12 January 2024 Sunday Morning Service

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    -   9:15 AM - Worship Service
    - 10:30 AM - Sunday School

    - Livestream on Facebook

100 YEARS OF CONCORDIA

On the evening of December 14, 1924 a small group of Missouri Synod Lutherans gathered together to worship for the first time.  The meeting was significant as this small group would go on to form Dayton’s first Missouri Synod church Concordia Lutheran.

In 1924 Mr. C. F. Lochner of Fort Wayne Indiana contacted the Central District inquiring about the location of an LCMS congregation in Dayton Ohio as he was planning on moving his family here.  He was informed there was no congregation in Dayton, in fact it was the largest city in America without an LCMS congregation.  The Central District sent a letter to Mr. Lochner showing an arduous itinerary to go by train to the nearest LCMS congregation in Hamilton. Dayton was considered a prime missionary field, particularly since the church had recently adopted English as it’s official language foregoing German.  The Reverend George Allenbach from Columbus came to Dayton to canvas the city for LCMS members who had moved here.  He compiled a list which he gave to the Lochner’s who in turn sent out postcard invitations.

10 people gathered in the Lochner’s Evanston Ave home on the evening of December 14, 1924 to worship, sing hymns and even take in an offering.

There was one thing missing, no pastor was present for Mr. Lochner had the latest in technical advancements, the new media; AM radio!  This was not the Lutheran Hour, that program would not be founded for another 5 years.  The service was broadcast on Cincinnati’s new but powerful radio station 700 WLW with the service originating from Emmaus Lutheran Church located in Cincinnati’s west end.  The small group of Lutherans forwarded their offering to the church in support of its radio ministry. His interest piqued; Pastor Paul Dannenfeldt of Emmaus Lutheran took an interest in this small mission in Dayton.  He would later be vital in the fundraising that allowed for the construction of Concordia’s first building.  Reverend Allenbach would continue to come to Dayton on occasion to lead worship and help organize this small band of Lutherans who would continue to worship to the radio broadcasts when Allenbach was not available.  It wasn’t until May of 1925 that the Central District asked Reverend Julius Nickel to take over this neophyte congregation full time.

It is entirely possible Concordia Lutheran Oakwood is the first church ever founded by radio broadcast!

We are looking forward to Concordia’s 100th anniversary on January 24th, 2026.

We should remember God’ message never changes, however the way it is broadcast and received may constantly change, the internet being today’s “new media”.  We must keep this in mind as we reach out to spread God’s word though out the world.

For more information, see Our History.

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