Gracious Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church History60 Years – “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (II Cor. 5:7)
Gracious Saviour Lutheran Church formed on September 27, 1961 when two congregations, Christ Memorial Lutheran (located on Outer Drive at Meyers) and Northwest Trinity Lutheran (Mueller Building at present location), merged. Pastor Gerald LaBuhn, who had served the former Christ Memorial congregation, was the first pastor and served until early 1964. In July 1964, the Rev. Thomas Waber was installed as pastor, serving until March of 1967. There were two worship services on Sunday morning during these early years.
The Rev. Alan Heggen was installed as pastor in July 1967. Fresh from a nine-month urban training course, Pastor Heggen confronted the congregation with a re-evaluation of its mission. An integrated church was the vision of the new pastor and some of the members. During this time, Gracious Saviour established a close working relationship with the community organization, Schaefer 7/8/Lodge Association, which continues to hold its meetings at the church.
Pastor Heggen served until June 1969. The Rev. James Matties then accepted Gracious Saviour’s call and served from July 1969 until August 1970. The Rev. Richard Hofmann came to serve Gracious Saviour in September 1970. Children’s World Education Center, a day care facility, came into being in September 1971. Gracious Saviour began cooperation with two other churches sharing catechism and membership classes. Pastor Hofmann joined the staff at the Michigan District Office of the American Lutheran Church in October 1975. Gracious Saviour continued without pastoral leadership for some time.
The Rev. Roger Hardy came to Gracious Saviour in August 1976. Children’s sermons were added to the worship, Youth and Adult choirs were organized and an excellent youth program was developed. Gracious Saviour agreed to participate in the Lutheran Seminaries’ Inner City Internship Program. This program was a training ground for seminary students who were interested in becoming urban pastors. It was a new and rewarding experience for the church membership. Interns resided in the city and served as assistant to the pastor for a year. In 1977, the first intern, Rick Carlson came to spend a year with us. Darwin Schlake, Michael Elias, Paul Taintor, Susan Wolfe, Barbara Brunstein, Shari Ayers, John Norquist, and Matthew Bode served their internships at Gracious Saviour. The lessons learned at Gracious Saviour guided many of these interns into very active urban ministries.
In the fall of 1978, the Church mortgage was paid off. Children’s World closed its doors in 1980. Pastor Hardy decided to accept a mission startup in upper Michigan in July 1984 and the pastorate was vacant until the Rev. Cedric Gibb accepted the congregation’s call in March 1985. Pastor Gibb served until August 1986. In July 1987, Craig Corbin was ordained and called to serve as pastor. During his tenure Gracious Saviour became involved in feeding and housing the homeless and renewed our emphasis of stewardship. Pastor Corbin served Gracious Saviour until July 1990.
Gracious Saviour called the Rev. Carla Nelson to serve as pastor in December of 1990. Pastor Carla was the ninth pastor and first female to serve at Gracious Saviour. During her tenure three new choirs were formed: the Handbell Choir in 1992, the Children’s Choir and the Chorale in 1993. We began annual spring revivals in 1995. God continued to bless the Gracious Saviour Family with growth. Gracious Saviour presented its first Black History Month program in February of 1996 and it became an annual tradition. In 1997, a new organ was installed and dedicated in memory of member Melvin A. Ashley. Our minister of music left for a full-time position in 1999 and Ms. Gayle Hill stepped up to direct the music ministries. Ms. Clara Dawkins continued to volunteer as director of the Children’s Choir, Mrs. Lois Ashley volunteered as organist and Mr. Cario Miller volunteered to work with the bell choirs. In 2002 and 2003, Gracious Saviour embarked on a financial journey to renovate the original attached portion of the church. With consultation and prayer, members committed to funding the project through a pledge program named “Building By Faith.”
We celebrated Pastor Carla Nelson’s 15th anniversary at Gracious Saviour in December of 2005. In April 2007, Pastor Carla resigned to accompany her husband to South Dakota. Pastor Cheryl Hanna served as Interim Pastor from the fall of 2007 to the summer of 2008. Gracious Saviour faced many challenges after the relocation of Pastor Cheryl Hanna in 2008. Rev. Darrel Dennis accepted our call to serve as pastor in October 2012 and served until November 2015. After being without a permanent full-time pastor for an extended period, a hard decision was made to sell the Church Parsonage.
In 2009, Gracious Saviour members came together and committed to our continued role in this northwest Detroit neighborhood. With assistance from Pastor Skip Waschmann of Genesis Lutheran Church, an outreach ministry was developed. Gracious Saviour’s Jerusalem Outreach Ministry was initiated based in readings from the book of Acts, when the disciples were charged to be witnesses, “…in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We regularly offered two bible studies each week and a Saturday Children’s Enrichment Program. Activities for the neighborhood have included Community Bazaars, Summer Ice Cream Socials, distribution of school supplies and backpacks to the neighborhood children and to Ennis Center for Children Inc., Vacation Bible School, Worship on the Lawn and Jazz On The Lawn. We distribute Thanksgiving “Boxes of Love,” containing items to prepare a complete meal. We provide a program called “Last Minute Christmas,” that allows parents to choose toys and clothes for their children, as well as a Holiday Meal. The church also provides assistance and support for seniors, which includes a monthly Movie and Lunch Day. Through the years Gracious Saviour has been blessed in many ways. In 2013, the final payment was made on the $288,000 “Building By Faith” pledge program” for the earlier renovation of the Mueller Building. After St. James Lutheran Church closed in April 2017, the May 2018 partnering with their well-organized Food Pantry was a blessing for all. The combined pantry now serves the community twice monthly and has a regular following. In addition, the Pantry has provided Community training classes, including “Cooking Matters” and “Lunch and Learn,” that helps participants make better and healthier use of their food and food monies. Jerusalem Ministry also includes Wednesday, 12 Noon and 6PM, Bible Studies, with members and community residents attending weekly. (Currently on-line via Zoom, and in person again when feasible.) A weekly “Hustle Exercise Class” was launched, which drew many neighbors and friends to participate. A wonderful bus trip to visit “Noah’s Ark” in Kentucky was planned and received good support from members, friends and neighbors in the Fall of 2017. Gracious Saviour has been and remains a meeting place for many community organizations in northwest Detroit. Besides the Schaefer 7/8 Lodge Association, the church has regularly hosted a number of organizations, including the 12th Precinct Community Relations Committee and various non-profit organizations. Several churches in transition have also shared our sanctuary. Alcoholics Anonymous has held regular weekly meetings in the fellowship hall for over 40 years. Over the years during the periods between Pastors, we have been blessed with the assistance of former Interns, Pastors from neighboring churches and Supply Preachers, including the following: Rev. Dr. Tony C. Henderson, Rev. Roland Schaedig, Minister Jim Spilos, Rev. Eugene Nissen, Rev. Brian Gibson, Rev. William Lindholm, Pastor Ronald Maye, Rev. Victor Mesenbring and Gracious Saviour members, Minister Donald Johnson, Licensed Lay Minister Joyce Brooks and Minister Doshia Barton. These Ministers have become part of the Gracious Saviour family. Minister Doshia Barton enrolled in the Licensed Lay Ministry Academy in 2016, completing her Internship in December 2019, under Pastor Matthew Bode of Zion Lutheran Church. With the consent of Bishop Donald Kreiss, Southeast Michigan Synod ELCA, Licensed Lay Minister Doshia Barton was installed to serve at Gracious Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church on February 23, 2020. In April 2020, Gracious Saviour was forced to discontinue all in-person Worship, Sunday School and other activities due to the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic. Due to our “Walk by Faith,” we have been able to use Zoom, You Tube and other virtual methods to continue many of our gatherings and community activities. We continue to have Worship Service, two Bible Studies weekly, and in 2020 a Virtual Christmas Choir Concert. In 2010, Gracious Saviour held its first “Jazz On The Lawn” Program. A Virtual “Jazz On The Lawn” was presented in July during the 2020 Pandemic. We celebrated the 12th year of “Jazz On The Lawn” on July 17, 2021. In 2020 we also provided Thanksgiving “Boxes of Love” and “Last Minute Christmas” and are currently working to continue our regular activities and more in 2021 and going forward.In June 2021, Pastor Doshia Barton and Mr. Roy Strong, one of our regular musicians, were joined in marriage and a wonderful outdoor celebration was held at the church. Also in June, we celebrated our high school and college graduates with fellowship on the lawn after Worship Service. On Sunday, July 4, 2021, Worship Service returned to the sanctuary. Ministries have also continued to be available virtually. We continue to baptize our babies and welcome new members to the Gracious Saviour Family. We’ve come this far by faith….By the power of the Holy Spirit, we lift up this history to God’s glory.
Gracious Saviour Lutheran Church formed on September 27, 1961 when two congregations, Christ Memorial Lutheran (located on Outer Drive at Meyers) and Northwest Trinity Lutheran (Mueller Building at present location), merged. Pastor Gerald LaBuhn, who had served the former Christ Memorial congregation, was the first pastor and served until early 1964. In July 1964, the Rev. Thomas Waber was installed as pastor, serving until March of 1967. There were two worship services on Sunday morning during these early years.
The Rev. Alan Heggen was installed as pastor in July 1967. Fresh from a nine-month urban training course, Pastor Heggen confronted the congregation with a re-evaluation of its mission. An integrated church was the vision of the new pastor and some of the members. During this time, Gracious Saviour established a close working relationship with the community organization, Schaefer 7/8/Lodge Association, which continues to hold its meetings at the church.
Pastor Heggen served until June 1969. The Rev. James Matties then accepted Gracious Saviour’s call and served from July 1969 until August 1970. The Rev. Richard Hofmann came to serve Gracious Saviour in September 1970. Children’s World Education Center, a day care facility, came into being in September 1971. Gracious Saviour began cooperation with two other churches sharing catechism and membership classes. Pastor Hofmann joined the staff at the Michigan District Office of the American Lutheran Church in October 1975. Gracious Saviour continued without pastoral leadership for some time.
The Rev. Roger Hardy came to Gracious Saviour in August 1976. Children’s sermons were added to the worship, Youth and Adult choirs were organized and an excellent youth program was developed. Gracious Saviour agreed to participate in the Lutheran Seminaries’ Inner City Internship Program. This program was a training ground for seminary students who were interested in becoming urban pastors. It was a new and rewarding experience for the church membership. Interns resided in the city and served as assistant to the pastor for a year. In 1977, the first intern, Rick Carlson came to spend a year with us. Darwin Schlake, Michael Elias, Paul Taintor, Susan Wolfe, Barbara Brunstein, Shari Ayers, John Norquist, and Matthew Bode served their internships at Gracious Saviour. The lessons learned at Gracious Saviour guided many of these interns into very active urban ministries.
In the fall of 1978, the Church mortgage was paid off. Children’s World closed its doors in 1980. Pastor Hardy decided to accept a mission startup in upper Michigan in July 1984 and the pastorate was vacant until the Rev. Cedric Gibb accepted the congregation’s call in March 1985. Pastor Gibb served until August 1986. In July 1987, Craig Corbin was ordained and called to serve as pastor. During his tenure Gracious Saviour became involved in feeding and housing the homeless and renewed our emphasis of stewardship. Pastor Corbin served Gracious Saviour until July 1990.
Gracious Saviour called the Rev. Carla Nelson to serve as pastor in December of 1990. Pastor Carla was the ninth pastor and first female to serve at Gracious Saviour. During her tenure three new choirs were formed: the Handbell Choir in 1992, the Children’s Choir and the Chorale in 1993. We began annual spring revivals in 1995. God continued to bless the Gracious Saviour Family with growth. Gracious Saviour presented its first Black History Month program in February of 1996 and it became an annual tradition. In 1997, a new organ was installed and dedicated in memory of member Melvin A. Ashley. Our minister of music left for a full-time position in 1999 and Ms. Gayle Hill stepped up to direct the music ministries. Ms. Clara Dawkins continued to volunteer as director of the Children’s Choir, Mrs. Lois Ashley volunteered as organist and Mr. Cario Miller volunteered to work with the bell choirs. In 2002 and 2003, Gracious Saviour embarked on a financial journey to renovate the original attached portion of the church. With consultation and prayer, members committed to funding the project through a pledge program named “Building By Faith.”
We celebrated Pastor Carla Nelson’s 15th anniversary at Gracious Saviour in December of 2005. In April 2007, Pastor Carla resigned to accompany her husband to South Dakota. Pastor Cheryl Hanna served as Interim Pastor from the fall of 2007 to the summer of 2008. Gracious Saviour faced many challenges after the relocation of Pastor Cheryl Hanna in 2008. Rev. Darrel Dennis accepted our call to serve as pastor in October 2012 and served until November 2015. After being without a permanent full-time pastor for an extended period, a hard decision was made to sell the Church Parsonage.
In 2009, Gracious Saviour members came together and committed to our continued role in this northwest Detroit neighborhood. With assistance from Pastor Skip Waschmann of Genesis Lutheran Church, an outreach ministry was developed. Gracious Saviour’s Jerusalem Outreach Ministry was initiated based in readings from the book of Acts, when the disciples were charged to be witnesses, “…in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We regularly offered two bible studies each week and a Saturday Children’s Enrichment Program. Activities for the neighborhood have included Community Bazaars, Summer Ice Cream Socials, distribution of school supplies and backpacks to the neighborhood children and to Ennis Center for Children Inc., Vacation Bible School, Worship on the Lawn and Jazz On The Lawn. We distribute Thanksgiving “Boxes of Love,” containing items to prepare a complete meal. We provide a program called “Last Minute Christmas,” that allows parents to choose toys and clothes for their children, as well as a Holiday Meal. The church also provides assistance and support for seniors, which includes a monthly Movie and Lunch Day. Through the years Gracious Saviour has been blessed in many ways. In 2013, the final payment was made on the $288,000 “Building By Faith” pledge program” for the earlier renovation of the Mueller Building. After St. James Lutheran Church closed in April 2017, the May 2018 partnering with their well-organized Food Pantry was a blessing for all. The combined pantry now serves the community twice monthly and has a regular following. In addition, the Pantry has provided Community training classes, including “Cooking Matters” and “Lunch and Learn,” that helps participants make better and healthier use of their food and food monies. Jerusalem Ministry also includes Wednesday, 12 Noon and 6PM, Bible Studies, with members and community residents attending weekly. (Currently on-line via Zoom, and in person again when feasible.) A weekly “Hustle Exercise Class” was launched, which drew many neighbors and friends to participate. A wonderful bus trip to visit “Noah’s Ark” in Kentucky was planned and received good support from members, friends and neighbors in the Fall of 2017. Gracious Saviour has been and remains a meeting place for many community organizations in northwest Detroit. Besides the Schaefer 7/8 Lodge Association, the church has regularly hosted a number of organizations, including the 12th Precinct Community Relations Committee and various non-profit organizations. Several churches in transition have also shared our sanctuary. Alcoholics Anonymous has held regular weekly meetings in the fellowship hall for over 40 years. Over the years during the periods between Pastors, we have been blessed with the assistance of former Interns, Pastors from neighboring churches and Supply Preachers, including the following: Rev. Dr. Tony C. Henderson, Rev. Roland Schaedig, Minister Jim Spilos, Rev. Eugene Nissen, Rev. Brian Gibson, Rev. William Lindholm, Pastor Ronald Maye, Rev. Victor Mesenbring and Gracious Saviour members, Minister Donald Johnson, Licensed Lay Minister Joyce Brooks and Minister Doshia Barton. These Ministers have become part of the Gracious Saviour family. Minister Doshia Barton enrolled in the Licensed Lay Ministry Academy in 2016, completing her Internship in December 2019, under Pastor Matthew Bode of Zion Lutheran Church. With the consent of Bishop Donald Kreiss, Southeast Michigan Synod ELCA, Licensed Lay Minister Doshia Barton was installed to serve at Gracious Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church on February 23, 2020. In April 2020, Gracious Saviour was forced to discontinue all in-person Worship, Sunday School and other activities due to the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic. Due to our “Walk by Faith,” we have been able to use Zoom, You Tube and other virtual methods to continue many of our gatherings and community activities. We continue to have Worship Service, two Bible Studies weekly, and in 2020 a Virtual Christmas Choir Concert. In 2010, Gracious Saviour held its first “Jazz On The Lawn” Program. A Virtual “Jazz On The Lawn” was presented in July during the 2020 Pandemic. We celebrated the 12th year of “Jazz On The Lawn” on July 17, 2021. In 2020 we also provided Thanksgiving “Boxes of Love” and “Last Minute Christmas” and are currently working to continue our regular activities and more in 2021 and going forward.In June 2021, Pastor Doshia Barton and Mr. Roy Strong, one of our regular musicians, were joined in marriage and a wonderful outdoor celebration was held at the church. Also in June, we celebrated our high school and college graduates with fellowship on the lawn after Worship Service. On Sunday, July 4, 2021, Worship Service returned to the sanctuary. Ministries have also continued to be available virtually. We continue to baptize our babies and welcome new members to the Gracious Saviour Family. We’ve come this far by faith….By the power of the Holy Spirit, we lift up this history to God’s glory.