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When exiting our church parking lot, there is a sign that reads: "You are now entering the mission field." These are such powerful words and they actually tell a little about our history at Grace Lutheran Church. As a congregation, we are involved in many different mission projects, both locally and internationally. It is interesting to note that our church was actually begun as a result of a mission project.
Pastor John H. Freed, who had just recently graduated from seminary, was commissioned by the Southern District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to survey Northeast Pensacola for the potential establishment of a Lutheran Church. The growing area indeed had a potential, as a result, 8 1/3 acres, Grace's present property, was purchased in order for a house of worship to be built. Pastor Freed gathered 119 souls, and the first worship service was held on January 10, 1960, in the Pensacola Army Reserve Center. Margie
Peaden, and Freida Markert were among these worshippers, and they are still worshipping with Grace today!
All services were held either at the Army Reserves or at the Ferry Pass Elementary School. Meetings were held in various places, including the home of Pastor and Mrs. Freed. On January, 27 1960, a meeting was held to elect church officers and to choose a new name for the "Lutheran Church of Northeast Pensacola." On June 17, 1960, the Southern Missions Committee approved our new name ... Grace Lutheran Church.
Membership continued to increase and as a result, the congregation petitioned the Southern District for a new chapel. On February 18, 1962, a chapel was dedicated, which is still used today as our church's education building. This served as a temporary chapel for approximately four years.
Our present house of worship was dedicated on March 27, 1966. Our Fellowship Hall and Sunday School classrooms were dedicated in November 1987. The stained glass window over the altar was dedicated in 1997 and Grace's preschool, "Amazing Grace Christian Preschool," received its first student class during the 2000-01 school year. On January 19, 2003, our new pastor, Rev. Stephen Linck was installed.
Clearly our mission has grown, with membership climbing to over 460. each member of Grace is a light of Christ shining for others, called to Grace by Him. The mission continues ... come be a part of His work at Grace!
The other pastors who
have faithfully served Grace are: |
| John Freed,
1959 - 1967 |
Robert
Richter, 1967 - 1975 |
Dale
Johnston, 1976 - 1979 |
| David Dudley,
1979 - 1983 |
Daniel Esala,
1984 - 1994 |
Craig Bickel,
1992 - 2002 |
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