On March 14, 1914, nine people met in a house in Brooklyn. Their mission was to establish a Lutheran congregation in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore City. After this meeting, this small group further organized itself and sought assistance from the Mission Board of the Maryland Synod of the United Lutheran Church of America over the course of two years. St. John Lutheran Church was established in 1916, with Pastor M.H. Frank presiding over the Congregation in a small wooden chapel. The cornerstone of our historic stone building was laid in 1928.

The church continued to grow, particularly during the 37 year ministry of Pastor I. Wilson Kepner. During his tenure, there were 850 active members, with four services each Sunday, some of which were “standing room only” due to all the pews being filled.

In 1957, the church established a Christian Day School, which expanded to include a Nursery and Day Care Center in 1970. Though no longer operational, the Day School building now houses Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program.

In June 2016, we celebrated our 100th anniversary with a worship service that featured beautiful liturgy and music.

 In September 2025, St. John called Pastor Ellen Lichtfuss to lead our congregation into the future. Today, St. John is a community hub, serving the neighborhood of Brooklyn through a weekly community meal, clothing closet, and ministry to the Seafarers at the Port of Baltimore. Additionally, the church partners with Catholic Charities Head Start, Alcoholics Anonymous, Filbert Street Garden, and Concerned Citizens for a Better Brooklyn.

We welcome you to become a part of our rich history in Brooklyn and become involved in our various ministries.