The Elbe Lutheran congregation was founded in 1893 by settlers from Germany. For the first 13 years, services were held in members' homes and the town hall. Elbe Evangelische Lutherische Kirche was built in 1906. The building's dimensions are 18 x 24 feet. The 46 foot high steeple is topped with a 4-foot iron cross forged by a local blacksmith. The steeple contains a railroad locomotive bell. Elbe Kirche ranks among the smallest in the nation. Elbe Kirche is the seat of the area bishop who conducts a summer service. In the tradition of Elbe's early pastors, the bishop arrives riding a bicycle. Although managed primarily as an historic structure, monthly services are held March through November. Elbe Evangelische Lutherische Kirche is also a popular site for weddings.