Ready to explore a church with a story as unique as its mission? This is Hope Lutheran Church in San Diego. It is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant community hub with a fascinating past.
Hope Lutheran Church started as a mission named Holy Cross. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Mission Board purchased land for it on January 14, 1954. This land was once Waller Airfield.
Imagine Clairemont Drive back then. It was an unpaved landing strip. Two small buildings stood on the site. One had been the airfield’s flight tower. Notably, there was no electricity.
The first service took place on April 25, 1954. Rev. Kurt Brink led the service. He was the pastor of Logan Heights Lutheran Church, now Messiah Lutheran. Seventeen people attended that first gathering of Holy Cross.
Rev. Richard Schinnerer was officially installed on April 24, 1955. He served until January 8, 1960. A new church building was dedicated on December 4, 1955. Holy Cross celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. Past pastors and former members reunited for the occasion.
Several pastors have served at Holy Cross Lutheran Church like The Rev. Donald Koenig, The Rev. Edwin Krueger and The Rev. Edward Wessling. The Rev. David Clark, The Rev. Daniel Hauschild and The Rev. Steven Wells also pastored. Pastor William Smith has served since 2008. The church also had interim pastors.
Today Hope Lutheran Church continues its mission. It serves the Linda Vista community with the Gospel of Jesus. It has two ministries. One serves a traditional mixed Anglo group. The other serves a first and second generation Hispanic group. Both share Word and Sacrament Ministry.
Worship services are held in English and Spanish. English services are at 9:30 a.m.. Spanish services are at 11:30 a.m.. Holy Communion is every Sunday except for fifth Sundays.
Hope Lutheran is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a church with a rich history. It continues to evolve. It continues to serve its community.