Praise our God…He has preserved our lives and kept our feet
from slipping. Psalm 66:8-9

History
Concordia has a rich history in the Bourbon area. Worship services began sometime during the summer of 1900 by Rev. Wagner, then pastor in the Japan/Elmont area. (This church was the original St. Matthew’s in Sullivan.) In the beginning, worship services were conducted in homes and then at the Bourbon School.  Later services were held on the second floor of Mr. Frentrop’s store.

On July 5, 1903, with the encouragement of Rev. Maschoff, a small group of 25 souls and eight voting members organized Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church as a congregation. From its inception, Concordia has been affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Despite cultural, economic, and pastoral changes, Concordia’s doctrine has remained constant. In 1905, the congregation felt they could support a pastor of their own. Rev. Maschoff accepted the call. At this time, he transferred residence from Japan to Bourbon, serving Concordia and continuing his work in Japan. In 1906, the members erected a brick parsonage for their pastor. Concordia’s pastors used this parsonage until 1961 when the parsonage on Pine Street was built. Incorporation was approved in 1907. Concordia remained a mission congregation until 1937 when they became self-supporting. Many pastors served at Concordia. Each served the Lord with all their heart. Concordia has been blessed by their service.

First Church

Concordia’s first church was erected in 1905 on the corner of Oak and Olive Streets. Mr. John Biller, a member, donated the ground. This small 28’x22’ frame structure was erected and later dedicated in November of 1905. The church had traditional Lutheran fixtures and appointments. The first pulpit was raised above the floor level. Later it was lowered to a more convenient height. The original church served the congregation until the church on Pine Street was built. When the church was dismantled in the late 1950’s, some of the materials were used for the construction of the present parsonage. The original cross, picture of Jesus, and baptismal font are on display in Schaefer Hall.

School

A Christian day school was built and opened immediately after Rev. Maschoff became the resident pastor. The school flourished for over thirty years. At one point the enrollment reached 30 pupils. Because of dwindling enrollment and the increased demands on the pastor, serving as pastor for two congregations and as teacher, the school was discontinued in the 1930’s.

School about 1915 Back LR: Margaret Hempleman, Emma Wespi, Carrie Merkel, Lillie Roedemeier, Catherine Biller, Henry Merkel, Gus Hempleman, Herman Merkel  Front LR: John Spinner, Frankie Wilmesherr, Fred Spinner, Fred Merkel, Chester Doty, Elsie Merkel

Our Present Complex

Construction on the present church began in 1949 and was dedicated to work of the Lord in November of 1950. The heirs of Wm. Roedemeier donated the land, located on Pine Street, just one and one-half blocks from downtown. Building committee members included: Henry A. Bruns, Building Fund Treasurer, Reno R. Key, Andrew W. Kragh, Fred Merkel, Theo. F. Roedemeier, Oscar F. Roedemeier, Chairman, and H.H. Schaefer, Pastor. Pictured is the cornerstone laying in 1949

In 1987, the interior of the church was remodeled. Pecan panels flanked the chancel. The pecan panels also covered the balcony and the back wall of the sanctuary. Rock veneer was added in the inset behind the altar.  This remodeling gave the sanctuary the warm inviting look that makes the church so distinctive.

In 2017 it was evident that the rock veneer was coming away from the wall. The congregation held services in the fellowship hall for 5 weeks while the rock was removed and new rock veneer was installed. Special thanks to the trustees, the Council, and the congregation for their many hours of planning and donations. Many members of the congregation helped move, clean and do whatever was necessary to make this immense project go smoothly.