The Lutheran Church of our Saviour is celebrating its 100th anniversary in Port Washington. The 100th anniversary dinner dance and gala is on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club.
Rev. Charles R. Vogeley, also known as Pastor Charley, has been pastor of the church for 40 of those 100 years. “There have been five pastors in total,” said Rev. Vogeley.
An event leading up to the 100th anniversary gala is on Sept. 13. There will be a procession through Port Washington from the site of the original church, at 12 South Washington St. (now the location of the Olga Berest Dance Studio). The congregation will process from there to 182 Main St., which was the site of the storefront the congregation rented in 1917. From there they will proceed to 12 Franklin Ave., where the church has been located since 1925.
“The first Lutheran service of our congregation in Port Washington was held on Oct. 15, 1915,” said Rev. Vogeley. “This property was donated in 1920 with the condition that a church be built here.”
Throughout the year, there were other events to celebrate the 100th anniversary. “Earlier in the year we had an organ recital performed by Federico Teti,” said Rev. Vogeley. Teti is the director of music for the church. “In the spring there was a family fun night and also a wine and food party.”
On Nov. 1 there will be a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Allen Rimbo, Bishop of the Metro NY Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour is very involved in the community of Port Washington, especially when it comes to those in need.
“We have a paper pantry,” said Rev. Vogeley. “If you are on food stamps, there are certain necessities that you can’t buy with the food stamps, like toilet paper, laundry detergent and deodorant. We have the pantry to give paper and household products to local people in need. We work with Our Lady of Fatima, St. Peter’s, St. Stephen’s, the Community Synagogue and other congregations that also have different pantries like food pantries, baby products, medical products and clothing, to supply to those in need.”
Rev. Vogeley continued, “Port Washington is a wonderful community because all the congregations work together cooperatively with other religions. Port Washington has great interfaith relationships among the clergy and congregations.”
Rev. Vogeley was the head of the Port Washington Clergy Association for about 25 years. He was chairman of the Landmark Association board until recently. Now he is vice president of the Landmark Association.
The 90-year old Tudor and Gothic Revival-style church underwent an extensive 18-month, $1.7 million renovation that was completed in 2013. The renovation tripled the size of its lobby to more than 500-square feet. A nearly 500-square foot patio was added for outdoor gatherings. Renovations and expansions were made to the gymnasium, meeting rooms, offices and community event areas. An elevator was added for handicap accessibility, said Rev. Vogeley.
Many organizations use the meeting rooms and gymnasium, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and basketball programs. The church also houses the Campus Life Long Island Youth for Christ groups.
Bill Gordon, chairman of the church’s finance and investment committee and member of the 100th anniversary committee, said, “I grew up in this church and was baptized here in 1956. I’m a 60-year member. It’s a close-knit family. The church is critical in times of need and members rally around anyone who’s in need. Your church family becomes your friends here.”
Rev. Vogeley said, “Port Washington is an exciting place to be because of the diversity of the community and the cooperation between different groups in the community.” The 340-member congregation of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour is a joyful and giving part of the Port Washington community. Here’s to the next 100 years.
