This Church traces it's orgins to 1904 when nine charter members led by the Rev. Gottlieb Langner organized a congreation in Knippa. Services were held in the homes of it's members, who were served by area pastors adn traveling missionaries.
George Knippa for whom the town was named and a charter member of the church, died in 1905. The land he donated in his willl to be used for the Lutheran Church was exchanged for this church site. A wooden church with a 67 fool bell tower was built in 1910. Pastor Langner became the first full time Pastor in 1912. Organizing a Sunday School and a Choir.
The German speaking congregation conducted it's services in German. During World War One, a uvalde county resolution prohibited the use of the german language. Challenged and appaled to the U.S Supreme court in 1918. The Supreme ruled it was a matter for the Church to decide. German was spoken in the church until 1942.
A new Sanctuary was constructed for the growing congreation and was dedicated on the 50th anniversary of the church's founding in 1954. A new parsonage, annex and fellowship hall were later added. This church continues to serve it's membership and the community as it has for more than 90 years.
This marker is dated 1996.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Rural Route One
Knippa, TX 78870
830-934-2132
PO Box 266
Knippa, TX 78870
830-278-5729
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