“What began as a small gathering has blossomed into a beacon of faith.” This is the story of Christ the King Lutheran Church. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the transformative spirit of music.
In 1945, a small group of nine people with immense faith founded Christ the King Lutheran Church. They met in Roberts Elementary School. They were determined to create a successful church. The congregation made the church a central part of their lives. They embraced responsibilities. They never lost sight of their goal. They loved to sing classical music from Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.
Pastor Larson arrived in December 1945. He shared the enthusiasm of his young congregation. By June 1946, membership had grown to 46. Sunday School was organized for children and adults. Numerous committees and activities sprung up for all ages. A building program was undertaken.
The first service in Christ the King Church’s new building was held on June 26, 1949. Over 100 people attended. From the beginning liturgy and sacred music were essential. In November 1949, a church choir was officially organized. Helen Martinson and Andy Anderson led the choir. They focused on the music of great composers. These composers wrote for liturgical settings. Thus, Christ the King Church earned its reputation as “The Music Church”.
The original nave was built of Texas limestone in 1949. Severin Knuteson a charter member owned the construction company. Knuteson ensured there were no knots in the wood panels. In 1972, a pipe organ replaced the electronic one. The seating was rearranged. The communion table was placed in the center of the nave.
By the early 1980s, the congregation had outgrown the original nave. The Bach Society concerts indicated that a larger venue was needed. The new nave would continue in the style of the old nave. It would feature similar stone and architectural details.
Award winning Houston architect Charles Tapley designed the building. Howard Pieper a long time member consulted on the project. W.J. Hessert Construction Company was the contractor. The new nave opened in 1982. The original 1949 nave was renovated into the parish hall. This preserved a precious part of the church’s history.
In 1986, an 80 foot high bell tower was dedicated. It housed three large bells. In 1995, the current Noack pipe organ was dedicated. The Bach Society and the organ attract artists from around the world.
Christ the King Church merged with Memorial Drive Lutheran Church in 2022. This created Christ the King West Campus. In 2023, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hope Tringali was installed as the 8th Senior Pastor.
Today, Christ the King Church offers abundant opportunities. These opportunities include music, service, education and fellowship. It continues to be a welcoming community. It embraces all without exception. It welcomes regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. All are welcome regardless of sexual orientation or economic status. Each person is a unique creation of God.
As Pastor Larson wrote in 1952, “Forward we move with God”. Christ the King Lutheran Church remains a vibrant testament to faith. It celebrates music and community.