“God’s word was made flesh through the birth of Jesus Christ.” These words encapsulate the core belief of Christus Victor Lutheran Church. This vibrant community extends a warm welcome to all.
Christus Victor Lutheran Church is a congregational church. It is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA includes nearly 10000 congregations. It shares a living confidence in God’s grace.
Christus Victor believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Through Jesus, God taught love, grace, and mercy. Followers listen to Jesus’s words. They live in ways pleasing to God. All fall short of God’s glory. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, new life is assured.
The church invites all to visit and learn about Christus Victor and its faith. Communion is celebrated every week. You do not have to be Lutheran to participate. God invites all who seek forgiveness. They receive Jesus’s body and blood through bread and wine.
The story of Christus Victor began in May 1957. Rev. Paul T. Manrodt started as a mission developer. The first worship service was on September 8th. It was called the “Cub Hill Lutheran Mission.” The service was held in the basement of the Carney Building and Loan.
By April, the mission thrived. On April 27, 1958, the church was officially formed. Eighty-eight charter members attended. In June, Christus Victor called Rev. Manrodt as its first pastor.
On June 11, 1958, the parsonage was purchased. It was on Flagstone Drive in Cub Hill. In July, the first service was held in the “House Chapel.” The congregation purchased the farmhouse property. It was located at 9833 Harford Rd.
In May 1959, the first building fund program began. By 1962, enough funds were raised. The groundbreaking service was on May 6th. The first service in the new church was on October 28, 1962.
In April 1967, Pastor Lawrence S. Cameron began his work. He stayed for 12 years. Rev. Ronald E. Reaves arrived on February 3, 1980. In January 1984, Pastor Kenneth H. Homer started. In September, the new Fellowship Hall was completed. Christus Victor was growing. On October 12, 1986, the new Wicks pipe organ was dedicated. It is still in use today.
The congregation grew in the late 80s and early 90s. Christus Victor outgrew its worship space. A successful building fund program was started. Groundbreaking for the present church building was on March 20, 1984. The cornerstone was laid on September 19th.
The first service in the present church was on November 13, 1994. The dedication was on April 23, 1995. Bishop George Mocko presided. All past pastors of Christus Victor attended.
In 1999, the new building for Victor’s Vittles was completed. This neighborhood food pantry opened on June 6th.
Today Christus Victor Lutheran Church offers services on Saturdays at 5 p.m. There are also services on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.. The church strives to gather, grow, and go. It makes the Living Christ known.
Remember Christus Victor’s journey. It is a testament to faith. It exemplifies community. It embodies the love of Christ.