History

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 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 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 dedicated in March 1995. Pilgrim's successful parish health ministry was initiated under the leadership of Registered 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. As a result, Reverend Sue Gunderson and lay assistant, Mark Zier, were added to the Pilgrim leadership team.
Pastor Terry Oliver left Pilgrim in October 2001, and Mark Zier and Reverend Sue Gunderson departed in 2003.

Reverend Gary Jepsen has served as permanent senior pastor since July 2003. In February 2008, Reverend Steven Schumacher was called as Assistant Pastor. The pastoral staff also includes Director of Family and Youth Ministries, Jeff Hobson.

Pilgrim members 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." To fulfill this mission, several outreach ministries, including the Little Pilgrims Preschool, keep the facilities filled to capacity both day and evening.