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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 2002.
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.
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