Saint Luke's
United Methodist Church

Reverend Joseph Savinsky was appointed by the Annual Conference as Saint Luke's first pastor. He conducted the first worship service on August 5, 1973 in the Easter Seal Center.

On June 2, 1974, Pentecost Sunday, the church was officially chartered with the membership of 47. In December, 1976, the worship services were moved from the Easter Seal Center to the Green Run Clubhouse. This required extensive coordination, with the services being held at 11:00 a.m., competing with community activities.

The Norfolk District Board of Mission purchased five acres of land from the Lakes, Inc., in December 1976. this site was once a part of the vast Rockefeller family holdings. while clearing the lot, prior to construction, the foundation of an old farm house and the remains of an old hog pen were discovered. The large trees along the north side of the church form a natural protective windbreak, just as they did for the original farm house.

Aft the purchase of the five acres, destine to be the permanent home of Saint Luke's United Methodist Church, three years passed before the ground breaking ceremony.

In 1978 the reigns of Saint Luke's had been passed from Reverend Savinsky to Reverend William (Bill) Will, Jr. who would play an important role during the final months leading up to the construction.

The ground breaking ceremony was conducted at 3 p.m. on December 9, 1979. the church building was finally completed and approved for occupancy by the city inspectors on May 9th and was consecrated on May 18, 1980. Bishop Kenneth Goodson and District Superintendent Douglas Dillard were present for the dedication of the new building.

Within three years, Saint Luke's membership had grown to over 200. the programs within the church had expanded to include Sunday School, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, two choirs, Prayer Partners, the Lord's Pantry, and the Heifer Project, to name a few. The Reverend Gene Williams came in 1983. The results of our increased membership and expanding programs was the addition of the Fellowship Hall in 1987.

The Reverend M. Michel Morris-Hendrix came to Saint Luke's in 1987. The final touches on the Fellowship Hall was completed in 1989. Many of the kitchen essentials, such as the sink, cabinets, counter-tops, and other items were purchased and/or donated by the Joyful Workers. This was a group of women who donated time and material to make and sell hand-crafted items. All the proceeds were used to benefit the church. Mrs. Edith Perrine donated the sanctuary furniture and finishings.

The Reverend Loyde Middleton, assisted by Lay Minister Ray Rowland came to Saint Luke's in 1990. Ray has since gone on to become the Reverend Ray Rowland in the United Methodist Church.

The Reverend Glen Langston came to Saint Luke's in 1992. Reverend Jack W. Scott joined him in 1991. The education building was added in June 1993. the growth of our church family required additional classrooms to fulfill the desire for God's Word.

The Reverend Glen A. Holm came to Saint Luke's in 1994. the United Methodist Men renovated the nursery and the women decorated and furnished it.

The Reverend Ronald Beardon came to Saint Luke's in June 1996.

The Reverend Linda Carper came to Saint Luke's in June 1998.

The Reverend Rob Robertson came to Saint Luke's in June 2004.,