History
We began as a Mission Church in 1952, with Pastor
Diers as our first Pastor. At that time this church was full of
young families and children. By 1956, a large kindergarten and the
beginning of a grade school were well underway with Miss Laura Kruse
(nee Krueger) in charge. The idea of a large Christian grade school
was popular and led to the building of the educational unit behind
the main church building. This started out as a one-story building,
built by the congregation under the direction of John and Walt Schmidt.
A second story was soon added as enrollment increased.
The Sunday school had two hundred and seventy-five students in the
early days. The church building could not accommodate them so extra
classes were held in the Parsonage and at Nelson School. A Sunday
school was then started over at Morley School, which led to the
building of Atonement Church on Sperling Avenue. Other new churches
were soon to follow and many members joined the churches in their
areas.
Pastor Ted Becker succeeded Pastor Diers and his role was to rebuild
the membership. His wife Barbara had a beautiful voice and was a
great help with the Choir.
Pastor Sittler followed Pastor Becker and both he and his wife were
quite musical. They introduced the red Hymnal to the congregation.
Following Pastor Sittler, Pastor Bill ray was called to this ministry.
During his time with us, the new wing was added to the church and
a Day Care and Preschool were introduced. Burnaby added Kindergarten
to their school program and Grace Lutheran Church had to redefine
it’s’ role in the community. The Senior Happiness Group
began and met regularly in the Fireside Room for bible study and
fellowship. Pastor Ray organized and became very involved in a home
for young people called Koinonia House. It was at this time that
Pastor Baglo joined us in joint ministry with Pastor Ray and became
our Pastor when Pastor Ray left.
Shortly afterwards, Pastor Baglo went on to publish the Canada Lutheran
in Winnipeg and Pastor Marlin Aadland joined us. His role was to
maintain and strengthen the programs of the church. The seniors
group strengthened the programs of the church. The seniors group
strengthened with good participation in Bible study and we saw growth
in the stewardship of the congregation. The thirtieth birthday of
the church was celebrated during his time. A new organ was purchased
and dedicated and dinner was held at the Astor Hotel. In 1985 Pastor
Aadland was elected Bishop of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Canada, BC Synod.
Michael Rodgers served during the absence of a pastor.
Pastor Cliff Reinhardt followed and once again we were blessed with
great music as both Cliff and his wife Lorraine had great voices.
He was with us when we celebrated our fortieth anniversary with
a dinner at Kings Inn on Kingsway. Our Day Care closed in 1997 and
the space was rented to Agnes Rodzki who still runs Tree House Daycare.
Pastor Alan Lai followed Pastor Reinhardt, and a new Hymnal, With
One Voice, was introduced. Our Sunday School flourished during his
short time with us. Pastor Lai moved after receiving a scholarship
to study in New York.
Pastor Kim Staus was called in the fall of 2000 and is ably serving
as our Pastor at the present time.
The Pastors and people of the congregation that have worshipped
and served here over the past fifty-five years have blessed Grace
Lutheran Church. I believe God has used this church as a tool to
benefit our community, and so we look forward with confidence that
He will continue to use this church in the future.
Andy McLennan.
Pastors of Grace Congregation
Herman Diers…………………………..1952-1959
Theodore Becker……………………….1959-1964
John Sitler………………………………1965-1966
William Ray…………………………….1966-1972
Ferdy Baglo……………………………..1971-1973
Marlin Aadland………………………….1973-1985
Clifford Reinhardt……………………….1986-1997
Alan Lai………………………………….1998-200
Ken Harris (Interim)……………………..2000-2001
Kim Staus………………………………..2001-Present
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