How about we uncover the story of a church conceived in prayer? I am talking about Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Its story began long before its physical structure even existed.
In June of 1955 a notice went out to all Lutheran Church congregations in Philadelphia. The Mission Board had purchased land for a new church and school. This property was located in Montgomery County. It featured a 25-room building suitable for a chapel classrooms offices and apartments.
However the story really starts on May 5th 1955. Two realtors took Pastor Mirly to see houses for additional school facilities. One realtor mentioned an estate that had just been put on the market. It was called Square Shadows.
Things moved quickly after that. Architect Charles Stade evaluated the property. He said it would cost a million dollars to replace it.
Later that month the Mission Board voted to purchase Square Shadows for the new mission. They requested that Pastor Mirly share his ministry with the new mission. Preparations began immediately to open the school in the fall. Plans were also made for the first worship service.
Prayer was essential during this period. The community’s response was crucial. Around 5000 brochures were distributed. Local papers featured stories about the new church and school. An office was set up in the home of Ray and Lois Dankenbring. Pastor Mirly spent three days each week calling people who responded to the publicity.
In July the Mission Board called Pastor Mirly to serve as the organizing pastor. They also called F. Carl Kretzmann as the first school principal.
But less than a month before the school’s opening there was no teacher. Contractors were already working on renovations. The prayers were answered when Albert Mueller accepted the call.
The opening of school was delayed by a week until September 17th. Finally other teachers were secured. Lois Dankenbring agreed to teach Kindergarten for the first year. Laura Weber was signed to teach grades one and two.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church was truly conceived through prayer. Without prayer it might never have been born. The church was born in faith.
When 34 children met for prayer and worship on September 19th 1955 a new church was born. When 63 people gathered for the first public worship service on October 2nd 1955 a new church was born in faith.
It took faith for the Mission Board to spend a large sum of money before calling a pastor. It took faith for the first three teachers to accept the challenges of teaching in a new school. It took faith for the first parents to entrust their children to a new and unknown school.
God blessed these people’s faith. The original members built a church that brought spiritual life to many people. Members served each other through spiritual fellowship. The first parish social was held in November.
The women served each other by meeting monthly. The emphasis was on the Spirit. Lois Dankenbring set a high tone for spiritual growth and fellowship.
The men carried out the church program. The church’s work was carried on by various boards and committees. The youth actively participated in the Walther League.
Gloria Dei also served others. Members held their first open house for the community. Some of those visitors still worship here every Sunday.
The members have always been willing to give of themselves. The chapel was renovated. A parsonage was purchased. Classrooms were added.
Buildings do not make a church. People do. These people pray work and worship so that God’s Kingdom may come among us.
Gloria Dei has always taken seriously the Lord’s command to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. A Christian Day School was started so children could be taught the Word of God daily. A Sunday School was also begun.
Study groups were formed. Family devotions became a prominent part of Gloria Dei’s spiritual growth. Gloria Dei has provided the Sacraments as freely as the Word.
The church has been a means of bringing hope and comfort at the time of death. Gloria Dei is a church conceived through prayer born in faith nurtured with the Word and confirmed by the Sacraments. Gloria Dei is to the glory of God.
After Pastor Mirly the Reverend Eric H. Wildgrube was called in 1964. A new sanctuary was completed in 1971. The nave is a huge chancel where God’s people gather around His altar to behold His glory.
Due to declining child population the church school was discontinued in 1978. The space was leased to the Montessori school. Pastors Wildgrube Baue Townsend and Young have all served Gloria Dei.