Our History
One thing about all of us at Lutheran Church of the Cross is that we are proud of our history and love to share it with all of you!
1975
The American Lutheran Church purchased 9.24 acres on 13th Avenue East in West Fargo. Although an "ecumenical park," with the sites for the development of several churches was originally planned, the Roman Catholic Diocese purchased 11 acres right next to the ALC site.
Three of the reasons for beginning a new congregation in West Fargo were:
- To provide a word and sacrament ministry to the people of West Fargo
- To grow in membership and stewardship response and relieve some of the worship space constraints experienced at that time by Faith Lutheran Church in West Fargo
- To develop a model of ecumenical relationships with the neighbor Roman Catholic parish
1978
A steering committee from Faith Lutheran Church was asked to work with Reverend Harold Everson, the area Service and Mission Director, in planning for the new congregation.
1979
This committee talked with Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church about the possibility of ecumenical sharing on the adjacent land.
1980
Foss Associates was employed to do a feasibility study of possible ways in which facility and program could be shared.
Read the architect's vision for the space...
Pastor Chris Hallanger began work on November 1, 1980.
We held our first worship service on December 7, 1980 in the Eastwood Elementary School gymnasium.
1981
We officially incorporated as a new congregation of the American Lutheran Church on April 26, 1981.
In September 1981 we began worshipping in the West Fargo High School auditorium. That month we also concluded the feasibility study with Foss Associates.
1982
We broke ground for our church building on May 16, 1982. Curtis Construction of Fargo built this building with 4,080 square feet of floor space. Our first worship service in this building was on September 12, 1982. Dedication Sunday was October 10, 1982.
1983
Our neighbors at Holy Cross Catholic Church moved into their building in February 1983, with dedication in June 6, 1983.
1987
January 18, 1987, Church Unity Sunday, the two parishes joined in dedicating the ecumenical bell tower that physically connects the two facilities. The bell tower was built with funds donated by the community that shares their ecumenical goals.
Pastor Hallanger resigned his call on October 31, 1987 to accept another call in Northwood, North Dakota.
1988
A call was extended to Pastor Robert Possehl in the spring of 1988 when he was serving in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He accepted the call and was installed on May 22, 1988.
Educational space was a critical need for both congregations. Committees from both churches began meeting to identify the needs and recommend possible solutions. A common fellowship and education hall was planned.
1991
The Cross Way Center was dedicated October 27, 1991. The first functional shared space offers the members of both parishes the opportunity to come together as one community before and after services at each worship occasion. Cross Way Center endeavors to meet the fellowship and educational needs by providing over 10,000 square feet, including 17 classrooms to be utilized by both congregations.
1993
Interim pastors Pastor Art Johnson, Pastor Elmo Anderson, and Pastor Dave Petty served the church from 1993-1996.
1996
A call was extended to Pastor Bill Thompson and was accepted. He officially began his duties on Sunday, September 9, 1996.
Stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary.
2001
During the January 2001 annual meeting of LCC, a building committee was formed to start the planning process of expanding our sanctuary. Formal ground breaking ceremony for the expansion of LCC was held April 8, 2001. Form dedication of the LCC building expansion held September 30, 2001.