Before the British colonies became the United States of America, Justus Falckner became the first Lutheran pastor ordained in America at Philidelphia.
At 31 years old, Falckner had not planned to become a Lutheran pastor. Though he had trained as a pastor, Falckner had come to America as a land surveyor and agent. A friend, whose health was failing, begged him to take over his parish.
Finally, he agreed and was ordained on November 24th, 1703. Falckner threw himself into his work. He learned Dutch to teach in his parish’s language. Often traveling down the river to visit members in his large parish. He became a missionary and even took on another pastor’s work. He worked hard until his death at the age of 51.
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