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* Articles used with permission
Grace
Evangelical Lutheran Church (affiliated with the Lutheran Church –
Canada) is located at 108 Graham Road in West Lorne,
Ontario. It is a small congregation in a mostly rural area, currently with
fewer than 150 communicant members. Pastor (since 2010) is Rev. Don Schieman. Service
schedules change seasonally and according to circumstances (ie. Pastor Schieman
also serves as pastor in St. Thomas). Visitors are welcome.
| 50th Anniversary Celebration - June 11, 2006 |
HISTORY
OF GRACE CONGREGATIONA small nucleus of Lutherans living in the West Lorne, and Rodney area, desirous of the divine services in the faith in which they had been brought up, contacted Rev. H. Storm of Windsor in 1948. Rev. Storm conducted services for sometime but when the congregation grew to a considerable size the Ontario District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, sent a retired Pastor Rev. George Schroeder to alleviate Rev. Storm of his heavy load. When the district united the St. Thomas Congregation with West Lorne as a parish the work became too much for Rev. Schroeder. Thus the district sent Rev. F. Hyatt to take over the reins and he then served the parish in a temporary capacity for 15 months.
In September 1951 Rev. John Scharrer was assigned to this parish. At that time the congregation numbered 135 souls and 59 communicants.
In the spring of 1953 three lots were purchased on which the congregation hoped to build their own house of worship. The year of 1954 saw these hopes come to a reality when ground was broken in a service held October 5th. The footings and foundation were poured but due to a delay in the shipment of bricks, brick laying was not begun until April of 1955. On April 17th 1955, the cornerstone was laid and on May 30th sixteen men of the congregation and the pastor erected the laminated trusses. Most of the work was done by the members of the congregation and their pastor, donating a total of 6,868 hours of labor. The congregation now number 218 souls and 132 communicants.
Our
new church home represents the culmination of the consecrated efforts of our
people, the fulfillment of our dreams, the answer to our prayers. All Glory to
God alone, Who has so graciously granted our Petitions, put to shame our
doubts, and fears, blessed our labors, and permitted us to enter this new
house of worship.
Truly; the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are indeed grateful. Not unto us, O Lord, but unto Thee be all the praise and the honor and the power and majesty forever.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
West Lorne, Ontario
June 20, 1976
MEMORIES
The once was a minister who held up before his congregation a sheet of paper on which he had drawn a single black dot. He asked them what they saw. The response was, "A black dot." To this the minister replied, "I want all of you to notice that you missed seeing all of the clean, white space around that dot."
That's the way people are. They see, and remember the small things which went wrong and too often forget all of the good things.
As we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the official founding of the congregation, there are many memories our people could bring to mind. Some are not nice, but there are many good ones. Through it all we remember that in spite of our weaknesses, God has had his way. Could it be otherwise?
Who would have dreamed, many years ago, that at this time we would have a congregation of this size and such a beautiful house of worship? God has blessed. He has been with us and guided us. He has watched mistakes and guided corrections; but all of the time He was there, the Shepherd with His sheep.
We can be grateful that God's purpose included a congregation here. We can be thankful that His call was heeded and answered. When we think of these things, the bad things fade into memory. Let them remain there! Let us, rather, have our minds filled with thoughts of praise and joy toward the God who loved us, and continues to show this love to us in so many ways. Lots of clean white paper in both our past and in our future.
Blessings,
Pastor Huras
The following "tidbits" form part of the history of our congregation. They have been chosen either for their historical importance, or for their humour or simply to bring back a memory.
All of these notes are drawn from our official records. We have tried to be as accurate as possible with dates and locations. In some cases, the information given may be about an event which later never happened. At the time it was recorded, though, it was important.
We hope that all who were part of this history will forgive any mis-information or information which is not included. This includes the lack of facts from that period before 1951 for which no "official" records are available. Read on, and remember.
Jan. 16, 1951: (The earliest minutes we have in our possession.) Meet at A. Kraus' for election of officers. Present at meeting: M. Hay, F. Hay, A. Kraus, O. Schneider, W. Schneider, A. Bildy, F. Sohl, A. Kebbel, G. Dienesch, A. Nettling, B. Kempyn. (Elections followed.) Service was recommended for March and April. Starting 18th of March, first two Sundays in English; next two in German by starting first Sunday at 9:15 A.M., 11:00 at St. Thomas and next Sunday West Lorne at 11:00 A.M., St. Thomas at night. May and other months is to be decided at a later date. (Minutes end at this point.)
Apr. 10, 1951: At A. Bildy's; first reading of constitution.
Apr. 22, 1951: Second reading of constitution and name "Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church" of West Lorne, chosen.
May 27, 1951: At A. Bildy's. Rev. Hyatt present. Third and final reading of Constitution.
Sept. 9, 1951: Rev. John Scharrer installed as first Pastor.
Oct. 10, 1951: Baptismal font promised by Wm. Kempyn and kneeler for Pastor promised by O. Schneider.
Nov. 26, 1951: Decided to begin German Sunday School with Emil Schneider as teacher.
Jan. 29, 1952: Pastor reported growth of 46 souls in previous four months.
June 1952: (We believe congregation accepted as a member of Synod at District Convention in Elmira.)
June 16, 1952: Moved to put aside $500 in a Building Fund. (First mention of such a fund.)
Oct. 16, 1952: A. Kraus moved that Mr. Liepmann and Mr. Kempyn assist the trustees in looking at property and pricing.
Nov. 17, 1952: At M. Hay's; Rev. Wetzstein and Rev. Erdmann of District attended to advise on purchase of lots and methods of financing.
Dec. 8, 1952: At M. Sohl's; Wm. Kempyn moved that trustees take option on two lots owned by Peter Ocolisan.
Jan. 5, 1953: At Disciple's Church; M. Hay reported a verbal option of 3 lots at $400 each. Moved to purchase them.
March 14, 1953: Deed for lots signed over for $1215.
Jan.18, 1954: Congregation voted to have an EMV to raise funds for church Extension of District in connection with 75th anniversary of District.
Apr. 29, 1954: At Disciples' Church; meeting to discuss Disciples' wish to terminate rental agreement. "It was instantly and unanimously decided that we must build our own church building."
May 27, 1954: Sketch by Fred Redinger to be submitted to Mr. Schmaltz, architect in Kitchener.
June 16, 1954: Ladies to be permitted to join LWML. Architect's blueprints accepted with a few changes.
Sept. 27, 1954: At Wm. Kempyn's; Building Committee appointed: C. Schollenberger, F. Redinger, Wm. Kempyn, M. Bogl and M. Hay.
Oct. 5, 1954: Ground-breaking ceremony, in the rain.
Oct. 26, 1954: Moved that Council member pay 25c if they are late for meetings and $1.00 if they are absent. No excuses will be accepted.
Apr. 17, 1955: Cornerstone laid with Rev. Erdmann and Rev. Scharrer officiating.
Oct. 4, 1955: Moved to accept tender of $3,230 for coloured windows with symbols.
Dec. 6, 1955: Moved to purchase pipe organ at cost of $4,000, installed.
Dec. 24, 1955: First service held in new, unfinished church, Christmas eve.
Dec. 25, 1955: First baptisms in new church, Nancy Nagel and Karl Waldner.
Dec. 31, 1955: First wedding in church: Charlotte Hemmerling and Ludwig Schmidt.
Mar. 5, 1956: First wedding in completed church, Ardith Kempyn and Michael Bildy.
June 10, 1956: Dedication
of church. Officiant:
Rev. Rathke, President of District; Rev. Killinger of London and Rev.
Scharrer.
Aug. 5, 1956: First Rite of Confirmation in new church: Hilda Felder, Walter Schneider, Theresa Bauerle, Mary Kana, Vilins Miniotas, John Kirchner, Udo Nagel, and Douglas Huras (of St. Thomas).
Dec. 16, 1956: Council supports application of St. Thomas for separation of parish.
Feb. 25, 1959: First call issued for a candidate to serve West Lorne as a single station. Call not filled.
Apr. 28-29, 1959: Western Ontario Pastoral Conference hosted by West Lorne Congregation.
June 24-27, 1959: International Walther League caravaners visit in West Lorne.
Sept. 1, 1959: Rev. Ernst Lootsma begins officially as first resident Pastor.
Oct. 13, 1959: 3 Lots (132' w.) beside church property purchased for $1829.46. Half sold same night to Peter Wack.
May 15, 1960: Rev. Lootsma installed as Pastor with Rev. Scharrer as speaker.
June 11, 1961: 5th Anniversary of Dedication with Rev. Killinger of London as speaker.
July 9, 1961: Mission Festival at Kebbel's farm with Rev. F. Malinsky as speaker.
July 1962 (second Sunday): Mission Festival at Kraus' with Rev. Neuhaus as speaker.
Dec. 19, 1962: Rev. Lootsma given release. Rev. Scharrer to serve as Vacancy Pastor.
July 21, 1963: New graduate, Rev. Wilhelm Wilkens installed as Pastor.
July 29, 1963: Building Committee for a parsonage named: A. Bildy, F. Redinger, A. Kebbel, K. Riess Jr., Win Liepmann. Advisory members: M. Sohl and Wolf. Liepmann.
Apr. 15, 1964: $8,735 pledged for parsonage.
Apr. 23, 1964: Revs. Neuhaus and Wentzlaff meet with congregation to discuss pros and cons of autonomous Lutheran Church - Canada.
May 3, 1964: Vote on autonomous Lutheran Church - Canada. 19 against and 6 for. Walther League holds Rally here.
July 22, 1964: Moved to proceed with building a parsonage. Week later congregation approves and names new Building Committee: A. Bildy, C. Schollenberger, F. Redinger, A. Kebbel, G. Dienesch Jr.
Sept. 20, 1964: Rev. Wilkens given release. Rev. Scharrer to serve as Vacancy Pastor.
Dec. 6, 1964: Rev. Walter Heinze installed as Pastor.
Oct. 3, 1965: Dedication of and Open House at the new Parsonage.
Feb. 21, 1966: C. Felder moved to rent land to grow corn with proceeds for debt reduction.
June 1966: 10th Anniversary of Dedication with Rev. Scharrer as speaker.
Dec. 19, 1966: $3,851,59 realized from corn project.
1967:
450th Anniversary of the Reformation (1517).
Feb. 8, 1967: As a result of a private business deal whereby Mr. Liepmann will supply sawdust to Mr. Hadler, the Church will receive a new typewriter from Mr. Hadler.
June 25, 1967: Centennial of Canada celebrated by the congregation.
Dec. 26, 1967: Rev. Heinze given release. Rev. Herman Bickel of London to serve vacancy.
Aug. 4, 1968: Rev. Mervin Huras installed as Pastor. Congregation now subsidized by District Board for Missions.
Oct. 2, 1968: New heating plant installed at a cost of $1,266.04. Completely paid with donations.
Nov. 14, 1969: First stewardship potluck and evening of fellowship.
June 27, 1970: Young people sponsor Walk-a-thon for debts. $1,500 realized.
Oct. 1970: Anniversary Committee sponsors adult hayride. $85 realized.
Jan. 31, 1970: First smorgasbord held. $697.24 realized.
Mar. 1971: Young people join in bus trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan.
June 13, 1971: 15th Anniversary of Dedication. Dr. Walter A. Maier Jr. is guest speaker.
Jan. 17, 1972: Constitution is revised to permit women's suffrage.
Mar. 21, 1972: Young people join in bus trip to deaf school in Detroit, Michigan.
Oct. 1972: Children's sermons begun in services.
Apr. 1973: Congregation assists with KEY 73 Religious Census of the area.
May 9-10, 1973: Ontario District Pastoral Conference held here.
Oct. 16, 1973: First council meeting held in new recreation room of parsonage.
Fall 1973: Church and parsonage hooked to two sanitary and storm drains. Total cost $3,114,48.
Feb. 1974: New ceiling installed under balcony by the Ladies' Aid.
July 16, 1974: Final notes on Parsonage paid.
April 1975: Interior of church repainted.
July 6, 1975: Wesleyan Touring Choir of New York gives performance in church basement.
Jan. 20, 1976: First women voters sign constitution: E. Kempyn, A. Schneider, B. Huras, G. Besley, J. Besley, M. Kriter, R. Riess.
Feb. 1976: Front door of church given "new look" (metal cladding with decorative hinges replaces bare wood).
May 1976: Church driveway rebuilt and basement repainted.
June 20, 1976: 25th Anniversary services and Reunion of Confirmation Classes. Guest speakers Rev. Roy Knoll and President Albin Stanfel. Guest choir - First Lutheran, Windsor.
The mortgage burning ceremony took place on November 27, 1977. After 22 years of worship in their church the members rejoiced to have the mortgage paid off.
In November, 1977 Rev. Huras accepted a call to St. Paul’s, Elmira, and Pastor Richard Ballenthin of Our Saviour, Chatham served as vacancy Pastor.
1980:
450th Anniversary of the Augsburg Confession (1530) & 400th
Anniversary of the Book of Concord (1580).
Pastor John Obeda was installed as pastor of the congregation on May 7, 1978. He served the congregation until 1981, when he moved to London and helped establish Hospital Chaplaincy to Lutherans in area hospitals. Pastor Paul Pollex, of Redeemer Lutheran, St. Thomas served as vacancy pastor.
Following this, in August, 1982, Pastor Craig Behrens was installed as pastor of the congregation. Pastor Behrens served the congregation until 1985, when he moved to British Columbia.
During the time of vacancy Pastor Paul Pollex served the congregation, and Rev. Thomas Chopp instructed the confirmation class.
In May of 1986, Pastor Randall Kleemola accepted the call to become the next Pastor of the congregation. He was installed Sept. 7, 1986.
1988: Lutheran Church – Canada founded when the Canadian congregations of St. Louis-based Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod formed an autonomous Canadian church. Each Canadian congregation voted whether to stay with LC-MS, join the new Synod or become independant. Grace votes to join the LCC.
Paster Kleemola served the congregation until 1993, when he accepted a call to Amherstburg, Ont. Pastor Paul Pollex again served as vacancy Pastor.
The Lord heard the prayers of His people and in April 1994 Pastor Eric Betsch accepted the call to serve the congregation He was installed on July 10, 1994.
Starting Christmas 1995: presentations of an "Outdoor Nativity Scene", live re-enactments of the birth of our Saviour Jesus.
Growth:
| Date | Baptized members | Communicant members |
| Sep 1951 | 135 | 59 |
| Apr 1955 | 218 | 132 |
| Jun 1996 | 188 | 145 |
