The 80th Anniversary of Pilgrim Lutheran

1946-2026

We at Pilgrim Lutheran Church are excited to celebrate our church’s 80th anniversary this year, as our church was incorporated on June 9, 1946. We are grateful for 80 years of service to our community, sharing the Gospel of Jesus, and providing a warm and welcoming place for members and visitors to gather.

The service recording from our church service commemorating our 80th year be viewed below: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/mmjJF2lWGNGgk2EdGuP3tHgAV8ELm0g0u57Y4Yz-QQDSCxYBzicaoYt2DYzGNiG7.W3Pg1i2FdJUE94ce and the bulletin can be viewed here.

A letter from the Southeastern District President, the Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon, can be read here, and a video message is available here.

Please enjoy some of our Pilgrim memories below!

Pilgrim’s Pastors

Rev. Karl Boehmke (1946-1951)

Rev. Karl Boehmke (1946-1951)

Rev. Enno Lohrmann (1951-1959)

Rev. Enno Lohrmann (1951-1959)

Rev. Dr. Martin Poch (1959-1968)

Rev. Dr. Martin Poch (1959-1968)

Rev. Dr. Lester Zeitler (1969-1994)

Rev. Dr. Lester Zeitler (1969-1994)

Rev. Arnold Deknatel (1992-1994)

Rev. Arnold Deknatel (1992-1994)

Rev. Bernard Nass (1994-1996, interim)

Rev. Bernard Nass (1994-1996, interim)

Rev. David Pearcy (1996-1999)

Rev. David Pearcy (1996-1999)

Rev. Paul R. Sutterer (1999-2002, interim)

Rev. Paul R. Sutterer (1999-2002, interim)

Rev. James W. Kreft (2002-2015)

Rev. James W. Kreft (2002-2015)

Rev. John Duran (2016-2018, interim)

Rev. John Duran (2016-2018, interim)

Rev. Joshua D. Rusert (2018-present)

Rev. Joshua D. Rusert (2018-present)

The Church Building

The first sanctuary

5009 Westway Drive

Cornerstone of new (present) church, laid 1956

5500 Massachusetts Avenue (current site)

The cross in front of Pilgrim

Confirmation Classes Through the Years

1948 Confirmation Class

1949 Confirmation Class

1952 Confirmation Class

1953 Confirmation Class

1954 Confirmation Class

1960 Confirmation Class

1965 Confirmation Class

1966 Confirmation Class

1969 Confirmation Class

1970 Confirmation Class

1971 Confirmation Class

1973 Confirmation Class

1974 Confirmation Class

1968 Confirmation Class

1975 Confirmation Class

1976 Confirmation Class

1977 Confirmation Class

1978 Confirmation Class

1979 Confirmation Class

1980 Confirmation Class

1981 Confirmation Class

1982 Confirmation Class

1983 Confirmation Class

1984 Confirmation Class

1985 Confirmation Class

1986 Confirmation Class

1987 Confirmation Class

1988 Confirmation Class

1989 Confirmation Class

1990 Confirmation Class

1991 Confirmation Class

1992 Confirmation Class

1993 Confirmation Class

1997 Confirmation Class

1999 Confirmand

2000 Confirmation Class

2002 Confirmation Class

2006 Confirmation Class

2010 Confirmand

2013 Confirmation Class

2014 Confirmation Class

2015 Confirmation Class

Sunday School Through the Years

1947 - Pilgrim's first Sunday School class

1947 - Pilgrim's first Sunday School class

Photo Mar 03, 10 36 24 AM.jpg

Photo Dec 01, 9 46 34 AM.jpg

Events and Musicals at Pilgrim

March 1957 Cornerstone Laying

March 1957 cornerstone laying service

Musical Excerpts