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Grace Lutheran Church of Walton

11640 A Street
402-489-8693

Vision:

We are a Christ-centered community,building healthy congregation, committed to reaching our city, state and world. Our mission is to connect with people and lead them into authentic and growing relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments where people are equipped and encouraged to point up, point in and point out.

History:

The harvest had been gathered - in the fall of 1915 - and the people came together to offer thanks and praise to God. In response to God's blessings, these people vowed to begin the first Lutheran Congregation in the very center of Walton, Nebraska. And their second decision was significant for that time. The English language would be used - not German.

With the leadership of Rev. E. Bollman, a pastor of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church, the Walton-area people came to the schoolhouse to hold religious services and conduct a Sunday School. By the date of its organization, January. 2, 1916, the new congregation stood at 49 charter members. The constitution adopted on that same day reads, "The name of this church shall be Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Walton, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska."

Immediately, steps were taken to build a place of worship. On land donated by the Theodore and Lizzie Gierens family, ground was broken, and the cornerstone laid on April 16, 1916. Still sealed in the cornerstone are pictures, letters, a Lincoln newspaper, "the Lutheran" magazine and a new 1916 penny.

In only four months construction was completed, and on August 27, 1916 the congregation moved in a procession from the schoolhouse to their new place of worship. Singing "Holy, Holy, Holy," the members passed through the open doors of Grace Lutheran Church and dedicated it to the glory of God. The building was erected at a cost of $ 7000 and was debt free on the day of its dedication. Standing in the center of Walton, the church continues to be a witness to the community of the Christian dedication of the people of the church.

Grace Lutheran Church continues in its thanks and praise to God, honoring and remembering those who have gathered in this place for so many years.

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