Grace Lutheran Church
Penn Hills PA

Grace Lutheran Church in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania is a Christian congregation serving the Penn Hills community and encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey.

We seek to serve God by working for justice and peace, respect and learn from all the great faith traditions and desire to be known by the love we have for one another.

 

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The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod  

https://www.gracelutheranpgh.org/  

 

 

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Congregational History

Ninety-one years ago, the Holy Spirit led a group of Christians, who accepted Christ and the denominational name "Lutheran," to form a nucleus for our present church in Universal, PA.

Reverend H.R. Lindke, Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Brushton, was asked to minister to their spiritual needs. For a number of years he came to Universal to baptize children and perform other official acts.

Pastor Lindke asked members of the group if they would be willing to form an Adult Membership Class with the thought of organizing a Lutheran Church in the future. A few expressed a willingness to start such a venture. The Fall of Depression Year 1930, this class was organized, and they met weekly in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Nonnenberg.

This small group continued their study of God's Word and yearned for their own church. The spiritual Word of God moved them in the Spring of 1931 to seek a place where they would hold worship services. After some unsuccessful efforts, Pastor Lindke learned that the old Stotler School and the land on which it was built might be available. He contacted the Penn Township School Board and Mr. Harvey Stotler, and was able to purchase the entire property for the sum of $1,000.

Much work had to be done on the building to make it presentable and usable. It was no small task. Windows had to be repaired, painting and plastering was desperately needed. Willing workers from Holy Cross Lutheran Church and our charter members changed the school building into a House of Worship. The altar and lectern were constructed, and the crucifix and candlesticks were donated by a sister congregation in Hannahstown, PA. Five Hundred dollars purchased chairs, hymnals, and paint.

September 6, 1931 was a memorable day in the history of our church, because it was the "Official" beginning of GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH UNIVERSAL, PENNSYLVANIA

The Dedicatory sermon was delivered by Reverend George Deoge. His text was John 14:6: I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY ME. Reverend H.R. Lindke performed the Rite of Dedication.

The next Sunday, September 13, the first Confirmation Class was received into communicant membership. Grace began with 12 charter members, 30 souls, and 23 Sunday School children. Another larger membership class was begun. God's Word did not return empty!

Charter members were: Mr. Steve Herrmann Mrs. Ida Herrmann Mr. John Kersten Mrs. Augusta Kersten Mr. Samuel Stoehr Mrs. Magdalene Stoehr Mr. Gustave Nonnenberg Mrs. Teresa Nonnenberg Mr. Frank Haney Mrs. Ida Haney Mr. Grant Turpin Mrs. Christina Turpin

Pastor Lindke served Grace Lutheran Church until April 1933. From this time forth, Grace would be served by a full-time pastor, Rev. Margold W. Harmon, who took charge April 2, 1933. Six months later, September 10th, he was ordained and installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev R.C. Franke, St. John Lutheran Church, Millvale, preached the sermon, and The Rev. H.R. Lindke performed the Rites of Ordination and Installation.

God blessed the preaching and ministry of His humble servant. During the fall and winter of 1934, a basement was dug under the church building. Men willingly contributed their time and labor toward improving the surroundings wherein the Good News of the Savior would be preached and taught.

December 4, 1940, the Constitution was drawn up and adopted. January 15, 1941, the By-laws of the congregation were also adopted. The congregation applied for membership in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. September 1941, concrete steps and walks were constructed. Grace Church joined the Pittsburgh Church Extension Society, purchased hymnals and 16 church pews. October 15, 1941, Grace Church celebrated its 10th Anniversary.

The 10th Anniversary reported a communicant membership of 78, and Sunday School enrollment of 75. July 12, 1942, the church became DEBT FREE! October 17, 1942, a gas stove was installed in the church basement. In 1944, lighting fixtures were installed. Year 1949 the church belfry was remodeled, Cross installed, and a chime amplifier was acquired.

July 2, 1950, Grace Church received its Charter, and became a self-supporting congregation of the Eastern District. August 29, 1950, the much-needed addition to the church basement was begun.

Next year, May 1951, construction of the church parsonage was also begun, and in December 1951, Rev. Harmon and his family moved into it.

During Pastor Harmon's 19-year pastorate in Universal, the communicant membership increased from 29 to 132 members. Poor health would not permit Reverend Harmon to continue his pastoral work at Grace. December 31, 1952, he preached his Farewell sermon, and continued his ministry at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Newton, North Carolina. During the vacancy, The Rev. Daniel F. Goerss served Grace, and gave vital support at a time of dire need. Due to his poor health, he served Grace Church only until May 31, 1953. The Rev. H.W. Peterson, Institutional Missionary of Greater Pittsburgh, graciously consented to take his place.

June 10, 1953, the congregation received the good news that The Rev. Russell D. Killion had accepted their Call to serve as their Pastor. July 12, 1953, he was ordained and installed by the Circuit Visitor, the Rev. Carl B. Shultz. The Rev. Daniel Goerss delivered the sermon, and Rev. H.R. Lindke served as liturgist.

Pastor Killion's excellent manner of proclaiming God's truth from God's Word helped the congregation to grow. A new organ was purchased and dedicated September 13, 1953. May 16, 1954, a fund drive was established to eliminate the $9,500 parsonage debt. During his pastorate, more than half of the debt was removed. Plans for a new church building were the thought of the time. January 1, 1956, Pastor Killion preached his Farewell Sermon. He had accepted the Call to Zion Lutheran Church, Marengo, Illinois.

Grace Church received another Candidate from St. Louis Seminary, the Rev. Richard T. Brendel. He was Ordained and Installed August 19, 1956, by the Rev. Dr. Eric C. Malte, President of the Eastern District, The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and Pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Penn Hills. Rev. Arthur Bicker delivered the sermon. Grace Church, prior to Pastor Brendel's installation, was ably served by The Rev. Dr. Eric C. Malte and his son, Vicar Paul Malte.

The fall of 1958, Mr. Wallace V. Moll was selected to design a new church building. August 1959, another two adjoining acres of land were purchased. Plans for a new church were presented to the congregation January 10, 1960, and were approved without a negative vote. July 1960, the building contract for $113,500 was signed by contractor Dale C. Barton.

August 7, 1960, the Ground-Breaking Ceremony took place at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Carl Shultz serving as Guest Minister, and able assisted by the members of the Building Committee. The Building Committee consisted of Lloyd Jackson, Chairman; Andrew Brunner, Melvin Lux, William Lomicka, Grant Turpin, and Herman Zellars.

The Cornerstone was laid January 29, 1961, with Rev. Nickerson of Holy Cross delivering the sermon. Sunday, May 14, 1961, also Mothers' Day, our new House of Worship was dedicated to the Glory of God.

Three years later, June 15, 1964, having felt that his pastoral work was done at Grace, Pastor Brendel announced his acceptance of the Call as Associate Pastor to Peace Lutheran Church, Saginaw, Michigan. On August 2, 1964, Pastor Brendel delivered his Farewell Sermon.

During Pastor Brendel's tenure, Grace Church grew from 147 to 279 Communicant Members. He baptized 113 children and adults, confirmed 116 children, performed 24 marriages, and officiated at 17 funerals.

The Rev. Frederick E. Schumann, Associate Chaplain of the Lutheran Church Extension Society of Pittsburgh, served as Vacancy Pastor from August 1964 until April 1965.

The Call was extended the first part of 1965 to Reverend William Krenning who, Sunday, April 4, 1965, was installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church. The Reverend Frank P. Jorcke, Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, McKeesport, delivered the sermon. The Rite of Installation was performed by the Reverend Walter Sommerfeld, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Forest Hills, and Counselor to the Pittsburgh Southern Circuit. Liturgist was Reverent Frederic E. Schumann.

Pastor Krenning struggled through a difficult period of factionalism and unique problems. At times observers wondered if the congregation was Christian. However, the church went on with its work. The parsonage septic tank problem was resolved by connecting to the Anderson Development Sewer line that went through church property. Financial solutions were arranged with God's Bank of the Eastern District (pay interest, but no principal for one year). The congregation celebrated its 35th Anniversary October 6, 1966, with Rev. M.W. Harmon as guest preacher. Membership roll listed 436 souls, 290 communicants, and 160 Sunday School students. Pastor Krenning, in the summer of 1967, accepted the Call to King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas F. Gross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Gross, Jr., first member of Grace Lutheran church to enter to Holy Ministry, was ordained June 27, 1965. Rev. Edwin Winter, associate Pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, delivered the sermon, with the Rite of Ordination performed by Rev. Walter Sommerfeld, and the Liturgy by Rev. William Krenning. The Rev. Thomas Gross was installed in his first parish, Christ Lutheran Church, Seaford, Delaware, July 4, 1965.

Rev. James W. Davis, Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroeville, accepted the responsibilities of a Vacancy Pastor, and his bold and challenging leadership motivated members to take stock of the crucial spiritual and financial problems that plagued them. The leadership went to work, and many good things began to happen.

November 13, 1967, Grace Lutheran Church extended the Call to Reverend John Molitoris, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, London, Ontario, Canada. Pastor Molitoris accepted their Call on December 18, 1967, and was installed January 14, 1968 by Eastern District President Rev. Herman R. Frincke. The Vice-President, Rev. Walter Koenig, pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, North Side, delivered the sermon, and Rev. Walter Sommerfeld, Circuit Counselor and Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Forest Hills, was Liturgist.

There was much work to be done. Members rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Four sets of paraments were donated, youth purchased the mimeograph machine and typewriter, a $6,512 Allen Organ was purchased, and parsonage shingles were donated. In 1971 Grace celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Guest preacher was Rev. Richard T. Brendel. Membership was up to 565 souls, 382 were communicants. There were 160 Sunday School students.

In 1974 the parking lot and driveway were paved and sealed at a cost of $11,000. In 1975 the $68,000 mortgage note to People's Bank of Unity was paid off and burned. Last charter member, Grant Turpin, died in 1976. That same year Pastor Molitoris was granted permission to become a homeowner. In 1977 Grace honored Pastor's 25 years in the Holy Ministry and 25 years of Christian marriage with a special worship service of thanksgiving and praise, dinner, and purse offering. Their special gift was used toward a trip to the Holy Land - Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Etc., and on to Rome to visit the Vatican and the sites around it. (Pastor wrote a detailed report of the entire trip, to reflect on what took place each day, where he was, what he saw, and then found Scripture to reinforce the time, the place, the accounting of the event.)

September 6, 1980, Grace began its Celebration of the 50th Year with monthly special events, climaxing with the final festive celebration. September 1981, the $60,000 mortgage note to Eastern District's God's Bank was also paid off and burned. Membership was now 469 souls, of which 369 were communicants. There were 60 Sunday School students. The guest preacher at the morning service was Rev. Richard T. Brendel; the guest preacher for the afternoon service was Rev. Margold W. Harmon. September 1985 Grace Church began its 55th year with its eye on May 11, 1986, the 25th anniversary of the Dedication of the Church Building.

The church proper was refurbished. New carpeting and tiles were laid. Church interior was painted. This $10,000 project was undertaken under and by the leadership of the church ladies. Pews and furnishings were refinished, and the ladies restroom was also refurbished. The congregation pledged $8,200 for Synod's Alive In Christ appeal.

The 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, under the leadership of Frank Craig and his assistants: Steve Wutzke, Master of Ceremonies and Slide Presentation of 1931 - 1964 church history; Iris Wutzke, Publicity; Frank Craig, Slide Presentation of 1965 - 1986 church history; Mary Ann Bornemann, catering and flowers; Marilyn Jack, Entertainment; Pastor Molitoris, special worship service and Grace Church History booklet. All this took place in preparation for the May 11, 1986, GIVE GOD GLORY Observance. David Robatzen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Robatzen, Jr., grandson of member Mrs. Elizabeth Robatzen, having completed his second year at St. Louis seminary, began his vicarage assignment June 2, 1986, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Streator, Illinois.

In June 1992 Pastor Molitoris retired from full time ministry. Rev. Emil Lavek served as vacancy Pastor until Rev. Berton Greenway accepted Grace's call. Pastor Greenway was installed at Grace on April 4, 1993, and on September 19, 2017 became Grace’s longest serving pastor. The congregation celebrated its 90th anniversary in September of 2021. In 2023, Pastor Greenway will celebrate 35 years of service in the ministry and 30 years of service to Grace.

 

Question: Where is Grace Lutheran Church located?
Answer: Grace Lutheran Church is located at 2931 Universal Rd, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

Question: Who is Grace Lutheran Church's pastor?
Answer: Grace Lutheran Church's pastor is Rev Berton Greenway.

Question: What time is service at Grace Lutheran Church?
Answer: Sunday Worship Schedule: Adult Bible Class 9 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion 10:15 am

Question: What is Grace Lutheran Church's Facebook page?
Answer: https://www.facebook.com/gracelutheranpgh

Question: What is Grace Lutheran Church's website?
Answer: https://www.gracelutheranpgh.org/

Question: What denominaiton is Grace Lutheran Church?
Answer: Grace Lutheran Church belongs to Lutheran Church denomination and is affiliated with The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.