History

The first efforts to establish a Lutheran Church, LCMS congregation were made by Rev. Lothman of Zion Lutheran Church of Akron. Rev. Lothman made his way to Kent by horse and buggy. Unfortunately, after his death, church services in Kent were temporarily discontinued. However, on October 9, 1933, a resolution was passed to approach the Central Mission Board in order to organize a local congregation. Fifteen adults and five children pledged their support to the fledgling church congregation. By December 3 of that same year opening services were held in KSU High School auditorium. On December 10, the American Legion Hall became the new home of the congregation as Pastoral Candidate Vogelsang preached for the church service. On December 15, 1933, the Ladies Aid Society was organized.

On August 9, 1935, Pastoral Candidate Arthur Ziegler arrived in Kent and on November 11 a store building on South Willow and College Streets was leased to serve as the new church home. In 1937 the first constitution was adopted and by 1938 the congregation was officially affiliated with the Central District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. By October 15, 1939, student work on the KSU. campus had started and on November 16, 1941 the Chapel building was dedicated. On March 14, 1948 Rev. Walter G. Boss was installed. After his departure, Rev. Rudolph F. Rehmer was installed on June 1, 1951. Faith Lutheran Church continued its expansion with the dedication of the parsonage and student center on December 7, 1952. Still more growth took place and a church addition was started and by March 31, 1957 the dedication of the new church building was made.