HISTORY OF KING OF GLORY LUTHERAN CHURCH

In February of 1990, a group of about 25 people met to begin ministry together in Williamsburg as King of Glory Lutheran Church. In what was to be the first of many giant steps of faith, they called Rev. Roger Venzke to serve as their first Pastor. He accepted the Call, and on Thanksgiving Day in November, 1990, the first public Worship service was held at the Williamsburg Funeral Home.

The Congregational Charter was signed on Palm Sunday, March 24, 1991. The Congregational Constitution and By-Laws were approved by the Southeastern District and King of Glory became an officially accepted congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

We, the members of King of Glory Lutheran Church of Williamsburg, Virginia, affirm that we are members of the Body of Christ through Holy Baptism.

King of Glory is a community, sharing the redemption, love, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ for the extension of His Kingdom and the building up of each other in His Name.

We count is a joy to serve the Lord in furthering His Kingdom and accept our responsibility in His service.

from the Charter of
King of Glory Lutheran Church
March 24, 1991

In March, 1994, land was purchased on Longhill Road from Bruton Parish. Goundbreaking for the church building was held in June, 1995.

In the Summer of 1996, Pastor Venzke accepted a Call as Director of LCMS Ministries to the Armed Forces. Pastor George Plvan served as Interim Pastor.

With the Lord as guide and possessing a desire to serve the Lord, the congregation forged ahead with the building project. With the help of Laborer’s for Christ, the new church was built and dedicated in September, 1996.

The Rev. Dr. Thomas Zehnder, president of the Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS, accepted the Call to serve as King of Glory’s second pastor in February, 1997.

During Pastor’s Zehnder’s tenure, the congregation experienced amazing growth. By March, 1999, King of Glory has become a congregation of over 250 baptized believers.

In September, 1999, King of Glory Preschool opens with fourteen students under the leadership of Director and Founder Jane Wheatall, Teacher Judy Olver and Teacher Aide Susan Dimitrov.

The Garden of The Good Shepherd, a memorial garden located in a wooded corner of the property, was established in February, 2000.

With Pastor Zehnder announcing his plan to “reposition” in the Summer of 2001, the congregation began a search for a new pastor. In April, 2001, the Rev. Timothy M. Hinz of Faith Lutheran Church, Gainesville, Florida, accepts the Call to serve as King of Glory’s third pastor.

April of that year also saw the groundbreaking of the building expansion project which would eventually add new classrooms to the Preschool as well as a Fellowship Hall, classrooms and expanded Narthex/Welcoming area to the church plant.

In December, 2001, King of Glory becomes a church community of 365 baptized believers.

The Church continues to look ahead to ways to serve the Lord and proclaim His Good News the Williamsburg community. “Vision Sunday” was an important milestone of growth in commitment to move ahead in mission.

In February, 2002 Larry McReynolds of SonRise Lutheran Ministries in northern New York accepts Call to serve as Director of Parish Music and Outreach. In May, 2002, Ruth McReynolds accepts the Call to serve as Director of the King of Glory Preschool.

Again with the help of Laborer’s for Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Ken Reidenbach, construction moved ahead on the new build project. Working with the team from Laborer’s for Christ was an amazing group of King of Glory volunteers; men, women, boys and girls of all ages joining together and logging in more than 13,000 volunteer hours!

In June, 2002, the Grand Dedication of the Expanded Facilities took place under the theme: “A Place Where His Glory Dwells.”

In September, 2002, the King of Glory Preschool opens with a faculty and staff of six and a student body of 75 children. In 2003, the Preschool expamds program and staff to serve over 130 children.

By Fall of 2005, King of Glory congregation had grown to over 600 baptized believers. In February, 2006, the congregation commemorated its 15th Anniversary with a special recognitions during the worship services. Pastor Roger Venzke preached at all services. A Ministry Fair was also held to highlight the ministry opportunities that exist within the life of the church.

In June, 2006, following a short leave of absence, Pastor Hinz made the decision to leave King of Glory Church after serving for five years. Pastor Thomas Zehnder returned to serve as Interim Pastor from July to December, 2006.

The Preschool enrollment in September, 2006 was 165 children who were served by a staff of 20.

The Rev. Dr. George Lobien served as Interim Pastor from January, 2007 through June, 2008.

The Rev. Bill Harmon accepted the Call to become pastor of King of Glory in April, 2008.  He was installed on July 13, 2008.

The Lord Jesus, the King of Glory, continues to move and use His people! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."
Psalm 95:6

"Who is this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty - - He is the King of Glory."
Psalm 24:10 NIV