On December 27, 1931, several families
came together for worship at the William Diskau home. All of the original group
are deceased.
In 1936, the first class of young people was
confirmed at Concordia. In 1938, Concordia became officially incorporated in the
State of Delaware and a charter member of the Southeastern District of the
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The Ladies Aid Society, the first women's
organization at Concordia, was also formed in 1938.
January 7,1940, The Reverend Howard W. Tepker
was installed as the first Pastor of Concordia and the congregation started a
program for a church building of their own. World War II put all non-defense
building on hold. October 20, 1946, was the happy day of dedication for the 140-member congregation.
The Reverend George H. Mueller, the second
pastor called by Concordia, served from 1943 to 1971. He shepherded the
congregation through membership growth, building programs, and mission churches.
To meet the needs and direct the talents of the growing congregation, Sunday
School, Adult Bible Study, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, and the Ladies Aid Society
were created or expanded. Two mission congregations were established from
Concordia: Faith Lutheran, New Castle, in 1950 and Our Redeemer Lutheran, Newark,
in 1957.
Pastor George Mueller retired in 1971 and The
Reverend Edmond W. Fritz was called and served until 1978.
In 1974, Concordia established CONTACT
Tele-ministries in Wilmington. The congregation supplied financing, office space,
and the first two directors of CONTACT until it grew large enough to be "on its
own."
From 1974 to 1977, The Reverend Carl R.
Sachtleben served as CONTACT director and Concordia's Assistant Pastor. In 1977,
The Reverend David E. Mueller became director of CONTACT and Assistant Pastor of
Concordia.
1978 was Concordia's 40th Celebration
Year. To mark the occasion, the George H. Mueller Endowment Fund was created.
In 1979, The Reverend David E. Mueller became
Concordia's fourth full time pastor. He led Concordia through its years of
establishing its Cooperative Preschool, expanding community outreach, and
building its new church. Today, Concordia's Preschool has more than 130 students and
20 staff members, and has become a well respected unique gift to the community.
On November 3, 1985, Concordia celebrated the
dedication of its home on Silverside Road.
In July of 1988, Scott A. Callaway was ordained
and installed as an Associate Pastor. Pastor Callaway joined Concordia's staff
with special responsibility for developing programs for high school youth and
Adult Christian Education. Scott left Concordia on September 13, 1992 to become
pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Topsfield, Massachusetts.
Today, our congregation has approximately 285
confirmed members, and approximately 190 families.
The second article of our constitution states
our purpose as "…that of a Christian congregation: to tell others of God's love
in Christ; serve others as Christ served us; keep each other strong in faith;
rejoice and offer praise to God for His goodness; manage our lives and resources
to serve God; and care for and serve one another."
We attempt to fulfill those purposes through our
worship services, Sunday School and Adult Study, Youth Activities, Senior and
Bell Choirs, Evangelism, and fellowship programs; and in reaching out to the
community through Lutheran Community Services, L.I.F.E., Meals on Wheels,
Emmanuel Dining Room, CONTACT-Delaware, Hilltop Lutheran Day Care Center,
Martin Luther Foundation, Sojourner's Place, Interfaith Force on Housing,
Habitat For Humanity, and our Preschool. |
