Marker Inscription
The Rev. Ernst August Wenzel, a German Lutheran missionary, began visiting German immigrant families in the Kriegel area east of Wharton in the 1890s. They formed a congregation, and in 1898 purchased the former Methodist church building in Wharton and named it after St. John. After the storm of 1900 destroyed their sanctuary, the members rebuilt, and in 1930 moved to this location. More structures were added as the congregation grew. The church continues to serve its members and the community with many outreach programs.
About this site
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a historical marker in Wharton, Wharton County, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 44 historical markers documented in Wharton County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 128 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 29.3167, -96.0939 near Wharton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Hawes, Judge Edwin, House (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Worthing, Louis F., House, Elliott, E. Clyde and Mary, House, and Moran--Moore House.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5481005043. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
