Since 1929, First Lutheran Church has been proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins.
Come and see.
First Lutheran Church in Blytheville (established 1929) has stood as a witness to Christ and His Gospel in Mississippi County for generations. Founded when faithful Lutherans in the area desired a congregation rooted in the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions, First has long been a place where the Lord comes to His people with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Blytheville’s history has always been shaped by movement—military families, farming families, and workers tied to the region’s industries. Through all these changes, First Lutheran has remained steadfast, offering the unchanging Christ to an ever-changing community.
Today, First is united with Zion Lutheran Church in Waldenburg and All Saints Lutheran Church in Jonesboro, forming the All Saints Cathedral Parish. Together, under the pastoral care of All Saints, these congregations serve as the evangelical catholic (that is, Lutheran) witness for all of Craighead, Poinsett, and Mississippi Counties.
Whether in the rich farmland of Poinsett, the growing city of Jonesboro, or the historic community of Blytheville, the mission is the same: to bring Christ and His gifts to God’s people through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments.
Meet our Pastors
The Rev. Fr. Joshua P. Leigeber
Father Josh Leigeber grew up in Waldenburg, Arkansas and is a son of Zion Lutheran Church there, where his dad was pastor from 1987-2003. After attending college in Nebraska (Concordia University, BA, History, 2007) and seminary in Saint Louis (Concordia Seminary, M.Div. 2011), he returned south to be the pastor of two congregations in Louisiana (Atonement in Metairie, 2011-2014; and Trinity in Leesville/Fort Polk, 2014-2020).
In mid-2020, Father Leigeber accepted the call to return to Arkansas and become All Saints’ head pastor and father in Christ.
The Rev. Fr. Daniel P. Suelzle
Father Dan Suelzle grew up in Hazen, North Dakota, where his father served as pastor. He began his university studies at the University of North Dakota as a vocal performance major, before transferring to and graduating from Concordia University, Nebraska (B.A. psychology, 2006). He attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, from 2007-2011 (M. Div., 2011), with his first call being to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eugene, Oregon. In 2017 he accepted a call to serve in campus ministry at Wittenberg Lutheran Chapel in Grand Forks, North Dakota, serving the University of North Dakota. He has served as Associate Pastor and Teacher at All Saints since August of 2025.
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