Early History

of

Our Saviour Lutheran Church

 

The Hudson Mission had its first service on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950. But prior to this service, various surveys and estimations had to be made before this particular service became a reality. Instrumental in bringing the idea of a Lutheran Church in Hudson to the attention of our sister congregation in Adrian, were Mrs. Eleanor Ball and Mrs. Ralph Miller. Upon meeting with Pastor Frederick Miller of St. John's Lutheran Church, Adrian, they were able to convince him that Hudson was ready for a Lutheran Mission and perhaps eventually would grow into a self-sustaining congregation. This action was begun in the fall of 1949 whereupon Pastor Miller brought the matter to the attention of his Bible Class and Senior Walther League. Their enthusiastic endorsement of this new venture for Christ led to the making of plans for a thorough canvass of the Hudson area to determine the amount of people who would be interested in such a project. The canvass was made in early 1950 and the results indicated that approximately seven people gave favorable impressions concerning the establishment of a new Lutheran Mission. The canvassers also met with a number of doubtful persons who felt that the endeavor might fail because of an earlier attempt to start a mission in Hudson. This first attempt was made by the Wisconsin Synod. The Wisconsin Synod decided at the time that Morenci offered a much more favorable field, and thus, decided to make that city the center of its missionary activities. The Lutherans in the Hudson area were invited to attend and support the Morenci Mission. However, the distance to Morenci proved a great problem for the Hudson people who wanted their children in a Lutheran Sunday School with confirmation instructions available. Therefore, the desire for a Mission in Hudson continued until it was brought to reality on Easter Sunday, 1950.

The first service was held above the Coscarelli Restaurant on Main Street. Pastor Miller assumed the duties of preaching while the Sunday School was conducted by members of the small group. Mr. Harry Westendorf and Mr. Clarence Frese were appointed Chairman and Treasurer respectively. Attendance at Sunday morning services did not always prove too encouraging. Average attendance for a period of nine months was about twelve, according to the records. That same Summer the Mission Board sent Mr. Gordon Light, matriculating at our Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Illinois, to care for the Mission during the summer months. Mr. Light conducted services regularly and engaged in such other activities as he was able to under limited facilities. Upon his departure in September, Pastor Miller was again summoned to take over the preaching chores of the Mission. In the meantime, Pastor Miller had been able to influence a very good friend of his in the new Mission in Hudson. He was instrumental in persuading him to loan the necessary funds to the Church Extension Fund for the erection of a temporary chapel. This man was Mr. Walter Rutz of Cleveland, Ohio. This congregation was extremely grateful for his financial generosity to our Parish. With this timely support, plans were made, property was purchased by the Mission Board, and a Chapel was erected. The Chapel was completed in January 1951 and dedicated on January 14, 1951.

Pastor E.T. Bernthal, Secretary of the Mission District Mission Board, delivered the sermon and was assisted by Pastor Miller. The Service was attended by 125 people of which approximately 15 were from the Hudson area. From January 14 to February 11, services were conducted by the Reverend Walter Riess, Missionary at Large for the Michigan District.

The challenge which met our people on February 11, was indeed a great one. It meant sincere faithfulness and a determined willingness on the part of a few people to labor in the building of the Lord's Kingdom. This challenge was accepted by them. With a prayer that God would grant them the necessary courage and strength to carry out His Holy Will. They proceeded forward, determined that with His help they would not labor in vain. It is well established what has been accomplished here. God's Will has been done in spite of our many weaknesses and failures. We give all glory and honor to our Gracious God. May we continue in Word and Deed to glorify the most Holy Name-JESUS.

 

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Historical Photographs

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