What We Believe

As Lutheran Christians, we confess our faith in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as witnessed to by the Holy Bible and attested to in the Eccumenical Creeds of the early church.

Furthermore, we subscribe to The Book of Concord: The Confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  We believe the documents therein to be the true and faithful witness of the Christian faith which is put forth and testified to in the Holy Bible.

The Founding of Antioch Lutheran Church

Lutheranism had its organized beginnings in this area when seven "friends of the Lutheran church of Massillon, Allen County, Indiana" established a congregation in the year of our Lord 1850.  Shortly thereafter, another group of Lutherans in Root Township, Adams County, organized a congregation to which they gave the name Concord Lutheran Church.

It wasn't very long until one of the pastors of these congregations, the Reverend Simon Spyker, found some Lutheran people living in the vicinity of Hoagland who were in need of spiritual ministrations.  He started preaching services among them; and on February 17, 1855, a congregation was organized and adopted the name "Antioch".

A Founder’s Day Tribute

By Ruth (Corville) Brown

(sung to the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”)

Twenty-seven men and women came in 1855,

To join in Christian fellowship and keep their faith alive.

Where two or three are gathered in his name, He’s by their side.

His truth is marching on.

(Refrain)

They marked a true foundation and began to turn the sod,

To build a house of worship to the glory of our God.

Help us follow in your footsteps where the early saints have trod,

Our God is marching on.

(Refrain)

We will put our trust in Jesus, in His everlasting love,

And in the Holy Spirit descending like a dove.

All glory be to God our gracious Father from above,

His church is marching on.

(Refrain)