Summer 1952, Pastor Marvin Suhr combed the streets of Whittier with a vision for a new Christian community. When 74 people joined him for worship at the American Legion Hall, he knew he had struck a nerve. By the end of the summer, the burgeoning congregation had purchased the 3 1⁄2 acre parcel on which sits the church and school today.

 

It was early spring 1953, and the congregation broke ground to build its first parish hall. It was complete with 178 communicants and their children by the following spring. A fellowship hall followed, and then the Sunday school wing, and then the parsonage.

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Growth was explosive. By October 1956, worship attendance was 440. By January 1958, it was 723! The present sanctuary was built before the end of that year. In 1960, we opened our K-8 school and planted a mission in Brea which would become Christ Lutheran Church.

 

Since our first gathering our neighborhood has evolved - changing and growing. And we are thankful for how the Lord has tended to his flock. But Jesus’ message never changes, a message which calls us, leads us, and empowers us, in our walk with God and one another: “Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20