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Grace Lutheran Church, Thomasville, NC observed its 75th anniversary in 1986. This celebration was a time to review the past, assess the present and plan for the future. Growth in the ministry at Grace appears to fall into twenty-five year cycles that are comparable to the growth in a vineyard with the first twenty-six years called - "A Time to Plant."
There were twenty-six charter members when the congregation was organized on November 5, 1911, by the Mission Developer, the Rev. V. Y. Bozer, D. D., First Church, Lexington assisted by the Rev. M. L. Canup, Emmanuel, High Point. Other supply pastors were The Rev. P. D. Brown, D. D. and The Rev. P. J. Bame. On August 1917 The Rev. John B. Moose, Ph.D., D. D. became the first regular pastor serving only one year preparing the foundation for the later pastors. He secured the Masonic Hall where regular services were held each Sunday morning. A Sunday School was organized in October, 1917, with A. Loten Sullivan, superintendent and three classes taught by Pastor Moose, Mrs. J. W. Peacock and Mrs. Lee Black.
The Rev. N. D. Bodie and the Rev. G. O. Ritchie, the next two pastors, provided excellent administrative leadership through two ambitious building campaigns. The first church building, erected under the guidance of Pastor Bodie, was opened for service on July 2, 1922.
Pastor G. O. Ritchie served from October, 1926, until his death on February 8, 1937. Major achievements during his pastorate were dedicating the church building (November 27, 1927), building a modern brick parsonage (1930), and establishing a self-supporting congregation (1937) with one hundred ninety-eight confirmed members.
"A Time To Grow" best describes the next twenty-nine years of mission outreach into the larger community with two Sunday morning services, Week Day Church Schools, Church Library, auxiliaries for all age groups and Scout Troops for boys and girls. The adjoining parsonage was renovated for a Parish House and a new parsonage was purchased.
The congregation recognized the need for future expansion and studies determined that relocation was the best answer. The congregation purchased the Unity Street property in 1961 and made plans for a new building. A Service of Celebration for entering the new church was held on Sunday, June 19, 1966.
The following ministers served Grace Church during this expansion period: The Reverends Edwin Troutman, Charles Patterson, Charles Wessinger, Jack Smith, Daniel Brown and William Carr. Several supply pastors served Grace Church through the years, however none had a more challenging task than The Rev. J. Wilford Lyerly. He served for nearly two years, ministering to the congregation while construction of the building was in progress. Outreach with Roman Catholic Christians began in the '70's with joint Vacation Bible Schools and quarterly worship services.
Growth in the triad area population meant hope as well as new responsibilities. A new mission statement for Grace Church was adopted in 1987, as efforts were made to seek more effective ways to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to more people in a changing society. During the late 80's and continuing throughout the 90's, ministries to families with young children and people struggling thorough loneliness, divorce, or financial adversity were introduced. Muriel Johannessen, an Associate in Ministry, was called in 1994 to direct this work.
After School and summer day care for young children and Divorce Recovery groups were sponsored. Two Services of Worship with Holy Communion each Sunday morning, mid-week services with Bible study and activities for all ages were part of Grace Church's commitment to tell the story of Jesus and His love.
Two pastors were the leaders during these changing times, The Rev. Hoke H. Ritchie (1966-1983) and the Rev. Craig D. Saltzer 1984-1999).
1996 brought renovations to the foyer in our Education Building. The Christian Education Committee aided in the establishment of a small church library. Prayer chains were begun.
In 1997 the Church Sanctuary was equipped with a new sound system. Marian Saltzer organized a Chime Choir.
During 1998 our congregation helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity and our church parsonage was sold.
In 1999 the kitchen and fellowship hall were renovated. Pastor Craig Saltzer left after 16 years of service at Grace.
The year 2000 saw the beginning of a Parish Nurse Program with Susan Hauser being called to this ministry. Pastor Glenn Boland and Pastor Pam Isley served as interim pastors until the Reverend Mike Hoffmann was called as Grace's new minister.
On November 4, 2001, Grace Lutheran Church in Thomasville, N. C. celebrated its 90th anniversary. A 90th anniversary certainly marks the passage of time, but more importantly, it celebrates a life of faith. Grace can be proud of how the Gospel has been proclaimed in both word and deeds. Grace can also be proud of the many ways of life of Faith has been lived and passed down to each generation. We truly have been graced by God and strengthened by His Presence.
On August 25, 2002 Tracy Brinkley became Grace's second Parish Nurse to carry on the duties left by Susan Hauser.
As we look to the future, it is both Word and Sacrament that needs to continually shape our life. We celebrate our past with much gratitude and praise; and in confidence welcome the future as the Holy Spirit guides us in wisdom and peace.
As we begin to look forward and anticipate our 100th anniversary we do so with a spirit of hope, knowing that the Gift of God's Grace continues to be the strength of our life of Faith.
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