In 1921, German-speaking settlers living between Crawford and McGregor came together to found a new Lutheran church to serve their spiritual needs. The community met at Wasp Creek School and organized a congregation, named Peace Lutheran Church. On July 25 of that year, H.W. Englebrecht sold two acres of land to be the location of the new church building. The building was dedicated on October 30 of the same year, and two months later, the church called its first pastor, August Beteit (1879-1967), who served until 1932. Beteit simultaneously served St. John’s Church in Coryell City, Coryell County. For several decades, the church held German language services semi-monthly. In the mid-1940s, regular services were increased to every Sunday and the language of worship changed to English, except every third Sunday, which remained in German. In October 1947, the church voted to move the congregation to three acres in Crawford purchased from G.H. Kelling. The same year, another vote changed the name of the church to St. Paul Lutheran Church. The church building was moved in its entirety to its new location on Prairie Chapel Road. The congregation grew at the new site, and several building projects, including additions to the structure and new structures, were undertaken, with all work being done by members of the congregation. The growth necessitated a new sanctuary, which was dedicated in early 1964. The church continued to be a gathering place, implementing youth programs and expanding meeting areas. From humble beginnings, St. Paul has continued to enrich the Crawford area for over a century. (2023)