St. John’s History

Founded in November of 1849, St. John’s is the oldest congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the state of Maryland, and the fourth oldest in the synod’s Southeastern District. In its early history, people worshiped in each other’s homes until a small log church was built in 1855 at 3800 Dance Mill Road in a section of Baltimore County known as Blenheim. A new church was built at the same location in 1873 to support the growing congregation, and today is the site of our cemetery. The current church building was constructed at the intersection of Manor, Hydes, and Dulaney Valley Roads in 1962, with additions constructed in 1976 and 2003.

St. John’s has had only 16 pastors. We strongly value Christian education, offering Sunday School, youth and adult Bible classes, Vacation Bible School, and Christian preschool programs for children ages 2 through 4, with developing expansion to include Kindergarten.

Two outdoor pageants have joyously been shared with the community at Christmas and Easter. First held in 1959, a Palm Sunday and Easter Morning Sunrise Pageant proclaim Christ’s resurrection in word, song and action. Just prior to Christmas, the Living Nativity expresses the miracle, joy, and relevance of Jesus’ birth.

Music is a special blessing of the Lord, and St. John’s proclaims praise in this gift through seven musical groups. There are four vocal groups: St. John’s Choir (from ages 14 and up); the “Blenheim Transfer,” which sings in seven part harmony; the Angel Choir (ages 3 – 2nd grade); and the Praisemakers (children in grades 3-8). The handbell program has grown to three choirs: the Genesis Ringers (children grades 4-8), The Grace Notes, and the Bells of Blenheim.

St. John's has actively supported local Lutheran associations: Baltimore Lutheran School, the Augsburg Lutheran Home, and the Lutheran Mission Society. We support our synod’s outreach ministries, the Lutheran Hour, Concordia College in Bronxville, the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

We pray that we may continue to build upon God’s gifts
throughout the coming years!