Concordia’s StoryThe Beginning

In 1931, four families gathered at the home of William and Ann Diskau for the first service of what would become Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church. By 1937, the flock now numbering 40 souls, moved service to Orange Hall (pictured) in Wilmington.

Concordia’s StoryFirst Pastor

75 years ago, in 1938, Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church became incorporated in the State of Delaware and a charter member of the newly formed Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

On January 7, 1940, Howard Tepker was ordained and installed as Concordia's first pastor.

Rev. George MuellerLate in 1942, Rev. Howard Tepker accepted a call to North Carolina. Rev. Gilbert Pfeiffer served as Interim Pastor, making the trip across the Delaware River by ferry boat from Penns Grove, NJ . In January, 1943, Rev. George Mueller accepted the call to become the second full time pastor of Concordia. Rev. Mueller shepherded the congregation for 28 years until his retirement in 1971.

To view original article, see The Eberts.

Concordia Church at Washington St. & Lea Blvd.

With the end of WWII, Concordia was granted permission to build a church by the War Production Board.

In September 1945, ground was broken on a lot at the corner of Washington St. and Lea Blvd. •Site cost $5000.•Construction costs $55,000.

On October 20, 1946, the new church, was dedicated with great celebration. However, there were no pews! A post-war shortage of good quality hardwood delayed delivery.

Membership in Concordia Lutheran Church at this time was 140 souls and 70 communicants.

Creche

• The Creche, first made in 1952, has become a Concordia landmark every Christmas. The original figures in the manger scene were made by William Fry and their clothing designed and sewn by Helen Garwood.

Faith Lutheran ChurchRev. George Mueller shepherded the Concordia congregation through a period of membership growth and the establishment of two Mission congregations: •Faith Lutheran Church in New Castle formed in 1950 •Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newark formed in 1957. Rev.Duane Mehl served as the first Pastor of Our Redeemer.

Changing of the shepard

Pastor George Mueller served Concordia congregation for 28 years. After an intense search for a new Pastor, the call was sent to Pastor Edmund Fritz in Greensboro, North Carolina. Pastor Fritz was installed at Concordia in October, 1971.

CONTACT TeleministryPastor Fritz's keen interest in the national CONTACT Teleministries organization led to formation of CONTACT Wilmington. Pastor Carl Sachtleben was called as Assistant Pastor as well as Director of CONTACT. He held these positions from 1974 -1977 when he left Concordia for a position in the Delaware Cancer Network.

Rev. David Mueller

In 1977 Rev. David Mueller was called to be Director of CONTACT and Assistant Pastor at Concordia. With the departure of Pastor Fritz in 1978, Pastor David Mueller was called to become Concordia's fourth full time pastor.

Silverside Road

In 1975 this property on Silverside Road was purchased. Washington St. property sold in 1984 and groundbreaking for the new church occurred. Dedication of the new building was November 3, 1985.

Preschool StartsConcordia Preschool, began in 1980 offering classes for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.In 1987 it was recognized as an integral part of Concordia, with formation of a Board of Directors.

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Assistant Pastor

Scott Callaway was called to be Assistant Pastor in 1988, serving until 1992 when he accepted a call as Pastor in Topsfield, Massachusetts.

50 Years

Concordia's 50th Anniversary was celebrated with worship featuring Dr. Oswald Hoffman, speaker on the "Lutheran Hour," as preacher.

Holyland Travels

Pastor David Mueller and Rabbi Peter Grumbacher, former neighbor to Concordia's Washington Street location, led a journey of faith to Israel in 1996.

Christmas at Concordia

Celebration of our Savior's birth with beautiful Christmas decorations, circa 1997.

60 Years

Concordia's 60th Anniversary banquet at Hercules Country Club in 1998 with Concordia's current Minister of Family Life, John Hetrick, as M.C.