The following are chronological milestones from the growth and development of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Some are more detailed than others. For more of a thematic narrative, see Our History.
On December 29, 1948, a group of Lutherans met in the home of A. C. Hollinger in Kilgore to think on the matter of opening a new mission in Kilgore, Texas. At this meeting it was decided to petition Trinity Lutheran Church of Tyler, Texas, to begin a preaching station in Kilgore on February 6, 1949. This petition was granted, and services were then held in the American Legion Hall in Kilgore where Walgreens now stands. The Reverend D. D. Dautenhahn of Tyler conducted the services.
On August 27, 1950, the Mission Board of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was asked to consider calling a full-time pastor for the Kilgore field. The Board replied that such action was impossible at the moment.
During meetings held on November 15 and December 10, 1951, the Constitution of the Ladies’ Aid of Pilgrim was adopted to be effective January 1, 1952. According to the Constitution, Article II states “The object of this Society shall be, in accord with Scripture and in harmony with the work of the congregation and its pastor, to win and hold souls for Christ, the Savior, and in support of such efforts, to aid the Church at home and abroad, to visit the sick and the shut-in, to relieve the needy, and to cultivate the spirit of sisterly good cheer and Christian fellowship.” Charter members included Mrs. A. C. Hollinger, Mrs. Lydia V. Taube, Mrs. C. A. Sangrey, Mrs. M. J. Kramer, Mrs. W. H. Stark, Miss Mathilde Taube, Mrs. D. L. Crawford, Mrs. Glenn R. Edwards, Mrs. W. A. Crain, and Mrs. H. Sherrell.
On February 18, 1952, word was received that the Mission Board had requested a candidate from the seminary to serve the preaching station n Kilgore. The news spurred the group into seriously thinking about organizing into a congregation.
On May 22, 1952, a congregational constitution was drawn up for study. The Reverend John F. Meyer was installed as the first pastor of Pilgrim on July 20. On September 17 the constitution was accepted and Pilgrim Lutheran Church became an organized congregation. Those signing the constitution as charter members were M. J. Kramer, A. C. Hollinger, C. A. Sangrey, W. H. Stark, D. L. Crawford, J. M. Sherrell, and L. D. Sherrell. A charter of incorporation was granted the congregation by the State of Texas on November 15.
At the end of 1952, Baptized Membership stood at 41, Communicant Membership at 25, and Sunday School enrollment was 24.
On March 30, 1953, the church property site was purchased. This site included the house next door which was shortly to be remodeled and used as the parsonage. This building was later used as the parish hall until 1970 when the building was sold and moved from the property. On July 15 the congregation voted to petition the Mission Board for permission to begin building a church. A building Committee was appointed, consisting of W. H. Stark, M. J. Kramer, A. B. Clark, and D. LO. Crawford. On September 27, Pastor Meyer moved into the parsonage on the church property. On December 22 a colonial type building was decided upon, and work was started on the final drawings.
On June 23, 1954, bids on construction of the proposed building were opened. All of the bids were higher than anticipated, and several weeks of delay ensued as architect and contractor sought to cut costs. The contract for construction was awarded to Canterbury Construction Company of Kilgore. On August 2 construction started. August 8 groundbreaking ceremonies were held, and on November 7 the congregation moved into its new church, although construction was still incomplete. On December 12 the new church building was dedicated to the glory of God. The Dedication Service was conducted by the congregation’s pastor, the Reverend John F. Meyer. The Reverend A. O. Rast, Executive Director of Mission of the Texas District, delivered the sermon. The church was filled with 142 worshipers.
In December 1956 pews were installed in the church.
On July 28, 1957, the Reverend John Meyer preached his farewell sermon having accepted a call to become pastor of Mount Olive Congregation, Flint, Michigan.
On November 6, 1956, Pilgrim Congregation resolved to look for and purchase a new parsonage.
On January 5, 1958, the Second pastor of Pilgrim, Rev. Palmer L. Janke, Jr., was installed.
On March 14, 1957, the parsonage located at 1508 East Lantrip was purchased.
On August 16, 1959, the Reverend Palmer L. Janke, Jr., preached his farewell sermon having temporarily resigned from the ministry.
On May 8, 1960, the Reverend Harold Wageman was installed as Pilgrim’s third pastor, and Joan Wageman became the congregation’s organist.
On January 1, 1961, a new organ was dedicated, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weick.
On March 11, 1962, an attendance record for a regular Sunday morning worship service was set at 84. (That year Baptized Membership stood at 103, Communicant Membership at 67, and Sunday School enrollment was 42.)
On September 16, 1962, Pilgrim celebrated its Tenth Anniversary and Mission Festival with guest preacher the Reverend A. O. Rast, Executive Director of Missions of the Texas District.
November 22, 1962, Pastor Wageman began serving the vacancy at Trinity, Tyler, which continued until July of 1963.
In June of 1964, Pastor Wageman began serving the vacancy at Bethlehem, Palestine, which continued until February of 1965.
Midsummer of 1965 discussions were started with the Mission Board for the purpose of starting the Longview field out of Kilgore. The Pilgrim congregation and the Mission Board gave their approval, and arrangements were worked out for the two locations. The first service was held March 6, 1966, at 9:15 a.m. in the Valley View Elementary School with Pastor Wageman leading the worship. This service was attended by 35 worshipers. On March 28, 1966, the Board gave approval to “Organize and site seek.” The constitution was drawn up and accepted October 23, 1966, at the John Moscari home. Approval was given on September 26, 1966, to purchase the site at 1300 Judson Road for $65,000.00. Modification of the lower floor into a chapel was done and dedication services were held October 29, 1967. Charter members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Longview were Mr. and Mrs. James Ethridge, H. T. Dick, Loyd Garrett, Gerald Ishee, L. E. Rowell, W. H. Stark, Clarence McGaw, F. G. Hahn, G. W. Strunk, Jim Richards, Mrs. Dodson, Mrs. Moscari, and Mrs. Daniels. Our Redeemer and Pilgrim continued as a joint parish until June 21, 1970, when Reverend Joseph Lowery was installed in Longview.
In February of 1967 Pastor Wageman began serving the vacancy in Nacogdoches; this continued until May of 1967.
In July 1969, in the Synodical Convention of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod held in Denver, Colorado, Resolution 2-17, granting Women Suffrage and Board Membership, excepting the Office of Pastor and any other official duties having authority over the men of the church, was adopted. Therefore it was resolved that Article 5 of Pilgrim’s constitution be amended so as to grant the same privileges to the ladies of Pilgrim congregation who are communicant members of the congregation and are twenty-one (21) years of age. No action was taken at this time.
October 1, 1969, a new sign for the church had been put up.
In 1969, Pastor Wageman became the editor for the Texas Messenger, a supplement to the “Lutheran Witness”, a position which he held until 1983.
January 7, 1970, another resolution for women’s suffrage was adopted.
April 8, 1970, woman’s suffrage was again discussed to be made in the form of an amendment to be included in the revision of the new constitution.
October 7, 1970, woman’s suffrage was again discussed.
At the end of 1970, Pilgrim had 93 Baptized Members (70 Communicant) and Our Redeemer had 117 Baptized (85 Communicant).
September 12, 1971, dedication of a new Sunday School building was held. The building, which is the present office building, was originally constructed as an office building in 1958 at the Tidal Pipeline Camp near Joinerville, Texas. This camp was closed around 1960, and the building was moved to the Nat Bean “A” Camp of Tidewater Oil Company just outside of Kilgore. There it received varying degrees of use and finally was vacated. It was then that the oil company, then known as Getty Oil Company, put the building up for bids. Pilgrim Congregation purchased the building on July 19, 1970, and it was moved to Pilgrim’s site on August 20, 1970.
January of 1972 a new Baldwin 711 Model organ was purchased. The old organ, as well as a piano donated by the Glenn Hudsons, were used as trade-ins to offset the cost.
September 17, 1972, Pastor Wageman began broadcasting on Sunday mornings a five minute devotion on the radio. These broadcasts continued until October 10, 1973, when the voters decided to discontinue them.
September 17, 1972, a Mission Service celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pilgrim was held.
March 14, 1973, trustees were authorized to sell the church parsonage.
June 3, 1973, to March 23, 1975, Pastor Wageman served Bethlehem Palestine as vacancy Pastor.
March 25, 1973, the present organ was dedicated.
July 1, 1973, it was decided to hire Louisiana Soil Stabilization Co. to do repairs on the church building foundation.
January 9, 1974, a Repairs and Improvements Committee recommended making all needed repairs inside and out (repair steeple, repair exterior crack in southeast corner, repaint interior and exterior of church and exterior of education building, repair interior cracks and broken tiles, repair front steps and walk, carpet church, install new dossal curtain and drapes); installing a new central heat and air conditioning unit, running necessary ducts to cry room and cloakroom, and insulating the attic; putting a hard surface parking lot west of education building; converting the old office to a kitchen, install a serving window, stove, refrigerator, and hot water heater; putting new lighting fixtures in the sanctuary; and buying a new mimeograph for the church office.
January 27, 1974, during a special called voters meeting it was decided to accept All Around Construction’s bid for renovations.
Spring 1974, the interior of the sanctuary was remodeled, kitchen facilities were installed, and the fellowship hall was enlarged. Also included carpeting, paneling, drop ceiling, and new light fixtures in the sanctuary.
July of 1974, Dennis Weiss volunteered to do the plumbing in the kitchen, pastor donated the air conditioner in his study to the church, Chuck Sangrey reported on a Hot Point stove for $40.00 to $50.00 and a 12 cu ft refrigerator for $75.00. Pastor Wageman reported he had been elected as Circuit Counselor at the District convention .
October 2, 1974, a majority of voters present at the regular voters meeting desired the right of suffrage to include all members who are 18 years of age or older and who are communicant members.
January 1, 1975, Pilgrim became a self-supporting congregation, having asked the Texas District to suspend subsidy.
June 27, 1976, Pastor Wageman began serving Our Redeemer in Longview as vacancy pastor until October 31, 1976, when Reverend Mel Herring was installed.
January 4, 1978, plans were made to draw up a new constitution this year. Pastor Wageman was again elected Circuit Counselor for Circuit 17.
April 5, 1978, Pastor Wageman suggested putting the point of women’s suffrage to a congregational vote, as the present constitution was not being followed. George Heil suggested clarifying age limits for voting members.
May 11, 1978, a new constitution was adopted.
July 5, 1978, women were first accepted as voting members; they included Pauline Sangrey, Lucille Heil, Ruby Hudson, Cindy Wageman, Joan Wageman, Rosalie Abraham, and Else Rounsavall. In addition, a Board of Education was established; Joan Wageman and Ruby Hudson were accepted by acclamation. It was also decided that the Board of Elders and the Board of Education would make up the Stewardship Committee.
March 8, 1981, Pastor Wageman preached his last sermon at Pilgrim, having accepted a call to Concordia Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.
July 16, 1981, Reverend Gary A. Piepkorn was installed as Pilgrim’s fourth pastor and served until July 14, 1985.
August 2, 1981, Carolyn Holcombe was hired as organist.
In 1982 a preaching station was established in Henderson, Texas. This led to the establishment of Prince of Peace in 1984.
October 2, 1983, the new Sunday School building, donated by member B. K. Thomas, was dedicated. The old education building became the office building and nursery.
In 1983, volunteer office help started with Gayle Gardner as office secretary. She was joined later in the year by Jeanette Paetznick.
On May 11, 1985, Pilgrim entered into joint parish with Christ Lutheran, Jacksonville, with Reverend Stewart Marshall as pastor. This continued until April 3, 1988.
In 1988, Pilgrim congregation decided to try the fledgling commissioned pastoral assistant program since it had a series of difficulties, economic difficulties among them, and it really couldn’t afford a pastor, full-time or part-time.The commissioned pastor assistant program was designed precisely to serve congregations that couldn’t afford to be served by a pastor. The program had a supervising pastor who became the pastor of the congregation but by long distance. He came once a month to administer holy communion, perform baptisms, and work with the congregation toward gearing up for its ministry. For three Sundays a month, a layman or several laymen, read messages prepared by the supervising pastor and conducted the worship service for the congregation, explained the Rev. Eugene Gruell, supervisor of the program. Pilgrim Lutheran Church decided to try the program and found two dedicated laymen from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Longview who were willing and able to serve, and from April 10, 1988 to February of 1990 Pilgrim was served by Commissioned Pastoral Assistants Richard Leach and Stan Waldow, Our Redeemer, Longview.
On March 4, 1990, Prince of Peace, Henderson, and Pilgrim became a joint parish served by Reverend Gregg Stanton until March 1, 1992, when Reverend Stanton was called to Cypress to serve St. John Lutheran Church.
On March 8, 1992, Pilgrim began being served by its own Commissioned Pastoral Assistants Bob Abraham, Carl Gardner, George A. Heil, George B. Heil, Jack LeBus, Tommy McPherson, and Danny Sampson. These men accepted the training and took turns conducting the worship services and reading the messages prepared by Reverend Eugene Gruell.
On July 12, 1992, Reverend Joseph Lowery became Pilgrim’s part-time interim pastor conducting communion services and Sunday afternoon Bible studies twice a month until his health prevented him from continuing. Pastor Lowery received his Crown of Life on September 4, 2009.
On January 16, 1994, a Special Service of Thanksgiving was held with the Reverend Ken Hennings of Austin, Executive director of the Board of Mission Administrations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Texas District, delivering the message. The following are excerpts taken from the Kilgore News Herald on January 14, 1994.) “The progress of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Kilgore is an indication of what can happen when the people of the church take responsibility for the ministry of the church,” Reverend Gerald Kieschnick, president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, said. “I congratulate and applaud the members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church for their leadership, for their commitment, and for their expansion of the cause of Christ Jesus in the greater Kilgore community.” Rev. Hennings said, “What is happening at Pilgrim Church is a prime example of each member of a church using their skills and gifts in ministry to the Kilgore community. The members of the church (while without a pastor) decided to get serious about sharing with the community, Christian concerns, care and love. Through this, they have grown in their own personal and spiritual life.”
In January of 2001 a new A/C and heater were installed in the church and parish hall.
On Reformation Day, October 27, 2002, Pilgrim celebrated its 50th Anniversary, with the Reverend Harold Wageman delivering the sermon.
At the end of 2002, Pilgrim had 74 Baptized Members and 61 Communicant Members.
July of 2005 a second annual Service of Thanksgiving for God and Country was held.
Pastor Gruell moved to California, another pastor appointed CPA supervisor, but the program faded away.
On April 30, 2006, Pastor Gravesmill began providing sermons.
May of 2006 the narthex nursery was refurbished. May 21, 2006, the voters decided to use the crucifix during Lent and a bare cross (made by George A. Heil out of wood) the rest of the year.
April 6, 2008, during a storm, a red oak tree fell on the Sunday School Building, destroying it. The building was removed in July.
What began in 2003, the last Service of Renewal was held on September 14, 2008.
In September of 2008 Arlene Kuehn started typing and putting out Sunday Communion bulletins.
In January 2009 a special thank you was made to Arlene Kuehn for office work.
In July 2009 the roof was replaced on the sanctuary, parish, hall, and office building. At that time, 1906 Broadway became Pilgrim’s sanctuary address though the mailing address remained 713 Florey.
On September 20, 2009, Dr. Roland “Rollie” Schutz was installed as part-time interim pastor; he resigned on October 2, 2010.
In May of 2009, a TV screen was installed in the worship area to display the order of worship and hymns. The TV was later moved to the parish hall.
Electronic delivery of newsletters to email addresses began in July of 2010.
Reverend Frank Starr of Lufkin began as vacancy pastor with Reformation service in 2010. Sunday, October 23, 2011, was Pastor Starr’s last Sunday.
Led by the LWML, Pilgrim took part in St. Luke’s Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch with a bread booth in October 2010 and 2011.
Pilgrim entered a float in the Kilgore Christmas parade in 2010 and 2011.
On Sunday, November 13, 2011, the Rev. Dr. Jayson S. Galler was installed as Pilgrim’s first full-time pastor in nearly 20 years.
To make corrections to Our Milestones or to add information or anecdotes, please email the church secretary at secretary@pilgrimlc.org.
