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What We Believe |
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Mission / Leadership / Vision | Our History | Our Lutheran Faith Tradition
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Our HistoryThe first worship service of our congregation took place in 1934 at the Knights of Pythias Hall. This location served the congregation until the German Methodist Church was purchased in 1936. In November of that year, the final worship service was held in the Knights of Pythias Hall and the first worship service was held in our congregation's new home on Seventh and Erie. In 1954, when Pastor George B. McCreary spoke at the twentieth anniversary celebration, he challenged our congregation to continue its mission and build itself a new church before the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration. In March of 1955, a bid was placed on 2.4 acres on Kohler Memorial Drive. Ground-breaking ceremonies for the new church took place in January of 1959. Our new church was dedicated on November 6, 1960, after catching fire twice during construction. The bell tower was erected in September of 1961. In April of 1969, an expansion plan added rooms to the north side of our classroom section and also included the addition of Fellowship Hall and church office space. In October of 1982, the new Casavant 29 rank mechanical action pipe organ was dedicated. In July of 1993, after several years of planning and study, our congregation voted to renovate Fellowship Hall, several classrooms, the offices, and the sanctuary. The focal point of the renewal project was the new baptismal font, located in the gathering area near the entrance to the nave. It serves as a reminder of our commitment to God as we enter the sanctuary. The renovation project made our church accessible to all people, increased the seating capacity of the sanctuary, and provided a space for gathering after each service. The Genszler Memorial Chapel was a special addition to our worship area. The altar, lectern, and chairs of the chapel are movable so that small weddings, funerals, and weekday worship can be conducted in this space. First United Lutheran Church has a long-standing commitment to provide for community accessibility to our church. In the past 30 years, up to 50 groups from our community have used our facilities on a weekly or occasional basis. First United members come together each week supporting one another with our prayers for others and for ourselves. Having received God's blessings in our own lives, we reach out to those within our community and beyond to the far parts of the world. |
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