History

Grace’s story officially began in April of 1952, when some folks interested in organizing a Lutheran congregation in Needham gathered. The first services were held in the Odd Fellows Hall, led by Pastor Raymond Kask from Norwood. Seminarian Philip Anderson took over for the summer, followed in September by part-time pastor/grad student Rev. Dale Kohr. Rev. Peter Beckman was the first pastor called by Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, installed on September 17th, 1953.

Ground was broken for the current church building on Greendale Ave. in December, 1956. September 15th, 1957, the church building was “completed” and dedicated. Since then, pieces have been added and renovated, including an organ/choir loft, an education wing, and a new front entrance.

Since September 1986, Grace Christian Nursery School has been offering outstanding, caring education for the little ones of the community.

In honor of Grace’s 50th anniversary the exterior of the building was renovated and new stained glass windows were designed and installed in the sanctuary. A Woodland garden was recently developed on our property, and is open to the community for contemplation, meditation and prayer.

The real history of Grace is about the people who gather here for worship; people who care deeply about one another and about the world beyond these walls; people who strive for peace and justice in their lives and in the world. Come, be a part of our present and our future!

Parade of Pastors at Grace

Peter Theodore Beckman	July 8, 1953 – December 31, 1957
Paul Erland Leonard	August 16, 1958 – December 31, 1964
Joseph Leonard Carucci	March 1, 1965 – February 22, 1972
Timothy Frank Lull	April 29, 1972 – July 24, 1977
Leslie R. Swenson	December 1, 1977 – June 19, 1983
Allan C. Page	November 1, 1983 – December 24, 1987
Peter Theodore Beckman	July 8, 1953 – December 31, 1957
Richard A. Horner	February 16, 1989 – November 1997
Eric A. Norgard	October 15, 1998 – November 11, 2001
Jennifer Schoonmaker Hitt	October 7, 2002 - present