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Hill of Peace

Hill of Peace

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By Appointment
573-547-6363 or 573-768-1240.
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lat: 37.7018469 long: -89.7955161

In 1844 the congregation of German families organized as Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1846 the small group built a log cabin church on the north side of Cinque Homme Creek.  As you drive by today, you can see a peaceful valley of crops with a large metal building with a green roof in the distance.  You can just imagine, 170 years ago a log cabin church sitting on the bank of Cinque Hommes Creek somewhere on the far edge of that field.

Soon it was necessary to build a larger log cabin church and in 1852 they moved to the Frankenberg Hill, building a parsonage and a school across the road. Peace Lutheran Cemetery is still located at this site and is maintained by an endowment to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Perryville, Missouri.

In 1885, the congregation moved from the Frankenberg Hill, to Friedenberg and built the present simple, red-brick worship facility overlooking the quiet Missouri countryside.  The new church was dedicated debt-free on 27 September 1885.  This church served the congregation for the next 95 years!

Additionally, school was taught in this red brick school house across the street from the church for over 70 years until 1946.  After 1946, the school was used for Saturday school where religion was taught, for dart games and Sunday School.  The names and initials of school children can still be seen etched into the soft brick.

When Peace Congregation voted to disband in 1980, they asked Concordia Historical Institute to take over the property in order to preserve their buildings as a reminder of the heritage of the Lutheran Church. The Institute continues to own, operate and support “Hill of Peace” as a “walk-in history book” that vividly demonstrates the change in the life of the rural church that was so important in previous eras.

The facilities, the people, and the “peace” still live on in Friedenberg through the continued efforts of the Friedenberg Historical Society 501(c)(3).  The small group of members continue to maintain the church and grounds for generations to enjoy for years to come.

Nearby Attractions

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Nearby Trails

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Trail of Tears Access

A boat ramp that allows visitors to access the Trail of Tears

lat: 37.4539977 long: -89.4625079
Tower Rock

lat: 37.63554 long: -89.51586
Francis Quadrangle

lat: 38.94607 long: -92.32836
Trail of Tears Overlook

A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Trail of Tears State Park. Car access is available

lat: 37.4490937 long: -89.4764524
Klondike to Mississippi River

lat: 38.58395 long: -90.81858
Trail of Tears Nature Trail

 Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups braved harsh winter conditions while crossing the Mississippi River in 1838-1839, marking a sorrowful chapter in American history. The park also has: shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish…

lat: 37.4388916 long: -89.480974
Jefferson Mounument

lat: 38.57877 long: -92.17348
Chamoise to Klondike MO

lat: 38.70603 long: -91.73071
Lewis and Clark Nature Trail

lat: 38.77314 long: -90.4821
Trail of Tears Memorial

Explore the Trail of Tears State Park to delve into a somber chapter in American history. Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups crossed the harsh winter Mississippi River in 1838-1839 during their forced relocation to Oklahoma.…

lat: 37.4439902 long: -89.468381
Arrow Rock

lat: 39.0685825 long: -92.9457706
Bean Lake Natural Area

lat: 39.49763 long: -95.02227
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