St. Paul's history is not only an unusual one, but also a beautiful tribute to those who served her so loyally through the many years.

Prior to 1831, Lutherans living in Orwigsburg were affiliated with Zion's (Red) Church, organized in 1755, the "Mother Church of Lutheranism north of the Blue Mountains".

In 1831, the Lutherans and Reformed people in the community united to form the "White Church" located at the corner of Tammany and Washington Streets. After its dissolution in 1844, the Lutherans built a red brick church on North Warren Street (commonly called the Campbell Apartments) and adopted our present name, St. Paul's. This building was used until 1894 then sold to the Methodist congregation when our present church was completed.

Only nine pastors have served the congregation since 1873, a period of 127 years.

The Rev. I.N.S. Erb served our congregation until his death in 1888. During this time the church building was renovated, the basement enlarged and remodeled, and a new organ was purchased.

The cornerstone for our present church was laid in 1892 and dedicated June 2, 1895, during the pastorate of The Rev. Harvey Weller who served from 1889 to 1916. Pastor Weller created the large painting in our parlor. He later became the first full-time president of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania.

Our congregation was then served by The Reverend William J. Masser from 1916 to 1936, the year of his death. During this time a debt on the parsonage was paid, the church painted, and the brick work repaired.

During the pastorate of The Rev. C. Elwood Huegel, 1937 to 1952, the 100th anniversary of the congregation was observed. The auditorium was renovated, a new organ installed, the children's division of the Sunday School (in the basement) and the social rooms remodeled.

The Rev. William H. Marburger, 1952 to 1973, was responsible for many renovations. In 1953, the parsonage was renovated, a new slate roof and copper-ridge roll installed on the steeple and a memorial gift of an illuminated cross was mounted. Carillonic bells, a memorial gift, were installed and dedicated in May 1953. A mortgage-burning service was held January 16, 1955. Later, the parsonage kitchen was remodeled. The same year, the Endowment Fund began with an initial contribution by John Reidler. This fund has grown through individual gifts and bequests.

From 1974 until 1979, The Rev. Donald W. Wert served our congregation and instituted many new services, such as our very successful Service Ministry, Meals-on-Wheels, the Adult Forum Sunday School class, the Youth Group, and the services of a lector to assist in the service.

The Rev. Elmer H. Eiche served St. Paul's from August 1980 until his death in October 1998. Pastor Eiche was instrumental in creating the Vespers Concert Series, Memorial Anthems, Handbell program, Wednesday Lenten soup suppers, Tenebrae service on Good Friday, receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, offering communion on the first and third Sundays, using the Lutheran Book of Worship and maroon Hymnal Supplement for liturgy, using a free-standing altar for services, children's sermons, the Service of Lessons and Carols, Wednesday noon Advent services for the community, Easter breakfast for the congregation as well as other opportunities for members to socialize with each other through adult fellowship activities. Pastor Eiche also installed a new organ, converted a Sunday School room to the parlor, computerized the office, created a private pastor's office upstairs, modernized the church phone system and served during two anniversary celebrations, one of which included making the congregational quilt.

From late 1998 through mid-2000, The Rev. Norman J. Wilson served as our interim pastor. During this time, the St. Paul's Barbershoppers formed, the Lay Eucharistic Ministry and Communion Assistant programs began, the steeple was refurbished, Memorial Garden and ginkgo trees planted, ramps constructed, and church carpeting replaced.

Our present pastor, The Rev. Dr. Joseph J. Scholtes, Jr. began his ministry at St. Paul's in July 2000.