History

Pilgrim Lutheran Church: Nearly 40 Years of Serving Christ on South Hill

In June 1972, the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod issued a call to the Reverend Theodore Teyler to develop a mission in South Puyallup. Pastor Teyler and a group of 11 “disciples" began meeting at the pastor's home to lay the groundwork for Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

Just five families had said they would attend the church's first service on March 18, 1973, but friends and well-wishers swelled the group to 59. By Pilgrim's first anniversary, membership was at 200. The highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of building plans for the church's new home. (The current 5-acre site on 136th St. E. had been purchased for $27,500.) The congregation broke ground for their church in June 1974. On September 28, 1975, the new multi-purpose sanctuary and fellowship hall was dedicated with great joy and thanksgiving.

In November 1977, Pilgrim members voted to join the Lutheran Church in America. In 1979, the congregation bade a fond farewell to their founding pastor, then welcomed Pastor John Wecker. The church continued to prosper, and before Pastor Wecker left in 1990, Pilgrim had left its mission status to become self-supporting. During the 80s, the church also purchased a pipe organ, erected new walls in the Education Building, organized a women's group, and established a softball field to share with the community.

Pastor Terry Oliver came to Pilgrim in May 1991. As the South Hill community experienced rapid growth, Pilgrim made plans to minister to its neighborhood with expanded facilities and programs. A new sanctuary was completed and dedicated in March 1995. Pilgrim's parish health ministry was initiated under the leadership of parish nurse Nancy Haughee.

In 1997, Pilgrim was awarded a fast-growth grant from the Division of Outreach of the ELCA to assist in its development as a multiple-staff parish. The Kingdom Weekend retreat ministry was initiated, helping many to explore their faith. A smooth and spacious parking lot replaced a lot literally bursting at the seams. The congregation's music program was enhanced through the memorial gift of a 7'9" Petrof piano, as well as through the formation of a contemporary band and a men's choir.

Pilgrim has continued to reach out to the community — through programs such as KidREACH, gift baskets to more than 40 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the St. Francis House feeding program, and Vacation Bible School. Little Pilgrims Preschool expanded its community outreach to include an afternoon class in addition to the two morning classes.

By mid-2011, Pilgrim had 435 members who worship in two services most weekends. Shepherded by Pastor Steve Schumacher, the members continue to affirm this mission statement: "We are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, to live as God's servants, and to reach out to all people."