Curious about the only church on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica? That is Pilgrim Lutheran Church. This may seem surprising given the many religious buildings along Wilshire in other areas.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church’s story began long before this building. The seed was planted in 1909. Some people wanted a permanent Lutheran church in Santa Monica. In 1912, Reverend Theodore Haeuser held services twice a month.
In 1913, Walter Troeger was sent to Santa Monica. It was a remote seaside town then. Reverend Troeger preached his first sermon on October 5, 1913. Twenty-two families pledged to support the church on May 14, 1914. That was the official birth date of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. In those early days, their assets were small. They had a Bible. They owned a couple dozen hymnals. They also possessed a communion set.
By 1919, the first permanent church building was completed. It still stands on 14th Street and Arizona Avenue.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church grew over the years. A new building was needed. In 1945 and 1951, five building lots were purchased. These lots were at the corner of 18th and Wilshire. Ground was broken in June 1952. The new church was dedicated on June 14, 1953.
Reverend Troeger retired in 1960. He had served Pilgrim Lutheran Church faithfully for over 46 years. His work to establish the church is an example to everyone.
Reverend I.F. Hodde served as interim pastor. Then Reverend Victor Neemeyer was called. Reverend Neemeyer served Pilgrim until his death in 1981. He was a Circuit Counselor. He was also a guest speaker on “The Lutheran Hour.”
Reverend Kenneth Molnar was installed in 1982. He also served as a Circuit Counselor. In 1987, he was called to a mission in Rancho California. Reverend Harry Miller became interim pastor in 1985.
Exactly 75 years after Reverend Troeger’s installation, Dr. Albrecht became the fourth pastor. That was on September 21, 1988. Dr. Albrecht came from Lutheran Television. His work there had won Emmys.
In January 1994, a major earthquake damaged Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Services were held in the gymnasium for over a year and a half. The church was repaired and strengthened. It was rededicated in November 1995. The altar is made of Sicilian marble and mahogany. The pews are also mahogany.
In June 2001, Reverend Nathan Kilian replaced Dr. Ardon Albrecht. He served until the Fall of 2021.
Reverend John Arthur Nunes began serving part-time in March 2022. On September 11, 2022, he became Pilgrim’s sixth pastor. He served until May of 2024.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church is made of brick and poured concrete. It has Gothic Revival touches. The sanctuary features mahogany pews. The altar is made of mahogany and Sicilian marble.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and Pacifica Christian High School have partnered for 19 years. Their goal is to encourage human flourishing in Santa Monica. They want to honor God. They encourage people to think and live well.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community. It has a rich history. Its doors are open. You can come and experience its enduring spirit.