Hope's History

Hope's History

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church began as a gathering of two families, the Otto’s and Nitz’s, in June 1968.  With no WELS church in the vicinity, this group of friends attended a local Missouri Synod congregation. By July 21, 1969, a Virginia-based civilian WELS pastor who ministered to armed forces members and retirees made the first of many monthly home visits to lead the Otto’s and Nitzes in worship and to serve Holy Communion.  Wendell Otto led the group in their worship services during the interim weeks.  Over the next nine months, the group expanded by five more families.

The fledgling group began receiving guidance and assistance from the Florida Mission District Mission Board, and registered in South Carolina as a non-profit organization, called the Wisconsin Lutheran Mission. On May 20, 1970 the group, now consisting of thirteen families, held its first worship service under that name. During the summer months, when the group was without pastoral support, they received written sermon texts that they could read as part of their worship services.  Hymns were sung to the accompaniment of taped recordings.

The first pastor, John Guse, was ordained and installed at Hope on July 16, 1972.  With members homes unable to accommodate the growing numbers, a building at 3000 River Drive was leased and later purchased from the Seventh Day Adventist church with the inaugural service on September 27, 1970. On January 23, 1971, the Wisconsin Lutheran Mission officially became Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church. With limited opportunity for outreach in the established neighborhood surrounding the church, Hope soon began looking to relocate. In 1974 the River Drive property was sold, and the church began meeting at a rented location in the West Columbia area. A new chapel was built and dedicated on January 29, 1978. 

By the early ‘90’s, Hope again looked to move in an effort to reach more people with the Gospel. The Irmo community was experiencing tremendous growth with many young families looking for a church affiliation, and was selected as the new home for Hope Lutheran. In a “leap of faith” the congregation gave up its building in West Columbia and returned to using a rental facility, this time a dance studio, in Irmo. On Sunday, March 13, 1994, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church opened its doors at the Irmo location. 

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church purchased property at the corner of Hollingshed and Kennerly Roads.  After worshiping in a dance studio for seven years, Hope completed the construction of it's own facility in Irmo in August, 2002.  

God continues to bless Hope with growth.  In July 2008 we welcomed our first Associate Pastor, Justin Diestler.  In September 2008 we dedicated an addition of nearly 3000 square feet to our current facility.  We’re grateful for the many ways in which God continues to bless our efforts in his name.  We are excited to see what he has in store for the life and ministry of Hope in the months and years ahead!