Philadelphia's Church History

Philadelphia traces its beginnings to the early German, Lutheran settlers who immigrated from Europe seeking religious freedom and refuge from the bitter wars and economic hardships that had devastated much of Europe. Organized in 1767, Philadelphia is the oldest Lutheran congregation west of the Catawba River in North Carolina. Originally called "Kastner’s" Lutheran Church, the name was changed to "Philadelphia" in 1776. Despite the Revolutionary War, A Civil War, two World Wars, the Flood of 1916 which destroyed the Sanctuary, the Great Depression, epidemics, and various afflictions, Philadelphia has, by God’s Grace, remained an active and thriving congregation. Today, Philadelphia is a much more diverse, healthy and active congregation of approximately 300 Baptized members. Our membership represents a cross section of age groups, the community and folks from diverse vocations and all walks of life. Philadelphia is grateful to serve as a congregation of the North Carolina Lutheran Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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