The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church, affiliated with the Augustana Synod, was organized by fifty people in October 1880. The primary purpose was to provide
pastoral care for the Swedish immigrants who settled in West Bay City to work in the lumber mills. During those early years the congregation built the original church on the
northwest corner of Henry and Thomas streets. The land was donated by lumber man Henry W. Sage. Many pastors served the congregation in its first 25 years. Many pastors
served the congregation in its first 25 years.
language of the church. In 1938, the church was renamed Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church. During the 1930's and 1940's,
the work of the pastors Nordale and Wahlstrom led to the renovation of the original building, the remodeling of the sanctuary, and the beginning of a building fund.
With the arrival of Philip Nelson in 1953, plans for building of a new church began in earnest. The new church was designed by architect, Alden B. Dow, embodied educational
and social facilities, as well as, the worship center. In October 1955, the cornerstone was laid for the present church building and the church was dedicated on October 14, 1956.
1969-1993
1935-1943
1994 to present
(Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) to assess our facility.
The Facilities Task Force presented recommendations in the following categories:
- Renovation and addition to the narthex and sanctuary
- Repairs and replacement of the structural and mechanical components (i.e., roof, boilers)
- Renovation and licensing of kitchen facility
- Repairs, replacements, and upgrades to interior surfaces and systems (i.e., lighting, wall and floor coverings)
- Renovation to classrooms and meeting spaces
- Watering system for courtyard
- New Office Furniture
The renovation projects were funded from three sources:
1) Building Improvement Fund
2) 1999 Capital Appeal raised over $550,000
3) Borrowing $600,000 to complete the project
At the end of August 2003 the principal loan was $529,731.
A Capital Appeal in 2004 reduced that debt and currently the debt has been lower to
$375,000 through the generosity and prayer gifts of the Messiah congregation.
This is Messiah Lutheran today...
generation we will recount your praise.” Psalm 79:13
and guide Messiah in the years to come.
An anniversary committee is at work planning a number services and events to fittingly commemorate this milestone in the life
of our church, beginning in January 2005, culminating in a very special service of thanksgiving in October, 2005. In this way
we are “honoring our past, and welcoming our future”.
The committee is open to consideration of thoughts you may have to make this celebration truly one of thanks and praise, as
well as reminiscence.
Please call co-chair Elizabeth Atkari (684-1861) or Elva Wahlstrom (892-2071).
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
February 20, 2005 Rev. B. Douglas Niemi, Guest Pastor
(Messiah Assistant Pastor 1966-1968)
April 10, 2005 Vocal Concert with Daniel Gale, Baritone
April 24, 2005 Rev. Calvin Kuder, Guest Pastor
(Calvin is a son of Messiah)
May 22, 2005 Living Truth II will Lead Sunday Services
June 11, 2005 Camerata Singers Concert
June 12, 2005 Rev. Marcus Engdahl, Guest Pastor
(Son of C.G. Engdahl, Messiah Pastor 1919-1924)
September 18, 2005 Rev. Ronald F. Fuller, Guest Pastor
(Messiah Pastor 1969-1993)
October 16, 2005 FESTIVAL SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
Bishop Gary L. Hansen, Guest Pastor
CONGREGATIONAL DINNER
(Readings of greetings and congratulations)