St. John's Lutheran Church
Due to the large number of people moving to the Texas Panhandle seeking employment, a religious survey was taken in November, 1942, to determine the number of Lutherans. On the basis of the survey, the Mission Board of the Texas District called the Rev. Donald V. Hafeman to be a missionary of this region.
St. John's Lutheran Church was founded in 1943 as a wartime mission. On June 6, 1943, the first Lutheran service was held in Dumas at the County Court House. There were 18 adults and children in attendance; however, since there were no musical instruments available at the Court House another facility was needed. For the next nine months June 1943 - February 1944, worship services were conducted in the basement of another building.
On November 22, 1943, ground was broken on the new lots and the beginning of our present church building was made. Despite inclement weather and difficult traveling, the first service of the new church was held on February 13, 1944, just 87 days after the lots had been purchased. Work on the building was; however, not yet completed, and the dedication of the church was postponed until April 23, 1944. Work on the bell tower began in February of 1945; however, strong winds made for tough working conditions, therefore it was not fully completed until Easter time.
On December 21, 1964, a new church structure was dedicated consisting of a sanctuary with a seating capacity of 230, an educational wing with five classrooms and a nursery. On November 11, 1984, a new parish hall was attached to the church, this addition added an elaborate kitchen, 3 classrooms, and a spacious dining area.
Saint John's is one of ten LC-MS congregations presently serving the Texas panhandle.
From 1943 - 2018 we have had 13 pastors who have served our parish.
St. John's Lutheran Church was founded in 1943 as a wartime mission. On June 6, 1943, the first Lutheran service was held in Dumas at the County Court House. There were 18 adults and children in attendance; however, since there were no musical instruments available at the Court House another facility was needed. For the next nine months June 1943 - February 1944, worship services were conducted in the basement of another building.
On November 22, 1943, ground was broken on the new lots and the beginning of our present church building was made. Despite inclement weather and difficult traveling, the first service of the new church was held on February 13, 1944, just 87 days after the lots had been purchased. Work on the building was; however, not yet completed, and the dedication of the church was postponed until April 23, 1944. Work on the bell tower began in February of 1945; however, strong winds made for tough working conditions, therefore it was not fully completed until Easter time.
On December 21, 1964, a new church structure was dedicated consisting of a sanctuary with a seating capacity of 230, an educational wing with five classrooms and a nursery. On November 11, 1984, a new parish hall was attached to the church, this addition added an elaborate kitchen, 3 classrooms, and a spacious dining area.
Saint John's is one of ten LC-MS congregations presently serving the Texas panhandle.
From 1943 - 2018 we have had 13 pastors who have served our parish.