Village Lutheran Church was formally organized on April 9, 1946. The Lord granted his blessing to this new congregation. 

A religious census had been carried out among the one thousand plus families in Ladue. The results encouraged the founding group to proceed. The first worship service was held on March 24, 1946, under the Rev. Karl Meyer, at Community School, about one-half mile east of the present site. There were 112 persons in attendance.

The committee charged with early plans and arrangements consisted of Rex Becker, Edward Huseman, Frederick Litschel, William Rebbe, and Albert Wenthe. The first pastor was the Rev. Karl Meyer, who came directly from the seminary and served for about three years. 

Community School served as the worship site for two years. Then the young congregation worshiped at Wright School, two miles west of the present site. The property on Clayton Road was purchased for $22, 000 for the permanent location (expanded to four-and-a-half acres in 1954). A church was built and dedication Sunday was on November 20, 1949, with vocal solos by Nadine Ziern. 

While the church was under construction, Pastor Meyer moved to Kansas, and the Rev. Paul Boecler came from Dearborn, Michigan, as the new pastor. He served from December of 1949 to August of 1967, almost eighteen years. He died in 1987.

God continued to bless the young congregation. In 1950, a parsonage was built on the east end of the property. In 1954, to provide additional room for Sunday School, the congregation purchased the older residence (the present parsonage) and property adjoining to the west for $36,500. Two morning services began in June of 1953. A larger church was needed. 

The architectural firm of Froese, Maack and Becker was again engaged. On February 25, 1968, the new sanctuary and expanded facilities were dedicated to the glory of God, at a cost of about $250,000. The choir had its beginning at about  this time. 

When Pastor Boecler retired, the Rev. Arden Mead became the new pastor. He served from July of 1968 to May of 1976, almost eight years. The congregation continued to grow, so the two-story structure to the north was added, with dedication in February of 1973. 

Now came a time of testing for the congregation. The Missouri Synod, of which Village Church is a part, was having internal problems during the early and mid 1970's. Village congregation became embroiled in the controversy, with the result that Pastor Mead and about one-fourth of the members left and formed a new congregation. In the midst of difficult days, God's hand of blessing continued on those who remained. 

The Rev. Richard Warneck became the new pastor in May of 1977. He served through June of 1981, a little over four years. During his pastorate, the Preschool was begun in the fall of 1979. The preschool continues at present, with Penny Robinson as the director since 1984. 

When Pastor Warneck accepted a call elsewhere, the Rev. W. F. Hischke came from Hamel, Illinois, as the new pastor, in December of 1982. With his coming, the older residence t the west was renovated to serve as the parsonage. Rev. Dr. W.F. Hischke retired in December of 1997, a total of 15 years.
 

The Rev. John Temple was installed in January of 1999 and served until 2008.

Pastor Warneck is currently the vacancy pastor.

Our Mission & Ministry

In the name of the Lord we worship and serve in this community, and by sending others, throughout the world. Depending on God to enable us, to bring people to Christ, to strengthen people in Christ, and to maintain people with Christ.

"Not to us, 0 Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

source:1996 & 2000 membership directories