Former St. Paul’s becomes Perfect Harmony

A successful Holiday Open House Celebration for “Perfect Harmony” was held in the beautiful renovated church formerly known to many as St. Paul’s Church. The event was be held December 14 and 15, 2024. Visitors were able to tour the former church and meet the event hosts Tracy Hardesty-Goetz and Courtney Rohr-Tracey. The church is located at 1621 W. 300 N. Bluffton, Indiana.

Built in 1880, the church originally had a very high steeple. In 1913 that steeple was blown off and a much lower belfry was made which is the present one shown here. In 1947, a basement was put under the entire church building in memory of Gerald Lesh, Electricians Mate Second Class of the Navel Reserve, who lost his life serving his country in World War II

Front entrance of the church on the south side.

Two congregations worshipped in a old brick church until the year 1880, when it was torn down and a new and larger church (St. Paul’s) was erected, the Lutherans and the Reforms united to build the church. The two groups held separate services and would alternate times. The Reformed members would leave the church in 1930 and unit with other churches in the community.

The front of the church as it is decorated for the Holiday Open House.

One of the areas in the balcony at the rear of the church. The balcony was added to the church when it was remodeled in 1911.

In 1895 the plain glass windows were replaced with beautiful stained glass windows.

Shown here is a painting of St. Paul’s by well know local artist, Harry Lindstrand.

Another view of the south side entrance to the building.