Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Bratwurst, beer, and a whole lot of fellowship — that’s what brought parishioners together earlier this month at St. John’s Lutheran Church for its annual Oktoberfest celebration. “It was a beautiful day, with 70 people enjoying fun and fellowship at St. John’s Lutheran School,” said parishioner Lorrie Lee. “St. John’s Lutheran Church has been a fixture in Staten Island’s Port Richmond neighborhood since 1848, when the congregation held its first service.” “The food, beer, games, dancing, lederhosen, and dirndl dresses were plenty, but most important was the fellowship had by all,” added Susan Sax, daughter of longtime parishioner, the late Anita Neitzel. Held in Spruth Memorial Hall, located in the church’s school gym on Manor Road, the fundraiser featured a hearty German feast with bratwurst, red cabbage, sauerkraut, pretzels, and homemade potato salad. A cash bar served up craft beer favorites, while guests enjoyed stein-holding contests, DJ music, and a 50/50 raffle. Spruth Memorial Hall honors a family whose roots run deep in the church. Rev. E.L. Spruth once served as pastor. History of the church In the 1840s, Germans migrated to Staten Island seeking farmland and stability after economic hardship and political unrest in Europe. Many first settled in Manhattan’s Little Germany before moving to Staten Island for its rural appeal. This migration laid the foundation for German churches and cultural institutions, including the congregation now celebrating its 177th anniversary — a testament to the enduring legacy of those early settlers. The church was formally organized in 1852 as the “German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Port Richmond,” and purchased its first building — the former Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at 216 Jewett Avenue — for $2,500. The current structure was built in 1901 and continues to serve the community. The church’s legacy lives on through several multigenerational Staten Island families. Anita, who was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John’s, devoted her life to its ministry—teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and serving on committees like the Ladies Guild and Altar Guild. Her father’s pastoral leadership helped shape the congregation’s mission, and today Susan continues that tradition as a volunteer. In 1952, St. John’s expanded its outreach by opening St. John’s Lutheran School at 663 Manor Rd., Castleton Corners. What began with just 28 students has grown into an institution serving kindergarten through eighth grade, including a free full-day Universal Pre-K program. Today, Rev. Michael Bagnall serves as pastor and also teaches at the school. He leads weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The church itself is located about a mile from the Manor Road-anchored school at 216 Jewett Ave., Port Richmond.
