Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church West Palm Beach

The journey of faith at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach has been a picture of worship and community service for nearly a century. Since our founding in 1925, we have remained dedicated to sharing the Gospel, nurturing disciples, and serving the local community. Through the decades, our congregation has experienced growth, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to Christ’s mission. Today, we continue to honor our past while embracing the future with a vision of faith, service, and outreach.

black-and-white photo of the church's construction

Our Founding Principles

(1925-1929)

The faith of the congregants of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach began on December 6, 1925, when Rev. John F. Seibert led the first Lutheran services at the West Palm Beach Women’s Club. These early gatherings started a growing Lutheran presence in the area.

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April 4, 1926: Rev. L. Dee led the congregation in officially organizing it as First United Lutheran Church.
October 1, 1926: Rev. James H. Richard became the first full-time pastor, guiding the young congregation.
April 10, 1929: A church site on Lakeview Avenue was purchased for $10,000, laying the foundation for a dedicated worship space.

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With the motto "Building a Church Without a Debt," our early members demonstrated a deep commitment to faithful stewardship and community-driven growth.

Milestones in Our Journey (1929-2020)

As the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach continued to grow, significant milestones shaped our history:

a photo of the reverend and congregants during a church activity

Building a Strong Foundation (1929-1955)

1934: The congregation purchased a parsonage on 321 Croton Way.

1941: Rev. Fox resigned to serve as a Chaplain in the Armed Forces.

1947: The church became self-supporting, a testament to the strength of our faith community.

a photo of the reverend walking toward the altar

A Time of Growth and Expansion (1955-2020)

1955: Rev. Paul E. Arnold, Th.D., led the effort to build our current sanctuary on Parker Avenue.

1970: Rev. Paul F. Arnold joined the pastoral staff, later serving as Senior Pastor for 50 years.

2012: We transitioned from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), reinforcing our commitment to Biblical authority and mission-driven faith.

During these decades, through faith in God, the First Evangelical Lutheran Church West Palm Beach became a center for worship, education, and outreach, hosting countless baptisms, weddings, confirmations, and community initiatives.

A New Era of Fellowship & Community Engagement (2021-Present)

Under the leadership of Rev. Carsten Ludder (2021-2024), our church embraced a renewed mission to serve a growing and diverse community:

2021: Our church opened its doors to smaller congregations needing worship space.

2022: We welcomed Holy Cross Lutheran Church, fostering a new shared ministry and collaboration era.

2023: The West Palm Beach Chapter of Youth For Christ joined our ministry, providing faith-based programs for local high school students.

2024: Rev. Daniel Baker was called to lead us into the next chapter of spiritual growth and mission work.

Through these partnerships, the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach continues to be a community of churches and a church to the community.

a photo of a carved image of Jesus Christ

Looking Ahead to Our Centennial (2026 & Beyond)

As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to our mission:

Preaching the Gospel & Making Disciples

Strengthening Christian Fellowship & Community Outreach

Honoring the Traditions & Teachings of the Lutheran Faith

We invite you to join us in worship, service, and celebration as we look forward to another century of faith-filled ministry. Contact First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach and be part of our growing faith family!