Peace Lutheran Church . . . Our 60 Year History

In June 21, 1945 a call was issued to Pastor Robert S Miller to begin a mission church in the downriver area. The small chapel was built across Fort Street from the current building at the corner of Fort and Clark Street and it was ready for a first worship service on February 24, 1946.  Two months later the congregation decided on the name, “Peace Lutheran Chapel” as it was the first year of peace after World War II and because the purpose of this church was to “preach the Gospel of peace”. The neighboring area was burgeoning with post war expansion, and “baby boomer” children, and by 1950 it was apparent that a larger facility was needed. Land was purchased across the street, construction began, and the present church building was dedicated on April 25, 1952. Ten years later more room was needed to house the large Sunday School, and in 1960 construction was started on the present Educational Wing.

Pastor Miller served the church for 26 years until 1971, when he accepted a call to St James Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids Michigan. He now is retired and lives in Oviedo, Florida.  Dr. Kieth A. Gerberding was installed as pastor of Peace on May 9, 1971 and served over 30 years until his retirement in August of 2001. Dr. Gerberding now serves on the cathedral ministry at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit.  The congregation has been assisted by various vicars, deaconesses, and assisting pastors over the years. Rev. Dennis Bux served as Associate Pastor for 15 years from 1979 until 1994.  Pastor Bux now is pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe, MI.  Current Pastor, Mary T. Duerkson (nee Olivanti) was installed at Peace in September, 2000 and served until her call to Gloria Dei in October, of 2006. Pastor Phyllis Hormann has been our Interim Pastor since April 2007.

Peace church has always prided itself on strong musical worship traditions. The congregation has been blessed over its 60 year history with dedicated musicians, and choirs.  Long-term musicians that have instilled this tradition were Joanne Gerberding, organist and choir director, Ester Leidich, organist, Jan Sage, choir director, Alice Miller, choir director,  Larry Rockensuess, choir director, Crystal Schippling, organist, Ruth Gierke, pianist, and Gary Schippling, contemporary music director. Many others have served our music worship so well for shorter terms. We are currently being served by Bonnie Schippling, as our choir director.