Imagine West Seattle in the early 1900s. A large Lutheran church on Capitol Hill looked across Puget Sound. They saw an opportunity for a new church. That vision led to the creation of Hope Lutheran Church.
In 1918, thirteen people gathered. They formed Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church. Within a month, they called a pastor. They purchased four lots at 42nd Ave SW and Oregon Street. Pastor Oscar Korsmeyer led the construction of the original chapel.
Hope Lutheran Church experienced tough growth. This was during World War I and the Depression. By the early 1920s, a parsonage was built. The church became self-sufficient. It needed no money from the Mission Board. In the early 1930s, membership reached 300. The church building was enlarged.
Hope continued its mission tradition. It established Calvary Lutheran Church in 1927. Beacon Lutheran followed in 1934. In the 1940s, Hope helped organize Grace Lutheran on Vashon Island. They held Sunday School in High Point. They even held services for German prisoners during World War II.
In 1939, Pastor Schmidt was installed. Three assistant pastors joined him. Hope’s membership rose to over 500. In 1949, Pastor Jaech began a new era.
The church building was rebuilt in 1952. It housed the growing congregation. In 1959, Hope realized a long-standing dream. They opened Hope Lutheran School. The school began with 88 students. It included kindergarten through 5th grade. A grade was added each of the next three years. Hope School recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. It currently enrolls over 220 students in Preschool through 8th grade.
Clemens Pera became the first associate pastor in 1963. In 1970, Pastor Jaech moved on. Pastor Loel Haak joined Pastor Pera. In the early 80s, Pastor Haak was succeeded by Pastor Doug Iben. Brad Hirsch became the first Director of Christian Education. Jonathan Kopecky is Hope’s current Director of Christian Education. He joined in 2013.
Pastor Iben was called to a new congregation. Pastor Pera retired in the mid-90s. Interim pastors served. From 2001 to 2011, Pastor Keith Eilers oversaw the building project. This joined the church and school buildings together. In 2011, Pastor Peter Mueller arrived.
Hope Lutheran Church also started Seattle Lutheran High School. Hope members participate in various ministries. These include Stephen Ministries and the Lutheran Laymen’s League.
Hope Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. A group of West Seattle residents wanted their own place of worship. Nine men and four women organized Hope Lutheran Church in 1918. A new church was dedicated in 1919. It stood at the current site. That is Southwest Oregon and 42nd Avenue Southwest. Five spiritual leaders participated in the centennial service.
Today, Hope Lutheran Church offers worship options. It continues its vision into the future. It shapes its work strategically. It follows God’s calling.