Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Juddville will celebrate the congregation’s 140th anniversary with a special worship service and community gathering on Sunday, June 14.

The anniversary service is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the church, located in Juddville. Several former pastors are expected to attend, and church leaders will share highlights from the congregation’s history. A potluck cookout for members will follow the service.

Originally organized in January 1886 as St. Paul Scandinavian Evangelical Luther Church, the congregation was founded by Scandinavian immigrants seeking regular worship services in their own church. The church’s first pastor, Rev. John Olson, led services in the Juddville schoolhouse until 1892.

With financial support from church members and land donated by Otto and Ida Anderson, construction of a church building began in 1900. The cornerstone was placed that May, and the first worship service in the completed building was held in April 1903.

The congregation shortened its name to St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1931 and translated its constitution into English.

Church officials say 14 founding families played a key role in establishing the congregation, along with the efforts of the Ladies Aid Society and Men’s Brotherhood, which helped support the church during its early years.

Over the past 140 years, St. Paul has been served by 29 pastors. The current pastor, Rev. Jon Gallatin, began his ministry at the church in December 2025.

Today, church members describe St. Paul as a “small church with a big heart,” citing its outreach programs and charitable efforts serving Door County residents and communities beyond.