A Brief History of Epiphany Lutheran Church

On November 2,1993, a small group of Christians began meeting with the thought of forming a mission congregation in southern Kent County and northern Allegan County. With help from Grace Lutheran Church, Wyoming, and their Senior Pastor, the Reverend Noble Lach, the group began Bible study. With many prayers and meetings the group became Epiphany Lutheran Church on February 1, 1994. The group had grown to 35 members and held it’s first worship service at the Dorr Elementary School on February 13, 1994. On September 25, 1994, Epiphany became a chartered congregation. Sixty-six people signed the Charter and a Junior Charter was arranged for the children. The group continued to grow. The church constitution was approved and accepted on July 9, 1995, and became a legally incorporated congregation in the State of Michigan on August 17, 1995. On November 5, 1995, we celebrated the Rite of Reception into the English District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

A building fund was started. We began looking for land on which to build a sanctuary and in 1996 land was purchased in Dorr, Michigan. November 22, 1998, ground was broken for the $1,000,000 building including a sanctuary seating 240, classrooms, restrooms, kitchen and fellowship hall. Dedication of this edifice was on September 26, 1999.

In October 1999, Pastor Lach, who had been serving us as Missionary at Large, retired. A call committee was formed and on Christmas Eve 1999, the Rev. Dr. Charles R. Hogg, Jr., accepted the call to serve the congregation. Pastor Hogg, was installed in the afternoon worship service on February 6, 2000. The congregation has grown to over 220 souls.

Epiphany enjoys many blessings. Members are involved with activities which included a picnic during the summer, a co-ed softball team which played in the Church League in Wayland, Youth Group activities, and Vacation Bible School. Adult Bible study meets weekly, as do Confirmation Classes.The Lord has blessed us with growth and a commitment by the members of the congregation to worship regularly. Come and join us on Sunday morning or during the week. You are most welcome.