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We continue to grow in our faith and in the ministries that God has called us to, building upon Christ our cornerstone and our rich history as we strive faithfully to love God, love our neighbor, and share the Gospel. We are truly grateful for all God has done and continues to do at Messiah. Thanks be to God!
Messiah Lutheran Church began its spiritual presence in the Moundsville area when the congregation held its first worship service in a rented building at 13th Street and Lockwood Avenue. Messiah first became an official church of the Western Pa-WV Synod of the Lutheran Church in America on the Day of Organization, March 3, 1963. On April 19, 1964, the congregation voted to purchase a site for the construction of a building and selected the former Burley Property at the corner of Rt 2 and 5th Street. On September 15, 1968, a Groundbreaking Service was held and the first worship service in the new building was on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1969. A service of dedication for the new church soon followed on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 1968. A shared ministry with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in New Martinsville, WV was achieved at the beginning of Pastor Barber's tenure and continues today. Under Pastor Smith's leadership Messiah joined in forming a cooperative ministry on September 9, 2015, with Good Shepherd of New Martinsville, St. Matthew of Benwood, and Trinity of South Wheeling. In cooperation with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (and later the United Lutheran Seminary) this new cooperative ministry began hosting seminary interns for their internship year and hosted a total of their 9 interns.
We have opened our doors to aid others in a variety of different ways. We remain active in diverse outreach ministries to the local community and continue to invite people to "Come and See" (John 1:39-41).
Several improvements in memory of deceased members have been completed over the years: the building of an outdoor shelter which we use for Outdoor Worship in the summer months and the purchase of a church van. A new garden was put in on the north side of the building called Marvin's Garden. Canvas awnings were installed over both doors; a new tin roof in a festive blue color. Over the years new seasonal sanctuary banners have been added, as well as new lectionary Bibles, vases and candlesticks. Major reconstructive work was needed and in 2008, the west window was replaced, and the wood changed to brick. The east side of the church was also bricked, and a new cross was installed as well as additional outdoor lighting and much needed new lighting system in the Sanctuary. The two restrooms were completely remodeled and made handicap accessible. A ramp was installed on the south side of the Burley House to allow easier access into that building. The altar elevation was also brought down one level, new paint applied, new carpeting installed, and the pews were refurbished with wheelchair accessibility in a few areas. A few years ago, the youth lounge was remodeled, and a new fire escape was added. The pastor's office was remodeled after a small, contained electrical fire, with new bookshelves being added. A Vicar's office was also added for the interns, and the house owned by Messiah on Henrietta Avenue in Moundsville was turned into a vicarage for the seminary interns. The vicar’s office has now become an office for our second pastor, and the vicarage and parsonage. The Sanctuary now also has a new sound system and musical keyboards.
Pastors who have faithfully served the people of Messiah Lutheran Church are as follows:
Pastor Charles J. Charles: The mission developer who served until October 15, 1970.
Pastor Stephen P. Gerhard: June 13, 1971 to August 5, 1974
Pastor Charles L. Barber: October 21, 1975 to November 30, 1980
Pastor Robert C. Hawk: June 6, 1982 to August 1989
Pastor R. Paul Schafer: June 1990 to November 1997
Pastor Judy Marlow: August 1998 to June 2008
Pastor Sean P. Smith: July 2009 to the present
Pastor Devin P. Ames: October 2024 to the present
Our church building is all on one level, accessible from the street. Our restrooms are ADA accessible. If you have further questions about our accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to talk about it with you.