History of
Meadowvale Lutheran Church
In 1975, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada assigned Reverend Peter Mathiasen to begin development of a congregation in the new community of Meadowvale West and surrounding areas. A congregation began to grow and first worshipped in the old Eden United Church on Derry Road and then in the newly built Shelter Bay School. We were formally organized as a congregation at a meeting on April 29, 1977 with a founding service held Sunday, May 4, 1977.
The congregation was already part of the Meadowvale West Church Campus. Plans were being finalized for a building to be shared with Anglican, Presbyterian and United congregations. The new shared facilities were officially opened March 29, 1980.
Our second pastor, Reverend Frederick Schmidt was installed April 13, 1980 with the Lutheran portion of the Campus being dedicated June 8, 1980. The congregation continued to grow and 12 years later Pastor Liz Kuglin-Alyea was ordained and installed on September 27, 1992 in a festival Eucharist with Bishop William Huras presiding. Since 1995, particular emphasis has been placed on reducing Mission Support Assistance from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the congregation became self sustaining in January 2000.
Beginning in 1995, the congregation continues to serve as a field placement site for Waterloo Lutheran Seminary students. Several members of the congregation have been ordained into the ministry. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary, May 1997 with a festival service attended by many former members who have moved away, as well as our two former ministers. A few of the early members of the congregation are still worshipping with us today.
As the congregation moves through its third decade, we offer thanksgiving and praise to God for all who in faith have given of themselves to begin this congregation and nurture its growth. We pray for God's continued blessings on the work and mission here in Meadowvale.
written by Shari Fraser