OUR CHURCH HISTORY
Grace Lutheran Church began as a preaching station during the days of World War II. Grace Lutheran Church became an official ministry of the LCMS in Winter Haven, FL, in 1948. The first permanent Pastor, the Reverend Dr. August Bernthal was called in 1950.
In 1952 ground was broken for the first church building (pictured to the left). That building is now referred to as the Parish Hall. In 1955 the sanctuary was expanded to seat 450 people for worship.
In 1956 buildings were completed to house a parochial kindergarten. This marked the beginning of Grace Lutheran School.
Ground was broken for a new sanctuary in 1960 (see picture below). Construction of additional school rooms also provided for a school that served children in grades one through seven. In 1969 the school facilities were expanded by adding a gymnasium and additional classrooms for middle school. Today the school and early childhood center serve children from infancy through grade eight.
In the 1970’s the sanctuary was enhanced with the addition of a Holloway pipe organ, and the installation of the beautiful stained glass windows that adorn the Nave, Chapel, Narthex, and Balcony.
The 1980’s saw continued growth for Grace. Office space, meeting rooms, a youth center, and a school library were added to the facilities. These facilities became known as the Bernthal Center for Community and Ministry, and were dedicated for use in 1989.
The most recent addition to Grace’s facilities occurred in the year 2000. A new Early Childhood Center serving infants and preschool age children was opened on the grounds across the street from the church.
In 2006 Grace Lutheran Church once again began a vicarage program. Each year Grace receives a third year seminary student who works with the pastors and staff for a year to gain experience in all aspects of parish life before returning to seminary for his final year of education.
In 2007, Grace Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland began the Fine Arts School of Central Florida. This ministry is designed to provide opportunities for both students and adults to gain experience in a variety arts including vocal music, instrumental music, dance, art, and various crafts. Classes and lessons are taught on a variety of days and times at both of the church campuses.
THE PASTORAL STAFF OF GRACE THROUGH THE YEARS
Rev. Dr. August Bernthal, Founding Pastor 1950 - 2000
Rev. Harold Bernthal 1974 - 1986
Rev. William Qualman 1987 - 2004
Rev. Dr. David Bernthal 2000 - 2004
Rev. Raymond Malotky 2003 - 2004
Rev. Dr. Milan Weerts 2004 - 2006
Rev. John R. Koczman 2005 - 2008
Rev. Charles T. Reich 2006 - Present
Rev. Jonathan Frusti 2010 - Present
THE VICARS WHO HAVE SERVED GRACE MOST RECENTLY
Vicar Tim Ahlman 2006 - 2007
Vicar James Maxwell 2007 - 2008
Vicar Joshua Schimdt 2008 - 2009
Vicar Jonathan Kern 2009 - 2010
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Grace Lutheran Church