Want to discover a church that embodies welcome and faith? Then let’s step inside Pilgrim Lutheran Church. This isn’t just a building. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is a community of people. It’s a beacon of God’s light.
In 1944, Rev Karl Boehmke explored mission opportunities. The capital city was growing after World War II. By 1945, the area west of Washington seemed promising. Boehmke shared the Good News going house-to-house. He traveled by bus from Mt Rainer. The Lord provided space for worship. Services began in the basement of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Houston. Later, they moved to the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Sandoz.
In June 1946, Pilgrim Chapel was built at Jamestown Road and Flint Drive. The first service and Sunday School took place there. The congregation officially formed on June 9, 1946. There were 17 charter members and 85 children in Sunday School. Pilgrim Chapel was dedicated on May 25, 1947. In 1948, it joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Pastor Boehmke led Pilgrim until 1950. He became an Air Force chaplain. He hoped God’s people would be filled with love for Christ. He wanted them to be attentive listeners. They should be reverent and ready to serve. He encouraged daily prayer and thankfulness.
Rev Enno Lohrmann arrived in September 1951. He brought energy to the growing church. The church focused on worship, education, fellowship, witness, and service. Construction began on Massachusetts Avenue in June 1956. The new church was dedicated in November 1957. Delegates from six embassies representing Lutheran countries attended.
Rev Dr Martin Poch became Pilgrim’s third pastor in 1959. He supported seminary students. Pilgrim became known for community outreach. In 1967, Dr Poch became part-time president. He was elected full-time president in 1968.
Rev Lester E Zeitler became pastor in June 1969. He served on the faculty of Concordia Seminary. He oversaw growth and outreach for 25 years. He supported music in worship. Pilgrim acquired a Steinway grand piano and a Rieger organ. Zeitler continued the vicarage program. In 1991, Rev Arnold Deknatel became associate pastor.
Zeitler promoted Christian education and social ministry. He became known for his ministry to the homeless. His service to Pilgrim ended in June 1994.
Chaplain Ben Nass was Interim Pastor from 1994 to 1996. Pilgrim celebrated its 50th Anniversary in June 1996. Pastors Paul Sutterer, David Pearcy, and James Kreft also served Pilgrim.
Pastor Joshua Rusert was installed on August 19, 2018. He leads the ministry to the community. Pilgrim Lutheran Church welcomes all. It encourages everyone to learn God’s will. It inspires them to live it out in their lives. Pilgrim Lutheran strives to be a beacon, a flourishing place, and a resource of leadership. It aims to witness God’s inspiring love. The church offers weekly worship and Christian education. Services are held on Sundays. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is more than a building. It’s a community where faith comes to life.