1950s
The first service of Christ Lutheran church was held on April 1, 1951, in the cafeteria of the Lake Jackson Junior High. Reverend Douglas Pearson was the mission pastor of the church. He conducted services using a portable pulpit donated by a congregation in Galveston, before an altar constructed by church member Jake Jacob. A wooden cross and candlesticks were handcrafted by another member. The school piano was used for music.
As the congregation rapidly grew, Sunday school classes began, as well as a Ladies Auxiliary group and a Lutheran Brotherhood chapter. Boy Scout Troop 311 was established.
Norma and Milton Decker (left/center) were the first couple married at Christ Lutheran. Patty Kopycinski Northam (right) was the first baby to be baptized and she is still a member today.
By November of 1951, Christ Lutheran Church petitioned for entrance to the conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Over the decades, that affiliation became the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), which merged into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Intern David Larson (below left) arrived to replace Pastor Pearson, and in 1953, Reverend Elwood Peterson (below right) became pastor.
On June 7, 1954, one hundred and twenty folks came together to break ground for the new church. Pastor Peterson asked each family to bring a shovel and participate in the groundbreaking. In the pastor’s words, “It is not the pastor, not the church board, but the people who build a church.”
Unfortunately, legal technicalities caused the church to move from their first site at the corner of Elm and Chinaberry, to a new location four-acre site at 86 Plantation Drive, made possible by Ray Brubaker, the Dow Chemical Company and the grace of God. On October 24, 1954, the first church building was dedicated, with a seating capacity of 164.
Christ Lutheran Church continues to grow and thrive at this location.
Boy Scout Troop 311 was a vibrant, successful part of Christ Lutheran. Ira White, a charter member of the church, was an avid supporter of Scouting, and his son, Don White continued the legacy of his father’s support until 2023, when the last scouts held their Eagle Court of Honor at the church.
During its life, Troop 311 participated in the church’s groundbreaking ceremonies, cleaned up after hurricanes and went on many incredible campouts and adventures. The church was proud of the men and youth that participated, and their many achievements. These included Pro Dea Et Patria honors and many Scouts reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.
