News

Grace Lutheran kicks off yearlong centennial

By Bill Moss, Published: September 30, 2015

Grace Lutheran Church launches a year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary on Sunday with the theme of Psalm 33:11, “… the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

Prior to 1910, the Lutheran Church was virtually unknown in Hendersonville and practically all of Western North Carolina. At that time, a few Lutheran families from central North Carolina and South Carolina made their way to Hendersonville.
In 1914, the Rev. J. H. Wannemacher, then Chairman of the Executive Committee of Missions of the E. L. Tennessee Synod of North Carolina, traveled to Hendersonville from Hickory to canvass the Lutherans living here on the prospects for beginning a mission. He preached, as did Rev. Dr. Patterson and others, in the County Court House on Sunday afternoons several times during the winter of 1914-15. From January to May, 1915, the Rev. Prof. Martin L. Stirewalt, of Lenoir-Rhyne College had charge of the monthly services, being assisted by other members of the faculty. During this time, the Methodist Church was offered for afternoon services and the offer accepted.

Services were conducted during the summer of 1915 by various ministers and seminary students and an active Sunday school was begun. Sunday morning, July 30, 1916, after an inspiring sermon by Rev. C. L. Miller of Greenville, S.C., the congregation voted that it was their opinion that a Lutheran congregation should be organized in Hendersonville. A month later on Sept. 3, 1916, the Lutherans of Hendersonville met to complete the business organization of their congregation, adopted a constitution and elected officers. The church began.
On Sunday the church will dedicate a special quilt made by church members Kitty Etterman and Jane Anderson and quilted by Peggy McCaffrey.
Grace Lutheran’s Centennial celebration will continue throughout the coming 12 months until Sept. 4, 2016. The community is cordially invited to join the Grace congregation in this yearlong celebration. For information about Centennial events at Grace Lutheran visit http://bit.ly/grace-centennial. Grace Lutheran Church is at the corner of Sixth Avenue West and Blythe Street in Hendersonville. For information call 828-693-4890.

Youth to bless animals

The High School Youth of Grace Lutheran Church will host their second annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. in the outdoor area by the front entrance of the church. All members of the community are welcome to bring pets of all kinds for a blessing. There will be light refreshments following the service. In the cross+generational event for children, youth, families and adults, the youth will partner with adults to administer the blessings.