Salem Lutheran Catonsville

German Evangelical Lutheran Salem Congregation

(Baltimore County-Catonsville)

905 Frederick Road

Catonsville, Maryland  21228

Sources:

• Church Website:  http://www.salem-catonsville.org/home.htm

• Timeline:  http://www.salem-catonsville.org/Site/history/Timeline2012.pdf

• Architecture of ‘Old Salem’:  http://www.salem-catonsville.org/Site/history/Architecture-of-old-salem.pdf

• Centennial History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Maryland 1820-1920, Wentz

• Article:  'Dedication of Salem Lutheran', The Young Lutheran, October 18, 1903, Rev. G. Enders

According to the timeline on the church website, the Church was established in 1849 as the German Evangelical Lutheran  Salem Congregation.  In June of 1850 the Gothic stone church was completed and consecrated. German-born Baltimore merchant Gustave Lurmann was instrumental in providing the financial support to purchase the property and complete the church building.  In 1850 the school was built, and in 1851 the cemetery began.  The urge for their own church was stimulated by Rev. Heyer during one of his visits home from his missionary service in India.  A piece of ground was purchased in what was then called, 'The Village'.  The piece of ground was large enough for the church, parsonage, school and cemetery.  Some of the names found on the roster in 1852 were Ege, Gerwig, Leinbach, Spelhaus, Wessling, Knepling, Piel, Renz, Dill Schneider, Maisel and Reich.  Rev. A. Brockmann was their first pastor.   He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. George W. Ebeling in 1854.  Rev. Ebeling was born in Walmoden, Lower Saxony.

English services were added in 1858 during the tenure of Pastor Ebeling.  Also during this time in 1879, the school established in 1850 becomes a public school in Baltimore County. 

In 1901, it was decided to build a new church more in the center of Catonsville.  A piece of property was purchased at Frederick and Newburg Avenues.  Ground was broken in 1902.   In 1901, the church had its last German Service.  It was also in 1901 that Pastor Ebeling passed away and was replaced by the Associate Pastor at that time, Rev. M.L. Enders.  In 1903 a second building on Frederick Road was completed and dedicated.  The sermon was preached by the Pastor's father, Rev. G.W. Enders.  In 1910 Pastor Enders was called to Cumberland to serve St. Paul's.  Rev. Dr. John C. Bowers succeeded him.  Rev. Dr. Bowers served for thirty-seven years.  In 1911 a parsonage and a stable were built next to the church.  In 1917 the Sunday school Hall was expanded and in 1918, the church joined officially, the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA).  In 1929 a new organ was installed and there is information on the church website about their organ (the original was a Moller organ).  The sanctuary was remodeled in 1932.

Elsie Rau was made Music Director and in 1948, the church adopted their new constitution.  In 1955 a new Education building was completed.  

The congregation became part of the LCA in 1962 and in 1988 became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The church operates the ‘Old Salem’ cemetery on the site of the original church at 701 Ingleside Avenue in Catonsville.  The old church and cemetery were added to the National Historic Registry in 1976 (#77000683).

(Updated 4.1.2025 with information from Pastor David K. Asendorf)

Pastors:

• C. Brockman 1850-1853

• George W. Ebeling 1854-1901

• Martin Luther Enders  1903-1910

• John Culler Bowers 1911-1947

• Wilbur V. Newby 1948-1960

• G. Paul Lottich 1961-1976

• G. Edward Whetstone 1977-2010

• David K. Asendorf 2011-  (named Associate Pastor in 2007)

Information at the Maryland State Archives, MSA S 1512-440 (01/09/09/67); MSA SC 2602