St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Platteville, Colorado is located about 20 miles south of Greeley.  The church has its roots in Evans, Colorado, a suburb of Greeley.  The date the church was built is not known, but one of the 1934 charter members of Platteville recalls being married in the church in 1905.

            In 1923, the Ohio Synod organized the church in Platteville.  Property was acquired and a church in Evans was purchased and moved to Platteville.  It was dedicated in October 1925 with an extension and a bell tower being added.  In 1929, the church building and property were put up for sale.  It was purchased by the American Lutheran Synod.  They called their first pastor in 1931, but progress was hindered by migration of families to Wyoming and also the language question so it was closed.

           St. John ran a close second to Zion, Ft. Morgan to be the senior WELS congregation in Colorado.  In 1933, Pastor A.C. Bauman, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, began serving a group of Lutherans in Platteville.  In January 1934, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was reopened and a call was sent for a resident pastor.  On July 14, 1934, Pastor Victor Schultz was ordained and installed on his arrival from the seminary.  There were 52 souls and services were conducted in German and gradually English.

           In early 1938, the members decided to have English worship services every week.  In 1941, the Ladies Guild was organized with 9 to 12 members.  The childrens' Christmas program and services were enhanced with a beautifully decorated tree often reaching to the ceiling which continues to this day.  During the 1930's, 40's, and 50's, the congregation hosted the Colorado Conference pastors' meetings and mission festivals were a big fall event.

          The church was redecorated in 1949.  In 1951, there were sufficient funds to purchase lots to the east of the church for a parsonage.  A house was purchased and moved from Evans.  After major remodeling, the parsonage was ready for occupancy.  The basement would serve for  Sunday School, Bible Class, and fellowship.  The congregation at this time totaled around 65 souls with Sunday School attendance in the mid twenties.  In 1953 the pastor accepted a call.  The congregation suffered during the 10-month vacancy leaving a membership below 50 when a new pastor arrived.

         In 1954, the congregation purchased the reed organ from Zion Lutheran Church, Ft. Morgan, Colorado, for $25.   This organ continues to serve the congregation.  Hardwood flooring was laid and refinished by members.  The circulatory heater and lengthy stovepipes were replaced at this time.  In 1958, our pastor began services for a group of Lutherans in Longmont; and in 1959, Our Savior  Lutheran Church was organized.  The pastor moved to Longmont and St. John became part of a dual parish with Longmont's Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

         In 1970, the women of St. John's joined with four other WELS congregations in forming the Rocky Mountain Circuit of the LWMS.  Today there are over 15 WELS churches, 3 preaching stations, one exploratory, 8 WELS preschools and K-8 schools, one High  School, and New Beginnings - A Home for Mothers in Colorado.