"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12,3

In 1881, a small group of Lutherans who had settled around the area that would later become Orange agreed to organize themselves into a congregation and search for a pastor. That search ended when the group issued a call to Reverend Jacob Kogler to serve as their first Pastor.

St. John's has been a cornerstone of Christian life in Orange County for more than 100 years. Founded in 1882, St. John's Lutheran Church is actually older than both the City (1888) and County (1889) of Orange.

In spite of his many duties, Pastor Kogler was willing to take upon himself the task of a parochial school teacher. For six years he was the instructor. His first class had nine pupils. When we consider that the enrollment in our school today is over 800, we are reminded, with grateful hearts, of the word of our God, "So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth . . . it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11.

It is praiseworthy that our founders had such a clear understanding of the need of Christian training for their children. They understood the admonition of their Master, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." Matthew 6, 33. They realized that the "one thing needful" was for their children as well as for themselves.

Founded in 1883, St. John's Lutheran School is dedicated to providing a quality Christian education for all of its students, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the National Lutheran School Association and the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS. St. John's is the largest LCMS elementary school in the nation. Classes are offered for children age three through the 8th grade. The Lambs Lot Early Childhood Center provides classes for 3, 4 and young (pre-kindergarten) 5 year-olds. Also located on campus is a school-age child care center. School Age Care is available before and after school. Special programs are available for children during school holidays and summer.

St. John's first church and school, 1883 to 1893.

St. John's Lutheran School: 1890 class picture