OUR HISTORY
Philadelphia Lutheran Church is one of the oldest churches in Caldwell County, NC, with a history dating back to its founding in 1865. The early members first gathered in their homes and later moved their worship services to various schools and buildings. In 1913, a brick church was completed on North Main Street, with Reverend J. P. Price serving as Pastor. The total construction cost was about $5,000.
In 1933, an educational building was added to the North Main Street sanctuary and named the Alvin Lutz Memorial Sunday School Building. By 1949, Philadelphia Lutheran became independent from St. Matthew's and St. John's and welcomed its first full-time pastor, Reverend James Kivet Cobb.
In 1961, a new brick parsonage was built on Falls Avenue, costing around $20,000. The building was fully paid off by 1966. In 1965, Shuford Mills Inc. generously donated land at the corner of N. Highland Avenue and Pinewood Road in Granite Falls for a new church location, allowing for future expansion. Under the leadership of Reverend David Huddle, the congregation voted in 1974 to relocate the entire church complex to this site. Additional lots were purchased in 1975, totaling nearly 5 acres for construction.
Groundbreaking for the modern-day Philadelphia Lutheran Church took place on December 5, 1976, with Burke Construction Company of Morganton, NC, awarded the $350,000 contract. The new church was completed just over a year later, and the first service was held on January 29, 1978, with 234 people attending.
To better serve the congregation and community, a new fellowship hall was added in 1987. On March 4, 1990, a time capsule was placed outside the new fellowship hall, set to be opened on March 4, 2065, in celebration of the church's 200th anniversary. In 2006, a columbarium was added to the west side of the church for the interment of members and their families. On September 27, 2015, Philadelphia Lutheran Church celebrated its 150th anniversary, with over 245 people attending the worship service and even more joining the covered dish luncheon.
The members of Philadelphia Lutheran Church are committed to continuing their service to the community, the work of the Lord, and sharing brotherly love with all.
OUR MISSION
Philadelphia Lutheran Church is a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Association (ELCA).
Saved by God's Grace: We are called to make Christ known through witness and service.
OUR FUTURE
Philadelphia Lutheran Church celebrated 159 years of ministry in 2024. As the church continues into the future, Philadelphia will spread the good news of Jesus Christ and minister to all of God's children. We invite everyone to attend the Church of Brotherly Love.