The Texas District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The mission of the Texas District is to strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and care for people... locally and globally.
Our History
Lutheranism came to Texas in the early 1800's while it was still part of Mexico. German settlers came to Texas for inexpensive farmland. In 1850, missionaries from the St. Chrischona Pilgrim's Mission Institute in Basel, Switzerland came to Texas and established the Texas Synod of the Lutheran Church. Many of these congregations later became part of the Missouri-Synod.
In 1854, a group of 500 Lutheran Wends left the Lusatia area of Germany to escape religious and economic persecution. They settled in Lee County, Texas near Giddings and established a town, Serbin, where they could continue their Wendish traditions and freely practice their Lutheran faith. St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Serbin became the first Missouri-Synod Lutheran church in Texas.
Among the oldest Missouri-Synod congregations in Texas are: St. Paul in Serbin, Salem in Tomball, and St. John in Cypress. From a few churches, Lutheranism spread throughout Texas until today there are approximately 329 congregations and missions with over 137,000 baptized members. In 2006, the Texas District celebrated our 100th Anniversary. The Texas District of the LCMS includes all of Texas with the exception of El Paso County, and is the second largest district after the Michigan District. Our District office is located in Austin, Texas.