Pilgrim Lutheran Church is a welcoming community of disciples, called by God, to proclaim Jesus Christ through faith, love, and service. We're delighted you want to know more about us. We'd like to get to know you, too.

The sections below will give you a quick 'snapshot' of the history, size and facilities of our church, along with our mission, our values and our vision. A more complete history, a 130-page book entitled "Journey of Hope," is available for your review in the church office.

	Founded	1899
	Pastors	David R. "Rusty" Sullivan Stephen Mims
	Members	669
	Adults	533
	Youth	136
	Location	1430 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
	Services	Morning Prayer Service at 8:00am Traditional Worship at 8:45am Sunday School at 9:45am Contemporary Worship at 10:45am
	Facilities	Approximately 10 acres containing the Sanctuary, an educational building, a fellowship hall, parsonage, parking & cemetery
	Preschool	Yes, 121 students (More information here)
	Handicap	Yes, wheelchair accessible
	Trend	Membership & ministries growing, expanded facilities planned
	Programs	We offer many different ways you can get involved in our faith community. We have programs to suit every preference and a variety of interests. We invite you to learn more about these opportunities to serve others under the PROGRAMS tab above.

Mission
A welcoming community of disciples, called by God, to proclaim Jesus Christ through faith, love, and service.

God's Vision for Us
Christ-centered disciples, reaching out to be a light to the world.

Our Core Values (G.R.A.C.E)
Growing in faith with
Respect for one another in
A community of forgiveness that supports
Communication, honesty and
Encourages cooperation

Qualities of Discipleship (GROW PLC)
G	ive sacrificially and willingly
R	ead my Bible daily
O	ffer my time & talent frequently and joyfully
W	orship weekly
P	ray constantly
L	ead by example
C	ontinually invite others to come and see

A Journey of Hope
A few blocks from the shores of Lake Murray in the town of Lexington, South Carolina, stands a granite stone church with its cross-topped steeple reaching upward, a silent proclamation of the power and majesty of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is also witness to a congregation of 77 Saints who, 105 years ago, were moved by the Holy Spirit to build a church now known as Pilgrim Lutheran.

The Pilgrim journey began in 1891 as The Young Peoples Home and Foreign missionary Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The group met quarterly at Midway School to worship and do the Lord's work. A constitution containing nine articles was written and adopted at that time.

Article 1 stated the name of the society. Article II stated that the society's objective was to interest the young of the church and anyone else willing to be in the work of the Home and Foreign Missionaries and raise money for that work. According to Article II, any person could become a member on the condition that males would pay 7 cents each quarter, females 5 cents, and children under 13 years of age ... 3 cents. The remaining articles described the work of the officers and programs of the society. The dues collected at the quarterly meeting on July 19, 1891 amounted to two dollars and five cents.

On September 17, 1899, the Reverend J. A. Cromer organized Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, with 77 charter members ... 37 males and 40 females. According to Mr. Thomas H. Wingard, a member of the first confirmation class, the members suggested names for the church. These names were placed in a hat and one name was drawn. Mrs. Angella Harmon Wingard had suggested "Pilgrim" and that was the name drawn. The name was meant to designate "those on a journey of faith."

The first church building, a wooden structure, was built on the present site in 1901 at a cost of $1,347. It was remodeled in 1926. In 1938, electric lights were added. The building served the congregation until it was replaced by the present stone building in 1951, which is just as beautiful today as it was the year it was erected. Groundbreaking for the Parish Education Building was held in July, 1968 and was dedicated the following year. A Fellowship Hall was added in the early eighties. In 2003, another 'facility' was erected ... a 'cyber' facility — namely, this website. Our goal in all of these endeavors has been simple and single-minded ... to help us proclaim the word of God to an ever larger audience.

Today, Pilgrim Lutheran is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We have grown from 77 to over 600 members. In recent months, the pace of Sunday worship attendance has picked up dramatically, centered around the growing Lexington area. And, once again, the work of the Lord continues ... with planning for another expansion of our facilities and a rededication of our efforts to strengthen our community outreach programs.

Welcome!  On behalf of everyone at Pilgrim, a warm ‘Welcome’ to you. Churches come in all shapes and sizes. The church size most people prefer is the size that helps them feel closer to God.  But, other sizes matter too. The smallest children … growing in faith and love … big hearts … all of these important things matter. We can’t 100% guarantee that we are the exact church you have in mind, but 100% of our members are certain of one thing – we love that you have chosen to visit with us. If you are looking for a church home, you are always welcome at Pilgrim.