Lantzsch, longtime St. Paul member, is directly related to two members of that first class: Augusta Lantzsch and Marie Helena Lantzsch.

St. Paul's Luther League dates back to May 1916. The summer Daily Vacation Bible School began in 1927. St. Paul has sponsored a Boy Scout Troop for ninety years.  Many St. Paul youth have obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. In May 2017, Alec Ochoa installed the flag pole at the side entrance to the educational building as his Eagle Scout project. Alec and his two cousins, Sean Bullock and Kenneth Kruse, along with Noah Hurst are the latest St. Paul youth to receive the Eagle Scout rank. Some church members have also earned the Pro Deo et Patria award, the highest award given by the Lutheran Church. Ray Ochoa received the new Scouting Lamb Award in 2017.

In the past 100 years, St. Paul youth have had the opportunity to attend Sunday School, Vacation Bible school, various fellowship activities, mission trips, national youth gatherings, summer camps, as well as day camps held both in other cities and in the church fellowship ball.  Currently Steve and Elizabeth Morgan coordinate the youth ministries.

In August 1979 St. Paul Child Development Center began in the Old Lutheran Center which was moved from its location to the current daycare site. Children of the church and the community are provided a place to grow and develop in a nurturing Christian environment.   In January 2021, Lorene Prinz retired as CDC Director after 36 years of dedicated service and building of the program.  Currently in its 47th year of operation under the current Director, Rita Kelm, the CDC serves over 60+ children ranging in age from birth through 6th grade. 

St. Paul Lutheran School had its earliest beginnings in Sept. 1967 when kindergarten was established. When public school kindergarten came into being in 1957, St. Paul changed to pre-kindergarten offerings. In the early 1980s, the school program was broadened by adding a grade a year until in 1986 it had grown to PK-5th grade. The school nurtured Christian growth and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. After 51 years of service, the St. Paul Lutheran School was closed in 2018.  Declining enrollment and continued rising cost necessitated the closure.

Music has always been an integral part of the church. In June 1917, a reed organ was purchased from St. James Episcopal Church. In 1941 the Wicks Pipe Organ was purchased for $2,370. It was enlarged when the congregation moved to the new church and chimes were added in 1946 in memory of Lt. Eugene Arning and all other members who had lost their lives in World War II.  The rebuilt Wicks Pipe Organ was dedicated in July 1982.

A Rogers Digital Electronic Organ was purchased in 1996 and replaced in 2020 with the purchase of a Rodgers Artist 599 solid state organ for $55,000.  The 2020 purchase was funded in part by a donation in memory of Howard M. Hamann.  With this new instrument we made the bold step into contemporary worship and truly joyful Christmas worship. Our retired organ was donated to Christ Fellowship Church in Taylor.

In October 1997 a handbell choir was established and flourished for a number of years. In April 2018, St. Paul sponsored its first Polka Service adding back the German influence of the past.  Through the years, St. Paul has had dedicated church organists, choir directors, German choirs, English choirs, and from time to time, youth choirs, a youth band, as well as other musical groups of varying ages.

St. Paul women have many opportunities to use their time and talents within the church. Alma Lee Holman was the first woman elected to the church council, and Christine Rohlack, is the first woman elected to lead the church.

The Ruth Circle provides bereaved families with both food and compassion. For many years, the Dorcas-Hannah Circle hosted the Christian Women's Fellowship luncheon each year in January. The Rachel Circle honors the graduating high school seniors with a gift. The Hospitality Circle sponsors community domino games and assists with other projects benefiting the church. St. Paul women bake and sell desserts at the Bratwurst Supper, conduct a Thank Offering Service, have made quilts for Lutheran World Relief, provide scholarships for graduating seniors, volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul (local thrift store), and prepare and set up communion.

Members are active in the community by participating in the annual Relay for Life, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas, volunteering to deliver meals to shut-in Taylor residents, aiding with Habitat for Humanity, stocking the local food pantry and helping in distribution of goods. In addition, they participate in volunteer civic projects, as well as aid to church families in need of various services. St. Paul members have the opportunity to contribute yearly to twelve different charitable organizations through the church's Mission of the Month program.

Members participate in church services as greeters, readers, ushers, and worship assistants. They also serve as Sunday school and vacation Bible school personnel and church office assistants. They carry out St. Paul's mission through serving on the church council and various committees. In 1977, many members participated in the Bethel Series, a training program for teachers. In 1985, the "Crossways" Bible Study was introduced. In 1991 , St. Paul enrolled in Stephen Ministry, a program providing one-on-one care to those in need. Seven classes of Stephen Ministers were trained over the next fourteen years. In July 2014, as part of I 00th Anniversary Celebration, former Stephen Ministers and Pastor Sandi Wilcox, the minister who organized the group, were recognized during the morning church service. Following the service, the group adjourned to Mae Teggeman's home for a catered meal.

St. Paul began as the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Taylor. In 1960, three Lutheran church bodies merged to form the American Lutheran Church. St. Paul became a member of that group until January 1998 when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was formed. In 1998, St. Paul adopted its core values, mission statement, and current motto. In June 2010 the members of St. Paul voted by secret ballot to leave the ELCA and become a part of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). Sunday church services have been broadcast over local radio stations since August 1972.

On October 5, 2014, St. Paul celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The anniversary committee prepared an eight page special insert to the local newspaper to share St. Paul's history and to invite the community to participate. Over 300 people, including former pastors and various city/state dignitaries, participated in the morning service. The CDC, St. Paul School and the Scouts all participated in a meaningful way.  Following the worship service, all adjourned to the fellowship hall for a catered meal during which videos from past church celebrations were viewed. A Walk Through Time in the fellowship hall featured priceless artifacts, displays and photographs of St. Paul's rich history arranged by the decades. Special exhibits highlighted Miss Ruby Neubauer, missionary, and Alma Lee Holman, church and community leader. The Kruse, Stoll, and Lantzsch families' contributions to St. Paul were highlighted in posters. 

The afternoon praise service included gospel singing as well as the history of the special relationship between St. Paul and Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Immanuel Lutheran choir performed. Rev. Kent Bohls, one of the sons of St. Paul who was retiring after forty years in the ministry, spoke eloquently on his faith journey which began at St. Paul in Taylor. Following the afternoon service, members and friends enjoyed anniversary cake and additional visiting in the fellowship hall. Copies of Recipes and Remembrances, the 100th anniversary cookbook featuring 600 recipes from St. Paul members, were available for pickup or purchase.

On September 26, 2026 the church continued our celebration with a luncheon and games to celebrate the 112th Anniversary.

In September 2015, Rev. Dr. George R. Qualley was installed as senior pastor. Under his direction, and the current council, major renovations to church property continue. After several years and various attempts, the property committee was able to eliminate the troublesome bees from the sanctuary. In 2016, the new steeple was installed and the church signage repainted. In June 2017 new flooring was installed in the fellowship hall. A drive to purchase new folding chairs was initiated. In July 2017, St. Paul hosted the successful LCMC Texas District Conference. In 2018, new air conditioning was installed in the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  In 2023 new sound/audio equipment was installed in the sanctuary at a cost of $19,000.  In 2024 our church went to visual presentation of the service with the installation of a new projector used to display the service text and hymns at the front of the church, cost was $3,070.  We also added a Roland HP704CH Digital Piano to our service options in both the sanctuary and fellowship hall, total cost was $2,600.

In 2018 Pastor Walter Miller retired at the celebration of his 62nd anniversary of his ordination.  That same year the church held it’s first annual Polka Worship Festival followed by a catered meal.

2019 was met with trying circumstances with the onset of Covid.  Following government order in March for churches to cease indoor congregational gatherings, we utilized Facebook Live and our radio broadcast on KRXT for Sunday worship including our Easter celebration.  Prior to the shutdown, we were able to enjoy another wonderful Polka Service and CDC Garage Sale.  Late 2019 saw the return to in person worship service with social distancing, and broadcast via Facebook, along with our Sunday radio broadcast on KRXT.

As the effects of Covid continued into 2020, the church was unable to continue the Annual Bratwurst Fest, a tradition that spanned over 80 years of continued service and under the direction of Dennis Richter for the past 20+ years.  Raised funds from the event have been distributed to community organizations like Red Santa, Meals on Wheels, Shepherd’s Heart, the Bereavement Committee, along with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (who continue to be sponsored by the church) and many other worthy organizations through the decades.  Covid also affected instructional delivery with Bible Study Classes, First Communion Class and Confirmation Class being delivered via Zoom as opposed to in person.

2021 saw a reprieve of Covid restrictions and the church experienced a feeling of coming back home as we returned to active and regular worship. New computers and a new color copier were also added to the church office. 

As the congregation prepares for the next coming years, the members realize that all labor has not been completed. Christ's commission to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" is still an active mandate. 

All are invited to participate with us and “Walk with us as Disciples of Christ!”