Our History

Sept.  2016 Newsletter for the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour

1941

A small group of people with a vision for the future began holding Sunday School in the nearby Gates Chili Firehouse and Prayer Services at Washington Irving School.

1944

A simple wooden church was erected on the current property.

1946

Reverend Lyle Halvorson was called as Pastor. He remained with the congregation for nearly 20 years.

1960

The ground was broken for the current building with its unique and inspiring stained glass window. The first service was held in June.

1965

Reverend A. Sidney Kitts was hired and served the congregation for 25 years.

1966

The original church building was demolished.

1968

A new wing for classrooms, a library, and fellowship areas were started, making all levels accessible for parking lots, and the upper level for handicapped accessibility.

1973

Our Saviour Child Development Center Daycare was established with Sharon Yackel as director. It later split off as a separate entity due to changes in the law. It continued to be housed at LCOS.

1977

LCOS left the Missouri Synod for the ELCA.

1987

We became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

1988

The handbell choir was started.

1991

Pastor Paul E. Shoop was hired as pastor. He served the congregation until 2003. Under his guidance the Church undertook another major building program to make its facilities handicapped accessible between floors with an elevator/lift, added daycare rooms, and a larger gathering area. A Contemporary Service was added.

2003

We chartered the Boy Scout Troop and Pack 243 for them to hold meetings at the church.

2004-2005

Jerry Stich installed both an FM Broadcast and an Audio Loop for the hearing impaired.

2005

Reverend Joachim Wilck was hired as pastor. Under his ministries many outreach services were added:

  • Summer Thursday night outdoor church services.
  • Alpha courses, inviting non-Christians and inquires, allowing participants to experience and learn about Christianity.
  • A Prayer Shawl Ministry for service men and women as well as shut-ins and those hospitalized.

2014

The Daycare Center was closed due to declining enrollment.

2015

The last year for the Nursery/Pre-School.

2016

The 8:00 a.m. Traditional Service and the Contemporary services were merged into a Modern Tradition/Contemporary Service, continuing the 11:15 a.m. Traditional Service.

A memorial flag pole was erected and dedicated in the name of Richard W. Mitchell. Surrounding the flag pole are military veteran bricks to honor our deceased and living veterans.

Pastor Wilck celebrated his 40th Anniversary of his Ordination.

The Women of the ELCA sponsored Operation Christmas Child, filling over 100 boxes sent globally to children in dire need of school and hygiene supplies, toys, and clothing.

2018

The congregation members approved our revised constitution in the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA. This revised Constitution eliminated the Board of Elders replacing it with the Congregational Life Committee (CLC), reporting to the Church and Community Committee.

2019

The Congregation approved the revised By-laws of the Lutheran Church of our Saviour to make it compliant with our Constitution, the Upstate New York Synod, and the National Constitutions of the ELCA.

LCOS celebrated its 75th year serving the Lord and community.

The new bell carillon system was dedicated to the memory of Bettie Curry.

2020

Services inside our church were discontinued due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Within 2 months services were broadcast through car radios in our parking lot for "drive-in" services. We continue to record the YouTube services and accessible via our website.

2021

Indoor services were reinstated following CDC guidelines. Drive-in services continued to be broadcast.