[2] At first, the congregation attended services at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, nearly 8 miles (13 km) away.

A new brick church was built in 1893, but in May 1910, lightning struck the edifice resulting in fire gutting the building.

The furnishings were saved before the church was completely burnt, leaving only the blackened brick walls.

At issue were a number of controversial proposals including same-gender sexual relationships and full communion with the United Methodist Church.

St. John's left the ELCA and joined the American Association of Lutheran Churches in 2010.