“Keep quiet” was the stern order given. But Pastor remained true to God’s word. This led to the founding of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Welcome to Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Detroit. Since the 1920s, Peace Lutheran has served the Morningside community. But its story truly begins in 1950. The pastor testified to his flock about heterodoxy within the Missouri Synod. He presented numerous memorials of official protest. These were before its convention. This represented a combined effort of concerned pastors and laymen. Synodical officials warned him to “keep quiet”. They told him to stop “making trouble” in the synod.
In November 1951, he was unscripturally deposed. This was part of a carefully orchestrated plot. It involved local members and officials. Yet, a faithful remnant recognized the pastor’s call. They reorganized as the present Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. They chose the name to reflect their unity in the Spirit.
The fledgling church joined the Orthodox Lutheran Conference. The pastor co-founded it. This was the parent organization. From it sprang the Concordia Lutheran Conference in 1955. From 1951 to 1964, the congregation met in temporary facilities. They first met in members’ homes. Then they met in a parsonage built in 1952. A parochial school operated there until 1956.
In 1963, the small but forward-looking flock began an ambitious project. They would erect a permanent church building. The land had been acquired in 1952. The church was dedicated on April 4, 1964. From 1969 to 1984, it housed the Concordia Theological Seminary. It remains the congregation’s sanctuary.
In 1990, expansion became necessary. More Christian education and fellowship facilities were needed. An addition was constructed. It included Sunday School classrooms and meeting rooms. There were also washrooms and a large fellowship hall. A church office and pastor’s study were added. The addition was dedicated in September 1991.
In 1987, the congregation faced another challenge. A sister congregation in Midland, Michigan, lost its pastor. They couldn’t find a replacement. Peace Church stepped in. For eighteen years, the pastor made bi-weekly trips to Midland. But in 2006, the Midland members transferred to a closer congregation. The Midland operation closed in January.
Today, Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church continues its mission. It offers Sunday services and Bible studies. The church also runs a food pantry and clothing closet. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a testament to perseverance. It is a testament to unity. Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church welcomes all. It offers spiritual nourishment and community support.