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The Bible is the Word of God, without error, and that's the way they teach it at Grace Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. The 700-strong congregation of Grace Lutheran, a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is "very conservative" and very dedicated to Christ, says Rev. Frederick Fallen (otherwise known as Pastor Fred). Grace Lutheran Church has been part of the South St. Paul community since 1921, when a congregation was first established in the city. The first regular services were held for 38 people on Christmas day, both in German and English. By 1925, the congregation grew to 310 members. The little chapel, in the Hepburn Park addition of South St. Paul, was too small for the growing congregation.
		At left, the Rev. Frederick Fallen, otherwise known as Pastor Fred, stands at the pulpit. Pastor Fallen has been with Grace Lutheran Church since 1991. Above, the apse of Grace Lutheran Church features three beautiful stained glass windows.
In 1928 a new church building was constructed at 149 8th Ave. South. The congregation continued to grow during World War II and the number of members totaled 860 by 1945. The membership peaked in the 70's when the congregation had 1,700 souls. The church has attracted new members over the years, says Pastor Fallen, because they offer "something for every age group."
In addition to regular worship services, a Sunday school, two adult Bible classes, special information classes and confirmation classes, special services are conducted on holidays and on Wednesdays during the Advent and Lenten season. A worship service is also conducted on Monday evenings during the summer. The Chancel Choir sings for many of the services and is directed by Mr. Mark Oppitz. Mr. Oppitz is also an accomplished organist and leads the congregation at worship on a beautiful and unique European-Baroque style pipe organ. There are also a number of church organizations. The two ladies groups--the Ladies' Aid and the Grace Guild--both promote spiritual growth in the community in a number of different ways and offer financial assistance to the church by organizing fundraisers. The Grace Golden Agers, a group of senior citizens, gather to encourage Christian fellowship. The Young People's Society gives the younger members of the church an opportunity to attend various events and to enjoy one another's company. The Grace Lutheran Pioneers, a Synod-wide organization for grade school boys and girls, offers a program of both outdoor and indoor activities. For those who may not be able to get out of the house to attend church, the services are broadcast at least seven times a week on local Cable Channel 16.
"We're on so often, people have accused us of owning the station," the pastor says with a laugh. "We are very grateful for the kindness shown to us by the local cable company," he adds. Services are at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday, with Holy Communion the first and third Sundays of each month. Sunday School and Bible classes are at 9:10 AM. During the summer months there is just one service on Sunday at 9:00 AM and on Monday at 7:00 PM. For more information, call Evelyn Witz at the church office at 651-451-1035.