Happy Birthday Rev. Samuel Kruse!

In the 145 year history of St. Lucas UCC, the church has been blessed by leaders who have left a profound legacy. One of those leaders, Rev. Samuel Kruse was born on this day in 1858.

Rev. Kruse's father, Michael, immigrated from Heide, Germany and was also a minister who was a part of the second graduation class of the Evangelical Seminary in Marthasville, MO. At age sixteen, Samuel enrolled in the pre-seminary program at Elmhurst College before continuing his theological studies at Eden Seminary. On July 15, 1880, he was ordained by his father into the ministry of the Evangelical Church.

In 1882, Rev. Kruse was called to the recently formed St. Lucas Evangelical Church in Sappington, MO. He was installed on July 2, 1882 and remained in that position until July 26, 1925 -- 43 years!

Samuel served as the superintendent of the cemetery, secretary of the cemetery board and the teacher of the German School from 1882-1917. Rev. Kruse served the Synod in a variety of ways. He was chosen in the 1890's to establish a Sunday School program. He was a director of the Emmaus Institution (now known as Emmaus Homes) at Marthasville and St. Charles from 1899-1902. He was a member of the Church Extension Board, the Synodical Historical Commission and a Representative from Missouri District to the General Evangelical Conference. He was a member of the Board of Elmhurst College. While serving on the Board of Directors of Eden Seminary, Rev. Kruse helped with the relocation of the school from north St. Louis to Webster Groves. He received an honorary Dr. of Divinity Degree from the seminary in 1931.

Rev. Kruse and his wife, Amalia, had six children. On July 26, 1925, Rev. Kruse gave his farewell sermon at St. Lucas. He was active in his retirement years. He served as interim pastor of several churches and from 1932 to 1940 as chaplain of the Good Samaritan Home for the Aged. Reverend Kruse died in 1944 and was buried in the St. Lucas Cemetery.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Social Justice Ministry Gospel-Inspired Definition and FAQ

By Denee Bowers • September 29, 2026

Social Justice Ministry - August Spotlight

Women's Dinner

By Denee Bowers • September 8, 2026

Thursday, September 10 | 5:30 to 8:00 pm | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126

Celebration Sunday

By Denee Bowers • September 7, 2026

Sunday, September 13 | 11:00 AM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126

Holy Paws Pet Grief Support Group

By Denee Bowers • September 6, 2026

September 13, 27, October 11 | 6:00 PM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126

Council Corner - August 24 Meeting Update

By Denee Bowers • September 4, 2026

Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – August 24, 2026 Informational Items: Update from Financial Ministry Meals on Wheels opted not to renew their annual grant funding for our Backpack program. We are currently seeking alternative funding – we appreciate the continued support of the Sugarbaker Foundation, which helps supplement this mission. The 2026-2027 Backpack Program is still being planned, but it could look different than previous years. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The new breaker boxes passed the county inspection and we’re still in the process of labeling each breaker. Social Hall air conditioning is still leaking – will continue refilling the freon until the new coil can be install (see Actions Taken). Miscellaneous Updates Following discussion regarding the next step in the Bequest process, Council will develop a perspective to bring to the congregation by the Annual Meeting. It was not voted on but it was the consensus - that we would be prioritizing and developing a vision. Personnel Ministry is continuing their work on updating staff job descriptions and preparing for goal-setting, while finalizing budget recommendations for the Finance Ministry. The Cemetery is surveying the remaining open ground on the eastern area of the Park Hills section, allowing for more two grave and single plots. Looking Ahead – Items Upcoming in Next 1-2 Months Approval of 2027 Budget Approval of delegates for the Conference Meeting in November ( we have two of the three needed for the Conference meeting; still need four delegates for the Association meeting – please reach out if you’re interested in serving ). Performance Reviews and Goal Setting Employee Manual Updates (2019 version) Approval of revised Disaster Preparedness Proposal Upcoming Events – In an effort to better prepare for the various events and events within events, Council members use a more detailed calendar . We hope this tool also helps you better plan for Church activities. Celebration Sunday is September 13 th – this special St. Lucas tradition is open to everyone and follows the conclusion of service; it also falls on Grandparents Days, another reason to celebrate together. Community Meal is October 4 th – this one-time event commemorates Good Neighbor Week and is sponsored by a grant from ServMO and America250. More info to come. Actions Taken: Approved a bid from IFS for $16,986 to repair and replay the fellowship hall chiller coil and install hail guards. While we wait for parts, installation may not happen for 6 weeks. Approved appointments to the nominating committee (Kirk Dalgaard, Jack Laudenslager, and Linda Taylor). One council term is ending in 2026.