In 1875, twenty-three Deerfield families organized St. Paul's Evangelical Church. The congregation was formed in March of 1875 and the first church building was completed, on what is now the corner or Waukegan Road and Osterman Avenue, and dedicated by November of that same year.

For many years, services were held in both German and English. In fact, until about 1910, children were taken out of public school when they reached eighth grade and were taught by the minister in a small room attached to the rear of the church. The interior of St. Paul's was remodeled for the 50th anniversary celebration in 1925 and again for the 60th anniversary in 1935. Then, on September 11, 1941, the building burned to the ground. The falling of the stately spire is still remembered by many Deerfield residents. A new church was built over the old basement foundation and was dedicated in 1944.