Our History...
Plans for a church began in 1887 as a mission congregation at the Little Rocky community.
Church councilmen of the mission group, F.F. Goeking, Franz Fischer, G. Mier, and F. Schwarze
received permission from St. John Lutheran congregation at Prairie Hill for their Pastor, Oscar
Samuel, to conduct Sunday afternoon services. On February 6, 1888, steps were taken toward a
more definite organization and the adoption of a constitution was completed on July 10, 1888.
Following a congregational meeting on May 25, 1891, it was decided to move to the present
location and a 10 acre tract of land was bought from Tom C. Clay and the first church was built
and dedicated that fall with Pastor G.P.A. Schaaf of William Penn helping serve in the interim.
Building committee members included August Randermann, Christian Goeking, and Theodore
Spitzer. The first building was just to the south and west of the present one.
St. Matthew Lutheran Congregation of Sandy Hill, Washington County, Texas, officially adopted its
first constitution on May 26,1892. Charter members were Pastor Schaaf, A. Randermann,
Christian Goeking, W. Wieghat, A. Seeker, H. Blumberg, C. Kettler, F. Fathauer, F. Goeking,
Henirich Seeker, Fritz Haarmier, William Stegemueller, H. Wiehorn, C. H. Kettler, H. Dierking, W.
Rosenbaum, H. Bohne, F. Lindemann, F. Grage, H. Lohmeyer, Sr., W. Peter, O. Geissler, H.
Lohmeyer, W. Meier, W. Ellermann, H. Hackstedt, W. Polhmeier, John Prahl, and Alex Kohler.
In 1892, Pastor George Kreth accepted the call to St. Matthew as pastor and teacher. Included in
his salary was housing, so it was decided to build the parsonage in 1892. The parsonage was sold
in **** and moved to property located behind the cemetary that is west of the church. During his
term, a church organ was acquired and the first Sunday School was established.
The church built a school in 1894 and the pastors also served as teachers. The first school stood
between the site of the original church and the current one. Later, during the pastorate of Renutus
Fiedler, three acres of land across the road to the east from the church property was purchased by
the community and the school building was moved to that site. Pastor Fiedler continued in his
service as pastor and teacher of the public school for ten years. The school served many
generations until 1952 when it joined the Brenham Independent School District.
In 1919, Pastor and Mrs. George C. Czerkus organized the "Freuen Verein", the women's
organization, established to serve with good works locally and in the church at-large. Its purpose
was also for Christian Fellowship and to study God's work each month. The women's organization
continues to place emphasis on Bible study and serving the church in all areas of congregational
life.
Pastor Czerkus also called into being the first youth organization, the Luther League.
In August 1915, St. Matthew suffered a tragic loss. The severe inland coastal storm of that year
completely demolished the St. Matthew Church building with only the baptismal font and the bell
being salvaged. Worship services were held in the school house. It was immediately voted to erect
a new building. The new Church built higher on the hill than the one demolished by the hurricane,
was dedicated the following year on Palm Sunday.
Records show that the new church was to be built of wood, 16 ft. standards to be used, and 18 ft.
height in bow-height ceiling. Bevel siding was to be used outside the church. The cornerstone of
the church was also rebuilt. In late 1991, a covered entrance at the front of the church was
completed.
A Parish Hall was completed during the term of Pastor Rudolph Becker (1936-1940). This added
space allowed for the expansion of Sunday School classes, meetings of organizations and kitchen
space for use by the congregation for its social and recreational activities. In 1940 the church,
parish hall and parsonage were wired for electricity as power lines were extended into this area.
Under Pastor Becker, Sunday School classes were introduced to be held regularly every Sunday
morning. This practice has continued to the present day.
In 1942, the congregation voted to become a member of the American Lutheran Church which
merged again to become "The American Lutheran" in 1960. In 1943, the new American Lutheran
Church hymnals were bought. The merger of 1960 presented another new hymnal, "The Service
Book and Hymnal" which also was adopted by the congregation, and commonly referred to as "The
Red Hymnal."
A Lutheran Brotherhood men's organization was organized under the leadership of Pastor W. C.
Poehlmann and remained active for many years.
Pastor A. M. Fiedler came to Sandy Hill in February 1948 and served until 1954. During this time
he revised and translated the St. Matthew German Constitution into English, which was adopted by
the congregation. It was during Pastor Fiedler's influence on St. Matthew that John Schwartz, Jr.
decided to study ministry.
Pastor H. C. Ziehe was instrumental in building the education center, a series of classrooms linking
the church and parish hall into a single unit by means of full length connecting hallways. "The
Center" was dedicated on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959.
On May 26, 1957, St. Matthew celebrated its 65th Anniversary of the founding of the congregation.
The 75th was celebrated on May 28, 1967 and the 90th on May 23, 1982. May 24, 1992 was the
celebration of St. Matthew's 100th anniversary.
Pastor Leon Knitt accepted the call to St. Matthew in 1963. He endeared himself to all, and
especially to the aged and confined. He was also greatly interested in youth and education.
In 1963, St. Matthew had the first woman, Mrs. Ben (Margaret) Heidemann, to serve on a District
Mission Committee. She was elected by the Southern District of the ALC and served for three
years.
In the 1960's St Matthew and Immanuel Lutheran both needed a new pastor. In August 1965,
provisions were completed to establish a dual Parish with Rev. Bill Norman guiding. Since then, the
congregations have shared a pastor, coordinated their worship schedules, confirmation, and youth
programs. Both congregations are part of the ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church of America -
the largest Lutheran group in the U.S.
After serving his intern training at St. Paul Lutherna Church in Brenham, Pastor Dale F. cerny
expressed interest in returning to the Washington County area and thus accepted the call to serve
the dual parish beginning in August 1969. In 1970 improvements to the interior of the sanctuary
included new padded pews, tile floors and carpet, as well as tile floors in the kitchen and Parish
Hall. Further improvements were made later to the beautiful but agin stained glass windows by
reinforcement.
St. Matthew has generously responded to several church-wide mission appeals. In 1974-1975, the
United Mission Appeal of the ALC was initiated. St. Matthew members, under the leadership of
Pastor Dale Cerny and dedicated team captains and workers, generously subscribed to a final goal
of $10,875.50.
Pastor Lauren Endahl started serving the dual Parish in April 1977. The congregation learned a
new liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship (the Green Hymnal), purchased in 1977. A major
improvement of the church buildings in 1978 was the addition of central heat and air conditioning
made possible by the Memorial Fund.
Beginning in March of 1981, The American Lutheran Church launched a consolidated Seminary
Appeal for funds among its congregations to help strengthen its various seminaries and their
curriculums and to renovate and update educational facilities. Pastor Rudy Kelling provided the
overall leadership for this appeal in St. Matthew, in which members responded with an
overwhelming commitment of $31,500.
In 1985, "Good Neighbor Sunday" began under the leadership of Pastor Kelling. This event
invites former members and friends in the community to worship and share in a covered dish meal
in October.
In 1987, three church bodies, the American Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Church in America
(LCA), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran (AELC) voted to form one new church body,
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our constution was revised and officially
adopted as members of this newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on October 30,
1988.
The stage in the Parish Hall was removed and a glass display case installed in 1988. Trophies,
memorabilia and historical references are displayed there now.
Following the retirement of Pastor Rudy Kelling in July 1991, the Rev. Jon Siemsglusz began
serving St. Matthew on August 1, 1991. He came to Sandy Hill from Redeemer Lutheran Church
(LCMS) of Baytown, Texas. Prior to that, he had served Grace Lutheran Church (LCMS) of
Brenham for eighteen years.
The congregation voted to remodel the kitchen in 2000 - 2001. New cabinets & appliances make it
an ideal place for hosting dinners and other events.
St Matthew and Immanuel are now served by Pastor Jim Abbott, a 2003
graduate of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, located in
Austin, TX.
The History of Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill is on Sandy Hill Road and Farm Road 2621 near its junction with
Farm Road 50, nine miles west of the Brazos River and eight miles northeast
of Brenham in northeastern Washington County. A hill, with an elevation of
343 feet, lies on Hardeman Branch near Little Rocky Creek. The community
was founded by German immigrants and developed in the early twentieth
century. St. Matthew Lutheran Church was organized and joined the Texas
synod in 1912. The population of Sandy Hill recovered from a Great
Depression low of ten in 1936 to an estimated fifty by 1945. It's remained fifty
through 2000. The community's main economic activity is ranching.
Our Pastors, 1892 - 2008
G.P.A. Schaaf .......................................... 1892 - 1893
George Kreth ........................................... 1893 - 1895
Renatus Fiedler ....................................... 1896 - 1906
N. Wittengel ............................................. 1907 - 1907
Albert Fuenning ....................................... 1907 - 1912
George Czerkus ....................................... 1912 - 1935
Rudolph Becker ....................................... 1936 - 1940
W. C. Poehlmann ..................................... 1941 - 1947
A. M. Fiedler ............................................ 1948 - 1957
H. C. Ziehe ............................................... 1955 - 1962
Leon Knitt ................................................ 1963 - 1964
William Norman ........................................ 1966 - 1968
Dale Cerny ............................................... 1969 - 1976
Lauren Endahl ......................................... 1977 - 1980
Rudy A. Kelling ........................................ 1980 - 1991
Jon Siemsglusz ........................................ 1991 - 2002
James Abbott ........................................... 2003 -
Interim or "Supply Pastors"
Jacob Appel ............................................... 1906
P. Dych ...................................................... 1907
Paul Czerkus .............................................. 1935
Paul Gogolin ............................................... 1940 - 1941
Louis Kramer ...............................................1954 - 1955
O. K. Oelke ................................................. 1963
R. J. Weber ................................................. 1977 & 1980
Church councilmen of the mission group, F.F. Goeking, Franz Fischer, G. Mier, and F. Schwarze
received permission from St. John Lutheran congregation at Prairie Hill for their Pastor, Oscar
Samuel, to conduct Sunday afternoon services. On February 6, 1888, steps were taken toward a
more definite organization and the adoption of a constitution was completed on July 10, 1888.
Following a congregational meeting on May 25, 1891, it was decided to move to the present
location and a 10 acre tract of land was bought from Tom C. Clay and the first church was built
and dedicated that fall with Pastor G.P.A. Schaaf of William Penn helping serve in the interim.
Building committee members included August Randermann, Christian Goeking, and Theodore
Spitzer. The first building was just to the south and west of the present one.
St. Matthew Lutheran Congregation of Sandy Hill, Washington County, Texas, officially adopted its
first constitution on May 26,1892. Charter members were Pastor Schaaf, A. Randermann,
Christian Goeking, W. Wieghat, A. Seeker, H. Blumberg, C. Kettler, F. Fathauer, F. Goeking,
Henirich Seeker, Fritz Haarmier, William Stegemueller, H. Wiehorn, C. H. Kettler, H. Dierking, W.
Rosenbaum, H. Bohne, F. Lindemann, F. Grage, H. Lohmeyer, Sr., W. Peter, O. Geissler, H.
Lohmeyer, W. Meier, W. Ellermann, H. Hackstedt, W. Polhmeier, John Prahl, and Alex Kohler.
In 1892, Pastor George Kreth accepted the call to St. Matthew as pastor and teacher. Included in
his salary was housing, so it was decided to build the parsonage in 1892. The parsonage was sold
in **** and moved to property located behind the cemetary that is west of the church. During his
term, a church organ was acquired and the first Sunday School was established.
The church built a school in 1894 and the pastors also served as teachers. The first school stood
between the site of the original church and the current one. Later, during the pastorate of Renutus
Fiedler, three acres of land across the road to the east from the church property was purchased by
the community and the school building was moved to that site. Pastor Fiedler continued in his
service as pastor and teacher of the public school for ten years. The school served many
generations until 1952 when it joined the Brenham Independent School District.
In 1919, Pastor and Mrs. George C. Czerkus organized the "Freuen Verein", the women's
organization, established to serve with good works locally and in the church at-large. Its purpose
was also for Christian Fellowship and to study God's work each month. The women's organization
continues to place emphasis on Bible study and serving the church in all areas of congregational
life.
Pastor Czerkus also called into being the first youth organization, the Luther League.
In August 1915, St. Matthew suffered a tragic loss. The severe inland coastal storm of that year
completely demolished the St. Matthew Church building with only the baptismal font and the bell
being salvaged. Worship services were held in the school house. It was immediately voted to erect
a new building. The new Church built higher on the hill than the one demolished by the hurricane,
was dedicated the following year on Palm Sunday.
Records show that the new church was to be built of wood, 16 ft. standards to be used, and 18 ft.
height in bow-height ceiling. Bevel siding was to be used outside the church. The cornerstone of
the church was also rebuilt. In late 1991, a covered entrance at the front of the church was
completed.
A Parish Hall was completed during the term of Pastor Rudolph Becker (1936-1940). This added
space allowed for the expansion of Sunday School classes, meetings of organizations and kitchen
space for use by the congregation for its social and recreational activities. In 1940 the church,
parish hall and parsonage were wired for electricity as power lines were extended into this area.
Under Pastor Becker, Sunday School classes were introduced to be held regularly every Sunday
morning. This practice has continued to the present day.
In 1942, the congregation voted to become a member of the American Lutheran Church which
merged again to become "The American Lutheran" in 1960. In 1943, the new American Lutheran
Church hymnals were bought. The merger of 1960 presented another new hymnal, "The Service
Book and Hymnal" which also was adopted by the congregation, and commonly referred to as "The
Red Hymnal."
A Lutheran Brotherhood men's organization was organized under the leadership of Pastor W. C.
Poehlmann and remained active for many years.
Pastor A. M. Fiedler came to Sandy Hill in February 1948 and served until 1954. During this time
he revised and translated the St. Matthew German Constitution into English, which was adopted by
the congregation. It was during Pastor Fiedler's influence on St. Matthew that John Schwartz, Jr.
decided to study ministry.
Pastor H. C. Ziehe was instrumental in building the education center, a series of classrooms linking
the church and parish hall into a single unit by means of full length connecting hallways. "The
Center" was dedicated on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959.
On May 26, 1957, St. Matthew celebrated its 65th Anniversary of the founding of the congregation.
The 75th was celebrated on May 28, 1967 and the 90th on May 23, 1982. May 24, 1992 was the
celebration of St. Matthew's 100th anniversary.
Pastor Leon Knitt accepted the call to St. Matthew in 1963. He endeared himself to all, and
especially to the aged and confined. He was also greatly interested in youth and education.
In 1963, St. Matthew had the first woman, Mrs. Ben (Margaret) Heidemann, to serve on a District
Mission Committee. She was elected by the Southern District of the ALC and served for three
years.
In the 1960's St Matthew and Immanuel Lutheran both needed a new pastor. In August 1965,
provisions were completed to establish a dual Parish with Rev. Bill Norman guiding. Since then, the
congregations have shared a pastor, coordinated their worship schedules, confirmation, and youth
programs. Both congregations are part of the ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church of America -
the largest Lutheran group in the U.S.
After serving his intern training at St. Paul Lutherna Church in Brenham, Pastor Dale F. cerny
expressed interest in returning to the Washington County area and thus accepted the call to serve
the dual parish beginning in August 1969. In 1970 improvements to the interior of the sanctuary
included new padded pews, tile floors and carpet, as well as tile floors in the kitchen and Parish
Hall. Further improvements were made later to the beautiful but agin stained glass windows by
reinforcement.
St. Matthew has generously responded to several church-wide mission appeals. In 1974-1975, the
United Mission Appeal of the ALC was initiated. St. Matthew members, under the leadership of
Pastor Dale Cerny and dedicated team captains and workers, generously subscribed to a final goal
of $10,875.50.
Pastor Lauren Endahl started serving the dual Parish in April 1977. The congregation learned a
new liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship (the Green Hymnal), purchased in 1977. A major
improvement of the church buildings in 1978 was the addition of central heat and air conditioning
made possible by the Memorial Fund.
Beginning in March of 1981, The American Lutheran Church launched a consolidated Seminary
Appeal for funds among its congregations to help strengthen its various seminaries and their
curriculums and to renovate and update educational facilities. Pastor Rudy Kelling provided the
overall leadership for this appeal in St. Matthew, in which members responded with an
overwhelming commitment of $31,500.
In 1985, "Good Neighbor Sunday" began under the leadership of Pastor Kelling. This event
invites former members and friends in the community to worship and share in a covered dish meal
in October.
In 1987, three church bodies, the American Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Church in America
(LCA), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran (AELC) voted to form one new church body,
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our constution was revised and officially
adopted as members of this newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on October 30,
1988.
The stage in the Parish Hall was removed and a glass display case installed in 1988. Trophies,
memorabilia and historical references are displayed there now.
Following the retirement of Pastor Rudy Kelling in July 1991, the Rev. Jon Siemsglusz began
serving St. Matthew on August 1, 1991. He came to Sandy Hill from Redeemer Lutheran Church
(LCMS) of Baytown, Texas. Prior to that, he had served Grace Lutheran Church (LCMS) of
Brenham for eighteen years.
The congregation voted to remodel the kitchen in 2000 - 2001. New cabinets & appliances make it
an ideal place for hosting dinners and other events.
St Matthew and Immanuel are now served by Pastor Jim Abbott, a 2003
graduate of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, located in
Austin, TX.
The History of Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill is on Sandy Hill Road and Farm Road 2621 near its junction with
Farm Road 50, nine miles west of the Brazos River and eight miles northeast
of Brenham in northeastern Washington County. A hill, with an elevation of
343 feet, lies on Hardeman Branch near Little Rocky Creek. The community
was founded by German immigrants and developed in the early twentieth
century. St. Matthew Lutheran Church was organized and joined the Texas
synod in 1912. The population of Sandy Hill recovered from a Great
Depression low of ten in 1936 to an estimated fifty by 1945. It's remained fifty
through 2000. The community's main economic activity is ranching.
Our Pastors, 1892 - 2008
G.P.A. Schaaf .......................................... 1892 - 1893
George Kreth ........................................... 1893 - 1895
Renatus Fiedler ....................................... 1896 - 1906
N. Wittengel ............................................. 1907 - 1907
Albert Fuenning ....................................... 1907 - 1912
George Czerkus ....................................... 1912 - 1935
Rudolph Becker ....................................... 1936 - 1940
W. C. Poehlmann ..................................... 1941 - 1947
A. M. Fiedler ............................................ 1948 - 1957
H. C. Ziehe ............................................... 1955 - 1962
Leon Knitt ................................................ 1963 - 1964
William Norman ........................................ 1966 - 1968
Dale Cerny ............................................... 1969 - 1976
Lauren Endahl ......................................... 1977 - 1980
Rudy A. Kelling ........................................ 1980 - 1991
Jon Siemsglusz ........................................ 1991 - 2002
James Abbott ........................................... 2003 -
Interim or "Supply Pastors"
Jacob Appel ............................................... 1906
P. Dych ...................................................... 1907
Paul Czerkus .............................................. 1935
Paul Gogolin ............................................... 1940 - 1941
Louis Kramer ...............................................1954 - 1955
O. K. Oelke ................................................. 1963
R. J. Weber ................................................. 1977 & 1980
St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Brenham
The first St. Matthew Lutheran
church of Sandy Hill before it was
destroyed in a storm in 1915.
church of Sandy Hill before it was
destroyed in a storm in 1915.
St. Matthew Lutheran
8819 FM 2621
Brenham, Texas 77833
979/836.8894
8819 FM 2621
Brenham, Texas 77833
979/836.8894
How We Got Started...
Altar in First Sandy Hill Church. This
photo was taken on Good Friday, 1906.
photo was taken on Good Friday, 1906.
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