It would be unfair to separate the history of St. Paul congregation from that of the other congregations in the city. The roots of this congregation date back to 1832 when the Rev. Francis J. Ruth organized fifteen Lutheran families into the First Lutheran Church of Mansfield.

Before two decades had passed, the congregation faced the problem of serving the English and German elements in the best interests of all and yet maintaining the general welfare of both groups. Under the Pastorate of Rev. Simon Fenner, it was decided the the best interests of all would be served by dividing the English and German speaking groups. A peaceful separation was brought about and First Lutheran Church was incorporated in May 1850.* The wisdom of this move is vindicated in the steady growth and witness of First Lutheran Church.

Following the separation, the German Lutheran people were left without definite organization and worshiped regularly with the German Reformed group. On March 5, 1852, the heads of 86 famiilies signed the constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran and High German Reformed Church of Mansfield.

An increasing migration of German Lutheran people brought about certain changes in the life of the congregation. Under the pastorate of Rev. Herman Schmidt the congregation became known as the Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1863. In 1868 the plot of ground between Third Street and Dickson Avenue was purchased. The parsonage occupied the northern portion of the plot, and the first church was built on the southern portion in 1882.** The last service in the first building was held on Easter Sunday 1898 with 385 persons receiving Holy Communion. The present building was dedicated April 9, 1899.

The congregation has carried on its witness during the first six decades of the present century. During this time two factors worthy of note have left their mark on St. Paul Congregation.

The first is the "trial of the teens." Rev. Louis H. Ziemer had been called to the congregation in 1914. It soon became apparent that he was leading the congregation along paths which were foreign to Lutheran faith and Lutheran Confessions. After several attemps to reach an understanding between the congregation and its pastor, Pastor Ziemer resigned in the fall of 1916. A group of the membership who were sympathetic to Pastor Ziemer formed the congregation which is now Grace Gospel with its building located on East Third Street***. The wounds of this unfortunate experience did not heal easily. Under the leadership of some of the faithful laymen, the work of reconstruction was soon begun. Rev. E. J. Kuhlman was called and under his pastorate, and that of Rev. F. W. Rohlfing who succeeded him, the congregation was prepared to take its place in the formation of the Synod of Ohio in 1920.

A second factor of importance which has left its mark on the life of the congregation is the natural passing of the use of the German language. By the advent of World War II****, the use of the German language had been dropped. This left the congregation without its unique function in its present location.

In the late 1940's, an effort was made through a survey of the congregation to determine whether the present facilities should be improved or the congregation should relocate. There was no definite recommendation made to the congregation and the response to the questionnaire showed only that the majority seemed content to do nothing. The committee concluded that the first step necessary was a revival of interest and spirit within the organization.