Near Waterloo the tiny settlement with the German name of Carlsruhe established its Lutheran Church of St John in 1857.
The present church was built in 1863.
The name of Carlsruhe was changed to Kunden in 1917.
June 24
On Tuesday June 22, a large number of German inhabitants in this district assembled in the Carlsruhe English-German Lutheran school to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
In front of the school the English and German flags were hoisted.
The Carlsruhe Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr F Pleuckhahn, was in attendance, and rendered some excellent music during the day. After the band had played an appropriate selection, those who had assembled sang the German hymn, "Wir bitten Dich um Deinen Segen, O Herr! fur unsre Konigin", and Mr Hubner, the teacher addressed the gathering, giving a short sketch of the life of her Majesty.
"The Old Hundredth" was then sung, after which the company sat down to an excellent spread provided by the ladies.
The Rev E Homann delivered a short address and also offered prayers for her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. The audience sang the National Anthem, and the children were presented with Jubilee medals. Various amusements were indulged in during the day, and all present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Ref: Chronicle (Adelaide SA) Saturday 3 July 1897.
September 9
A social took place at the Carlsruhe parsonage on September 3, at which about eighty-six members of the Carlsruhe Lutheran congregation assembled, to give a hearty welcome to the Rev J Homann, who a few weeks ago returned to his home from America, to which country he went nine years ago to study theology. the first six years Mr Homann spent at the Concordia College, Fort Wayne, and the last three at the Concordia Seminary, St Louis.
The garden in front of the parsonage was beautifully illuminated with Chinese lanterns, and a repast was provided.
After addressing a few words of welcome to the rev gentleman, Mr C Zanker, on behalf of the donors, presented him with a purse of sovereigns. The guest responded. Singing and games were then indulged in, and an enjoyable evening was spent.
Ref: Adelaide Observer (SA) Saturday 16 September 1899.
September 23
On Saturday the members of the Carlsruhe Lutheran Church met at the residence of Mr H Eckermann sen, to bid farewell to Mr Otto Hubner, who has held the position of teacher of the Carlruhe school for the past 23 years. The Revs E & J Homann were present at the gathering, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing guest, whilst Mr J W Giersch, on behalf of the congregation, presented Mr Hubner with a handsome watch and chain, as a token of the esteem in which he was held. Mr Hubner who is leaving for Hahndorf, replied. Over a hundred members of the congregation attended.
The Carlsruhe Brass Band under the leadership of Mr F Pleuckhahn, was in attendance, and songs were given. Mr Beck, of Dutton, has been appointed to succeed Mr Hubner.
Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Wednesday 25 September 1901.
February 16
On Sunday a harvest thanksgiving service was held in the German Lutheran Church of St Johannis, in the circuit of Carlsruhe. Pastor J Homann officiated.
New carpets and new artificial flowers for the altar were used for the first time on this occasion. These were subscribed for by the ladies of the congregation. The church was also beautifully decorated with fruit and flowers.
This congregation is in a flourishing condition, and is strong financially. The members take an active interest in mission work, both home and abroad.
A day-school is conducted in connection with the church, and is open to all. The State school curriculum is adhered to.
Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Friday 19 February 1904.
Closing German schools
49 Notices served
More than 1,600 children affected
Notice has been served upon the proprietor or headmaster of each of the German schools in the State that the Minister of Education will take over the school as from July 1 next. In a good many cases the children can be transferred to a neighbouring public school without difficulty.
A number of the German institutions, however, are so placed that there is no accommodation at all, except in the building that has been used as a Lutheran school. These places are, as a rule, built very near a church, some of them even in the church grounds, but the Minister has intimated that he will make use of the buildings as State primary schools, and will pay rent on the ordinary scale.
The Education Department has enough men to send to places where new teachers are required. Only one teacher of a Lutheran school has been engaged by the Education Department, and he will be sent to a district where there was previously no German scholastic institution.
Some of the Lutheran schools have already been voluntarily closed.
The course now being followed by the Minister is in pursuance of an amendment of the Education Act last session.
Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Tuesday 12 June 1917.
The congregation at Carlsruhe has reopened its day school. Mr W Bittner was on Sunday installed as teacher. As in all the Lutheran schools in Australia, all subjects will be taught in English. Ref: News (Adelaide SA) Friday 5 July 1929.
