The History of Faith Lutheran Church in Washington, Missouri

             On July 25, 1985,  a group of LCMS Lutherans met for worship in the basement of the Birkmann & Sumner Optometrists
Building to discuss forming another LCMS Congregation in the town of Washington, Missouri. We met every Sunday following
until we decided to purchase 10 acres of ground just south of the town's city limits as the site of our future Church. Faith would be
outlook and our new name.           
             We were first served by Dr. Quentin Wesselschmidt, a professor at Concordia Seminary, and William Zastrow, a student
at the seminary at that time. Our first pastor was Rev. David Hilgert. In 1988, the Laborers for Christ volunteers built our small church
on the hill overlooking the southern part of Washington; 4190 Bieker, Rd (later changed to 1008 Bieker Rd). The dedication of Faith
Lutheran Church was held in May of 1989.
             Pastor Hilgert retired in 1993. After a vacancy of 17 months, Vicar  Dennis Schmelzer, along with his wife Tracy and son
John came to serve his 1 year Vicarage. The following year, 1994, we tendered him a Call which he accepted. Pastor Schmelzer is a
graduate of a colloquy program at Concordia, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
             Our congregation is small with 100 communicants, but is very family oriented. We sponsor a tuition program for our
families with children who attend Immanuel Lutheran School in Washington. This program pays the difference between Immanuel's
member rate and the rate for a non-member of their Church.
             Our worship service is held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion every first and third Sundays of each month.
Sunday School and Bible Study are at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday. Special services are held for Lent and Advent on Wednesday's at
7:00 p.m., with soup suppers preceding some of these services. Other special services are Ascension Day, Reformation Day.
             Faith Lutheran Church is a congregation of friendly, loving members and our Pastor preaches and teaches the true
Word of God that you find in the Bible.


Pastors who have served the Lord at Faith Lutheran Church


  • Dr. Quentin Wesselschmidt
  • Rev. David Hilgert 1987-1993
  • Rev. Lloyd Groenke
  • Rev. Dennis Schmelzer - 1994 to present

    We thank God for His blessings during the long history and faithful ministry of the pastors and members of Faith. May our gracious Lord continue to grant us a rich measure of His Holy Spirit as we seek to forge ahead in the awesome and joyful task of making disciples.


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