Grace Lutheran Church

On September 3, 1916, the Rev. Adolph Schlifke was installed by the Mission Board as the first pastor of our congregation. At this time, the congregation was known as St. Timothy's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The first regular meeting of our congregation was held on November 14, 1916. Since then, we have regarded this as the official date of the founding of our church and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church was adopted as our congregation's official name.

In 1918 the Rev. Carl Romoser was installed as pastor, succeeding Pastor Schlifke. In 1919, our congregation purchased a lot located at the corner of Springfield Boulevard and 102nd Avenue which now the home of our congregation.

The following year pastor Louis Wagner accepted the call to be the pastor of Grace succeeding pastor Romoser. Pastor Wagner retired in 1962 and in June, 1963 Rev. Clarence Roth accepted the call to serve as our new pastor.

The 1980s were a time of transition and change. Women, long active in congregational life, assumed more visible leadership roles. In 1983, our congregation elected its first woman Church Council president, Mrs. Lynette Taylor. The 1983 school year opened with a new Day School principal, Mrs. Corinne DiStephan. Lay members of the congregation became more active during the worship service.

In February 1986, Pastor Roth retired and later that year in September, the Rev. Gerald Schaar was installed in as pastor of our congregation.

During 1988, our entire congregation began worshiping together at a single Sunday morning service. During the eighties, activities designed to promote spiritual growth were highlighted. Our Sunday School adopted the them "Come Grow with Us." Members were led in Divine Drama and Crossways, Bible Study programs designed to expand our knowledge and understanding of our faith.

In response to a growing need in our congregation, a group of women began gathering for evening fellowship meetings during February 1989. The group became known as "The Willing Workers."

In June 1989, Pastor Schaar accepted a Divine Call to become part of the mission effort in Florida. During the pastoral vacancy, the ministry of our congregation continued under the leadership of God.

The congregation rejoiced when Rev. Peter Dorn accepted our call and was installed as pastor on September 22, 1991. In April 2005, Pastor Dorn accepted a call in Country Club Hills, Illinois.

In November 2007, Rev. Marvin A. Griffin, Sr. accepted our call and is currently serving as pastor of our Congregation. His wife, Mrs. Shirley Griffin is currently serving as principal of Grace Lutheran Day School.