Christ Lutheran Church (Maplewood, New Jersey) Records

In March 1927 a small group of Lutherans formed the Lutheran Society of Maplewood-South Orange to organize and support a Lutheran mission in that area. The first worship service occurred on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1927, at the Jefferson School. On March 18, 1928, Rev. F.J. Muhlhauser accepted a call to be the first pastor. Rev. Muhlhauser was installed on May 6, 1928. The congregation met in the Fielding School in Maplewood in 1928. A building fund was established. The mission adopted a a constitution on November 27, 1928. The congregation decided to affiliate with the English District of the LCMS in February 1929. The lot for the building was purchased on May 15, 1930. The Depression forced the abandonment of building plans. Ground was finally broken on November 5, 1937. The cornerstone was laid on January 8, 1938, with dedication of the building following on May 8, 1938. A parsonage was purchased in January 1941. Due to failing health, Rev. Muhlhauser resigned effective December 31, 1946. Rev. Alfred Faulstick accepted the call from the congregation and was installed on March 9, 1947. Additional property next to the church building was purchased in 1948, and a replica of the mortgage was burned on November 28. Pastor Faulstick was with the congregation for eight years. Rev. Robert H. Wuerdman was ordained and installed on September 9, 1956.