It is not possible to state the specific date on which St. John's congregation was organized although the Rev. J.J. Cressman placed it at 1752 or earlier. The reformed congregation was organized as early as 1736. The original church was located about one-half mile east of what is now Kutztown in a barn located on Daniel Levan's farm. In 1755 a log meeting house was erected on land donated by Mr. Levan on the west bank of the Sacony. All we know of this building is that it had a stone floor and no pulpit.
In 1789 the two congregations decided to build a new union church in Kutztown. The building was a wooden structure that cost the congregation $3,307.33. This church was dedicated on August 7, 1791 by the Rev. John Heinrich and witnessed by many. This building served the congregations well for 86 years. On April 4, 1876 the two Church Councils submitted a proposal for the construction of a new and larger building tot he congregations. A vote was taken and preparations were immediately made for the new structure. The cornerstone was laid on June 4, 1876 and the old cornerstone was relaid a day later at a special service. The church was dedicated teh following year on October 28, 1877 by the Pastors in charge, Rebs. J.J. Cressman and J.S. Herman. The building was a brick structure with a seating capacity of 600.
In 1896 the two congregations were separated, St. John's Lutheran and Reformed congregations shared one building but they existed as two distinct organizations. Each had its own treasury and paid its own bills. Each congregation paid half of all costs and repairs. Each had its own Bible School, elected its own officers and controlled their funds separately.
In 1918 a beautiful marble baptismal font was presented to the congregation by mr. and Mrs. Charles Kutz of Fleetwood, in memory of their only daughter, Katherine; Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone presented a large altar cross, candelabras and vases in memory of their son, Gladstone Jr. in 1949. Both of these memorials were selected with the thought of a new and greater St. John's Lutheran Church in mind.
In 1939 the congregation bought a plot of ground at the corner of Maple and East Main Streets. This parcel consisted of five lots. Four of these lots, including a double hourse, were bought from the estate of the late David Kutz for $6,075.00. The firth lot was later purchasesd from Wilson Schlenker for $1,300.00. A recreation hall was built with a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area that would seat 100 people. All labor was donated by members outside of the special work such as plumbing, heating, and electrical installations.
In 1940 the congregation was incorporated. A Building fund was created as early as 1925. Little interest was shown by members at this time. Through various organizations of the congregation and a few small bequests, the fund had reached the $4,000.00 mark. Through the Great Depression of the 1930'2, the fund was considerably reduced. With the buying of the plot of ground for the new church, new life came into the congregation. After the additional land was paid for in a sum of $7,375.00, the Building Fund grew rapidly.
On March 11, 1952, it was decided to build a new church. On April 5, 1953 the Groundbreaking Ceremonies were conducted, and on August 3, 1953 the cornerstone was laid. After many long hours of work by construction crews and members of St. John's, the congregation celebrated teh dedication of the building from April 14 - 28, 1957. St. John's continues to strive towards growth and improvement as we find new ways to serve the Lord.