1918-1920s
In the early 1900s, a large Lutheran church on Capitol Hill in Seattle looked across Puget Sound with missionary zeal. They saw the emerging community of West Seattle as a prime opportunity for a new church. In 1918, thirteen people met to form a new congregation. Within a month of that meeting they had organized Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, called a pastor and purchased four lots on the corner of 42nd Ave SW and Oregon Street. Over the next year, under the leadership of Pastor Oscar Korsmeyer, the original chapel was built.
1930s-1940s
After the quick start, Hope went through a time of tough growth during World War I and the Depression. By the early '20s a parsonage was built and the church became self-sufficient, requiring no money from the Mission Board to operate. By the early '30s membership had reached 300 and the church building was enlarged.
1950s
In 1952 a new and larger sanctuary was built to house the growing congregation and in 1959 Hope was able to finally realize a long-standing dream: to open a Lutheran day school. While the school embarked on its first year with 88 students in kindergarten through 5th grade in a one-story building, the school added a grade for the next three years. Hope School recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and currently enrolls 200 students in Preschool through 8th grade. Each day hundreds of children and teachers pursue knowledge and wisdom in an atmosphere of God's love in Jesus Christ for each person. Hope School has been served by many principals through the years, including: Art Schoennauer, Truman Leuthauser, Jim Knittel, Dale Cooper, interim principal Irene Gehring, Paul Brott, Peter Renn and currently Kristen Okabayashi (since 2010).
Hope Church and School Over the Years
1960s–1980s
In 1963 Clemens Pera was welcomed as the first associate pastor. In 1970 Pastor Jaech moved on to become president of the Northwest District and Pastor Loel Haak joined Pastor Pera as associate pastor. During the early 80s Pastor Haak was succeeded by Pastor Doug Iben and the church called its first Director of Christian Education, Brad Hirsch. He served for 10 years.
Hope Pastors and Staff
1990s
Jeff Kranich served as Director of Christian Education from 1991 to 2010. In the mid 90s Pastor Iben was called to serve a new congregation in northern Washington and Pastor Pera entered retirement. After their departure Hope was served by Interim Pastor Bruce Biesenthal for three years and by Interim Pastor Ruben Spannaus from January 2000 to April 2001.
2000s
From May 2001 to June 2011, Pastor Keith Eilers served Hope as the senior pastor, overseeing during that time the Journey of Faith building project that joined the church and school buildings together.
2010s
In May 2011, Pastor Peter Mueller from Anaheim Hills, California accepted the call following the retirement of Pastor Eilers. He was installed in August 2011. Pastor Peter's wife, Patra Mueller serves as Family Life Minister at Hope. In 2013, Jonathan Kopecky accepted a call to serve as Hope's Youth Minister and is currently preparing to become a pastor. Jonathan's wife Amy Kopecky serves as part-time Director of Contemporary Music. Jen Rice joined the staff in 2019 and now serves as Director of Operations.
Hope Celebrates 100 Years!
On September 16th, 2018, Hope Church celebrated it's 100th Birthday
In addition to Hope Lutheran School, Hope has been involved in many other local and international ministries. Hope was instrumental in the starting of Seattle Lutheran High School. Hope members have participated in Stephen Ministries, Evangelism Explosion, Shepherding Program, Lutheran Laymen's League, Women of Hope, Men of Hope, Mexico Mission trips, Human Care Ministry and Food Bank, Living Water International, Lifelight, Koinonia and many home fellowship groups.