LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MESSIAH
CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

Sunday October 25, 1998 marks the start of a year of celebration for the members of Lutheran Church of the Messiah and for the people of Greenpoint. With the slogan "100 years of service to God in Greenpoint" the people of the Church located at 129 Russell Street are proud to celebrate their centennial.

Messiah church, known as "The friendly Church" was organized on October 30, 1899. A young pastor, the Reverend Samuel Trexler, was called to establish a congregation of English speaking Lutherans in Greenpoint. At that time Greenpoint had a number of Lutheran Churches, but each served a different ethnic group - Norwegian, Swedish, German and Danish. But there was none for persons whose primary language was English.

Reverend Trexler's efforts were fruitful and a small group of worshippers held their first service in the rear of a store on Humbolt Street and Norman Avenue. Growth of the Church was steady and it was determined that a permanent home was necessary. In 1905, the cornerstone of the present building was laid.

Over the years Messiah Church became and remains a staunch supporter of Greenpoint's aspirations as a Community.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MESSIAH
129 Russell Street near Nassau Avenue