Faith's Beginnings

The formation of Faith Lutheran Church began when the Mission Board of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod issued a call to Mr. Bohlmann of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  Upon graduation in May of 1961, he accepted the call to serve in the area of Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Sheffield, and Sheffield Lake.  He began his official duties as minister to this area on July 16, 1961, when he was commissioned as missionary-at-large in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westlake.

On Sunday, September 17th, the initial meeting of those interested in the new congregation was held in the Avon Municipal Building.  The meeting was well attended, and group of 60 residents from the area discussed the important steps in the formation of a new church, its needs, and purposes.  The decision was affirmed by the majority to hold services regularly beginning October 1st, with Sunday School at 9:15 AM. for all ages and the worship service at 10:30 AM.  Avon Elementary School was chosen as the site for worship services until a permanent church was built.  On Sunday November 12, 1961 the official Register was signed by 51 members.

On May 13, 1962, at a very special voters' assembly, a final decision was made to purchase nine acres of land at the corner of Garden and Lakeland Drives in Avon for the price of $21,000.  At the Ohio District convention that same year, the Board of Directors gave authorization for  the congregation to proceed with the signing of a contract to build a worship facility at the aforementioned location.  Conrad and Fleishman were selected as the architects, with the building contract going to Joseph Lach Construction Company of Avon.  A special ground breaking service was held on September 25, 1966 on the future church site.  May 28, 1967 saw the completion of the church structure through a special service for the laying of the cornerstone.

Our forty years under God's good and gracious care allow us to reminisce, rejoice, and take pride in our history.  Let us praise God for all that we as a congregation have been in the past, and for what we can and will be in the months and years ahead.