St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, founded by German immigrants, was organized in 1852 using the name of St. Johannes Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Initially services were held in member’s homes; of course, the sessions were conducted in German.  It was not until the summer of 1917 with the start of World War I that some services were held using English.  Over time the German service was phased out. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church continues to exist today.

The index currently covers the 1853-1872 records. More years will be added to the index as transcriptionists continue indexing.

Do you have ancestors in Tazewell County? If so you are invited to add your name & email address for the surnames you are researching to this registry. Or, search the registry to find other folks researching your surnames!

To honor the first families of Tazewell County, the Society continues to compile a roster of settlers who were confirmed county residents by 1875. Submit an application to receive a frameable certificate confirming you are descended from an early county settler. Or, If your ancestor happens to be one of the already verified pioneers, the application file can be a treasure trove of family information including photos & documents.