First Lutheran, Granville closes after 118 years
“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
First Lutheran of Granville closed its doors for worship in September, 2020. There was grief over closing after 118 years but joy that the building was purchased and God’s Word continues to be proclaimed in that place.
In this New Year, let us pray for strength and joy in all our endings and new beginnings.
Read their story below:
A Thank You from First Lutheran – Granville
We are now officially closed after 118 wonderful years of worshiping together. While I am a little sad, I am also joyful for the blessings that happened all through the process of closing.
A new church is now in our building, a young and enthusiastic group who are so excited to have a new place to worship and grow. We are so happy that we were able to help them find their new home.
We have shared so many of our treasured items… hymnals, communion sets, our altar, pulpit and baptismal font. We also found homes for the funeral pall, brass items from the altar, the paraments, sheet music for the choir, the list goes on and on. Our beloved oil painting from over the altar of Jesus in Gethsemane is now hanging in our sister church Emmaus – McNabb, along with many other cherished items. Most of our members have moved membership to this church and will be able to enjoy many of those items for a long time, as well as have the same pastor. I prayed for those items that were so special to us to find loving homes and I am so happy that they did!!
I have felt God’s amazing love and direction throughout this process; sort of like we were working together daily at my desk (His side was much neater than my side!). I think the very best part of all of this was the awesome people He put in my path. I cannot tell you how very much I have enjoyed meeting you, talking on the phone, emailing, laughing, and sharing stories. I feel so very blessed to have ‘met’ each of you. I appreciated your kind words, your prayers to make the closing less painful and your thoughts on so many things. I am also so very thankful to have met Pastor Marilyn Hanson from the bishop’s office. We spent quite a bit of time talking and emailing and cannot express enough my gratitude for her support, understanding, guidance and love as we figured out what we needed to do next. Her participation in our closing service, along with Pastor Krista Stokke (a former pastor) made the day extra special and beautiful.
God has blessed us in so many ways and I give Him the biggest Thank You of all! He was able to take the sadness out of the process by giving us so many wonderful friends and making us feel that we shared items that we loved so many others would feel that love too.
So, for someone who said she can’t express her feelings, I have gone on quite a long time. I understand how we get those long sermons now… well, sort of anyway! Thank you all for everything and I pray you all have an amazing New Year!
Stay safe, be well, and Love to you all!
Sherry Morris, president
