Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Christ's Lutheran decorated for the Advent and Christmas seasons

BRIEF CHURCH HISTORY

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lewisburg

Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania was founded in 1802 by German settlers, who brought with them their language, Bibles, catechisms and hymnals. They worshipped in a log schoolhouse, which was replaced by a brick one in 1809. Both buildings stood where the parsonage now stands. Until 1809, the congregation was served by visiting pastors traveling on horseback.

In 1835, our first church was built on the corner in the German cemetery lot, next to the schoolhouse. That same year Sunday School was started and in 1843 the first regular English language services were held for a congregation of 180 members. This was a church-building era throughout the community and in 1853 a larger brick church replaced the first one on the site. One of the prized acquisitions of the church was its bell, which is still in use. The German schoolhouse was in use until 1858, until replaced by the first parsonage. In 1885 we acquired our first pipe organ, and several choirs were organized.

The turn of the century saw more need for increased facilities. The current brownstone church building and Adult Sunday School room were built and dedicated on September 7, 1902. The Sunday School room was enlarged in 1926, and a Christian Education building was added in 1957. A new $300,000 Austin pipe organ was installed in 1993.

Christ's Church has come to the finish of extensive renovation work in every area -- worship, education, social areas -- in order to accommodate the changing needs of our 800-member congregation. The sanctuary was made more accessible to people of all abilities, and air conditioning was installed. The education wing was entirely redone and includes a much-needed centralization of staff offices as well as new Sunday School rooms. The kitchen and church hall are like new and storage space was provided for the sewing ladies. An archives room was built with fireproof walls and climate control.

Additional work included improved Scout facilities, a new library area and atrium, a sanctuary balcony, and a protected drop-off area at the sanctuary entrance. Our Cooperative Preschool now enjoys new facilities in the lower part of the education wing, and everyone, including the folks who move the hand bells downstairs is enjoying the elevator service between all floors.

Over the years, we have mentored and encouraged both ordained and lay ministers. From the congregation have come eight pastors, a missionary, five lay ministers, placement for two seminary interns, as well as one young man currently considering entering seminary. We have also supported many missionaries to India, Japan and Liberia.

We are a dynamic congregation, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and responding to the needs of the community through many ministries. Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church has experienced God's grace through more than two centuries of growth in ministry in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. We invite all to join us in serving our God and singing a new song to the Lord who has done -- and continues to do -- marvelous things!