12/20/1848

Twenty persons meet at Fairfield Methodist Church to adopt a charter for the Lutheran Church of Fairfield.  Rev. Jeremiah Geiger is called to be pastor.  Reuben Miller, a charter member, is directly related to current members Mary Paul Johnston and her sons, Marc and Eric.

1850

Jacob Beyl is recorded as a member; his great-granddaughter Vivian Beyl Senseman, now 95 years old, is the oldest living member.

1852

Congregation moves to old Osborn; build church with the Unionists.

1872

Unionists dissolve; church totally owned by Lutherans.

1876

Rev. J. C. Zimmerman of “sainted memory” became pastor for six years; 50 years later his personal, practical Christianity remains an inspiration.

1890

First parsonage is purchased.

1896

172 communing members

1898

Reconstructed and enlarged the church; congregation worshipped in tent duirng summer months.  Cost $6,000.

1905

Harvest Festival instituted; offerings of fruit, vegetables brought for the newly formed Oesterlen Orphans’ Home, Springfield, Ohio.

1913

Catastrophic flood in Dayton; Miami Valley conservancy flood retention program “dooms” village of Osborn and Lutheran church.

1918

Church and parsonage in old Osborn is purchased for $21,600; U.S. enters World War I.

1920

Decision made on May 16 to reestablish church in new Osborn; $40,000.

1922

Old Osborn Church purchased for $250; Church sells pews, roof, and windows; bell, organ, altar rail, pulpit, altar, lectern go to new church.

1923

First service held in basement of current church on Dec. 17, 1923; 99 communing members.

1937

Pastor Crowell left; Pastor Paul H. Weihl accepts call; 118 communing members.

1943

Burn mortgage Jan. 31; church redecorated; acquire new altar, pulpit, lectern; Service Center open in church basement; Inner Mission helps to fund it.

1945

Purchased parsonage at 70 S. Pleasant for $7,800.

1950

Rev. John Meister becomes pastor.

1953-62

Fred Matchiniski, Duane Culler enter seminary; first sons to do so.

1955

Ground breaking for parish house; cost $122,000; Dedication on Feb. 11, 1956.

1960

Primary Department rented for East Elementary kindergarten.

1964

Mission church in South Fairborn begins; Rev. Meister goes to Abiding Christ with part of congregation.  Rev. Donald Brown becomes pastor at St. Mark’s.

1969

Dec. 7 - Rev. Gordon Glink preaches his first sermon.

1971

Mary Ann Blazer is hired as organist.

1972

Additions: sanctuary lamp, advent wreath, chimes, air conditioning in offices.

1973

Ordination of Carl Fischer, Jr. at St. Mark’s; third son to enter ministry.

1984

John Mocko, fourth son, completes seminary; Rev. Glink is part of ordination.

1994

Facility improvements: installation of elevator, carpet, and sound.

1996

Pastor Glink retires; Rev. Dan Fant becomes interim pastor.

1997

Rev. Robert Forsberg is installed April 6; pastor’s office is decorated.

1998

Nov. 7 - banquet caps a year of Sesquicentennial activities