4629 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, MD 20853 | 301-946-5458 | church@stjohnsrockville.org
Rev. Travis E. Kern, DMin, Pastor

History

St. John’s has been serving the Aspen Hill Community for 6o years. Some of our milestones are below.

1950’s

  • February 19, 1956 – Held the first service at Weller Road Elementary School, organized by Rev. Dr. Walter Freed with 17 people attending, and known as “Wheaton Woods-Aspen Hill Mission” of Luther Place Memorial Church.
  • April 1956 – Moved to Wheaton Woods School, served by Pastor Manz from Luther Place.
  • June 1956 – Chose the name, “St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Mission”
  • March 21, 1957 – Obtained the title to the three-acre site on Aspen Hill Road (cost $14,000)
  • June 1957 – The Board of American Missions called Rev. Clifford Miller to be a full-time Mission Developer at St. John’s
  • August 28, 1957 – Articles of Incorporation were approved by the State of Maryland and the first Charter and Bylaws were adopted, naming the congregation “St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church”
  • October 27, 1957 – The Service of Organization was held with 88 adults and 75 baptized children as Charter Members
  • November 3, 1957 – First Church Council Elected
  • January 28, 1958 – Rev. Miller installed as first Pastor
  • August 21, 1958 – First service in the original church building

1960’s

  • September 11, 1960 – First building dedicated
  • September 10, 1961 – Rev. Howard Hinkeldey installed as Pastor
  • September 27, 1964 – Dedication of the second building

1970’s

  • November 1970 – Completion of the education wing

1980’s

  • September 14, 1986 – Pastor Hinkeldey retired
  • September 20, 1987 – Revs. Beth and Randy Neubauer installed as Pastors

1990’s

  • September 27, 1998 – New Sanctuary dedicated

2000’s

  • December 4, 2005 – Rev. Dr. Scott Gustafson installed as Pastor

2010’s

  • October 10, 2010 – Rev. Dr. Travis E. Kern installed as Pastor
  • October 27, 2017 – Celebrating 60 years of Ministry

Clergy

  • Pastor Rev. Dr. Travis E. Kern (2010 – present)
  • Interim Pastor Rev. Catherine Feil (2009 – 2010)
  • Pastor Rev. Dr. Scott Gustafson (2005 – 2009)
  • Interim Pastor Raymond Michener (2004 – 2005)
  • Interim Pastor Rev. Donal Bentz (2002 – 2004)
  • Pastor Rev. G. Randall Neubauer (1987 – 2002)
  • Pastor Rev. Beth Spitzner Neubauer (1987 – 2002)
  • Interim Pastor Rev. Robert Ruble (1986 – 1987)
  • Assistant Pastor Rev. Cathleen Bohnam (1984 – 1986)
  • Pastor Rev. Howard Hinkeldey (1961 – 1986)
  • Pastor Rev. Clifford Miller (1958 – 1961)