New Hanover Evangelical Church, Gilbertsville, Pa., was founded in 1700 by Lutherans from Germany’s Palatinate region.
Frederick Lutheran Church in Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, was founded in 1666 and is celebrating its 350th anniversary this month.
Living history While their backstories are important, the ELCA’s oldest congregations aren’t just about their pasts—they are also alive with ministry in their communities today. “I consider it a rare opportunity to pastor this 350-year-old
church,” said L.B. Tatum, pastor of Frederick Lutheran in Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, which was established in 1666. “I feel the pastoral call here at Frederick is a great responsibility, not only for the historical preservation of Lutheranism in the Caribbean but also for the continuance of a vibrant ministry that is Christ-centered and missional in its approach to outreach and service.” Founded by West Indian Lutherans, Frederick’s history tells of
a rocky start. After outraging church authorities in Denmark, the congregation’s first pastor, Kjeld Jensen Slagelse, forced his way into the pulpit on the island of St. Thomas and preached uninvited. There were fewer than 50 Dutch, Germans, English and French living on St. Thomas when the church was founded and no indigenous inhabitants. Today it’s a vibrant Caribbean Lutheran church. With a
membership of about 300, Tatum said Frederick also serves visitors disembarking from the cruise ships: “The history of Frederick is visible both inside and outside the church. From the ringing of the bell just before worship to the replica of a Danish sailing ship that is suspended from the ceiling in the narthex, which is visible to all who enter the sanctuary.” Tatum sees Frederick’s history and longevity in context to its
theology. “The importance of Frederick to the ELCA is that Frederick is a visible indicator of the sustainability of God’s grace, hope and love for his people,” he said. “Moreover, Frederick is a gift from God to the whole church that affirms the words of Martin Luther when he said, ‘I have held many things in my hand and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.’ ”
Wendy Healy is a freelance writer and member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, N.Y.
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