In the year 1843, a small party of German Lutherans (six families) immigrated from Saxony and settled in what is now called Long Prairie, about twelve miles south of Fort Smith.  During the next seven years other families arrived from Saxony and settled in Long Prairie also.  To be sure they were not without services, as early as 1848, it is reported that Lutheran sermons were read on Sundays in the house of Mr. Gottlieb Ellig.  However, the need of a church building and of a Christian day school became more apparent as the children in these families began to grow up.  Accordingly, on Christmas Day, 1852, a meeting was called at which the organization of a congregation was decided upon, and a reader elected for regular Sunday services.  A log house which was to serve a both church and school was planned.  Sometime during that winter of 1853, this log meeting house was built and a teacher, Mr. Carl Reichert, secured from among the membership.  Services were held in this building every Sunday, and people of the Lutheran faith who had settled in Fort Smith would drive out to attend these services.

 

Thus they continued until the winter of 1861; and though they were without a resident pastor, the work of the congregation progressed nicely.  But now a time of great sorrow and tribulation lay ahead of them.  The Civil War broke out, and the settlement at Long Prairie did not escape the ravages of this struggle - especially the “guerilla” type warfare endangered the lives of the Lutheran settlers.  They were compelled to flee to Fort Smith where the confederacy maintained an army post and where they found protection.  

 

During 1861 to 1868, very little is known of the Lutherans and their church in Fort Smith.  No records of any meetings or services were kept during those years.  From people who were then children, the following facts have been recorded: One, that services were held in the homes of some of the members from time to time; the other, that in 1864, a school was reopened in a house located at 15 North First Street.  From a newspaper clipping the fact is gathered that at the time, this was the only school of any kind within the confines of Fort Smith.

 

Although the war had disrupted the work of the church seriously, yet these Lutherans had not lost their faith nor the hope of re-establishing their church.  As early as 1866, an attempt was made at reorganization, but it failed at that time.  Finally in 1868, on the 7th day of June, the present congregation, “The First Evangelical Lutheran Church” was organized.  First Lutheran is the oldest Lutheran church in the state of Arkansas.  

 

It was decided to Call a resident pastor.  Mr. V. Dell, employed by the “Fort Smith New era,” intending to visit St. Louis, was asked to make inquiries concerning a minister of the Missouri Synod.  Mr. Dell was acquainted with the Rev. Buenger who at once set out to use all his influence in securing a pastor for this promising field.  The Rev. Martin L. Wyneken, a graduate of Concordia Seminary of St. Louis, was persuaded to accept the call, and on the 16th of October, 1868 entered upon his work as pastor.  On November 9, it was decided to buy the six lots on North Twelfth Street for $600.00. On November 30, the congregation decided to build a church.  On March 12, 1869, the cornerstone was laid; and on August 22, the new church was dedicated.  In 1874, a two-room schoolhouse was built on 12th street.

 

On January 30, 1876, the congregation officially became a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  From that day on, the First Lutheran Church of Fort Smith has always taken an active part and interest in the work of Synod.  

 

As early as 1896, the matter of erecting a modern church edifice in place of the old one was taken into consideration. Although the old building was still large enough, the idea prevailed in the congregation that a church so blessed by God should certainly use its means to erect a monument of love and thankfulness to the Lord.  On May 12, 1901, the plans for the new church were accepted.  The plans called for a stone structure not to exceed $20,000.00 in cost.  On October 12, 1902, the cornerstone was laid with elaborate ceremonies.  The new  church was dedicated on May 15, 1904.  

 

In 1914, a new school building was erected and dedicated replacing the old frame school which had served the congregation for 40 years 1874-1914.  In 1947, a school addition to cost $60,000.00 to include two classrooms, new offices, first aid room, rest rooms and full basement under the entire structure.  On the 28th of September of 1947, the school addition was dedicated in special services.  This space would serve the school until 1975 and continue to be used by the church for many additional years for Sunday school and ministry needs.

 

In 1976, the school was relocated into the brand new school building built on the current Massard Road site.  The school sits on 13 acres and added the early childhood classroom addition in 1991.

 

The Family Ministries Building was added to the downtown church campus in 2009.