Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Dayton, Tennessee) Official Acts and Records

Prince of Peace Lutheran Mission had its beginning as a Lutheran Bible Study group, meeting for the first time on Sunday evening, May 6, 1979, in Dayton, Tennessee. Bible study continued weekly each Sunday afternoon at the Rhea County Medical Center Chapel in Dayton. The group continued to grow from its beginning of three families, and on May 18, 1980, a first anniversary outing was held with an outdoor service of praise and thanksgiving to God. Rev. Tom Montgomery of Athens Lutheran Church officiated. After that service, it was decided to hold regular Sunday services with the blessing of the Mid-South District of the LCMS.

The first service was held on Pentecost Sunday, may 25, 1980, at the community room of the Liberty Bank in Dayton. In addition, community rooms of Dayton Bank and Trust, Dayton and Spring City, were used for worship. A charter of incorporation was secured as available properties were being sought. Property consisting of 16 acres and a block building became available for purchase. Long term financing was secured on September 27, 1980, from Liberty Bank of Tenessee, and later by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Prince of Peace was encouraged by Athens Lutheran Church, Athens, Tenessee by prayers and sharing of their pastor, Rev. Tom Montgomery. Pastor Montgomery was called home to be with the Lord in 1983. In 1999 the State of Tennessee informed the congregation that their existing building would be taken in order to widen US Highway 27. Construvtion of a new church building began in February 2000. The new building was occupied in July 2000, and dedicated on September 10, 2000. Prince of Peace celebrated their 30th anniversary on May 21-22, 2011. The congregation closed in 2023.